Field Recordings – Kali Bhakti

37       Bakreshwar: A Conflux of Shaiva and Shakta Tradition   Although Bakreshwar, West Bengal is primarily renowned for its Shiva temple and therapeutic hot springs, these attractions tend to overshadow its parallel significance as a …

477       Is Tarapith a Shakti Pith?   While Tarapith is often not considered a “true” shakti pith due to its rather curious omission from the list of 51 sacred sites found in the Mahapithanirupana, it …

        It is now 2 a.m. and I am staying up all night to see what I can collect from the opening ceremonies of Durga Puja early tomorrow morning near the Kalighat Kali Mandir. Julie …

          Durga Puja is fast approaching and Kolkata is becoming a mad house–in a good way. The general vibe surrounding West Bengal’s biggest holiday is one of awe. Right now, I’m observing the most …

37       In a narrow lane near Varanasi’s Meer Ghat is a small, curiously South Indian-styled temple dedicated to the goddess known as Vishalakshi–the “Wide-Eyed.”     At first, this temple might be easy to overlook …

        “Ram Nam Satya Hai”     Day and night, funeral processions transport the dead through Varanasi’s narrow, winding lanes toward the burning ghat, Manikarnika. Groups of men carrying corpses on decorated stretchers chant Ram …