March hints are as follows: To remove lipstick marks from napkins and handkerchiefs, dip them in cold water first and then rub with glycerine. Wash with soap later. To clean a … [Read More...]
Shivana Bhajane – Shiva Bhajan – Jagratha Bhajan
Happy Maha Shivaratri! Here is an easy Bhajan (devotional song) on Lord Shiva. We used to sing this every evening during our Summer break. Hey Shiva Shankara Namami Shankara Shiva Shankara … [Read More...]
February 2024 Hints
February hints are as follows: To get relief from stress and fatigue, add rose water to bathing water. It the improves mood too. To soothe the eyes, dab your eyes with a few drops of … [Read More...]
Scarlet Bauhinia Tree – Crimson Mountain Ebony Tree
As we were coming back from a trip traversing the Western Ghats, the scarlet blooms intrigued me and we stopped to take few pictures. A ravine with running water next to this tree was filled with … [Read More...]
Belasi Kosambari – Ponk Salad – Hara Jowar Salad – Green Sorghum Salad
Ponk or Paunk or Belasi is very rare to find in the markets. This are green immature sorghum grains that is used to make certain dishes during winter. I was lucky to get these from Gujarat … [Read More...]
Vegetarian Recipes
Jalebi – Jilebi Recipe
Jalebi is a sweet dish, which looks like a maze is prepared using flour, deep fried and dipped in sugar syrup. It is also known as Zulbia, Jilapi, Mushabak, and Zalabia. Time Required: 30 … [Read More...]
Plum Panna – Plum Juice
My taste buds were bowled over when I tasted Plum Panna in Coonoor. The freshly picked Plums tasted great in this refreshing drink. Ingredients: 10 - 12 Plums 1 tsp Roasted … [Read More...]
Masala Channa Dal – Crisp Spicy Chikpea Recipe
Masala Channa Dal is deep fried Bengal Gram (Chikpea) tossed in spices. This can be made into a Chaat too. Cuisine: North Indian Time Required: 10 Minutes + Soaking time Caution to … [Read More...]
Sauthekayi Palya
A side dish prepared using Cucumber. Time Required: 20 Minutes Ingredients: 1 Cucumber 2 Green Chilies, Chopped finely Few curry leaves 2tbsp Grated Fresh Coconut 2tsp Oil 1tsp … [Read More...]
Thandai – Sardai Recipe – Dry Fruits Milkshake Recipe – Dry Fruits Smoothie Recipe
Thandai is a refreshing drink prepared using many dried fruits. Holi, the festival of colors ends with a drink of Thandai and it is also offered to Lord Shiva on Shivarathri. … [Read More...]
Sweet Potato and Onion Soup
Sweet Potato and Onion Soup is a wonderful appetizer and the unique combination of Sweet Potato and Onion can pleasantly surprise your taste buds. Time Required: 15 … [Read More...]
Green Chilies Pickle – Instant Green Chili Pickle – Hari Mirchi ki Achar
Green Chilies Pickle is one of our favorite pickle and goes very well with Akki Rotti and Paratha. Time Required: 20 Minutes Ingredients: 20 thin long Green Chilies / Byadagi variety is the … [Read More...]
Buttermilk Masala Recipe – Buttermilk Spice Recipe – Masala Majjige Recipe – Masala More
Buttermilk is welcome during summers. A very healthy option to cool your body after a walk or after enjoying a spicy paratha. Ingredients 4 tbsp Jeera / Cumin Seeds 5 tbsp Coriander … [Read More...]
Travel
Yercaud Botanical Garden
A visit to the Botanical Garden in hill stations is top on my to-visit list. And off we went to explore the Botanical Garden in Yercaud. The garden though small is interesting as it is tucked … [Read More...]
Temples of Goa
You will be surprised to know that there are some beautiful and ancient temples dedicated to Hindu gods in Goa. Not so surprising either as the residents of Goa before the Portuguese came in were all … [Read More...]
Sri Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, Jaganmohan Palace, Mysore
Our school was right behind Jaganmohan Palace, Mysore and I have been on stage many times in the huge auditorium of this palace in programs that were part of school's parent’s day celebrations. I … [Read More...]
Maharana Pratap Singh Memorial – Udaipur
The Maharana Pratap singh memorial is located on top of Moti Magri / Pearl Hill in Udaipur, Rajasthan. This memorial was set up by Maharana Bhagwat Singh Mewar who took the help of a public … [Read More...]
Uppinakuduru Kundapura
Uppinakuduru is located 6 km north of Kundapura, Udupi district. It is a small island village and was once famous for trading of salt (uppu). Uppinakudru in Kannada means an island of … [Read More...]
St. Philomena’s Church
As you drive into Mysore from Bangalore, the first landmark of Mysore that is visible is the Chamundi hills and the next is the spires of St. Philomena’s Church. This remarkable church was … [Read More...]
Kaup Beach
Our unplanned visit to Kaup Beach pronounced as Kapu was a pleasant surprise. The character of the Kaup beach is enhanced by the striking black and white light house built on a sprawling rock on the … [Read More...]
Festivals
Bhagvad Gita Jayanti – Bhagvad Gita Birthday – Srimad Bhagvad Gita Jayanti
During Corona time, my quest to listen and understand the Srimad Bhagvad Gita started. My mother patiently read the Bhagvad Gita shlokas and explained each of them in Kannada. I was in awe … [Read More...]
Lohri festival in Punjab – Makara Shankranthi – Harvest Festival
Makara Shankranthi is called as Lohri in Punjab. It is one of the major festivals of Punjab. It is celebrated with great pomp and show. This festival falls on Chaturdashi i.e., the 14th day in the … [Read More...]
Ganesha Ashtotra Shathanaamavali – 108 names of Lord Ganesha
Ganesha Ashtotra Shathanaamavali is 108 names of Lord Ganesha. While chanting this, you can offer 21 Patra or 21 Pushpa to Lord Ganesha. Here there are 110 names of Lord Ganesha. Om … [Read More...]
Shravana Shukravara Pooja
Shravana Shukravara Pooja is also known as Sampath Shukravara vratha. This is performed in the Hindu month of Shravana, July – August in Gregorian calendar dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi / Gowri. … [Read More...]
Independence day memories
My mother remembers and shares her memories on the days before Indian Independence and the joy felt on 15th August 1947. Place: Kurtakoti Script: Kannada ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ ದಿನ ಈ ದಿನ ೭೪ನೆೇಯ … [Read More...]
Sri Ramanujacharya Jayanthi
“O Nityam Achyuta Padambuja Yukma Rukma Vyamohataha Tad Itaraani Trinaaya Mene Asmad Guroha Bhagavathosya Dayaika Sindhoho Ramanujasya Charanou Sharanam Prapadye” The meaning of the above … [Read More...]
Song to Goddess Lakshmi – Varamahalakshmi Arathi Haadu
My mother had written this song in the praise of Goddess Mahalakshmi in 1996. This song can be sung on festivals like Varamahalakshmi, Diwali Lakshmi Pooja, Shravana Shukravara Pooja, Ashada … [Read More...]