Susan Jagannath's Blog, page 3

Heart Lamp Broke My Heart — And Changed My Mind

What I Expected

I was as excited as a child at Christmas when Banu Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp won the Booker Prize. Yeah, I was one of those kids who only looked for book-shaped presents from Santa.

Having lived in Bangalore, the bustling heart of Karnataka, I thought — finally, a book set in the world I knew, inhabited by the kind of warm, spirited, resilient people I’ve known all my...

Looking for the International Booker Prize 2025 Heart Lamp – A sad show on Amazon

I was thrilled when “Heart lamp” snagged the International Booker Prize—what an achievement for Banu Mushtak and a huge win for Kannada literature! I went looking for the International Booker Prize 2025 Heart Lamp a Kannada book now beautifully translated into English, “Heart Lamp” throws light on Karnataka’s rich culture and storytelling traditions. In the International Booker ...

Goa to Bangalore by road : The Fast and the Feckless

If you think road trips are just about getting from point A to B, then you’ve never driven from Goa to Bangalore in a car that thinks it’s competing in Formula One. I certainly hadn’t planned this journey. But sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that sneak up on you, turning hesitation into exhilaration and transforming a long drive into an unforgettable odyssey. Our dri...

How to Stay Safe in a Crowd like the Kumbh Mela

The tragic stampede prompted this guide on How to Stay Safe in a Crowd like the Kumbh Mela. The tragic stampede at the Kumbh Mela is a stark reminder that while faith moves us, safety must guide us. Having been at the Kumbh just weeks ago, I felt the energy of the crowd, the sheer vastness of humanity converging on a single sacred space—and with that, the reality of how quickly ...

Pilgrimages and Coincidences: The Kumbh Mela’s Mysterious Moments

They say there are no coincidences, but during my time at the Kumbh Mela, I encountered a series of events so serendipitous, they felt like something greater was at play. These moments reminded me of the interconnectedness of life and the quiet ways the divine seems to speak to us though pilgrimages and coincidences.

A Meeting with Bhavesh, the Spirit...

Tragedy at the Kumbh: A Moment for Reflection and Remembrance

NOTE: For those concerned, I am safe – I was not at the Kumbh at the time of the stampede. Thanks for your concern.

Just weeks ago, I stood at the banks of the Sangam with my friends, wrapped in the soft riverine mist and the sheer immensity of faith around us. The Kumbh Mela is a spectacle like no other—a living, breathing river of devotion where millions come seeking peace, ...

A Pilgrim’s Guide to the Kumbh Mela

Quite a few friends noticed I was at the Kumbh and asked for tips, so here is a pilgrim’s guide to the Kumbh Mela. For those who know me from the Camino, see my comparison of the two. pilgrimages, see my previous post.

It’s a pilgrimage like no other—intense, vibrant, and unforgettable.

So what does Kumbh mean? Kumbh means a jar, also referred to as the Kalasha. It is also a z...

Two Pilgrimages, Two Worlds: The Camino de Santiago and the Kumbh Mela

In my journey as a pilgrim, I’ve walked the tranquil paths of the Camino de Santiago and, more recently, immersed myself in the vibrant energy of the Kumbh Mela. Both are pilgrimages in every sense of the word, yet their contrasts couldn’t be starker.

One whispers to the soul; the other roars with the collective voice of Bharat’s humanity.

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Wrapping Up the Year

Don’t we all say – what happened to the year – it flew past as quick as a teenager avoiding chores. I asked and got a whole lot of answers – it was a whirlwind of adventures, discoveries, and connections. It’s been a year full of surprises and learnings. For the audio click here.

Sudden Spontaneous Travels
A surprise visit to Mysore kicked off my year ...

Local Breads and Christmas Sweet Treats in Goa

A Search for Local Breads and Christmas Sweet Treats in Goa led us deep into the quieter heart of Goa’s Mapusa markets. Tucked away behind the loud and flashy stores with cheap clothes and plastic goods from interstate, we discovered the heart of Goan food. In the covered arena, the vibrant stalls, the heady mix of aromas, and the lively chatter crea...