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

Kheer Kadam Recipe – Ras Kadam Recipe – Khoya Kadam Recipe
Diwali the festival of lights is just round the corner and kitchens in India are in full swing making delicious sweets. Here is a recipe of Kheer Kadam to make your Diwali celebrations … [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...]

Dual Color Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl Recipe – Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl
How about some splash of color and health in your eating bowl!? Dual Color Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowl is both attractive and healthy. Time required: 10 Minutes Serves: 2 to 4 depending on the bowl … [Read More...]

Rasavangi – Heerekayi Rasa Palya Recipe – Ridge Gourd Gravy Recipe – Torai Subzi Recipe
A side dish prepared using either Vangi / Brinjal or Ridge Gourd. If Ridge Gourd is used it can be called as Rasaheerekayi! The gravy can be made either thick or thin with Coconut and … [Read More...]

Tomato Ketchup
Tomato ketchup is loved by one and all as a favorite accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Though ketchup is widely available in stores and preparing it is a tad tedious, I have prepared to … [Read More...]

Bhajra Jowar Paratha – Sorghum and Black Millet flat Bread – Bajri Bhakri Recipe
Bhajra Jowar Paratha is prepared by mixing Sorghum flour and Black Millet flour with chopped Spring Onions, Ginger and Chilies. Time Required: 25 Minutes Makes: 8 Parathas Ingredients 1 Cup … [Read More...]

Chinese Cabbage Stir Fry
Cuisine: Chinese Time Required: 8 Minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 3 Cups Chinese Cabbage, Shredded 1 Cup Capsicum 3 - 4 Dry Red Chilies 1tbsp Ginger Juliennes 2tbsp Oil Salt to … [Read More...]

Pineapple Raitha
Yogurt with Pineapple makes a cool accompaniment to Parathas or Roti / Indian bread. Time Required: 10 Minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1 Cup Pineapple 2 Cups Curds / Yoghurt 2 sprigs … [Read More...]
Travel

Sri Eklingnath – Kailashpuri – Eklingji
The temple village Kailashpuri is situated 23 Kms from Udaipur, Rajasthan. The place has 108 temples and the 1200 years old temple of Sri Eklingji Prabhu / Lord Shiva is the biggest, oldest and most … [Read More...]

Melukote Srivaishnava Piligrimage Center
Melukote is a famous piligrimage center situated in Mandya district, Karnataka. This place is also known as Thirunarayanapuram, Yadavagiri or Yadugiri nestled in the Cauvery river valley. From Mysore … [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...]

Museums, Armory, and Galleries of Mehrangarh Fort – Jodhpur
Apart from the grand rooms, a visit to Museums, Armory, and Galleries of Mehrangarh Fort - Jodhpur is a must. Museum: Palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, costumes and furniture are … [Read More...]

Aloka Palace, Mysore
I visited Aloka Palace near Yelwal, Mysore as part of my son’s summer camp outing few decades back. I visited again to take pictures and to know more about the place. A bit disappointing as there … [Read More...]

Temples of Mysore Palace
Picture1 - Mysore Palace Ambavilas / Mysore Palace complex comprises of many Hindu temples. The oldest temple was built in the 14th century and the newest one was built in 1953. Kote Anjaneyaswamy … [Read More...]

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
The best part of our trip to Chikmagalur district last summer was the time spent at the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is one of the best forest reserves that we have been to and would love … [Read More...]
Festivals

Prayer to Parvathi
This prayer was chanted by Chandrahasa to goddess Parvathi/Chamundi/Amba/Gowri. Extracted from the Gemini bharatha. ಚಂದ್ರಹಾಸನ ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥನೆ - ಜೈಮಿನಿ ಭಾರತ ತಾಯೆ ಪಾರ್ವತಿ ಪರಮ ಕಲ್ಯಾಣಿ … [Read More...]

Dasara Procession and Torch Light Parade during the reign of the Wodeyars
Picture1 - Illuminated Mysore Palace Mysore Dasara procession during the Maharajah’s rule used to be on a larger scale and grander. My grandparents and parents generation go on and on … [Read More...]

Republic Day of India
On 15th August, 1947 India became independent from the British Rule and on 26th January 1950 the Constitution of India came into force and India became sovereign democratic republic nation. 26th … [Read More...]

Lullaby to Lord Rama
It is Lord Sri Rama's birthday today. Rama Navami is celebrated all over India with great devotion. The lullaby below was written by my grandfather M.M.Patil, Kurtakoti. ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಮನ … [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...]
Mahalaya Amavasya
15 days of the Hindu month is considered as Pitra Paksha, which are days dedicated to ancestors. It occurs in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada i.e. September-October in the Gregorian calendar. For the … [Read More...]

Christmas
"Jingle bells Jingle bells Jingle all the way Oh what fun it is to ride on a one horse open sleigh…" This is a Christmas song that everyone loves to hear and sing not only during Christmas season … [Read More...]