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Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Why is the Moon affectionately called Chanda Mama in India
Throughout the ages, the moon has always captivated human beings with its mysterious charm and glow in the night sky, serving as a symbol of hope, rebirth, and rhythm. The Moon has been a part of it all, be it myths, legends, rituals or calendars, ever since the childhood of a baby by influencing how we pray, and how we dream. In India, the moon isn't just a celestial body, but a deity, a symbol of royalty, and a storyteller in the sky. Children still call it Chanda-mama, the maternal uncle who visits often but never stays long. But have you ever thought about why it is called by this name? What is the legendary story of the Moon The moon has long been a symbol of resurrection in Indian mythology. As per legend, Chandra, the moon-god, was cursed with a wasting disease because he favoured only one of his 27 wives, the lunar constellations or nakshatras. According to another legendary version, he eloped with Tara, the wife of Brihaspati (Jupiter), causing a divine outrage. In both tales, Chandra began to wane and feared he would vanish forever. In desperation, he turned to Lord Shiva for help. It is explained in a Puranic lore that Shiva holds the Ganga in his matted hair and Ganga is the river believed to grant rebirth. 'If Shiva can give the dead another chance at life, he surely can resurrect the waning moon,' writes mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik in one of his essays. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo Shiva appeared before Chandra at Somnath, Gujarat, and placed him in his hair-knot, enabling him to wax again. Since then, the moon has been called Soma, symbolizing regeneration and hope. The Moon has long been associated with empires The symbolism of the Moon also has a place among the warriors. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the 17th-century Maratha king, wore the crescent moon, or chandra-kor, on his forehead. It served as a visual reminder of freedom and resilience. 'It was meant to inspire people never to give up on the idea of freedom (swarajya), to remind all that after the dark night of the new moon, the waxing begins,' writes Pattanaik. The crescent moon is also associated with Islam, seen on the flags of Pakistan and Turkey. But it was not originally a religious symbol but an imperial one, used by the Ottomans after they conquered Byzantium in the 15th century. The crescent represented the founder, Osman's dream of an empire stretching across the world. Moon symbolism goes deeper in Indian lore. Chandragupta Maurya's name, according to Jain tradition, comes from his mother's desire to drink moonlight-infused water. Chanakya fulfilled it by offering the water bathed in moonlight. Why is the Moon called ' Chanda Mama ' Indian kings often traced their lineage to the moon or Soma-vamsa and the sun or Surya-vamsa. The Ramayana is the tale of the solar dynasty, while the Mahabharata follows the lunar. Interestingly, Lord Ram, who belonged to the Solar lineage, is called 'Ram-chandra'. It is that he was fond of the moon. According to Pattanaik, he would not sleep until his mother showed him the reflection of the moon in a pot of water and saw the moon as his mother's brother. That's why, just like Ram, even today we lovingly call the moon Chanda-mama—the dear uncle who visits his sister often, but never stays too long. The name 'maas' is also associated with the Moon Linguists believe the word maas (month) doesn't come from Sanskrit but from the Munda tribes, whose women called the moon maa. So a full moon became poorna-maa, and a new moon, a-maa. Art also immortalizes the moon-god riding a chariot pulled by deer or geese, holding a rabbit or Shasha. As per the Jataka tales, that rabbit was the Buddha in a previous life, who sacrificed himself for a hungry man. The gods rewarded him with a place on the moon, making him Shashank, the rabbit-marked moon.
The Age
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Age
Words are meaningless without meaningful action
Selective compassion The suffering in Gaza is real and heartbreaking, and it rightly demands public attention. But while our focus is fixed there, far greater – and largely unreported – humanitarian catastrophes continue elsewhere. In Sudan, over 26 million people are experiencing acute hunger, with hundreds of thousands of children believed to have died from malnutrition since conflict erupted in 2023. In Yemen, after nearly a decade of war, more than 17 million face food insecurity, and Save the Children estimates 85,000 children died from hunger in just the first few years of conflict. These numbers dwarf even the most alarming figures from Gaza, yet receive only a fraction of the coverage. All civilian suffering matters. But if our outrage is driven only by who is involved – rather than the scale of the suffering – then our moral compass risks becoming selective. We owe more to those whose voices go unheard. Jennifer Stewart, South Chadstone THE FORUM History's black holes The story of our age is supposed to be constant progress, but man-made calamities repeat. For instance, the famine imposed less than 100 years ago on Ukraine by Moscow robbing grain is recounted in Putin's cruel destruction of that nation today. At the same time, we see an alliance between Trump and Netanyahu as if both have pledged to drive Gazans into the sea, like the Ottomans drove Armenians into a desert. Loose threads in the fabric of history are being plucked by Putin in Ukraine and by the duo of Trump and Netanyahu over Gaza. If history is anything, then we are watching a black hole in its page, a void where good intentions go to die. We can only gaze at the suffering, not least those of little children dying of preventable starvation while food piles up outside the gate. We in the liberal democracies have a perilous dilemma that will leave many of us numb. We determine our own futures free of coercion but are at risk of permanent loss of any sense of justice. Trevor Kerr, Blackburn Think like Thatcher Sussan Ley's performance at parliamentary question time the other day was as flat as a day-old gin fizz. Her diction was poor, her body language ephemeral and she showed little gravitas in the face of the embarrassing comments from Michael McCormack and Barnaby Joyce. Given the low standing she appears to have within the LNP she really needs to get her act together. And she can. There's one thing she can do that could really help her out. Go home and think to herself 'What would Margaret Thatcher do?' For a start she'd lower her voice by an octave. Then, practically, in a strident act of strength and without pity, Thatcher would have undertaken a purge of every useless, shallow, disloyal male in her orbit and appoint young, energetic, ambitious loose cannons, male or female. Were Ley to follow Thatcher's style, Labor would be dazed and confused. Then perhaps the Liberals can start to agree with Labor on what they can agree on, including net zero whilst setting aside other matters of disagreement for later. The country requires an effective opposition. At present. we have to endure a bunch of hayseed tenant farmers whingeing about why they're out in the rental cottage and not staying in the big house. The last thing the country needs is a state like we have in Victoria. As a Scot, I was never a fan of Thatcher but her parliamentary performance and her campaigning was undeniably resonant with voters at the time. Simon Clegg, Donvale A treaty, it's not I am far from amused by the 27/7 report of the 'beer-lateral relationship' and what your correspondent rightly styled the ' so-called Geelong Treaty ' signed by Defence Minister Richard Marles and the UK Defence Secretary John Healey. Treaties should be discussed and endorsed by the parliament. I have not seen any such reports of this matter. Is this another example, like AUKUS, of the public being informed, after the event, of matters that intended to shape the future for us and our children. Associating international agreements with warm relationships between elected politicians is a modern-day nonsense designed to add to the electoral appeal of the individuals. Even if they did wear flat hats or tradie boots to look the part when visiting the brewery in Geelong or the pub in Rotherham, it is not how decisions on vast amounts of taxpayers' money should be made. Gerry O'Reilly, Camberwell Company we keep Re ″ Hong Kong places $40,000 bounty on local academic ″, (27/7). Dr Feng Chongyi should consider himself fortunate he is not a former US citizen. Whilst we should be outraged that the Chinese government has applied a bounty on his head, the Australian government will not extradite him to Hong Kong. The actions which have garnered Chinese ire are not illegal under Australian law. Feng Chongyi is still a free man, though his life will now be unfairly constrained. Not so lucky was Daniel Duggan, who was extradited to the US by our government to face charges in the US which were retrospectively applied, for actions which are likewise not illegal under Australian law. Duggan has now disappeared into the gulag which is the US justice system. The double standard applied here is a disgrace. Australian citizens should be protected by their government against overreach by all nations. There is no free pass for ones that claim to be our ″ally″. Ken Richards, Elwood Polystyrene danger The Yarra Riverkeeper Association has just released its 'Polystyrene Report'. It has found that expanded polystyrene (EPS) constitutes the most prevalent and pervasive litter in the Yarra River, and that most of it comes from construction sites. Builders love EPS because it's cheap and light to use, and makes construction a lot quicker. It is mixed with concrete to make foundations, and used in walls as insulation. This is an environmental disaster in the making. Polystyrene is a form of plastic. It does not degrade in the sense that organic material does. It simply breaks down into micro-plastics that get into our waterways and soils, and if ingested by birds, fish and frogs, can damage their internal organs. It is more harmful than other forms of plastic as its toxic chemicals can leak into the environment. So, where is the EPA on this, and the Victorian government? The state government's push for fast growth and densification to solve the housing crisis will only exacerbate this. There is no safe way to use polystyrene on construction sites. It must be banned or its use severely curtailed. Annette Cooper, Camberwell Education quality Re Letters 'Private access appeal' (24/7). The idea of private schools opening their Olympic-standard sports facilities to the public out of hours is as unthinkable as high-class restaurants offering dinners to the homeless in the morning. Those who could pay, but usually don't, would flood in. Sporting entitlement might lose its meaning. Profit margins might be cut and normal enrolment might shrink. Privilege and exclusivity might be eroded and business models collapse. ″Old school″ employment preferences might fade. Education equality might benefit. Hard, but good. Alastair Pritchard, Templestowe AND ANOTHER THING Trump world I had thought that Donald Trump was beyond satire. Thank you, South Park creators, for proving me wrong. Mark Lewis, Ascot Vale Trump is off on a highland 'fling'. Let's just hope he's not sporting a kilt. We know what a whirlwind he can be. Tris Raouf, Hadfield Conflict During the London Blitz, just over 7700 children were killed. The estimated deaths and injuries of children in Gaza is around 50,000. It is beyond belief. Barry Revill, Moorabbin Despite Albanese's visit to China, nothing really seems to have changed with a bounty of $40,000 placed by Chinese security police on a local academic (27/7). Martin Newington, Aspendale AFL Snoop Dogg at the AFL grand final? I had hoped we'd moved on from cultural cringe. Australian – good, better, best. Julienne Gleeson, Portarlington 'Doggone it, AFL″ (Letters, 27/7) is so right. Let's take it a step further. Use new and upcoming talent for the grand final, and reinstate free to air footy on Saturday for young families and those who cannot afford streaming services. AFL footy in Melbourne should be available to everyone. Susie Wettenhall, Glen Iris
Kuwait Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Kuwait Times
Art of patience and precision
Veteran Kuwaiti calligrapher Abdulamir Al-Bannai reflects on decades of devotion to Arabic calligraphy, offering insights, techniques and timeless advice for aspiring artists Kuwaiti calligrapher Abdulamir Al-Bannai has spent decades shaping the elegant curves of Arabic script into art. In a conversation with Kuwait Times, he shared insights from his extensive career and passion for calligraphy — a journey that began in childhood and continues to this day. Al-Bannai, who served as head of the calligraphy and drawing department at Kuwait Television in 2002, has contributed significantly to the presence of Arabic calligraphy on national television since 1978. Beyond his professional contributions, he is also an active member of several local and regional organizations dedicated to the preservation and advancement of Arabic calligraphy. A journey rooted in curiosity 'My calligraphy journey started in elementary school,' he recalled. 'My Arabic teacher had a very beautiful handwriting style. I used to imitate it, and he encouraged me by writing notes like 'Thank you for this beautiful line' in my notebook. That motivated me and improved my drawing skills, as I tried to replicate the letters exactly as I saw them.' As he grew older, Al-Bannai would frequent calligraphy shops, observing the work of experienced calligraphers to absorb their techniques — even if just by watching. Abdulamir Al-Bannai Jali Diwani: A signature style Of the many traditional Arabic scripts, Al-Bannai holds a particular fondness for the Jali Diwani style, which he has mastered and frequently uses in exhibitions. 'Jali Diwani is my favorite,' he said. 'It evolved from the Diwani script during the late 16th century under the Ottomans. While it shares the Diwani script's hallmark of rounded, overlapping letters, Jali Diwani is distinguished by its ornate, decorative marks that fill the spaces between characters.' This elaborate script demands not only technical skill but also an artistic eye for balance and composition — qualities that Al-Bannai has refined through years of practice. Advice for aspiring calligraphers Al-Bannai encourages emerging artists to study the works of master calligraphers and to remain committed to continuous practice. 'Calligraphy requires patience,' he emphasized. 'Whoever doesn't have patience cannot become a calligrapher.' He advises beginners to start with simpler scripts, which help build hand control and spatial awareness. 'It's important to understand dimensions and flexibility, and to use good materials — like high-quality pens, soft polished paper and silk threads placed in the inkwell circle.' But technical skill alone isn't enough, he adds. Selecting meaningful phrases and wise sayings to write is also part of the artistry. 'Keep your writings, and revisit them over the years to see how you've developed,' he said. With his decades of dedication, Al-Bannai exemplifies how Arabic calligraphy is more than a craft — it is a lifelong artistic pursuit rooted in culture, discipline and deep personal expression.
Shafaq News
19-07-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
The Largest ever: 30 billion Dinars allocated to revive Kirkuk's identity
Shafaq News – Kirkuk The Kirkuk Citadel and the Ottoman-era Qishla, two of the city's most prominent historical landmarks, are set to undergo the largest restoration project in Kirkuk's history, the Directorate of Antiquities and Heritage announced on Friday. The project, backed by 30 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $20 million) in government funding, is part of a broader effort to preserve the city's cultural identity and boost its tourism sector. The Kirkuk Citadel is one of the oldest archaeological sites in northern Iraq, with a history spanning over 3,000 years and linked to civilizations such as the Assyrians, Babylonians, Sasanians, and Ottomans. The Qishla, built during the Ottoman period as a military and administrative center, still retains much of its architectural character despite years of neglect. Raaed Akla al-Obaidi, director of the Antiquities Department in Kirkuk, told Shafaq News that the project follows official approvals from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities. The ministry emphasized that renovation work must be handled by a specialized firm with solid experience in restoring historical structures to ensure the preservation of the Citadel's original arches, decorations, and architectural details. Obaidi noted that companies from Turkiye, Iraq, and Egypt have submitted bids for the restoration work. A technical committee will review these proposals and select the most suitable according to international heritage preservation standards. The directorate has completed all technical and engineering assessments for the Qishla building and submitted them to the ministry in Baghdad to allocate the necessary funds. The project's financing will come from emergency allocations, as confirmed by the Minister of Culture in recent meetings with provincial heritage officials. 'All technical and administrative requirements for the Citadel's rehabilitation have also been completed,' Obaidi said. The restoration will include key landmarks within the complex, such as the church, mosques, religious schools, traditional houses, gates, fortress walls, and the 'Green Dome.' According to recent assessments, these structures require between 40% to 70% restoration work. Sarmad Mohammed Jameel, head of Kirkuk's Tourism Directorate, told Shafaq News that the Citadel and the Qishla are not merely old stone buildings but represent the cultural and historical identity of Kirkuk, reflecting the legacy of successive civilizations from the Sumerians and Assyrians to the Ottomans. He added that the project's success would directly support the local tourism industry by attracting visitors from across Iraq and abroad. Jameel said, 'Revitalizing these heritage landmarks would help restore Kirkuk's historic stature and pave the way for cultural festivals, art exhibitions, and traditional markets within the Citadel and Qishla.'These developments are expected to stimulate the local economy and generate new job opportunities. Ali Shakir, a historian and academic, told Shafaq News that the Citadel and Qishla are central to the city's collective memory. Restoring them according to international standards, he said, could help Kirkuk regain some of its lost cultural vibrancy. He emphasized that these landmarks are not 'silent stones' but living testimonies to the coexistence of Kirkuk's ethnic and religious communities. Shakir added that the Qishla, with its distinct Ottoman architecture, could be repurposed into a cultural center, museum, or tourist site that connects younger generations to their city's past, helping raise public awareness about the importance of preserving heritage.
South China Morning Post
13-07-2025
- South China Morning Post
Southern Turkey's Hatay cuisine: how a Mediterranean hub on the Silk Road gave birth to 600 dishes
Sandwiched between the Mediterranean Sea and the northwestern corner of Syria is Turkey's southernmost province, Hatay, a region known for its beauty, cultural diversity, storied past and distinctive cuisine. Advertisement Settled since at least the early Bronze Age, the region has been controlled by the Akkadians, the Hurrians, the Assyrians, the Macedonians, the Byzantines and the Ottomans, among others. The province's capital, Antakya – known in Roman and medieval times as Antioch – was built by one of Alexander the Great's generals around 300BC, becoming one of the largest cities in the Greco-Roman world. The word 'Christian' was even coined here, according to the New Testament, Paul (formerly Saul) having taught in Antioch and used the city as a base for his missionary journeys. Ancient mosaic from Hatay, Turkey. Antakya's role as a mercantile hub over centuries – it was a gateway on the Silk Road to the Mediterranean – meant it welcomed many nationalities. Hatay was incorporated into the Turkish Republic as recently as 1939, with a large Arab population who speak Levantine Arabic and Turkish, and a multireligious community of Muslims, Christians and Jews. This diversity is also evident in the cuisine of the region – a blend of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Anatolian flavours and ingredients. The terrain of Hatay province is varied. 'Having a vast plateau, the Amanus [Nur] Mountains and the Mediterranean, the high and low altitudes give us the opportunity to grow our own produce,' says Antakya native Maksut , chef-owner of Neolokal, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Istanbul. Vineyards, spices, herbs, olives, figs, oranges, lemons, legumes and vegetables abound in this mild climate and fertile soil. This bounty features in Hatay's rich cuisine, with its more than 600 unique dishes. This led the province – which is also a metropolitan municipality – to be named a City of Gastronomy in 2017 within the Unesco Creative Cities Network. Antakya native Maksut Aşkar, chef-owner of Neolokal, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Istanbul. Photo: Handout 'The food in Antakya is bold. It's one of the few places that nails the balance between acidity, spiciness and richness,' says Istanbul-born chef Mina Güçlüer, who helms acclaimed restaurant Belon in Hong Kong. 'Despite appearing hearty, the dishes never feel heavy. They achieve a distinct acidity that adds complexity while keeping things light and refreshing.'
