About The Event
Explore the stories, beliefs and symbols that have shaped India’s cultural traditions with Read A Kitaab, featuring mythologist and author Devdutt Pattanaik in conversation with Ekta Bhandari.
Where does mythology end and history begin? What can ancient narratives and symbols reveal about the ways we understand the world?
Mythologist and author Devdutt Pattanaik explores these questions with Ekta Bhandari through his two recent books. Itihasa: A History of Hindu Mythology (August 2026) examines the historical and narrative traditions of Hindu mythology, while Flower of India: Ways of Seeing the Lotus (April 2026) explores the lotus as a symbol across the subcontinent’s art, culture and religious traditions.
The discussion delves into how myths are interpreted, how symbols acquire meaning and how these perspectives continue to shape our understanding of the present. An audience Q&A and book signing follow, offering an opportunity to engage with the ideas raised during the evening.
