The ancient temple of Shri Cheluvanarayana Swamy is situated in Melukote, Mandya District, Pandavpura Taluk. The presiding deity of the temple on the foothills is Lord Vishnu known as Thirunarayana or … [Read More...]
Happy Gowri and Ganesha Festival 2026
The most awaited festival of the year is today! and it is definitely a double dhamaka as both Swarna Gowri Vratha and Ganesh Chathurthi are celebrated on the same day. The flower decorations, … [Read More...]
Festival dates in Bhadrapada month – September and October 2026
Festival dates in Bhadrapada month – September and October2026 are as follows: Bhādrapad (August – September) Ganesh Chaturthi - 14 September 2026 Ganesha aarathi song Why Ganesha … [Read More...]
Mariapura Lake
Another weekend and another birding trip and off we drove to Mariapura lake. A beautiful serene lake where the wind blows, birds chirp, plants whisper, and fishes swim. This lake has a calming effect … [Read More...]
Kodi Beach
Kodi Beach is a pristine beach and a very long one starting somewhere near Hangaluru to Kodi Bengre Beach. The Bengre Beach is an Estuary where River Suvarna meets the Arabian sea. Kodi in … [Read More...]
Habbada Thindi and Panaka – Festival Snacks and Juice Recipes
Food and festival go hand in hand in India. Special dishes are prepared on festivals and during vratha (observance). Habbada Adige / festival food is prepared on all festivals. But … [Read More...]
Sattu Ki Paratha
Stuffed Indian bread prepared using roasted chik pea (channa) flour. This type of bread is very popular in Bihar. Time Required: 30 Minutes Ingredients: 2 Cups Sattu Ki Atta / Roasted Chik … [Read More...]
Vegetarian Recipes
Uppesaru
Uppesaru means boiled with Salt. This is a tasty curry, which is popular among the Gowda community of south Karnataka. I learnt to prepare this from our tenant Mrs. Pankaja at Mysore. Either the … [Read More...]
Avalakki Dosa – Poha Dosa Recipe – Beaten Rice Pancakes Recipe
Avalakki Dosa are pancakes prepared using Beaten Rice and Rice. This dosa is also known as Bread Dosa because of the sponginess texture of the dosa. Cuisine: South India Time Required: 30 … [Read More...]
Palak Vada – Palak Medu Vada – Uddina Vada – Medhu Vadai – Ulundu Vadai
Palak Vada is a fritter prepared using Split Black Gram and Spinach. This does not need any accompaniment and can be served hot with Tea. Cuisine: South Indian Time Required: 20 minutes + … [Read More...]
Grape Jam
I could not resist buying bunches of grapes on the way to Nandi Hills and my mom was more than willing to prepare the Grape Jam. Time Required: 40 Minutes Ingredients: 1 Cup Grape Crush ½ … [Read More...]
Gasagase Payasa – Poppy Seeds Payasa Recipe – Khus Khus Kheer Recipe
Gasagase Payasa is a sweet pudding prepared using Poppy seeds. Cuisine: Karnataka Time Required: 25 Minutes + Soaking Time Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1 tbsp Gasagase/Poppy … [Read More...]
Bombay Sandwich Masala Powder – Mumbai Sandwich Masala Powder
Bombay Sandwich Masala Powder is another taste enhancer for the Bombay Sandwich. Having this condiment in the kitchen can sure enhance the taste of the Sandwich along with the Sandwich … [Read More...]
Annada Kesaribhath – Festive Rice Recipe – Zarda Recipe – Meethe Chawal Recipe
Annada Kesaribhath is a delicious aromatic festive Rice, prepared using whole spices, Sugar and Saffron. This is prepared during festivals. Cuisine: Karnataka Time Required: 1 … [Read More...]
Menthehittina Raitha
You can prepare this without much hassle if you have Menthedittu ready. Time Required: 5 Minutes Ingredients: 4 tbsp Menthedittu / Menthehittu 1 ½ Cups Curds 1tsp Oil ½ tsp Mustard … [Read More...]
Travel
Shri Venugopala Swamy Temple, Kannambadi
Since the day it was reported that the Venugopala Swamy temple resurfaced in the backwaters of Cauvery 2002 due to drought in the Mysore region, I was very keen on visiting the temple. There was … [Read More...]
Stone House Ooty
Stone house Ooty also known as Kal Bangala by the tribals (Thodas) is the first bungalow built using stones/kal in Ooty. Stone House Ooty was built by John Sullivan in 1822. He acquired the land from … [Read More...]
Yennehole
Yennehole is a lake situated in Dadadahalli village in Mysore. This lake is surrounded by non-irrigated fields and fallow land. You can find many villagers grazing their livestock in these … [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...]
Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Swamy Temple
Yediyur Siddhalingeshwara Swamy Temple is a very famous pilgrimage center situated in Kunigal Town, Karnataka. It is actually a Samadhi (tomb) of the great Veerashaiva sect saint Sri … [Read More...]
Thataiah Park, Mysore – Mysuru
Every time I have zipped past the strip of a park in front of Landsdowne building in Mysore with the statue of Thataiah, I have wondered who this “Thatha” (grandfather) was? Now I reveal to myself and … [Read More...]
The Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal
The Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal is a haven for horticulture enthusiasts. It is a place where research is conducted on spices, fruits, vegetables, and hill paddy. In 1946, … [Read More...]
Festivals
Oiling ritual song – ಎಣ್ಣೆ ಹಚ್ಚುವಾಗ ಹೇಳುವ ಹಾಡು
This is a beautiful song written by Sri Purandara Dasaru to sing during the head oiling ritual, which is the beginning of auspicious occasions like festivals, weddings, upanayana (sacred thread … [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...]
Naga Rangoli – Snake Floor Design
The Naga rangolis / patterns shown below are drawn on Nagara Chauthi and Nagara Panchami festivals. Click on the image to see a bigger image. Rangoli drawn on Nagara Chauthi: Rangoli … [Read More...]
Mangala Drowya and Pooje Samaanu
Mangala Drowya and Pooje Samaanu means sacred items used on auspicious occasions like marriage rituals, upanayana (sacred thread ceremony), shrimantha (arathi to pregnant women), namakarna (naming … [Read More...]
Traditional Dolls Arrangement
Here are some Dolls that are handed over from generations to generations for arranging during Dasara. Traditional Dolls Arrangement includes Dolls in a marriage party complete with the bride / groom … [Read More...]
Shravana Shanivara
In Mysore every Saturday during the Hindu month of Shravana, July - August in Gregorian calendar, young boys wearing dhoti with a cotton bag hanging on their shoulders and a prominent naama / tilak on … [Read More...]
Deepavali – Diwali
Deepavali (“avali” means rows and “deepa” means lamp) or Diwali is a festival of lights much loved by one and all. It is the time for sweets, savories, family get-together, new clothes, crackers and … [Read More...]
