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...]
Happy Durgashtami 2019
The 8th day of Dasara / Navaratri is Durgashtami. This is a state festival of West Bengal. The goddess is worshiped along with Ganesha, Subramanya, and Saraswathi in West Bengal. … [Read more...]
Happy Saraswathi Pooja 2019
As children we were taught to chant Saraswathi shloka. I chant this to this day. Our elders always advised us to worship Ma Saraswathi and seek her blessings. Here is the lyrics of "Ya Kundendu … [Read more...]
Hesarubele Muchore – Green Gram Savory
During Dasara in Mysore, the households would start preparations to arrange dolls in their houses. The aroma of savories and sweets being prepared would fill the air and children would wait in … [Read more...]
Varakodu Varadaraja Temple
Varakodu Varadaraja Temple is situated in Varakodu village near Mysore. The huge granite temple was developed and expanded by the Cholas, Hoysalas, Vijayanagara Kings and the Mysore Wodeyars. Varakodu … [Read more...]
H.H.Maharaja Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV and H.H. Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar
Mysoreans have deep respect for the kings who ruled the Mysore state. Below are the photograph / paintings of H.H.Maharaja Krishna Raja Wodeyar IV and H.H. Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar. … [Read more...]
Dasara Dolls – 2019
Doll arranging is so much part of celebrating Dasara in the Mysore region. Thankfully the tradition is still continuing and people are arranging the dolls getting inspired from the Mahabharatha, … [Read more...]
Kashi Halwa – Kushmanda Halwa – Dumroot Halwa – Ash Pumpkin Halwa
Kashi Halwa is the most common sweet dish served during wedding breakfast in Karnataka. This is also prepared during other festivals too. Rich with ghee floating around the crunchiness of the Ash … [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...]
Andal Temple, Belur
Belur Chennakeshava Temple complex comprises of many temples dedicated to various deities. One such temple is the Andal temple. The presiding deity Andal is also known as Ranganayaki. This is situated … [Read more...]
Papad Boondi Subzi – Papadum Side Dish – Side dish with Chikpea Pearls
The first time I tasted the Papad Subzi was in school. My classmate who was from Rajasthan used to get this Subzi and I used to love the khatta - meetha (sweet sour) taste of the dish. … [Read more...]
September 2019 Hints
September 2019 Hints are as follows: To remove band aids from skin, spray alcohol over it and remove. Stuff pieces of sponse in a jar and pour nail polish remover into it. when you want to … [Read more...]
Happy Onam 2019
Tomorrow is Tiru Onam and the celebrations include Pookalam / floral carpets, rituals, and Onam Sadya (sumptuous vegetarian meal). This festival is celebrated in Kerala. Wish you all a … [Read more...]
Flower Arrangement – Purity
This arrangement with white Gerberas and Bull rushes in a tall container will add a sense of peace to any room. … [Read more...]
Happy Krishna Janmashtami 2019
24th August is Krishna Janmashtami and the whole country will celebrate the birthday of Lord Krishna. The celebration differs in every region. Sweets and savories are prepared and … [Read more...]
Maida Chakkali – Chakkali with refined flour
Maida Chakkali savory is prepared using refined flour. Children love Chakkali and usually put it on their finger and pretend that it is the Sudarshana chakra. This also shows how Mahabharatha … [Read more...]
Cattleya Orchid
Probably one of the most photographed and painted Orchid species is Cattleya. The botanical name is Cattleya labiata and belongs to Orchidaceae (orchid) family. Cattleyas are native of South … [Read more...]
Veera Narayana Temple, Belur
Chennakeshava Temple complex in Belur comprises of many temples dedicated to various deities. One such temple is the Veera Narayana temple. The presiding deity Veera Narayana is also known as Lakshmi … [Read more...]
Basundi Recipe – Milk Pudding Recipe – Rabri Recipe
This is the month of Shravana and a bunch of festivals follows. There is a never ending flow of sweets and savories during this month. Basundi was my dad's favorite dessert and mine … [Read more...]
August 2019 Hints
July 2019 Hints are as follows: Unused Bonsai ceramic pots can be used as scrubber holder. Roll each lemon in newspaper and put them in a zip lock bag and store in refrigerator for long … [Read more...]
