Colva Beach – Serenely Beautiful and Peace!

On our visit to India in June, we paid a short visit to Goa. Starting on the early morning flight from Mumbai and after visiting the Ramnathi Devasthan, we arrived at the beach-front resort in Colva, early in the afternoon. We were so fatigued, both of us promptly fell asleep. The drumming of the heavy [...]

Meaning of Puja!

Meaning of Puja I have always translated puja to mean a devotional service. But based on a query in my previous post, Pratik provided a beautiful and succinct explanation. Considering no single word or phrase comes even close to incorporating this meaning, I recommend not translating it, but using the word puja as is, in [...]

Chai Time!

Kamakshi Canteen, Ponda, Goa After quickly performing the puja at the Ramnathi Devasthan, I sneak away to the canteen beside the front entrance. They make the best missal and ussal paav. As I gorge myself, I notice these two guys taking a Chai break. Both were caught up in their own thoughts and did not [...]

Idli Sambar: Its whats for brunch!

Idli Sambar: Its whats for brunch! Of late, I seem to be craving idlis. First it was Lakshmi, who tormented us with her pati's excellent idli making skills. Then at the Konkani Sammelan we had idli sambar for breakfast, and I only had one serving! Considering the long lines, I felt guilty and did not [...]

Back from the Konkani Sammelan

Just returned from the fascinating and utterly exhausting Konkani Sammelan held in Toronto, Canada. For three days we were immersed in all aspects of Konkani life amidst 1,700 others from North America. We ate delicious konkani foods served up by chefs brought from Bangalore, India and Pittsburgh, USA, specifically for this event. From eight in [...]