Therapist explains how viral divorce graph is wrongly interpreted to claim women are bad at relationshipsDivorces are most common in same-sex female couples. This has led to many falsely claiming that women are the problem in relationships, explains Jeff. Published on: Mar 31
Tottenham are closing in on the appointment of Roberto de Zerbi as head coach. Should the former Brighton boss agree a deal - as is expected - he would have seven games to save the club from relegation to the Championship. That means in two months' time
VinFast is preparing to launch its first multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in India by mid-April, marking its entry into the country’s growing electric vehicle segment. VinFast is preparing to launch its first multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) in India by mid-April
Employee shares how boss was laid off after 8 years at a company without warning: 'Companies look after themselves'Internet reacted after a man revealed his boss was abruptly fired despite years of service. Updated on: Mar 31, 2026 5:06 PM IST By Mahipal Singh Chouhan Share via Copy link A post on
India’s relationship with fragrance is ancient, intimate, and profoundly sophisticated. Long before perfume became a global industry, long before it was bottled, branded, advertised, and sold in department stores, fragrance in India was understood as a lived technology-deeply embedded in medicine
Queuing up for Notre Dame
Queuing up for Notre Dame Premium
Notre Dame caught on fire just days after I accepted the offer to teach at The American University of Paris. Hence, for most of my Parisian years, the cathedral has been inaccessible. But that has never stopped it from attracting crowds. For years now, I have seen tourists line up along the river to take pictures of the scaffolded façade. I've walked past it a hundred times, but now that it was finally open, I decided it was time to pay a visit.
Notre Dame stands on the tip of an island, the Île de la Cité, the ancient heart of Paris. The Romans were here in 500 BC. Construction of the church began in 1163 under Maurice de Sully and ended a hundred years later, and there would be no major work until the French Revolution, when much of the bronze, lead, and precious metals were removed and melted down. Major restoration was done to the church in the mid-19th century. And in 2019, the fire happened.
I can't imagine what it must have felt like to look out your window and watch the cathedral burn. And what it must be like now, after years of construction, to watch it come back to life. The fire pushed the cathedral into another round of upkeep. To rebuild the historic roof called “Le foret” or the forest, 1,000 historic oak trees from 200 French forests were selected and sacrificed — a move that was sharply criticised. At the same time, artisans from all over France gathered to restore the cathedral, and continue to do so daily. During the time of writing this article, statues that belong up on the famous spire have been restored. On September 20, the Towers of Notre Dame, with its chimera gallery, will open to the public. And soon the wooden shafts on which the two bells, Emmanuel and Marie, are suspended will be replaced.
Artisans from all over France gathered to restore the cathedral. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat
Standing across from Notre Dame, one does get the sense of being in the centre of the historic city of Paris. To one side of the church, on the Left Bank of the river Seine, is the Latin Quarter, brimming with students, because it is home to one of the world's revered universities, the Sorbonne. Adjacent to Notre Dame is the Hotêl Dieu, one of the world's oldest hospitals.
On the Right Bank is the Marais, the old Jewish neighbourhood, which is now Paris's gay district, dotted with bars, museums, and boutiques. The paved-in square in front of Notre Dame is roughly the size of a football field. It's a place for everyone from musicians to pickpockets to earn their livelihood. Here, dancers draw applause as they perform hip-hop routines. Tourists pose for photographs. Couples kiss amidst a cacophony of languages. And sporty French men and women jog across, oblivious to it all. It's a spot where the many sides of Paris converge.
Inside the Notre Dame | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat
On the day of my visit, I found a long line of extremely well-dressed people outside the doors to Notre Dame. Walking past them, I noticed almost everyone in that line spoke French. Families stood together — children, parents, and grandparents — just before dinner time. I joined the line and when a woman in a beautiful dress stood behind me, I asked her if I needed a reservation. Yes, she said. Especially for the concert. It was then that I realised that I won't be able to get in, because this wasn't a regular evening at Notre Dame.
Churches in Paris — as in the rest of the world — often double as musical venues. On that gorgeous Wednesday evening, it was Requiem by Mozart. The woman told me she used to come to the church with her mother, who had worshipped there often. As she grew older, she brought friends visiting from out of town to hear concerts. She hadn't returned since the fire. This evening, she was back — this time with her four-year-old — reviving a family tradition.
On the day of my visit, I found a long line of extremely well-dressed people outside the doors to Notre Dame. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat
ALSO WATCH Watch: First mass at Notre Dame cathedral since 2019 fire
Since I couldn't enter the church that evening, I decided to return early one morning, just in time for Mass. There was barely a line, and inside, worshippers almost outnumbered the tourists. From the inside, you can catch the shadow of workers moving across the stained-glass windows because the renovation won't be complete until 2026. However, much of the outside has been restored to its previous glory, including the iconic spire and roof.
Notre Dame stands on the tip of an island, the Île de la Cité. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat
Inside, things look drastically different. During the renovation, a latex paste was applied to the walls, then peeled off once dried, lifting away centuries of soot and grime. Coupled with the brilliance of the stained glass, the effect is luminous. Now, the past and present exist together. You can buy candles at the click of a button, make donations with contactless payments.
Notre Dame is also a museum. While it famously houses the Crown of Thorns and Wood of the Cross, it is also home to paintings by 20th century masters such as Henri Matisse and George Braque, which stand in quiet dialogue with statues and religious paintings from centuries past.
Notre Dame is also a museum. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat
On my way back from Mass that morning, I saw a much longer line just across the street — outside the Préfecture de Police — where hundreds of immigrants queue up each day to apply for residency permits. I've stood in that line more than once. And I wondered how many prayers have been whispered to the God inside by those who may never enter the cathedral. Many of them don't share its faith. But perhaps that's the magic of Notre Dame: it makes a convert of us all.
The writer teaches at The American University of Paris and is the author of Hundred Greatest Love Songs.
Published - September 12, 2025 06:17 pm IST
The Hindu Sunday Magazine / France / monument and heritage site / history / history / history and culture / religion and belief / christianity / culture (general)
Source: The Hindu
Related Posts: Queuing up for Notre Dame Queuing up for Notre Dame Queuing up for Notre Dame Sam Pittman faces heat after Arkansas’ 56-13 loss to Notre Dame Dame Jilly Cooper Dame Jilly Cooper dies at 88 Dame Un Grrr’ Fame Babydoll Archi Aka Archita Phukan - AI Generated Trump Says Machado Accepted Nobel In His Honour Suspended BRS MLC Kavitha's resignation accepted by Legislative Council Chairman UPI now accepted in Qatar
India will usher in a major tax reform from April 1, 2026, as the Income-tax Act, 2025, replaces the six-decade-old Income Tax Act, 1961. Know key features: New Income Tax Law From April 1: India will usher in a major tax reform tomorrow (April 1, 2026), as the Income-tax Act, 2025
1 days ago
Punjab & Sind Bank LBO Recruitment 2026: Apply for 1000 posts at punjabandsind.bank.in, direct link here Updated on: Mar 31, 2026 2:48 PM IST By HT Education Desk | Edited by Papri Chanda Prefer HTon Google Quick Read Share via Copy link Punjab and Sind Bank has invited applications or Local Bank
1 days ago
U.S. Second Lady Usha Vance said she considers herself a trusted adviser to her husband J D Vance, the U.S. Vice President, especially when he’s taking a position on an issue that is “important personally.” Ms. Usha, the first Indian American Second Lady, in an interview with NBC News
1 days ago
Known for its glitzy stage costumes and sometimes outlandish performances, the Eurovision Song Contest is now launching its first ever Asia edition. Broadcasters from 10 countries in the region, including South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines, have confirmed that they will be taking part
1 days ago
In kitchens across India, spices are the backbone of every dish. But what if the real problem isn’t how you cook, but how you store them? Over time, even the most premium masalas can lose their punch if handled incorrectly. Heat, light, air, and moisture quietly strip away their essential oils
1 days ago
As per rules, with effect from April 1, for Aadhaar-based PAN applications applicants will be required to provide one additional valid proof of Date of Birth, apart from Aadhaar, as prescribed. New Delhi: New PAN/TAN application forms will be effective from tomorrow, 1 April 2026
1 days ago
PBKS vs GT LIVE Score, IPL 2026: Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab Kings will face Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans in a high-stakes encounter of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. The toss will take place at 7 PM IST
1 days ago
Step inside this mountain-themed, wheelchair-friendly home in Karnal, Haryana, that blends design with accessibilityHere’s a sneak peek to one of the beautiful wheel-chair friendly homes in Karnal, Haryana that features rustic mountain vibes. Published on: Mar 31
1 days ago
Pakistan cricketer Fakhar Zaman faces a two-match ban from the Pakistan Super League. He was found guilty of ball tampering during a match. This incident follows other controversies in the league. Fast bowler Naseem Shah received a record fine for social media comments
1 days ago
Iran war can cut India GDP growth rate by 100 bps in FY27, EY saysEY now sees India GDP growth rate at ~6% and inflation rate at 150 bps higher that RBI's target of 4% as the impact of Iran war courses through the economy. Updated on: Mar 31
1 days ago
Case filed against Vijay, TVK party cadres for alleged violation of Model Code of Conduct regulationsTVK chief Vijay and his party cadres have been booked under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. Mar 31, 2026, 18:26:17 IST By Santanu Das Share via Copy link TVK chief
1 days ago
New Kia Seltos Safety Rating: The Kia Seltos has scored a full 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP crash tests. The SUV performed strongly in both adult and child protection. New Kia Seltos crash test results: The Kia Seltos has scored a full 5-star safety rating in Bharat NCAP crash tests
1 days ago
Gulf allies of the United States, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are urging President Donald Trump to continue prosecuting the war against Iran, arguing that Tehran hasn't been weakened enough by the monthlong U.S.-led bombing campaign, according to U.S.
1 days ago
The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday dismissed a public interest litigation against the Election Commission’s decision to transfer several officers in poll-bound West Bengal, saying that it found no evidence of mala fide intent in the orders, Live Law reported
1 days ago
The teaser of Kathanar offers a glimpse into a grand, visually spectacular pan-Indian film poised to set new benchmarks in global storytelling. The teaser of the much-anticipated pan-Indian film Kathanar has been officially released, offering audiences a first look at what is being described as one
1 days ago
India’s CCTV ban starts tomorrow: Will your home camera stop working?Chinese CCTV camera manufacturers will face increased scrutiny in India starting April 1. However, these changes will not impact the devices already in use. Updated on: Mar 31
1 days ago
It was pretty soon after James was born that I knew something wasn't right," says Laura. She and her partner, Beth, have two children - James, and their eldest Kate - both conceived through IVF treatment at a clinic in Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus
1 days ago
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batting coach Michael Hussey admitted his side was outplayed by Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener on Monday (March 30, 2026) in Guwahati. He noted that the pitch, which had been under covers
1 days ago
Poonam Pandey’s latest post flaunting a baby bump has left fans confused, with many suspecting it could be another publicity stunt or April Fool’s prank. Mumbai: Actress Poonam Pandey has once again left the internet puzzled after announcing her pregnancy
1 days ago
Eutelsat, a key competitor to Elon Musk's Starlink, is in discussions with India's space agency, ISRO, for future satellite launches. This move aims to diversify its launch options beyond SpaceX and European Ariane rockets, following its merger with OneWeb and loss of access to Russian Soyuz
1 days ago
Obesity is a chronic disease that requires proper, long-term management. It is not just about excess weight, but also about its wide-ranging impact on overall health. If left unmanaged, obesity can lead to several serious complications such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, osteoarthritis
1 days ago
Satellite images are emerging, offering a view of the Iran war's damage. Ships are seen burning in an Iranian port. Military bases in the region show destroyed buildings. Information on the war's toll has been limited. High-resolution images from various firms are providing crucial details
1 days ago
Eight Indian seafarers who were detained in Iran in December have returned home after weeks of delay caused by the war in the Middle East. The men were part of an 18-member crew - 16 Indians and one each from Sri Lanka and Bangladesh - on a ship seized by Iranian authorities who alleged they were
1 days ago
Lahore Qalandars batter Fakhar Zaman has suffered a big blow as he has been suspended for two games of the Pakistan Super League PSL) 2026. Fakhar Zaman was found guilty of breaching Level 3 of the PSL's Code of Conduct, which pertains to tampering with the ball
1 days ago
Rohit Sharma’s funny MI ad shoot video goes viral after his 78 vs KKR. Watch what happened with the party popper. A light-hearted behind-the-scenes clip featuring Rohit Sharma has gone viral just days after Mumbai Indians’ thrilling IPL 2026 win over Kolkata Knight Riders. The video
1 days ago
The 2026-27 academic year is about to begin, and it brings good news for students: the April 2026 calendar is packed with holidays. This month includes major festivals like Good Friday, Ambedkar Jayanti, and Baisakhi, which are declared holidays for schools and colleges in various states
1 days ago
With the financial year 2025-26 drawing to a close, businesses and taxpayers need to complete a few critical compliance actions on the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) portal today, March 31, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition into FY 2026-27
1 days ago
