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...]
January 2026 Hints
To clear baking mess in the kitchen, crush a piece of aluminium foil and get to scrub. It will clear the mess from your pots and pans in no time. How to clean kids scribbling on the wall? Use … [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...]
Paryaya of Sri Krishna Matha (Krishna Temple) of Udupi
Paryaya is a ritualistic system by which the pontiffs of the eight muttts of Udupi, by turn, take up the responsibility of worshipping the deity at the Sri Krishna temple. The ceremony of the handing … [Read More...]
Makara Shankrathi Platter 2026 – Pongal Platter
Happy Makara Shankranthi! The Sun moves and the cold bids goodbye. This time of the year is celebrated with harvest and food. … [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...]
Palash Tree
This tree blooms during February and covers the landscape red thus deriving the other name Flame of the Forest. Botanical name of Palash tree is Butea monosperma belonging to family Fabaceae. … [Read More...]
Vasant Panchami
"Yaa Kundendu tushaara haaradhavalaa, Yaa shubhravastraavritha Yaa veenavara dandamanditakara, Yaa shwetha padmaasanaa, Yaa brahmaachyutha shankara prabhritibhir Devaisadaa Vanditha … [Read More...]
Vegetarian Recipes
Watermelon Juice
A very cool juice...perfect during summers. Time Required: 15 Minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 4 Cups Watermelon Cubes, De seeded 4 - 6tbsp Sugar ½tsp Pepper A pinch of Kala Namak/Black … [Read More...]
Dwadashi Ganji Recipe – Rice Gruel Recipe – Kayi Ganji Recipe
Tomorrow is Dwadashi and a very special one during the Hindu month of Karthika as today is the celebration of the Tulasi plant known as Uttan Dwadashi festival (Holy Basil Festival). On Dwadashi … [Read More...]
Karela Masala Fry
Bitter gourd stir fried with spices until crispy is a great accompaniment to any type of Indian Bread. Cuisine: North Indian Time Required: 20 Minutes Ingredients: 2 Bitter gourd, cut … [Read More...]
Cucumber Churmuri – Cucumber Salad – Street Food
A tasty evening snack prepared using raw vegetables like Cucumber, Raw Mangoes and Tomato. Cucumber Churmuri is also a great snack for calorie watchers. Cuisine: Karnataka Time … [Read More...]
Cheese Straw
Cheese Straw is great to serve with tea in the evening. This can be part of a picnic basket and great to munch as you drive. Time required: 1 Hour Cookie method: Bread Crumbs … [Read More...]
Majjigehuli – Vegetables in spicy Yogurt Sauce – Mor Kozhambu Recipe
A curry prepared using Curds and Vegetables. This dish is part of Karnataka cuisine and is served in most of the auspicious functions and festivals. This is a perfect accompaniment to yet … [Read More...]
Gongura Pappu Recipe – Gongura Dal Recipe
Gongura Pappu is a delicious and healthy dish prepared using Sorrel leaves and Lentils. This dish is extremely popular in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Ingredients: 1 big bunch Gongura … [Read More...]
Avial – Vegetables cooked with coconut
Avial is a mixed vegetable side dish prepared using coconut. It is a dish popularly served in Kerala and Tamil Nadu during a feast. Time Required: 30 Minutes Serves: … [Read More...]
Travel
Chunchi Falls
When I heard the name of the falls I felt like humming the good old Hindi song “Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu…Chin Chin Chu.. baba Chin Chin Chu…..” from the film Howrah Bridge sung by Geetha Dutt. Chunchi … [Read More...]
Baba Budangiri Hills
Baba Budangiri Hills is also known as Chandra Drona Parvatha and is situated in Chikmagalur district, Karnataka. The drive up Baba Budangiri hill is very beautiful with stunning visuals of the country … [Read More...]
Sirimane Waterfalls
When we planned to visit Sringeri again, I was determined to visit Sirimane waterfalls, which is around 20 Kms from Sringeri. So, even before we entered Sringeri we drove to the waterfalls and the … [Read More...]
Talakadu – Part II
Picture1 - Sand Dunes at Talakadu Talakadu is a place known for its sand dunes, river, ancient temples and innumerable legends. Picture2 - Trees of Talakadu Cashew nut, Fig, Nilgiri, … [Read More...]
Uttarakhand
My parents visited Uttarakhand in 1973 and I used to love hearing their experiences and the description of the different places they visited. My dad who was an avid photographer got all the pictures … [Read More...]
Kurtakoti
Kurtakoti is a small village situated 16 Kms from Gadag and every single summer holidays of mine was spent here. My Grandfather was the zamindar and the police Patil. The main occupation of the … [Read More...]
Arunachala Hills, Thiruvannamalai
Lord Siva said: “What cannot be acquired without great pains – the true import of Vedanta (Self-Realization) – can be attained by anyone who looks at (this hill) from where it is visible or even … [Read More...]
Festivals
Budha Brihaspathi Vratha
Budha Brihaspathi Vratha is observed on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the Hindu month of Shravana, August-September in the Gregorian Calendar. Once Budha and Brihaspathi (Budha is planet Mercury … [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...]
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 Ramanujacharya Jayanthi
“O Nityam Achyuta Padambuja Yukma Rukma Vyamohataha Tad Itaraani Trinaaya Mene Asmad Guroha Bhagavathosya Dayaika Sindhoho Ramanujasya Charanou Sharanam Prapadye” The meaning of the above … [Read More...]
Festival dates in Pushya month – December and January 2026
Festival dates in Paush/Pushya (December – January) Dhanurmasa Pooja – Starts on 16 December 2025 and ends on 14 January 2026 Vaikunta Ekadasi – 30 December 2025 … [Read More...]
Chatti Amavasya Festival – Vishwakarma Festival
Chatti Amavasya is the no moon day in the Hindu month of Kartika, October – November of the Gregorian calendar. For the festival date click here. This festival is celebrated in Karnataka, Andhra … [Read More...]
Mannethithina Amavasya
Manneththina Amavasya, “mannu” means mud; “yeththu” in Kannada means bullocks and “Amavasya” means no moon day. This festival is celebrated in North Karnataka, and bullocks made of mud are worshiped … [Read More...]
