Reimagine Your Mornings

While stockings and Santa may dominate Christmas in some parts of the world, festive traditions elsewhere reveal a story of cultural diversity. In Japan, for example, KFC has become a holiday staple thanks to a 1970s advertising campaign; families queue up for their share of fried chicken, paired with a strawberry-topped Christmas cake.

Meanwhile, Italy celebrates Befana, a broomstick-riding witch who delivers gifts on January 5, while naughty children receive coal and onions. In Iceland, the mischievous Yule Lads leave gifts — or rotten potatoes — for children, while their menacing Yule Cat prowls the snowy countryside.

Finland ushers in Christmas Eve with a sauna session, while Austria’s Krampus Runs turn the season into a spectacle of fire and folklore. Slovakia sees families flinging pudding at the ceiling for good fortune.

These unique celebrations remind us that Christmas, at its heart, is about community and shared joy, even if it looks vastly different across the globe. Which of these traditions have you heard of before?

Among the myriad materials used in design, few captivate like capiz, the translucent shell of windowpane oysters. Once found on the shores of Southeast Asia, these delicate shells were first harvested for their unique luminescence and strength. Over time, they became deeply woven into Filipino craftsmanship, not just as a resource but as a reflection of creativity and adaptability. From adorning the iconic parol lanterns to lending their glow to traditional windows, capiz shells have transformed simple objects into mesmerizing works of art, blending utility with unmatched beauty.

What sets capiz apart is its ability to blend heritage with modernity. It embodies sustainability, aligning with eco-conscious design trends. The material is natural, biodegradable, and often sourced locally, reducing environmental impact. The translucent quality mimics nature’s delicate balance, echoing biomimicry, where human design is inspired by nature's forms and processes. From radiant chandeliers and intricate lampshades to furniture inlays and statement wall art, capiz transforms everyday objects into unique works of art.

This enduring love for capiz reflects a deep cultural connection and pride in Filipino craftsmanship. It tells a story of creativity, tradition, and innovation, making every home it adorns distinctly Filipino.

Farming in India is sprouting new possibilities, led by women who are shaking up the soil — and stereotypes. Across the country, women are embracing agriculture as a means to innovate and reclaim space in a field where their contributions often go unacknowledged. From cultivating nutrient-rich black wheat to starting organic produce, they’re building sustainable futures with grit and grace.

This grassroots movement aims to challenge the norm in the field of agriculture: although women make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce, they rarely own the land. But through community-building, entrepreneurial ventures, and modern farming techniques, these women are creating systems that value both the environment and their labour.

Why now? For some, it’s about reconnecting with their roots. For others, it’s an opportunity to rewrite the future of Indian farming — balancing tradition with innovation. Whether in Punjab’s wheat fields or Himachal’s apple orchards, these women are transforming agriculture into a story of empowerment, sustainability, and resilience.

Fashion has always reflected society’s evolving ethos, and Gen Z is shaping a style revolution rooted in intentionality and identity. This move to blend Indian customs with contemporary worldwide styles comes from a need to feel at ease, express yourself, and connect with your roots. Take, for example, wearing a classic Banarasi dupatta with a tee or teaming khadi pants with athletic shoes. While this mix links different age groups, it also honors tradition in the process.

This movement is also fueled by a growing consciousness around sustainability and mindfulness. Gen Z is moving away from fast fashion’s allure, opting for designs that honour artisanship and longevity. Brands like Sabyasachi’s ready-to-wear collections and Bhaane’s easy silhouettes exemplify this blend of heritage with contemporary comfort. Iconic fabrics such as Ladakh’s Pashmina wool are experiencing a resurgence too, with artisans reinterpreting them for eco-conscious and style-savvy consumers.

It’s common to see how tradition intersects with modernity online. While many turn to innovative ways to express cultural heritage, others find that a more traditional route resonates with them. So, you can easily find lehengas styled with leather jackets for a contemporary edge or stitched saris reimagined as hassle-free ensembles. The blending of classic and modern aesthetics reflects the evolving narrative of tradition in India and the world at large. Globally, this trend echoes movements in other cultures — Japan’s reimagined kimonos or China’s modern cheongsams reflect a shared ethos of honouring tradition while embracing innovation. 

The scent of smoky food mingles with the sweet aroma of sticky rice as banana leaves are laid out on the table, their glossy green contrasting with the vibrant colours of grilled seafood and tropical mango salad. Around the room, laughter and the clink of glasses echo, a symphony of togetherness marking the heart of the Philippine Christmas.

For chef Jordy Navarra, the heart of the season lies in shared meals, meaningful connections, and the rich tapestry of Filipino flavors. His festive kamayan feast — where food is served communally and enjoyed by hand — embodies these traditions. From woodfire-steamed rice to the zesty kinilaw (a raw seafood delicacy), every dish reflects the warmth of home and the depth of heritage, offering a culinary story in every bite.

“Using your hands to eat is a very Filipino way to eat.” Navarra says. “(It is) very intimate.”

Christmas in the Philippines is a celebration of community. It goes on for nearly a hundred days! And in Navarra’s hands, it becomes an art form – a joyful expression of culture and connection that lingers long after the last bite.

Wandering Prague’s cobbled streets, you will find trdelník stalls tempting passers-by with the sweet aroma of caramelised sugar and freshly baked dough. These tubular pastries, often served warm and topped with ice cream, have become a beloved indulgence for visitors.

Labelled as an ‘Old Czech Specialty’, they emit a sweet aroma from shops at every corner. But there is a twist: trdelník isn’t Czech. You can trace its origins through Central Europe, from Hungary’s kürtöskalács to Slovakia’s skalica. Its presence in Prague blossomed in the early 2000s, transforming this historical treat into a modern symbol of the city’s vibrant tourism scene.

Enjoying a trdelník is a treat in itself. You can watch the dough spin over hot coals, its surface crisping to a golden hue, adding to the sensory delight. The pastry’s cinnamon-sugar coating pairs beautifully with creamy toppings like chocolate or vanilla. For a true taste of Prague, you can savour it slowly as you stroll through Old Town Square or across the iconic Charles Bridge.

While its roots might span borders, trdelník embodies Prague’s ability to celebrate diverse traditions. On your next trip, let this sweet treat be a reminder of the city’s charm — a perfect fusion of history, culture, and culinary creativity.

The vast tapestry of human history is interwoven with threads of exchange — a place where ideas, trade, and culture come together. But how often do we pause to recognize India’s pivotal role in shaping global civilization? In The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World, acclaimed historian and author William Dalrymple invites you to embark on an intellectual odyssey, tracing the profound ways ancient India influenced the world.

Dalrymple spoke to The Jurni about the book, how the world saw ancient India, and much more. Excerpts:

What was the most surprising discovery you made while researching your book The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World?

The whole experience felt like going through the wardrobe into Narnia. (When I started work on the book) I had been working for 20 years in the field of colonial India, having written four books covering various aspects of that history. These books mostly dealt with the end of the Mughal Empire and the beginning of British rule. After two decades, I felt I knew that world inside and out. But The Golden Road was about a world I was fascinated by but didn't know well at all. Writing and researching it during the pandemic was a unique experience. 

I found myself back on the farm in Delhi with my family, unable to leave, and forced to dive into the  resources of my library — books I had bought but never really read. This exploration of ancient India — and its influence beyond — was extraordinary. This isn’t just a book about India, but about how Indian ideas spread beyond its borders. 

There were so many extraordinary revelations, but one of the most significant was the story of Indian mathematics, specifically how India invented the number system we use every day. Yet, we, and most of the world, refer to these as ‘Arabic numbers’. In fact, the Arabs got them from India. That whole journey, from India to the Arab world, and then to Europe was something I had no idea about. 

Another fascinating but challenging topic in the book was the exploration of Hinduism and Southeast Asia. It was difficult to write because the history of early mediaeval Cambodia, for example, is shrouded in mystery. There are only a handful of inscriptions that provide raw material for understanding that history. 

The story of Indian Buddhism was another area that fascinated me. There’s a soap opera-like quality to the tale of Wu Zetian, the Chinese empress who, in her murderous career, established Buddhism — the religion of peace, as the state religion in China. It's incredible how an unassuming, ruthless woman could play such a central role in spreading Buddhism.

How do India's contributions to global civilization and trade routes differ from others during that time? And why do you think they are less often discussed?

This question really struck me — why don’t we know more about India’s contributions to global civilization? I think part of the answer lies in British colonialism. In the 19th century, some British scholars, like William Jones, were excited about discovering India’s ancient history. But by the mid-1800s, figures like Macaulay were dismissing Indian civilization as inferior. This legacy persists in the West today, where there is an inflated focus on ancient Greece, while India’s contributions are less acknowledged.

Another factor is the dominance of the Silk Road narrative. The Silk Road is often portrayed as the primary East-West trade route, but that's simply not true for the classical period. India was actually the main trading partner for the Romans. However, we do know that vast fleets of Indian ships sailed to Roman Egypt, and in return, Roman vessels headed to India. The story of how goods, ideas, and cultures flowed from India to the rest of the world has been overshadowed by the more glamorous Silk Road narrative.

As for India’s specific contributions, they are quite varied. India exported Buddhism, which spread across Southeast Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, and beyond. Hinduism and Sanskrit culture also travelled to Southeast Asia, influencing kingdoms and societies. Finally, Indian mathematics, astronomy, and other scientific innovations spread across the world, contributing to the development of global knowledge.

These contributions are not often discussed today, partly because of the lack of focus on ancient India in modern education, particularly in the West. People are often more familiar with stereotypes of India — like the image of Gandhi or Maharajas — than they are with the profound historical contributions the country made to global civilization.

In today’s world, where globalisation may be under threat, what lessons can we draw from the networks of exchange you describe in The Golden Road? How do you think readers in the diaspora will connect with the themes of your book?

I don’t think globalisation is under threat, at least not in the way many people think. We’re living in an age of unprecedented global communication, and if you look at history, globalisation goes back much further than we realise. India has always been a hub for exchange, both culturally and economically. The idea that India was a hermetically sealed box is a myth. From the ancient world, people came to India because it was a rich and prosperous country, ideal for trade. The evidence of this long history of interconnectedness is everywhere, from ancient cave paintings to the bustling trade routes that once connected India to the wider world.

As for the diaspora, the response to the book has been astonishing. It’s been very well-received, and what surprised me is that it has resonated with people outside India as well. There’s a huge latent interest in India worldwide, particularly in the West, where people are increasingly eager to learn more about the country beyond the typical stereotypes. I think that’s one reason the book has done so well — it’s tapping into that curiosity. 

At the same time, for people in the diaspora, the book addresses a common question: ‘Why is India so special?’ Many people of Indian descent feel a deep connection to their heritage but might not know why. This book helps fill that gap and provides a clearer understanding of India’s profound contributions to the world.

Are there any sites you recommend that our readers can visit today to learn more about India’s ancient history?

Yes, absolutely. I have a few favourite sites:

1. Ajanta Caves – If you haven’t been in the last two or three years, I highly recommend visiting again. New caves have been restored, including Cave 9 and Cave 10, which contain the oldest Buddhist murals in the world.

2. Mamallapuram – This popular town in Tamil Nadu is also home to some of the most extraordinary ancient ruins, including sculptures from a time when it was a major port for Indian shipping to Southeast Asia.

3. Kanheri Caves – Located in Mumbai, these caves are often overlooked by tourists. But, they offer a vast, peaceful experience, with Buddhist caves nestled in a forested landscape. You can even catch a glimpse of a leopard if you stay too late!

4. Thanjavur – In Tamil Nadu, the Great Temple of Tanjore is one of the most impressive of the temples, with breathtaking sculptures all around. The ASI museum nearby houses the greatest collection of Chola bronzes in the world, though the presentation could use some improvement.

5. Sanchi Stupa – The Stupas, temples, viharas, and stambha at Sanchi are among the oldest and most mature examples of aniconic arts and free-standing architecture that comprehensively document the history of Buddhism from the 3rd century BCE to the 12th century CE.

Delhi’s Humayun’s Tomb has unveiled a new museum, enhancing the experience of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Nestled in the heart of Nizamuddin, the museum offers an immersive journey into the Mughal era, showcasing the grandeur and intricacies of this  remarkable dynasty. 

You can explore interactive exhibits, rare artefacts, and informative displays that bring the history of Humayun’s Tomb to life. The museum highlights the architectural brilliance and cultural significance of the Mughal period, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and casual tourists alike. 

The museum displays 500 artefacts that chronicle Humayun’s life, highlighting his deep fascination with astronomy and astrology. The complex includes the Blue Dome of Sabz Burj, now recognized as his mother’s mausoleum, along with the nearby Sunder Nursery and other historic landmarks. Together, these sites were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, reflecting their cultural and historical significance.

We all like to believe that our music tastes are unique to us, and the way we experience them is much different from how others often do. And while the choice of music that we listen to does vary, research has shown that they are closely linked to our personalities. And this isn’t just a one-way street. The music that we listen to affects us not just on an emotional level, but also goes deeper, influencing and moulding our personalities.

When it comes to contemporary music, especially pop, research has shown that it is mostly preferred and listened to by extroverts, whereas introverts tend to go for different genres and time periods. Some introverts are drawn to mellow music, while others lean toward more intense, powerful tracks. However, the unifying factor between these two groups is that their preferred artists are seldom the ones topping the charts.

The most interesting part, however, is how we associate certain songs that make up our playlist. People who gravitate toward just one or two genres of music do so not out of a lack of curiosity, but because those genres provide them with a sense of euphoria, almost like a reward. While certain songs may be universally appreciated, the tracks that truly give someone ‘the chills’ are deeply personal. For those with a more introspective and intense nature, this sensation is often triggered by the specific genres that resonate most with their emotions.

In the rapidly advancing field of architecture, AI is transforming how we envision, design, and build spaces. Yet, traditional craftsmanship holds a powerful role. Architects today are increasingly integrating AI’s capabilities, from generating complex structural designs to modelling efficient energy use and predicting material needs. 

These technologies offer unmatched precision, speed, and scalability in construction, addressing sustainability and efficiency challenges. However, traditional craftsmanship is irreplaceable when it comes to preserving cultural heritage and creating intricate, tactile details that connect with people on a deeper level.

This blend of AI and artisanal skill is yielding exceptional architectural results worldwide. For instance, AI can propose innovative structural designs, while artisans bring them to life with refined hand finishes, from carved facades to unique interior touches. A standout example of this nuanced approach is Goy’s historic renovation of the Danish Seamen’s Church on Pender Road, completed alongside a conservation specialist. This collaboration between technology and craft achieves a harmony of machine precision and human artistry, creating spaces that marry modern innovation with cultural richness.

For many Haitian Americans, food is like a link that connects their heritage with their enduring resilience. Haitian dishes like pate kode and soup joumou represent generational bonds, each meal steeped in cultural history. 

Which is why Haitian chefs in the US have doubled down on sharing the richness of Haitian cuisine, one plate at a time. Chef Gregory Gourdet of Kann in Portland serves up griot, a flavorful twice-cooked pork, while offering a rich cultural experience with every bite. Over in Boston, Chef Nathalie Lecorps elevates the dining experience by encouraging customers to order in Haitian Creole, merging language with cuisine to deepen appreciation for Haitian heritage.

Food is more than just sustenance; it’s a reflection of the people who create it. Haitian cuisine, rich in flavour and history, carries cultural legacies across generations. By celebrating these dishes, we connect with the past while building bridges in the present, honouring the traditions that shape us and bringing people together over shared meals.

In Tokyo’s bustling Kanda Jimbocho district, a fresh take on bookstores is rekindling the joys of discovering literature in person. Here, at Shogo Imamura’s store, Honmaru, anyone can rent a shelf to sell their favourite books. Imamura describes his vision as a return to the heart of what bookstores once were — a place where personal expression shines through the selections on each shelf. Shelves brim with everything, from samurai novels to illustrated cheese guides, creating a truly eclectic atmosphere.

Each rented shelf becomes its own unique collection, reflecting the taste and passion of the individual. Think your social media or moodboard feed, but in physical form. And each shelf tells a story about the curator. 

In this nook of Tokyo, the curious, the collectors, and the aficionados all come together. And the best part is that the recommendations you end up with come from organic sources. It is in this community setting that you can find new titles but also find the people who share them, fostering a lively cultural exchange. This place is an ode to the timeless excitement of shared discovery, great stories, and beyond that, the quiet charm of a bookstore.