http://www.boloji.com Boloji is the world's biggest Articles Database. en-us Sat, 09 May 2026 12:49:46 -0500 Sat, 09 May 2026 12:49:46 -0500 http://www.boloji.com/feed/culture-rss.xml Boloji rk@boloji.net (Boloji) ideas@ekant.com (Ekant Solutions)https://www.boloji.com/articles/55350/water-as-a-cultural-forceWater is more than just a substance necessary for survival. It is a significant cultural force that has influenced human civilizations, beliefs, art, and shared identities throughout history. From ancient river valley civilizations to modern ecological movements, water has served as a powerful symbol of life and change. Its role in myths, rituals, literature, and daily life shows that water is not just a natural resource; it is a vibrant cultural metaphor.Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/55350/water-as-a-cultural-forcehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/55222/keeping-indian-rituals-intactIndian Rituals have been practiced since ages. Ancient India strictly followed these rituals and maintained harmony and peace of mind.  As development progresses, modern man has lost these practices which are vital for righteous living.  A recap of those rituals for the benefit of mankind and especially to the younger generation is presented.Sat, 31 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/55222/keeping-indian-rituals-intacthttps://www.boloji.com/articles/55037/one-bridge-not-fourAre we optimizing for pride or for practicality? Are we building a bridge for 1.4 billion people or defending moats around four separate linguistic forts? When a nurse from Bihar lands a night shift in Bengaluru, or a coder from Chennai joins a Delhi startup, what single linguistic switch gets communication flowing fastest — one northern language learned by many, or four southern languages learned by a few? And in a federal republic that already recognized one official Union language — what is the most efficient, least disruptive way to create a common, civilian “link layer” across regions? Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/55037/one-bridge-not-fourhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/55010/zubeen-garg--a-river-of-musicZubeen Garg is a name that reverberates across the cultural landscape of Northeast India with extraordinary force. A rare, multifaceted genius, he was not just a singer but also a composer, lyricist, poet, actor, filmmaker, and philanthropist. Born in a small Assamese town, he rose to national and international prominence, leaving an indelible mark on India’s artistic and cultural map.Wed, 08 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/55010/zubeen-garg--a-river-of-musichttps://www.boloji.com/articles/54882/a-sordid-tale-of-abhorrence-and-vandalismA visit to the Chausath Yogini Temple near Jabalpur leaves an indelible mark on the psyche of any conscious person with a recurring thought of deep sorrow and pain. The temple is a living legend of atrocities committed by the Islamic invaders and rulers, particularly Mughals, having done injustice, violence and vandalism historically over the non-Muslims (mainly Hindus), and their symbols of the culture and religions.Sat, 12 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/54882/a-sordid-tale-of-abhorrence-and-vandalismhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/54739/gigenis--the-generation-of-earthAkram Khan’s Gigenis: The Generation of Earth is a deeply evocative dance drama that unfolds like a modern ballad—telling the timeless story of a woman who is a daughter, a wife, and a mother. Through these stages, she loves, nurtures, sacrifices, and gives—always giving—yet remains surrounded by silence and solitude. Her loneliness is not loud, but persistent. It lingers like the stillness between movements, like the silence of the Earth that bears all and asks for nothing.Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/54739/gigenis--the-generation-of-earthhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/54524/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--20aAmong the Abrahamic religions, Judaism and Jewish people are the oldest surviving culture, religion, and community originating in the Levant region of the world. They have a long civilizational history with their origin is traced among the Canaanite people of the Bronze Age. Judaism is a monotheistic faith with the belief in existence of only one God. During the course of their civilizational history, the Jews have been constantly under threat from their enemies, having experienced worst ever holocaust and pogrom. Notwithstanding all odds, Jews have survived as a nation and made significant contribution to the mankind in the areas of the science, technology and war material.Sun, 13 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/54524/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--20ahttps://www.boloji.com/articles/54408/yoga-philosophyDiscover the transformative power of Yoga, an ancient practice that harmonizes body, mind, and spirit. Explore various type, breath, and meditation practices to enhance your physical and mental well-being.Sat, 03 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/54408/yoga-philosophyhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/54394/the-science-behind-indian-traditionsHave you ever contemplated the scientific rationale behind our seemingly mundane traditions? Why do we sprinkle cow dung water in front of our houses, or apply turmeric to our bodies? Why are mango leaves tied at our doorsteps and why do we squat on the floor to eat? Is it possible that these are not merely vestiges of a bygone era, but age-old wisdom cloaked in the guise of tradition?Sat, 20 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/54394/the-science-behind-indian-traditionshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/54198/the-dancers-leapSrirangam, is a small a river island, encircled by the Kaveri River on one side and its distributary, Kollidam, on the other. Recognized as the foremost among the 108 Divya Desams — a collection of Vishnu temples — it is famous for the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, one of the largest temple complexes in India. Additionally, Srirangam is a notable residence for a small community of Sri Vaishnavas, devoted followers of Lord Vishnu. Sat, 24 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/54198/the-dancers-leaphttps://www.boloji.com/articles/53618/international-mother-language-dayMy mind was filled with thoughts and feelings for the loss of the Indian tribes. Suddenly a thought occurred, wait this could be fate of my mother tongue too, if we fail to safeguard and make efforts to preserve it. According to UN, 'Every two weeks a language disappears taking with it an entire cultural and intellectual heritage. At least 43% of the estimated 6000 languages spoken in the world are endangered.; The telltale signs were noticed by Guru Nanak Dev Ji (1469 -1539), when he observed this trait in Punjabis over 500 years back,Sat, 18 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/53618/international-mother-language-dayhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/53551/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--25In the previous parts of this series, more prominent and important civilizations were dealt with that evolved and flourished to a certain glory during the long human history while in the current piece, other miscellaneous yet significant civilizations have been briefly covered. Hinduism is the only civilization that has survived so long since its inception with its simultaneous focus on material and spiritual well-being as well as the policy of peaceful coexistence and cooperation.Sun, 08 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/53551/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--25https://www.boloji.com/articles/53436/diwari-pai-danda-a-folk-dance-of-bundelkhandThe festival of lighting Diwali is approaching, and excitement and zeal are apparent in Indian society. Diwali celebration especially in Bundelkhand is very popular due to its uniqueness. As we are resilient, India is known everywhere because of its distinct feature - Unity is diversity. People living in all corners of the country celebrate Diwali festivals in their own ways portraying the tradition, culture, and myth behind their religious practicesSun, 23 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/53436/diwari-pai-danda-a-folk-dance-of-bundelkhandhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/53432/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--24Among the Old World civilizations, the Indian civilization is the oldest surviving civilization with a rich culture and traditions. It has a rich and vast ancient literature in Sanskrit and other Indian languages on a variety of disciplines including religion, culture, philosophy, politics, science and a host of other subjects with no parallel anywhere in the world. The Indian Puranas and Epics are a genuine and rich source of chronology and genealogy besides containing numerous legendary and mythological tales. The flawed myopic vision of the West on Indian civilization based on Indus Valley and Aryan Migration theory is not acceptable to the modern age aware Indian people.Sun, 08 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/53432/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--24https://www.boloji.com/articles/53387/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--23Sanatana Dharma conveys a literal meaning of "eternal righteous duty"; thus Dharma is not essentially the same religion as visualized by the West and two Abrahamic religions.Since Vedic age, various forces of nature have been revered by Hindus personifying them as devas and devis keeping in view their worth in sustaining and revitalizing the life of the human beings. Notwithstanding all, Hindu philosophy always considered them only as manifestation of the Supreme Reality i.e. Brahman (Universal God). Although, the post-Vedic era observed many changes in the nature and forms of deities and mode of worship but the concept of the one Universal God remained changed.Sat, 15 Oct 2022 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/53387/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--23https://www.boloji.com/articles/53357/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--22Indian history presents two sets of chronology, genealogy and timelines: one as seen through the western lenses largely based on the Indus Valley Civilization and Aryan Invasion Theory as starting points and the other as visualized by the traditional Indian historians based on historical literature, epigraphic and archaeological evidence. Notwithstanding these differences, the undeniable fact is that the Indian Hindu civilization has survived as the oldest culture and religion of the world till date.Sat, 10 Sep 2022 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/53357/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--22https://www.boloji.com/articles/53320/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--21The Western historians have failed to defend the colonial methodology of selective acceptance and selective rejection of data and facts available in the native languages, thereby calling most part of the ancient civilizational history as mythical. However, it is also true that a considerable supranatural and supernatural content has been added with the passage of in the traditional historical texts to render it often unbelievable and mythical. Hence it will be rational and wise to examine, research and recast the traditional history ignoring the supra- or supernatural elements and events rather than accepting and going by what biased foreigners visualized and tried to make us believe..Sat, 20 Aug 2022 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/53320/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--21https://www.boloji.com/articles/53301/songs-with-an-indian-soulMonsoon has set in across India and the farmers are busy in the fields; working the earth, singing songs. It’s as if the rains activate the magic of rural India. Folk songs are sung straight from the heart. They capture the joys, sorrows, struggles and triumphs of the rural folk. Working the rain soaked earth with the bullocks and sometimes with their feet, these farmers sing to lessen the burden of the back breaking field work. They sing songs for different activities, sowing, ploughing, transplanting and harvesting.Wed, 20 Jul 2022 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/53301/songs-with-an-indian-soulhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/53185/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--20There are ample reasons to believe that the chronological history of Indian civilization recorded by the Western historians and Indian leftist historians based on Indus Valley cannot not be taken as sacrosanct and truthful. There is a plethora of itihasa literature and epigraphic evidence to suggest that the traditional chronological history is more reliable but it too suffers with inadequacies and exaggerations. Till a synergized approach is followed to establish truth by considering both the traditional and West-determined history on merit of the available facts, the traditional Indian history shall be a preferred approach.Sun, 13 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/53185/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--20https://www.boloji.com/articles/53138/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--19The Olmec civilization boasts of being the earliest civilization of the New World and probably the mother of all later Mesoamerican cultures. It had many favourable factors including the fertile and well-watered areas in the Gulf of Mexico and good transport network ensuring the peace and prosperity of people. However, the sudden decline and eventual extinction of the civilization during 400 350 BCE has remained an enigma which the scholars and experts ascribe to the drastic changes in the environmental conditions. Sun, 08 May 2022 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/53138/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--19https://www.boloji.com/articles/53055/how-to-stage-abhijnanashakuntalamSat, 19 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/53055/how-to-stage-abhijnanashakuntalamhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/53046/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--18Slavs are the largest ethno-linguistic group, mainly comprising of Russian people inhabiting the large part of the Eurasia encompassing significant regions of Europe and Northern Asia. Their late arrival on the civilizational map was possibly owing to the harsh climatic conditions for the survival in the regions of the northern hemisphere. Consequently, the ancient history of Slavs (Russians) is not as old and pronounced as those of Greeks and Romans of the Southern Europe but it is evident and remarkable that despite the advent of Christianity and its aggressive spread, the vast regions comprising of the Slavic denominations in Eurasia had freely evolved and practiced their pantheon, rituals and traditions.Sun, 10 Apr 2022 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/53046/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--18https://www.boloji.com/articles/52967/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--17The ancient Chinese civilization had remained protected and immune from the Western invasion and intervention owing to barrier of the inaccessible Himalayas and allied mountain ranges.However, the Chinese civilization had it own constant internal conflicts including iconic conquests by the Mongols and Manchus, who had but similar ethnic cultures and traditions. Thus Chinese culture and religion almost independently evolved and remained intact for long with only Buddhist influence during the first millennium CE. It was only after formation of the Republic of China and take over by the communists that its traditional culture and religion suffered and got destroyed considerably. What we experience in China today is an autocratic, hegemonic and expansionist state with none or least regard to mankind, moral values and ethics.Sun, 13 Feb 2022 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/52967/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--17https://www.boloji.com/articles/52895/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--16Ancient Mesopotamia has been a site of civilizations which were not only culturally rich but also very powerful and prosperous during their time. Among numerous city states and kingdoms, the most prominent and long-lasting civilizations were those represented by the Sumer, Babylonia and Assyria. A remarkable feature about them was that though they remained in constant conflicts and wars for supremacy but they seldom made any attempt to destroy the culture or religion of the defeated people in the occupied or subdued territories.Sun, 02 Jan 2022 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/52895/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--16https://www.boloji.com/articles/52856/kali-the-myth-of-kaliSat, 06 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/52856/kali-the-myth-of-kalihttps://www.boloji.com/articles/52817/the-durgasaptashati-as-an-iconography-of-bhagabatiSat, 16 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/52817/the-durgasaptashati-as-an-iconography-of-bhagabatihttps://www.boloji.com/articles/52798/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--15The Aztec civilization had flourished in the Mesoamerican region where many pre-Colombian cultures had flourished for over a millennium before the Spanish invasion. The Aztec were one such people who started building their culture and empire in Mesoamerica around the 14th century but their civilization was abruptly ended by the Spanish invaders and colonizers in the 16th century CE. The invaders were responsible not only for the massive killing and conversion of the Aztecs but also for inflicting many Eurasian fatal diseases such as smallpox and measles taking heavy toll on the natives' lives.Sat, 20 Nov 2021 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/52798/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--15https://www.boloji.com/articles/52757/modern-vinayaka-and-ancient-modakaSun, 12 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/52757/modern-vinayaka-and-ancient-modakahttps://www.boloji.com/articles/52745/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--14The Inca civilization was unique in a way that it lacked many of the features of the civilizations of the old world. Yet surprisingly, even without the use of wheel, draft animals, knowledge of iron or a formal system of writing, they were able to build one of the glorious empires of the human history. Like many other civilizations of the past, the beautiful Inca people too became the victims of colonization, and mass killing and conversion by the Spanish conquerors and Christian crusaders of the time. Sun, 03 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/52745/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--14https://www.boloji.com/articles/52587/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--13Mesopotamia, Assyria, Assyrian, Civilization, Culture, History, Religion, God, Goddess, Divinity, Deity, Ashur, King, Sumer, Babylonian, Akkadian, Sun, 05 Sep 2021 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/52587/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--13https://www.boloji.com/articles/52482/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--12The Persian civilization is among one of the most glorious civilizations of the bygone world history. At its peak, it was one of the most developed and progressive civilizations and sort of the first superpower in the Western world. This civilization was also unique from the point of view that the Persian prophet Zoroaster had successfully introduced religious reforms much before the advent of Jesus Christ. In due course, the Zoroastrianism served as a paradigm and precursor religion for the later Abrahamic religions like Judaism, Christianity and Islam in the West. Sadly, the Persian people were also the ones who had to bear most the brunt of religious persecution that nearly wiped out Zoroastrians from Persia (now Iran). Descendants of few people that survived are now known as Parsis who live in India and few other parts of world.Sun, 13 Jun 2021 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/52482/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--12https://www.boloji.com/articles/52422/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--11The ancient Greece is actually considered as the cradle of Western civilization. Greeks preceded Romans and the Greek civilization made significant contributions to the world history with their philosophy, literature, mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and so on. Similarly, republican way of life and democracy too had its origin and deep roots in the ancient Greece. Although Romans conquered Greeks militarily but the latter conquered the former by their culture and religion.Mon, 15 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/52422/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--11https://www.boloji.com/articles/52417/new-year-wish-seeking-graceAccording to the Bikrami and Nanakshahi calendar the New Year is middle of March the beginning of month of Chet which in Hindi called Chaitra. The wheat crop is almost ready and the farmers are filled with joy in anticipation of upcoming bumper harvest in a month’s time. Guru Arjan Dev Ji has a composition called Barah Maha where Guru Ji has penned the change in moods and emotions and the yearnings of human heart in terms of changing mood of nature, over the twelve months period of the year. Guru Ji’s composition on the first month of Chet starts with:Sat, 13 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/52417/new-year-wish-seeking-gracehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/52372/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--10Roman civilization is indeed among the most evolved and glorious ancient civilizations of the world. Christianity took roots in Rome and spread to the rest of the world from there. The Roman calendar, military strategies and laws too had deep impact and legacy to the modern world. Other prominent gift of Roman civilization includes Latin derived Western alphabets and Romance languages such as Italian, French, Spanish, Portuguese and Romanian. Mon, 15 Mar 2021 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/52372/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--10https://www.boloji.com/articles/52319/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--09The ancient Egyptian civilization was one of the most developed and prosperous civilization in the world. The River Nile was a boon for the human settlements, agricultural land and other living needs in Egypt. The prosperity of Egypt can be fathomed from the historical facts of the Greeks and Romans rulers and generals constantly seeking economic assistance from Egyptian rulers in the period following Alexanders time. Some of the best examples of the sculptural art and technology of the ancient Egypt are Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza. The rich culture and prosperity of the Egyptian people was their strength and vulnerability too as many invasions from Persian, Greek and Roman empires took place to plunder their wealth and exploit resources. Sat, 30 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/52319/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--09https://www.boloji.com/articles/52281/soul-religion-and-politicsC. Jung (1933) defined that soul is ‘a substance that has independent existence.’ Shree Shree Rama Krishna preaches for purification of this soul because human beings would be sacrifice for humankind. He teaches that soul is real and only real in this world and materials are unreal and destroyable. It never facilitates humankind. Shree Shree Rama Krishna guides us in His Saying how to nourish this soul. It was His whole’s life achievement. Sacrifice, immersion of self-love/greed, non-violence, love to others irrespective of race, caste, etc. are the prime goals of human life.Sat, 23 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/52281/soul-religion-and-politicshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/52235/mud-pot-cooking--forefathers-styleThe pot we cook our food in affects the quality of the food both taste and nutrition. Mud pots were used for storing water and cooking food since the dawn of civilization. They were an integral part of traditional cooking and one of the secrets to the delicious taste of dishes. It appears that mud pot cooking is now on a comeback trail and many people are already bringing it into practice. Sat, 02 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/52235/mud-pot-cooking--forefathers-stylehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/52233/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--08Sumer or Sumerian civilization is one of the earliest civilizations in the Mesopotamia of the erstwhile old-world order. Also it is yet another ancient and glorious civilization that experienced invasions and natural disasters leading to its extinction. Apart from its glorious past, the later translations of Sumerian cuneiform suggest that the many later biblical narratives have been inspired and derived its origin in the Sumerian texts.Sat, 30 Jan 2021 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/52233/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--08https://www.boloji.com/articles/52189/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--07Many human civilizations simultaneously evolved with their own remarkable cultural, scientific and socio-religious attributes in different parts of the world. Most other civilizations were material centric while the Hindu civilization focused more on the spiritual development though simultaneously recognizing the relevance of the material world and its value. In the history of West, the middle age was the period of maximum human struggle and transformation owing to the human attributes of the quest, conquest and conversion which led to mass invasion, migration and colonization worldwide. The highly developed and beautiful Maya civilization too had to fall prey to these human offenses where under this glorious civilization was lost.Sun, 27 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/52189/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--07https://www.boloji.com/articles/52145/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--06Notwithstanding constraints, various civilizations have some unique similarities and contrasts with long lasting effects on the following human generations in so far as their social and cultural life including associated moral and ethical codes of conduct and behaviour is concerned. These contrasts and long-lasting effects in the moral and ethical concepts of the civilizations in the West, Indian Sub-continent and Far East in as much as the same is reflected even in the traditional fables and legends.The common feature of the most civilizations, however, is that all of them believed in natural gods and goddesses, supernatural and magical events, and many of them believed in polytheism.Sun, 27 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/52145/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--06https://www.boloji.com/articles/52085/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--05Legends from the West, particularly Greek and Roman civilizations have been illustrated in this part, highlighting Greek gods, legendary characters and quest of human beings for staying young and immortal. Many civilizations have developed independently in various parts of the world with common features, including rituals, customs and belief systems. In this regard, several parallels could be derived among the Hindu, Greek and Roman Civilizations. Sun, 27 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/52085/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--05https://www.boloji.com/articles/52042/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--04The available texts of Puranas and Epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata relate umpteen legends of the Vedic and post-Vedic period along with the genealogical information of various dynasties and other famous people such as eminent Brahmanas and Sages and Brahmanas.It is likely that certain legends of the past may have been allegorised with some extrapolation and exaggeration with certain objective, and there we must try to see message or moral behind rather than the narrative per se.Sun, 25 Oct 2020 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/52042/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--04https://www.boloji.com/articles/51999/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--03Despite many technological developments and diversions in the modern age, people still read legendary and mythical tales, fables and fairy tales because literature of this genre carries universal and timeless themes in addition to a link to their erstwhile civilizational and cultural traits.Sun, 27 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/51999/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--03https://www.boloji.com/articles/51971/my-favorite-tamil-nadu-september-celebritiesI just would like to recall some of the popular and legendary personalities of Tamil Nadu born in the month of September. It is true that none of them are alive now and it is something impossible too. But, the legacy they have left is something remarkable and eternal.Sat, 05 Sep 2020 21:15:26 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/51971/my-favorite-tamil-nadu-september-celebritieshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/51957/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--02The biggest fallacy about the record keeping of timeline and events of the ancient history is that the current genre of historians have learnt to rely only on the Christian chronology of the world. It is unfair on the part of the historians of the aforesaid genre to ignore traditional and historical records of the ancient times. Characters and events which cannot stand scrutiny shall be categorized as part of mythology but due cognizance and recognition shall be given to those that are vindicated by traditional evidences and contemporary scientific evaluation as true legendary record of the ancient history.Sun, 27 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/51957/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--02https://www.boloji.com/articles/51903/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--01Almost all civilizations in the world have used fables and legends since ancient times to illustrate and glorify their cultural and socio-religious legacy as well as moral and ethical ethos. They largely represent literary genre often claimed as succinct real or fictional story in prose and verse, featuring legendary deities, kings, supernatural creatures, animals, plants, and even inanimate objects or forces of nature in many cases deriving some moral or specific inference at the end. Sun, 27 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/51903/the-world-of-fables-and-legends--01https://www.boloji.com/articles/51798/bob-dylan--an-enduring-icon-or-an-irrelevant-monolithBob Dylan's latest record, Rough and Rowdy Ways, is his 39th studio album; it is a collection of new songs, his first since 2012s Tempest and should be a cause of celebration. The pace is relaxed, the voice mellow and assured, without any flourishes, the instrumentation sparse, minimal and supportive, the songs seem to flow seamlessly; the imagery is rich, imbued with visions of the past and present, the tone largely autobiographical. Mon, 14 Sep 2020 11:42:52 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/51798/bob-dylan--an-enduring-icon-or-an-irrelevant-monolithhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/51765/trumpeting-the-trumpetOne of the many misconceptions I had in my youth (I still have a pretty big bundle) was that the Trumpet was nothing more than a fairer looking elder brother of the Bugle, that instrument the uniformed men used to make shrill, high pitched sounds at parade grounds, so unrelated to music that pleased the heart and soothed the mind.Sat, 13 Jun 2020 10:02:23 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/51765/trumpeting-the-trumpethttps://www.boloji.com/articles/51513/raj-gonds-of-adilabad-a-studyAn account of Raj Gods of Adilabad district, Telangana state of India--Tribal life, culture, practices-Social norms-art and langua--encouragement by state Govt- need to preserving ingenious people, their heritage --ensuring social security--patronage to their cultural forms and arts.Sat, 07 Mar 2020 13:00:40 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/51513/raj-gonds-of-adilabad-a-studyhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/51378/shiva-in-pakistan-sozkhwani-in-indiaThe article describes the practices associated with the worship of Shiva persist among the common and especially rural folk in spite of the overlay of Islam. At the same time Sozkhwani travels to India from Persia as a chant of mourning and gets modified as it uses north Indian ragas although it does not use musical instruments, music being proscribed by religious principles of Islam.Fri, 18 Dec 2020 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/51378/shiva-in-pakistan-sozkhwani-in-indiahttps://www.boloji.com/articles/51276/two-great-artists-of-yesteryearsThough I am an ardent fan of Artist Gopulu, I have always enjoyed the art work of two very old artists of yesteryears. They are K Madhavan and R Natarajan. Sat, 16 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/51276/two-great-artists-of-yesteryearshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/51208/visiting-the-sick-good-bedside-mannersThe other day when I went to visit a colleague in hospital, who was recovering after an operation, I was taken aback to see her room full of people (relatives, friends, neighbors etc), all talking at the top of their voices and having tea and snacks as well. The scene reminded me more of a party than a hospital room. This set me thinking.Sat, 26 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/51208/visiting-the-sick-good-bedside-mannershttps://www.boloji.com/articles/51093/scientific-revolutionPrimitive man was overwhelmed by sky, sea, oceans, rivers wind, rain, different kinds of trees, plants, animals and birds, He felt insecure and helpless. Fear ,inquisitiveness. Imagination and fancy had unlimited play. Chances of his survival depended on his perception of his environment and subsequent response to it. He invented and discovered a number of myths. He imagined and explained the origin of the universe, animate and inanimate objects through these tales. Sun, 22 Sep 2019 02:39:15 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/51093/scientific-revolutionhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/50968/yudhishthiras-sword-in-the-gupta-deogarh-dashavatara-temple-and-modern-indiaDeogarh Dashavatara Temple (henceforth DATmpl), in Lalitpur (District), Uttar Pradesh (State), dated to last decade of 5th century A.D, commissioned by Budhagupta (c. 476-496A.D),[1] is valuable to Indian Civilization and Bharatiya Tradition in many ways. In terms of Archeological finds (to date) and History, it is the ancient-most surviving temple that first featured prominent Shikhara, thus making DATmpl the pioneer and landmark of Temple Architecture. In terms of Art and Iconography, it is unique in its beauty and finesse.Sun, 21 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/50968/yudhishthiras-sword-in-the-gupta-deogarh-dashavatara-temple-and-modern-indiahttps://www.boloji.com/articles/50924/artist-bapu-every-emotion-amp-aesthetics-conveyed-through-curves-and-colorsCan just line drawings be effective? Can the character, expressions, scenarios, dress and ornaments create the same impact of a wash or of an exotic traditonal painting? Yes. Cartoonists do it; but that is more for fun or to covey some message satirically. But, is it possible in creating an action scene, god and goddesses, love and despair, celebrations and dancing, some episodes of epic or stories?Sat, 29 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/50924/artist-bapu-every-emotion-amp-aesthetics-conveyed-through-curves-and-colorshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/50320/professor-kalive-viswanatham-on-the-achievement-of-this-punyabhumi-aryavartaSun, 10 Jun 2018 13:26:05 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/50320/professor-kalive-viswanatham-on-the-achievement-of-this-punyabhumi-aryavartahttps://www.boloji.com/articles/50163/the-significance-of-human-culture-for-peace-and-developmentCulture has various meanings to various persons and various countries. It is a study of perfection. It is knowing the best of everything and propagating such knowledge to the posterity. It is seeing the things as they really are and making truth prevail over everything. It is doing good to others, loving the neighbors, correcting the mistakes of others, clearing the confusion and reducing the miseries of mankind. It brings peace of mind and helps mankind to achieve spiritual perfection. In short, it refines mind, behavior and activities of men. Sun, 04 Mar 2018 08:34:04 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/50163/the-significance-of-human-culture-for-peace-and-developmenthttps://www.boloji.com/articles/49979/doleful-disappearances-of-indian-regional-languagesWhat will happen if one fine morning you wake up to realize that the language you speak is not understood by anyone anymore and you are not being able to convey your thoughts to others? We may soon see such situations in the coming years. Many languages our ancestors spoke and which orchestrated our rich culture and history existing in the various pockets of this polyglot country are breathing their last.Sun, 29 Oct 2017 12:31:41 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/49979/doleful-disappearances-of-indian-regional-languageshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/49650/unmasking-dr.-zakir-naikDr. Zakir Naik's insult to Ganapati Ganesha is actually insult to Allah, Islam and Prophet Mohammad.Sun, 16 Apr 2017 10:45:48 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/49650/unmasking-dr.-zakir-naikhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/49642/last-rites-importance-of-closureSun, 09 Apr 2017 11:08:17 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/49642/last-rites-importance-of-closurehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/49634/the-progenitor-ravana--folklore-of-central-indiaSun, 09 Apr 2017 10:04:32 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/49634/the-progenitor-ravana--folklore-of-central-indiahttps://www.boloji.com/articles/49616/science-and-spiritMan has been attempting to understand his relationship with universe and his surroundings, with other organisms and non living objects since the dawn of civilization. Observation, supposition, contemplation, imagination and logic have been his tools. In the earliest civilizations, every material object in nature was thought to possess a spirit. Aboriginal cultures do not make the usual distinctions among rocks, air and humans; all are imbued with spirit, the invisible energy. Idea of God and ghosts is the first important acquisition of human civilization This idea is central to the development of religion.Mon, 27 Mar 2017 06:41:30 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/49616/science-and-spirithttps://www.boloji.com/articles/49159/hindu-marriage--05Sun, 29 May 2016 14:12:46 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/49159/hindu-marriage--05https://www.boloji.com/articles/49126/hindu-marriage--04Sun, 29 May 2016 14:15:44 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/49126/hindu-marriage--04https://www.boloji.com/articles/49125/hindu-marriage--03Sun, 08 May 2016 13:01:35 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/49125/hindu-marriage--03https://www.boloji.com/articles/49117/an-interview-with-shanidevThe recent on-goings at Shani Shignapur Temple incited a lot of curiosity in me and as a lady I too wanted to go there once more and step into the inner sanctorum and worship Shanidev Maharaj with my own two hands, instead of those of my husband. I wanted to once again witness the simple but infinitely majestic splendour of the open temple which housed Shanidev in the form of a stone slab and a miracle Neem tree which had sweet leaves instead of bitter ones.Sun, 01 May 2016 19:35:12 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/49117/an-interview-with-shanidevhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/49076/multiculturalism-in-india-a-wonder-to-the-worldThe concept of multiculturalism originated in the 1970s and was used in Canada for the first time to tackle the problem of immigrants. Then it spread to other countries like Australia, USA, UK and some countries in the European Union where immigrants of different countries of the world lived and settled. Since assimilation and homogenization failed, multiculturalism has become inevitable and thus the governments adopted it as an official, political policy.Sun, 10 Apr 2016 10:08:06 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/49076/multiculturalism-in-india-a-wonder-to-the-worldhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/49004/hindu-marriage--02Sun, 08 May 2016 12:38:14 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/49004/hindu-marriage--02https://www.boloji.com/articles/48983/republic-day-parade-2016--tableausThis year on 26th January, India celebrated its 67th Republic day. With the intelligence information gathered that terrorist groups from across the border are out to spoil the fun and grace of the occasion with their sabotage and disruptive activities, the security was very tight and alert across the capital and more particularly in and around Rajpath. Even in VIP enclosures, we had to pass through several layers of security as an abundant precaution. Consequently, the entire event passed through peacefully with zero error and usual grandeur and ambience for which our Republic day Parade is so sought after event by the Indian masses and onlookers.Sun, 28 Feb 2016 08:19:24 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/48983/republic-day-parade-2016--tableaushttps://www.boloji.com/articles/48974/hindu-marriage--01Sun, 21 Feb 2016 17:38:48 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/48974/hindu-marriage--01https://www.boloji.com/articles/48927/circles-of-energy-and-calmnessA long interview with the Australian mandala artist that reveals the power and significance of these circles as sacred symbols and source of inner peace and harmonyFri, 01 Jan 2016 12:12:03 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/48927/circles-of-energy-and-calmnesshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/48734/sabarmati-ashram-a-legacy-of-mahatmaMon, 20 Jul 2015 06:21:45 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/48734/sabarmati-ashram-a-legacy-of-mahatmahttps://www.boloji.com/articles/16400/kolla-varsham-an-unrevealed-heritageSat, 01 Nov 2014 10:01:13 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/16400/kolla-varsham-an-unrevealed-heritagehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/16269/Thu, 11 Sep 2014 20:07:07 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/16269/https://www.boloji.com/articles/16234/Long, long time ago, from the sparkling womb of Eternity, rose a profound rhyme. It circled the splendid Heavens spreading a rapture so divine that the mystic rishis bowed in veneration as they received the sacred 'OM' in the deep recesses of their minds. Pondering on the pulsating rhythms and cosmic cadence of the great unknown, they created a new language Sanskrit to commune with the universe, and bring its resplendent knowledge and mystic secrets to the whole world. And thus began the fascinating ascent of Sanskrit.Sun, 31 Aug 2014 14:32:39 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/16234/https://www.boloji.com/articles/16202/uncultured-human-beings-and-wild-animalsUncultured human beings are like wild animals. If you frame some rules and write books on morality and civilization and ask them to follow them they are as stupid as lions and tigers which do not understand a bit of the books and continue to behave in their wild way. Education is to humans. It has no effect on animals. Just as we avoid wild animals we must learn to avoid uncultured and wild human beings. Mon, 25 Aug 2014 20:36:36 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/16202/uncultured-human-beings-and-wild-animalshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/16132/emerging-trends-in-popular-panjabi-singingSat, 02 Aug 2014 10:10:17 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/16132/emerging-trends-in-popular-panjabi-singinghttps://www.boloji.com/articles/16112/remove-destructive-energy-from-your-homeVastu lays emphasis on the Panchabhutas (primary elements) water, fire, space, air and earth. Communication is, a very important aspect of every habitation, be it human or divine. Is there harmony when two people or a group of people conversing with each other? Do the communicating partners enjoy the conversations between each other? Is there constant argument between them? Where are they and you seated?Sat, 26 Jul 2014 20:02:43 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/16112/remove-destructive-energy-from-your-homehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/16104/vastu-way-to-invite-powerful-healing-energy-amp-luck-into-your-homeThe front (main) door is the door that allows energy to flow into the habitation, residence or business. Our scriptures mention that a properly constructed and placed front door not only brings powerful benefic energies which calm the minds of you and the guests, but also enable proper discussions and interactions that create harmony in the family and better businesses.Tue, 22 Jul 2014 19:12:22 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/16104/vastu-way-to-invite-powerful-healing-energy-amp-luck-into-your-homehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/16078/guru-purnimaToday, July 12. 2014 is Guru Purnima. On this day everybody offers obeisance to his (her) guru (teacher). Guru or teacher is required at different levels from basic to spiritual learning. Sage Vyasa was born on this day and Guru Purnima is also called Vyasa Purnima in his honour.Sat, 12 Jul 2014 08:17:20 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/16078/guru-purnimahttps://www.boloji.com/articles/15286/Basil plant has a lot of medicinal value too. The juice of leaves and seeds is considered useful in cough and colds as also in digestive problems. Almost every Indian household prefers to raise one or more basil plants at home. The plant is also an effective mosquito and fly repellant and oil extracted from its leaves destroy harmful bacteria and keeps away many insects.Sun, 15 Dec 2013 11:35:39 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/15286/https://www.boloji.com/articles/15125/germany-unique-through-unityWed, 27 Nov 2013 06:45:36 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/15125/germany-unique-through-unityhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/15110/lighting-the-true-lightSun, 20 Oct 2013 21:25:18 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/15110/lighting-the-true-lighthttps://www.boloji.com/articles/15057/devotional-music-and-musical-devotionFrom the ages of yore, music and devotion are embedded within each other in Indian tradition. Devotion, bhakti is the inherent nature of the soul that is usually suppressed due to worldly illusions. Music is also instilled within the soul as it is part and parcel of the supreme, but only a few manage to realize and utilize it. These two divine aspects complement each other and are generally found to be incomplete without one another.Tue, 08 Oct 2013 19:40:10 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/15057/devotional-music-and-musical-devotionhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/14995/art-talk-with-rob-harle-a-long-literary-interviewContemporary global culture gets critiqued by a prominent artist-thinker from AustraliaFri, 27 Sep 2013 19:45:06 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/14995/art-talk-with-rob-harle-a-long-literary-interviewhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/14894/nris-and-their-foreign-born-kidsThe man seemed from another time, a wanderer like the ancient mariner from the regions beyond the clear, blue sky. You could tell by the gleam in his eyes that he possessed the aura of an old soul connected to the great web of life. When he walked, people followed and when he spoke, his words shook their souls with the force of the new.Mon, 07 Mar 2022 00:00:00 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/14894/nris-and-their-foreign-born-kidshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/14704/guru-purnima-day-greetingsGuru Purnima is very significant in India. It is celebrated as the birthday of Sage Vyas. On this day Lord Buddha had gave his first sermon at Sarnath near Varanasi. Lord Mahavir, too, on this day had initiated his first disciple, Indrabhuti Gautam to be later known as Gautam Swami. On this day we offer prayers and worship the teachers as a mark of respect and gratitude. Mon, 22 Jul 2013 07:38:55 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/14704/guru-purnima-day-greetingshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/14512/music-mathematics-and-mozartWe find in human history instances of various geniuses who live for a very short span of life but who leave lasting impression in the field of his/her interest. In the field of music, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was such a genius. Mozart was born January 27, 1756 in Salzburg, Austria, and he lived a short and turbulent life of only 35 years and died in 1791. But during his short life he produced more than six hundred compositions that are widely acknowledged as pinnacles of classical era, and he became one of the most influential composers in the Western music. The music enthusiasts all over the world are celebrating this week the 250th anniversary of the birth of the genius.Sat, 08 Jun 2013 16:01:42 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/14512/music-mathematics-and-mozarthttps://www.boloji.com/articles/14466/richard-wagner-from-200-years-agoFri, 24 May 2013 21:05:32 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/14466/richard-wagner-from-200-years-agohttps://www.boloji.com/articles/13101/the-childhood-of-gandhijiSat, 20 Oct 2012 13:38:10 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/13101/the-childhood-of-gandhijihttps://www.boloji.com/articles/12995/vastu-architecture-in-the-westOf utmost importance is the orientation of the structure with respect to the cardinal points of the compass. According to Vastu Science, a network of energy lines covers the globe of the Earth: an energy grid. These lines are very similar to what we know as the longitude and latitude lines. The lines are conduits by which the energy concentrated at the center of the vital Earth flows out and spreads over the Earth.Wed, 26 Sep 2012 19:07:52 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/12995/vastu-architecture-in-the-westhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/12824/the-flavoring-and-the-flowering-of-shringara-rasaTue, 11 Sep 2012 07:38:59 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/12824/the-flavoring-and-the-flowering-of-shringara-rasahttps://www.boloji.com/articles/12376/our-questThu, 28 Jun 2012 19:15:15 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/12376/our-questhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/12052/ugadi-greetingsIt is Ugadi today, the New Year in AP, Karnataka. It is called Cheti Chand in Sind. This ias called Gudi Padwa in Goa and Maharashtra. It is also celebrated in Punjab, Hatyana, Himachal Pradesh and Manipur under different names. Ugadi Pachhedi is the speciality on this day. It consists of six ingredients, such as raw mango, neem, jaggery, chilli, salt, tamarind with different tastes represnting six moods or emotions of man.Thu, 22 Mar 2012 21:16:06 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/12052/ugadi-greetingshttps://www.boloji.com/articles/11919/virginity-and-chastityVirginity and chastity are the imagined virtues strictly assigned to the fair sex in many societies. Why such stringent conditions were imagined and imposed on the fair sex by the male chauvinists? Sun, 19 Feb 2012 13:37:21 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/11919/virginity-and-chastityhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/11882/the-evolution-of-indian-cultureIndian culture and its evolution through centuriesSun, 12 Feb 2012 10:48:53 -0600https://www.boloji.com/articles/11882/the-evolution-of-indian-culturehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/11735/sri-sambhu-mitra-review-of-a-stage-productionOne cannot quite ignore the Greeks when discussing Sambhu Mitra and that not merely on account of his immortal production of Oedipus Rex (Raja Oyedipaus). Every now and then the Greek notion of Fate keeps rearing up its head in the play Sri Sambhu Mitra as well. The play is all about an uncompromising pursuit of purity and perfection sitting in a world where vulgarity rules the roost. Ultimately, it is Fate that decides how much one must succumb to pressures that lead a person astray. Sat, 17 Mar 2012 02:37:54 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/11735/sri-sambhu-mitra-review-of-a-stage-productionhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/11573/splendor-of-the-spectacleKathakali, the classical art form of Kerala is a spectacular blend of dance, drama, mime and song and is over 300 years old. One can debate whether Kathakali is a stylized dance-drama or a pantomime or a classical ballet. Rabindranath Tagore was deeply impressed by the aesthetic range and the narrative techniques of Kathakali when Kalamandalam presented a program in Santiniketan. The great poet ranked it as the epitome of performing arts in India and included Kathakali in the curriculum of Viswabharati. Sat, 29 Oct 2011 12:33:41 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/11573/splendor-of-the-spectaclehttps://www.boloji.com/articles/11492/canopy-on-oilTo view eighty paintings mostly landscape at Rumale Art House is to literally walk into a wooded patch with large shady trees. To find the way back one has to leaf through memory and recognize even if faintly, the arboreal growth in the city landscape.Tue, 27 Sep 2011 21:32:35 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/11492/canopy-on-oilhttps://www.boloji.com/articles/11401/carnival--a-perspectiveFri, 10 Jun 2016 01:58:26 -0500https://www.boloji.com/articles/11401/carnival--a-perspective