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
Mirchi ke Tipore – Instant Chili Pickle Recipe – Chili Pickle Recipe
A Rajasthani friend of mine dropped in for lunch this weekend and she churned up this instant Chili pickle - Mirchi ke Tipore to our delight! Cuisine: Rajasthan Time Required: 15 … [Read More...]
Pudina Coconut Chutney – Mint Coconut Chutney Recipe
Pudina Coconut Chutney is prepared using Mint and fresh Coconut. Cuisine: Karnataka Time Required: 10 Minutes Ingredients: 1 Cup fresh Pudina/ Mint ½ Cup fresh Coconut, Grated 2 Green … [Read More...]
Chole – Channa Masala Recipe – Chickpea in Tomato Gravy Recipe
Chickpea in tomato gravy and spices also known as Channa. It is a common side dish in the state of Punjab and it is usually served with Batura, which is a deep fried bread. It also tastes … [Read More...]
Palak Dosa – Spinach Pancakes Recipe – Spinach Crepe Recipe
Palak Dosa is crispy and tasty Spinach dosas/crepes. Time Required: 20 Minutes + Soaking Time + Fermenting Time Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1½ Cups Raw Rice ½ Cup Urad Dal/Black Gram split 1 … [Read More...]
Bettadanellikayi Murabba
Jam prepared using Indian Gooseberries. The Gooseberries are available in India during November to January. A branch of Gooseberry tree is stuck in a Tulsi/Sacred Basil pot and worshiped … [Read More...]
Tofu Salad
Bean curd Salad is a complete healthy meal. Time Required: 20 Minutes Ingredients: A slab of Tofu, cut into cubes Few tender Spinach leaves Few Spring Onions, Chopped finely 1 Yellow … [Read More...]
Tomato Juice
Tomorrow is Rama Navami and here is a recipe to bring in some change in the celebrations of the festival. Time Required: 10 Minutes Ingredients: 7 - 8 Ripe Tomatoes 4tbsp Sugar 1/4 tsp … [Read More...]
Rangeela Raitha
This colorful raitha aptly named as Rangeela Raitha is prepared using the king of fruits Mango. Rangeela Raitha is ideal to enjoy as a snack or as an accompaniment with Roti / Indian bread or Paratha … [Read More...]
Travel
Pondicherry Promenade
Pondicherry promenade or sea face as it is popularly known as is 1.5 kms long running along the beach. This is also known as Gourbert Avenue. A walk on the promenade is rejuvenating. There are many … [Read More...]
Railway Museum Mysore
Dasara festival is the time when tourists make a beeline to visit the royal city of Mysore. All the tourist spots are swarmed by people enjoying their holidays. Not many people are aware of the … [Read More...]
Bada Bagh, Jaisalmer
Bada Bagh means big garden. It is a garden of royal cenotaphs or chhatris of the royal family of Jaisalmer. The cenotaphs are worth a visit to marvel at the intricate carvings and the effort … [Read More...]
Seethalayanagiri – Chikmagalur
Seethalayanagiri is situated on the way from Chikmagalur to Mullayanagiri. As you drive up the winding roads of Chandradrona hill on the way to Mullayanagiri in Chikmagalur, the views around is … [Read More...]
Himavad Gopalaswamy Betta
Clouds zoom in and around Mesmerizing the soul Hills n’ Valleys rise n' fall Entrenching the mind To the Emerald horizon And the life between I surrender to you O’ Divine Gopala! There is … [Read More...]
Yediyur Lake
Yediyur Lake in Bengaluru is one of the oldest lakes in the city. It existed during the Hoysala period, 1,400 years ago and was the source of water for the fields surrounding the lake. Somehow, … [Read More...]
Banasura Sagar Dam
Banasura Sagar dam is built across the Karamanathodu River, which is a tributary of the Kabini River. The dam situated at the foot of Banasura hill in Wayanad District of Kerala was started in 1979 to … [Read More...]
Festivals
Independence day memories
My mother remembers and shares her memories on the days before Indian Independence and the joy felt on 15th August 1947. Place: Kurtakoti Script: Kannada ಸ್ವಾತಂತ್ರ ದಿನ ಈ ದಿನ ೭೪ನೆೇಯ (74th) … [Read More...]
Chaitra Navratri
Chaitra Navratri also known as Varshik Navratri is a festival observed for nine days in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April in Gregorian Calendar). The festival starts on the first day of Chaitra … [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...]
Glory of Lord Mailaralinga – Mailaralinga Mahatme Haadu – Khandoba Mahima Geet
The glory of Lord Mailaralinga's song in Kannada has been sung by my mother's immediate and extended family for decades. This song was taught by a relative called Sri Shankar who lived with my … [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...]
Sri Vadirajara Aradhane
Vadirajatirtharu is one of the greatest saints belonging to the Madhwa Brahmin sect. He was born in 1480 on Magha (February) Shudda Dwadashi to a Shivalli Tulu Brahmin couple, Ramabhatta and Gowri in … [Read More...]
Banni Tree
The botanical name of this tree is Prosopis spicigera. In Sanskrit it is known as Shami Vruksha. Banni tree is found in dry and arid regions at low altitudes. This tree is widely grown in … [Read More...]
