Creative Edge

Drukpa Tshechi is one of the most important Buddhist festivals celebrated in the Himalayan state of Sikkim, observed with deep reverence and spiritual enthusiasm. This sacred occasion commemorates a pivotal moment in the life of Gautama Buddha—the day he delivered his first sermon, also known as the “Turning of the Wheel of Dharma” (Dharmachakra Pravartana). Celebrated on the fourth day (Tshechi) of the sixth month (Drukpa) of the Tibetan lunar calendar, the festival usually falls in July or August each year.   The roots of Drukpa Tshechi go back over 2,500 years to the Deer Park in Sarnath, where Lord Buddha first shared the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path with his five disciples. This moment marked the beginning of the Buddhist teaching tradition and laid the foundation for one of the world’s most profound spiritual philosophies. In regions like Sikkim, which follow the Mahayana and Vajrayana traditions of Buddhism, this day is of great importance and is celebrated w...

The 15 to 30 pounds of manure produced daily by each beast multiplied by the 150,000+ horses in New York city resulted in more than three million pounds of horse manure per day that somehow needed to be disposed of. That’s not to mention the daily 40,000 gallons of horse urine. In other words, cities reeked. As Morris says, the “stench was omnipresent.” Here are some fun bits from his article: Urban streets were minefields that needed to be navigated with the greatest care. “Crossing sweepers” stood on street corners; for a fee they would clear a path through the mire for pedestrians. Wet weather turned the streets into swamps and rivers of muck, but dry weather brought little improvement; the manure turned to dust, which was then whipped up by the wind, choking pedestrians and coating buildings. . . . even when it had been removed from the streets the manure piled up faster than it could be disposed of . . . early in the century farmers were happy to pay good money for the manur...

Bonalu is one of the most colorful and spirited festivals of Telangana, celebrated primarily in Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and other parts of the state, during the Ashada month (July–August). It is a celebration of Goddess Mahakali, and symbolizes gratitude, protection, and the triumph of the divine feminine. With its dazzling display of devotion, folk culture, and community bonding, Bonalu stands as a unique expression of Telangana’s spiritual heritage.   The name “Bonalu” is derived from the Telugu word ‘Bhojanalu’, meaning meals or food, which refers to the special offering of rice, jaggery, curd, and turmeric water carried by women in decorated brass or earthen pots (called bonam) on their heads. These offerings are made to the various forms of Goddess Mahakali—such as Yellamma, Pochamma, Muthyalamma, and Maisamma—in neighborhood temples. Women dress in vibrant traditional sarees and adorn themselves with jewelry and flowers, adding to the visual grandeur of the festival. ...

Ker Puja is one of the most revered and culturally significant festivals of Tripura, deeply rooted in the ancient tribal traditions of the state. Celebrated shortly after Kharchi Puja, Ker Puja is a unique religious observance that focuses on protection, prosperity, and the welfare of the community. This ritual is not characterized by grandeur or public revelry; rather, it is marked by strict discipline, ritual precision, and spiritual solemnity.   The term “Ker” refers to a protective deity believed to safeguard the land and its people. According to Tripuri legend, Ker was regarded as the guardian deity of the Tripuri royal family and the capital city of Agartala. The origins of the festival can be traced back to the times of the Manikya dynasty, when the ruling kings of Tripura performed this sacred puja to ensure the well-being of the kingdom and to ward off natural calamities, diseases, and external threats. The tradition has been preserved and is still observed under the p...

Why is Mount Kailash a part of China? Mount Kailash is one of the holiest places in the world for Hindus. It is the abode of Bhagwan Shiva and it is said that visiting Mount Kailash is enough to wash away all the sins of even previous births. A lot of the devotees have the question Where is Mount Kailash located?, the answer to Kailash Parvat Location is that Kailash Parvat is not exactly a part of China but Mt. Kailash and Mansarovar Lake is situated in Tibet, which is under the administrative rule of China. In the past few centuries, it was not a part of any major Indian empire. Kailash was part of Nepal a long time back and was ruled by a Nepali King. It was the Nepali king who gifted the Kailash area to a Tibetan King as dowry for his daughter’s marriage and then it became a part of Tibet. After that, it has always been Tibetan territory and when India got independence in 1947, it was still the case. India has never had ...

Harela, which means "day of green" in the local dialect, is a cherished festival celebrated predominantly in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Observed thrice a year in different agricultural contexts, the most prominent and widely celebrated Harela falls in July, marking the beginning of the monsoon season and the onset of the sowing cycle for crops. Rooted in deep ecological and cultural significance, Harela is more than a seasonal festival—it is a heartfelt expression of gratitude to nature, a celebration of new life, and a symbol of environmental awareness.   Traditionally, Harela is celebrated during the month of Shravan (around July 16th to 18th), aligning with the Hariyali Teej in North India. It is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, symbolizing fertility, prosperity, and the union of nature’s forces. The festival begins ten days in advance, when families sow seeds of five or seven different grains—typically wheat, maize, barley, mustard, and pu...

In this post, we will be looking at Baking Powder versus Baking Soda, what they are, How they work, Use Cases, and How to store them. ••• Baking is not just about following a recipe; it's a science that involves the careful balance of ingredients to achieve the perfect texture, rise, and taste in your baked goods. Two common leavening agents in baking are baking soda and baking powder, and understanding the differences between them is key to successful baking. 1. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): What is it? Baking soda is a pure chemical compound known as sodium bicarbonate. It's a base that requires an acid to activate its leavening properties. How it works: When baking soda encounters an acid (like yogurt, lemon juice, or vinegar) in a recipe, a chemical reaction occurs. Carbon dioxide gas is released, causing the dough or batter to rise. This reaction happens quickly, so it's essential to bake your goods immediately after mixing. Use cases: Baking so...