India Moving: A History of Migration – Chinmay Tumbe
From adventure to indenture, martyrs to merchants, partition to plantation, from Kashmir to Kerala, Japan to Jamaica, and beyond, the many facets of the great migrations of India and the world are mapped in India Moving, the first book of its kind.
To understand how millions of people have moved-from, to and within India—the book embarks on a journey laced with evidence, argument, and wit, providing insights into topics like the slave trade and migration of workers, travelling business communities such as the Marwaris, Gujaratis, and Chettiars, refugee crises, and the roots of contemporary mass migration from Bihar and Kerala, covering terrain that often includes diverse items such as mangoes, dosas, and pressure cookers.
India Moving shows the scale and variety of Indian migration and argues that greater mobility is a prerequisite for maintaining the country’s pluralistic traditions.
Wanderers, Kings, Merchants: The Story of India through Its Languages – Peggy Mohan
One of India’s most incredible and enviable cultural aspects is that every Indian is bilingual, if not multilingual. Delving into the fascinating early history of South Asia, this original book reveals how migration, both external and internal, has shaped all Indians since ancient times.
Through a first-of-its-kind and incisive study of languages, such as the story of early Sanskrit, the rise of Urdu, and language formation in the North-East, it presents the astounding argument that all Indians are of mixed origins. It explores the surprising rise of English after Independence and how it may be endangering India’s native languages.
Tomorrow is Narasimha Jayanti, a significant Hindu festival that commemorates the birth of Lord Narasimha, the fourth avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This auspicious day is celebrated with great fervour and devotion by Hindus, especially the Vaishnavites, across various regions of India.
The festival holds immense spiritual and cultural significance, as it symbolises the triumph of good over evil and the power of unwavering faith in the divine. The legend of Narasimha, who emerged from a pillar to slay the demon king Hiranyakashipu and protect his devotee Prahlada, is a testament to the divine intervention in restoring the balance of dharma or righteousness, in the universe.
According to Hindu mythology, the demon king Hiranyakashipu had received a boon from Lord Brahma that made him virtually invincible. He could not be killed by man or beast, neither indoors nor outdoors, neither on land nor in the air, and not even during the day or night. Hiranyakashipu’s tyrannical rule over the three worlds and his oppression of his son, Prahlada, who was a devoted worshipper of Lord Vishnu, angered the divine. In response, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Narasimha, a half-man and half-lion avatar, to vanquish the demon king and protect his devotee Prahlada. Emerging from a pillar, Narasimha killed Hiranyakashipu, thus restoring the balance of good over evil and the supremacy of devotion to the divine.
The festival of Narasimha Jayanti, celebrated on the Vaisakha Shukla Chaturdashi or the 14th day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Vaisakha, typically falling in April or May, commemorates this pivotal event in Hindu mythology. It is a day to celebrate the victory of knowledge over ignorance, the power of unwavering faith, and the divine’s protection of his devotees. While the core significance of Narasimha Jayanti remains the same across India, the festival is celebrated with unique regional variations that reflect the diverse cultural tapestry of the country.
In the southern states of India, particularly in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and northern Tamil Nadu, the veneration of Lord Narasimha is deeply ingrained in the local traditions and customs. Two of the most significant pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Narasimha are Tarigonda and Ahobilam, both located in Andhra Pradesh. During Narasimha Jayanti, these temples witness grand celebrations known as Brahmotsavams, which attract devotees from across the country. The Brahmotsavams at Tarigonda and Ahobilam are marked by elaborate temple rituals, processions, and community feasts. Devotees participate in these festivities to seek the blessings of Lord Narasimha and to immerse themselves in the spiritual atmosphere.
In the southern states, Narasimha Jayanti is celebrated with fervent devotion in temples dedicated to the deity. Special puja or worship rituals are performed, including the Shodashopachara or sixteen-step puja in the morning and the Panchopachara or five-step puja in the evening. Devotees offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings to the deity, and chant mantras and hymns dedicated to Lord Narasimha. The temples also organise processions where the deity is taken out on different vahanas or vehicles such as the lion, garuda, and others.
Many devotees in the South observe a fast on Narasimha Jayanti, consuming only a single meal in the evening after the puja rituals are completed. This act of devotion and discipline is believed to purify the mind and body and to bring the blessings of Lord Narasimha. After the fast is broken, devotees participate in community feasts and enjoy traditional dishes prepared for the occasion. These feasts are often organised by the temples or local communities, fostering a sense of unity and shared celebration.
In the northern regions of India, the celebration of Narasimha Jayanti is marked by a greater emphasis on community gatherings and storytelling sessions that narrate the legend of Lord Narasimha. In the North, Narasimha Jayanti is often celebrated through community events and cultural programs. These may include recitals of the Prahlada Charitra, the story of Prahlada and Hiranyakashipu, as well as traditional dance performances and musical renditions that depict the triumph of Lord Narasimha.
These community celebrations provide a platform for the younger generation to learn about the significance of the festival and to connect with their cultural heritage. They also serve as a means of fostering social cohesion and a shared sense of identity among the devotees.
While the observance of fasting is also prevalent in the North, the specific rituals and practices may vary from the southern counterparts. Some devotees in the North may choose to fast for the entire day, while others may opt for a partial fast, abstaining from certain food items. The puja rituals in the North also exhibit regional variations, with some temples and households following their traditional practices and customs. However, the underlying theme of seeking the blessings of Lord Narasimha and celebrating the victory of good over evil remains consistent.
In the eastern and western regions of India, the celebration of Narasimha Jayanti also showcases unique regional flavours and traditions. In the eastern states, the festival is marked by cultural programs and traditional dance performances that depict the Narasimha legend. These events often feature local artists and are organised by community groups or temples, providing a platform for the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage. In the western states, the celebration of Narasimha Jayanti may include fasting followed by feasting, with the preparation of unique regional dishes. The festival is also observed through the performance of special puja rituals and the distribution of prasad or blessed food, to the devotees.
Beyond the regional variations, there are certain special festivities and observances associated with Narasimha Jayanti that are celebrated across India. One such notable tradition is the Bhagavata Mela, a traditional folk dance performance that takes place in Melattur, a village in Tamil Nadu, on Narasimha Jayanti. The Bhagavata Mela enacts stories from the Bhagavata Purana, a prominent Hindu text in the Vaishnava tradition, using specific dance techniques and Carnatic musical styles. The Bhagavata Mela is renowned for its dramatic impact and ritual significance, as it brings to life the tales of Lord Narasimha and his devotees. These performances serve as a means of preserving and transmitting the rich cultural heritage associated with the festival.
Another significant observance that coincides with Narasimha Jayanti is the Shree Satya Narayan Puja, a ritual performed for blessings and prosperity. The shared timing of these events underscores the interconnectedness of various Hindu traditions and the holistic nature of the celebrations during this auspicious period.
The festival of Narasimha Jayanti is a testament to the enduring spiritual and cultural significance of Hindu traditions in India. Across the diverse regions of the country, the celebration of this festival showcases the unity in diversity that is the hallmark of Indian civilisation. From the grand Brahmotsavams in the South to the community-driven festivities in the North, and the unique regional observances in the East and West, Narasimha Jayanti embodies the rich tapestry of India’s cultural heritage. It is a time for devotion, introspection, and the reaffirmation of the timeless values of righteousness, courage, and the triumph of good over evil.
A celebration of eternal prosperity, new beginnings, and the triumph of good over evil, Akshaya Tritiya is a Hindu and Jain festival that will be celebrated on Friday. This auspicious day, which falls on the third lunar day or Tritiya of the bright fortnight, Shukla Paksha in the Hindu month of Vaisakha, holds a unique and profound significance that transcends the boundaries of religion and culture.
The origins of Akshaya Tritiya can be traced back to Hindu mythology, where it is believed to be a day of great significance. According to legend, it was on this day that Lord Vishnu’s sixth avatar, Lord Parashurama, was born. Parashurama, the wielder of the mighty axe, was tasked with the divine mission of restoring righteousness and vanquishing the tyrannical Kshatriya kings who had become corrupted by their power. The festival also marks the day when Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, began writing the epic Mahabharata, the great Indian literary masterpiece that has captivated audiences for millennia.
In the Jain tradition, Akshaya Tritiya holds equal importance, as it is believed to be the day when the first Tirthankara, Rishabhanatha, ended his year-long asceticism by consuming sugarcane juice poured into his cupped hands. This act symbolised the triumph of the spirit over the physical, and the festival is celebrated as a testament to the enduring power of spiritual enlightenment.
The word “Akshaya” is a Sanskrit term that holds profound meaning within the context of Akshaya Tritiya. It translates to “that which never diminishes” or “that which is eternal.” This concept is central to the festival’s significance, as it represents the belief that any good deeds, investments, or new beginnings undertaken on this day will bring about unending prosperity and abundance.
This idea of the “Akshaya” or the eternal, is deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy, which emphasises the cyclical nature of existence and the perpetual renewal of the cosmic order. The festival of Akshaya Tritiya is seen as a celebration of this eternal cycle, where the divine and the earthly converge to create a harmonious balance.
Akshaya Tritiya is celebrated with great fervour and devotion across India, with each region and community observing the festival in its own unique way. The spiritual significance of the day is manifested through various rituals and customs that are deeply ingrained in the Hindu and Jain traditions.
One of the most prominent practices associated with Akshaya Tritiya is the offering of puja, or worship, to the deities. Devotees visit temples and perform special ceremonies, lighting lamps, offering flowers, and chanting mantras to seek the blessings of Lord Vishnu, Goddess Lakshmi, and other revered figures. This act of devotion is believed to bring about spiritual enlightenment, as well as material prosperity and good fortune.
The cultural significance of Akshaya Tritiya is equally profound, as the festival is celebrated with a deep sense of community and shared heritage. In many parts of India, the day is marked by the exchange of gifts, the sharing of festive delicacies, and the coming together of families and friends to commemorate the occasion.
As the world continues to evolve, the festival of Akshaya Tritiya has adapted to the changing times, while still maintaining its core values and traditions. In the modern era, the celebration of this auspicious day has taken on new forms, reflecting the diverse needs and preferences of contemporary Indian society.
One of the most notable developments in the celebration of Akshaya Tritiya is the rise of online platforms and digital technologies. Many people now opt for virtual puja ceremonies, where they can connect with spiritual leaders and seek blessings from the comfort of their homes. This trend has been particularly prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when physical gatherings were restricted.
Another emerging trend is the emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable celebrations. Instead of traditional gold and silver purchases, some individuals are choosing to invest in eco-friendly products or services, such as planting trees or supporting local artisans. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship and social responsibility.
Social media has also become a crucial platform for the celebration of Akshaya Tritiya. People share festive greetings, photos, and videos on various platforms, connecting with friends and family members who may be geographically distant. This digital connectivity has helped to preserve the spirit of the festival, even in the face of physical separation.
The festival of Akshaya Tritiya has endured for centuries, transcending the boundaries of time and space. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual values that it represents, as well as its ability to adapt to the changing needs of the modern world.
As we look to the future, the celebration of Akshaya Tritiya will undoubtedly continue to evolve, incorporating new traditions and embracing the diverse perspectives of the global community. Yet, at its core, the festival will remain a celebration of the eternal, a reminder of the unending cycle of prosperity, and a testament to the triumph of good over evil.
In a world that is often marked by uncertainty and change, the festival of Akshaya Tritiya stands as a beacon of hope, a reminder of the timeless values that have sustained humanity for generations. As we continue to honor this auspicious day, we are not just celebrating a single event, but rather, we are embracing the enduring legacy of a festival that has the power to inspire, uplift, and transform lives.
South vs North: India’s Great Divide – Nilakantan RS
Compare two children—one born in north India, the other in the south.
The child from south India is far less likely to die in the first year of her life or lose her mother during childbirth. She will also receive better nutrition, go to school, and stay in school longer; she is more likely to attend college and secure employment that pays her more. This child will also go on to have fewer children, who in turn will be healthier and more educated than her. In a nutshell, the average child born in south India will live a healthier, wealthier, and more secure life than one born in north India.
Why is south India doing so much better than the north? And what does that mean?
In this superbly argued book, data scientist Nilakantan RS shows us how and why the southern states are outperforming the rest of the country and its consequences in an increasingly centralized India. He reveals how south India deals with a particularly tough set of issues: its triumphs in areas of health, education, and economic growth are met with a policy regime that penalizes it; its success in population control will be met with a possible loss of political representation. How will the region manage such an assault? Hard-hitting, troubling, and full of fascinating data points, South vs. North is an essential book about one of the biggest challenges that India faces today.
Memories and Such 