Heliconia is best for flower arrangements, as they last for a very long time. When teamed with Philodendron leaves, it makes a striking arrangement. Materials required: 1 Golden torch … [Read More...]
Ulundogare recipe – Urad Dal Rice recipe – Ullandogare – Ulundhorai
Ulundogare is prepared for naivedya (blessed food) in temples. It is a healthy meal with the right amount of carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. The flavor is derived from roasted … [Read More...]
Ikigai Café
Ikigai is a Japanese concept pronounced as ee-key-guy. It means a sense of purpose to wake up in the morning. This resonates perfectly with Navya, who has conceptualized this unique café “Ikigai” at … [Read More...]
February 2026 Hints
Use an onion to clean the grate on your grill. If your microwave is really dirty, put a damp cloth in there for about 30-45 seconds, let it sit (to cool down) then use it to wipe it down. The steam … [Read More...]
Konkaneshwara Temple, Akkihebbalu
The presiding deity at Konkaneshwara temple in Akkihebbalu, Mandya district is Lord Shiva. This temple is situated next to the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple. Both temples are ancient with no … [Read More...]
Festival dates in Magh month – January and February 2026
Festival dates in Magh month – January and February 2026 Mouna Gowri Vratha - 21 January 2026 to 27 February 2026 Vasanth Panchami - 23 January 2026 Rathasapthami - 25 January … [Read More...]
Akkihebbalu Lakshmi Narasimha Temple
Akkihebbalu Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is as ancient as our Puranas. Sage Gouthama's penance appeased Lord Vishnu and he appeared before him and asked his wish, the sage asked Lord Vishnu to … [Read More...]
Vegetarian Recipes
Eggless Raisin cake
Sweet and sour Raisins are always a favorite with bakers. Time Required: 1 Hour 20 Minutes Ingredients: 3 Cups Flour/Maida 2 Cups Black Raisins 1 Cup Pistachios 2 Cups of Water 2 Cups … [Read More...]
Cheese Straw
Cheese Straw is great to serve with tea in the evening. This can be part of a picnic basket and great to munch as you drive. Time required: 1 Hour Cookie method: Bread Crumbs … [Read More...]
Beetroot Palya – Beetroot dish Karnataka Style
A side dish prepared using Beetroot in South Indian style. Beetroot Palya is served as part of a Thali meal in South India. It is one of the cheapest vegetable and is available throughout the … [Read More...]
Badam Milk – Flavored Almond Milk Recipe
When growing up having Badam Milk in the evening was a rare treat! Krishna Bakery in Mysore used to serve delicious cold Badam Milk with slivers of Badam (Almond) floating on top. Time … [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...]
Beetroot Poori
Beetroot Poori is sure to attract attention when served in a party. Time Required: 30 minutes Ingredients: 1 Beetroot 1 bowl Wheat Flour 1tsp Oil ¼ tsp Ajwain, crushed Oil for deep … [Read More...]
Sev Ki Subzi – Potatoes Radish cooked with Sev
A very unique side dish prepared using Sev, which is a deep fried crispy snack. Cuisine: Gujarat and Rajasthan Time Required: 20 Minutes Ingredients: 1 Radish / Mooli peeled and diced 2 … [Read More...]
Oats Idli
As India discovered the goodness of Oats and started consuming it the way the English did, some liked it and some did not, and the some who do not like it the English way can now easily have the Oats … [Read More...]
Travel
Channapattana – Channapatna
Have you ever played with a Channapattana toy? I have, and there are many children in South India who have grown up playing with Channapattana toys. During Dasara, 70 percent of the doll arrangements … [Read More...]
Belur
Belur – the historical town is situated on the banks of River Yagachi in Hassan District of Karnataka. Belur was known as Velapuri. The Hoysala dynasty ruled over the Deccan and parts of Tamil Nadu … [Read More...]
Sharavathi River
Sharavathi is a river with its origin at Ambuthirtha in Thirthahalli taluk, Shimoga district. Sharavathi river also tumbles down the cliff to form the enticing Jog Falls. A dam was constructed … [Read More...]
Chhatarpur Temple Complex
Chhatarpur Temple complex is the second largest temple complex in India and is located in South Delhi. 60 acres of land has been converted into gardens and lawns dotted with 20 temples dedicated to … [Read More...]
Wellington Coonoor
Wellington, as the name suggests was the British cantonment area of the Nilgiris. It continues to be the Regimental Centre for the Madras Regiment of the Indian Army. Wellington Coonoor is a … [Read More...]
Pashchima Vahini, Sangama and Gosai Ghat at Srirangapatna
These three places form a part of places of interest around the historic town of Srirangapatna on the banks of river Cauvery. Sangama and Gosai Ghat are located in a place called Ganjam. Yes, the … [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...]
Festivals
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...]
Ganesha Aarathi Song
This is a aarathi song dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Kannada Script: ಮಂಗಳ ಗಣರಾಯ ಜಯ ಜಯ ಮಂಗಳ ಗಣರಾಯ ಜಯ ಜಯ ಚಂದದ ಆರತಿ ತಂದು ಬೆಳಗುವೆ ಸುಂದರ ನಿನ್ನಯ ಚರಣ ಕಮಲಕೆ ವಂದಿಸಿ ಬೇಡುವೆ ಸಿಂದೂರ ವದನ ಬಂದು ಕರುಣಿಸೋ … [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...]
Teachers Day
Guru Brahma Gurur Vishnu| Guru Devo Maheshwaraha| Guru Saakshat Para Brahma| Tasmai Sree Gurave Namaha|| Meaning of the above shloka / chant is that the Guru / teacher is the representative of … [Read More...]
21 Patra Pooja to Lord Ganesha
21 types of Patra (leaves), 21 types of Pushpa (flowers), and 21 Kadabu or Modaka (sweets) are offered to Lord Ganesha during Ganesha Chathurthi and Sankashta Chaturthi. Just before the festivities … [Read More...]
Ele Ashtami – Jesta Devi Pooja
This festival is celebrated widely in North Karnataka. This festival falls on the 8th day of the Hindu month Bhadrapada, August – September of Gregorian calendar. For the festival dates click … [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...]
