Culture

Bhang | The Holy Holi Drink

Is bhang legal in India? From Holi celebrations to Siva worship, bhang has been consumed in India for centuries in various forms— bhang lassi,

History, People, Places

India’s first sports superstar | Dhyan Chand

This young sepoy’s sporting achievements are so remarkable that his birthday is celebrated as National Sports Day in India. This is the story of

History, Places, Religions

The Jain temples of Deogarh | Uttar Pradesh

How did a small town in Bundelkhand become a pilgrimage site for Jains? Deogarh’s Karnali Fort houses a remarkable complex of 31 Jain temples

People, Places, Religions

Kanwar Yatra | Har Ki Pauri

Kanwar Yatra is one of India’s largest pilgrimages. It sees over 30 million devotees walk barefoot for miles, carrying Ganga water to Siva temples

History, People, Places

The Excavations at Adichanallur | Tamil Nadu

About 150 years ago, a series of excavations at Adichanallur in Tamil Nadu threw up many ancient artefacts that were dated to about 900

History, Places

Salkhan Fossils Park | Sonbhadra

Did you know that India is home to one of the oldest fossil parks in the world? About 100 kms from Varanasi in Uttar

Culture, History, Religions

A Story of Two Indian Festivals

The Varaha Mandapa, a 7th century rock-cut cave temple in Mamallapuram, is home to many fascinating tales set in stone. One of the most spectacular panels in the cave features the Trivikrama or Vamana avatar of Vishnu, in which he defeats the demon king Mahabali. This epic tale also happens to be the origin story of Onam, the harvest festival of Kerala.

Culture, History, People, Places

Umayamma Rani: The Fierce Queen of Kerala

At a time when only men ruled, and women had little or no power, a queen, let alone a powerful one, was an exception. But in the late 1600s, the most formidable and respected ruler in Kerala was a queen.

Culture, Religions

A Story of Two Indian Festivals

Rakhsha Bandhan, or Rakhi, is a popular festival in north India. Onam is the most important festival for the state of Kerala in south India. One celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters; the other celebrates the return of a much-loved king. But what connects these two completely different festivals?

Culture

Orange Oakleaf Butterfly

Did you know that India recently elected a National Butterfly?

Culture, History, Places, Religions

The Buddhist Relics of Amaravati | Egmore Museum, Chennai

The 2000 year old Amaravati marbles at the Egmore Museum in Chennai are the remnants of a Buddhist stupa built by the mighty Satavahana kings. Who were these Hindu kings that created such beautiful Buddhist art? What does a small statue of Hercules sitting amidst Buddhist relics at the Museum tell us about the evolution of Buddhism? Watch this video to know all this and more!

Culture, Places

What date is it really? The Hindu Calendar

When is New Year's day? Well, that depends on who you ask. For many in the north, Diwali is New Year's day. But it falls on different days each year. The Tamil, Malayalees, Punjabis and Assamese celebrate their New Year on 14 April. But the Telugus, Kannadigas and Maharashtrians celebrate their New Year on different dates. How are these dates determined and why are calendars so different for people in the same country? This story will you through time of how calendars evolved, how ancient Indians and people across the world measured time.

Culture, History, People

Unravelling the Mysteries of the Red Fort, Delhi

The story of the Red Fory is linked intimately with the rise and fall of the Mughal empire. Storytrails brings you this podcast which explores the Red Fort complex with Anisha Shekar Mukherjee, a conservation architect who will share her knowledge of this grand monument.

Culture, History, Places

The Vaigai River Valley Excavations

The ongoing excavations at Keeladi are unearthing new and exciting information about a highly advanced civilization. The excavations throw up many questions as well. Join us on the Storytrails podcast, and listen in as we put these questions to Dr Rajan, a noted archaeologist who led many of these excavations.

Culture, History, Places

Krishna’s Butterball, Mamallapuram – the mystery, myths and the history

In Mamallapuram, there is a big rock that stands precariously on a slippery incline. No one, no king or commoner, have been able to move this rock or roll in the past 1200 years. Who put this rock there? There are many stories and myths surrounding it.

Culture, Religions

Why do we celebrate Diwali? | The Festival of Lights

The festival of Diwali has many stories behind it. It is celebrated on different days, at different times and for different gods. But the common factor in each of these is the victory of good over evil. Here are some of the tales.

Culture

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