I’m not ashamed to admit it. I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to saris (is that even the proper plural?). I have never worn one in my life and truthfully, they’re madly intimidating! Read More »
Tutorial: How To Wrap A Sari
Category Archives: Culture
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Diwali, the Festival of Lights
Diwali is the festival of lights that celebrates the return of the beloved King of Ayodhya, Ram, to his hometown after a 14-year exile. Read More »
Love or Arranged Marriage?
'The happily ever after’ moments are very well tattooed in our minds from the time we are kids reading fairy tales to the very reality of growing up and realizing that ‘happily ever after’ may take another route before reaching its destination. Read More »
Yoni Ki Baat: “Talk of the Vagina”
The yoni (Sanskrit word for "vagina") has long been held sacred in Hindu mythology, but through years of patriarchy and colonialism, it has rarely been allowed to speak its mind. In 2003, South Asian Sisters, a collective of progressive desi womyn, decided that the yoni needed a chance to get on stage and tell its side of the story. Thus, "Yoni ki Baat" (YKB) was born. Read More »
Dance Fusion
I’ll be honest, I’m a tough critic when it comes to dance. The word fusion and I have a rather strange relationship. When the words modern, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, or ballet are used in conjunction with Bollywood, Bharatnatyam, Kathak, or any other style of Indian dance, I naturally shift gears into the mindset of a dance critic Read More »
Brown Among Black
Every year, I feel as though my attachment to India becomes increasingly stronger. Spending five months studying abroad in Ghana (hence my absence from BG) has forced me to think about my identity in ways that I never had previously. Read More »
Mendhi Etiquette
Show of hands of who has had their mendhi done before? Mendhi or Henna Parties are a part of the many festivities for South Asian weddings. Read More »
Expressing Islam – Part 1
Let me be clear, I love my religion. I adore the cultural diversity and brightly colored scarves, and the fact that the Quran has been unchanged since originally revealed over 1300 years ago. Read More »
My Private Ramadan
This year's Ramadan showed up on my doorstep unannounced. How could I not have noticed that a whole year had passed by? I didn't know if I should be excited or overwhelmed. Regardless of my sentiments, however, the Month of Fasting was upon me. Read More »
Life after an arengetram
An arengetram or Indian classical dance debut is an occasion to lay one’s talent and skills out for all to view. Read More »
