A Russian in India
PROVOKE Lifestyle|November 2023
EMBRACING DIWALI - A FESTIVAL OF LIGHT AND JOY
JANE KATARIA
A Russian in India

As a Russian native, I’ve always been fascinated by different cultures and traditions, but nothing could have prepared me for the enchanting experience I had in India during Diwali. It was an absolute delight to be introduced to this spectacular festival, I felt like I had entered a world of lights, colours, and tradition that was unlike anything I witnessed before.

Bustling streets in India were brightly lit, each and every building adorned in electric cascade of lights, every house I entered had many candles and oil lamps it was as if the entire country was preparing for a grand celebration. The houses, streets, and public buildings were adorned with countless diyas, creating a mesmerising tapestry of light.

The air was filled with excitement and anticipation, and every corner I turned; I could see the vibrant decorations, twinkling lights, and rangoli adorning the doorsteps. The atmosphere was electric, I can compare it with the atmosphere before the New Year at my country when everyone is happy in anticipation on the verge of some miracle entering into one’s live and I couldn’t help but feel the infectious enthusiasm.

One of the first things that struck me was the profound cultural significance of Diwali. Often referred to as the Festival of Lights, it represents the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is celebrated for different reasons across India, but the underlying theme of celebrating positivity and the triumph of light is universal.

The symbolism of Diwali, with its various rituals and customs, was truly captivating. The lighting of diyas not only illuminates homes but also symbolises the dispelling of darkness from one’s life.

This story is from the November 2023 edition of PROVOKE Lifestyle.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November 2023 edition of PROVOKE Lifestyle.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM PROVOKE LIFESTYLEView All
CAKES, CHEER & CHRISTMAS!
PROVOKE Lifestyle

CAKES, CHEER & CHRISTMAS!

THE CAKE-MIXING TRADITION IS A JOYFUL PRELUDE TO THE FESTIVE SEASON AND SYMBOLISES UNITY, HOPE, AND ABUNDANCE. WE WENT AROUND THE CITY TO CHECK OUT THE CELEBRATIONS THAT BROUGHT TOGETHER COMMUNITIES TO MIX DRIED FRUITS, NUTS, SPICES, AND SPIRITS INFUSING THEM WITH LAUGHTER AND LOVEA BEAUTIFUL RITUAL THAT PROMOTES TOGETHERNESS, AS HANDS STIR AND HEARTS CONNECT.

time-read
1 min  |
December 2024
EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF TRANSMISSION
PROVOKE Lifestyle

EXPERIENCE THE POWER OF TRANSMISSION

HERE IS AN INTERESTING PIECE OF INFORMATION. MARUTI PRODUCED INDIA'S FIRST AUTOMATIC CAR UNDER ITS MARUTI 800 BRAND. THE CAR WHICH WAS A THREE-SPEED AUTOMATIC WAS THEN EXCLUSIVELY RESERVED FOR DIFFERENTLY ABLED PEOPLE. WE HAVE CERTAINLY COME A LONG WAY SINCE THEN. CURRENTLY 30% OF THE CARS SOLD IN INDIA ARE OF AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. PEOPLE CURRENTLY HAVE VARIOUS TRANSMISSION OPTIONS AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET WHICH THEY CAN CHOOSE DEPENDING ON THEIR DRIVE REQUIREMENTS. IN THIS ARTICLE, WE ARE GOING TO EXPLORE DIFFERENT KINDS OF TRANSMISSIONS AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET AND THEIR PROS AND CONS.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2024
You Could Go Blind Rubbing Your Eyes
PROVOKE Lifestyle

You Could Go Blind Rubbing Your Eyes

KERATOCONUS PATIENTS ARE GETTING YOUNGER! IS SCREEN TIME TO BLAME?

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2024
Sober Curious: Is Gen Z setting a new trend?
PROVOKE Lifestyle

Sober Curious: Is Gen Z setting a new trend?

YOUNG PEOPLE ARE DRINKING LESS THAN EVER BEFORE, AND MANY ARE EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF SOBRIETY. IS WELLNESS-MAXXING OVERTAKING PARTY CULTURE? READ ON TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SOBER CURIOUS MOVEMENT AND WHY YOU MAY WANT TO JOIN IT.

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024
Glow Safely: How to Avoid Toxic Ingredients in Cosmetics
PROVOKE Lifestyle

Glow Safely: How to Avoid Toxic Ingredients in Cosmetics

DR. HARINDER ARYA IS INDIA'S FIRST PEPTIDE SCIENTIST AND IS WELL-KNOWN GLOBALLY FOR HER RESEARCH ON SAFE FORMULATIONS FOR HAIR, SCALP AND SKINCARE. SHE IS A PART OF MANY GOVERNMENT OF INDIA INITIATIVES AND HAS WORKED VERY CLOSELY WITH PREMIUM RESEARCH INSTITUTES IN THE COUNTRY. SHE IS THE CO-FOUNDER & CHIEF-SCIENTIST AT INDUS VALLEY COSMETICS. SHE SHARES SOME TIPS ON HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM TOXIC INGREDIENTS.

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2024
Embracing Autism A Mother's Perspective
PROVOKE Lifestyle

Embracing Autism A Mother's Perspective

MY JOURNEY WITH MY AUTISTIC SON, WHO IS NOW 28, HAS BEEN A ROLLERCOASTER RIDE FILLED WITH UPS AND DOWNS.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2024
GADGETS LAB Best of Tech 2024
PROVOKE Lifestyle

GADGETS LAB Best of Tech 2024

THE TECH LANDSCAPE OF 2024 IS DEFINED BY INNOVATIONS THAT BLEND FUNCTIONALITY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCES, PUSHING BOUNDARIES ACROSS VARIOUS SECTORS. THIS YEAR'S STANDOUT DEVICES SHOWCASE IMPRESSIVE ADVANCEMENTS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, AUGMENTED REALITY, AND SUSTAINABLE DESIGN, MAKING TECHNOLOGY MORE INTEGRATED INTO DAILY LIFE THAN EVER. ALTOGETHER, 2024'S TECH INNOVATIONS UNDERSCORE A SMARTER, GREENER, AND DEEPLY PERSONALISED FUTURE.

time-read
6 mins  |
December 2024
Adventure Trippin' in Kerala
PROVOKE Lifestyle

Adventure Trippin' in Kerala

BEYOND THE BACKWATERS AND THE BEAUTIFUL BEACHES OF KERALA, THERE'S A WHOLE NEW WORLD WAITING TO BE EXPLORED. WHILE GOD'S OWN COUNTRY MAY BE A HAVEN OF TRANQUILITY AND PEACE, THOSE SEEKING AN ADRENALINE RUSH CAN TRY THEIR HAND AT ANY OF THESE ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES THAT ARE FAST BECOMING POPULAR.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
Trend spotlight: STYLES TO SHINE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
PROVOKE Lifestyle

Trend spotlight: STYLES TO SHINE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

DECEMBER IS HERE, AND THAT MEANS THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER. WITH CHRISTMAS BRUNCHES AND NEW YEAR'S EVE INVITES ROLLING IN, EVERYONE'S FOCUS IS ON PLANNING THE PERFECT OUTFITS FOR THAT HOLIDAY, PARTY-READY LOOK. I'M ALL ABOUT EFFORTLESS STYLING, SO HERE'S YOUR GO-TO GUIDE TO SHINE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WITH MINIMAL EFFORT.

time-read
4 mins  |
December 2024
MAN ON A MISSION - Dr J Radhakrishnan
PROVOKE Lifestyle

MAN ON A MISSION - Dr J Radhakrishnan

DR J RADHAKRISHNAN IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR IAS OFFICERS IN TAMIL NADU AND IS KNOWN FOR HIS ROLE IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT ESPECIALLY DURING TRYING TIMES SUCH AS COVID, CHENNAI FLOODS, KUMBAKONAM FIRE TRAGEDY AND SO ON. HE IS CURRENTLY THE ADDITIONAL CHIEF SECRETARY AND PRINCIPAL SECRETARY FOR CIVIL SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, TAMIL NADU.

time-read
5 mins  |
December 2024