Bird Men of Khichan

By ANKITNARANG297 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Demoiselle Cranes in Khichan

 

In India, especially Jainism and Hinduism treats all living beings from animals down to insects and tiny creatures with great respect as aspects of God, having souls of their own, going through the same process of  birth and death as human beings. Here is a story of two great people whose empathy and compassion towards birds need to be applauded.

Amazing Sport : Insuknawr (Rod-pushing)

By [H. Thangchungnunga] (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Insuknawr (Rod Pushing) Sport

Insuknawr or rod-pushing is an indigenous game of Mizoram, a state in North-East India. It is played only by men. Insuknawr has been declared a 'Mizo National Game' by the Mizoram State Sports Council. It is a test of sheer strength and stamina. The game is played within a circle with a diameter of 16 to 18 ft, and the only instrument used is a rounded wooden rod or pole, 8 ft long and 3 to 4 inches in diameter. The objective of the game is simple - to push the opponent outside the circle in 3 to 5 rounds.

Rats rule this Indian temple

By Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France (Le temple de Karni Mata (Deshnoke)) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Karni Mata Temple, Bikaneer, Rajasthan

If you see a rat in your house, you shall become restless and try to get rid of them as soon as possible. Rats are considered as deadly pests. They are known to spread various diseases like leptospirosis, Salmonellosis, plague etc.  Though many consider them dirty and dangerous, on contrary, they can also be cute and cuddly. 

Legend of Indian Rice Pudding : Paal Payasam

    By Ross thres (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Paal Payasam 

Whenever we reason the cultural practice, especially Indian culture on 'Why we do what we do?', we always come across some fascinating stories. Here I would like to share with you a mythological story blended with mathematics, culture, sweetness all in one.

Indian Musical Instrument : Ghatam

Ghatam is an ancient percussion instrument, still used in Carnatic music of South India. Ghatam is a clay pot with narrow mouth, but differs from ordinary mud pots. It is made of clay baked with copper, iron and brass fillings. It is gaining prominent status in Jazz, Fusion, Rock music and Juggal Bandhis.