Make a organic insecticide by adding onions and garlic to a jar of water, let it stand for a week, and spray plants with it. Used tea bags sprinkled on rose plants will make them blossom faster … [Read More...]
Nambhi Narayana Temple, Thodanur
The Nambhi Narayana/Lakshmi Narayana temple is the largest and the oldest temple in Thodanur. This was originally a Jain basathi/temple. Hoysala king Bittidevaraya, who was a Jain was influenced … [Read More...]
Akeel Dip Recipe
Yes, like you I was intrigued hearing the name of this dip. Akeel Dip is from Yemen and is similar to Indian Raitha with its own unique twist. This dip can be served with any of the crisp starters or … [Read More...]
Song on Lord Panduranga
This song is in praise of Lord Panduranga of Pandharpur. Panduranga appeared in Pandharpur to bless his devotee, Pundalik, who was busy serving his parents when the Lord arrived, … [Read More...]
Flower Arrangement – Windy
The wind blown arrangement is the nearest you can get to nature. This arrangement is one of my favorite. This arrangement gives an illusion of a tree laden with flowers blown to a side by … [Read More...]
Dinner with Pumpkin – Roti platter with Pumpkin
Light dinner keeps you agile the next day. Early dinner the better. Though this is easy said than done! Pumpkin is a powerhouse of fibre and when teamed with Roti is a perfect way to … [Read More...]
Black-eyed Susan Vine
The attractive flowers of Black-Eyed Susan Vine are like a pop-up in any garden. The profuse flowers are attractive and add the much needed colour among the other trees and plants. The … [Read More...]
Needle Rock View Point, Gudalur, Ooty
Needle Rock View Point is known as Soochi Malai. Soochi in Tamil means needle and Malai means hills. The name needle is derived from the rock that narrows to a sharp needle tip. As you wind up … [Read More...]
Boondi Burani Raitha Recipe – Boondi Raitha Recipe
Raitha is a dish prepared using Yoghurt in India. This is served as an accompaniment with Indian Bread and Pulav or Biryani (Spicy flavorful rice). During summer this is a prepared dish in most of … [Read More...]
May 2026 Hints
To preserve your expensive shoes, slide each separately into zip bags and hot blow over them to get a perfect shoe cover. To unclog shower pores, place a paper towel over the shower head, pour … [Read More...]
Festival dates in Vaisakh month – April and May 2026
Festival dates in Chaitra month – March and April 2026 Vaishākh (April – May) Akshaya Tritiya – 19 April 2026 Basava Jayanthi– 20 April 2026 Ramanujacharya … [Read More...]
Vegetarian Recipes
Paan Ki Laddoo Recipe – Betel Leaf Coconut Laddoo – Paan Coconut Laddoo Recipe
Paan or Betel leaf is an integral part of Indian culture. Every occasion ends with guests being served with Paan prepared using Betel leaves, Gulkand (rose petal preserve), Betel nuts, Saunf, … [Read More...]
Kharjoor Yellu Holige – Dates and Sesame Seeds Stuffed Bread – Kharjoor Till Poli
Kharjoor Yellu Holige is prepared using dates and sesame seeds. A stuffing is prepared using dates and sesame seeds and this is stuffed inside the dough and rolled out. A very tasty and … [Read More...]
Undhiyu Recipe – Oondhiya Recipe – Gujarati Undhiyu Recipe – Undhiyo Recipe
Undhiyu is a traditional Gujarati dish prepared using "n" number of ingredients. The main ingredients like the Winter Beans, Green Chikpeas, Green Pigeon Peas are available only during … [Read More...]
Mango Kiwi Fruit Salsa
Mango Kiwi Fruit Salsa is a healthy and tasty dish. You can either serve as an accompaniment or serve as a starter. Time required: 10 Minutes Ingredients: 2 Kiwi Fruit 1 Ripe Mango, … [Read More...]
Hasi Bisi Mavinakayi Uppinakayi
Hasi in Kannada means raw and Bisi means hot/warm. Hasi Bisi Mavinakayi Uppinakayi is a pickle is prepared using raw and roasted spices. Time Required: 20 Minutes Ingredients: 2 Cups Diced … [Read More...]
Cucumber Idli
Steamed Rice cakes with Cucumber. Ingredients: 1 Cup Idli Rawa 2 Cups Cucumber, Grated 1/4 Cup Coconut, Grated 1/4 Cup Coconut, Chopped 3 Green Chilies 1tsp Asafoetida 3tbsp Coriander … [Read More...]
Sihi Kumbalakayi Rasa Palya – Pumpkin in Gravy Recipe – Kaddu Subzi Recipe
Sweet pumpkin cooked in a gravy. Perfect with Indian Bread. Time Required: 20 Minutes Ingredients: 2 Cups of diced Sihi Kumbalakayi / Pumpkin with or without skin Salt to … [Read More...]
Cut Mango Pickle
Cut Mango Pickle recipe is shared by my Mami / Aunt, who is an expert in pickling. This pickle is a must have during lunch and dinner. It finds its place of pride next to the Salt on the … [Read More...]
Travel
Nagarhole
My first encounter with wild life and forests was when the whole family comprising of my grandparents, parents, aunt, sister and me visited Nagarhole Wildlife Sanctuary in 1977 for 3 nights. As a … [Read More...]
Ooty
Whether you call this place Ooty, Ootacamund, Udhagai or Udaghamandalam the title best suited for this place is “Queen of hill stations”, which is the capital of Nilgiris district. Picture1 - … [Read More...]
Chain Tree
Chain Tree in Lakkidi, Wayanad was extremely intriguing and many types of trees trained to grow like chains came to my mind. Just before we left the resort for the sightseeing, the manager of the … [Read More...]
Grand rooms of Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
The Grand rooms of Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur keeps you mesmerized and asking for more. These rooms were built by different kings in over a period of time. Some of the notable places inside the fort … [Read More...]
Regional Museum of Natural History, Mysore
The Regional Museum of Natural History in Mysore was established in 1995. Information on nature and its conservation is exhibited using photographs, models, charts, stuffed artifacts, and so … [Read More...]
Shopping and eating out in Andaman and Nicobar
When we planned for the Andaman and Nicobar islands trip, I knew very little about what food is available for tourists and was very apprehensive. But all my fears were put to rest when I landed on … [Read More...]
Rose Garden, Ooty
The poem “Roses” by George Eliot comes to mind while strolling in the Rose garden, Ooty. You love the roses - so do I. I wish The sky would rain down roses, as they rain From off the shaken bush. … [Read More...]
Festivals
Lakshmi Aarathi Song – Devotional Song
Here is a devotional song sung while doing Aarathi to Goddess Lakshmi. May Goddess Lakshmi bless you with health and prosperity. ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ ಆರತಿ ಹಾಡು ಮಂಗಳಾರತಿ ಬೆಳಗುವೆ ರಂಗನಾರ್ಧಾ೦ಗಿಯಳೇ … [Read More...]
Saraswathi Prarthane – Prayer to Goddess Saraswathi
Today is Saraswathi Pooja, which is part of Navrathri celebrations. This is a prarthane (prayer) to Goddess Saraswathi written by my grandfather Sri M.M.Patil in 1969. ಸರಸ್ವತಿ ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥನೆ ಕಂದ … [Read More...]
Upanayana
Every male child born in certain Hindu communities has to go through the Upanayana ritual. Upanayana is also known as Munji, Brahmopadesham (supreme teaching), and Sacred thread ceremony. The … [Read More...]
Teej Festival
Teej festival is celebrated in Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat, and Nepal. This festival is commemorating the day when Goddess Parvathi reunited with Lord Shiva after 108 births. In her 108th birth, Lord … [Read More...]
Visarjana Manthra
The following manthra is chanted while performing the visarjana / send off to god. In Kannada Script: ವಿಸರ್ಜನಾ ಕ್ರಮ ಯಜ್ಞೇನ ಯಗ್ನಮಯಜಂತ ದೇವಾಃ | ತಾನಿ ಧರ್ಮಾಣಿ ಪ್ರಥಮಾನ್ಯಾಸನ್ || ತೇಹ ನಾಕಂ … [Read More...]
Udaka Shanti Pooja
Udaka Shanti Pooja is performed before major events like marriage, upanayana, gruha pravesha, and so on. This pooja is performed for peace and harmony in the house. First, Ganesha is worshiped. … [Read More...]
Ashada Shukravara
Lakshmi (goddess of wealth) pooja / ritual is performed on all the Fridays of the Hindu month of Aashada, July-Aug in Gregorian calendar. This year (2020) Aashada starts on 22nd June and the … [Read More...]
