Holashtak is an eight-day period in the Hindu calendar that falls right before Holi. The word itself tells you what it is, ‘Holi’ combined with ‘Ashtak’, meaning eight, which refers to the eight days ...

Shiva is a great god in Hindu stories. He is shown with three eyes as the third eye sits in the middle of the brow. It is not ...

There comes a point in every soul’s journey where silence stops healing and starts burning. That’s where Shiva stood, in meditation so deep that even time bowed to him. But when desire came knocking, ...

Mahashivratri, meaning the Great Night of Lord Shiva, is one of the most spiritually powerful festivals in Hindu tradition. While the festival is observed across India, Eastern India holds a special ...

Author Jonathan Gil Harris's mother, Stella, as a young girl. Stella talked to me several times of Osh. She did so as someone who had never visited the city, even though it is just one hour by bus ...

Happy Saraswati Puja 2026: Basant Panchami, also known as Vasant Panchami or Shri Panchami, marks the arrival of spring and is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of wisdom, learning, music and ...

Manmatha (Kamadeva), Hindu god of love, shooting arrows with his bow while sitting on a elephant composed of women. Gouache painting by an Indian artist. Date: ...

Founded March 27, 2002 by Binu Mathew, we've been bringing you independent news and analysis for over two decades.