Dregs of Yore

I was cleaning out my phone's gallery the other day, when a certain photograph from one of my trips caught my eye. When friends seek travel recommendations, familiar names like Goa, Rohtang, Kodaikanal, and Kasol often come up. Even among the old pilgrimage sites, one hardly thinks beyond Kedarnath, Varanasi and Rishikesh. One name that eludes mention every time I have made such suggestions or when others have made me theirs, is a hill-town in the state of Uttarakhand, very tiny, very holy, very beloved - Rudraprayag.  Despite its significance in Hindu mythology, Rudraprayag often remains overshadowed by more popular pilgrimage destinations in India and its spiritual essence seems to fade into obscurity. As society evolves, traditional beliefs and practices sometimes give way to the hustle and bustle of modern life, leading to a gradual disconnect from the spiritual realm embodied by places like Rudraprayag. This loss of connection represents more than just a fading of stories; it ...

In Hindu mythology, Narada serves as a messenger and advisor to the gods, often conveying important messages between deities and intervening in various divine affairs. He is believed to be one of the mind-born sons of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. Narada is often depicted as wandering the universe, spreading knowledge, and playing his veena (musical instrument) while chanting the name of Lord Vishnu. He is known for his ability to travel freely between different realms, including the celestial, earthly, and underworlds. Fitting the Wise Fool Archetype: Like the Shakespearean fool, Narada often appears unconventional or eccentric in his actions and speech. He may seem whimsical or playful on the surface, but underlying his antics is profound wisdom and insight. The fool in Shakespearean plays frequently employs humour and satire to comment on the folly of human behaviour and to reveal deeper truths about the world. Similarly, Narada uses his wit and unconventional behaviour ...

I recall my younger years vividly, around the age of six or seven, when I used to be afraid of the dark. I dreaded the idea of sleeping with any of my limbs dangling over the bedside, convinced that a lurking monster beneath would seize it during the night. No amount of reassurance from adults could dispel this fear. Eventually, though I cannot pinpoint the exact moment, I outgrew this fear, realising the nonexistence of such monsters. Yet, just a few days ago, I encountered one. Last weekend, as preparations for the upcoming Holi festival were underway, I engaged in some spring cleaning. It's customary for many to clean every corner of their homes before religious occasions like Diwali and Holi, and I'm no exception to this tradition. Regular sweeping and mopping are part of my routine, so I anticipated a straightforward task with minimal mess. Once I finished dusting atop the kitchen cabinets and scrubbing the insides of my refrigerator, only one task remained: washing the fl...

I've experienced some of life's finest moments in the kitchen. From the gentle sizzle of butter in a skillet to the savoury aroma of a roasting chicken in the oven. Popping the lid off a pressure cooker, instantly filling the air with the comforting scent of pulao . Wrapping delicate fish fillets or prawns in banana leaves before grilling. Sizzling whole red chilies and garlic cloves for a flavorful tadka . Charring whole eggplants over an open flame for a delicious bharta . Drizzling raw mustard oil over a freshly cooked fish curry. Pouring honey over warm, fluffy pancakes. Squishing half-cooked strawberries with a spatula to craft homemade jam. Skewering marinated chunks of paneer and grilling them over hot charcoal. Infusing a pot of simmering soup with the essence of lemon zest. Crushing whole spices in a mortar and pestle for a fragrant chicken curry. Stirring a pot of bubbling marinara sauce, the vibrant red colour swirling with every turn of the spoon. The delightful cr...