The ancient temple of Shri Cheluvanarayana Swamy is situated in Melukote, Mandya District, Pandavpura Taluk. The presiding deity of the temple on the foothills is Lord Vishnu known as Thirunarayana or … [Read More...]
Happy Gowri and Ganesha Festival 2026
The most awaited festival of the year is today! and it is definitely a double dhamaka as both Swarna Gowri Vratha and Ganesh Chathurthi are celebrated on the same day. The flower decorations, … [Read More...]
Festival dates in Bhadrapada month – September and October 2026
Festival dates in Bhadrapada month – September and October2026 are as follows: Bhādrapad (August – September) Ganesh Chaturthi - 14 September 2026 Ganesha aarathi song Why Ganesha … [Read More...]
Mariapura Lake
Another weekend and another birding trip and off we drove to Mariapura lake. A beautiful serene lake where the wind blows, birds chirp, plants whisper, and fishes swim. This lake has a calming effect … [Read More...]
Kodi Beach
Kodi Beach is a pristine beach and a very long one starting somewhere near Hangaluru to Kodi Bengre Beach. The Bengre Beach is an Estuary where River Suvarna meets the Arabian sea. Kodi in … [Read More...]
Habbada Thindi and Panaka – Festival Snacks and Juice Recipes
Food and festival go hand in hand in India. Special dishes are prepared on festivals and during vratha (observance). Habbada Adige / festival food is prepared on all festivals. But … [Read More...]
Sattu Ki Paratha
Stuffed Indian bread prepared using roasted chik pea (channa) flour. This type of bread is very popular in Bihar. Time Required: 30 Minutes Ingredients: 2 Cups Sattu Ki Atta / Roasted Chik … [Read More...]
Vegetarian Recipes
Sarson Ka Saag Recipe – Mustard Leaf Curry
Sarson Ka Saag is a side dish prepared using Mustard plant leaves and spices. A very common dish in the state of Punjab served with Makki Ki Roti. Time Required: 30 Minutes Serves: … [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...]
Peas and Potato Soup
Time Required: 25 minutes Serves: 4 Time Required: 40 Minutes Ingredients: 1 tbsp Butter 4 Potatoes, diced 1 Cup Shelled Peas 1 large Onion, chopped 2 Garlic cloves, crushed 1tsp … [Read More...]
Methi Mutter Malai – Fenugreek leaves and Peas Recipe – Methi Matar Malai
Methi Mutter Malai is a side dish prepared using Fenugreek leaves, Green fresh Peas and Cream with a dash of spices. Cuisine: North Indian Time Required: 30 Minutes Ingredients: 1 big … [Read More...]
Sesame Seeds Squares
Sesame Seeds Squares is a crunchy sweet is prepared in North India during Sankranthi festival. It is believed that if you consume Sesame seeds during winter, it keeps you warm. Time Required: … [Read More...]
Hurali Pudi – Hurali Chutney Powder Recipe – Horse Gram Chutney Powder Recipe
Hurali Pudi is spicy powder prepared using Horse Gram. Time required: 10 Minutes Cuisine: Karnataka Ingredients: 1 Cup Hurali / Horse Gram 10 - 12 Red Chilies 1 Bengal Gram size Hing / … [Read More...]
Lachchi Gojju – Sweet and Sour Lentil Recipe – Gotsu Recipe – Katti Meethi Dal Recipe
My dad’s close friend Lakshminarasimha Rao whose nickname was "Lachchi" shared Kadalebele Gojju recipe with my grandmother a few decades ago. This dish, which is sweet and sour with the aroma of … [Read More...]
Grape Juice
This Grape concentrate can be prepared and stored for many days. I picked up a basket of juicy black grapes on the way to Ghati Subramanya near Bangalore and mom was only too happy to make this lip … [Read More...]
Travel
Chandramouleshwara Temple
Like a beautiful Lotus blooming in muddy waters is another forgotten beautiful and ancient temple nestled among a thickly populated area with narrow roads in Hubli. The 900 year old … [Read More...]
Birding in the vicinity of Valley School
Valley school is situated 20 Kms on Kanakpura road. The road leading to the Valley school and the surrounding area is a forest offering a place to seek the much needed solace from the maddening … [Read More...]
Belur
Belur – the historical town is situated on the banks of River Yagachi in Hassan District of Karnataka. Belur was known as Velapuri. The Hoysala dynasty ruled over the Deccan and parts of Tamil Nadu … [Read More...]
Amber Fort, Jaipur
Amber also known as Amer was the former capital of the Kachhwahas. The majestic fort built on Cheel ka Teela (Hill of Eagles) in the Aravalli range of hills above the Maota Lake is visible from far … [Read More...]
Attiveri Bird Sanctuary
Picture1 - Guards and officials of Attiveri at the entrance of the Sanctuary Attiveri bird sanctuary is situated in Kalghatgi taluk, Dharwad district of North Karnataka. It is spread over an area … [Read More...]
St. Lawrence Church
Churches built by the Portuguese dot the Goan landscape and St. Lawrence Church is one of them. Located on a hill and built in Portuguese style of architecture, this white church was built in 1565 for … [Read More...]
Umaid Bhawan Palace
Umaid Bhawan Palace is one of the most modern looking palaces built in the 20th century. As the palace is built on a mound, the palace is visible from afar. During evenings, the lights in the palace … [Read More...]
Festivals
Lohri festival in Punjab – Makara Shankranthi – Harvest Festival
Makara Shankranthi is called as Lohri in Punjab. It is one of the major festivals of Punjab. It is celebrated with great pomp and show. This festival falls on Chaturdashi i.e., the 14th day in the … [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...]
Shravana Shukravara Pooja
Shravana Shukravara Pooja is also known as Sampath Shukravara vratha. This is performed in the Hindu month of Shravana, July – August in Gregorian calendar dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi / Gowri. … [Read More...]
Upanayana
Every male child born in certain Hindu communities has to go through the Upanayana ritual. Upanayana is also known as Munji, Brahmopadesham (supreme teaching), and Sacred thread ceremony. The … [Read More...]
Bhagvad Gita Jayanti – Bhagvad Gita Birthday – Srimad Bhagvad Gita Jayanti
During Corona time, my quest to listen and understand the Srimad Bhagvad Gita started. My mother patiently read the Bhagvad Gita shlokas and explained each of them in Kannada. I was in awe … [Read More...]
Rathasapthami
“Ratha” means chariot and “Sapthami” means the 7th day, it is the day when the Surya/Sun god is believed to ride on the chariot drawn by 7 horses to gift the beautiful season “Spring” to South … [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...]
