Tag: colours

March 2015, again and beyond

Eventually, the determination of the widows of Vrindavan prevailed. Rigid codes of conduct cracked under public pressure. ...

Against All Odds

Binodini’s prayers were answered. A few weeks later, a woman named Durga came to meet Binodini all the way from Mathura. She ran an organization that trained women in martial arts. She urged Binodini to educate the members of her organization and train them in practical work skills. In...

Aabir – Red colour, redder blood

Religious leaders & temple priests were enraged by Binodini’s insolence in supporting Meera and Madhav’s wedding. As a result, Binodini was declared an outcast. Under the pressure of religious organizations, most people withheld donations from her when she sang in the morning....

Aabir – What is Love?

Despite threats and warnings, Binodini was determined to fight. It was an uphill battle against agelong traditions, and she was just an insignificant individual. Nevertheless, she saw a ray of hope in Somnath Pandit. Gradually, an inexplicable bond grew between Binodini and Mr Pandit. She admired and respected his...

Aabir -Learning hope

On 15th August that year, Binodini was asked to sing bhajans at the Independence Day function of the town. The chief guest at the function was a renowned social worker, Mr Somnath Pandit. He had an internationally-reputed NGO that supported marginalized communities, especially women. During his speech, Mr Pandit...

Aabir – A bride and a widow

Binodini’s life changed after marriage. She was now a daughter-in-law. She could no longer be the Binu that she had been in her natal home. Binodini had to constantly be conscious of her conduct. A year passed in getting accustomed to the norms of her new home, and soon...

Aabir -Colours of Holi

Their white sarees are drenched in coloured water, their faces smeared with aabir. They are dancing in utter self-forgetfulness; some are singing kirtans to Krishna, accompanied by the harmonium, khol and kartal. In the holy city of Vrindavan, these widows are playing Holi in the premises of the Gopinath...