For eleven months of the year, Laxman Rao is a rickshaw puller. But for one month, he is an artist. He sculpts idols of Lord Ganesha from clay in his slum workshop in Hyderabad. His story is one of ephemeral art. He knows the idol will be immersed in water ten days later. "Why create if it will be destroyed?" a child asks him. He smiles, "Because destruction is the price of joy."
What makes India unique is its ability to hold contradictions without conflict. The same person who uses a biometric payment system (Aadhaar/Paytm) will break a coconut for good luck. The CEO who negotiates a million-dollar deal will touch the feet of an office peon on Dussehra (a festival marking the triumph of good over evil). 14 desi mms in 1
The new lifestyle mantra is Dinacharya (daily routine). The culture of waking up for Brahma Muhurta (the hour before sunrise) is cool again. Millets (Ragi, Jowar, Bajra) have replaced the quinoa trend. Ghee (clarified butter) has been redeemed from the "bad fat" list. For eleven months of the year, Laxman Rao
Morning stories vary by region: The pooja (prayer) room lamps being lit in Kerala, the rhythmic sweeping of front yards with cow-dung water in Rajasthan, or the jhumur folk songs sung by tea-pluckers in Assam. These are the silent anchors of Indian culture. If you want to understand the sociology of India, ignore the parliament; look inside the kitchen. The Indian kitchen is a battleground and a sanctuary. His story is one of ephemeral art