If the carpet is slipping, spread cling foil below the carpet, the carpet will not slip. If the edge of the carpet is folded and there is a chance of people slipping, keep few ice cubes below the … [Read More...]

Festival dates in Phalgun month – February and March 2026
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

Hot and Sour Vegetables
Hot and Sour Vegetables is a dish, which adds a dash of various flavors to a subtle steamed Rice or plain cooked Noodles. Cuisine: Chinese Time required: 20 Minutes Ingredients: 1 Cup … [Read More...]

Thovve – Dal Recipe
Cooked split Red Gram with seasoning. This is a very auspicious dish among the Brahmin community and is prepared during festivals and all auspicious occasions. When the food is served … [Read More...]

Paneer stuffed Capsicums
I cannot resist buying tiny capsicums that floods the market during June in Bangalore. They are perfect to stuff with different ingredients. In this recipe Capsicums are stuffed with crumbled cottage … [Read More...]

Bellary Soppina Mudde – Methi Dal Recipe – Fenugreek Leaves and Lentils Side Dish Recipe
This dish is a very healthy and popular side dish served along with Indian Bread in Bellary, Karnataka. Cuisine: Karnataka Time Required: 25 minutes Ingredients: 1 Bunch Methi / Fenugreek … [Read More...]

Stuffed Guntpongalu – Stuffed Phaddu – Stuffed Guliappa
Here is yet another variation of Guntpongalu. This time we are going to stuff it with the delicious alu palya (ptoato dish). This is also known as Guliappa in South Canara (Karnataka) and Paddu … [Read More...]

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...]

Sugar Snap Peas Stir Fry Recipe
I was delighted to find Sugar snap peas in the grocery store and they are so easy to use. The whole pod can be eaten. They are sweet and crisp. You can add them to salads or eat them as is … [Read More...]

Palak Pakodi Chaat – Spinach Fritters served with spiced yogurt – Chat Recipe
A tangy tasty snack prepared using Palak Pakoda / Spinach Fritters. Cuisine: North India Time Required: 30 Minutes Ingredients: 5 Palak Pakoda 2tbsp Boiled Potato diced or boiled … [Read More...]
Travel

Srirangapatna
The historic place of Srirangapatna / Srirangapattana is situated on the banks of river Cauvery at 15 Km from Mysore. Srirangapatna is noted for its ruler Tipu Sultan, the Ranganatha Temple, … [Read More...]

Hyderabad
Hyderabad is the capital of Andhra Pradesh and is the fifth largest metropolitan city of India. It is popularly known as the City of Pearls, Lakes and Nizams. Hyderabad has developed into a major hub … [Read More...]

Mangalore – Mangaluru
My headmistress in school was from Mangalore. She scowled at us all the time and disapproved everything we did. It was very rare to see her smile and though I have seen her appreciate, it was never … [Read More...]

Serenity Beach Pondicherry
As the name suggests, the beach is serene and beautiful. Serenity beach is situated 5 - 6 Km to the north of Pondicherry. A perfect place to unwind and relax by either taking a dip in the … [Read More...]

Kalpetta
We chose to stay at Kalpetta as all the interesting places are around Kalpetta. We were also tempted to stay in far flung places like Rain Country resorts, but the fact that the drive to and from the … [Read More...]

Colonel Bailey’s Dungeon, Srirangapatna
The word Dungeon is morbid and imagination conjures up of prisoners suffering in the dark dungeons. To see it for real, travel to Srirangapatna and visit the Dungeon built during the rule of Tipu … [Read More...]

Shri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, Mysore Zoo
The other common name is "Mysore Zoo" and it is one of the oldest and well maintained zoos in India. It not only houses a wide range of animals, reptiles and birds but the garden maintained is … [Read More...]
Festivals

Festival dates in Ashwin month – September and October 2025
Āshwin (September – October) Dasara - Navaratri - 22 September to 2 October 2025 Saraswathi Pooja - 29 September 2025 Durgashtami - 30 September 2025 Ayudha Pooja - 1 October … [Read More...]

Lullaby to Lord Rama
It is Lord Sri Rama's birthday today. Rama Navami is celebrated all over India with great devotion. The lullaby below was written by my grandfather M.M.Patil, Kurtakoti. ಶ್ರೀ ರಾಮನ … [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...]

Why Lord Ganesha is also known as Ekadantha / single tusk
The most popular narration on how Lord Ganesha lost his tusk is penned in the Skanda Purana / tales of gods and goddesses. Lord Ganesha was a patron of good food with a healthy appetite. Once … [Read More...]

Navaratri Golu – Dolls Arrangement during Dasara
This is in continuation of the post “Traditional Dolls Arrangement”. The custom of arranging dolls during Navaratri / Dasara is also followed in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh. In these states … [Read More...]

Galipata Habba – Indian Kite Festival – Festival of Kites
Gone are the days when we used to see people flying colorful and different shape Galipata/Kites. The Kite wars and making our own customized Kites was great fun. To balance the kite a long … [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...]