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...]
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...]
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
Masala Sauthekayi Palya – Cucumber Side Dish Recipe – Kakdi Subzi Recipe
This dish is very popular in North Karnataka. The cucumber that is available there is very ideal to prepare this side dish. I bought the vegetable when I visited Hubli in Feb and here is the … [Read More...]
Moong Dal Halwa – Split Green Gram Sweet Dish – Moong Dal Shira Recipe – Hesarubele Sajjige Recipe
Moong Dal Halwa is a rich sweet dish prepared using split Green Gram. This is prepared during winters in North India. Moong Dal Halwa is a must-have on the wedding menu. I have heard … [Read More...]
Masala Guntpongalu – Masala Paddu Recipe – Masala Guliappa
Another variation can be created of the humble Guntpongalu by adding some ingredients to perk it up. This does not need any accompaniment. Guntpongalu is a dosa in the shape of a ball. This is also … [Read More...]
Hittina Masala Dosa
Pancakes prepared using a mixture of different flours. Ingredients: 1 Cup Rice Flour 2 Cups Sorgam / Jowar Flour 1 Cup Wheat Flour ¼ Cup Uddina Hittu / Urad Dal Flour / Black Gram split … [Read More...]
Sankranthi Yellu – Karnataka Sesame Seeds Mixture
A mixture of Sesame Seeds, Molasses, Coconut, Groundnuts and Fried Gram. In Karnataka this is prepared during Sankranthi festival and distributed among friends and family along with Sakkare … [Read More...]
Cabbage Dosa
Crispy dosas/crepes with crunchy cabbage. Time Required: 20 Minutes + Soaking Time + Fermenting Time Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1½ Cups Raw Rice ½ Cup Urad Dal/Black Gram split 1 tsp … [Read More...]
Baingan and Paneer Tikki – Eggplant and Cottage Cheese Patties – Brinjal and Cottage Cheese Patties
My cook who is from Orissa cooked this delicious Baingan and Paneer Tikki for a dinner party at home. Usually except for the Paneer (Cottage Cheese), the rest of the ingredients are used to … [Read More...]
Poha Chivda
This is an all time favorite snack. The flattened rice is deep fried and mixed with spices. Time Required: 20 Minutes Ingredients: 500gms thick Avalakki/Poha/Flattened Rice Oil for … [Read More...]
Travel
Paradise Beach Pondicherry
Paradise Beach in Pondicherry is also known as Plage Pardiso and is located 8 Km from Pondicherry. Drive down Cuddalore main road to reach Chunnambar backwaters resort. At Chunnambar you can take a … [Read More...]
Pajaka Kshethra
Sri Hanuma Bheema Madhwa! The champion of the Dwaitha philosophy Sri Madhwacharya was born in Pajaka Kshetra located in Udupi district. Sri Madhvacharya is the incarnation of Bheema, one of the … [Read More...]
Birds of Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary
Birds of Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary can drain your Camera batteries in no time, ensure that you have additional batteries! Yes, out of 250 species you can spot at least 50 during a day stay in … [Read More...]
Lake Palace, Udaipur
The most striking and beautiful architectural wonder in the world is the Lake Palace situated in Udaipur. Visitors cannot take their eyes of this beautiful pure white palace gleaming in the middle of … [Read More...]
Aloka Palace, Mysore
I visited Aloka Palace near Yelwal, Mysore as part of my son’s summer camp outing few decades back. I visited again to take pictures and to know more about the place. A bit disappointing as there … [Read More...]
Rose Garden, Ooty
The poem “Roses” by George Eliot comes to mind while strolling in the Rose garden, Ooty. You love the roses - so do I. I wish The sky would rain down roses, as they rain From off the shaken bush. … [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...]
Festivals
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...]
Republic Day of India
On 15th August, 1947 India became independent from the British Rule and on 26th January 1950 the Constitution of India came into force and India became sovereign democratic republic nation. 26th … [Read More...]
Dasara Gombe – Doll arrangement – Golu – 2025
Dasara is celebrated in different ways in various regions of our country. The celebration is of goddess Durga and her various avatars. Each day the goddess is decorated in a different way … [Read More...]
Chaitra Poornima
Chaitra Poornima is the first Poornima of the Hindu lunar calendar and falls in the Hindu month of Chaitra, March – April according to Gregorian calendar. It is the Poornima (full moon) after the … [Read More...]
Ganesh Chathurthi – Ganesha Festival
I have extremely fond memories of Ganesha-Gowri festival. It was one of the grand festivals of the year for the family and for Mysore city itself. Our road would be decorated with serial lights, as … [Read More...]
21 Patra Pooja to Lord Ganesha
21 types of Patra (leaves), 21 types of Pushpa (flowers), and 21 Kadabu or Modaka (sweets) are offered to Lord Ganesha during Ganesha Chathurthi and Sankashta Chaturthi. Just before the festivities … [Read More...]
Upakarma – Janivara Habba
Upakarma festival is solely for the men. The others also join in by preparing delicious food as naivedhyam / blessed food and eating together. This festivals falls on Shravana Nakshatra (a star) on … [Read More...]
