Add baking soda while washing fruits and vegetable, this will remove any type of contamination. Add sparkling water to Pani puri dough. The Puris will turn out crisp. Add oil while boiling … [Read More...]

Malnad Style Beetroot Kayi Chutney
I tasted this Beetroot chutney at Sridhara Paduka Mandira in Bengaluru. The saying that god prasada is divine and satisfying is so true. The humble lunch comprising to Rice huli, saru, and … [Read More...]

Lord Jaganath Rath Yatra
The famous Chariot festival of Orissa state falls in the month of Ashada (June - July). The Rath Yatra is one of the oldest and biggest festival of India held in Puri, Odisha … [Read More...]

Festival dates in Ashadha month – July and August 2026
Festival dates in Ashadha month – July and August 2026 Āshādha (July - August) - From 15 July to 12 August 2026 Ashada Shukravara Lakmi Pooja - 17 July, 24 July, 31 July, … [Read More...]

Flower Arrangement – Peaced
Who better than Gautham Buddha to represent Peace? This arrangement using Bamboo and Buddha bust gives out the most peaceful oriental vibe. The famous Three Refuges (or Triple Gem) in … [Read More...]

Water Apple Salad Recipe
Water Apple in White and Red are available in plenty during May End to June End. This fruit though tasteless is considered good for health. I tried this recipe and the fruit became a bit … [Read More...]

July 2026 Hints
When using Banana leaves as a wrap, iron using an electric ironing machine iron and then use them. Add a pinch of salt at each stage of cooking, for example, add a pinch when sautéing Onions, … [Read More...]

Flower Arrangement – Rock Solid
In nature, wild flowers gently peep out from rocks and its crevices. This looks very beautiful. We can introduce rocks in our gardens for an aesthetic look. Similarly, rocks can be … [Read More...]

Yoga Narasimha and Saint Ramanujacharya temple, Todanur
The Yoga Narasimha and Saint Ramanujacharya temple is on a hillock and has been renovated recently and was sporting a fresh coat of paint. This temple , which is 1000 years old is built in the Chola … [Read More...]

Festival dates in Jyaishtha month – June and July 2026
Festival dates in Jyaishtha month – June and July 2026 Adhika Jyaishtha (17th May - 15th June) Vata Savitri Vratha / Phala Poornima - 29 June 2026 Kara Hunnime / Bhoomi Hunnime … [Read More...]

Nambhi Narayana Temple, Thodanur
The Nambhi Narayana/Lakshmi Narayana temple is the largest and the oldest temple in Thodanur. This was originally a Jain basathi/temple. Hoysala king Bittidevaraya, who was a Jain was influenced … [Read More...]

Neeru Dosa – Thin Rice Dosa
"Neeru" in Kannada means water. Neeru Dosa is prepared with a batter as thin as water and hence the name. Cuisine: Udupi Time Required: 20 Minutes + Soaking Time Serves: … [Read More...]
Vegetarian Recipes

Instant Mango Pickle
This is an instant pickle prepared with raw Mangoes, which is sauteed in hot Oil. When you feel like having a pickle without waiting for it to mature, you can prepare Instant Mango Pickle. Time … [Read More...]

Boondi Raitha Recipe
Boondi is small round crunchy deep fried snack. This is mixed with Yogurt and spices to make the Raitha. A very popular dish of North India. It is served as an accompaniment with … [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...]

Avarekalu Soppina Palya – Leafy Vegetable Dish Recipe – Avarekayi Palya
During winter, the Avarekayi (Surti Papdi, Lilva Beans) rules the kitchen with it being added to almost all the savoury dishes. This healthy recipe includes green leafy vegetables to be served … [Read More...]

Rawa Idli – Semolina Steamed Cakes
Rawa Idli are steamed cakes prepared using Semolina. An ideal and filling breakfast. This was first prepared by Mavalli Tiffin Room (MTR) for the soldiers serving in harsh climates. … [Read More...]

Menthya Uthappam – Methi Dosa Recipe – Menthya Dosa Recipe
Healthy pancakes prepared using Fenugreek leaves. Time Required: 25 Minutes + Soaking Time + Fermenting Time Makes: 4 Ingredients: 4 to 6 big spoons of Dosa Batter 1 Cup Menthya / … [Read More...]

Beladahannina Sihi – Wood Apple Crush – Bael Fruit Recipe – Beladahannu Recipe
Wood Apple is known as Beladahannu in Kannada. This fruit is used to prepare a refreshing summer drink on Rama Navami festival and the ripe rind is mashed with Jaggery and Cardamom powder and served. … [Read More...]

Mulberry Juice Recipe – Hippunarale Panaka Recipe – Shahatoot Ki Sherbat
Though Mulberry is grown extensively in Mysuru - Bengaluru region (the silk belt), we never see Mulberry fruits in the market. I was delighted to get some this year and here is this unique … [Read More...]
Travel

South Goa Beaches
Are you craving for the sand to slip through your toes, feel the sea breeze on your hair, hear the music of waves hungry to touch the shore, sipping in a cool long drink, then the right place for you … [Read More...]

Bhavani Shankar Temple
Bhavani Shankar Temple is situated in Vasanthapura, Bangalore. The temple is more than 250 years old and the presiding deity is Sri Bhavani Shankar (Lord Shiva). The Swayambhu Linga is … [Read More...]

Forts of Goa
Most of the forts built in Goa are high up on the hills and offer a grand view of the Arabian Sea. The forts of Goa are dotted from Tiracol Fort, which is at the northernmost tip of Goa to Cabo da … [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...]

Nrityagram Dance Village, Hessarghatta and Taj Kuteeram
We planned for a weekend getaway to Nrityagram, which turned to be a unique experience. The dance village is situated on a 10 acre land near Hessarghatta, 30 Km from Bangalore. This was founded in … [Read More...]

Museums, Armory, and Galleries of Mehrangarh Fort – Jodhpur
Apart from the grand rooms, a visit to Museums, Armory, and Galleries of Mehrangarh Fort - Jodhpur is a must. Museum: Palanquins, howdahs, royal cradles, miniatures, costumes and furniture are … [Read More...]

Kaudiyala, Uttarakhand
Kaudiyala is situated 37 Km from Rishikesh and it is famous for white water rafting on the Ganges. The flow of Ganges is glorious here. You can see many young people camping here waiting impatiently … [Read More...]
Festivals

King Raghu and Vijayadashami – Importance of Banni Tree – English Version
King Raghu of Raghuvamsha fame was a brave, generous, humble, and sensible ruler of Ayodhya. He had won many battles and his treasury was filled to the brim. On the behest of his guru Vashishta, he … [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...]

Karthika Somavaragalu
Kantheyasya Lasathkaala Garalam Gangaajalam Masthake Giriraajaraja Thanayaa Jaaya Bhavaani Sathi Nandi Skanda Ganaadhiraaja Sahithaa Sri Vishwanaatha Prabhu Kashi Mandira Samsthithokhila … [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...]

Traditional Dolls Arrangement
Here are some Dolls that are handed over from generations to generations for arranging during Dasara. Traditional Dolls Arrangement includes Dolls in a marriage party complete with the bride / groom … [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...]

Rathasapthami Rangoli
Rathasapthami is a festival in honor of Sun god. On this day a Rathasapthami rangoli / kolam (patterns drawn using chalk powder) of ratha / chariot is drawn inside the shrine of … [Read More...]