The Idiot's Guide to Creating the Universe
In the mid of Margazhi (January), the day before the longest night of the year, almost every household will be in search of pushnikai (pumpkin), mochai (type of bean) and other various but specific groceries. The sweet smell of jaggery and fancy kolams will have adorned these abodes while blasting cooker sounds will inevitably wake you up way too early in the morning. Why? What is so special about this day? When I asked my parents these questions, they handed me my ever trustworthy Google. After some digging around I realized that this day was THE DAY to be celebrated! Why!? It was the day Lord Siva decided to create the universe! Wait a minute....Lord Shiva is often known as the destroyer. The one who "cleanses" the world. So, how can he "create" the world? Actually, he doesn't. Many people misconceive the Siva Thandavam as one dance. However, there are actually two dances; Lasya and Thandavam. Lasya is the dance that aids in the creation of the world. I...