The Hindu Parenting Podcast

The best proof of good children's books comes from the words spoken by children themselves! Here is a different kind of book review sent in by a mother from the Hindu Parenting Community: a video of her children enjoying the books by Yashika Dubey from Amar Granth (published 2023-2024)1. A Children's Guide to the 51 Shaktipeeths(you can buy this book here)2. A Children's Guide to the 12 Shiva Jyotirlings(Buy this book here)The above books have received great reviews from children and parents who are reading them. In the words of Vaishnavi B, a devoted mother from the Hindu Parenting community:These two are truly wonderful books. I purchased them last year, and both my 13-year-old and 9-year-old, along with us adults, thoroughly enjoyed them. A beautiful read — Highly recommend them to all Sanātani parents. Please find attached a review of the book, along with a video of my 9-year-old daughter and a 7-year-old boy who engaged in a week of learning through the Shakthi Peetha book during our Sampoorna Vidya Navaratri program. The children were deeply absorbed in the stories and came to understand that it is natural to feel grief, and that even the devas, too, experience sorrow. It's such a refreshing way to make our scriptures fun and engaging!Reflections on the book from 13-year old Ketan:The book is beautifully illustrated and is a sacred introduction to understanding the significance of Shakthi Peethas. At its heart, the dharma that flows through our samskruthi teaches us not to cling to the mortal body, for there exists a higher, eternal principle within. Shakthi Peethas are sacred abodes where the supreme power of the divine feminine is revealed, reminding us of the immense energy and grace that permeates the universe.Note: If you find our articles and podcasts helpful, please support us through a paid subscription. Hindu Parenting is a community for Hindu parents worldwide. We carry articles, podcasts, reviews, classes for teens and various other resources to help you in your parenting journey.Subscribe to get the latest articles and podcasts in your e-mail inbox.Leave a note, DM or send email to contact@hinduparenting.org if you'd like to share your viewpoints, experiences and wisdom as Hindu parents, or if you wish to join our community!You can also follow us on X (Twitter) or Instagram. Our handle is “hinduparenting” Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Episode #56 of The Hindu Parenting Podcast features Shri Mahesh Gurukkal, also known as the Warrior Monk. He is an Indian Martial Arts Guru, 5th Generation Kalari Gurukkal, Spiritual leader, Founder of Agasthyam Foundation, Kalari Innovator and Author – Filmmaker.In this podcast, we focus on the benefits of Kalaripayattu training with reflections on building resilience, fearlessness and self-esteem in children and adults.Shri Mahesh Gurukkal traces the history of Kalaripayattu and how it was banned during the colonial British rule in India. He also shares his vision of re-building the kshaatra spirit among Indians and his efforts towards training people in the mother of all martial arts, Kalaripayattu.Read all about Shri Mahesh Gurukkal and Agasthya Kalripayattu here.Instagram link for Gurukkal and Agasthyam KalripayattuYouTube link for Agasthyam KalripayattuSee a short video on Gurukkal here.Hindu Parenting is a community for Hindu parents worldwide. We carry articles, podcasts, reviews, classes for teens and various other resources to help you in your parenting journey.Please support us by signing up for our newsletters to get the latest articles and podcasts in your e-mail inbox. Our podcasts (The Hindu Parenting Podcast and The Authentic Valmiki Ramayan Podcast) can be heard on Spotify, YouTube, Apple and Google Podcasts too.Leave a note, DM or send email to contact@hinduparenting.org if you'd like to share your viewpoints, experiences and wisdom as Hindu parents, or if you wish to join our community! You can also follow us on X (Twitter) or Instagram. Our handle is “hinduparenting”The opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Episode #55 of The Hindu Parenting Podcast is a conversation with Dr. Malladi Srinivasa Sastry, a practising psychiatrist, about the unique way he has designed his organisation Hindumitra, to function as a helping hand for individuals and families in need. It's time for Hindus to realise that we should play an active role in society. The concept of grihastashrama was celebrated for being the backbone of society. Dr. Malladi advocates spending three hours a week being a friend to individuals, families, society and environment. This social outreach based on the universal values of Sanatana dharma is an important step in developing a missionary Hindu outreach into the local communities with a spirit of service. Hindumitra's trained volunteers conduct welfare programs such as home visits, regular satsanghs, imparting holistic education etc. in Visakhapatnam, India.We also speak about advocating and speaking up for Sanatana dharma without fear or hesitation, drawing inspiration from Narada Maharishi, who spread the glory of Sri Mahavishnu among the asuras also!Dr. Malladi Srinivas Sastry is a psychiatrist by profession with over two decades of medical experience in India, the U.K., and Singapore. He has led teams in developing the services at advanced psychiatric hospitals. Additionally, he has served as a faculty member at several medical schools and has also mentored and taught junior doctors and colleagues. He has been conducting workshops and webinars on application of Sanatana Dharma in societal, family and individual wellbeing. Through his various lectures and workshops he emphasized practical application of the universal spiritual values of Sanatana Dharma such as love, compassion, courage, sincerity and honest enquiry of oneself. Learn more about Dr. Malladi's initiatives Hindumitra and Sohamvidya.Hindu Parenting is a community for Hindu parents worldwide. We carry articles, podcasts, reviews, classes for teens and various other resources to help you in your parenting journey.Please support us by signing up for our newsletters to get the latest articles and podcasts in your e-mail inbox. Our podcasts (The Hindu Parenting Podcast and The Authentic Valmiki Ramayan Podcast) can be heard on Spotify, YouTube, Apple and Google Podcasts too.Leave a note, DM or send email to contact@hinduparenting.org if you'd like to share your viewpoints, experiences and wisdom as Hindu parents, or if you wish to join our community! You can also follow us on X (Twitter) or Instagram. Our handle is “hinduparenting”The opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In Episode 54 of The Hindu Parenting Podcast, Dr. Arathi Koundinya, Founder of Vibhu Academy speaks to us about the important festival of Varamahalakshmi Vratam, as celebrated in Karnataka and Andhra. We talk about the importance of vrata in the Sanatana ethos, the difference between a puja and a vrata, the origins of Varamahalakshmi vrata, the rituals, stories and different types of naivedyam offered to goddess Lakshmi.We also talk about getting children to participate and take a keen interest in celebrating festivals. Dr. Arathi is a Samskrit scholar, an orator, writer, trainer and counsellor. Her contributions are well known in the fields of Academic research, Softskills Training, Mentoring, Samskrtam, Aesthetics, Indian classical arts & Indological subjects. She has more than 20 years of experience in all these domains and has handled hundreds of Softskills Training programmes and Courses on Samskrtam and Indology for Indian and foreign students. She is also a Lay counselor and a popular resource person with TV and Radio channels and print media. She has travelled within and outside the country as a Trainer and cultural ambassadorNote: Please support us by signing up for our newsletters on Substack. Our podcasts (The Hindu Parenting Podcast and The Authentic Valmiki Ramayan Podcast) can be heard on Spotify, YouTube, Apple and Google Podcasts too.Please follow us on Twitter (X), Instagram or any social media platform of your choice.We are on most social media platforms with the handle “hinduparenting”. We have a Whatsapp and Telegram channel too. Our website is hinduparenting.orgFor comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Parents of young children are always looking for stories and quizzes to keep children engaged with dharmik content. In this episode, we talk with Shreedarshan K, who is the author of several books of stories for children, and a unique Ramayana workbook (based on Valmiki Ramayana) which is very popular with children and parents.We also discuss the Chinmaya Mission Balavihar program, Shreedarshan's work conducting workshops for youth and the monthly Balavihar International magazine for children, and other resources/magazines from Chinmaya mission.Shreedarshan ji is a former Asst. Prof. in the department of Electronics and Communication at Ramaiah Group of Institutions in Bengaluru. He is a prolific writer (author of five volumes of Bharatiya Katha Vaibhava stories for children and Bharatiya Katha Sagara - stories for children in two volumes). He runs his own YouTube channel and blogs explaining the significance of Hindu festivals (for children), significance of Hindu rituals (for adults), role of parents in shaping children etc, wisdom flowing from Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda himself.Note: Please support us by signing up for our newsletters on Substack and if possible, upgrading to a paid subscription. Our podcasts (The Hindu Parenting Podcast and The Authentic Valmiki Ramayan Podcast) can be heard on Spotify, YouTube, Apple and Google Podcasts too.Please follow us on Twitter (X), Instagram or any social media platform of your choice.We are on most social media platforms with the handle “hinduparenting”. We have a Whatsapp and Telegram channel too. Our website is hinduparenting.orgFor comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In Episode 52, we speak with Dr. Rajat Mitra, internationally renowned clinical psychologist, on the aftermath of the Pehelgam terror attack on Hindus. What are some typical Hindu responses we saw and why? What drives our infinite capacity for self-abnegation? Has the average Hindu become used to avoiding confrontation, even in our numerous Whatsapp groups? Our habitual behaviours as a community have an impact on families and children. What can we do differently going forward to raise confident children who are comfortable in their own skin?Listen to Dr. Mitra on reprogramming the Hindu psyche and talking to children about our history. Share with all Hindus, especially Hindu parents!Dr. Rajat Mitra had previously shared his expertise working with victims of trans-generational trauma in The Hindu Parenting Podcast #24 - Understanding Hindu Trans-Generational TraumaIf you'd like to be part of a free webinar with Dr. Mitra especially for parents on how to talk to children about Hindu history and war, please register below. The date will be announced shortly depending on the number of registrations.Note: Please support us by signing up for our newsletters on Substack and if possible, upgrading to a paid subscription. Our podcasts (The Hindu Parenting Podcast) can be heard on Spotify, YouTube, Apple and Google Podcasts too.Please follow us on Twitter (X), Instagram or any social media platform of your choice.We are on most social media platforms with the handle “hinduparenting”. We have a Whatsapp and Telegram channel too. Our website is hinduparenting.orgFor comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Episode #51 of The Hindu Parenting Podcast features a riveting conversation with a young father, Bharath, about growing up indoctrinated, the slow path to becoming a committed dharmik, and raising young Hindu children today.This episode will make Hindu parents relive their childhood and understand what children experience. Filled with invaluable insights and exceptional clarity, this podcast will change how we view ourselves, our children, and the world.As an engineer, Bharath logically takes us along on his journey. This one is especially for techie parents!Note: Please support us by signing up for our newsletters on Substack and if possible, upgrading to a paid subscription. Our podcasts (The Hindu Parenting Podcast) can be heard on Spotify, YouTube, Apple and Google Podcasts too.Please follow us on Twitter (X), Instagram or any social media platform of your choice.We are on most social media platforms with the handle “hinduparenting”. We have a Whatsapp and Telegram channel too. Our website is hinduparenting.orgFor comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

We are 50 podcasts old! For the special golden jubilee episode of The Hindu Parenting Podcast, we feature a conversation with Dr. Sampadananda Mishra, who has done more for the cause of children and Sanskrit than anyone else today.What are the benefits of Sanskrit for children? Learn from his insights - how can we make Sanskrit interesting for children? And much, much more, packed into this hour-long episode. Please share with all Hindus, especially Hindu parents.Dr. Sampadananda Mishra, a renowned Sanskrit scholar and passionate proponent of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), has made significant contributions to the promotion and preservation of Sanskrit language and culture. He founded and launched the world's first 24-hour Sanskrit radio channel, 'Divyavani Sanskrit Radio', in 2013. Dr. Mishra recently launched a monthly e-magazine for children called 'Saptavarna', further enriching the domain of Sanskrit children's literature. Among the many awards he has been honoured with is the 'Kendra Sahitya Akademi Bala Puraskar' in 2018 for his book “Shanaih Shanaih” for children. Among his many popular books, “The Wonder That is Sanskrit”, clearly explains the uniqueness of the language.Note: Please support us by signing up for our newsletters on Substack and if possible, upgrading to a paid subscription. Our podcasts (The Hindu Parenting Podcast) can be heard on Spotify, YouTube, Apple and Google Podcasts too.Please follow us on Twitter (X), Instagram or any social media platform of your choice.We are on most social media platforms with the handle “hinduparenting”. We have a Whatsapp and Telegram channel too. Our website is hinduparenting.orgFor comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Marriage is the most important decision a human being will make in life, so we need to put at least as much thought into it as we do preparing for exams and a career. Parents must guide young Hindus through finding a suitable partner and being happily married. Episode #49 of the Hindu Parenting Podcast, a conversation with Shri. Shankar Kumaran is a must-listen episode for young Hindus and parents alike.Shri Shankar Kumaran, Founder of Life Education Institute, is a counselor and coach who has worked with many young people, including married couples, and helped them have happy marriages. Shri Kumaran was educated in the traditional Gurukula style, which gave him a deep knowledge of Sanskrit and the shastras. At the same time, he holds a degree in psychology and has worked successfully with modern couples.In this podcast, he gives significant insights into the Hindu vivaaha and the secrets of a happy marriage. What do young people need to know before looking for a life partner? What can you do as a parent to ensure your child will have a happy marriage?On the eve of Valentine's Day today, encourage people to listen to this special podcast to understand marriage better.Listen to the complete podcast and share it with all Hindus - young people and parents.You can find more information about Shri Kumaran here.Note: Please support us by signing up for our newsletters on Substack and, if possible, upgrading to a paid subscription. Our podcasts (The Hindu Parenting Podcast) can also be heard on Spotify, YouTube, Apple, and Google Podcasts.Please follow us on Twitter (X), Instagram, or any social media platform you choose.We are on most social media platforms with the handle “hinduparenting”. We have a WhatsApp and Telegram channel, too. Our website is hinduparenting.orgFor comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In Episode #48 of the Hindu Parenting Podcast, we talk with Rajesh Sengamedu about his new book of short stories titled “Desi, Dharma aur Dilemma - Beyond Movies, Music, Mufti and Masala”The stories are about the dilemmas faced by diaspora Hindus in USA, but the theme is applicable to much of urban India today.Through these stories, the author gets us to take a long-term perspective and think about what it means to be a Hindu today. His deft touch and gentle probing go to the root of many dilemmas we face today. The stories are not prescriptive, but leave us with lingering questions and a clear dharmik lens through which to look at our lives.The book is especially relevant for parents. It helps us to see the long-term effects of everyday parenting choices we make as Hindus in the modern world.Enjoy the podcast and please share with friends and family!Read more about the author, Rajesh Sengamedu, in this interview.The book “Desi, Dharma aur Dilemma” is available for purchase on Amazon internationally at this link.Buyers from India can find the book at this link.Note: Please support us by signing up for our newsletters on Substack and if possible, upgrading to a paid subscription. Our podcasts (The Hindu Parenting Podcast) can be heard on Spotify, YouTube, Apple and Google Podcasts too.Please follow us on Twitter (X), Instagram or any social media platform of your choice.We are on most social media platforms with the handle “hinduparenting”. We have a Whatsapp and Telegram channel too. Our website is hinduparenting.orgFor comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.org Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In Episode 47 of The Hindu Parenting Podcast, we talk about the Panchatantra with Dr. M. V. Vishwanath, Sanskrit scholar and renowned speaker.The tales of the Panchatantra have always been of special interest to children, but did you know that its actual purpose and message is deeply embedded within the tales? The Panchatantra has travelled far and wide from the place of its origin, Bharat (India). It has unfortunately been relegated to the genre of kiddie literature in modern India, but the Panchatantra is actually profound and visionary in its scope. Listen to the podcast to find out the true meaning behind the text!Dr. Viswanath is a reputed scholar with three M.A. degrees and a PhD in Sanskrit from Benaras Hindu University, Varanasi. His research areas include Sanskrit literature, Arthashastra and Sankhya philosophy.He also delivers various sessions on Bhagavadgita, Vedanta, Yoga and Upanishads for many Yoga schools both online and offline.Note: Please follow us on Twitter (X), Instagram or any social media platform of your choice. Our podcasts (The Hindu Parenting Podcast) can be heard on Spotify, YouTube, Apple and Google Podcasts too. Please support us by signing up for our newsletters on Substack and if possible, upgrading to a paid subscription.General Information:We are on most social media platforms with the handle “hinduparenting”. We have a Whatsapp and Telegram channel. Our website is hinduparenting.orgFor comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 46 of the Hindu Parenting Podcast explores the significance of the bindi/bottu/tilak. Why do we wear a bindi or tilak; what are the different traditions surrounding it?Don't forget to celebrate the International Bindi and Tilak Day on 15th October!Dr. Bharath Srinivasan is our guest for this podcast. He has a Doctorate Degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Delhi and currently works as Engineering and Marketing Head at a small company in Bangalore. He was the founding Director of the Indian History Awareness Group (IHAR) of Houston works on research on Bharat and its ancient traditions. He also is a trustee of Prakruthi Ayurveda Prathisthana for the past 15 years and supports its Research Activities on Ayurveda. He has also worked with Rajiv Malhotra on many projects related to building the Grand Narrative of India. With experience spanning diverse fields and a strong knowledge of the shastras, he is well placed to help us understand the shastric underpinnings of our symbols like the bindi and the tilak.General Information:For comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our Substack and follow our social media handles:X/Twitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingThreads: hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingWhatsApp channel: Hindu ParentingWebsite: hinduparenting.orgThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 45 of the Hindu Parenting Podcast features a conversation with Shawn Binda, host of Hindu Lifestyle on YouTube and a Hindu Educator, about Hindus in the Caribbean.Not many people know of the presence of a sizeable Hindu community in the Caribbean which has held on to its Hindu identity in the face of overwhelming odds. How they have managed to stay Hindu over many generations is a story that Hindus need to hear, as we grapple with the challenge of passing on our traditions and identity to future generations.Shawn Binda is of Indo-Caribbean ancestry and teaches Hinduism at a local mandir in Toronto, Canada, to teenagers and young adults every week. He conducts workshops with Hindu youth. Shawn has a passion for Hinduism. His insights are very valuable to Hindu parents in India and abroad.Show Notes:1:00 - Introduction5:27 - How did Hinduism Survive in the Caribbean?10:30 - Indentured Labour and How Indians got to the Caribbean15:40 - How Did They Withstand the Pressure to Convert? 18:20 - Percentage of Hindus in Different Countries of the Caribbean26:00 - Difference between Hindus raised in India and in the Caribbean32:20 - How Do You Get Kids to Come to the Mandir?38:00 - Role of Music and Dance in Hinduism41:00 - Important Message for Hindu Parents46:00 - Science, Spirituality and Hinduism48:00 - Hindus and Hinduism - The Way Forward 53:00 - ConclusionGeneral Information:For comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our Substack and follow our social media handles:X/Twitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingThreads: hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingWhatsApp channel: Hindu ParentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Introduction 2:00 - Onam the Long Festival Celebration of 14 days7:40 - Onam or Vishu. Which is the New Year? 10:20 - Story of Onam, Thrikkakara Vamanamurti temple, Proclamation of Onam 20:00 - Bali Pratipada celebrated all over India21:00 - Historical references to Onam in Tamil Sangam literature as Vamana Jayanti, or birth of Vishnu avatar. Writings of Alvars talk about Thrikkakara.25:30 - Modern distortion of the Onam story by current narrative in Kerala and dilution of Hindu origins.28:10 - Why did Onam celebration die out in Tamil Nadu?35:50 - Current situation in Kerala, complacence and inability to perceive the difference between Semitic religions and mathas and sampradayas (different opinions or paths from within Hindu dharma)48:00 - Hindu rituals and significance behind pookolam (rangoli), Onam Sadya and boat races as a temple tradition.1:00:00 - How to reclaim Hindu festivals and prevent them from being turned into tools of anti-Hindu propaganda?1:05:00 - Message for Hindu parents. What makes a Hindu different from all others? The five Mahayagnyas or vratas to be observed everyday.1:12:30 - End Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 43 of the Hindu Parenting Podcast features Anshu Dubey, the Founder and President of Brahm Varchas Education, who speaks about parenting based on the shastras and other Hindu scriptures.We talk about the science and art of Vedic parenting, focusing on a set of sutras given by Pujya Vishwanath Guruji. The philosophy and techniques are based on the shastras and especially relevant for modern parents.The all-round knowledge of the upbringing of children handed down since generations is getting lost today. Vedic Parenting knowledge capsules are a gateway for the modern Hindu parent to access and apply ancient wisdom in raising children.Note: If you find our work valuable, please consider making a contribution. It will help us cover the costs of reaching many more Hindu parents. International subscribers can use the upgrade-to-paid option on Substack.QR code for India payments:Thank you!General Information:For comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our Substack and follow our social media handles:X/Twitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingThreads: hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingWhatsApp channel: Hindu ParentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In Episode 42, we speak with a Homeschooling mother from USA. This podcast assumes special significance because it is being aired at a time when the woke phenomenon is rampaging through American educational institutions.There is a rising tide of anti-Hindu literature being circulated in American media and academia. When schools portray Hinduism as nothing more than “casteism” and schoolchildren are taught contempt for Hindus, what effect does it have on our children?In light of the Riddhi Patel episode where a Hindu girl was pulled into anti-Hindu and pro-terror activism and is being jailed for making threats to lawmakers, what choices do Hindu parents have if we want our children to stay clear of the indoctrination in public schools in USA?Find out all you wanted to know about homeschooling in the USA in this episode of The Hindu Parenting Podcast.Please listen and share!Note: If you find our work valuable, please consider making a contribution. It will help us cover the costs of reaching many more Hindu parents. International subscribers can use the upgrade-to-paid option on Substack.QR code for India payments:Thank you!General Information:For comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our Substack and follow our social media handles:Twitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingThreads: hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Hindu Parenting Podcast Episode 41 is a conversation with Dr. Omendra Ratnu, a practising ENT surgeon who also has an abiding passion for culture, history and Dharma. Dr. Ratnu runs an NGO, Nimittekam, to rehabilitate minority refugees from Pakistan in Bharat.Dr. Ratnu has a keen interest in the history of Rajasthan and has written several articles on the history of Mewar. His recent book is titled “Maharanas - A 1000 Year War for Dharma”. He is also the Founder of Dharmansh Foundation, which accepts monthly contributions to help underprivileged and persecuted Hindu populations in the Indian subcontinent.Why should this matter to us as parents? Because our children need a thriving community. They need safety in numbers. We need a robust Hindu population for Dharma to thrive into the next generation and beyond.Nimittekam.org and Dharmansh Foundation also accept donations from outside India.Please listen and share!Note: If you find our work valuable, please consider making a contribution. It will help us cover the costs of reaching many more Hindu parents.General Information:For comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our Substack and follow our social media handles:Twitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingThreads: hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In Episode 40 of The Hindu Parenting Podcast, Matrushree Ananthalakshmi, Co-Founder of Anaadi Foundation explains IKS - Indian Knowledge Systems.Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) is quite the buzzword now, but what exactly constitutes IKS (other than Yoga and Ayurveda)? Anaadi Foundation has a set of IKS books specially designed for children, which can be used to teach kids at home. Learn more about the books, the topics covered and how we can teach children all about the scientific heritage of Bharat (India). What is the system of modern Gurukul education like? How does it differ from the mainstream schooling? Ananthalakshmi ji also shares a message especially for parents. Timestamps:1:25: What is IKS?12:03: Details on IKS Books for Children20:37: About Anaadi Foundation28:41 : Location of Anaadi Dharma Gurukula and integration with the mainstream36:53: Training people in Bharatiya pedagogy39:13: Samskara Journal42:24 : Indigenous Education Systems around the world46:06 : Message for ParentsGeneral Information:For comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our Substack and follow our social media handles:Twitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingThreads: hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingWe also have a new Whatsapp channel.The opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Episode 39: A conversation about feminism with Prof. Madhu Purnima Kishwar (Founder, Manushi Trust and one of India's most distinguished academics in the social sciences).The social sciences are a black box for most Hindu parents. The western social sciences hold a disproportionate influence on our lives and our collective future, hence it is essential to talk to our children about feminism and other western movements. This conversation will help bring clarity to feminism and situate it in the Hindu context.Feminism is derived from the Abrahamic thought system which is binary and rooted in perennial conflict. It is different from the dharmik worldview which is based on harmony, balance and consensus. What explains the rise of Marxism, feminism and other theories? What is the danger in viewing dharmik cultures through these modern lenses? Are feminists happy? What is the effect of feminism on women, on men, and on the family as a unit? How can Hindu families navigate through this landscape?Please listen and share!Prof. Madhu Kishwar started her academic career as a lecturer in a DU college and in 1991 was invited as a professor in CSDS, a leading social science research centre based in Delhi. She was awarded national professorship of ICSSR followed by senior fellow at Nehru Memorial Centre for Contemporary Studies. She has also made several documentary films for Doordarshan.Note: If you find our work valuable, please consider making a contribution. It will help us cover the costs of reaching many more Hindu parents.If you live outside India, please use the substack platform (through Stripe). If you live in India, please write to contact@hinduparenting.org to get the QR code.General Information:For comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our Substack and follow our social media handles:Twitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingThreads: hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In Episode 38, we talk with Acharya Padmini Ravi, a journey in dance for over 5 decades. An exponent of the ancient craft of Bharatanatyam, a performer, speaker and teacher, she reveals a new dimension to dance.Why should children learn classical performing arts, especially a difficult dance form like Bharatanatyam? The skills they learn helps them be the best version of themselves, no matter what profession they choose in future.We also explore the journey of a dancer from the physical to the metaphysical. Bharatanatyam opens the door to an inner, mystical journey for the dancer, and helps them unlock a new dimension in their creative and spiritual journey.The processes children undergo with rigorous dance training help them connect with the self, adding a layer of poise and confidence to their personality.Acharya Padmini Ravi has trained over 500 students internationally, making her the perfect person to speak on the topic of Bharatanatyam and children. She's currently pursuing her PhD in “The Intangible Benefits of Dance” at Jain University, Bangalore. You can find more about her on her Facebook page and also at Padmini Ravi Dance Academy.General Information:For comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our Substack and follow our social media handles:Twitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingThreads: hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Shri Rishi Pal Chauhan, Founder and Principal of Jiva Public School talks about personalising education because every child is unique. Shri Chauhan elaborates on the ways in which Jiva School incorporates Bharatiya Hindu values like Dinacharya and Svadhyaya into the daily routine for children. It helps children to observe their actions and become self-aware.The body constitution and multiple intelligences of children vary widely. Jiva School helps analyse children and train them in the activities and paths that suits them. Please listen to the end of the podcast for a special message and a free offer to test your children using the Jiva method!You can find more about Jiva Public School here. General Information:For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our Substack and follow our social media handles:Twitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingThreads: hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

The Lohri episode features a conversation around stories and lived experiences from the Punjab area of India. One of our guests is Charu Uppal ji, media scholar and storyteller. You can find her articles at charuuppal.substack.com The word Lohri comes from Loh which means ‘flame'. As the name suggests, the Lohri tradition involves a bonfire symbolising energy, hope and renewal.Listen to the beautiful story of Dulla Bhattiwaala and the origin of Lohri. The story lives on in the form of a ballad singing tradition called Vaar. Listen to the original Punjabi song of Dulla Bhattiwala here. Here are the lyrics and the English translation of the song.You can find more songs related to Lohri here.Many beautiful traditions are slowly going out of fashion as we adopt a uniform Halloween-type culture these days. Watch the folk tradition of going from house to house singing songs and collecting treats. Our festival podcasts bring out the cultural unity of Bharat (India). Lohri as celebrated in Punjab has an amazing similarity with Bhogi celebrated in the Southern Telugu states, which we covered last year during Makara Sankranti.Listen to our Bhogi/Sankranti podcast from last year here. Please listen to the podcasts, watch the video links and involve your children in the celebrations so that we can keep our diverse festivals and traditions alive!Note: If you find our work valuable, please consider making a contribution. It will help us cover the costs of reaching many more Hindu parents. If you live in India, please write to contact@hinduparenting.org to get the QR code. All others outside India can use the substack platform (through Stripe).General Information:For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and podcast suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our Substack and follow our social media handles:Twitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingThreads: hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them. Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In this podcast, Shri Pankaj Saxena helps us understand the role of the family in the overall context of Hindu cosmology. He explains that the Hindu worldview is based on Kartavya Bodh, a sense of duties toward one another in the family and beyond. We explore how it is clashing with the rights narrative around us today.The family unit makes it easier for a Hindu to repay the Panch Rna-s and live a fulfilled life with psychological, spiritual, physical and intellectual comfort. Listen to an exposition on the pyramid of identities that a Hindu is part of. How do these identities help us with a larger goal and how do they balance human existence with nature and culture?For the family to be remain relevant in today's scenario, we need to step out of our idealistic bubble and take a realistic look at the problems within the family today. Once the situation is understood, we can attempt to explore the way forward.Pankaj Saxena is Co-Founder and Director, Cultural Research at Brhat. He is an author on Hindu temples, arts, literature, history and culture. His writing explains the beauty of Sanātana Dharma through stories about traditions, communities and culture. He has a deep interest in cultural anthropology, evolutionary biology and ecology, and has visited more than 1200 Hindu temples.Link to books of Shri Ram Swarup and Shri Sita Ram Goel, mentioned in the podcast. You can also find PDFs of these books online which can be downloaded.Note: If you find our work valuable, please consider making a contribution. It will help us cover the costs of reaching many more Hindu parents. If you live in India, please write to contact@hinduparenting.org to get the QR code. All others outside India can use the substack platform (through Stripe).Contents of the podcast:0:00 - Introduction to the topic, Family0:54 - Introduction to speaker, Pankaj Saxena1:54 - Courses offered by Pankaj Saxena5:25 - Idea of Family in Hindu society (Grihasthashram)12:49 - Attacks on Traditional family structure today23:09 - Kartavyabodh in Sanatana Dharma, Duties vs Rights30:42 - Varnashrama Dharma39:13 - Convention vs Tradition45:08 - Understanding the Hindu Family structure52:03 – Dowry vs Sthreedhan55:43 - Closing Remarks58:07 - Authentic References for parents to learn59:56 - Message for Hindu Parents1:00:46 - Hindu Parenting Platform InfoGeneral Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingThreads: hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them. Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In Episode 34, we look at rituals in Hinduism, in a conversation with Shri PVR Narasimha Rao. The English word ritual does not really capture the sense of sacred or meaningful action that is the core of Hinduism. What is the purpose of Sadhana? What place does it hold in Sanatana Dharma? What do the shastras say?We also touch on the “religious vs. spiritual” debate and understand the importance of both ritual and meditation. How do they help people in living a good life and finally, put them on the path to Moksha?Shri Rao expounds on the different types of sadhanas in Hinduism which are based on the five elements. How do they differ? Are pranayama and homa/havan the same in principle?This podcast will give you a deep understanding of Hinduism and the place of rituals (the better word is Sadhana!) Listen till the end for a special message on introducing rituals to children.Shri PVR Narasimha Rao has BTech from IIT Madra and a Masters from Rice University, USA. He is a senior manager at a US semiconductor company. He is a Jyotish researcher, author, teacher and created a popular free Jyotish software. He is also a Sanskrit scholar, philosopher and teaches homa and other ritiuals. You can find more about his work on teaching homa and other simple rituals at vedicastrolger.orgNote: If you find our work valuable, please consider making a contribution. It will help us cover the costs of reaching many more Hindu parents. If you live in India, please write to contact@hinduparenting.org to get the QR code. All others outside India can use the substack platform (through Stripe).Contents of the podcast:0:00 - Introduction1:38 - Ritual, Karma, Sadhana, Meditation20:22 - Types of Sadhana32:48 - Fear of making a mistake38:14 - Is Adhikara necessary?43:05 - Learning how to perform Pooja/Havan45:37 - Personal Pooja Apparatus51:33 - Schedule/timing prescribed by Shastras55:47 - Following Rituals in both letter and spirit1:04:14 - Advice for parents1:10:34 - Do It Yourself Info from Speaker1:13:55 - Hindu Parenting Platform InfoGeneral Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingThreads: hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them. Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

This episode features Shri Ramakrishna Kongalla, a researcher on temples and the Asst. Prof. at the Department of Travel and Tourism Management.Shri Kongalla brings his expertise in understanding temples to help us decode the beautiful stories that temples tell. What is the dhvajasthambam? Are there regional variations in temple styles? What do we need to know in order to decipher the sculpture on the temple walls? What is the order of things to do in a temple?We hope parents will use this conversation to help children understand and appreciate the profound yet simple meanings behind everything related to the Devasthanam i.e. the Hindu temple.Please listen till the end for a message especially meant for today's parents and children!Chapters in this episode:0:00 - Introduction1:01 - Is “Temple” the right word for Bharateeya Devalayas?4:14 - Where should a Devalaya be located?8:09 - Difference between Temple and Devalayam10:25 - What are the different components of a Devalaya?19:19 - Two styles of Construction22:36 - Types of Mandapas23:48 - Story of Dvaja Stambham (Highlight)30:16 - Meanings of Devalaya Carvings39:57 - KirtiMukha (Lion face) in Devalaya (Highlight)46:25 - Yali or Vyala representative of Purusharthas52:23 - What to do in Devalaya?1:04:13 - Message for Hindu Parents1:06:07 - Plan for another podcast with the speaker1:07:30 - Additional Info and Pictures are available1:08:00 - Hindu Parenting Platform InfoHere are some beautiful images shared by Shri Ramakrishna Kongalla to aid in the understanding of the concepts explained in this episode.Note: If you find our work valuable, please consider making a contribution. It will help us cover the costs of reaching many more Hindu parents through sponsorship of events and on social media. If you live in India, please reach out to contact@hinduparenting.org to get the QR code. All others outside India can use the substack platform (through Stripe) itself. General Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingThreads: hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingCopyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode on Hindu festivals, we converse with Monidipa Bose about Durga Puja as it is celebrated in Bengal. Monidipa Bose writes about history and heritage. She traces the history of Matrika worship and the rituals followed in Bengal.Listen to this podcast for everything you wanted to know about Durga Puja, including the different forms of the Devi worshipped each day, the colours associated with each deity, the traditions specific to Bengal and the great tradition of worshipping the Divine Feminine in Bharat.You can find more about Monidipa Bose here.General Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingThreads: hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we talk to the concept creators behind a global initiative called the International Bindi & Tilak Day, celebrated on October 15 every year. Listen to their story and vision.We need these rallying points to enthuse young people and build a mass movement.Every movement starts with a spark. Let this be the spark we need to reclaim and wear our Hindu identity with pride. Make Hindu culture cool and aspirational!The goals of the creators are to:Promote Hindu Unity through Bindi & TilakEncourage Hindus Worldwide to Sport Bindi & TilakMake Hindu Identity an Accepted NormLet's all stand behind this initiative to forge a strong and collective Hindu identity.Please encourage everyone to use the hashtag #InternationalBindiAndTilakDay to trend pictures of people, pets or loved things with bindi/tilak on social media.General Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingThreads: hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

This podcast is a conversation with Prof. Vamsee Juluri who teaches Media Studies at the University of San Francisco. We address the challenge of communicating with young people and children who are being told by everyone and everything around them that Hinduism is regressive, patriarchal and casteist.Prof. Juluri brings his vast experience in analysing media and the nature of modern communication to make us aware of the forces at play. He takes a recent example in the news to demonstrate the use of precise and effective communication rather than fall back thoughtlessly on dismissive phrases we hear on social media (buzzwords like leftist, woke, right-wing, Marxism etc). He explains to us how words are not just tools we use, but forces which end up using us, if we are not careful.Once we know what we are up against, what can we do? Can we learn communication skills? We must look to preserve intergenerational bonds, and be open to learning.For more on what we can do, listen to the full podcast in which Professor Juluri shares his unique insight into communication within families and the road ahead.General Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingThreads: hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In this podcast, we talk to Abhinav Kadambi & Krishna Rajaganesan - Founders of a Bharatiya strength training startup - about the important but neglected area of physical fitness & strength training, from a Bharatiya POV. What's the relevance of physical strength & kshaatra for parents? Hear all about mugdar, gadaa (mace), kusti (wrestling). How is the Bharatiya method different from modern gymming? (It is holistic and develops the body, mind, emotions & spirit). There is a diet component and the whole system of training is personalised. There's also the common thread of the sacred running through all our art forms, making bala-sadhana also a part of self-transcendence eventually. How can you train? (Krishna & Abhinav will walk you through the steps, no matter what your age & profession). Workshops are available for specific groups like Bharatanatyam dancers too.Listen to this interesting conversation on how the fabled Hindu physical prowess is all but forgotten by its descendants today and what we can do to revive it. Please be sure to read about ancient Hindu warriors here.Please support these two young men and their startup by committing to train the Bharatiya way. You can help build a community by getting more people into akhadas. What can you do? Follow “MugdarMonk” and “abhinavk17” on Instagram. Gather a bunch of like-minded people and contact “MugdarMonk” for workshops in your location. Kindly spread the word and share this podcast with your friends and family. General Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the most important festivals for Hindus and especially loved by children. In this podcast, we converse with Dr. Arathi V.B., Founder and Chairperson of Vibhu Academy. We cover a lot of topics, including the importance of the festival, how it is celebrated, what is the concept and meaning behind it.This podcast delves into the essence of Sanathana Dharma, the Agamas, Gowri-Ganesha habba as an amalgam of folk and agamic traditions, what is the difference between a vrata and an utsava, the history of sarvajanik Ganeshotsav celebrations and the way forward with respect to imparting knowledge of Hinduism and traditions to children.Dr. Arathi is a Samskrit scholar, an orator, writer, trainer and counsellor. Her contributions are well known in the fields of Academic research, Softskills Training, Mentoring, Samskrtam, Aesthetics, Indian classical arts & Indological subjects. She has more than 20 years of experience in all these domains and has handled hundreds of Softskills Training programmes and Courses on Samskrtam and Indology for Indian and foreign students. She is also a Lay counselor and a popular resource person with TV and Radio channels and print media. She has travelled within and outside the country as a Trainer and cultural ambassador.Please listen and share widely as a service to the Hindu community. Subscribe to us and follow us on the social media channel of your choice. Our handle everywhere is hinduparenting. Please reach out to us with your suggestions and let us help you in the important job of raising happy Hindu children.General Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In this podcast, we talk with Shri R.B. Ramesh, internationally renowned chess coach and trainer of many successful youngsters like R. Praggnanandhaa. He is the founder of Chess Gurukul, a chess coaching academy.The Dronacharya Series is our humble tribute to the great gurus of our tradition. For young (and not-so-young) parents, the greatest learning comes from the teachers who motivate and inspire children to excel.How does Shri Ramesh train children to work hard & do their best, to deal with wins and losses, to face Grandmasters with intimidating reputations? Why is his training centre called Chess Gurukul? What can we learn from him?What is his message to parents and to the Bharatiya youth of today? Please listen to this podcast and share!General Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Festivals and rituals are at the heart of Hinduism. The sheer number, colour, grandeur, meaningfulness, regional variations and wide variety in its festivals make Hinduism unique and exciting for young people. In this podcast, we have a fun conversation with Neha Srivastava, the founder of Shaktitva Foundation about the festival of Raksha Bandhan. We start with the details of when and how it is celebrated in the Uttar Pradesh tradition.Hear the story of its origins, and let your children learn to distinguish between real and fake stories. In today's world, all Hindu festivals are being interpreted using a Marxist or feminist lens. How does this apply to Raksha Bandhan? Listen as Neha Srivastava explains all the issues around it, and how the beauty of a Hindu festival is timeless, no matter how much academicians try to twist and distort it.Do you wish your children knew the actual history and story about Raksha Bandhan, so that they can fight back with facts?We recommend this podcast especially for parents with young daughters. Shaktitva Foundation has come out with a contemporary comic strip to explain Raksha Bandhan to the youth of today. Show this easy-to-read comic strip version of the facts surrounding Raksha Bandhan to your children. Listen to this podcast and share with young Hindus, whether they are parents or not!General Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In this podcast, we focus on a young startup called Indic Bricks that aims to make our heritage cool while helping kids develop creative & 3D spatial skills; train kids in STEM & robotics while giving them confidence and rootedness.Just as our kids read western fantasy, they also play with western or Japanese toys & comics (think Marvel, Barbie, Manga, Pokémon etc). An interest in our heritage starts with the toy box. What if kids had Indian toys like blocks to build temples with or model yogasanas?Blocks are a great favourite with adults too! Imagine having a fun yoga pose on your desk at work! Indian-themed blocks also connect grandparents with kids (say while building a Ganesha & telling fun stories..)Please listen and share with all!Indic Bricks is offering a special discount on all products exclusively for the subscribers of Hindu Parenting on Substack.Please avail of the discount code HIPA10 valid till October 31st.The discount code is available only to subscribers of Hindu Parenting. So, all those who want to avail of the discount - if you are not yet subscribed to us, please do so at the earliest!Listen to the full podcast to find out about upcoming new blocks sets, especially a big limited-edition collector's item to be released during the opening of the Shri Ram temple in Ayodhya.To browse the store, visit Indic Bricks at indicbricks.comIndic Bricks products are also available on Amazon.General Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

This is a special podcast for Hindu parents sending children for college to USA - what to expect, what to avoid, what support networks do students have?In this episode, we talk to Vijaya Viswanathan, co-author of the latest bestseller Snakes in the Ganga, and co-founder of Agastya Gurukulam, an initiative for imparting Bharatiya education.We converse about general dangers like vaping, alcohol, parties & also Hindu-specific ones like pressure to disown your parents & heritage.Should you send children abroad for undergrad or masters programs? Should they take courses on India, Hinduism, South Asia, Indology?Are liberal arts courses worth it? Does choosing a STEM major insulate your child from social justice activism?What are the three important things parents can do to prepare their children before they go abroad?We discuss a wide range of issues from meals plans and food to mental health and..what's the real purpose of education?To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Subscribe to our podcasts for topics, viewpoints and insights that you won't find elsewhere...and then take an informed decision to do what's best for you and your child!General Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we address the issue of conversion. We talk to Sruthi about her experiences, the questions she had that her parents couldn't answer, her story of conversion and how she came back to Hinduism in just two and a half hours of logical conversation with Acharya ji of Aarsha Vidya Samajam.The movie The Kerala Story is based on the accounts of many girls like Sruthi. Hindu parents need to listen carefully and learn from these stories, because it is both our right and our duty to raise our children to carry on the Sanatana Parampara.Hear Sruthi's message for young people and the state of Hindu Samaj today. Sruthi's story is also found in the book The Story of A Reversion. This podcast is mainly in MALAYALAM, hence we have a video with ENGLISH subtitles that non-Malayalam speakers can watch.General Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In this podcast we converse with Dr. Rajat Mitra, internationally renowned Professor and Clinical Pyschologist on the trans-generational trauma faced by Hindus.We explore many issues relating to the collective Hindu psyche, the silence and the lack of empathy with other Hindus. Other survivors of genocides have historically had the same trauma response and the way to set our next generation free from these mental shackles is by owning the past, acknowledging the trauma and moving on into joyous healing.We owe it to our descendants to pass on the glorious tradition of science, learning, knowledge, memory and feeling that is the hallmark of the Hindu civilisation.Listen to a fascinating conversation that will set our children free!Please look up Dr. Rajat Mitra's website to find out about his illustrious career. He has worked with the grief and trauma of people across many countries, giving him an unparalleled perspective into the issue. He is the author of the much-acclaimed work of fiction The Infidel Next Door, recommended reading for parents and children.General Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingThe opinions expressed by guests on The Hindu Parenting Podcast are their personal opinions and Hindu Parenting does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, suitability or validity of anything shared on our platform by them.Copyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Gaurav Tiwari, Founder of Sutradhar, shares his great insights on our culture, festivals and the role of storytelling in raising children today. He has designed a range of products and videos for young children and families, some of which are puzzles, board games and different kinds of videos, also available as an app.Gaurav Tiwari, a mechanical engineer from IIT Bombay, quit his career of 16 years in the financial services industry to follow his passion: to help build a better world by imparting Indian cultural values to our next generation through stories from our ancient history.Learn more at mysutradhar.com and the board game at playranbhoomi.comYou can download the app here.Here is a list of all YouTube channels of Sutradhar:मराठी https://youtube.com/@SutradharMarathiEnglish https://youtube.com/@SutradharEnglishओड़िया https://youtube.com/@SutradharOdiaहिन्दी https://youtube.com/@MySutradharKids https://youtube.com/@SutradharKidsSutradhar Podcasts :Sutradhar Mini Tales (हिन्दी) https://shorturl.at/gknNOSutradhar Mini Tales (English) https://shorturl.at/bdmJ1Panchtantra (मराठी) https://shorturl.at/nvACZPanchtantra (English) https://shorturl.at/fit48Panchtantra (हिन्दी) https://shorturl.at/CGU19Mahabharat https://shorturl.at/aCDZ2Ranbhoomi https://shorturl.at/bhtBIItihas Puran ki kathaen https://shorturl.at/bzK37Itihas Puran ki kathaen (Marathi) https://shorturl.at/AKLXZMySutradhar https://shorturl.at/wFIW5Ramayan se pehle https://shorturl.at/ikmzIKahi-Suni https://shorturl.at/vINW5Bheeshm Neeti https://shorturl.at/tuxW3Shri Ram Katha https://shorturl.at/huHVYNala-Damayanti (हिन्दी) https://shorturl.at/fhpFONala-Damayanti (English) https://shorturl.at/fuSUXFollow Sutradhar at:1. Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/mysutradhar2. Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/mysutradhar3. Twitter : https://www.twitter.com/mysutradharGeneral Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparenting Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Listen to Part 2 of our Podcast with bestselling author Ranjith Radhakrishnan, author of “Rama of the Axe”, a novel based on Parashurama, the 6th avatara of Mahavishnu.This set of two podcasts contains deep discussions on essential concepts of Hindu dharma and reclaiming our ways of seeing, rather than using a Western lens.We continue the conversation from Part 1 on the need for kshaatra in the service of dharma. Hear a powerful excerpt read out by the author as he gives us a glimpse into his thought process.We also talk about the Divine Feminine as Shakti being an essential part of Hindu worship, unlike in Abrahamic religions and finally, Ranjith ji gives his advice to aspiring authors who want to write novels/stories based on our itihasas and puranas.Ranjith Radhakrishnan is a Bengaluru based entrepreneur. He is an ex-actor, assistant director, script assistant, toll manager, and pretty much ex everything else. He is father to a brat and husband to a wife who loves dogs, cats, cows, elephants, her husband and other animals, strictly in that order. He loves grandmother's tales and stories from our Puranas and Itihasas. He is a proud pagan and ardent idol-worshipper. He drinks a lot of tea as every right-thinking person should.Published works:Debut Novel: Rama of the AxeShort Story: Shakuni - The Dice of Death, in the anthology Unsung Valour - Forgotten Warriors of the Kurukshetra War.Poem: Tushara Svayamvara, in the anthology Arya - Vedic women of Substance.Website: ranjithradhakrishnan.comTwitter: ranjith_rFacebook: ranjith.radhakrishnanInstagram: ranjithrdhkrshnYou can get your copy of “Rama of the Axe” from any of the booksellers below:Padhega India (40% discount on MRP, Indic bookseller, prompt and friendly service)AmazonFlipkartGeneral Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparenting Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

Listen to Part 1 of our Podcast with bestselling author Ranjith Radhakrishnan. Why is this book a game-changer in its genre? Hear about lesser known facets of Hindu dharma through the 6th Avatara, Parashurama; the axe as a weapon of choice (not the more common bow or mace); the role of kshaatra; the inspiration behind the author's handling of these themes, and more.Ranjith Radhakrishnan is a Bengaluru based entrepreneur. He is an ex-actor, assistant director, script assistant, toll manager, and pretty much ex everything else. He is father to a brat and husband to a wife who loves dogs, cats, cows, elephants, her husband and other animals, strictly in that order. He loves grandmother's tales and stories from our Puranas and Itihasas. He is a proud pagan and ardent idol-worshipper. He drinks a lot of tea as every right-thinking person should.Published works:Debut Novel: Rama of the AxeShort Story: Shakuni - The Dice of Death, in the anthology Unsung Valour - Forgotten Warriors of the Kurukshetra War.Poem: Tushara Svayamvara, in the anthology Arya - Vedic women of Substance.website: ranjithradhakrishnan.comTwitter: ranjith_rFacebook: ranjith.radhakrishnanInstagram: ranjithrdhkrshnGrab your copies from any of the places below:Padhega India: https://rzp.io/l/RamaOftheAxe (40% discount on MRP. Hindu Parenting endorses Padhega India for their extremely prompt and friendly service!)Amazon:http://amzn.eu/d/bzD1W09Flipkart: https://shorturl.at/qruDQ General Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparenting Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

The final episode of our series on Mental Health is a summary of the many issues and multiple perspectives that we discussed in the previous episodes. We identify the main problems faced by children, teenagers and young adults. We also discuss ways to deal with the Mental Health crisis and raise happy, healthy children who will be able to lead meaningful lives and become balanced, productive adults.We encourage to you to listen to all the previous episodes in this podcast series to get a full perspective on the magnitude of the problem, what part the media plays, how it affects Hindu children, and what we can do about it. An informed parent is an empowered parent.The previous episodes in the Mental Health Series:Mental Health Series - 1 (The World of Teenagers)Mental Health Series - 2 (From the Teens to the 20s)Mental Health Series - 3 (Subliminal Messaging and pre-Teens)Mental Health Series - 4 (Perspectives from a Mental Health Professional)Mental Health Series - 5 (Indic Perspective on Mental Health)General Information:Subscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparenting Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In Part 5 of the Mental Health Series, we chat with Dr Mala Kapadia, an expert on Indic psychology about perspectives on mental health from within the Hindu tradition.Dr Mala Kapadia, Ph.D. is Director, Anandi Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Palani, Coimbatore. She is Principal Investigator in a research project under IKS, MoE, Government of India. The project encompasses creating a framework and Index of Wellbeing and Happiness, based on Hitayu and Sukhayu constructs from Ayurveda. She has designed curriculums based on the same for higher education.Dr. Mala Kapadia's academic journey is through Psychology, Literature, Human Resources, Yoga, Ayurveda, Film and Video Production. She was an adjunct professor at S.P. Jain School of Global Management at Dubai, Singapore, Sydney and Mumbai campuses from 2005 to 2020. Her career has been through research, education, journalism, HR and consulting. Dr. Mala's area of research is Indic wisdom for the betterment of humanity. Her strength is integrating wisdom of India with modern theories and research in the fields of Wellness & Well-being, Emotional Intelligence, Positive psychology, Leadership and Feminine Energy. Education psychology through Ayurveda and Yoga is an integral research area and one of the focus areas of her current work along with creating Indic frameworks and course curriculums for integration into mainstream courses.General InformationSubscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparenting Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

For Part 4 of the Mental Health Series, we interview a leading national child and teen psychiatrist who clears many misconceptions about seeking professional help for children. Please see below for more about Dr. Raghavendra. Dr. Raghavendra Kumar K.MBBS, MD Psychiatry, DM Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (NIMHANS) Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (NIMHANS)Diploma in Psychiatry (NIMHANS)Post Graduate Diploma in Child rights Law (National Law School of India University)He has a vast and multi-dimensional experience of more than 13 years in treating Child & Adolescent Psychiatric conditions, all acquired at prestigious institutes of India.He has been the first rank holder for the national level entrance exams in NIMHANS.He is the first child psychiatrist in India to become a qualified child rights advocate after finishing his course in Child Rights Law (PGDCRL).He is one of the very few Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists in the nation, who is skilled in both pharmacological as well as psychological therapies.He is a visiting Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist at Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health (IGICH) one of the most prestigious and a tertiary care paediatric hospitals in India.He is currently pursuing his Course in Developmental Neurology from Trivandrum Medical College. He will be the first Child Psychiatrist to become a qualified developmental neurologist upon completing it.He is the director of Mana Mandira Healthcare, Bengaluru; one of its kind child mental health start-up in India.He has been a guest speaker at several conferences. He has been a resource person for several parenting workshops at national as well as international level. He has been invited twice as a panelist to the workshops pertaining to child mental health by National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Govt of India.General InformationSubscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingCopyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In part 3 of the Mental Health Series, we address the important issue of subliminal messaging directed at young children, in a conversation with Subhodeep ji, who is. a civilisational studies researcher and also the father of a 10-year old.For more about his work in civilisational and media studies, please check https://www.subhodeepmukhopadhyay.comGeneral InformationSubscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingCopyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

We often hear the term “Mental Health” from young people today. So what is this mental health crisis that everyone seems to be talking about? How relevant is it to Hindu parents and what can we do about it?In the second episode of this new series, we talk to two adults in their twenties to get a peek into their world. Are their concerns different from the young teens? What's it like to be in your 20s today? Can we reframe mental health as mental fitness?General InformationSubscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingKoo: hinduparentingCopyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

We often hear the term “Mental Health” from young people today. So what is this mental health crisis that everyone seems to be talking about? How relevant is it to Hindu parents and what can we do about it?In the first episode of this new series, we converse with young teenagers to get a peek into their world. What pressures do they encounter in schools? What are the issues that they face daily? What are their concerns?General InformationSubscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingCopyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

From time to time, we will feature start-ups in the Dharmik Ecosystem with products and services for Hindu parents and children. In this episode, we converse with the young Founders of The Vedic Pond, Sri Hari and Namrata.Listen to Namrata and Sri Hari talk about their journey, what they bring to the Dharmik space, and the increasing demand for cultural entrepreneurship in the area of IKS (Indic Knowledge Systems). Do feel free to explore their website and reach out to them.https://www.thevedicpond.com/The Vedic Pond is a Cultural-Spiritual Learning Platform for re-awakening theINFINITE Potential in the Young Generation, grounded in the Vedic world-viewIt seeks to be the facilitator of the inner unfolding for young minds - much like a Temple Pond, which is a nourishing space for the Lotus Flower to bloom.General InformationSubscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingCopyright belongs to Hindu Parenting. Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we continue the conversation around stories from Hindu epics, the itihasas (Ramayana and Mahabharata). Bharathi ji, avid storyteller and writer specialising in Mahabharata, helps us access the original texts and bust many myths. We also discuss the danger of assuming versions from outside the tradition to be accurate and true.General InformationSubscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingCopyright belongs to Hinduparenting.In this episode, we have talked to Bharathi ji who is really deep into the study of Mahabharata. Do check out her post on substack here, where she has chronicled the myth busting that she did of Ekalavya who we have all learnt is a tragic hero who had to give his thumb as guru dakshina to Dronacharya. Find out the truth of Ekalavya both of rom our podcast as well as Bharathi's substack post. Do subscribe to her substack too and follow her on twitter @MyMBJourney Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we converse with Bharathi ji, a mother and a professional writer and storyteller. We explore the topic of “Why tell Stories” taking many examples of stories within stories in our Itihasas and Puranas. Come, listen to a fascinating discussion and some great stories!General InformationSubscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/hinduparentingFacebook group: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingCopyright belongs to Hinduparenting.Transcript in Progress… Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

We were having so much fun with Neha, that we recorded a 3rd part to our Holi episode, that too in Hindi! To give an authentic experience of the festival, our guest Neha who is the founder of Shaktitva.org, plays Malini Awasthi ji's Phagwa song and helps us understand the lyrics therein which embody the true spirit of Holi!To illustrate the whole point of Holi, Neha chose the following song in Awadhi of Malini Awasthi ji. General InformationSubscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/groups/hinduparenting Get full access to Hindu Parenting at hinduparenting.substack.com/subscribe

In the 2nd part of our Holi episode, we talk about the colours, issues, the images and the misconceptions with our guest Neha who is the founder of Shaktitva.org.General InformationSubscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingTranscriptRekha: Namaste! Welcome to the Hindu Parenting Podcast, Part 2 of the Holi Episode. Please join us as we continue the fascinating discussion about the Festival of Holi with some more stories from Neha ji, founder of Shaktitva and a Devi Upasaka.Neha: So, just to complete the story, eventually when all of these attempts to, you know, to kill Prahlad fail, and Hiranyakashipu decides to take the matters into his own hands and he finds this unarmed child. In a fit of rage, he tries to strike a sword with. So, he, you know, the child ducks and the sword hits a pillar. And from that pillar, Narsimha Avatar appears. And now Narsimha Avatar is the half-man, half-animal. So, it's not either, the boon was either animal or man. But this avatar is half-man, half-animal. And this is the most, you know, interesting element of the story.So, this Narsimha Avatar, Sri Vishnu takes him to the, at the, what we call dehleez , like the corner of the house. Yeah, the threshold of the house, exactly. He stands on the threshold of the house, takes this demon, puts him on his thigh, so that he's not on the ground or on the sky. He's on Sri Vishnu's thigh. And then he claws his heart out with his claws. So, it's not a known weapon. Yeah. And he does this at exactly a dusk when it is neither morning, day or night. Shalini: Sandhyakaal!Neha: Yeah, sandhyakaal, like the mixing when it's neither day nor night. So, he finds that exact combination that will defeat that very ingenious boon. And that's how, you know, Hiranyakashipu is defeated. Finally, Prahlad gets to witness his Ishta in the raw form, and he is blessed. And then Prahlad takes over the throne and continues the lineage of Sage Kashyap going forward. So, that Holika moment. Shalini: You said the story so beautifully.Neha: Awww! Thank you!Rekha: Nehaji, I love the part where the puzzle gets solved. I can see how kids can get absolutely fascinated by this, you know, if parents can just tell their kids, you give this puzzle; even if your kid doesn't know the story but tries to solve this puzzle.“Neither during the day nor night”. I mean, it's just too beautiful.Neha: It's ingenious. Yeah, absolutely. And see, the moral of the story is right, like you can, first of all, like I always wonder these people, they put hundreds of years of sadhana or many lifetimes of sadhana to get a boon from their Ishta, right? Like imagine, you're sitting in extreme penance, like Ravana's penance and then Hiranyakashipu's penance is not ordinary. This is like almost hundreds of years of extreme penance, even thousands of years by some accounts. They sit and you ask for such a stupid thing. I mean, your Ishta is standing in front of you deviate and you ask that you should not be killed. Why is that? I think that shows the nature of who we call demon is not by birth or lineage, you know, these are Kashyap rishi's sons, like these are the most exalted lineage you can find in all of Bharat Varsha. And that is evident because they have the capability to do this penance for eons. This is not ordinary feat in itself and the lineage is definitely blessed. So it's not by birth or by previous or whatever is the other ways of people understanding it. It's not about descent, it's not about race, it's not about caste, it's not about all of these things. It's about what you do with your abilities, right? What are your desires? Shalini:Yeah, absolutely. That is true.Neha: Yeah, as a Devi upasaka, when Ma comes to me and I ask something so stupid, I think like, you know, I should be banned from sadhana… do that if somebody does things like this. But you know, devatas are when they're happy, they're happy, they will give you what they want as long as it's within - as long as it doesn't defy the laws of nature. And so you can find several stories where Brahma is giving boons or Ma is giving boons or you know, Shiva is giving boons and these, depending on who is getting the boons, people do different things.Rekha: I'd like to bring up one point here. You live in the US. And I know that about three years ago, just pre-COVID, there was this thing in US universities about Holi against Hindutva, where Holika was painted as a Dalit woman. And you know, many people tried to spread this rumor in colleges that there's something very bad going on when Holika is burnt because she is an oppressed woman and she's a Dalit. And so I know that a lot of Indian children got swayed by this. I'd like you to weigh in on this because..Neha: yeah, absolutely. So actually, with the exact incident you're talking about, led me to write a two-part article on Holi on Shaktitva blog. The part where I explain what Holi is and the many colors of Holi is one article. And then there is a second article called “Let the Subaltern Speak”, in which I kind of explore exactly this point. So first of all, like logically speaking, you know, a lot of these claims are absurd to the point of ignorance. Like they, they rely on the fact that a lot of people don't know about these stories and the legends or all the meanings behind what we do as a culture. And that's part of colonialism, you know, just detaching us from our roots is definitely part of the colonial projects.So that now that, you know, the urban audience has already detached very few know the story of Holika or why we do this, you can twist the argument in your favor.So there are two main articles that led to this Equality Labs protest that were challenged by it. So basically this Equality Labs organization cited two main articles in their write up for Holi against Hindutva. One of them was from Pradnya Waghule, which said ‘Reading caste in Holi- the burning of Holika, a Bahujan woman'. And the second one is the Equality Labs, its own article, ‘why do we say no to Holi' In both of them, you know, I am not going to critique the whole blog, because it's ridiculous. But you can see a very clear indication that this is nothing but Hinduphobia. So Waghule herself says that she's only only ever lived in cities all her life. Right. So the what I'm trying the reason I'm trying to highlight that is because she has no in-first person knowledge of these traditions. Right. Whereas, you know, most of our families are just two generations ago, we were living in villages. So that's number one. Now this reading of Bahujan woman of Holika - Holika's existence comes from this story that I told you about. She is Hiranyakashipu's sister. Hiranya Kashyapu and Hiranyaksha are very clearly Kashyap Rishi's sons. So Kashyap Rishi is like, you know, one of the Saptarishis. So obviously he's the ultra ultra Brahmin, not even ordinary normal Shukla chukla or, you know, Pandya Brahmin is the ultra Brahmin, like he has an entire Gotra named after him.And he these are the first one, not first one, but he is like, yeah, these two are sons from Kashyap Rishi. So by caste, essentially, because it's a paternalistic tradition, it happens, they have become Brahmin. And so Holika is a sister. So that means she's a Brahmin woman, you know, by legend, which is where she's mentioned. Now, what the reality is, these people when they're mentioning these instances of Holika being worshipped in tribal areas, they are confusing Holika and Holi Mata. Now, Holi Mata is indeed worshipped in many parts of the country in many, many tribal traditions, including my hometown. Now, Holi Mata has nothing to do with Holika.What happens is many of us, many of our tribes are traditionally like the Kula Devi is a Devi, right? The Kula devatha is a Devi. And so usually anything auspicious, Devi has to be worshipped. So when you do that, and usually what the tradition goes that in specific instances, for example, if you're doing the Gauri Pooja, a specific form of Ma is being worshipped, that's why it's called Gauri Pooja. So in the same way, during Holi Mata, a specific form of Ma is being worshipped and a specific type of worship is being done, that ritual only happens around Holi. And that includes your offering, the same colors are offered, new clothes are offered, when the dahan is done, that bonfire is done, a part of that bonfire, ashes are brought to the Mata and so on. So like in the Prasad, this Naivedyam is first created. So that's why we make gujiya after the dahan, and then gujiya is first offered to the god. So if we were in the villages, we would offer it to the Kula Devi. And then eventually it will be distributed. So for that particular purpose, a Murti or a makeshift clay idol is created. And all of the village will gather around and offer the blessings over there, like they'll put the offerings in that on the clay idol.So that is that clay idol is called Holi Mata. So now confusing Holimata with Holika is silly because the same people also do the bonfire. So why would they do the bonfire if they were worshipping Holika later? Then why would you celebrate her death? Just two minutes before! They are not related. Now in other parts of India, you can actually see that Holimata, that makeshift idol, is also taken on a Yatra like Ganesh Chaturthi. So they also, the Visarjan happens and so on, like the same process, which is typical for us, like whenever we have a makeshift idol like in Ganesh Chaturthi or in Durga Puja, once the process is completed, it is done - Visarjan into some form of water body. So that also happens. So those processions will chant Holi Mata Ki Jai or something like that. And that's what these urbanites who actually want to speak for the subaltern without getting to know them, without getting to live their lives or understanding their tradition and faith systems, this is how they confuse people. So in this imagination, because she is the goddess of the tribal people, she becomes a tribal deity because they've already confused it and they're not familiar with these ideas of how Holi Mata is constructed, like on a makeshift thing and all of those nuances are not known. And so they will do this confusion and then they will suddenly Holika, the daughter of Kashyap rishi becomes the Dalit woman all of a sudden. And now nobody from the Bahujan parts of India is coming to read this English language article meant to be circulated in USA to correct it, right? Nobody's going to do that. And so and the rest of you are saying we hardly know anything about why things are happening. So we are not also correcting it. So that's how you get to circulate these, you know, false narratives. And it was actually very offensive, because targeting Holi like that. And here is the thing, you know, if you are, let's say, even if I were to imagine this concept of Brahminical Hinduism versus non-Brahminical, Brahminical tribal Hinduism, Holi is the least Brahminical of all, you know, celebrations of Hindus. Like, you know, if you see the typical hallmarks of what is what, how these people define Brahminism is - at least a Brahmin needs to be present, no? Usually all some festivals you require a priest to come and do some puja, but Holi requires the presence of no priest. Right. As I mentioned, in fact, it's a challenging of social norms and mores.Then the tradition inquires, like it requires no particular, like you usually offer it to your own gods, your own deities and a Kula Devi. But it does not require any elaborate temple visit or anything like that. Right. So how, why would, you know, if this were to be confused, check, if we were to put it in these two arbitrary criteria of Brahminical versus non-Brahminical, this is very fundamentally indigenous tribal and adivasi in origins. Right. So, so the entire basis of attacking an indigenous authentic tribal festival, which is like, in fact, one of the biggest festival for many tribes in India as a, you know, fascist thing and trying to disparage it this way and especially targeting American universities is insidious to say the least.Now, are we saying that Vedic traditions are not uninhibited? They are not, you know, connected to Mata or they are not connected to Kula Devi? No, it's a beautiful spectrum. Right.How, what happens now in a traditional, let's say, let's find a simple example in a traditional homa. Right. If you're doing Rudrabhishekam in your home and you are the Yajman and pundits have come and they're conducting it for you. What happens? Right. The starting is you'll do the cleaning of your hands. You'll remember Sri Vishnu for that. Right. Then you will start by remembering your Guru, your ancestors, your Kula Devi and Sri Ganesha. Right. Not, I messed up the order, but basically this is the, like, start with Sri Ganesha, then your Kula Devi, then your ancestors, your Guru. This is the beginning of every homa, every puja, everywhere.Right. Now, if you had, if you were in living in a place where you had access to your Kula Devi's murti, maybe you put it in your temple or maybe you are living in a place where your Kula Devi temple is nearby and that's where you're conducting it. When you are remembering them, it will involve an offering to them immediately. And this will be guided to you by the priest himself. Right. So he's not, there is no distinction between vedic gods and these gods, right.It's a beautiful spectrum. One cannot exist without the other. So the, now, whether you're reading it from the Shastras or the Puranas or you're telling folk stories, it does not matter. Right. That's just the ritual or how should I say levels of ritualism. If you were to do it at your home by yourself, you probably don't know all the Sanskrit verses. So you do it in your mind. Right. You remember the deity and you have, maybe you have a mantra or maybe you don't have a mantra. Maybe you have a Chalisa. For example, in North India, we have these avadhi verses, which serve as the mantras. So Chalisa is our collection of 40 verses or you have sometimes, you know, these, these arathis, for example, these songs that we have constructed for the singing the legends of our gods, Om Jai Jagdish hare being the most prominent one. So we have all of these different levels and ways of worship. Now, some people do it in a very elaborate way where sometimes you need a priest because it's actually too elaborate and it's not possible for some unless somebody is trained in that ritual for tens of years, which is what often priests do. It's hard for a normal householder to start doing it without training. And also it's not recommended to do it without training either. So depending on the level you're doing, for example, in Shivaratri that just passed, most people will do it in their homes. Right. If they have a lingam at home, they will do a simple Abhishekam at home. If they have, if they're going to a temple, then they'll, you know, put money for a Rudrabhishekam for the temple priests to conduct it. Or sometimes people will arrange for a priest to come and do a homa at their home. It's different levels of the same festival. All of them are valid. All of them are common.Rekha: So Neha Ji, you brought up this very, very important point of two traditions coexisting harmoniously. The universal story, the Pauranic story of Holika dahan, the Hiranyakashipu story, and also the Holi Mata Kuladevi local traditions, which are typically known as the Desi and the Margi traditions within Sanatana Dharma. So the interesting thing is that there is really no conflict. And this thing happens over and over again in our tradition, right, with the festivals, with customs, dance, music, and so many things. And I'd like to say here that I think this is not a bug, but a feature of Sanatana Dharma. Any thoughts on this?Neha: Thank you for that software engineering reference. And you're absolutely right. No, so exactly right. So I think, you know, sometimes I find myself browsing through an article that some colonial, you know, neo-colonial Indologist wrote, and they seem so confused, right? If you read the research papers that get published in Indology journals, they are just, you know, it's like it's impossible for them to parse the continuity of this tradition. So sometimes they will be looking at, you know, let's say they'll go to a rural Kuladevi Mandir, right? And they'll see, let's take for an extreme example, let's say they'll see a Bali ritual, right? And then a few, even in Tamil Nadu, let's just take the example of Tamil Nadu. If you go to the rural villages, there are still like some Kuladevi Kuladevata temples where Bali happens, you know, now with the colonial government banning it and then our modern government continuing colonial traditions, you know, officially it's banned, but still happens. Then you cross- Shalini: I think there is a temple in Kerala also, no? The Muthappan temple. Neha: Not just one, not just one temple. Shalini: Yeah, many, many temples.Neha: A lot of places where you have to secretly do this because, you know, our own government has turned against our traditions or, you know, some places where it's relatively open, but it happens. And then you cross a few kilometers and you come to the heart of, you know, say Chennai and you go to a Vaishnava temple or a Shaiva temple, like, you know, Iyengar temple or an Iyer temple and you're suddenly like, this is like very organized, you know, we have a lot of learned gurus who have given like volumes and volumes of very detailed documentary, like documented evidence of everything that they found. And, you know, somehow for these people who come from the West, it looks like these two traditions cannot coexist each other with each other. And the reason they think that is because they're bound with this Christian mentality, where paganism, which was a pre-Christian tradition of their lands, was considered or labeled as backward and, you know, not civilized by the Christians who came to dominate the space later on. So they see, you know, nature worship as uncouth, uncivilized or, you know, the thing that uneducated people do. And this has also been indoctrinated to us in our education, right? Because our education is also colonial. So every time like you have, I'm sure you have read somewhere that, you know, even in our own books that the people, ancient people worshiped Sun because they did not understand its power, right? And so the idea is that the only reason you worship something is because you don't understand it. And so it becomes a myth. And so therefore science becomes a way to dispelling that myth. And, you know, Christianity brought us to the light. And so the old gods lost the power. This is all very, very standard European Christian commentary. This is how they understand their own past. And their present, which is Christian and then eventually post-Christian. So now they use that same..Shalini: So they project that on our system.Neha: Exactly, exactly. So they project that on our system. Because for them, when they look at, say, Kanchi matham, right, it looks very organized. It looks a little bit centralized. The priests over there are learned. They talk in, you know, high philosophy. And so on, and they can, you know, hold themselves up to any debate. They are, you know, they're experts in science, math, whatever you want them to be. And so this is like, you know, high philosophy is revered, revered as, exalted culture, more civil. And so they see reflections of their Orthodox church in this. And then they look, few villages down, they look at the common villager, who is, you know, just showing pure Bhakti to the Devi. He is also following Tantra. Here is the thing, right, even these temples, the Kula Devi temples are also established as per Agama Tantra. So these, these are still very much rituals that have been told to us, passed down generations of generations through sadhakas, through practical, practical knowledge, right? But because in, in these, to these external observers, it does not appear connected, you know, because unless you are completely disconnected and you're doing some high-falutin philosophy, you're not like, you know, learned enough. So you have to talk in abstract. Suddenly, when you translate that to actual rituals, it becomes old and childish and, and, you know, superstitious and what not. So this dichotomy from their own society, they project on ours. And that's exactly what happens when they look at these traditions.So when they look at the grama traditions, and here is the thing, Dharma clearly says there are many, many acharams, right? There is Vedachar and there is Lokachar, right? And there is not, it is not like a hierarchy. It is not like Vedachar is better than Lokachar. Both are absolutely important. And it is the context that defines which, you know, acharam has to be used and in which circumstance. And so this is, you know, these, all of these interconnectedness is only understood, a lot of this, like even you and I, a lot of us understand this implicitly because we've grown up in this tradition. And, you know, one basic requirement of Indology is that if you've grown up in the tradition, then you're not qualified to speak on it. Because that's the, again, the colonial lens, right? Like, if you're a brown person, you can't possibly be objective in to look at your tradition correctly. Of course, white people can look at white, white culture correctly, but brown people, you know, we have some racial defect. And that's why we can never be objective about our culture unless we prove it to them by proving our atheism first.So all of this, you know, this is a very clever structure created so that their lens remains dominant. So even when a brown person enters these, you know, these academic institutions, you have to prove that your way of thinking has been whitened enough. And that is why they are completely unable to understand these traditions and the beauty of this, this continuity of this tradition, right? Like tantra, whether it's Agama Tantra or Dakshinacharya Tantra or whatever kind of Tantra is learned knowledge. It's practical learned knowledge, like some, you know, great upasaka did years and years and decades of sadhana, found like a point where equally in fact, it is said that there are many Tantric upasakas who have reached a stage where they can access their past lives upasana also. So all of the things that they learned in their past lives, they can collect, remember all of those memories, right? And then they have a bigger picture. And then they try to bring that bigger picture and they try to give you the rules of how to do that for yourself, right? Like they can't just disseminate the secret, you won't understand. So you have to kind of just, they can only show you a path that doing these things in this particular order through this method will lead you somewhere where you can see the truth for yourself.That's Tantra, right? So that's the marg, that's the path that has been given to you. Now it may or may not, Tantra basically distills all of this down to a process. Whereas the Vedanta and other Darshanas, they are more focused on the philosophical end goal. So there is a little bit more philosophy associated with these other paths and less with Tantra, but that does not make these local understanding that we have learned over and built up over generations and generations less valuable, right? And that is exactly how every Indigenous culture has it, right? There is a reason why North American Indigenous people and even Africans, they had so much importance to the elders, right? To the ancient ones, the wisdom of the elders.Why was it valued? It wasn't just a quality of age, that wisdom followed from generation to generation. It was imparted by the ancestors to their future generations when the people felt ready.Rekha: Now this dichotomy, maybe you can analyze the visuals of Holi using this dichotomy too, right? Because Holi being so colorful and so visually appealing, I do know that a lot of photographers converge on Vrindavan just to take photographs of this spectacle and then publish it across the world. But I think a lot of this dichotomy comes into play there also and it has been commercialized quite a bit is what I hear. Neha: Oh absolutely. So you know, the dominant image in the mind of the West is when you are civilized, when you are wise, you are not, you behave a certain way, right? Like, you know, how British were, you were all stuck up and then you know, you behave like you have to act proper and whatever. And so if you're not doing that, right? If you're literally just having fun, that's lack of civilization, right? Lack of civility. And we've learned that even in our minds, we have at some point integrated that.So if somebody is behaving like they're just very, you know, acting very demure and very, you know, quiet and not letting their emotions out, all of that is a mark of manners or civility. And every time you let your hair down and like if you're angry, you're yelling, if you're, you know, happy, you're laughing boldly, all of that is, is, you know, lack of, you know, decorum. So we've learned those behaviors. Rekha: Nehaji, we often see pictures from Mathura and Vrindavan for Holi. Yeah. So is this like the center where it all started and what kind of celebrations are usually done in these places? Neha: Oh, actually, I mean, I don't know if it started there, but it's definitely a very important focal point of the Holi traditions in North India. And the part of the reason is because all of when you, when you listen to Shri Krishna's Rasleela stories, Holi actually plays a very interesting part there. In fact, it comes, the reference comes from his Balakanda to the time he is doing the Rasleela. Yeah. So in fact, because Krishna's birthplace and place where he grew up, are so central to the areas around Mathura, so Mathura, Vrindavan and NandGaon and all of these, they are very, you know, they celebrate the Krishna connection also during those Holi celebrations. So, in fact, when Vrindavan Holi is so very, very famous, in fact, if you just Google it as a most, you know, the most of the Westerners are fascinated by this particular Holi celebration. And I even know of people who try to visit Mathura specifically just to witness the Holi. And so it's actually fairly elaborate. And one of the, this is actually worth mentioning, Vrindavan's Holi lasts for seven days. And just the color playing part. So like the playing part lasts seven days. Everywhere else, we have one day of Holika Dahan, which is the bonfire ritual, and the next day is the playing colors part. But Vrindavan, the thing goes on for a week. And the first Holi in that day is called Laatmaar Holi, right, and translates to being beaten by a stick Holi. And there is, there is actually a legend behind it. So what happened is, it's part of Rasleela stories of Sri Krishna. So Sri Krishna, who hailed it from Nandgaon, he was visiting Radha in Barsana, which is where she used to live. So he was visiting her. Radha and her friends in Barsana on Holi. And he teased Radha and the other gopis so much, right, that they got really annoyed and they started hitting him, him and his friends with a stick and they chased him out of the city. So it's part of the whole like the Rasleela, the play, and he used to be like a notorious prankster, right. So you would run away with the clothes and whatnot. So he was here teasing them and playing pranks on them a lot. And so they got very annoyed. And so they chased him out of the city. So in sync with that legend, now men from Nandgaon will visit Barsana every year, you know, being acting like their Krishna story. And then the Barsana women will basically beat them up with lathis.Shalini: It happens to this day? It happens to this day?Neha: Exactly. So in fact, now this tradition has spread outside Barsana also, in many places they do this. But that is the, that is the role play that's happening, right. So they are Krishna's friends, the men act like Krishna's friends visiting the gopis and the women act like the women of Barsana act like they are the gopis. And so they basically, you know, reenact that scene. And this especially happens outside the Radharani temple in Barsana, like that's the specific part. And this is one of the most famous temples dedicated to Radha Ma in India. And then obviously you sing and dance and you know, we are very happy people. We drink thandai and all sorts of sweets are eaten and nuts and all of that fun stuff happens. But then one of the other days is Phoolon wali Holi where you play with flowers. Then there is another day where the people play with mud. It's not pleasant but it happens. And then the actual colors Holi. And in fact, Shalini: That makes it for three more. Three, four, one is flowers, one is the mud. Neha: Yeah. And one is colors four and I think the three more. Yeah, I don't remember exactly.Shalini: But these are very interesting, very interesting. Rekha: But but at the same time, there is a lot of shock value or, you know, some kind of an intrinsic value in all these visuals, right? You do see international media using a lot of the Holi and then, you know, coming to something like the widows of Vrindavan. You see that every year the media puts these very nice colorful pictures which I believe are actually sold by the international media. INeha: In fact, it's big, it's big money. Like a right picture can the copyrights can be translated throughout the world and it can actually make like quite a decent sum. So photographers from around the world gather around and then the, you know, they will just take captionless photos. And then the caption is added by the whoever is looking at the picture. So actually, you brought the brought up widows of Vrindavan. I actually have a Twitter thread where I analyze this! Ever since I joined Twitter. This was 2009. I've been noticing these headlines, right? “Widows of Vrindavan break taboo, break tradition and celebrate Holi!”. Now I actually did an analysis. I just take this phrase “widows of Vrindavan play Holi” and I append a year to it, right? And you can see these stories coming back from all the way up to 2012. So it's been 10 years and every year apparently, those widows break tradition and celebrate Holi and, you know, they break taboo and celebrate Holi. Every year they will announce it as if it's a new thing. So that just makes you question, was that ever a taboo in the first place or is just a myth that media has created that they just like to break because it's a catchy headline? Well, so this is absolutely like it makes a lot of money and from you can find those articles from, you know, they get sent through those news agencies like ANI and then they republished internationally. It's big money. Some of those photos can actually fetch you a very pretty penny, especially like there's so many aerial shots of those of Vrindavan Holi too these days, a lot of them like so. In fact, if you go to during Holi time, if you go to Vrindavan, you'll see a flock of international photographers over there just trying to get those pictures. Rekha: No concerns of privacy? I mean, I'm just wondering for the western world is so big on privacy, but is there no compunction in you know, preying on somebody's personal space. Neha: I very much doubt that they get these contracts like the privacy waiver signed. Exactly.Rekha: You know, let's talk a little bit about the colors. So these colors, there are some typical colors that are used predominantly. I see most of the people using a kind of a magenta color. Neha: So yes, so that pink is very common. The most common probably is pink. And then yellow is very common. Then nowadays, so almost every color on the spectrum, you can find you can find like light blue, powder blues. And even these days, pastels have come into fad. Also organic colors are appearing nowadays. This is interesting.Rekha: This is an interesting variation. So initially, I think we didn't need an organic color because because obviously all color was organic. Flowers and herbs is what I hear. And that specific bright colors that were made from the powder of certain dried flowers. Is that right?Neha: Yes, exactly. So the yellow was actually a mix of turmeric and marigold. And I don't remember the pink came also from a flower. But these days, so they could become a much brighter pink, at least that's what my nani used to say. But yeah, the definitely some colors are more predominant. Although nowadays, again, most of it is made being manufactured in factories. So you get pretty much every color there is. Shalini: Yeah, there's so much of talk about these being chemical colors and not very good for the skin and all. How much truth is there in that?Neha: growing up, I did have at least some like at least for a couple of years, there definitely was some sort of adulterated color coming into the market that was harsh on the skin. But these days, people are like too aware and especially depending on, but here is the thing, you can't control what color gets put on you. You can buy good colors. But then if somebody else buys whatever colors, then you're at the mercy of that person. But again, I think like cheaper colors as usual, you'll find some adulteration there. But mostly nowadays, there are big companies, just like the fireworks for Diwali, there are big companies dedicated to doing this. So if you buy like those brands or if you make at home, sometimes I've seen people starting to make themselves by grinding flowers. So those options are also there. But you find like very easy to find safe colors, to be honest.Shalini: Okay, so now you play with these colors, what do you do to take them off?Neha: That is this mystery thing called Ubtan. Yeah, I'm glad that you asked about removing the colors. So that's a whole entire exercise in itself. So basically, we make this very gooey paste made of all organic elements found at home. So you take either besan, which is ground chickpea flour, or you take wheat flour, your regular aata, and you mix haldi in it. And you put like turmeric, and you put oil, and you put water. Now, it should be a little bit more on the watery side, because you want it to be sticky. But the oil is there so that it removes well also, like when it comes up, all of it should come off. But if you have less oil, then it won't stick long enough. So the point is that you stick, and it's also used during the wedding ceremonies, by the way, after Haldi. So when you do the Haldi ceremony, it's actually Haldi and oil ceremony. So one round is done with Haldi, one round is done with oil, and then Ubtan is applied. And so the Haldi is, etc., is taken off by the Ubtan. And the idea is that obviously, it's very good for your skin, because putting turmeric is very, very nourishing for the skin. But also that consistency of the Ubtan, it brings out all the impurities of the skin. So in this case, that being colors. So colors come off very nicely with Ubtan, for the most part, unless you're, I'm talking about those my naughty cousins who actually pour that nasty chemical thing on my head, those ones don't come out easily. But the powder ones come off very easily, like with Ubtan, you know, between Ubtan and shower are fully covered, like you won't even, people won't even realize that you played Holi. Shalini: Okay, so I was just going to ask about that, you know, does it go in one day or it takes a few days to get rid of these colors? Again, powder? I can work with remnants of the color, you know, at the next day, it's not all good. Rekha: I call it a post-Holi glow, you know, you can always pick that on people. Neha: 100% there is a post-Holi glow, because you're so tired and you're so happy and you're so well fed by the end of this all, that you know, there's a post-Holi glow. But, but jokes aside, honestly, if you're playing only with powder or even with like, you know, diluted colors mixed in water, all of it comes out in one day for the most part. Unless you've been pranked with the thing on your head, then it will take a while. But I actually remember one of my best friends in school, she had like, you know, normal brown hair, but it's a slightly lighter color than the complete black hair that we usually have. So her hair was slightly brownish. And one time she came back after playing Holi and I kid you not, when she stood in the sunlight, her hair looked pink. This when we were not allowed to color our hair, because we were young children back then. So I think you got like a free hair color when there's not a lot of costs involved. But just things like that happen. Again, it completely depends on like the kind of Holi you play and you know, the type of people that, you know, come to your place to play with you. But for the most part, like, powder color 100% comes off with Ubtan. And it's also very good for your skin. So any kind of this harsh chemical or whatever, right? Like if you do the Ubtan treatment afterwards, it also kind of takes care of that. Like, and as I said early on, you have to be careful and put oil before you go out. And that way it will stain on your skin less if you have oil on your skin. Yeah, so for the most part, it comes out. Rekha: This is insider information.Neha: Absolutely. Shalini: So what a rollicking time we've had, you know, but I think now, I think you should speak about your foundation, Nehaji. What prompted you to start the foundation? What do you do? What are your projects, please? Neha: Yeah, absolutely. You know, that's a Shaktitva Foundation is a labor of love. It started around 2018, had to slow it down a couple for the last couple of years because of COVID and, you know, bereavement and family. But essentially, the original idea behind it, it's a decolonial, indigenous, feminist organization. And what I mean by that and this decoloniality and indigeneity approach from a Hindu perspective. So what essentially that means is this actually started around the same time when Shalini Ji you and I met for the first time. This was like the aftermath of Sabarimala. And, you know, we, I'm sure like all three of us were part of it in some way or the other. But one thing that became very obvious in the aftermath or during the Sabarimala protest for all of us Hindu women was that somehow our voice was being erased, right? This entire war was being fought in our name, right? Suddenly it was a Hindus versus women, you know, and the Hindu women were the least heard of all people. If you remember, like we were not allowed on TV debate, we were not, our opinions were considered, you know, fringe by some exactly some miracle, like, you know, majority of women were suddenly fringe. Anybody who basically did not agree with the five feminists of Delhi was fringe, right? So that that erasure is what led to the frustration that eventually led to the inspiration from my calling this Shaktitva Foundation. So the idea was that, you know, our voices need to have a place and not just the voice of a Hindu woman in India, but also this, the immigrant Hindu woman in growing up in America, right, or living in America. And the same thing that you know, because what happens is if we don't speak up, somebody else takes the mic and starts speaking for us, right? Whether we are the subaltern and whether we are an unrepresented group, if people don't speak up for their own groups, their names are misused and, you know, activists kind of take up that mantle of speaking on behalf of us, even if that is not the majority opinion, or even they forget the majority opinion, even if it is not even a minority opinion, then this will happen. And so we wanted to kind of set up a space where we can bring forth the lived experiences of a Hindu woman from the point of view of what we just did, right? Like we were talking about Holi from the lived experience of a person who has participated in it. And not just that, it's not just isolated to my personal experience, but also I try to kind of dive into the, when we do the research. If you see, a lot of people actually write for us, the articles and the work that we do focuses on bringing forth the original, authentic, indigenous meaning behind the things. And the reason is India and by extension, the South Asian activism circles is full of people who almost are kind of like the people who have been left behind by the colonialists, right? It's almost that they wanted to be taken with them, you know, ‘why did you leave us behind' sort of frustration that you see in these activists. And so they look at every time they sort of create this, you know, unnecessary rift in the society, it's because they're looking at things from a colonial lens, whether it is they're getting angry at Sabarimala tradition or it's not a concern for women that led to the creation of that controversy, right? It was that, you know, it is a colonial view. We must so that the colonial white man saviourism has appointed these brown saviours. And so they're now going to save Hinduism from Hindus, essentially. That's what's happening. So they're taking up for that, that colonial mantle of reform, and they're imposing all of these ideas on us in order to get some name and fame and they become those these heroes of who saved the women from oppressive Hinduism and so on. So whether it's the Sabarimala question, whether it is the Jallikattu again, no concern for actual animals or anything like that, whether it's the elephant controversy or whether it's in North India, the Kavadia controversy. Now they'll say these are rowdy men. Kavadiya men in Kavadia is the same when they become rowdy. 10 minutes later when farm laws happened, the same men who were actually doing Kavadia minutes before these are the oppressed category of farmers.So there is no rhyme or reason to it. So exactly that the point was that, you know, we wanted to create a space where Hindu women could find their voice and essentially take up that narrative and clear it up from their side. So we do a whole host of things. There's one is very important aspect is research driven articles like this one on Holi. I've done another one on Rakshabandhan and there's many more that are coming, not just on festivals, we also do on general issues and so on. And there is the other aspect of on-the-ground activism where we sort of try to help groups. So for example, we did a workshop with Bhutanese Hindu refugees who are living in America, especially the kids. And we did a workshop there about Dharma and specifically with the girls, about menstruation because menstruation is - like the menstrual restrictions are very strictly followed in Nepali and Bhutanese communities. And that becomes a very important propaganda point for missionaries to try to convert these kids. So we wanted to present the honest truth of why these rituals exist, like why are these menstrual restrictions are at all present in the culture and what are the significance, not prescribing them or, you know, or denying them, just presenting the truth of it. After that, it's up to you. Like as is always the case in Dharma. And similarly, we also did a project for to focus on the domestic violence survivors, Indian origin domestic violence survivors in America.That so we're trying to sort of create a space where we can dispel the fake issues and focus on the real issues and essentially, you know, move forward with that mindset.Shalini: So is this an initiative only driven only by you or is are you a team of a few people?Neha: No, we are a team of we're a team of a few people. We have few directors and after that, there is an advisory board. So the details can be found that also volunteers that work at different levels. Some of them are, for example, interested in conducting those workshops that I spoke about in their areas for a specific group. So we sort of arm them with the content and we help them and train those volunteers for those spaces. There's also like several other projects that are in the works just COVID kind of, you know, through a wrench and all of them. But but we're trying to sort of bring it up again. Hopefully this year, you should see a lot more action.Shalini: Sure. This sounds very empowering and well, such a misused word, but for lack of a better word, empowering our own women, you know, Neha: So we'll actually, I'll actually end with the quote. somehow it dawned on me while I was sitting in Sadhana. You know, I said, Hindu women are embodiments of Shakti and you do not empower Shakti, you bow before it. So that's why the name is Shaktitva, which is the essence of being Shakti. Now, this is not to be construed with this modern new agey idea of, you know, I am princess, I am a goddess type, you know, the wrong notions. No, we are talking about like a very sacred channeling of the divine energy that can happen when you are you know, when you are really devoted to your gods and your faith and to your culture and the indigeneity of it all. Like it's not, these terms almost seem to have become like negative terms, honestly, in the western space. But for, you know, as an indigenous person, it's all the same. It's a spectrum. These words are not disconnected at all. Rekha: Nehaji, I'm looking at your website. And there is a scheme, there is something called the Gayatri grants. Is that still operational? Is that something that can be used to encourage young people to write for you?Neha: Oh, absolutely. Yes. So Gayatri grants are not just even for writing. Even if there was a proposal that like that somebody wants to take up like a more elaborate research project towards anything, you know, towards something that brings together that aligns with the mission of Shaktitva. We are more than happy to sort of sponsor that activity because research itself, you know, is expensive. And, you know, so we want to encourage through this grant system, we want to encourage people to apply for, you know, proposals and come up with ideas because, as I said, like it's very difficult for one person to or a few people to cover the breadth of this issue. So if there is even if there's something very simple as you notice that there is a tradition that is unexplored, and it aligns with our mission, and you want to research it, you know, please submit a grant to us, grant proposal to us, the template is provided on the website. So you just have to fill that template up and send us a proposal and we'll evaluate it. And hopefully, like we can come up with a collaboration.Rekha: Can you tell us the name of the website for all the listeners? We will also be providing links to the website on our transcript. But can you just mention the name please?Neha: Yeah, it's Shaktitva.org. S-H-A-K-T-I, Shakti. And then, Shaktitva.org.Shalini: Great. Yeah, so I think we've had a one hell of a ride with you, Nehaji. It's been absolutely exhilarating, I would say. And I think this episode will not stay at 35, 40 minutes, but that's okay. But I think even our listeners will find it extremely engaging and beautiful too. So I think I'm absolutely floored by your quote. I would like you to end once more with the quote that you just mentioned and then we'll call it wraps. Neha: Absolutely. So the way we mentioned it is that Hindu women are embodiments of Shakti. You do not empower Shakti, you bow before it.Shalini: And with that, I think we come to the end of this edition of our podcast, and we will connect with our listeners in a fortnight's time. Thank you. Thank you, Nehaji. Thank you very much for spending so much time with us and giving us one grand experience of Holi. Thank you so much and thank you, Rekha, and we will meet with our listeners soon. Namaste. 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In this episode, we talk about the festival of Holi with our special guest Neha who is the founder of Shaktitva.org.In this episode, we participate and soak in the reminiscences of Neha ji as she recounts her memories of playing Holi in India, growing up.General InformationSubscribers are requested to look for The Hindu Parenting notification emails for new podcasts/posts in their email promotions/spam tab and personally move these into the main inbox. Thereafter all posts will be delivered to their main inbox. Thank you!For questions that you'd like us to address, please use the form below:Hindu Parenting QuestionsFor comments and suggestions, please use the comments tab or write to us at contact@hinduparenting.orgPlease note that questions will not be answered on email.Do subscribe to our substack and follow us on our social media handlesTwitter: hinduparentingInstagram: hinduparentingTelegram: t.me/hinduparentingFacebook: facebook.com/groups/hinduparentingTranscriptRekha: Namaste. Welcome to the Hindu Parenting Podcast. Today, we will speak about the festival of Holi. Holi is celebrated on the full moon Purnima in the month of Phalgun as per the Hindu calendar.To help us understand the traditions, the stories and the issues surrounding the festival, we have a special guest today, Neha Ji, who is the founder of Shaktitva Foundation, a Devi Upasaka and many things besides. She is also a software engineer. Namaste, Neha Ji.Neha: Namaste, everyone. Really glad that you chose me to be here. Holi is definitely one of the top two festivals that we celebrate in North India and I'm glad to share it with you all.Rekha: Oh, we are very happy to have you on our podcast too. So this being a special Holi episode, could you tell us a little bit about your childhood memories? Where did you grow up?Neha: Yeah, so I actually am born and raised in Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh. As you can imagine, that's like the heart of what they call the Hindi heartland. So, you know, we have a very, very elaborate celebration of Holi. Like the anticipation starts building up honestly from like right after Basant Panchami. Holi and Diwali are the two major festivals where everything comes together. For the Western audience, I often compare that to like we have, this is like our Christmas. It's that big. So yeah, I grew up in Lucknow and Holi was like when we were even like younger, like Holi and Diwali are the two times when you definitely get new clothes. That's a guarantee. You may or may not get on your birthday or any other occasion, but these two, you are definitely going to get new clothes. You know, the growing up we, you know, the fondest memories are that most of my cousins who are usually busy with their, you know, daily lives, they're working in different cities and so on. They'll all they choose the Holi vacations to come to the hometown. And we had like a joint family sort of a setup. So we would get relatives we hadn't seen in, you know, months, sometimes even years, who will come over to celebrate with us. Shalini: Nehaji, so is there a concept of Holi vacations in the north? I've not heard of that. Neha: Absolutely. Yeah, yeah. Absolutely. Yeah. So like for example, right now, my niece has her board exam starting on 27th here. That is Monday, but she will get five days off around Holi. Shalini: Wow, really? This is news to me. I didn't know that, you know, there are vacations for Holi also. Neha: And in fact, my other niece is in the engineering school right now and she is getting her 10 day off. Shalini: 10 days for Holi? That's so lovely. I thinkNeha: what they do is they integrate Holi with whatever their summer like semester break is. So that it happens at the same time. So they say the same as spring break, right? But in this scenario, spring break and Holi are done together. Yeah, so we have this, people would come like, as you said, as because you get these longer vacations to take time to go back to family, if you're not living with them, also the preparations in the household start honestly, even months before. So there is this, so when you're celebrating Holi in the middle of it, like, you know, you're drenched in colors and you get hungry. But you can't sit down to eat your regular food, right? What are you going to eat? Because you're only literally like dripping with colors. So we have to prepare, you have to prepare snacks, right? That are like, that are sort of, you know, homemade fried snacks. So the sweets are offerings, you can eat those.So what we call Gujiya. But other than that, you can, the ladies will start preparing chips and papad. So chips is mostly potato chips, but also other kinds of chips. And papads, so I am sure if you don't know the process of making chips requires you, you know, slice the potatoes in a certain thickness, you lay it all to be dried in the sun. And only then for many, many days, and only then it's ready. Same is the story with papad. So for papad, like, aloo papad is easier, like potato papad is easier. But if you're making papad from tapioca, sabudana, then that one, you have to make that paste, spread it really thin on a plastic, and then again, put it out in the sun to soak, to dry. And if it's not dry, it's not going to fry. Okay, so this is a very, very elaborate process that's taken up almost weeks before. Like, I am sure like back in India right now, the process has started in my home. Shalini: So this all this happens even now? Neha: Yeah. I mean, it's honestly, it kind of depends on the person. Like, you know, you can be as, you know, you can do as much of this as you want. And sometimes you obviously the replacements are available in the market. So if you don't have time to make papad and chips, you can always buy them. But you know, you're talking about memories. So this was definitely, you know, in the, every family and every sister in law, mother in law that I knew whether it was a working lady or not, they're coming back and even entire families involved. To be honest, like my brother used to boil potatoes. And we used to help them, help them spread. Because it's a lot of work, you know, like one person can't do it. So literally, you know, kids will get involved. And also, it's fun because like we're not now all hanging around it and maybe we get to take a bite of it uncooked and raw. And then your tummy will hurt. But you know, children will be children. Shalini: Sounds like a whole load of fun, really.Neha: Yeah, it's a very, very elaborate process. So this is this starts weeks before then you have to plan for the, you know, the actual Holi, so you have to buy colors in advance and so on. And then if sometimes, you know, daughters will visit their Maika, like their mother's home with their husband, if they're local, usually, if they're local. So during the playing time, them, them and their, so usually what happens, you play for a little bit in your home. And then sometimes you, if you have local relatives, you kind of do a tour, you know, like you go to those other houses and play.So sometimes daughters will visit and then, you know, mothers will get very anxious that oh, she's going to visit. So now we have to prepare all of the stuff that has to be given to her and all that fun. So it gets like, you know, the preparations take a while. Then the day before Holi is the Holika Dahan. We'll talk a little bit more in detail about it. But that is the sort of the, it's very similar to how the day before Diwali is. So the Naraka Chaturadashi, that and this one is very similar where you basically the idea is that you clean your house, get all the impurities out of the house. And in this time, we actually put those impurities and burn it in the bonfire. So it's kind of like an evil warding ritual, right. And there is a mythological reason behind it or like I don't want to call it mythological, it's a legendary reason behind it. Shalini: Yeah. Okay. So and then after the, after the, I think the next day is the playing with colours, no? And then what happens after, after all the masti is over? Neha: And then you have to clean up yourself. Shalini: Is that something people looked forward to? Neha: No, no, no, that's the worst part obviously. And depending on how, you know, how, how should I say, how naughty your cousins and friends are, that will increase the intensity of the cleanup. So usually like if you're playing with dry powder colours, which is like Gulal is what we call it in Hindi, those are relatively easier to clean up. Like you can just shower and shampoo and it's more or less it cleans up fast. But these days, sometimes you start getting those wet colours, right? So you mix those, it comes taken a very crystallised form powder and you mix it in the water and then it becomes coloured water. So you throw water at each other. Again, that, that can also relatively get cleaned up. But the naughty part is now at least my brothers used to do this and I am, if you've never met me, but I'm short. So what they'll do is they'll get that entire box of the crystals and put it on my head, dry, not with water. So when I'm shampooing, now this thing is dissolving. So that's when it starts to dissolve and I get freshly coated as I'm shampooing because I'm showering. So for like hours, the water has to run from my head so that the colour and will keep coming out and out and out. So sometimes I'm actually more colourful after the shower than before the shower. So it depends. Rekha: It's a diabolical plan. Neha: People get very creative on Holi. So you must have heard like, you know, neighborhood boy, little young boys will, you know, or boys and girls in fact both. They'll make those balloons filled with water and they'll, you know, throw those from roof tops. The two tease, tease people, we all get yelled at for it. But you know, kids being kids. And then there's also like, sometimes the, some of the friends will hide on the balcony and they will target the people who are coming to the house, right? Like, so if you're knocking and if the balcony faces the door, you're standing on the balcony, hoping to not be noticed. And as soon as the, as you come to knock, we all pour, you know, colour from on top of you. But the fun part, you know, another interesting thing is Holi is in fact, there is an entire genre of songs, traditional folk songs about Holi. And then you'll notice a theme in there. Right? Those are very, very naughty songs. And by naughty, I mean, like, usually there is a, you know, a decorum of how you talk to people or how you behave with certain relations, right? So for example, you know, the daughter's husband is like a sort of a celebrity, like a mini celebrity in the daughter's home. So like, there's like a certain decorum, like, you know, you want to offer the best food to him and you want to treat him special. And also same thing with, you know, elders and some in law relationships are also like that, like daughters in law will be very respectful to brothers in law and so on. Yeah. But on Holi, we call it like, you know, all sins are forgiven. So, so there is a, in fact, there's a slogan called bura na mano Holi hai. Don't mind. So I have permission that I have. I have an implicit permission to, you know, break those barriers. So what that means is if I am a younger sister, usually I'll be very respectful towards my older brother or older sister. But on Holi, I can actually play all these tricks on them and they're not allowed to get angry at me.And the same thing, it will even transcend those boundaries of marriages and custom, you know, so like daughters in law will sometimes play pranks on their, you know, in fact, their mother-in-law or like even their brother-in-law and so on. So that kind of license to, you know, be completely free and enjoy the festival in your, you know, in your natural form. And that like, that laughter and joy that, you know, uncontrolled or rather uninhibited joy is what actually brings the beauty of the festival.Rekha: An opportunity to let off some steam also, right? Neha: Exactly, exactly. So people look forward to it. You know, if you've been, sometimes, like, you know, if you've had some say, let's say you've had a fight with your sister-in-law, you know, you haven't been seeing eye to eye, Holi is the time where you get to be, you know, where you get to talk about it. Or maybe that is exactly because she's not allowed to get upset. So there are songs, entire songs dedicated on how, you know, bura na mano Holi hai theme, essentially. Okay. Rekha: This part is so cultural. I, anybody who's not part of this culture, who hasn't seen it growing up, will have some trouble relating to it. And a chance of misinterpreting this is very high, I feel. Neha: Oh, absolutely. In fact, in fact, this is known, right? For example, if somebody even from other parts of India has moved recently to some part of North India, and they see it for the first time, you know, it will, in fact, appear weirdly rowdy. Oh, my God, what are these, you know, people who appear. It's honestly, we're having so much fun that sometimes we look drunk, but we're not. But like, but if people like so, like, you know, uninhibited that you would feel that they may be like high on something.And you'll see groups of these extremely colored people, you know, wearing weirdo clothes, walking around with bags of color in their hands and throwing it at random strangers and yelling, bura na mano Holi hai, it sounds very uncultured, right? And in fact, it's very common for you, like, maybe you're not expecting to be colored, but you know, suddenly somebody throws color at you and something like that can happen. And it can sometimes be a little off-putting. But you have to understand this is a very, very, Holi is probably one of the most authentic indigenous festivals that has maintained its nature throughout the, you know, two waves of colonization and even this modern, you know, fad of westernization. We have sort of at least Holi preserves that original authentic character.So, you know, it started off in villages where everybody knew everybody. So, first of all, like that, there was this implied sense of relationship, even if it wasn't blood relations. And then so they first sort of this was like a community level function, right? And that uninhibition or lack of inhibition can be a little, you know, I would even say jarring, which is why, you know? Shalini: Disconcerting…Neha: Yeah, exactly. Disconcerting or even maybe jarring, which is why you start seeing these, you know, tweets of hyper-civilized, hyper-westernized or colonized people tweeting about, oh my God, this is so rowdy, this is so rowdy. You know, I've even, I've even heard toxic masculinity pop up, but like, you know, if you see my behavior, then it's also very toxic masculinity on that day. But no, but I think, you know, but of course, there is at the same time, whenever you have some festival like this, there'll always be elements that try to misuse it and, you know, pull that off. But that's not the nature of the festival. Like you can't change a festival because there are criminal elements in the society. Shalini: Oh yeah, that's true. Yeah, absolutely. Neha: But yeah, to your point, you know, it is, it can be, you know, a little bit shocking, but that's also why so many people are attracted to this festival. Like in fact, I live in New York and, you know, ever since I moved here, I know that there is a grand Holi celebration that happens in New York. And there is a, I've actually even participated in a couple of them. Obviously, we can't do it on the actual date because it's too cold. So then the holy celebration in New York is delayed and usually happens in like May. And we book an entire park and have a sport park is booked for celebration and the colors are sold in the stalls right there. There is Indian dancers performing and there's like snacks and everything like it. They try to recreate that experience to the extent possible because it's just so intoxicating in that sense. If you see it vicariously, you want to be a part of it.Shalini: It's, I think that freedom to let go of any inhibitions is something very tempting for everybody no. I mean, you're always living a very rule bound, boundaries, not to violate them, which is, of course, I think required too, but this one occasion to let go is something very attractive.Neha: It creates that balance. Otherwise, we are a fairly conservative society. We live by so many rules that are implied and that sometimes are not even written somewhere, but we have these social norms and the society is very strongly structured around those rules that we have followed for millennia. So this one day where you get to be yourself and have fun and tease and play and be naughty and all of that and play pranks on people that otherwise would get upset is an amazing experience. It just lets you be. It creates that balance that is, I think, very necessary for us to survive. Rekha: Nehaji, in many ways, I wish I had known this growing up because I grew up mostly in South India and had spent a couple of years in Bihar in Patna. And I must tell you that my first Holi there was very unsettling for me because I had no background of Holi, witnessing Holi at all. And you're right. I did see many people wandering around looking colorful. It's just this whole thing. It makes you quite unsettled. And I just wish I had known this to understand it in its proper spirit then. Shalini: Correct. Actually, yeah, even I remember while growing up, Holi was one festival where we would get afraid. It was a bit fear inducing because you don't know who will jump out from where to throw those colors. Even I grew up in the South. So there was a sense of fear associated with Holi. It's just that you're not used to somebody coming and rubbing so much color on you and you looking like a ghoul after that.Rekha: We have all these concepts now of personal space and things like that that we have grown up with because we have internalized them so much. Maybe the modern Western thinking that we all grew up with. So Holi is one occasion that doesn't leave you with this concept of personal space. And that's what I remember thinking back then. But then it's always the lens with which you view these things. And knowing what I know now, it just seems like I should have relaxed and participated.Neha: So I think there's one more thing though. There is an important, you bring up a very important point. I think what I have noticed personally and I may be biased and if your experience is different, I'd be happy to hear it out. But from what my experience says, if I am passing by, you're all in the mood. And if I notice somebody who's clearly telling with me with their body language that they don't want to participate, then most people will leave them alone actually.Unless there's somebody trying to create nuisance, people will generally leave them alone. But of course, if you are participating, like if you're fully colored and you have a bag in your hands, even then I've seen like usually, especially with women and women you don't know, if somebody wants to play with you, they'll come and ask first, is it okay, didi, if I put color on you, something like that. So that kind of respect is still there. We don't completely forget who we are. But again, like, as you said, like, you know, very correctly observed that it's all about the lens that you see it from. If you weren't scared, and if you were willing to participate, the experience may be actually very beautiful. Shalini: It is, because the figure I remember listening to you, it sounds like real, you know, letting your hair down completely, you know, so much. But we never got this perspective growing up, you know, so, Neha: yeah, because your family wasn't participating. Yeah, I think that's the difference, right? Like when you start, like from like in the morning on the color playing day, you're actually not supposed to start playing unless you've offered color to the gods and then to the elders. So I was the youngest and I was obviously the most excited also to play holy. So the first thing I'll do the moment I get up, I'll brush my teeth, and mom will try to put some breakfast out, but I'm not interested. And I will, you know, wear whatever clothes have your marks to be destroyed by Holi. I'll wear those. And then I will put like a plate of all the various colors. And I'll go to the puja room, put it on the gods, offer it to the gods and come back and wake up every family member and put a tika on them so that, you know, I can start playing. So as soon as possible, like even if you have not woken up, the tika will be there because I need to go. So I'll, you know, once I'm ready and all the other cousins from other family and we used to live in a sort of joint family setting. So then I'll go around the rest of the place, offering the same thing. And then, you know, of course, every single time I had to be reminded that I should put oil on my body first. So we'll take mustard oil and we'll put it earlier so that it stains less, like the color stains less if you put oil. So we'll drench ourselves with mustard oil, including the hair, and then you wear those clothes. And so you've already, the moment I enter, you know, I'm prepared for what's about to ensue.So it starts like that, like it starts simple and all the, you know, every single family I'll visit, they'll have snacks on the table ready somewhere, hopefully outside where you don't have to walk too much inside too late. Otherwise you'll just, you know, spill colors everywhere. So they'll, whatever is their visitor's area, they'll put out like a whole plate of snacks right there and they'll offer you, oh, and then as I said mentioned, like, you know, that special sweet has to be prepared, Gujiya. So that is also a night. So in some families, there's a culture that you have to prepare it the night before, after the holika has burned, like that holika dahan has happened, that bonfire has happened. And that's also a decently elaborate ritual.So mostly all of the family would be involved in that also. So it's made from, like from Maida, which is like, you know, filtered wheat flour, and you use Maida and you add, like, you know, flatten it into a small puri. And then you fill it with a sweet mixture of milk solids, like the mawa. And before that, you have to fry mawa to a golden brown color, and then you add dry fruits in it and powdered sugar or gold, like jaggery. And so that mixture is prepared, that is the filling of that Gujiya. And then you seal it up in a semi, like it's a semi circle, sort of shape. And then you then it is fried. So again, everyone wants you to try out their Gujiya and then you have to praise the Gujiya. Shalini: Actually, we had a similar sweet in the south, you know, it's called, yeah, what? Rekha: In Telugu, we call it kajjikai. Neha: Yes. Yes. What you call it, but there is something very similar. Yeah. Yeah, it is slightly different, you know. Shalini: Yeah, the filling is different. In the south, I think they put either channa dal mixed with gud or they put coconut, coconut in it. Neha: We also put coconut, but the base is mawa. Shalini: Yeah, that's what. I've not seen milk solids in the southern version of this.Neha: But you know, by the way, there is a very interesting linkage here. So one interesting thing that my friend Sahana Singh has found is that during the reign of King Harsha, several families, and I'm talking hundreds of families of Brahmins, learned Brahmins were invited to live in the Agrahaara he was setting up in Karnataka. And they were all invited from the Ahi Chhatra part of Uttar Pradesh, which is now Bareli. So actually Sahana Singh's own family traces her origins to Ahi Chhatra area. So it is and that is why it's my personal observation also that the some specific traditions, whether it's wedding rituals or even this these, you know, folk traditions have a lot of commonality between Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh.I don't know if this particular sweet is related or not, but I'm just saying like it's entirely possible that the, you know, the there is some cultural interchange that has caused this very similar sweet to have, you know, come into being. Shalini: Yeah, yeah, we should find a lot more of these linkages, you know, just to end this whole North-South divide, you know, completely. Neha: Oh, absolutely. The more you get to know each other, the more you find out it's so similar. You know, there's more common than there are more commonalities than differences.Rekha: Totally. The food, the customs, there's a lot in common. And this whole thing about, you know, UP and Bihar, I feel the culture is just so vibrant. And it's not really understood by a lot of people who have modernized. And the thing is that that area of India, I think holds on a lot still to respect for elders to tradition, and also has a very, you know, a playful way of bringing out these festivals. So it's a beautiful blend and it comes very close to, you know, I like to think of it as India that used to be. So I have a lot of admiration for that.Shalini: The Bharat that used to be perhaps, you know. Rekha: Bharat that used to be, I like that. Yes.Shalini: So Neha ji, we've had such a great time reminiscing about your Holi, you know, not our Holi, but your Holi and had a lot of fun. So I would just like to ask you what, you know, what is a primary story associated with the festival of Holi?Neha: Yeah, yeah. So there are actually several deity specific legends that exist around Holi. So Holi happens on a very specific time, like it's right before the wheat harvest, very close to the vernal equinox. Now, before I get into the legend of Holi, it's important to note that this is a very common time for most indigenous festivals, like, you know, most non-Abrahamic cultures around the world to celebrate equinoxes is a very common pattern to celebrate specific movements of the moon and the sun.So, you know, these kind of celebrations are very common. And so this one is also very similar. Also in other cultures, for example, Native American cultures and even Latin American cultures, pre-Christian ones, you can find similar bonfire rituals. Okay. So and also, I don't know if you know, but similar to Lohdi, like another bonfire ritual that we have, there is a very beautiful parallel in pre-Christian Ireland and Scotland even, where equinoxes and solstices are considered these very powerful times. So this one, Holi falls very close to the vernal equinox. And that is right before the time of the wheat harvest. So North India, you know, for several centuries now, wheat has become one of the most important crops. And so this is sort of a celebration and also an evil warding ritual, the bonfire serves as an evil warding ritual to ensure the health of the crops, to ensure the health of the people, and in general, well-being and prosperity. So that's the one important, like the indigenous commonality of it all. But speaking of our Shastras and Puranas, the first or the most important mention is found in Bhagavad Puran, which is also known as Srimad Bhagavatam. And there you find the story of the Narasimha avatar, which is related to Hiranyakakashipu , the demon and Bhakta Prahlad. So the story basically goes that, you know, Hiranyakashipu was one of the two sons of Sage Kashyap. And they, through both of them, through extreme penance, had gained several boons from Lord Brahma. And the hidden aspiration, sorry. Rekha: Who is it that has gained the boon from Lord Brahma? Neha: Hiranyakashipu, who is the son of Sage Kashyap, but he is him and his brother, both are demons. So Hiranyaksha is their brother and Hiranyakashipu is the other son. So there are two sons. So they've gained boons from Lord Brahma and he has the hidden aspirations, like pretty much all demon stories, to rule the entire universe. So his arch enemy in the story is Vishnu, because Brahma and Shiva both are sort of like, you know, distracted and don't really care about the running of the universe. So these demons always fixate on Vishnu for these purposes. So this fellow, he has now, so he gets a very interesting boon. So by the laws of nature, you can't actually ask for immortality. So when you do this extreme penance and you have to ask for a boon, these demons still want immortality or undefeatability. And so they get creative. So this guy gets really creative. Okay. And so he asks that I should not be able to be killed inside the home or outside the home. Okay. I should not be able to be killed during the day nor at night. I should not be able to be killed from any known weapon or any other thing. And then I should not be able to be killed by any human being or an animal. Or I should not be able to be killed either on the ground or in the sky. Yeah. Okay. So he thinks he's covered all the possibilities of how he can be killed. And so now because these, some of one of the criteria will be met. And so essentially he becomes invincible for the most intentional purposes. So now he is convinced that he is like the master of the universe. Nobody can defeat him, including Vishnu, because you know, all of these rules sort of apply to everybody. It doesn't matter who's killing him. So he is full of ego and greed and jealousy and, you know, confidence. And he establishes a rule in his kingdom that nobody except him can be worshipped. So he declares himself as the one true male jealous God. So he is now the only God that is allowed to be worshipped in his kingdom.Now, as you can imagine, the entire kingdom is full of people who've been practicing their dharma for years and years. And suddenly this diktat comes. So he reels out their terror on all of these people and anybody who tries to oppose this is instantly killed. So this goes on for in fact decades. And all of his subjects are, you know, reeling under this persecution, except for one person who is Hiranyakashupu's 10 year old son Prahlad. So he is fully defiant and he does not care whether he lives or dies. He is only going to worship Vishnu. So initially, you know, Hiranyakashupu is angered by his son's defiance. So he says he sends him to this pathasala where he already has convinced these acharyas to impart, you know, the teachings of Hiranyakashupu. So they are trying to convince Prahlad that he should forget about all other gods and he should only focus on Hiranyakashupu. Because Hiranyakashupu is undefeatable and that's not true for, so that makes him superior to Vishnu. But Prahlad, who's already well versed in the teachings of Sri Maha Vishnu, he defeats them in a philosophical debate. These, you know, sages are very upset and convinced in fact, but, you know, they will lose their heads if they start agreeing with him. So they are, you know, uncertain and they go back to Hiranyakashupu that I cannot convince this kid. So he is again angered. And this time he says, okay, I'm going to make an example out of you. So I'm going to punish you in such a, you know, tyrannical way that anybody else would think twice before disobeying me like this. And imagine this is a 10 year old son, his own son that he is waging this war against. Now, according to the Srimad Bhagavatam verse 7.5, he tries to crush him with an elephant. The Hiranyakashupu tries to crush his 10 year old son Prahlad by elephant, attack him with huge snakes, cast spell of dooms, throw him from heights, to conjure tricks, imprison him, administer poison and subject him to starvation, cold wind, fire and water. He threw rocks at him. But none of these means the demons succeeded in putting his son, the sinless one to death. With his prolonged efforts having no success, he got very nervous. So at this point, he enlists a list of long list of demons he had in his army, and he unleashes all of them on Prahlad. All of them fail. They are all, the Prahlad is saved from all of them because of the blessings of Sri Vishnu. So eventually, Hiranyakashupu finds his own sister Holika. Now Holika also has a boon. She has a boon that she has been granted a cloak, or like a cloth that protects the wearer from being burned in the fire. So she can, if she dons herself with this cloak and she sits in the fire, she will not be burned. So on Hiranyakashupu's command, this woman lowers her young nephew into sitting on a pyre. She puts the nephew on her lap, puts the cloth on her own self and sits on a pyre and the pyre is lighted. So as the fire starts raging, the wind blows again from the blessing of Sri Vishnu and covers Prahlad and uncovers Holika. So instead of Prahlad getting burned, Holika gets burned and the innocent child is saved. Now eventually, and this is the relevant, this is the moment that is celebrated as Holika Dahan. Shalini: I think we will stop at this point for today and we will discuss further in our next podcast which will be coming up very soon. We have so much to discuss with Nehaji and there is just so much more fun awaiting you all in a few days time. So we will take a break for this podcast and come back to the second part of this podcast in just a couple of days time. So please hang in there and wait for the continuation of this episode. Thank you and Namaste. 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