Brewed, Not Stirred

With the the highest beer consumption per capita in the world, Czech Republic and more specifically Prague is a beer wonderland. Sadly, I was a teetotaler when I visited the country first; but now I hope to savor the beautiful locally brewed delights some day again!

Sunshine

With Holi gone, its officially spring time in India. As the sun starts to shine in its full glory, I am reminded of my fun vacation to Hampi. The Hampi Chariot completes the triangle of stone chariots in India- these is one in Konark, Odissa, and another in Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu). A massive sculpture of…

Come Eat With Me

I am a really poor eater, my mother will happily tell you unhappy tales of my love for small quantities of food. But lately, I have rekindled my love for food from home, keepsakes and crafts (that got lost as life happened, a little too much, I guess). This picture is yet another attempt of…

Light Headed

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Holier Than Thou

Batashe ki Mala (these are just sugar cubes in a garland) is an integral part of the Holika Dahan (the holy fire that is lit before Rangapanchami or Holi festival). These are quite popular in Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. While playing Holi (with Gulaal or Vermilion), batasha-malas are said to ensure cordiality with brother and…

What’s Your Point?

Almost a decade ago, I wrote this post on another blog of mine. So many people have so many points to put forth. There are so many things to consider before we make a decision and so many choices to make. But whatever I do, I choose to be grateful and happy!

Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less

Temples usually have a Hundi (donation box) where you can contribute to the social activities that the temple authorities undertake. While most of them are just normal boxes, or big sealed jars, this one in a temple in Rajasthan caught my fancy. Although Inida is usually typecast as a country where cows cause traffic jams,…

The Magic Of Fragrance

Little things seem nothing, but they give peace, like those meadow flowers which individually seem odorless but all together perfume the air. ~Georges Bernanos Attars are pure fragrant oils without any spirit or alcohol. If you walk through the lanes of Bazaar Street at Fort Kochi, you will be treated to aromas of various kinds….

The Feast Is Laid

Golu or Kolu is a display of dolls on odd numbered steps or padis  depicting scenes from Hindu texts, royalty, weddings or everyday scenes. While the practice dates back to centuries, it is still a huge part of Navarathri celebrations in South India. Although I have lived in western India for most part of my…

Shoe Shine

Mojris are handcrafted footwear that the Mugal rulers to Jaipur city and India. These leather sandals are intricately embroidered with cotton threads and look very pretty because they are very colorful. They go best with traditional Indian attires.