“India is a diverse country” is the beginning line of every essay written by every schoolgoer in India about India. This diverse country is bound to have an even more dynamic year. The year 2023 brought with it many ups and downs but India and Indians fared through it with strong will and determination. It wasn’t the easiest year, but it wasn’t the worst either. It brought with it some glories and some battle scars. Let’s take a look at India in 2023. 

Launch of NMACC (Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre)

Capturing India’s culture in one centre, NMACC opened its door in 2023 for the first time. It’s often said that India is a diverse country and to truly experience it you must visit every part of it. Still, this cultural centre by Nita Ambani and Mukesh Ambani brings this diverse culture under one roof for the entire world to experience and appreciate. Some may even consider it the Indian equivalent of the Met.

Dior X Chanakya

In 2023, the collaboration between Dior and Chanakya School of Craft thanks to the growing friendship and mutual respect for each other’s work between Dior’s current creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri and Chanakya’s founder Karishma Swali; saw a new era for Indian designs and designers at the global stage. The work of Chanakya School of Craft found a global platform at Dior’s Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2022, and the iconic Dior Pre-Fall 2023 showcase that took place in front of the Gateway of India put a limelight on Indian designs marking India as a fashion capital. This collaboration ensured that India cemented itself as a fashion capital in the global sphere.  

Oscar Wins

The song Naatu Naatu from the film RRR bagged the Best Original Song and The Elephant Whisperers bagged the Best Documentary (Short Subject) at the 95th Academy Awards (Oscar), in 2023. These wins cemented India’s place in the global sphere as a name to be reckoned with in the cinema world, making heads turn even in the West. 

Asian Games Glory

Continuing to ensure that the tricolour flag remains hoisted high along with the rest of the world, our Indian athletes made us proud once again by bagging over 100 medals for India in the Asian Games 2023, making it the first time for India to achieve such a big feat. This feat gave a loud message to the entire world that India is not behind the other countries in any sphere be it fashion or sports.

FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023

By hosting the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup for the second time consecutively in Odisha in 2023, the state has proved its calibre to the entire world by being able to organise an enormous International event all by itself. This shows how India continues to win the world over with its hospitality and its ability to host international events with resounding success.

Same-Sex Marriage Rights

The verdict that the entire country waited for with batted breaths in 2023 was followed up with a huge disappointment as same-sex marriage rights were declined by the Supreme Court of India. But the very fact that this appeal reached the Supreme Court and was debated for days gives some hope to the LGBTQ+ members and allies in India as now at least the topic is brought to the limelight.

G20 Summit

For the first time, India hosted the G20 summit in 2023, which concluded with the adoption of a G20 Leaders’ Declaration. By hosting this international event which was attended by many global leaders, India proved its prowess and ability to organise such a huge event on an international scale in front of the entire world.

Chandrayaan-3

The launch of the highly anticipated Chandrayaan-3 in 2023, helped India reach new heights of success, quite literally! It became the first spacecraft to land near the south pole of the moon and carried a lunar rover named Pragyan and a lunar lander named Vikram. Chandrayaan-3’s launch was a testament to India’s advancement in science and technology which is not far behind from the West.

Indians ASSEMBLE!

By overtaking China and becoming the most populous country in the world with a population surpassing 1.428 billion according to the UN’s World Population Dashboard, India takes pride in its advancement in medical science that allows the growth of such a huge population. 

Thus, this was India in 2023 in a nutshell.

Fashion trends of each era define the culture and the habits of that era. From just a sleeve cut to the type of shoes and makeup they prefer, you could tell a lot about the people in that era. Just like literature fashion serves as a reflection of society. It can be used to make a subtle statement or a loud one. It can be something personal or political. Fashion is a type of historical manuscript of society. And given its rising popularity it’s of extreme importance now than before. Let’s take a look at the fashion trends that defined India in 2023. 

Going Back To The Roots

With modernity taking over every part of the country 2023 saw a return to the roots as people started donning ethnic wears that traditional Indian handloom artists crafted. From pairing traditional Chikankari kurtis with jeans to opting for sarees made with Dabu print, sustainability of both fashion and culture has become the norm. Gone are the days of following the tune of the West as Indians take pride in their handloom culture by modifying it a bit to suit their unique personalities.

Multicoloured Panelled Saree

“What Jhumka?” was the song that made Indians groove like no tomorrow in 2023. But it was the famous multicoloured panelled saree that Alia Bhatt donned in the MV that made heads turn and became truly iconic since “Desi Girl”. Soon enough there was a huge surge in the demand for this saree and not one Indian event went by without a sighting of this fabulous multicoloured-panelled saree.

Organza Sarees

If there was one saree fabric that became a must-have in 2023 it’s the organza sarees. With its beautiful glossy finish and translucent cover, it ensures that it adds just the right finishing touch without overpowering anything but completing a royal look. The best part about these sarees is how beautifully vibrant the print and embroidery look on them.

Quirky Tops & Statement Sleeves For Saree Blouses

Gone are the days of boring blouses. With saree not being a staple in every person’s day-to-day life many have started opting for crop tops and other quirky tops as an alternative to traditional blouses, making a sustainable yet bold fashion statement in 2023. Gone are the days of sleeveless blouses, 2023 highlighted the surge in statement-sleeved blouses. From plain old puff sleeves to bishop sleeves to trumpet sleeves, blouses were no longer the background prop in the fashion runaway, they took centerstage along with the saree.

Pastel Hues

While India prides itself in its bold and vibrant cloured clothing, the majority of 2023 donned a pastel hue courtesy of the ever-popular Bollywood weddings. As celebrities like Kiara Advani to Parineeti Chopra went for muted colours and pastel shades to let their love shine on their big day, the masses surely took note. Hence it led to a surge of pastel weddings. And pastel colours became the most popular choice for major events.

Men Embracing Gender-Fluid Fashion

As influencers like Siddharth Batra, and Ankush Bahuguna and celebrities like Ranveer Singh lead the gender-fluid fashion in India, it’s not unlikely that 2023 saw such a huge surge in men embracing gender-fluid fashion. From floral designs and vibrant hues to fluid silhouettes to wearing makeup, gender-fluid fashion took a huge leap forward by expanding to all spectrum of genders and taking a step towards equality in today’s society.

These fashion trends highlighted what 2023 was all about, i.e., sustainability, equality and embracing tradition at your own pace.

In the ever changing world of music, 2023 emerged as a year that not only paid homage to the classics but also witnessed a resurgence of timeless melodies in the form of remixes and mashups. As the digital world continues to redefine the music industry, artists and producers have found new ways to blend the old and new, creating a symphony that reverberated across the internet. Let us take a pause and rewind to remixes and mashups that took the internet by a storm, breathing new life into familiar tunes and captivating audiences from across the globe.

From the soul-stirring melodies of yesteryears to the foot-tapping beats of contemporary hits, the internet was ablaze with creativity in 2023. Iconic Bollywood songs, once the anthems of their time, were reinvented with a modern twist, capturing the attention and hearts of a new generation.

“Aaja Sanam & Darkside“: A Nostalgic Resurgence

One of the standout mashups of the year was the rejuvenation of “Aaja Sanam,” originally from the 1956 film “Chori Chori”. The revamped version was clubbed with Neoni’s “Darkside” released in 2021. The mashup retained the original’s essence and introduced it to a younger audience, sparking a viral dance trend that spread like wildfire on social media platforms—featuring on bookstagram and the likes. Listen to the remix by clicking here.

Hitting the Right Note: “Pasoori”

The timeless charm of “Pasoori” from Coke Studio found a new lease on life in 2023 with the remix for the film “Satya Prem Ki Katha”. This fusion of contemporary beats not only celebrated the magic of the beats but also showcased the adaptability of the latest tunes in capturing the minds of today’s listeners. Listen to the remix by clicking here.

“What Jhumka”: A Modern Groove

The foot-tapping number “Jhumka Gira Re,” originally from the 1966  film “Mera Saaya”, was reintroduced in 2023 with a modern twist for the film “Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani”. The remix not only paid homage to the iconic track but also became a club favourite, proving that a good melody knows no temporal boundaries. From fresher’s competitions in colleges to sangeet performances, “What Jhumka” brought our desi groove back with its twist to the original, which youngsters and adults alike enjoyed. Listen to the remix here.

“Unholy & Apsara Aali”: A Fusion of Language and Culture

The iconic Marathi Song  “Apsara Aali” from “Natarang” (2010) found its way back into the spotlight with a mashup with Sam Smith and Kim Petra’s 2023 song “Unholy”. The fusion of old-school charm and contemporary beats not only redefined the song for a new generation but also became a party anthem, dominating playlists and dance floors alike. Its hypnotic beats and fusion of not only culture but also language took all of the internet by storm, with the mashup not just featuring on dance floors but also social media platforms such as Instagram etc. Listen to the mashup here.

“Mera Piya Ghar Aaya 2.0” : A Comeback from The Yesteryears 

From the 1995’s film “Yaranna” Mera Piya Ghar Aaya has been brought back from the yesteryears for the Zee Music Originals. With the title “Mera Piya Ghar Aaya 2.0”. The remix is groovy and gets you tapping your feet. Just like the original, this too has you grooving to the beats. Given that this remix was more recent, released on the 8th of October 2023, what better way to bid farewell to 2023 than with a remixed twist to an old classic “Mera Piya Ghar Aaya 2.0.” Listen to the remix here.

As we say goodbye to 2023, we will always remember this year as an era where the internet reverberated with the echoes of the past, woven with the fabric of the present and different cultures and languages. The remixes and Mashups that captured our attention served as a testament to the timelessness of music, proving that a well-crafted melody, regardless of its era, can still resonate with so many generations. In this unique blend of old, new, far and near, the music of 2023 will always echo in the digital archives, a vibrant reminder of the power of creative reinterpretation in the ever- evolving world of music.

The Indian Epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana have shaped how people look at Indian culture especially those related to the Hindus. The original stories are quite straightforward, good vs evil and good wins over evil every time. Everything is black and white, but the reality is hardly black and white. This is because reality contains real people and people are always shades of grey never just black or white. Ignored and forgotten let’s take a look at these characters from the epics that tell a completely different story.

Radha by Leena Saldanha

Although not a character in the two Indian epics, Radha played a huge role in Lord Krishna’s life whose entire existence set the wheels of Mahabharata in motion. We know Radha because of Lord Krishna but how much do we truly know her? When have we ever heard her voice? Her thoughts? Her stories? Radha by Leena Saldanha sheds light on this essential person in Lord Krishna’s life. In the form of poems, we hear her words that continue even after Lord Krishna departs from his hometown. A must-read for anyone interested in the life of those close to Sri Krishna.

Yajnaseni by Pratibha Ray

Long before Palance of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni achieved huge success and became a medium for Draupadi’s voice, Yajnaseni: The Story of Draupadi by Pratibha Ray had dedicated more than 400 pages for Yajnaseni to enlighten the world of her struggles. Draupadi or Yajnaseni one of the titular characters of Mahabharata is often rendered silent because of the focus on the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Taking inspiration from both the popular Mahabharata written by Ved Vyasa and the one written by Sarala Dasa, Yajnaseni is a must-read not only for those who wonder about Draupadi but for also those who are curious about how the characters are portrayed in different versions of the Mahabharata.

Karna’s Wife: The Outcast’s Queen by Kavita Kané 

The tragic hero of Mahabharata Karna is doomed to always bow down in front of those who may lack archery skills as compared to him just because he belongs to a lower caste. A king born with the fate of a pauper, it is completely understandable why he feels so bitter about everything in his life. But in his bitterness, there was surely someone who provided a bit of sweetness, perhaps his life companion, Uruvi? Karna’s Wife: The Outcast’s Queen by Kavita Kané tells the tale of Princess Uruvi who left her life of luxury and followed her heart which led her to Karna. Living as The Outcast’s Queen we get to see a side of the Mahabharata that adds more layers to the character of Karna and gives a voice to the otherwise ignored and silenced character of Uruvi, Karna’s wife. It is a must-read for anyone curious about Karna and his life, especially his wife who saw a different side of him as compared to those seen by others.

Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel

Vilified and hated for driving the true king of Ayodhya out of his kingdom for 14 years, Kaikeyi is never given a chance to explain her side of the story. Often hidden from the limelight until the time comes when she demands Lord Ram be exiled, she is barely given much space to put forth her narrative. Set in an alternate universe which questions the “what if” Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel doesn’t follow Valmiki’s Ramayana to the T as it needs to give Kaikeyi’s character the space to explore and grow, the novel reminds us that every coin has two sides, and we must look at both before forming any judgements. A captivating tale that is a must-read for anyone who is a fan of the Indian epic Ramayana.

Mandodari: Queen of Lanka by Manini J. Anandani

Fans of Indian mythology are well aware of the character of Ravana, the antagonist to Lord Rama in the Indian epic Ramayana. But how many of us recall Mandodari, the first and favourite wife of Ravana and the Queen of Lanka? Told from Mandodari’s perspective, we get to see the famous epic unfold through her eyes in Mandodari: Queen of Lanka by Manini J. Anandani. Not only do we see a different side of Ramayana, but we also get to see a different side of Ravana, the side that used to dote on Mandodari and its transition to the Ravana that we know today. The book also creates and answers certain mysteries related to the birth of certain characters. It’s a must-read for anyone who is a fan of the Indian epic Ramayana especially Ravana and those close to him.

We hope these books give you a fresh perspective on our pre-existing Indian epics!

One of the most anticipated aspects of new years is all the new songs the commencing year will bring. For who doesn’t enjoy music? 2022 was a year full of amazing global releases, sure, but there was a plethora of undeniably beautiful and exceptional indie releases by our very own Indian artists. Quite frankly, with the age of easy-to-access music apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, JioSaavn, etc., exploring and discovering new music has become unchallenging. So, while the Bollywood music industry is surely thriving, it remains an undebatable discussion that over the course of a few years, Indie music has taken a storm over India’s music scene. What is a better way to end the year than by looking back at some of the best indie music releases of this year?

Uddchalein – Sanjeeta Bhattacharya x Aman Sagar x Full Power

Sanjeeta Bhattacharya along with producer Aman Sagar and rap duo Full Power (Frappe Ash and Yungsta) created this powerful experimental pop indie piece, a song spun around the air of freedom, hope and love. ‘Uddchalein’ resonated with a large number of audience, especially with the young people in their 20s who’re trapped in a continued disarrayed maze of life. The frenetic beats of the music produce a fun uptempo aura meanwhile the impactful lyrics bring solace to everyone who’s regretting their decisions or going through a low phase in their life. Sanjeeta Bhattacharya extends a hand of support and warmth through this song.

Ashes – Mali

The Mumbai based singer-songwriter, Maalavika Manoj, known by her stage name ‘Mali’ gained wide recognition for her 2021 album, ‘Caution to the Wind’. Her depthful songwriting coupled with her serene vocals make her discography an un-skippable one. ‘Ashes’ is one of those lyrical masterpieces, with lyrics like, “Can’t stand the sight of my reflection anymore/A walking callous numb from skin to the core/Hope you’re happier now than you were last year/Now the flames put out and I have only ashes to inhale.” The song’s lyrics have stemmed from Mali’s raw and personal feelings after a breakup. The honesty in the song is vivid with the breathy guitar strings, the cymbal and piano in the background.

Mazaak – Anuv Jain

Well, if ‘Mazaak’ wasn’t one of the most anticipated releases of this year! Anuv Jain, carrying the indie music wave in India, has only given better and better with every new release. ‘Mazaak’, Anuv Jain’s 9th single, is a song of love, and the experience of falling into love when you least expect it. Anuv’s soulful singing imparts a tranquil aura to the song. Anuv has stayed true to his self-created tracks which are imbued with honesty, artistry and sincerity.

KUN – Ahmer ft. MC Kash

Ahmer’s sophomore album, ‘Azli’ is a grim accounting of the terrors and anxieties of the Kashmir Valley. ‘Kun’ is the tenth track on the album which captures the resilience and resistance of the Kashmiri community. MC Kash (real name: Rousan Illahi), one of Kashmir’s most prodigal rappers appeared on the record after eight years of dry spell. The lyrics like, “They strangled reality, so how is truth going to speak?” and “This is blood, sweat and tears/You can’t buy it, it’s not for sale” and “I’m already buried alive, so what are you gonna do now?” come from Ahmer’s personal experiences as a Kashmiri. Producer, Prophecy, chopped and sampled a legendary folk singer named Abdul Rashid Hafiz for Kun, which adds more sincerity to the track as one can feel the Kashmiri folk music in the beats.

Akhiyaan – MITRAZ

‘Akhiyaan’ by the most popular indie music duo, MITRAZ, is their second hit of 2022, following ‘Junoon’. The Indian film pop genre song with subtle lo-fi beats accompanied by MITRAZ’s soulful and feathery vocals became an instant hit! The heartfelt lyrics of the song has the perfect range. 2022 echoed MITRAZ’s beautifully penned lyrics, “Jag Saara Firyaan Mai Tujhsa Na Koi Pawa“. You could hear these lines sung in every street, that is how widely loved MITRAZ have become!

Aaj Na – Ritvij

Ritviz’s eight track album, ‘MIMMI’ is an ode to his mother. The track ‘Aaj Na’ is a look back to Ritviz’s childhood and is a song imbued with a distinct nostalgic sadness that comes to him as he thinks about all the memories he experienced as a child. The exceptional production of the song, which adds a traditional element to it and gives it a distinct aura makes the song so powerful. With his well crafted music making skills, Ritviz has become one of the most streamed Indie artists in India.

Lagda Na – Zaeden

Zaeden, one of the many popular indie artists in India is a singer-songwriter who first debuted in 2019 with his original, ‘Tere Bina’. His recent track, ‘Lagda Na’ is his first Punjabi single which gained immense love right from its very release! The DJ turned singer is very ambitious when it comes to upgrading his music, and ‘Lagda Na’ is a classic example of it. The song’s catchy tune will have you grooving while the lyrics echoes the feelings of a new found love.

Nain Ta Heere – Lisa Mishra

Lisa Mishra has to be in the list! An aspiring singer, who started from her bedroom to performing for 30,000 people and featuring in multiple Bollywood songs, she has come so far! The 2022 Punjabi release, ‘Nain Ta Heere’ sung and performed by the talented Lisa Mishra is yet another display of her amazing vocal skills and musical sensibilities. ‘Nain Ta Heere’ is a song echoing a truthful love for another person. Lisa Mishra’s beautiful singing against a catchy yet lyrical music made the song an instant ‘add-to-my-playlist’ piece.

Bliss – Gurbax, Burrah, MC Altaf

Produced by Gurbax and written and performed by MC Altaf and Burrah, ‘Bliss’ is a deeply moving song, tracing the very essence of life. An almost therapeutic track, the folksy beats in the song adds more weight to the song. ‘Bliss’ is a song about this community of love and positivity shared between human beings.

Tu Ki Jaane – Pratyush Dhiman

Infusing 2022 with a fresh melody, Pratyush Dhiman’s original song, self-written and self-composed, ‘Tu Ki Jaaane’ is a Punjabi soulful song. Pratyush’s enchanting vocals with his equally crafted music in the song has been loved by the fans and the general public alike. The song delivers ripples of tranquil emotions, that is the gripping vigour of the song.