by Susan Jagannath | Jun 17, 2025 | Bestsellers, Books, Self-publishing, Women, Writing
What I Expected I was as excited as a child at Christmas when Banu Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp won the Booker Prize. Yeah, I was one of those kids who only looked for book-shaped presents from Santa. Having lived in Bangalore, the bustling heart of Karnataka, I thought —...
by Susan Jagannath | May 23, 2025 | Bestsellers, Books, Self-publishing, Women, Writing
I was thrilled when “Heart lamp” snagged the International Booker Prize—what an achievement for Banu Mushtak and a huge win for Kannada literature! I went looking for the International Booker Prize 2025 Heart Lamp a Kannada book now beautifully translated into...
by Susan Jagannath | Jan 31, 2025 | Adventures, Faith, Places, Travel, Walking, Walks, Women, Writing
The tragic stampede prompted this guide on How to Stay Safe in a Crowd like the Kumbh Mela. The stampede at the Kumbh Mela is a stark reminder that while faith moves us, safety must guide us. Having been at the Kumbh just weeks ago, I felt the energy of the crowd, the...
by Susan Jagannath | Jan 31, 2025 | Adventures, Places, Travel, Women, Writing
They say there are no coincidences, but during my time at the Kumbh Mela, I encountered a series of events so serendipitous, they felt like something greater was at play. These moments reminded me of the interconnectedness of life and the quiet ways the divine seems...
by Susan Jagannath | Jan 16, 2025 | Adventures, Places, Travel, trekking, Walking, Walks, Women, Writing
Quite a few friends noticed I was at the Kumbh and asked for tips, so here is a pilgrim’s guide to the Kumbh Mela. For those who know me from the Camino, see my comparison of the two. pilgrimages, see my previous post. It’s a pilgrimage like no other—intense,...
by Susan Jagannath | Jan 16, 2025 | Adventures, Camino, Places, Travel, Women
In my journey as a pilgrim, I’ve walked the tranquil paths of the Camino de Santiago and, more recently, immersed myself in the vibrant energy of the Kumbh Mela. Both are pilgrimages in every sense of the word, yet their contrasts couldn’t be starker. One whispers to...
