A Fruit Rooted in Ritual, History, and Health

GRAPES 🍇

A Fruit Older Than Written History

Grapes are among the earliest cultivated fruits known to humanity, with archaeological evidence dating back over 6,000 years. From ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt to Greece and Rome, grapes were more than nourishment—they were symbols of divinity, fertility, abundance, and purity.

In Greek mythology, grapes were associated with Dionysus, the god of wine, celebration, and transformation. The Romans elevated viticulture to an art form, believing vineyards represented civilisation itself. Growing grapes was not merely agricultural—it was cultural and sacred.

The Colonial Trail of Grapevines

The global spread of grapes owes much to European exploration and colonisation. Missionaries, traders, and settlers carried grapevines across continents. Through colonial trade routes, grapes transformed from a regional crop into a global agricultural commodity, shaping cuisines, economies, and cultures wherever they took root.

India’s Enduring Affair with Grapes

In India, grapes have found fertile ground—both agriculturally and culturally.

Maharashtra leads the country in grape production, with Nashik, often called India’s Wine Capital, gaining international recognition for fresh grape exports.

Karnataka, the second-largest producer, is known for quality table grapes and raisins, especially in Bijapur and Bagalkot districts.

Tamil Nadu ranks third, with significant production in Theni, Krishnagiri, and Coimbatore.

India is now among the world’s important grape producers, contributing to both domestic consumption and global markets.

When Grapes Turn Luxurious

Not all grapes are humble. In Japan, Ruby Roman grapes redefine luxury. Cultivated under stringent quality standards, these grapes are prized for their exceptional size, deep red colour, sweetness, and low acidity. A single bunch can cost thousands of rupees and is often gifted as a symbol of prestige and respect. It is proof that even the simplest fruit can acquire extraordinary value based on care, cultivation, and culture.

Tiny Fruit, Powerful Benefits

Despite their size, grapes pack impressive health benefits:

Rich in antioxidants, especially resveratrol, which supports heart health

Aid circulation and help reduce inflammation

Provide vitamins, natural sugars, and quick energy

Support skin, brain, and immune health

Interestingly, many benefits lie in the skin of the grape. Nutritionists recommend washing grapes thoroughly to remove pesticide residue before consumption.

Green Grapes vs Black Grapes: Does Colour Matter?

Yes, colour does matter.

Green grapes are mildly sweet and refreshing, rich in vitamin C and K, ideal for hydration, digestion, and quick energy.

Black grapes contain higher levels of anthocyanins and antioxidants, linked to anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer properties.

Both varieties are nutritious, but your choice can depend on your health goal—refreshment or antioxidant boost.

The grape ritual

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, a quiet yet curious ritual unfolds. Participants sit with twelve grapes at the ready, eyes fixed on the final countdown. With each chime of the clock, one grape is eaten—chew, wish, swallow—until all twelve are consumed. Each grape symbolises one month of the coming year, carrying a silent hope or intention for what lies ahead.

Rooted in Spanish folklore, the tradition of eating twelve grapes at midnight is believed to invite good fortune, prosperity, and happiness for the year ahead. Simple in practice yet rich in symbolism, the ritual transforms an ordinary fruit into an edible calendar of optimism, where each passing second marks a wish for the future.

Quiet, personal, and hopeful, this grape ritual reflects a universal desire shared across cultures—the wish to begin a new year with faith, intention, and fresh beginnings.

From Vine to Wine, Fermentation

Beyond rituals and trends, grapes have long been valued for their remarkable ability to transform. One of the most celebrated products of grapes is wine, created through the natural process of fermentation, where yeast converts the fruit’s sugars into alcohol. This process, practised for thousands of years, gave rise to winemaking traditions across ancient civilisations, making wine one of the earliest fermented beverages known to humankind. Different grape varieties, climates, and ageing methods influence a wine’s flavour, aroma, and colour, turning grapes into a product of craftsmanship and culture. Apart from wine, grapes are also processed into raisins, grape juice, vinegar, and grape seed oil, each extending the fruit’s usefulness far beyond the vine. Through fermentation and preservation, grapes continue to bridge nutrition, tradition, and artistry.

Interesting Grape Facts

● There are over 8,000 varieties of grapes worldwide

● Grapes float in water due to their high water content

● In ancient Greece and Rome, grapes were used as medicine for wound healing

● Cabernet Sauvignon is among the most widely planted wine grape varieties

● Grapes are one of the few fruits used fresh, dried (raisins), fermented (wine), and juiced

Heterochromia.

CAN A PERSON HAVE TWO DIFFERENT-COLOURED EYES?

Yes, a person can have eyes of two different colours. This rare and fascinating condition is known as heterochromia.

How Eye Colour Develops: The colour of our eyes is determined by the iris, the coloured part of the eye. Eye colour develops during the first few weeks after birth. It depends on the amount of a pigment called melanin present in the iris.

More melanin → darker eye colour (brown or black)

Less melanin → lighter eye colour (blue, green, or grey)

What Is Heterochromia?

Sometimes, the concentration or distribution of melanin is not the same in both eyes. When this happens, each eye may develop a different colour. This condition is called heterochromia.

Heterochromia is rare, usually harmless and often inherited from one of the parents. In most cases, it does not affect vision and requires no treatment.

Types of Heterochromia:

● Heterochromia can appear in different forms:

●Complete heterochromia – each eye is a completely different colour

●Partial (sectoral) heterochromia – one iris has two colours

●Central heterochromia – a ring of a different colour surrounds the pupil

Famous People with Heterochromia

Several well-known personalities have heterochromia, which adds to their unique appearance:

Kate Bosworth, American actress

Demi Moore, American actress (subtle form)

Shane Warne, legendary Australian cricketer

Their condition has helped bring public attention to this rare trait.

A Unique Feature, Not a Flaw: Heterochromia reminds us that human diversity is full of wonder. What may seem unusual is often just another example of nature’s creativity. Eyes of two different colours are not a defect—they are simply beautifully unique.

Did You Know?

● The word heterochromia comes from Greek—heteros meaning different and chroma meaning colour.

●Babies are often born with blue or grey eyes because melanin develops gradually after birth.

●Heterochromia can also be seen in animals, especially cats, dogs, and horses.

●People with heterochromia usually have perfectly normal eyesight.

●The condition makes eye colour one of the most unique identifiers of a person.

Manipur’s Majestic Gift of Polo to the World

FROM SAGOL KANGJEI TO POLO 

India—more specifically Manipur—gifted the world one of its most majestic and aristocratic games: Polo, in its modern form. Long before it became a symbol of royalty and leisure in the West, Polo was played on the lush plains of Manipur as Sagol Kangjei, a sport deeply woven into the social, cultural, and spiritual fabric of Manipuri life.

Meaning and Origins of Sagol Kangjei: The term Sagol Kangjei comes from the Manipuri language—Sagol meaning pony, and Kangjei meaning a game played with sticks. Thus, Sagol Kangjei literally translates to “a game played on ponies using sticks.”

Although the exact origins of the game remain a subject of historical debate, references to Sagol Kangjei can be traced back to ancient times. According to the Royal Chronicle of Manipur (Cheitharol Kumbaba), the game was introduced by King Kangba, who ruled Manipur around 33 CE. Initially enjoyed by princes and members of royal families, the sport was also used as training for warfare.

A Game of Skill, Speed, and Warfare: In its early form, Sagol Kangjei was not merely a sport but a military exercise. Princes practiced throwing the Arambai—a deadly dart with iron heads often decorated with peacock feathers—while riding swiftly on horseback. This sharpened their riding skills, coordination, and combat readiness.

Players rode a special and hardy breed known as the Manipuri Pony, renowned for its endurance, agility, and intelligence. These ponies were perfectly suited to the fast-paced and physically demanding nature of the game.

Spiritual and Cultural Significance: Ponies hold a sacred place in Manipuri society and mythology. They are associated with Marjing, a revered deity believed to be the protector of horses. Even today, Polo sticks and balls are offered to the deity during worship, reflecting the spiritual reverence attached to the sport.

The cultural importance of Sagol Kangjei is also evident in Lai Haraoba, one of Manipur’s most significant festivals. During the celebrations, a ritual dance portrays a bride searching for her groom, holding a Polo stick, symbolising the sport’s deep-rooted presence in Manipuri life and traditions.

From Sagol Kangjei to Modern Polo: The unique sport caught the attention of British colonial rulers in the 19th century when they witnessed it being played in the plains of Cachar (present-day Assam). Fascinated, the British adapted and standardised the game, modifying its rules and structure.

Thus was born Modern Polo, typically played between two teams of seven players each, with defined goalposts and standardised equipment. From India, the game spread to England and eventually to countries across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.

Traditional Sagol Kangjei vs Modern Polo: Traditional Sagol Kangjei differs significantly from its modern counterpart:

● Players rode bareback, without saddles or reins

● The game was played barefoot

● There were no goalposts; goals were scored by hitting the ball past either end of the field

● The ball was traditionally made from bamboo roots, unlike the synthetic balls used worldwide today

● These elements made Sagol Kangjei a raw, thrilling, and intensely skilled sport.

Mapal Kangjeibung: The Oldest Polo Ground

The heart of Polo in Manipur lies in Mapal Kangjeibung, located in Imphal. Recognised as the oldest polo ground in the world, it stands as a living testament to Manipur’s enduring polo heritage.

Every year, during the 10-day Manipur Sangai Festival held in the last week of November, an International Polo Tournament takes place here. Teams from countries such as the United Kingdom, USA, Australia, Thailand, and several others participate, celebrating Manipur’s timeless legacy.

A Living Heritage: Sagol Kangjei is not just the origin of modern Polo—it is a living heritage, a symbol of Manipuri identity, resilience, and cultural pride. In an age where Polo is often seen as an elite sport, its roots in Manipur remind the world of a tradition born from community, courage, and cultural continuity.

Manipur did not merely play Polo—it gave the world a game that continues to inspire grace, discipline, and sportsmanship across continents.

The Soulful Moonlight Dance of Goan Women

DHALO 

While Goa is often celebrated for the vibrant energy of Shigmo and the colourful revelry of Carnival, its most intimate and spiritually rooted tradition unfolds quietly under the winter moonlight. Dhalo is a deeply evocative folk festival—performed exclusively by women—that reflects Goa’s rural soul through nature worship, fertility rites, and sisterhood. Rooted in agrarian life and ancient belief systems, Dhalo is not merely a dance but a living cultural ritual.

Origins and Essence of Dhalo: Dhalo is celebrated during the Hindu month of Pausha (December–January), a period associated with the completion of the agricultural cycle. It is a thanksgiving to Mother Earth and village deities for sustenance and protection. Traditionally observed in rural Hindu communities of Goa, Dhalo represents a harmonious blend of ecology, devotion, and feminine expression.

The Sacred Stage: The Maand

Unlike modern stage performances, Dhalo takes place in a Maand—a sacred, open-air communal space within the village. Often located near a temple, sacred tree, or tulsi vrindavan, the Maand is regarded as holy ground.

Women perform barefoot, symbolising humility and respect towards Bhumi Devi (Mother Earth) and the village gods. The absence of artificial lighting or elaborate décor enhances the ritual’s raw and organic beauty, with moonlight serving as the sole witness.

Timing and Duration

Month: Pausha (December–January)

Duration: Usually 7 to 9 consecutive nights

Time: After dinner, late evening to night

Every night, women gather at the Maand as the winter chill settles over the Goan hinterlands. The stillness of the night is gradually filled with the sound of Oviyos (traditional folk songs) and the soft, rhythmic movement of feet on earth.

The Performance: Grace in Motion

Dhalo is marked by its slow, meditative rhythm, distinctly different from energetic Goan dances like Fugdi.

Formation:

● Typically 12 to 24 women

●Arranged in two parallel rows, facing each other

● Arms interlocked around waists or shoulders, symbolising unity

Movement

● Gentle forward and backward steps

● Swaying motions in perfect synchrony

● Movements resemble waves, reflecting natural rhythms

● The emphasis is not on individual skill but on collective harmony.

Traditional Attire

Women traditionally wear the Nauvari (nine-yard) saree, draped in the Maharashtrian style. Their appearance is completed with:

● Traditional jewellery

●Fresh flowers in the hair

● The attire enhances the ritualistic and cultural authenticity of the performance.

The Songs: Living Oral History

The Oviyos sung during Dhalo are a priceless repository of Goan oral tradition, passed down across generations.

Common Themes Include:

Nature Worship: Gratitude to the sun, moon, rain, and soil

Mythology: Episodes from the Ramayana, and stories of Krishna and Radha

Social Commentary: Daily joys, struggles, family life, and witty observations—often laced with humour and gentle satire

Through these songs, women voice emotions, wisdom, and experiences rarely recorded in written history.

The Grand Finale: Malani Purnima

The final night of Dhalo, celebrated on Malani Purnima, is the most vibrant and symbolic.

Key Features:

Role Reversal: Women dress as men—wearing shirts, trousers, or turbans—and perform humorous skits

Breaking Social Taboos: Laughter, mimicry, and satire replace restraint

Symbolic Reunion: In some villages, a “brother” character (played by a woman) reunites with his “sisters”

Tulsi Ritual: Planting of a tulsi sapling or a prosperity ritual marks the conclusion, invoking well-being for the village

This final night balances joy with ritual closure, signifying renewal and hope.

Why Dhalo Matters Today

Dhalo is more than a folk dance—it is a social sanctuary. Historically, it was one of the rare occasions when rural women could step away from household responsibilities to:

Gather freely

Sing, dance, and express themselves

Strengthen bonds within the community

Even today, communities such as the Gauda, Kunbi, Velip and others continue to preserve Dhalo, ensuring that the Maand remains a living centre of Goan cultural memory.

Conclusion: In an age of rapid change, Dhalo stands as a quiet yet powerful reminder of a time when life moved in rhythm with nature and community. Under the soft glow of the Pausha moon, the voices and steps of Goan women keep alive a tradition that celebrates earth, womanhood, and collective harmony.

To witness Dhalo is to witness Goa’s soul—gentle, grounded, and timeless.

Largest national park in India

HEMIS NATIONAL PARK, LADAKH 

India’s largest national park, Hemis National Park, spans an expansive area of approximately 4,400 square kilometres. Located in the rugged mountains of Ladakh, at the northernmost edge of India, the park is renowned for its dramatic and starkly beautiful landscapes, ranging from alpine meadows and river valleys to barren, rocky mountains.

Hemis National Park is one of the few places in the world where the elusive snow leopard—an endangered species often referred to as the “Ghost of the Mountains”—can be spotted in its natural habitat. This remarkable animal earns its nickname due to its exceptional ability to camouflage itself within the snowy and rocky terrain of high-altitude regions.

The park derives its name from the famous Hemis Monastery, a 17th-century Tibetan Buddhist monastery located near its northwestern boundary. This monastery is one of the largest and wealthiest in Ladakh and is an important centre of Buddhist culture and learning.

Hemis National Park is the largest protected area in the Indian Himalayas and has been designated as a Snow Leopard Reserve under Project Snow Leopard, a flagship conservation programme launched by the Government of India to protect snow leopards and their fragile high-altitude ecosystems.

Historically, the region was inhabited by small communities of peasants and nomadic herders living in scattered villages. In 1981, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir officially declared the area a national park, initially covering only 600 square kilometres. Over the years, successive expansions increased its size to the present extent, making it not only the largest national park in India but also the largest in South Asia.

Hemis National Park represents the Trans-Himalayan ecosystem, characterised by sparse human population, extreme climatic conditions, and rugged terrain. The landscape is marked by deep gorges, steep cliffs, and broken slopes. Being located in the rain-shadow region of the Himalayas, the area receives minimal rainfall. Consequently, vegetation is limited and mainly consists of dry alpine and subalpine forests, including juniper, willow, dry birch, and fir at lower elevations.

Despite the harsh environment, the park supports a rich variety of wildlife. Apart from the snow leopard, notable mammals found here include the Himalayan blue sheep (bharal), the Eurasian lynx, the Tibetan wolf, the Ladakhi urial, and the Himalayan marmot.

Hemis National Park is also a haven for birdlife. It hosts high-altitude birds of prey such as the golden eagle, bearded vulture, Himalayan griffon vulture, and Eurasian eagle-owl, along with several wintering songbirds and ground-dwelling species like the Tibetan snowcock and chukar partridge.

Today, with its well-known trekking and hiking routes, Hemis National Park has emerged as a popular destination for eco-tourism and Himalayan trekking, attracting wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers from across the world.

Did You Know?

🔹 Hemis National Park is larger than some Indian states, such as Goa and Sikkim, in terms of protected wilderness area.

🔹 The snow leopard cannot roar; instead, it communicates through hissing, growling, and a distinctive “chuffing” sound.

🔹 The park lies at an altitude ranging from 3,300 metres to over 6,000 metres, making it one of the highest national parks in the world.

🔹 Hemis Monastery hosts the famous Hemis Festival every year, celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Padmasambhava with masked dances and rituals.

🔹 The region’s extreme cold allows many animals to survive with thick fur and wide paws, which act like natural snowshoes.

🔹 Due to low human disturbance, Hemis National Park is considered one of the best natural laboratories for studying high-altitude wildlife and climate adaptation.

Subhashitam

DISCERNMENT

उपदेशो हि मूर्खाणां प्रकोपाय न शान्तये।

पयःपानं भुज गानां केवलं विषवर्धनं॥

Repetition of truth to the unwise only feeds their wrath. Words are weapons in wrong hands. Milk to serpents is not kindness — it’s fuel for their sting.

Translation

"Advice given to fools only serves to provoke them and does not bring peace; just as milk given to a snake only increases its venom."

Context

This shloka is typically used in discussions about wisdom, knowledge, and the futility of trying to advise individuals who lack understanding or are unwilling to accept guidance. It is relevant in educational, philosophical, and moral contexts, emphasising the importance of discernment in addressing foolishness.

Detailed Explanation

The shloka articulates a profound observation about the nature of advising foolish individuals. The first part notes that offering counsel or direction (उपदेशो) to those classified as मूर्खाणां (fools) will not yield beneficial results but will instead incite their anger (प्रकोपाय). Such advice does not bring about शान्तये (peace).

The second part draws a metaphor with the example of पयः (milk) being offered to a [भुज गानां] (snakes). The act of giving milk does not pacify the snake; instead, it enhances its natural venom (विषवर्धनं), leading to greater harm. This metaphor strongly conveys that attempts to placate or educate the foolish can lead to greater hostility or complications.

Significance

This shloka is important as it teaches that wisdom lies in choosing the right recipients for advice. It warns against futile attempts to change or educate those who are obstinately ignorant. The lesson emphasises the value of appropriateness in counsel-giving and reflects on the broader theme of ensuring that educational or enlightening efforts are directed toward willing and capable learners. Furthermore, it highlights that sometimes, serving certain entities (like the snake) could exacerbate underlying issues rather than resolve them, encouraging a careful evaluation of context and readiness to accept guidance.

The Sage and the Scorpion

In a quiet village by the forest lived an elderly sage, known for his wisdom and compassion. People from faraway places came to seek his guidance. The sage believed in sharing knowledge, but he also believed in discernment.

One day, a scorpion fell into a river near the ashram. Seeing it struggle, the sage lowered a leaf to help it climb out. As soon as the scorpion reached the surface, it stung the sage’s finger.

A disciple cried out, “Gurudev! Why help it again? It harmed you!”

Ignoring the pain, the sage tried once more. Again, the scorpion stung him. Blood trickled down the sage’s hand. The disciple, now angry, said,

“You are giving kindness where it is not understood. Your help only strengthens its cruelty.”

The sage paused. He gently placed a wooden plank on the water surface so that the scorpion could crawl out without touching him. Once free, the scorpion disappeared into the bushes.

Turning to the disciple, the sage said,

“Compassion should never blind wisdom. If my hand becomes the reason for harm, I must change the method—or step away.”

Later that evening, a proud villager came to the ashram. He asked for advice but mocked every suggestion, arguing loudly and twisting every word to prove himself right. The disciple waited for the sage to respond.

But this time, the sage remained silent.

The disciple asked, “Why help the scorpion and not speak to this man?”

The sage replied calmly:

“Milk nourishes the body, but poured into poison, it only strengthens the venom. Advice is the same. When the mind is closed, words become fuel for anger.”

Moral (linked directly to the shloka)

उपदेशो हि मूर्खाणां प्रकोपाय न शान्तये।

पयःपानं भुजगानां केवलं विषवर्धनम्॥

Advice given to the unwise does not bring peace—it provokes anger, just as milk fed to a snake only increases its poison.

Discernment means the ability to judge well—to understand things clearly and make wise, thoughtful decisions, especially in situations where the right choice is not obvious.

Simple Meaning

Discernment = knowing what is right, appropriate, or necessary in a given situation

In Easy Words

It is the skill of thinking carefully, seeing the difference between right and wrong, and deciding when to act, speak, or remain silent.

Example

A teacher explains a concept in detail to a curious student but chooses silence when someone only wants to argue. This is discernment.

Offering advice only to those willing to listen shows discernment.

In the Context of the Shloka:

Discernment teaches us that not everyone is ready to receive advice. Wisdom lies not just in speaking truth, but in knowing when, how, and to whom to speak.

Celebrating Peace, Unity, and Togetherness

GLOBAL FAMILY DAY

Every year, 1st January is celebrated as Global Family Day across the world. While the New Year marks new beginnings, Global Family Day reminds us that the entire human race is one global family. It encourages people to begin the year with thoughts of peace, love, care, and unity.

Origin of Global Family Day: Global Family Day began in 2001 as an initiative to promote peace and harmony after years of conflict and violence across the world. The idea is inspired by the vision of a world where people live together like members of one family, respecting differences and supporting one another. It also aligns with the United Nations’ message of global peace and non-violence.

Meaning and Significance: The word family usually refers to people related by blood or living under one roof. However, Global Family Day widens this idea and reminds us that all human beings belong to one large family. Our actions affect not just our homes or communities, but the entire world.

This day highlights important values such as:

● Peace and non-violence

● Mutual respect and understanding

● Love, compassion, and cooperation

● Responsibility towards society and the planet

How Global Family Day Is Observed: Global Family Day is not celebrated with grand events. Instead, it focuses on simple and meaningful actions, such as:

Spending quality time with family members

● Sharing meals and conversations

● Helping those in need

● Practising kindness and forgiveness

● Resolving conflicts peacefully

Many people also use this day to reflect on how they can contribute to world peace, even through small acts of goodness.

Message for the New Year: 

Starting the year with Global Family Day sends a powerful message: peace begins at home. When families are filled with love and understanding, societies become stronger, and the world becomes a better place.

Conclusion: Global Family Day on 1st January reminds us that beyond borders, languages, and cultures, humanity is united. As we welcome the New Year, let us promise to treat every individual as a member of our global family and work together for a peaceful and harmonious world.