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
Seemebadanekayi Palya
A side dish prepared using Chayote Squash. Time Required: 20 Minutes Ingredients: 2 Seemebadanekayi / Chayote Squash / Chow Chow 1tbsp Oil 1tsp Bengal Gram 1tsp Urad Dal 1tsp Mustard … [Read More...]
Alu Bhindi – Aloo Bhindi Recipe – Potato Okra Recipe – Potato Ladies Finger Recipe
An unusual combination of Potatoes and Okra mixed with spices. Time Required: 20 Minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: 12 – 15 Bhindi / Lady’s finger / Okra, Chopped into roundels 2 Alu / … [Read More...]
Thandai – Sardai Recipe – Dry Fruits Milkshake Recipe – Dry Fruits Smoothie Recipe
Thandai is a refreshing drink prepared using many dried fruits. Holi, the festival of colors ends with a drink of Thandai and it is also offered to Lord Shiva on Shivarathri. … [Read More...]
Poha Salad – Beaten Rice Salad Recipe – Avalakki Salad Recipe
This tasty salad cum snack is prepared in Maharashtra households. Time Required: 20 Minutes Ingredients: 1 Cup Soaked Poha / Beaten Rice 1 Cucumber, Chopped finely 1 Tomato or few Cherry … [Read More...]
Curd Rice
Cooked rice and yogurt is mixed along with seasoning and fruits. Curd rice is a must have in any of the South Indian homes. A favorite and easy to digest dish. Cuisine: South … [Read More...]
Lettuce Salad
Lettuce was introduced by my dad who as a vegetarian had survived on this in England during his University days. I love all types of Lettuce and introduce it as much as possible in salads. Time … [Read More...]
Heerekayi Chutney – Ridge Gourd Chutney
Heerekayi Chutney is prepared using Ridge Gourd and Coconut. This is known as Heerekayi Gojju in Udupi Region. Cuisine: South Karnataka Time Required: 15 Minutes Ingredients: 1 Cup Fresh … [Read More...]
Boodakumbalakayi Sippe Balaka – Ash Pumpkin Skin Fryums
The peels of Ash Pumpkin are sun dried with spices. Boodakumbalakayi Sippe Balaka can be stored can deep fried whenever desired to be relished with Anna / Rice and Saaru / thin … [Read More...]
Travel
Magadi Bird Sanctuary
When I read that a large population of waterfowls migrates to Magadi Lake in Magadi Bird Sanctuary near Kurtakoti, Gadag district, I yearned to visit this place during the migration season. I got the … [Read More...]
Shopping and eating out in Andaman and Nicobar
When we planned for the Andaman and Nicobar islands trip, I knew very little about what food is available for tourists and was very apprehensive. But all my fears were put to rest when I landed on … [Read More...]
Big Banyan Tree
Known as “Dodda Aalada Mara” in Kannada, this big banyan tree is 380 to 400 years old. It is situated in Kethohalli village, 25 Kms from Bangalore city. Dodda Aalada Mara is one of the biggest … [Read More...]
Udupi
Udupi is synonymous with darshinis (vegetarian eating joints) serving tasty South Indian food. Udupi is also famous for temples and is situated on the coast of Karnataka. Udupi was carved out as a … [Read More...]
Jayamangali Blackbuck Reserve
Jayamangali Blackbuck Conservation Reserve is in Tumakuru district close to Maidenahalli. The reserve is spread over 798 acres of grassland and trees like Acacia and Eucalyptus. The forest … [Read More...]
Varuna Lake
Whenever we pass through the T.Narasipura Road from Mysore, we are sure to stop at an eye-catching water body known as Varuna Lake. It is a huge lake built by the then Diwan of Mysore Sir M. … [Read More...]
Shopping in Rajasthan
Rajasthan is haven for shoppers. Every city in Rajasthan has a buzzing colorful market and visitors throng these places to take back things as a momento. Shopping in Rajasthan is an experience by … [Read More...]
Festivals
Vata Savitri Vrata
Vata Savitri Vrata / ritual is observed by married women on Hunnime / Poornima / full moon day in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha, May – June in Gregorian calendar. This year (2016) it falls on 18th … [Read More...]
Nagara Panchami
Nagara Panchami Nadige doddadu Naada Naadiyar Kodona Naada Naadiyar Kodona | Gelathi| Naagappage Haalu Hoyyona || The above Kannada song is sung during Nagara Panchami festival. The … [Read More...]
Prayer to Parvathi
This prayer was chanted by Chandrahasa to goddess Parvathi/Chamundi/Amba/Gowri. Extracted from the Gemini bharatha. ಚಂದ್ರಹಾಸನ ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥನೆ - ಜೈಮಿನಿ ಭಾರತ ತಾಯೆ ಪಾರ್ವತಿ ಪರಮ ಕಲ್ಯಾಣಿ … [Read More...]
Saraswathi Prarthane – Prayer to Goddess Saraswathi
Today is Saraswathi Pooja, which is part of Navrathri celebrations. This is a prarthane (prayer) to Goddess Saraswathi written by my grandfather Sri M.M.Patil in 1969. ಸರಸ್ವತಿ ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥನೆ ಕಂದ … [Read More...]
Halloween
Halloween is celebrated each year on October 31. This celebration was started in Ireland by the Celts 2000 years ago. It is a believed that on this day the ghosts of the dead return to earth. … [Read More...]
Ananthanagantu Rangoli
This Rangoli / pattern is drawn on Ananthapadmanabha Vratha / festival of Vishnu. First draw 15 X 15 dots and join as shown below: The Ananthanagantu rangoli can be filled with colors too. … [Read More...]
Hoovilya
Hoovilya is an auspicious ritual conducted just before major celebrations like Marriage or Upanayana / Sacred thread ceremony in Karnataka. It is more like an all women’s party, where at least 5 or … [Read More...]
