Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is a renowned American-Indian author. She is considered one of the best mythology writers in India. She is known for several bestselling books, such as The Palace of Illusions, The Last Queen, The Forest of Enchantments, and many more. Here are the three reasons you must read Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni: 1. Rich Cultural Exploration Books like The Forest of Enchantments and The Palace of Illusions show the insights into the Indian traditions and myths through the perspective of the author. Chitra has the power to transport the readers into a different world where India’s cultural heritage is…
Author: WAO Team
Dua Lipa, the renowned pop star and creator of the influential newsletter Service95, continues to combine her passions for music, literature, and social advocacy. Lipa has made waves with her newsletter by recommending standout works and engaging directly with authors through her podcast. This month, her spotlight shines on Alana S. Portero’s evocative autobiographical novel, Bad Habit, which dives deep into the trans experience in post-Franco Spain. Service95, a name derived from Lipa’s birth year, was conceived from her lifelong love of reading and her habit of recommending books to friends. Launched as a weekly newsletter, it includes various topics like fashion, art, politics, travel, and literature. The…
Actress Naomi Watts is stepping into the literary world with a powerful new book titled Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause. Set to release in January 2025, this book is more than just a celebrity memoir; it’s a bold and candid exploration of menopause, a life stage often shrouded in silence and shame. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, Watts explained her motivation for writing the book. She expressed concern that women have “suffered in silence for too long” due to the lack of information, support, and open conversations about menopause. Her goal with Dare…
Tahereh Mafi, the bestselling author behind the popular “Shatter Me” series, is set to release a brand-new book titled “Watch Me.” This book, which is the first in a spinoff series, will be available on April 15, 2025. The story takes place 10 years after the events of “Imagine Me,” the final book in the original series, and introduces readers to two new main characters. “Shatter Me,” which was first published in 2011, quickly became a favorite among readers, especially on TikTok, where the series has over 250,000 posts under the hashtag #shatterme. With more than 10 million copies sold…
The Sun is considered a powerful and vital planet in Vedic astrology, as it symbolizes authority, vitality, self-esteem, and leadership. A strong sun in a person’s chart makes them confident and gives fame. However, a weak sun gives issues related to health, lack of confidence, and less recognition. In this article, we will share three ways to strengthen your sun: 1. Perform Surya Namaskar Surya Namaskar, or Sun Salutation, is one of the popular yoga poses performed in homage to the Sun. Doing it daily can improve one’s physical health as well as help to make the planet Sun stronger…
Lord Hanuman, one of the most esteemed deities in Hinduism, remains a symbol of devotion and strength. Revered as a divine vanara and a steadfast devotee of Lord Rama, Hanuman’s story is deeply etched in the Ramayana and other sacred texts. Despite the passage of time, many wonder about Hanuman’s current whereabouts and his eternal presence. Hanuman is often regarded as one of the Chiranjivis, a group of immortals in Hindu tradition. According to legend, Hanuman requested to remain on Earth as long as the story of Lord Rama was remembered and revered. This wish was granted, making Hanuman an…
In the heart of New Delhi, nestled between modern high-rises and bustling streets, lies a hidden gem that whispers of ancient times and mysterious tales. Agrasen ki Baoli, an ancient stepwell, stands silently and showcases the bygone era. This underground structure, located just off the bustling Connaught Place, has become a focal point of fascination for its architectural beauty and spine-chilling legends. Agrasen ki Baoli is one of India’s many stepwells, known locally as “baoli” or “vav.” These structures, which date back to around 600 CE, were ingeniously designed to collect and store water, ensuring a reliable supply throughout the…
Sanskrit, often revered as the ‘language of the gods,’ holds an unparalleled place in the cultural and intellectual history of India. This ancient language is the bedrock upon which much of Hindu philosophy, spirituality, and classical literature is built. From the sacred Vedas and Upanishads to the epic tales of the Mahabharata and Ramayana, Sanskrit has been the medium through which profound wisdom and timeless stories have been conveyed across generations. To honor and promote this illustrious language, Sanskrit Diwas is celebrated annually, providing a unique opportunity to rekindle interest in Sanskrit and recognize its enduring contributions to humanity. The Significance of Sanskrit Diwas Sanskrit Diwas, also known as World Sanskrit Day, is…
Raksha Bandhan, also known as Rakhi or Rakri, is a precious festival celebrated primarily by Hindus, though its value exceeds religious and cultural boundaries. The festival celebrates the deep bond of love and duty between brothers and sisters and has been celebrated for centuries in India and across the world. Over time, Raksha Bandhan symbolizes familial love and the broader concept of protection and care between different communities. What Is Raksha Bandhan? The term “Raksha Bandhan” translates to “the knot of protection” in Sanskrit, capturing the essence of the festival. On this day, a sister ties a rakhi (a colourful, sometimes ornate thread) around her brother’s wrist to symbolise her love, prayers, and…
Rock Paper Scissors is one of the best-selling psychological thrillers. The author of the book is Alice Feeney, a British author renowned for her gripping psychological thrillers. It is a page-turner that keeps the readers on the edge of their seats, as the novel is fast-paced. Published in 2021, Rock Paper Scissors tells the story of Adam and Amelia, a married couple trying hard to save their marriage. However, as the events unfold, the past full of secrets buried somewhere down comes out as well. The tension builds as a lot of shocking secrets come out slowly, keeping readers engrossed…