As a new year unfolds, January invites us to travel with renewed curiosity, anticipation, and wonder. This month’s edition journeys through landscapes shaped by time, stories whispered by heritage, and experiences that linger long after the road ends—reminding us that travel, at its finest, is both discovery and quiet reflection.
The month of January ushers in a radiant season of celebrations and festivals that India is so deeply synonymous with. It marks the time of harvest—a moment to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for nature’s abundant bounty. Across the country, this spirit unfolds in many hues: the skies of Gujarat come alive with vibrant kites during Uttarayan, the warmth of Magh Bihu fills homes and fields in Assam, while Makar Sankranti, Lohri, Pongal, and countless other traditions echo a shared rhythm of renewal, joy, and thanksgiving. January also holds profound national significance as India celebrates its Republic Day on the 26th.It commemorates the adoption of the Constitution and the ideals of democracy, unity, and justice. The nation marks the day with pride, pageantry, and a renewed faith in its republican spirit.
January 12 marks the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a towering thinker who awakened India’s spiritual and national consciousness. The day is observed as National Youth Day, inspiring generations with his call for strength, service, and self-belief. His timeless message continues to guide India toward character, courage, and compassion.
A thousand years ago, in January 1026, the great Somnath Temple was ransacked and desecrated by the invading forces of Mahmud of Ghazni. In poignant contrast, the year 2026 marks seventy-five years since the consecration of the rebuilt Somnath Temple—an enduring symbol of resilience and renewal. For those drawn to the temple’s extraordinary history and saga, Somanatha: The Eternal Shrine by K. M. Munshi is a compelling and essential read.
In this edition, we also take you to the quiet seaside town of Mulki, nestled gently between the well-known coastal cities of Mangalore and Udupi. Unassuming at first glance, Mulki has steadily carved a distinct identity of its own, emerging as the surfing capital of India—where sunlit shores, rolling waves, and a relaxed coastal rhythm invite both adventure and unhurried discovery.
As January unfolds with its many stories of celebration, remembrance, and renewal, we invite you to journey through this edition at a gentle, reflective pace. May these pages inspire you to travel with curiosity, gratitude, and a deeper sense of connection to the world around you.
Few know that it was at Kakrighat, in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, that Swami Vivekananda is believed to have first glimpsed the eternal truth. Deeply drawn to the Himalayan landscapes of Uttarakhand, he spent significant time there during his early years as a wandering monk. In this feature, we retrace the footsteps of the great visionary across the mountains that shaped his spiritual journey. Read more →
The Somnath Temple stands as a powerful testament to the resilience of India and the enduring spirit of its culture. Through centuries marked by destruction and rebuilding, Somnath has risen time and again, refusing to fade into history. Each reconstruction affirmed the nation’s resolve to preserve its civilisational memory, faith, and artistic heritage. More than a place of worship, the temple embodies continuity—the idea that India’s cultural soul cannot be erased by force or time. Set against the Arabian Sea, Somnath endures as a symbol of renewal, strength, and an unbroken cultural legacy.
Republic Day is not just a celebration of our Constitution—it is a reminder of India’s journey as a proud, democratic nation. This Republic Day, test your knowledge and rediscover the stories, symbols, and milestones that shaped our republic through an engaging quiz. From the making of the Constitution to iconic leaders, historic moments, and lesser-known facts, the quiz invites us to learn, reflect, and celebrate together. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious, join in to challenge yourself, spark conversations, and deepen your connection with India’s rich democratic legacy.
Maa Danteshwari Temple in Jagdalpur is a revered shrine that reflects the deep-rooted faith and cultural heritage of the Bastar region. Dedicated to Goddess Danteshwari, the presiding deity of Bastar, the temple is modest in scale yet powerful in spiritual presence. It serves as an important center of worship for locals and devotees alike, especially during the world-famous Bastar Dussehra, when rituals and processions begin from here. Steeped in tradition and devotion, the Jagdalpur temple stands as a living link between tribal customs, Shakti worship, and the region’s enduring spiritual legacy.
In Mulki, the sea speaks in rolling rhythms, and surfers listen with quiet reverence. At dawn, boards skim across silver waters as the sun lifts the horizon into gold. Waves rise and fall like breath, carrying both thrill and stillness in their flow. Here, time loosens its grip—salt on skin, wind in hair, balance found between surrender and control. Mulki’s shores offer more than sport; they offer communion with the ocean, where each ride becomes a fleeting poem written in water, foam, and light.
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