(Author’s Note: This article has been written to help others avoid the pitfalls which beset us on our recent vacation to India.) We wanted to get away from the cold winter of Iowa. And what better way than to head back to India and show our children a part of their heritage. My children, Krishna [...]
Filed under: India, Travel | Tagged: Hawa Mahal, India, Jaipur, Taj Mahal, Travel | 4 Comments »
I have previously written about the Shanbhag School, an academic beacon in Kumta and surrounding villages. The Shanbhag High School, managed by the Konkan Education Trust does not receive any governmental aid. But it follows the state determined academic syllabus and guidelines. While we attract many students who can afford fees, our family wanted to [...]
Filed under: India, Karnataka, Kids, Konkani, Kumta, Shanbhag School | Tagged: Rural India, Scholarships | Leave a Comment »
After our first attempt at Raagi Bhakri it is a favorite in our home. It’s easy to prepare and both of us love it. During this past visit to Kumta I replenished our stock of Raagi flour. A few blocks from our place in Kumta is a little “girNi” (or mill) which grinds various types [...]
Filed under: Food, India, Konkani, Kumta | 5 Comments »
Hanuman offering a tribute to Shri Rama, Lakshman and Devi Sita; A carving from the Vijayanagar period on a boulder on Hemakuta, Hampi. (see more from Hampi below) shri ramachandracharanau manasa smaraami shri ramachandracharanau vachasa gruNaami shri ramachandracharanau SHirasa namaami shri ramachandracharanau SHaranam prapadhyae On Rama’s feet I meditate With words I praise With lowered [...]
Filed under: Festivals, Hinduism, India, Karnataka, Prarthana, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | 3 Comments »
Looking for new recipes, you have likely browsed Aayi’s Recipes the uber popular food blog hosted by Shilpa. This is M’s favorite “go-to” site anytime she needs inspiration for her cooking. During my travels to India, I look forward to visiting our ancestral town of Kumta – Jewel of the Konkan in coastal Karnataka. And [...]
Filed under: Food, India, Karnataka, Konkani, Kumta | 25 Comments »
Yes, Guys! That day will surely come. You will have to accompany the wife or significant other for saree shopping! How you respond to the not-so-subtle hint is going to mark you for ever. In the good old days of the joint (or extended) family, you were safe. She may go saree shopping with her [...]
Filed under: Family, Home, India | 35 Comments »
During one of our trips through Karnataka, we visited Hampi to see the ruins of Vijayanagar. What a fascinating city it is! Under a UNESCO mandate, extensive restorations are ongoing. The temples are awe inspiring! But for M the best part of that trip was a stay in the nearby town of Hospet. A busy, [...]
Filed under: Food, India, Karnataka, M & A | 29 Comments »
The beautiful Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Karnataka
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Faith From our visit a few years ago, to the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, Karnataka. click image for a larger version;
Filed under: Hinduism, India, Temples | 8 Comments »
During this season of plenty, we turn our minds (and hearts) to farmers who toil the land and bring food to our tables. Their's is a difficult life! Indian farmers would celebrate, simply breaking even for the season. Many are frustrated by the cycle of debt and end their lives, leaving their families deeper in [...]
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