Festival dates in Phalgun month – February and March 2026 Phālgun (February – March) Sri Raghavendra Swami Jayanthi – 24 February 2026 Holi – 2 to 4 March 2026 … [Read More...]
Happy Shivaratri 2026
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...]
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
Pudina Tomato Chutney
Pudina Tomato Chutney is a chutney prepared using Mint leaves and Tomato. Tomato adds a tang to the chutney. Time Required: 10 Minutes Ingredients: 2 bunches Pudina Ki Patte/Mint … [Read More...]
Bhindi Pakoda – Okra Fritters – Ladies Finger Fritters Recipe – Bhindi Pakora Recipe
Light and crispy Lady's finger/Okra fritters. Time Required: 15 Minutes Ingredients: 10 to 12 Bhindi/Bhendekayi/Okra/Lady's finger 1 tsp Chili Paste 1 tsp Ginger Paste 1/2 tsp Turmeric … [Read More...]
Coconut Rice
This is also known as Thuppada anna / Ghee Rice, which is very popular in Karnataka. Time Required: 20 Minutes Ingredients: 4 Cups Cooked Rice 1 sprig Curry leaves, Chopped finely 5 - 6 … [Read More...]
Grilled Sandwich
Time Required: 30 Minutes Serves: 4 Time Required: 20 minutes Ingredients: 8 Plain Bread Slices 1/2 Cup Shredded Cabbage 1/2 Cup Cucumber, Chopped long and thin 1/2 Cup Carrots, Chopped … [Read More...]
Kadalebele Payasa Recipe – Chana Dal Payasa Recipe – Kadalai Paruppu Payasam – Senaga Pappu Payasam
Payasa is a type of South Indian pudding prepared using split Bengal Gram / Chik Pea. Kadalebele Payasa is a favourite among Kannadigas during festivals. Wish you all a very happy Gowri and … [Read More...]
Hummus Papdi Chaat Recipe – A Delicious Fusion Snack
Holi is on the 14th and the festival is all about colors, chat, and cool drinks. Here is a unique hummus papdi chaat recipe using Hummus. Ingredients: 1 cup Pumpkin Hummus or … [Read More...]
Alu Bhaji – Aloo Bhaji Recipe – Potato Side Dish Recipe
A simple and easy to prepare Potato side dish. Alu Bhaji is prepared in North India on a daily basis and is served with Poori and Phulka. Time Required: 30 Minutes Ingredients: 4 … [Read More...]
Choconut Ice cream
Choconut Ice cream is chocolate ice cream with dry fruit praline. The crunchy praline inside chocolate flavored ice cream is an indulgence enjoyed during summer time. Time required: 30 … [Read More...]
Travel
Guru Sweet Mart Mysuru – Mysore Pak at Mysore
As children when we accompanied our parents to the Devaraja Market, Mysuru, we would be overwhelmed by the number of people selling various items from colorful Vermilion powders, fragrant Mysuru … [Read More...]
Sharada Devi Temple, Sringeri
Namaste Sharada Devi| Kashmira Puravasini| Tvamaham Prarthaye Nithyam| Vidya Danam Chadehimi|| Sharada Devi Temple, Sringeri is one of the main temples in Sringeri Matha (monastery) … [Read More...]
Big Foot Goa
Big Foot Goa also known as ancestral Goa is situated in Loutolim is a center for Art, Culture & Environment started by Maendra in 1995. Big Foot Goa has taken shape on a 9 acres hillock and there … [Read More...]
BR Hills – Biligiri Rangana Betta – Biligiri Ranga Hill Range
"Biligiri Rangaiah, Neene Helaiah Sri Ranganayakiya Chandulli Chaluvaiah…" The above is a popular song of the 70's from the Kannada movie Sharapanjara, which was sung by P.Susheela and … [Read More...]
Tirupati
Tirupati does not need any introduction to the readers. Yet, as I have visited this place many times, this write-up is a humble offering to the gateway to the richest temple in the world: Lord Balaji … [Read More...]
Fateh Sagar Lake, Udaipur
Fateh Sagar Lake is an artificial lake situated to the north of Lake Pichola in Udaipur. The lake was built in 1678 by Maharana Jai Singh. Heavy rains damaged the lake bund and the lake was renovated … [Read More...]
Vidurashwatha
Legends and Indian history has been etched in this small village called Vidurashwatha in Karnataka. There is a huge Peepal tree with a shrine that is worshiped by people who flock this place. … [Read More...]
Festivals
Panchamrutha Abhishekha
"Panch" means 5 and "Amrutha" means nectar in Sanskrit. Panchamrutha Abhishekha is a Hindu ritual performed at all homes and temples, where the idols are bathed with Milk, Curds, Honey, Sugar and … [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...]
Nariyal Poornima
The fisherman of Daman and Kolis of Coastal Maharashtra look forward to celebrate Nariyal Poornima festival as it signifies retreating monsoon and the commencement of their fishing activity. Nariyal … [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...]
21 Patra Pooja to Lord Ganesha
21 types of Patra (leaves), 21 types of Pushpa (flowers), and 21 Kadabu or Modaka (sweets) are offered to Lord Ganesha during Ganesha Chathurthi and Sankashta Chaturthi. Just before the festivities … [Read More...]
Hanuman Jayanthi
"Manojavam Maruthathulya Vegam Jitendriyam Budhdhi Mathaam Varishtam Vaathathmajam Vaanarayutha Mukhyam Srirama Dootham Sharanam Prapadye" The above sthotra/chanting, is part of the Sri … [Read More...]
Dasara – Celebration of Dussehra in different regions of India – Navratri Celebrations
In Mysore, we always looked forward to Dasara, which is the Nada Habba (festival of Karnataka state) and it is not only celebrated in homes but the whole city seems to wake up from the slumber to 10 … [Read More...]
