You simply cannot match the wild, beautiful variety of characters walking the streets of Udupi during Vitla Pindi, the grand finale of Krishna Janmashtami. For a day, the streets come alive with music, processions and vesha, with people of all ages dressing up as characters from stories, folklore and tradition. A little bit of chaos, a lot of colour, and a tradition that turns the whole town into a stage. Photographed by my cousin, Ria, who has a lovely eye for beauty.

Rain drumming on the roof, the earthy scent of the monsoon, and a banana leaf slowly filling with the flavours of our heritage. Aati Onji Oota represents a time of simplicity, community, and resilience in coastal Karnataka. Sitting cross legged on the floor, sharing what the season provides, you wonder if you will ever be able to carry on the traditions your mother and foremothers have carried for so long. But for now, I am happy to do my part by sitting down, eating this wholesome meal, and appreciating every bit of what they have passed down.

I’ve been playing badminton with some old school friends for a couple of weeks now. I’m still figuring out the racket, the shuttle and occasionally which direction I’m supposed to be facing. This week a friend said, “You’ve gotten slightly better.” I am still the weakest player of the lot. But I am now a slightly better version of the weakest player. Progress is progress.

One of my favourite parts of making anything is that the original idea is rarely the final one. Like working on this website. I’ll start with a plan thinking, yes, this is it, and somewhere along the way, I’ll see a way to push it further. Make it better. I like that I can still surprise myself. Sometimes I get very attached to the thought that this is probably the best my brain can come up with. And then it comes up with something better. This makes me happy.

Using quick share over bluetooth. Period.