As Lord Shiva is Trinetra (3 eyes), Bilva leaves are offered on this auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri. Some devotees feast and few fast on this day. Devotees also do Jagran (wake the … [Read More...]
Flower Arrangement – Tall and strong
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
Avarekayi Kodubale – Ring Murukku Recipe – Surti Papdi Murukku – Lilva Beans Crispy Rings
It is winter! and Avarekayi known as Lilva Beans are a favorite in South Karnataka. The kitchen churn out various recipes using this winter flat beans. This spicy crispy rings of kodubale … [Read More...]
Grilled Tit Bits
Time Required: 20 Minutes + Marinating time Serves: 4 Ingredients: 2 Cups Paneer / Cottage Cheese cut into 1” X 1” pieces 2 Capsicums, Cut into large pieces 2 Onions, Cut into large … [Read More...]
Asparagus Soup
Asparagus Soup is prepared using fresh Asparagus spears. This exotic vegetable is available sometimes in most of the major supermarkets. Time Required: 40 Minutes Serves: 6 Ingredients: 2 … [Read More...]
Lotus Stem Chips
Yummy crispy chips prepared using Lotus stems. Lotus stems is known as Kamal Ki Kakadi in Hindi. Cuisine: North India Time Required: 20 Minutes Ingredients: Few Lotus Stems Oil for deep … [Read More...]
Papdi – Papdi for Chat Recipe – Flat Poori for Chat
Small round and flat deep-fried bread. Papdi is used in preparation of many varieties of Chaats like Papdi Chaat, Masala Puri, Bhel Puri, and so on. Time Required: 20 … [Read More...]
Yennegai Palya – Badanekayi Ennagai Palya Recipe – Stuffed Eggplant Recipe
Yennegai Palya is prepared using Coconut, Onion and Spices stuffed into Brinjals/Eggplant/Aubergine and cooked in oil. This tasty dish is very popular in North Karnataka and served as a side … [Read More...]
Kharada Kadelekayi Beeja – Spicy Groundnuts Recipe – Spicy Peanuts Recipe – Congress Kadle Beeja Recipe
Spicy peanuts is a famous evening snack in the Mysore region. You are sure to find Kharada Kadelekayi Beeja in all the condiment stores. It is also known as Congress Beeja! Cuisine: … [Read More...]
Raw Papaya Salad
This delicious Thai salad is known as Som Tam. Time Required: 20 Minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 2 Cups, Peeled and Grated Raw Papaya 1 Tomato, Chopped finely 1 Cup Capsicum Julienne … [Read More...]
Travel
Padukere Beach, Udupi
As we drove down coastal Karnataka, we stopped at the long stretch of Padukere Beach. Every beach though they appear the same have their own characteristics in terms of the trees lining the beach, … [Read More...]
Shri Anantheswara temple
Udupi was known as Shivalli, which was derived from the presiding deity of this temple. The brahmins living in this place to this day are known as Shivalli brahmins. Shri Anatnheswara (Lord … [Read More...]
Lalith Mahal Palace, Mysore
Whenever we drove to Chamundi hills, Lalith Mahal palace would never fail to get its share of attention. The palace built on a small hillock near the foothills of Chamundi hill is so beautiful and eye … [Read More...]
Big Banyan Tree
Known as “Dodda Aalada Mara” in Kannada, this big banyan tree is 380 to 400 years old. It is situated in Kethohalli village, 25 Kms from Bangalore city. Dodda Aalada Mara is one of the biggest … [Read More...]
Albert Hall Jaipur
As we approached the Albert Hall Jaipur we were awe struck at the beauty of the building. I took photographs of the building from all angles. Hundreds of Pigeons on the building and in front of the … [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...]
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...]
Festivals
Deepavali Song – Diwali Song – Deepavali Haadu
Deepavali song is written by my mother in Kannada script to be sung anytime during the Deepavali festival. The lyrics cover the importance and joy of celebrating Deepavali / Diwali … [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...]
Celebration of Hindu New Year in different regions of India
New Year is celebrated all over India in different ways and is also called by different names. Some states follow the solar calendar and some follow the lunar calendar. In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh … [Read More...]
Rama Navami
Rama Navami is a festival celebrating the birth of Sri Rama, son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya. “Yada Yadaa hi dharmasya gnanirbhavathi bharatha Abhyuththaana madharmasya thadathmaanam … [Read More...]
Sheege Hunnime
Sheege Hunnime festival is fondly remembered by my mother. The excerpt follows… My dad seemed to be in a very celebrative mood. He ordered the servants to get the bullock cart ready and also … [Read More...]
Oiling ritual song – ಎಣ್ಣೆ ಹಚ್ಚುವಾಗ ಹೇಳುವ ಹಾಡು
This is a beautiful song written by Sri Purandara Dasaru to sing during the head oiling ritual, which is the beginning of auspicious occasions like festivals, weddings, upanayana (sacred thread … [Read More...]
Aarathi Song – Lakshmi Arathi Song – Goddess Lakshmi Pooja Song
This is a song written by my mom and we sing this song alternatively with other songs on Friday evening while we perform aarathi to goddess Lakshmi. It can be sung to any tune that you are … [Read More...]
