Petals!

Wondering what is happiness? Here's a question: How happy are you? From January 2024, it seems as though everyone's on a rollercoaster ride. I've talked to so many people, Nearly all responses were on similar lines: "There's so much change happening in my personal and professional lines; it's crazy!!!! My whole life is changing so fast I can't keep up...." Have you been feeling the same way too? S tay assured you aren't alone. People experience or pursue happiness in different ways. Some find happiness in hurting and criticising others - they make it their life's mission! Others believe that name, fame and positions of power bring them happiness. There may also be intellectual geniuses and activists who can demonstrate excellence in how they present their findings and arguments most convincingly yet they too have their inner demons to tackle. We are often chained and bound by the beliefs we bombard our lives with. [Read: Can We Stop Being Jud

"Manjummel Boys is the movie I want to watch," Adi, my son, told me on the day his last exams got over. Seriously, the only time Adi likes to watch Malayalam movies in theatres is if its a Fahadh Faasil film or a film directed by Vineeth Sreenivasan. When it came to Manjummel Boys, he wanted to see the film before I did. We didn't like the trailer though. Surprised as we were when we began watching the film, I have to say the story packed in more surprises for us. Directed by Chidambaram and inspired by a real life incident, the film shows what happens when few young men embark on an adventure trip to Kodaikanal and how they deal with an unexpected situation when one falls into a pit. The scenic beauty of Kodaikanal is almost ethereal; brilliant cinematography and melodious music blend in a compelling, masterful effect to this film. [Source: Manjummel Boys on Facebook] Indeed, Manjummel Boys has taken Malayalam cinema by storm, as it

Wondering how to offer water to Surya Dev daily? In India, it is a common sight to see people offering Surya Arghya in the mornings. On my trip to Sydney last year, I was amazed to see few Indians offering Surya Arghya from the terrace of their apartment society every morning. This shows us how significant Surya Arghya is for Hindus. See below a stunning sculpture of Surya Dev at Sun Temple, Konark. [Read: Why Malayalis Light Nilavilakku and How to Light Deepam ] [Source: http://petalsfromtheheart.blogspot.in/ ] Curious to understand the scientific reason behind giving water to the Sun? In this blogpost, we will also explore the significance of Surya Arghya. [Subscribe to my weekly newsletter: https://svara.substack.com/] What Happens If We offer Water to Sun Daily? We know the scientific importance of the Sun and the benefits of basking in sunlight, which is now medically recoemmended as mandatory to overcome depression! According to the sacred texts in

What does lighting the lamp signify? And what is the concept of 'Nilavilakku'? In Kerala, most Hindu households light the traditional brass lamp in their puja rooms. This brass lamp is called as 'nilavilakku'. In most Malayali homes, it holds a sacred place. On special occasions such as Vishu and Onam, the Nilavilakku is decorated. [READ: How To Light Deepam At Home] Taking a closer look at what its cultural and spiritual signifance is, here are some frequently asked questions about lighting the nilavilakku, why this is significant and what are its benefits. Before delving into this, let me briefly share the beautiful and profound advice that the young Prahlad shares with his school mates, as mentioned in the sacred book titled 'Stories from Nrsimha Purana.' The young Prahlad cautions his friends from trying to enjoy worldly life to the extent that they have no devotion. This, according to Prahlad, will lead us to 'sink into the most abominable species of

This year, Delhi's winter season has been a challenging one. The only things that keeps me cheerful are hot chocolate and books. I have written about my reading vow in my Substack newsletter - you can subscribe now. My yearning for warm golden sunshine grows warmer by the day! Can't help sharing the beautiful poem by Wendell Berry which reads: I know that I have life only insofar as I have love. I have no love except it come from Thee. Help me please to carry this candle against the wind. Hot chocolate , books and poetry are life's true blessings. [MUST READ: Goan Memoirs, Parsi Vibes and Amazing Stories of Lord Shiva ] Need I ask for more? Oh yes, a little sunshine please:)

New Year 2024: How exciting it feels to start the New Year and experience the vibe of exploring new goals and new beginnings! We can make every day feel special and here's how! [READ: That Time Of The Year] This is a good time to find new and smart ways to excel at something that you haven't done before - it could be as simple as starting a new fitness regime or a new diet plan or creating new dishes for your loved ones, or you can make it as complex as exploring India's culinary traditions and documenting it by infusing it with your own signature touch. None of this has to be mundane or boring. Make it fun - that's where the magic begins. [Read: Goan Vibes, Parsi Memoirs] You could also give yourself some fun-filled goals to steer your confidence with social skills in the right way. You could start a small Book Club with friends and read together some amazing Indian authors. I'd highly recommend books such as 'The Last Queen' if you enjoy historical fiction