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

Mamla Chaat – Mango Papad Chat Recipe – Mango Bar Chat Recipe
Mamla Chaat is a street food prepared using Mango Leather. Cuisine: North Indian Time required: 5 Minutes Ingredients: 20 small squares of Mamla Chili Powder Roasted Jeera / … [Read More...]

Mixed Fruit Chaat – Mixed Fruit Chat Recipe
Fruits tossed in spices. A favorite street snack, Mixed Fruit Chaat is especially refreshing after a long shopping spree! Ingredients: 1 Apple 1 Guava 1 Cup Pomegranate 1 Banana, (Use … [Read More...]

Lychee Civeche Recipe – Lychee Salad Recipe – Lychee Recipe – Litchi Civeche
By now you all might know that I love making salads with fruits, which eliminates the need to add sugar or honey to the dressing. Civeche is prepared using raw fish and I have substituted it for … [Read More...]

Musk Melon Milk Shake
Cantaloupe Milk shake. The fruit is called as Karbooja in Kannada, this summer fruit milk shake tastes very good and a terrific body cooler. Time Required: 15 Minutes Serves: … [Read More...]

Avarekayi Masala Vada – Flat Beans Fritters
Avarekayi Masala Vada are fritters prepared using winter/flat beans. A tasty snack on a winter evening with a cup of masala tea. Time Required: 40 Minutes Ingredients: 2 Cups fresh … [Read More...]

Bhutta – Roasted Corn – Grilled Corn Recipe
As people welcome rain, carts loaded with Corn are seen at the street corner roasting them and selling them to eager customers. Corn roasted on coal and served smeared with Mint Chutney or Salt, Chili … [Read More...]

Jelly or Jello
Make Jelly or Jello from the various Jelly making packs available in the market. Vegetarians - check for the Green dot on the pack. Follow the instructions and voila Jelly is ready. Cut into … [Read More...]

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...]
Travel

Jog Falls
Manavanagi huttida mele en en kandi Saayotanaka samsaradolage gandaa gundi... Herikondu hogodilla sattaag bandi Irodrolage omme nodu Joga gundi... . . . Saayodrolage omme nodu Joga gundi … [Read More...]

Kanthanpara Waterfalls
Nestled in a scenic spot is the Kanthanpara Waterfalls. It is near Kalpetta, Wayanad District, Kerala. The waterfall is surrounded by Banana and betel leaves plantations and forest. It is a … [Read More...]

Ikkeri
Ikkeri is the erstwhile capital of the Keladi Nayakas situated 3 Kms from Sagara, Shimoga district. Ikkeri in Kannada means two streets. The dynasty was founded in 1499 at Keladi very close to Ikkeri … [Read More...]

Pykara Lake
River Pykara originates from Mukurthi peak, which has many Toda settlements. This river is the largest and it is revered by the Toda tribes. The river tumbles down the hills and creates two … [Read More...]

Shopping in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is haven for shoppers. Every city in Rajasthan has a buzzing colorful market and visitors throng these places to take back things as a momento. Shopping in Rajasthan is an experience by … [Read More...]

Ralliah Dam, Coonoor
It was a pleasant surprise to know that there is a Dam in Coonoor and what made the visit more exciting was the fact that we had to trek in the striking mountain ridges along the Wellington-Coonoor … [Read More...]

Kanthanpara Waterfalls – Wayanad
Kanthanpara Waterfalls - Wayanad is a beautiful waterfall situated about 22 km away from Kalpetta. Smaller than the Sentinel Rock waterfalls, the Kanthanpara Falls and its surroundings make an … [Read More...]
Festivals

ಸರಸ್ವತಿ ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥನೆ – Saraswathi Prarthana
Today is Vasantha Panchami festival celebrated grandly by people of West Bengal. Here is a prarthana/prayer on goddess of education Saraswathi, which was written by my grandfather, M.M.Patil, … [Read More...]

Festival dates in Kartik month – October and November 2025
Kārtik (October – November) Diwali /Balipadyami/New Year in Gujarat - 22 October 2025 Karthika Somawara - 27 October, 3 November, 10 November, and 17 November 2025 Uttandwadashi - 2 … [Read More...]

Shivana Bhajane – Shiva Bhajan – Jagratha Bhajan
Happy Maha Shivaratri! Here is an easy Bhajan (devotional song) on Lord Shiva. We used to sing this every evening during our Summer break. Hey Shiva Shankara Namami Shankara Shiva Shankara … [Read More...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]