Rath Yatra 2026: Why do Lord Jagannath and his siblings fall ill for 15 days during ‘Anasara’ before he gives divine darshan to his devotees? All about the period when the deities are ‘healing,’ just like human beings |

Lord Jagannath and his siblings undergo a 15-day “illness” period after a sacred bath, a ritual known as Anasara. During this time, the deities are secluded and treated with medicinal pastes and repainted, mirroring ancient quarantine practices. Devotees visit the Alarnath Temple, believing Lord Jagannath manifests there. This tradition culminates in the Navajouban Darshan, preparing … Read more

Edvard Munch: Quote of the day by Edvard Munch: “The camera will never compete with the brush and palette until such time as photography can be taken to Heaven or Hell.”

Renowned artist Edvard Munch believed paintings possess a unique power to capture the depths of human emotion, a feat he felt photography, even in its advanced state, couldn’t fully achieve. His famous quote, comparing the camera to a brush, highlights painting’s ability to delve into the ‘Heaven or Hell’ of our inner lives – our … Read more

5 British-inspired decor ideas that fit beautifully into Indian homes

British interiors are well-known for their sophisticated charm, functional design, and cosy comfort. Even though grand country houses or Victorian townhouses are quite unlike Indian homes, many design ideas for British interiors can be easily applied to Indian spaces. Such ideas as layered lighting, cosy reading areas, classic wooden furniture, and floral prints will add … Read more

Psychology says people who always arrive 20 minutes early may not just be punctual; they could be driven by a deep fear that inconveniencing others makes them less lovable

Arriving 20 minutes early for all meetings, dinners, and appointments has been regarded as a mark of discipline and respectfulness. Nevertheless, based on psychological insights, there are certain individuals who feel the urge to arrive early because of an underlying emotional issue that makes them fear that being late may inconvenience other people, and as … Read more

5 Indian foods that have earned a Guinness World Record and why they’re famous

No Indian celebration feels complete without laddus. They mark weddings, festivals, temple offerings and family milestones, making them one of the country’s most recognisable sweets. In 2016, confectioner PVVS Mallikharjuna Rao from Tapeswaram in Andhra Pradesh transformed this humble dessert into a world record by preparing the largest boondi laddu ever made. The sweet weighed … Read more

Monsoon travel alert: Heavy rain warning issued for Uttarakhand, UP and MP; what travellers should know before hitting the road

For those planning a road trip to the Himalayas or a weekend getaway in Uttar Pradesh, or a wildlife safari in Madhya Pradesh, it may be time to check the weather update before packing your bags. In a recent update, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy rainfall alerts across many northern and central … Read more

5 towns in America where it feels like time stopped 100 years ago

Jim Thorpe, aka Switzerland of America, because of its mountainous setting, is known for its century old Victorian architecture. The town was originally founded as Mauch Chunk in the early 19th century, the town prospered through coal mining and the railroad industry. Its grand opera house, elegant mansions, old railway station and beautifully preserved commercial … Read more

Thota Vaikuntam: A grocery shop owner’s son from a village who became one of India’s most celebrated artists; his paintings are hung from National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi to Peabody Essex Museum in Massachusetts

From a humble grocery shop in a Telangana village, Thota Vaikuntam’s artistic journey blossomed. Despite early doubts, his dedication led him to international acclaim. Inspired by his mother and the women of his village, his distinctive paintings, featuring dusky-toned figures adorned with traditional elements, now grace museums worldwide. His unwavering commitment to his craft continues … Read more