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Spill the Beans by Keya Mirani June, 2023

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Whether you depend on your morning cup of coffee or can’t relax without a cup of tea, your habits speak volumes about you. Even things as small as your perfect mug for the occasion. A Brief History An Islamic saint by the name of Baba Budan is credited with bringing coffee to India. He is said to have gone on a pilgrimage to Mecca. On his return journey, he smuggled seven coffee beans into India. He planted them in the hills of Karnataka, in southern India. Since then, India has been cultivating the seeds in the south. During British rule, coffee plantations thrived. South India Very simply put: South Indians are accustomed to drinking filter coffee (or kaapi as it is pronounced in the South). But not just any filter will do. It is called a tumbler and dabarah. It is a metal filter consisting of two nesting cups. The upper cup, the dabarah, holds the ground coffee and has holes to let the liquid drip down. The lower one catches the brewed coffee. Milk and sugar are then boiled together...
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It’s Chai Time by Keya Mirani May, 2023

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Masala chai is probably the most iconic and popular Indian drink. Indians take their tea seriously- it’s not the national drink for no reason. You can find it on every street corner and even on the trains. The Chai Spot If there is one area of Mumbai in particular known for its chai, it would be Ballard Estate. It is primarily a Parsi area, and they opened several restaurants and cafes. In Mumbai’s early days, Ballard Estate was the business district. Chai quickly became intertwined with the culture here as people could have meetings or simply relax over some tea. It was actually easier to get a cup of chai than a cup of coffee! There are many great spots to grab a hot cup of chai throughout Maharashtra. A famous Maharashtrian cafe is Paneri Amtuttlya. It’s known for offering chai at only 10 rupees a cup. In Nagpur, there is a tea seller known worldwide because of his viral videos. He adds his own style to making tea and always draws a crowd while he works. It’s said he makes a great c...
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Location: India
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Mumbai’s Love Story: Ganesha by Keya Mirani April 2023

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If you know any Hindu gods and goddesses, you probably know Lord Ganesha with his distinctive elephant head. A little-known fact outside India is that he has a unique connection to the city of Mumbai. The Birth Story Ganesha might be known now, but how did he come into being? The story starts with the Goddess Paravi at the home she and her husband Lord Shiva share on Mt. Kailash. One day, she decides to take a bath while Shiva is away, so she tells Shiva’s bull Nandi to guard the door. When he comes home, Nandi lets him in against Paravi’s wishes. Annoyed, she decides she needs someone loyal to her above anyone else. She takes some wood and the turmeric she was using to bathe with and makes a statue of a boy. She breathes life into this statue, names him Ganesha, and declares him her son. The Elephant Head But, wait! If Ganesha was a boy, why does he have an elephant’s head? Well, yet again, Paravi wants to take a bath in peace. She sends Ganesha out to guard the door. When Shiva comes...
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Location: India
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Dancing Through the Night Kathakali Style by Keya Mirani April 2023

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  Who doesn’t love a play running wild with drama and intense emotions? Welcome to the world of Kathakali where dramas are enacted through dance. Immerse yourself in a show in Kochi, Kerala, the birthplace of Kathakali. What is Kathakali? Katha means story and kali means to play or perform in Sanskrit. Kathakali is a performative religious dance that originated in the south of India. It is a classical art form that became its own distinct genre in the 16th and 17th centuries. Interestingly enough, though it has religious undertones, Kathakali was actually created with the stage in mind. It was developed in courts and theatres and aims to tell a story. Behind the Scenes Kathakali is probably so well-recognized around the world because of its vivid makeup, face masks, and costumes. Typically, the dancers that perform are men or young boys, playing both male and female roles.  A traditional Kathakali performance could start as early as dusk and last until dawn. They would also be...
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The Basics of Block Printing by Keya Mirani March 2023

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The early morning sun filters through the window. The day ahead involves carving and sanding wood, washing long swaths of fabric, and meticulously placing block after block for hours to create a pattern. This is a day in the life of an artisan block printer in Rajasthan.  What Is Block Printing? Block printing is the process of creating a motif in a piece of wood and using it to color a piece of fabric with a repeating pattern. Rajasthan is known for this art form because the work from there is all hand-crafted.  History During the 12th century, block printing was a flourishing local trade in Rajasthan. By the 17th century, the royal Mughal court spread the art form throughout India, increasing its popularity- and demand.  The Mughal-Maratha wars also changed the course of block printing forever. Artisans were allocated lands close to other block printers. As these small villages of master craftsmen kept popping up, different styles of printing were born: Bagru and Sangan...
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The Best of Mumbai in 24 Hours by Keya Mirani March 2023

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So you’ve found yourself in Mumbai with 24 hours to spare. Whether you are visiting for the first time or the hundredth, Mumbai will surely make you fall in love with its charms. Something is always happening in this vibrant coastal city and there is something for history buffs, foodies, and art enthusiasts alike. Popular Attractions The Gateway of India: where the King and Queen of England were famously welcomed to India. The Bombay High Court, Rajabai Clocktower, and the Oval Maidan are all part of a UNESCO Heritage Site. They mark the start of art deco buildings in Mumbai. The Oval Maidan has sports lovers leave politics and religion at the door- no rallies or functions are allowed here.  Spend some time cruising down Marine Drive. It’s part of what is known as The Queen’s Necklace and is a great spot to watch the sunset over the Arabian Sea. The Sea Link. As crazy as it is to say that a bridge with eight lanes of traffic is an attraction, it’s true. It offers great views of the...
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Om: The World in a Syllable by Keya Mirani March 2023

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Om. One of the most widely known symbols in the world. You might recognize it as the thing you say in a yoga class. But do you know why people use it? The reasons may surprise you. Om as a Symbol Om is a sacred symbol and syllable in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain rituals. Three sounds come together to make the om: a-u-m. They denote many sacred trinities like the qualities of matter which are goodness, passion, and darkness. Others are: thought, speech, and action, past, present, and future, and the Rigveda, Yajurveda, and Samaveda. The last of those are the three Vedic texts from between 1500-1200 BCE. They contain the first use of the concept of om. Om as a Syllable The most common way to write om is what is known as Devanagari ligature, though there are slight variations throughout South Asia. There are two curves that look like the number three with an elongated curve protruding from the center. Above that, you will find a dot with a crescent shape underneath it. Each stroke of the syl...
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