Add baking soda while washing fruits and vegetable, this will remove any type of contamination. Add sparkling water to Pani puri dough. The Puris will turn out crisp. Add oil while boiling … [Read More...]
Malnad Style Beetroot Kayi Chutney
I tasted this Beetroot chutney at Sridhara Paduka Mandira in Bengaluru. The saying that god prasada is divine and satisfying is so true. The humble lunch comprising to Rice huli, saru, and … [Read More...]
Lord Jaganath Rath Yatra
The famous Chariot festival of Orissa state falls in the month of Ashada (June - July). The Rath Yatra is one of the oldest and biggest festival of India held in Puri, Odisha … [Read More...]
Festival dates in Ashadha month – July and August 2026
Festival dates in Ashadha month – July and August 2026 Āshādha (July - August) - From 15 July to 12 August 2026 Ashada Shukravara Lakmi Pooja - 17 July, 24 July, 31 July, … [Read More...]
Flower Arrangement – Peaced
Who better than Gautham Buddha to represent Peace? This arrangement using Bamboo and Buddha bust gives out the most peaceful oriental vibe. The famous Three Refuges (or Triple Gem) in … [Read More...]
Water Apple Salad Recipe
Water Apple in White and Red are available in plenty during May End to June End. This fruit though tasteless is considered good for health. I tried this recipe and the fruit became a bit … [Read More...]
July 2026 Hints
When using Banana leaves as a wrap, iron using an electric ironing machine iron and then use them. Add a pinch of salt at each stage of cooking, for example, add a pinch when sautéing Onions, … [Read More...]
Flower Arrangement – Rock Solid
In nature, wild flowers gently peep out from rocks and its crevices. This looks very beautiful. We can introduce rocks in our gardens for an aesthetic look. Similarly, rocks can be … [Read More...]
Yoga Narasimha and Saint Ramanujacharya temple, Todanur
The Yoga Narasimha and Saint Ramanujacharya temple is on a hillock and has been renovated recently and was sporting a fresh coat of paint. This temple , which is 1000 years old is built in the Chola … [Read More...]
Festival dates in Jyaishtha month – June and July 2026
Festival dates in Jyaishtha month – June and July 2026 Adhika Jyaishtha (17th May - 15th June) Vata Savitri Vratha / Phala Poornima - 29 June 2026 Kara Hunnime / Bhoomi Hunnime … [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...]
Neeru Dosa – Thin Rice Dosa
"Neeru" in Kannada means water. Neeru Dosa is prepared with a batter as thin as water and hence the name. Cuisine: Udupi Time Required: 20 Minutes + Soaking Time Serves: … [Read More...]
Vegetarian Recipes
Fried Wonton Straws
This sweet and crunchy snack is very easy to make and tastes great to munch as a snack or to be served as dessert. Cuisine: Chinese Time Required: 10 Minutes Ingredients: 4 – 5 … [Read More...]
Sweet Kolkotte – Sweet Steamed Rice Balls Recipe
Sweet Kolkotte is a dish where steamed rice balls are mixed with Coconut and Jaggery mixture. This is prepared as an offering to Lord Ganesha during Ganesha Chaturthi festival. Ingredients: 1 … [Read More...]
Paneer Vegetable Sauté
This is a very simple dish with minimum spices. Time Required: 30 Minutes Ingredients: 1 Cup Broccoli florets 1 Cup Beans, Chopped into ½ inch pieces 1 Cup Carrot, Peeled and thinly … [Read More...]
Raw Banana Fry
Raw Banana Fry is very easy to make for a tasty accompaniment to serve with Indian Bread or with Rice. Cuisine: South Indian Time Required: 25 Minutes Ingredients: 3 Raw Banana, Peeled and … [Read More...]
Alasandekayi Palya
Alasande Palya is a side dish prepared using Chinese Long Beans. This is a very common dish prepared in Mysore and Bangalore region. Tastes very good with Rice and Rasam. Time Required: … [Read More...]
Tomato Onion Uthappam
Thick Crepe/Pancakes with Tomatoes and Onion. Tomato Onion Uthappam is a very tasty breakfast and popular in South India. Time Required: 20 Minutes + Soaking time + Fermenting … [Read More...]
Mint Chutney
Mint chutney goes will with Indian bread as well bakery bread. When added to a sandwich, it taste good and also adds flavor and spice to it. Time Required: 10 Minutes Ingredients: 1 … [Read More...]
Avocado Chutney Recipe – Avocado Spread Recipe
Avocados are available in the South Indian market from April onwards. There is an abundance of desi Avocados in the market. Apart from making Guacamole, you can make many types of … [Read More...]
Travel
Bhagamandala
Bhagamandala is famous for the confluence of the 3 sacred rivers, Cauvery, Sujyothi and Kanike and also for the Kerala style temple dedicated to Bhagandeshwara / Lord Shiva. Cauvery flows at this … [Read More...]
Beaches of Pondicherry – Puducherry
Picture1 - Sunrise at Seaface The beaches of Pondicherry are another attraction for visitors to the city. The sun rise in the early mornings and the fisherman returning to shore in the evenings are … [Read More...]
Bhadravathi
I remember visiting Bhadravathi in 1979 as part of our school education trip. We visited Vishweshwaraya Iron and Steel Limited (VISL) factory and all I can remember is that it was very hot and noisy … [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...]
Sowkoor Durgaparameshwari Temple
A temple dedicated to goddess Sri Durgaparameshwari is situated in Sowkoor, Kundapur taluk. This unknown temple is tucked away in the gorgeous hills of the Western Ghats. But the people who … [Read More...]
Mangaladevi Temple, Mangalore
Mangaladevi Temple was built in the 9th century AD in Bolar, Mangalore. Mangalore city derived its name from the presiding deity of the temple: Mangaladevi. It is believed that the temple was built … [Read More...]
Mangalore – Mangaluru
My headmistress in school was from Mangalore. She scowled at us all the time and disapproved everything we did. It was very rare to see her smile and though I have seen her appreciate, it was never … [Read More...]
Festivals
ಸರಸ್ವತಿ ಆರತಿ ಹಾಡು – Aarathi Song
During Dasara, Saraswathi is worshiped and on this day few people choose to arrange the dolls. For the festival date click here. The below song dedicated to Goddess Sarawathi is written by my … [Read More...]
King Raghu and Vijayadashami – Importance of Banni Tree – English Version
King Raghu of Raghuvamsha fame was a brave, generous, humble, and sensible ruler of Ayodhya. He had won many battles and his treasury was filled to the brim. On the behest of his guru Vashishta, he … [Read More...]
Ayudha Puja
Ayudha Pooja is a celebration during Dasara. On this day the weapons used during war were worshiped in the palace. The common people worship machines, implements and vehicles at home, factories and … [Read More...]
Aanai Pandige – Aane Habba – Karthika Deepotsava
Aanai Pandige Karthikai also known as Karthika Deepotsava, Aane / Elephant Habba is an important festival of Iyengars (Vishishtha Advaitha sect) of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. It is … [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...]
Satyanarayana Aarathi Song
It is a must to read the story of Satyanarayana at the end of Satyanarayana pooja. Here is a song covering all the stories that has to be read. You can sing this while doing the final … [Read More...]
Rakhsha Bandhan
Rakhsha Bandhan festival is a celebration of the brother-sister bonding, celebrated mainly in North India. It falls on Poornima / full moon day in the Hindu moth of Shravana. August - September … [Read More...]
