Who am I?
They say don't go near me.
'She will trap you in her whims and illusions.'
They say.

Red is my colour.
I am one of the daughters of the Mother Goddess.
Wild, sensual, beautiful, playful and passionate.
I don't trap. I bring everyone in my embrace, taking away the tiredness of the limbs and the heart.

I reside in the world of the mortals but invisible.
You can see me if you have a keen eye.
Find me in sculptures, poetry, music and dance.
Find me in old couples who are still deep in love.
Find me in young hearts who have just planted a small bud of love.
I am in beauty and love.
I am a shade that celebrates love and life.

I am the beauty in the wonders of Mother Earth.
I am the sparkle of the jewels which women carry.
I am the muse of poets and artists.

I am Shringara.

***

Presenting Shringara, one of the nine fundamental rasas in Bharata's Natyashastra. This rasa depicts beauty and love in dance, music, literature and the other arts.

Shringara in dance is also used as an erotic element. Today, we don't celebrate her much and strip sensuality and her beauty thinking it to be immoral. She is limited to the stage and art, but can't fly in life.

Shringara is also for celebrating our bodies, our passionate selves and life. Decorating yourself and making yourselves look good isn't a bad thing. Back in ancient India, we celebrated beauty and sensuality. It was an artform. Today, we under our so called 'moral' lens think of it to be impure. There is a fine line between sensuality and vulgarity.

Be a bit playful. Wear that dress which makes you feel good. Laugh to your content and let down your hair. Learn how to find joy and beauty in you and around you.