Spiritual connect Fariduddin Ayaaz and Abu Mohammad PHOTO: KVS Giri  The sky was star-spangled and the air heavy with the scent of camphor. Soulful notes pierced the sepulchral silence adding to the ethereal ambience. The last abode of the Qutb Shahi kings reverberated with devotional music...

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A recent mushaira regaled audience with its Deccani shayeri Hyderabad and mushairas are made for each other. But this one was the most captivating of all. Reason, it was conducted in the language of the people. Yes, the musahaira was organised in chaste Deccani, the lingua franca of the erstwhile...

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There is only one pretty child in the world, and every mother has it. But not everyone seems to believe in this adage. What delights most is the sight of a male child. And this, unfortunately, is the bitter truth. The preference for male children has taken such strong roots in the society that...

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The nation has recently been afflicted by a serious disorder to which a number of people have fallen prey. The disorder is oral diarrhoea characterised by a profusion of loose, often inane and hazardous talk. Words can make or mar, heal or wound. But who cares. Everyone is bent on shooting from...

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Catchy actMirza Ghalib in his element   School children show how a language can be experienced and celebrated It was an expo with a difference. No, it was not an art, fashion or product fair. It was all about language, something unheard of till then. The city of domes and minarets...

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The ‘distance’ between a human being and being human is really long. Nonetheless, some manage to cover it effortlessly. Edhi Foundation, the Pakistani NGO, which sheltered and raised the deaf-mute Geeta drew all-round appreciation recently. This fairy tale story has a match in India too. Not long...

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Blast from the past : Musical instruments and toys from the collection.Photo: Nagara Gopal.   This winter vacation will be special for children for they can look forward to a refurbished children’s gallery at the Salar Jung Museum (SJM) in Hyderabad. Authorities are working overtime...

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It was a welcome drizzle after a sizzling day. I glanced at the bookshelf, my prized possession, and pulled out a paperback and eased myself in the chair close to the balcony. The pitter-patter of rain drops on the windowpane interrupted my thoughts. What if there were no books, I mean the physical...

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A walk through Hyderabad ‘gallis’ with Anand Raj Varma’s new book How familiar are you with your city? Do you know where Koka-ki-Tatti is? Where is Dekhchi Galli located or what is meant by Karmanghat? No prizes for guessing. The generation next may be familiar with the upscale areas in Hyderabad...

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Hyderabad’s hottest, traditional confectionary is relished by people of all faiths in this season Yes, the flavour of the season is back. It’s time to indulge in the sweet-baked treat. Dum-ke-Roat, the traditional Hyderabadi cookie, has swamped the market with the advent of Muharram, the first...

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‘Zinda Dilan-e-Hyderabad’ brought out the best of Hyderabadi humour to the fore. Laughter, they say, is the best medicine. Hyderabadis know it best. Once in a while they let their hair down and laugh their hearts out. The last weekend saw endless bouts of humour and mirth as the much looked forward...

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keep moving Mujtaba Hasan Askari shows a special desk that facilitates frequent movement  Working long hours at your workstation can spell trouble. Fitness activist Mujtaba Hasan Askari shows an interesting way to deal with it His head begins to throb as he stares at the files piled up...

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American researcher Celia Bell delves into the works of Hyderabad’s Urdu poets Mah Laqa Bai Chanda and Luft-un-Nisa Imtiyaz At a time when Urdu language is losing patronage among native speakers, it seems to strike a chord elsewhere. Its poetic form in particular has many followers both within...

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Vani Devi’s paintings reflect her engagement with the visual language of art They encourage, motivate, inspire and uplift. The object of art is not to reproduce reality but to create a reality of the same intensity. Surabhi Vani Devi does just that. She brings nature closer home through her works....

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