Pinni: a traditional Punjabi snack

Chunri, a traditional Pakistani fabric.

A ritual to ward off nazar (the evil eye).

Journey to the West | A Chinese Classic

Mars in Pisces: what did it mean in medieval astrology?

Throughout history, blood moons have often been recorded alongside moments of upheaval. Chroniclers across centuries frequently interpreted the crimson Moon as an omen. Here are some moments in history that coincided with blood moons. Battle of Arbela (331 BCE) Before Alexander the Great’s decisive victory over the Persian Empire at the Battle of Arbela (often identified with Gaugamela), ancient accounts describe a lunar eclipse on September 20. The Moon reportedly appeared

Types of Kites in Pakistan Basant skies are never homogenous, each kite distinct in its path. In Lahore and across Punjab, people do not just fly “a kite.” They fly a type, and the type tells you how it’ll dance and claim the skies as its own: whether it will jerk with the flick of your wrist, or stand firm and steady in the face of the wind or whether it is meant for close fights — ab akhir kisi ki kaatni tou hei . That specificity is part of what makes Basant feel like its

Some notes on how Nature was painted at Jahangir's court

The Glossy Board: Ludo, Pachisi, and the Games That Raised Us.

An ode to kohl, & the surma-daani.

Tales from the Tutinama | 04

Tales from the Tutinama | 03

Book Review | The River that Separates Us, by Sia K

Tales from the Tutinama | 02

Tales from the Tutinama | 01

In English, feelings are associated with the heart. But in Urdu, Persian, and other languages spoken in the region, we centre the liver. It refers to a range of connotations, such as courage, bravery and love. Below are a few words from Urdu, most of which have originated in Persian, which depict the nature of the liver in our languages. To begin with, some everyday terms, Jaan-e-Jigar (the life of my liver), Jigarem (my liver), or Jigari Yaar (Friend of the Liver) are common

Languages and cultures shape each other. In Urdu and other languages spoken in Pakistan, the eye is so much more than an organ. It also represents sight, both literal and metaphorical, envy, and feelings. The most commonly used words for the eye and eyesight in Urdu are ankh, nazar, and chasm. In literary or formal Urdu, deed is also frequently used, which comes from the Persian root word, deedan (to see). To start with, some everyday phrases used colloquially, we have: - Naz

Words by Wattayo Faqir | A series

How did Cake Rusks become a bakery essential in Pakistan?

Animal Lore | The Snow Leopard | Wakhi Lore from Gilgit Baltistan