cross-posted from my post here. During recent travels, I was visiting relatives in Honavar, Karnataka – a sleepy coastal town south of Kumta (see google map below). I had stopped by a family store to add money to my pre-paid cell phone. There, this older gentleman was weaving these delicate pink buds called jaaii-che kaLo. [...]
Filed under: Flowers, Honavar, Karnataka, Konkani, Kumta, Video | Tagged: Rural India, Konkani, Flowers, Honavar, Kumta, Konkan | 2 Comments »
The following article is meant to encourage the younger generation to research and write about their own family history. As families become more diverse and dispersed all over the planet, it becomes even more important that children (and even adults) know about their ancestors. A Tribute to My Role Models by Nimmu Bangalore (nee Koppikar) [...]
Filed under: Family, Karnataka, Konkani | Tagged: Belgaum, Koppikar, Swami | 2 Comments »
Ganesh Chaturthi (or Ganapati Chovati as we Konkanis call it) is THE celebration in our extended family home in Mumbai. During the five days of Ganapati, all pujas are performed as prescribed in the Puranas, including recitations from the Vedas. At the end of the fifth day, the murthy is consigned to the seas (visarjan), [...]
Filed under: Festivals, Konkani | Tagged: Ganapati, Ganesh, Hindu festivals, Hindu Gods, Hinduism, Mumbai, Spirituality | Leave a Comment »
click image for larger version The Mahamandap (Great Hall) at the Mahalakshmi Temple in Bandivade, Goa provides a therapeutic escape from many of Goa busy attractions. It is a perfect place to sit undisturbed and commune with the divine. On this early morning, regular devotees went about their prayers silently and tourist laden buses had [...]
Filed under: Devi, Goa, Hinduism, Konkani, Sanatana Dharma, Temples | Tagged: Devi, Hindu Gods, Lakshmi, Laxmi, Portuguese Inquisition | Leave a Comment »
In 2007, the Shanbhag School in Kumta (and their parent, the Konkan Education Trust), started to provide lunch for all their students. In the midst of a long day, the students had previously rushed home during their lunch hour. There are no cafeterias or restaurants near the school. The school made a significant investment in [...]
Filed under: Food, Karnataka, Kids, Konkani, Kumta, Shanbhag School | Tagged: lunch, school lunch, meals, students | Leave a Comment »
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 »
Phovu (flattened rice) freshly mixed with a few spices is a staple of Konkanis. Growing up, we’d eat tambdo phovu (tambdo – red) nearly every day for breakfast. If not for the main dish, at least as a side. I prefer it sprinkled with a little sev, or served on the side (see pic below). [...]
Filed under: Food, Karnataka, Konkani, Kumta, Recipes | Tagged: vegetarian, vegan, breakfast, phovu | 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 »
When I first posted on the Shanbhag School, the upper floor (1st floor) was still under construction. During my visit in Nov, it was a thrill to see students enjoying lectures in the new classrooms. You can see pics of ongoing classes later in the post. But first, an important question: How are the students [...]
Filed under: Konkani | 16 Comments »
When I asked folks at the Shanbhag School the best way to travel to Kodkani (about 15 kms from Kumta) to see Shilpa’s parents, they recommended that I ride the School bus. On Saturdays, school ends at noon and the bus drops off students in Kodkani. Riding the bus would thus bring me in Kodkani [...]
Filed under: Kids, Konkani, Kumta, Shanbhag School | 17 Comments »
