religion Archives

Daaru Aur Danga: When Your Family is the Drunk Catholic Stereotype

The jolly Catholic drunk is a fun stereotype, a trope for your entertainment, the life of the party. What you almost never see is the hangover, the accompanying headache of which is shared by the entire family. I grew up in one such family.

Damian D'souza July 29, 2016

POV

Can We Please Stop Scrutinising Zaira Wasim’s Decision to Quit Bollywood?

Many Twitter intellectuals have condemned Zaira Wasim for citing her religious beliefs to exit Bollywood, while others have blamed her for making Muslims look regressive. But is ganging up against a teenager on social media progressive?

Kahini Iyer July 22, 2016

First Person

Why My Atheism Takes a Backseat Every Ganesh Chaturthi

I was brought up in a religious household, where Ganesh Chaturthi was the celebration we waited for all year. After my father passed away, I stopped praying and developed a disdain for religion. But I make an exception during the Ganesh festivities, where I suspend my atheism.

Sumedh Natu July 15, 2016

Culture

Putting the Sab in Sabarimala: The Kerala Temple’s Lesson in Inclusion

The verdict in the Sabarimala hearing is a reminder that Indian religious institutions need to finally end their deep-seated prejudice toward women devotees. Which is why, the Sabarimala judgment isn’t a win – it’s only the start.

Arré Bench July 12, 2016

Gender

How to Slowly Give Up on Vrats: A Married Indian Woman’s Cheat Sheet

“Why do you fast if it makes you so cranky,” my daughter asked. Really, why are women expected to fast, especially for the well-being of the patidev, who anyway fritters away this hard-won long life by watching cricket matches and silly political debates on television?

Ashwina Garg July 11, 2016

POV

Zomato Can Guarantee Halal Meat, But it Can’t (and Shouldn’t) Guarantee the Religion of its Delivery Execs

Ensuring food is prepared according to your order is Zomato’s responsibility. Ensuring the delivery driver’s religion meets up with your regressive criteria for whom you will accept food from, is not their responsibility. Got it? Good.

Dushyant Shekhawat July 2, 2016

POV

Finding Faith: How I Discovered Religion When I Left India

Belief in something – anything – undergirds our lives. It anchors us to an idea, offers us an understanding of the world that goes beyond our immediate selves. As a person indifferent to ritual and ceremony, I discovered religion only when I moved to the west.

Srishti Chaudhary June 29, 2016

Culture

An “Immoral” Muslim’s Guide to Faking Roza

I’m a non-believing Muslim and people like me have become part of a subculture, where secrets are guarded with greater ferocity than the Illuminati. We bunk namaaz, and during Ramzan we fake-fast: the first major acts of rebellion for Muslim teens.

Godot June 25, 2016

POV

Surf Excel Outrage: How to Make the Perfect Ad for Supersensitive Indians

The Surf Excel Holi ad seems innocent enough, but somehow the idea that two children of different faiths could be cordial in a fictional setting triggered a very vocal section of social media. The only safe option is a 30-second PSA explaining the benefits of participating in Holi on our souls narrated by Amitabh Bachchan.

Arré Bench June 23, 2016

Sports

Football, the Religion Where Moses and Jesus Are on Opposing Teams

Moses plays for Nigeria, Jesus for Brazil, and for the coming month, Russia will be the Bethlehem of the world. Football’s the religion to follow, where prayer chants are easy, you can pick your own Gods, there are no compulsory rituals, and most of all, you don’t get lynched for nothing.

Arré Bench June 20, 2016