How to Dress as Adivasi - Tribal Fancy Dress Ideas

December 3, 2015, 10:58 pm

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It is exciting to see tiny tots getting dressed in interesting costumes.

Fancy dress competitions usually follows a theme and the organizers set up few rules to be followed.

If you happen to come across the theme of being tribal, then here is your chance to get dressed up as tribal people. The ideas for dressing up as Adivasi People are many.

Generally you have to decide how you want to be as a tribal man; choose from being a colourful

tribe, glitter tribe, feather tribe, leafy tribe or green grass tribe.

Quick tips to dress up as an Adivasi man or Tribal man of Indian jungles.

Face & Body Painting

Painting is a must to bring the look of the jungle. Colorful patterns or black-white patterns - How you paint your face and body is left to your creativity. Choose between full paint or simple little lines to execute your ideas of painting.

Almost any style of painting goes well as it helps to put together the entire costume.

Head gear

A headdress is usually done with long feathers. Go for red colored Indian feather head gears. Or else make your own at home.

Buy a black elastic head band and fix up lots of black-white feather around the band. It is easy to put up on the head.

Tribal accessories and jewelries

Tribal jewelleries have a kind of vintage jungle look in them. Jewelleries made of coins, teeth, bones, stones, wood and beads look perfect to give a picture that you have been living in the midst of wild animals in the natural habitat.

Tribal looking weapons are a great add-on for the adivasi fancy dress look.

Grass or leaves dress

Cover up the basic clothing with loads of grass and green leaves. This shows the natural way of covering the body parts in tribal traditions.

Attitude

Teach or learn how to carry a wild attitude in the behavior. Tribal people have an ultimate raw and rugged nature in them.

Learn some tribal movements and songs to complete the look in a interesting way.

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Patanjali Neem Aloe Vera Face Pack Review

December 14, 2015, 2:24 am

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Patanjali has become my all time favorite brand.  The attraction towards this brand is their concept of being "organic". Also the products are economical and reachable. Here is an review of Patanjali Neem aloe vera face pack.

Price and quantity: Rs 60 for 60g

Ingredients:

Package:  There is nothing much interesting in the packs of Patanjali products. They are usually simple and all the products have a common appearance. Neem and Aloe vera Face pack comes in a white fibrous tube with a flip cap. The cap is does not fit up to the mark but since the product within is thick consistent there is no messy leakages. Also the piece that I shopped had damage in its cap which went unnoticed at the time of purchase.

Nature: The product is white with a tinge of brown, something resembling the fuller earth and is creamy to touch. One squeeze releases a pea size of the product and the thick nature of the product makes you comfortable on application. Even though the face pack is thick it melts and spreads when applied on skin. I applied on my wet face, the face pack tends to dry instantly and within 10 minutes of time it dries completely. Rinsing is easy too with few splashes of water.

Skin appears bright, smooth and cleared from dirt filled pores. The pack is perfect for oily skin but may be drying for dry skin. Dry skin ones should compromise with an after moisturiser and also on winters.  You can easily carry the product on occasions or while on hurry, it provides instant glowing and freshness.

Fragrance: Herbal based products usually do not smell good. It smells of ayurvedic products , quite strong at the beginning. The scent fades away once the pack dries and does not linger on your skin.

Pros of Patanjali Neem Aloe Vera Face Pack:

·         Hygiene tube like pack.

·         An herbal product

·         Cleanses brightens skin

·         Economical

·         Travel friendly

Cons of Patanjali Neem Aloe Vera Face Pack:

·         May be drying during winters and for dry skin.

Rating: 4/5

Recommendation: yes, the product can be given a try. It helps to enhance beauty.

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8 The Body Shop Color Crush Lipsticks Swatches

December 17, 2015, 2:45 am

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The lipstick range of Color Crush from The Body Shop have a whole lot of colours – red, brown, pink, neutral. 

Totally, the Color Crush collection of lipsticks consists of 3 color families – the Reds, the Browns/Nudes and the Pinks.

Here are a few of the lipstick swatches from the Color Crush lipstick collection.

220 - Dare to Bare
110 – Coral Blush
03 - Pink Charming
230 - Rush of Pink
301 - Drive Me Nuts
110 – Coral Blush
105 - Coral Cutie
201 - Redhot Rasperry

More closer look at the lipstick swatches.

Hope the swatches were good for your reference.

Have you tried any of The Body Shop Color Crush Lipstick?

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Banana Fritters – A Quick Evening Snack Recipe

December 20, 2015, 6:49 am

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Evening tea/coffee time is something exciting for us, especially if it is raining. It is common to expect crispy hot pakoras, finger chips, fritters, chips, samosa; similar kind of snacks.

Here is a quick snack which you can prepare just in 15 minutes.

Banana fritters is just a perfect snack for evenings along with hot coffee/tea. This is also a very good recipe to get rid of the over-ripened banana.

Read jackfruit fritters recipe here.

Ingredients needed

·         2-3 ripe bananas.

·         Half cup wheat flour

·         2 spoon chiroti rava

·         Half cup jiggery.

·         A generous pinch of salt.

How to prepare banana fritters

Firstly, pour oil in a kadai and heat over low flame. The oil will be ready for deep frying while you have finished preparing the banana dough for fritters.

In a mixing pan, peel and smash up the bananas with gentle hand pressure. Do not bother if few pieces of banana remain un-smashed.

Add jaggery pieces and required amount of salt and mix well.

Also add wheat flour and rava and mix everything together to form a loosely held dough.

The consistency should be thin than chapathi/roti dough, yet thicker than the dosa/idli batter.

Now pick up the dough little by little and drop as tiny balls into the oil.

Deep fry under low flame until the balls turn slightly golden red brown.

Remove from oil and transfer on to a tissue. When still hot, sprinkle some sugar (or powdered sugar) on the fritters.

Serve the hot fritters along with hot coffee/tea.

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4 Best Citrus Fruits For Pregnant Women

December 22, 2015, 2:02 am

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Fruits are great energy supplies mainly for healthy pregnancy. In particular, citrus fruits that are rich houses of vitamin C are very beneficial for both mother and the developing foetus. Vitamin C is known to keep away any kind of allergies in the foetus,  supports immune system, tissue repairing and wound healing  also helps in absorption of iron.

Also citrus fruits help to detoxify body and a perfect solution for nausea which is commonly experienced during pregnancy.

Here is a list of common citrus fruit that are very beneficial during pregnant.

Oranges:

Fresh juicy oranges which are refreshment during summers are rich source of vitamin C. They help improving immune system for foetus and pregnant also helps in the absorption of minerals like iron, zinc and calcium and prevents allergies and infections.

Oranges have high content of hydration and fibre and contain lower sugar than other fruits. The folic acid in oranges is essential for brain development in foetus.

Lemon:

Consuming Lemon juice is the best supplement for vitamin C. A glass of lemon juice daily keeps away nausea and heart burns throughout the day. It also hydrates the pregnant body, detoxifies by flushing out the toxins in the waste and its antibacterial properties prevents you from cold and flu.

Consuming lemon juice improves the bowel movements preventing constipation which is commonly found during pregnancy. The potassium level in the citric fruit is required for the bone development of the baby in the womb. Edema (swollen feet) which is unhealthy and seen in pregnant is known to get reduced by the consumption of lemon juice.

Gooseberry:

The sweet and sour gooseberries are a wonder citric fruit. The greenish berries are loaded with Vitamin c, antioxidants, iron, and calcium and phosphorous. Amla helps to boost energy reducing tiredness, calms down mood and eliminates nausea. These are rich dietary fibre improving bowel movements helping to relieve constipation.

Sweet Lime:

The juicy fruit is an excellent coolant and hydrant helping to lower acidity. It promotes digestion , improves bowel movements and relieves constipation. The level of potassium in sweet lime cures urinary disorders.

In general, all the citrus fruits have some common feature like promoting digestion and hydration.

Make a practice of including one or two citrus fruits alternatively in your daily diet.

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A Day At The Mysore Zoo

December 22, 2015, 2:30 am

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Officially Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens in Mysore is commonly known as Mysore Zoo. It is easily accessible since it is within the city limits, just about 2 km from Mysore palace.

This zoo is very popular and one of the oldest zoos in South India. 

 

'Just deciding who is the srongest'

Back then; this area of zoo was a private property belonging to the Wodeyars of Mysore. Spanning over 10 acres, the zoo housed all kind of unique birds and animals. The zoo was established by the then ruler Chamarajendra Wodeyar in 1892.

Currently, the zoo is cared and maintained under Zoo Authority of Karnataka.

Flora and fauna at Mysore zoo is beyond comparison to any other well known zoo.  The variety of species that are adopted, reared, successfully raised, conserved and protected are plenty.

All three species of Rhino - white, black and Indian rhino, brown bear, sloth bear, brown lemur, nilgiri langur, chimpanzee, orang-utan, the Himalayan bear, white tiger, African and Indian elephants, leopards and cubs, giraffes, the list is huge.

 

'I have very long neck and perfect fitting patterns on my body'

 

'They applied oil on my forehead. It is terribly hot here'

 

'It is fun in the muddy swamp. You wanna join us?'

 

'Can you count how many spots I have?'

 

'Everybody adores my golden color and royal attitude.'

 

'Please, do not disturb'

 

'Just one blow! My nose will puncture your ribs'

 

'Hey; you look like me'

 

'Ok! I am a babboon. Who are you?'

 

 

'Who else have your teeth sharp as mine?'

 

'My stripes are perfectly drawn'

The zoo also attracts a wide range of collection of birds.

 

'I have long neck too'

For bird watching, early morning visit to zoo is preferable as it is believed that birds are most active during that time. 

Mammals prefer sleeping or resting inside their shelter from about 11.00 AM to 3.00 PM as it is extremely hot during the time. They are active after 3.00 PM. So, to witness the wild activities of these animals, visit the zoo after 3.00 PM.

The flora adds great beauty to the landscape of the zoo. Also it creates a natural habitat for the animals and birds housed in the zoo.

General Informations and Zoo Tariff:

Zoo timings: 8.30 AM to 5.30 PM

Weekly Holiday: Tuesday

Entry tickets: Rs.50 for adults and Rs.20 for children (additional Rs.10 on all government holidays and weekends.)

Battery operated vehicles available for all with separate ticket of Rs.125 for adults and Rs.75 for children and senior citizens.

Still camera fees: Yes. Rs.20

Video camera fees: Yes. Rs.150

Plastic bottles and bags: Not allowed

Why not plan a trip to Mysore! And don't miss to plan your itinerary well in advance.

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Four Fountains De-Stress Spa Review

December 29, 2015, 3:39 am

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Once more I was lucky to receive the complementary massage therapy of my choice from The Four Fountains De stress Spa. As earlier I visited their spa centre at Jayanagar, Bangalore.

Even though I was offered for red thyme massage, on my request I was offered the hydrating facial massage.

My Experience:

The politeness and the service provided by the employees meet up to the mark. I had observed their kind nature during my previous visit too, not just the employee serving you but the whole team invites, serves and departs you happily.

The entrance is arranged with statues of similar to Buddha, soft lights, beautiful candles, flower arrangements and decent seating arrangements. Cleanliness, hygiene and silence are maintained for the benefit of customers.

The area/room where the massages are conducted are more attractive with beds beautifully decorated, wall hangings with written thoughts, changing rooms and mirrors.

I was pampered with hydrating facial by a lovely lady from Meghalaya. The duration for the whole massaging procedure was 1 hour 15 minutes.  As a patent of Four Fountains Spa, she was patient, kind and fully engrossed in her job. The facial was followed by cleansing, toning, scrubbing, steaming, massaging and the face pack.

The products used were their own production and nowhere available in the market. The interesting part of the products is the blooming aroma and instant cooling. Right from the cleanser till the face pack the products had a chilling effect on my skin.

The staff  was professional and I loved her massaging technique. It almost took me to sleep.

Once done with the facial I first felt my face turned more reddish, but later within an hour my skin appeared fair, clean and highly moisturized.

My skin resulted to be baby soft which none of the creams would make.

After my massage therapy I was offered a cup full of green tea and a complimentary pain relief balm. They provide discounts and offers for regular customers.

The spa is an excellent de stress spa relaxing you brim fully and aiding to enhance beauty.

It is my sincere request to everyone, instead of wasting your penny in beauty parlours and salons, please visit Four Fountains De-Stress Spa to pamper yourself.

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Climbing Chamundi Hills - A Flight of 1008 Steps

December 29, 2015, 9:39 pm

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When you visit Karnataka, you will be suggested not to miss Mysore.

And more enthusiastically, people share their experience of climbing Chamnundi Hill via 1000 odd steps which is a thrill and offers a spiritual satisfaction.

The city of Mysore spreads on the foot of Chamundi Hills. The view is as though Chamundi Hills stand protectively over the city of Mysore.

 

Chamundi Hill as seen from Mysore Palace grounds

This sacred hill holds one of the largest sacred Dravidian Temple dedicated to Sri Chamundeshwari Devi, the goddess of Mysore. 

Legend says she slew two demons, Chanda and Munda, thus her name. But, more commonly there are mythological stories narrating that she killed Mahishasura, the demon in a fierce battle that spanned for 10 days. Hence, Devi Chamundi is also known as Chamundi Mahishasura Mardini, meaning the one who killed Mahishasura.

Reaching atop Chamundi Hill

Reaching atop the hill can be done by climbing steps or walking or via the motor-able road. There are city buses plying from top to bottom and into to the town several time a day. 

There are private auto-rickshaws available for hire.

There are people who walk all the way through the road and reach the top of the sacred hill. The road is scenic filled with greenery. One gets to see various views of Mysore throughout the stretch of the road.

If you plan to climb, then you better be informed about the 1008 steps that take you to the top of the hill.

Climbing Chamundi Hills, a flight of 1008 steps

Many people begin climbing from the foothill at the crack of dawn; some devotees of the deity, some fitness enthusiasts, some in groups of chatting friends, some newly married couple, there are also kids accompanying their parents in the climb. 

For some, it is an every weekend family event.

You will also find old buddies joining together every Sunday to tread up till Nandi idol. Some make it a point to cover up till the top.

People of all age climb this flight of 1000 odd steps and reach the hill top in their own distinctive pace. Some take as less than 15 minutes while some go the slow way taking about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

 

vermillion and turmeric applied to each step

Throughout the route of the steps one can witness the devotion for the goddess. Coconuts, camphor, vermillion all such spiritual items are offered at each step while climbing up.

The initial steps, say from 1 to about 400 are steep and requires high energy and effort. Some go bare foot, while some put on their flat pump shoes.

 

300; the steps are very steep.

Nandi on Chamundi Hills

At about 650 steps, you get to see Nandi, the huge colossal statue which is about 15 feet tall and 25 feet wide towering over everything. The intrinsic carvings on Nandi are beautiful and worth staring at for long hours.

 Nandi, huge monolithic bull at Chamundi Hills

Nandi was installed by Doddaraja Wodeyar. It was this very Maharaja who set up the flight of these steps to the top of the hill.

At this point (near Nandi) you will find small stalls that sell hot coffee/tea, sugar cane juice, spiced fruits and other refreshments.

vendors near Nandi statue

The climb after passing the Bull statue is fairly easy.

Mysore city views from the Chamundi Hills

The climb offers great views of Mysore city. On a clear sunny day, you will be able to see race grounds, Lalitha Mahal palace, the Mysore Palace and even Karanji Kere and Kukkarahalli lake.

There is a great spacious view location at about 900^thstep. People often prefer to relax and spend time here.

 

900 steps covered !!!!!!

 

Mysore city view from Chamundi Hill at 900 steps

Chamundi Hill top

After the climb of the 1000 steps and walking further a few yards, you reveal yourself into the first glimpse of the temple.

 

Chamundi Hills - 1000 steps of climb

 Walking few more yards to reach the temple

 

first glimpse of Sri Chamundeshawri Temple

Vendors outside the temples are a great treat to watch. The tender coconuts are huge and feel heavy on the rumbling stomach. The colorful flowers for offering at the temple are a visual treat.

The queue to the darshan can be very long and exhaustive. Fridays and other festive days are extremely heavy with local devotees and pilgrims.

You should know before climbing Chamundi Hill

• Preferably start early in the morning. As early as possible.
• Avoid beginning with empty stomach. Eat or carry some light food or drink so that you don’t drain out within few initial steps.
• Initial 400-500 steps are tough
• First timers take your own comfortable time and pace with ample breaks in between wherever needed.
• Do not risk climbing with bare foot.
• Fridays, holidays, Hindu auspicious days and festive days are always packed with visitors/devotees/pilgrims. Be prepared for the rush at the entrance of the temple.
• Strictly avoid dark hours as there have been sighting of leopards and other dangerous animals.
• No selfie sticks, as it can be really annoying. 
• Temple timings (open for darshan): 7.30 AM to 2.00 PM, 3.30 PM to 6.00 PM, 7.30 PM to 9.00 PM 

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How to Make Paneer Indian Cottage Cheese at Home

December 30, 2015, 9:56 pm

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Indian Cottage Cheese or Paneer (as we call it in India) is a popular ingredient in our spicy masala recipes. 

Making paneer at home is very easy and requires no special skill. 

All you will need is raw milk and some acidic ingredient to make sure that your milk is broken. You can use vinegar or lemon juice.

Heat milk (preferably full fat milk) in a thickly bottomed vessel. When the milk is about to attain boiling point, add lemon juice to it.

You will see the milk solids and the whey getting separated. Stir gently a couple of times and switch off the flame. Allow the curdled milk to settle down for few minutes.

Pour everything on a clean cloth or handkerchief. Collect the milk solids in the cloth while the whey is drained out.

Twist the cloth tightly to remove out any remaining whey from the milk solid.

While the milk solid is still covered in the cloth, hold it under running water. This way you can wash it for a couple of minutes.

Remove water by twisting the cloth tightly once again. Place it on a sieve and leave for half an hour so that the traces of water or whey if any get drained out.

Now, transfer the washed and cleaned milk solids into a large plate and crumble it.

Knead it well for few minutes so that your paneer is soft and free from any hard knots.

You will be able to join everything together like dough. 

Now, pat it slightly to form a small flat circular shape.

Place a heavy weight object on this flat milk solid and leave untouched for atleast 3 hours. 

Since I did not have any considerably heavy weight object, I sandwiched the milk solid between 2 plates. And on the top plate, I placed a vessel filled with water.

Carefully cut the tightly pressed milk solid which is now called as paneer (or cottage cheese). 

Big paneer cubes or thin paneer pieces; the choice is yours. Paneer does not melt.

Use the paneer pieces in variety of recipes. There are many Indian recipes that include paneer.

Read some of the paneer recipes here, here and here.

As for the whey, use it to prepare the roti dough, or smoothie, or soups, or for thinning down thick yogurt, or just pour it to your flower pots.

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Happy New Year - 2016

December 31, 2015, 9:02 pm

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WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR !

 

Udupi Paryaya 2016-18 Pura Pravesha Welcome Procession for Pejawara Swamiji

January 6, 2016, 10:01 am

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Next couple of years sees the paryaya of Pejawara Matha in Udupi Shri Krishna Matha. The senior seer Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math ascends the Paryaya Peetha for the historic fifth time.

A grand procession of Pura Pravesha of Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math took place in Udupi on 4^thJanuary 2016.

Pejawar Swamiji and his junior were escorted in a grand procession. 

The procession depicted rich culture and heritage of the region along with folk traditions from all over Karnataka.

The colourful procession involved as many as 3000 students and over 2000 artistes from various backgrounds. The procession was organised under the able leadership of Dr. Mohan Alva. 

 

 

There were troops displaying traditional talents of Veerabhadra Kunita, Dollu Kunita, Yakshagana, Koragara dhol, Chande, Aati Kalanja, Gorava Kunita, Kolu Aata, Chitradurga band sets, Thattiraya doll, Huli Vesha, Kalladka dolls, Lambani ladies. Cultural troops from Kerala too made their way to the Pura Pravesha procession.

Photographs of 5 prominent monks were carried along with Shri Krishna idol in the welcoming procession Pejwara Swamiji. 

 

The political leaders of the region along with other prominent personalities were present in the procession.

Enjoy few colorful pictures of Pura Pravesha held on the evening of 04 Jan 2016; a very grand procession of escorting seer of Pejawar Matha, Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji.

Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji who is 84 years in age previously ascended the peetha in the year 1952, 1968, 1984 and 2000. No seer has ascended the Paryaya Peetha for 5 times since the introduction of biennial Paryaya system. 

It is believed Vadiraja Theertharu has ascended the Paryaya Peetha for 5 times.

This Paryaya system of administering Shri Krishna Temple and worshipping Lord Krishna for 2 years was introduced in 13th century. On the Paryaya Mahotsava day, the right of administering and worshipping is passed from seer of one Ashtha Matha to the seer of another Ashta Matha.

Current Paryaya Mahotsava is scheduled to be held on 18 January 2016.

2015 Flashback at Happiest Ladies

January 8, 2016, 5:13 am

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It is already over a week into 2016. And as a tradition, we donot want to miss looking back into the previous year 2015 (even though it is delayed by a week).

Without wasting much time, let us quickly peep into what special we had on Happiest Ladies through the months of 2015.

The mouth watering Rasmali recipe tried for the first time, it was super easy and delicious.

Recipe here.

Come, visit Bangalore and we will guide you all around. Read here.

A quick tutorial on how to make sandalwood paste is sure to help all those who are craving for glowing skin. It shows how to prepare and use sandal wood face mask at home.

The Gujarati dishes are tempting and mouth watering. We would alway like to have a super Gujarathi breakfast that involves Khandvi and Dhokla. See more options here.

If you like beach holidays then here is where you should be heading to next. Udupi has several attractive beaches that will make your visit memorable. Read more about the Udupi beaches here.

Moms who are always in search of new ideas for kids fancy dress ideas should look here. There are so many ideas to try for school fancy dress competition. Read here.

Patanjali has come up with many new products which has been a great hit as usual. Here are few of the top 10 Patanjali products that will come handy during summer.

We had a trip to Hampi. Only visiting Hampi will make you realize why this historical site has been so world famous. Read a short list of reasons that will convince you to visit this hot sunny town in Karnataka here.

Replace those branded sauce and jam jar with homemade shrikhand. Recipe here.

Learn how to prepare the festival offering prasada recipe of Sapada here.

What makes the experience at Four Fountains De-Stress Spa a special one can be known only if you feel the massaging and relaxing feel at their place. Read my personal experience here.

How does it feel to climb 1008 steps up Chamundi Hill at Mysore? It is one of the kind of experience. Why climb? Reasons vary from person to person. But you should definitely plan this event in your itinerary when you travel to Mysore.

That was a fruitful 2015 year at Happiest Ladies. Hoping for more in 2016. Best wishes to all of you.

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Horekanike - Pejavara Paryaya Donations 2016

January 15, 2016, 11:11 pm

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As the temple town of Udupi gears up for the historic celebration of Udupi Paryayotsava – 2016, the air is filled with excitement. People pour in large numbers to witness the grand celebration. 

Horekanike is a major event which is a part of every Paryaya Mahotsava. Devotees donate food grains, pulses, coconuts, vegetables, plantains, and many more for the incoming Paryaya Mutt a few days ahead of the Prayaya.

The teams of devotees offering come in a procession and in floral decorated vehicles to donate the items. For this Paryaya, Horekanike donations began flowing in for Jan 05 and will end on Jan 16 (today).

Paryayotsava-2016 Horekanike/Donations

Paryayotsava-2016 Horekanike has gained much popularity as there is an attraction at the store hall.

 Horekanike Ugrana - Paryaya Donations Store Hall

 Paryaya Donations Store Hall - Stalls

The store hall is divided into separate stalls for storing and maintaining items. You get to see the storage of coconuts, de-husked coconuts, tender coconuts, bananas, plantain leaves, pumpkin, yellow pumpkin, akki mudi - rice ‘murras’, rice, eggplant, coconut oil and pulses.

The store hall has been temporarily built at the vast field areas near Rajangana parking space. The horticultural products have been used to create artistic structures related to Udupi temple. A maize corns mantapa, arecanuts chariot, tender coconuts cow shed, tall statues of Parashurama, a small 4-feet statue of Lord Krishna, these form the prime attractions in the donations store hall.

 

Maize Corn Mantapa 

Rice grains stored within hay containers

Parashurama

Aracenut Chariot at Horekanike Donations Store Hall

Tender coconut mandapa as cow shelter

The path way is decorated with torans of mango leaves and archs of arecanuts. The cucumbers are tied with dried plantain strings or coconut leaves and hung on top.

As Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt is ascending the Peetha of Paryaya for the record 5^th time on 18 Jan 2016, the donations have poured in large quantities.

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Udupi Town Gearing for Paryaya-2016 Celebrations

January 17, 2016, 7:21 pm

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The countdown has begun; final minute preparations and decorations are in full swing. People gathering around clicking with their smart phones and admiring the traditional decorations using tender coconut, areca nuts, flowers, fabric lanterns and LED lightings.

 

Wooden chariots being prepared for Rathotsava

 Madhwa Sarovara, Krishna Temple

The huge mob is worth watching from far away while the officials of police department struggle to maintain peace and order.

Anandateertha Mantapa and Adhokshaja Mantapa.

The cultural programs are a constant affair for the past few days at the Anandateertha Mantapa and Adhokshaja Mantapa built specially for Paryaya.

These mantapas are decorated with huge number of fabric lanterns. Huge crowd has been gathering in front of these two mantapas to watch the programs.

Rathotsava

Chariot being pulled around the path way of Udupi Car Street is a major event watched by devotees.

Udupi Krishna Temple has several chariots, 3 wooden chariots of different size, one golden chariot, one silver chariot and one navaratna chariot.

 

 

Idol of Lord being carried in the chariot

Wooden chariots parked in front of Kanaka Gopura (night view)

 Wooden chariots parked in front of Krishna Temple (night view)

Lightings and Decorations made at Pejavara Matha, Udupi.

Vendors around the car street @ Udupi.

 Mattu Gulla, very famous during the festival of Paryaya.

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Pejavara Seer ascends Paryaya Peetha for Historic 5th Time

January 18, 2016, 10:27 am

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The 85-year old Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji of Pejavara is Matha is a very popular personality well known world wide. He has devotees and followers across the globe.

This historic 5^th time ascending the Paryaya Peetha marked a new era of Paryaya.

The procession that brings the seers of Ashtha Mathas is one grand affair that fills the air of temple town with joy. 

 

Pejavara Senior Seer in the procession

 

People following the pallakki of Pejavara Seer

 Pejavara JuniorSeer in the procession

Watch a short video of the attractions of the procession below.

The next major event after the Paryaya procession is the Paryaya Durbar. The Durbar was held at Anandateertha Mantapa built exclusively for Paryaya Durbar of 2016.

Veteran BJP leader L K Advani, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Union ministers Uma Bharti, Venkaiah Naidu, Anant Kumar and Sadananda Gowda, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister O Panneerselvam, Karnataka ministers R V Deshpande, A Manju, H K Patil and Vinay Kumar Sorake, former union minister Veerappa Moily, former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa and Oscar Fernandes, MP, were among those present.

Wait and watch for more glimpses of Pejawara Paryaya procession held in Udupi during early morning hours of 18^th Jan 2016

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Udupi Celebrates Pejavara Paryaya Utsava Amidst Sea of Devotees

January 21, 2016, 3:28 am

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Paryaya as you all know by now, is a grand celebration associated with Shri Krishna Temple of handing over the administration rights from seer to another seer of Udupi Ashtha Matha.

During Paryaya , the temple town Udupi gets transformed into sparkling fairy tale place. The beauty of this unique celebration can be witnessed every alternate year.

2016 Paryaya Utsava was planned to perfection, thanks to the efforts of organizers and volunteers.

Over hundred events related to Paryaya took place as planned.

A visual treat of photographs that shows beautiful glimpses of eve/night of Paryaya Utsava is here.

Cultural Programs

Temporary stages were set up across the town for artists to perform and entertainment the devotees who wait overnight to witness the procession escorting the seers.

Veena Vaadana at Poornprajna Mantapa

 Classical Music Concert at Nanda Gokula Mantapa

Moments of final preparations for the procession

 

Jodu Katte

Jodu Katte is a prime junction in Udupi where all the proceeding of the procession begins.Thepresiding deity of Pejawar Mutt, Sri Rama Vittal, is worshipped by the seer here and then the procession begins escorting the seers.

 Jodu Katte, Udupi

The procession route from Jodukatte to Carstreet is jam packed with devotees who gather and wait overnight to witness this grand occasion.

 Udupi Paryaya Procession Route

The path way is illuminated with colourful lights and every vantage point is thronged with people.

The grand Procession of Pejawara Paryaya 2016

This procession is a grand feast and an amazing sight to witness considering the fact that it is held in the darkness of early morning hours.

A group of young boys and girls decorated the procession route with huge colourful rangoli designs.

Traditional troops from Goa, Pune, Mumbai, Kerala, Mysore, Punjab, took part by performing along the procession path way.

To add to the noise and excitement, groups of local chande team, drummers, musicians march across the crowd.

Mysore Nagaari

 Shanka Daasaru (Conch Blowers)

 Kombu Vaadya

Pili Vesha/Huli Vesha/Tiger Dance - Udupi festivals

 

Veerabhadra and Pooja Dance

 

Dollu Kunitha (Dancing with the drum)

Bhagava Dhvaja (Saffron Flag)

Tableaux highlighting various Hindu mythological stories accompanied the procession.

Madhwacharya, the founder of Dwaita philosophy with idol of Shri Krishna

Vadiraja Theertharu

Lakshmi Narayana

 

This marks the grand beginning of Pejawara Seer taking over the worship right of Lord Shri Krishna and the administration at the temple.

Typical pallenquin carrying Swami of Ashtha Matha, Udupi

1. Swami of Pejawara Matha (Senior)
2. Swami of Pejawara Matha (Junior)
3. Swami of Krishnapura Matha
4. Swami of Sode Vadiraja Matha
5. Swami of Palimaru Matha
6. Swami of Adamar Matha
7. Swami of Shiroor Matha

The next Paryaya Utsava is scheduled after 2 years, say January 2018.

Plan your visit to witness the next Paryaya celebration at Udupi. 

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How To Make Vermicelli Idli

January 22, 2016, 3:15 am

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Vermicelli/Kheer is well known in Indian recipes specially the milk kheer porridge. From the same vermicelli , spicy steamed cakes can be done in just minutes of time. These baked idli’s are healthy filled with vegetables and has no addition of oil.

The preparation is similar to Rava Idli with just the replacement of vermicelli instead of semolina. They are the best at breakfast and an innovative item adding to your cooking list. Vermicelli idli is more spongy and soft compared to semolina ones.

Ingredients:

2 cups roasted vermicelli

2 cups thick sour yogurt

Grated ginger, coconut, carrot

Chopped coriander leaves

Asafoetida

Salt for taste

For seasoning: 

mustard seeds, urad dal, ghee

The ingredients list can be varied according to your choice like chopped green chillies, curry leaves, cashews, groundnuts , channa dal and many more.

Note that I did not make use of eno salt or baking soda. Sour curd is sufficient for making them soft and spongy.

Procedure:

In deep vessel add roasted vermicelli and yogurt together and mix them well.

Add grated ingredients, coriander leaves, seasoned items and salt. Stir them well and let them rest for 20 minutes.

The batter appears colourful and attractive. If the batter is too thick add some water to bring the consistency of Idli batter.

Once you feel the vermicelli is softened (around 20 minutes) fill them in idli moulds. Fill just half the mould as the baked idlis blows.

You need not greese the moulds, they just slip down once baked. Steam cook for 15minutes.

Healthy colourful and flavourful idlis are cooked.

Serve as it is or with coconut chutney.

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DIY – Floral Headband for Fairy Fancy Dress

January 25, 2016, 3:00 am

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Kid’s school events and activities are great fun to take part in; especially the fancy dress competition makes every member in the house to get involved in the preparation.

There are many kid’s stores and online shopping sites that sell the kids fancy dress costumes in various themes.

But, personally we believe in making at home the accessories and costumes needed for the fancy dress.

With the theme of Winter Wonderland Celebrations, kids get to dress up as snow princess, angels, king, drummer boy, Santa Claus, snow man and so on.

Girls obviously prefer dressing up as little angels or fairies. The fairy costume makes them look so cute with long gown on tulle skirts teamed with headband, wings and a magical wand.

Here are quick details of preparing a floral head band for fairy/angel using origami craft papers.

You will need

Origami paper of your choice of color

Golden colored craft/gift wrap paper

Scissors

Gum tape

Stapler

Any old hair band or head ribbon.

How to make paper flowers

Cut out the orgami craft paper in small circles of your preferred size. Make sure all the circles are of same size.

Stack up 5 circles on each other and staple at the center.

Now begin to crunch the pinned papers one by one. 

When you have crunched all the circular papers slowly open up to give it a natural look.

This way, your first paper flower is ready for use.

Make 6-8 flowers similarly.

Put in your creative thinking to maximum use and prepare combination of different colors of flowers. Create your own such that it matches your child’s dress.

How to make floral headband for fairy fancy dress costume

Take a plain plastic kids hair band and wrap it up with jazzy golden paper. Stick the gold sheet/paper completely to cover the hair band.

Now, to this golden hair band, glue the paper flowers you just made.

To bring a fancy glow to the flowers, dab some gold paint or sprinkle it with some sparkles. We dabbed some gold colored poster color on the flowers.

You can also use gold ribbon instead of the hair band. This will skip the effort of wrapping the hair band with gold paper.

The whole making of floral headband at home hardly takes half an hour.

Do try this and share how beautiful your at-home-floral-headband turns out to be.

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DIY – Paper Wings for Fairy Fancy Dress

January 28, 2016, 8:53 pm

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For dressing up like a fairy/angel you will need few simple accessories to look angelic. The tiara or a floral band, a pair of wings, a magical wand, and a lovely gown or tulle skirt. 

Little girls dressed up as fairy is look so wonderful.

After making your own floral head band with colorful papers, we carry the work further for making a pair of wings for fairy.

Read How to make a floral head band for fairy fancy dress here.

Items needed to make Fairy Wings

Chart paper (color of your choice)

Satin ribbons,

A piece of cardboard

Scissor

Cello tape

Stapler

Poster colors

Paint brush.

Pencil/sketch pen

How to make fairy wings at home

Fold the chart paper into half. On one half of the side, draw a shape of the wing with the help of a pencil/sketch pen. Roughly draw the outline to make it look like a shape of the wing.

Cut out the chart paper as the drawn shape. Make sure you do not cut off at the folded line.

Now open the paper and your wings are ready.

To help you wear the wings, you will need to fix a ribbon at the back.

Use a rectangular piece of card board and punch two holes in it. Into these holes, push in the ribbons and tie knots to make two handles. This will help you wear the wings on your shoulder when you are dresses up.

Attach this cardboard piece to the chart paper wings with the help of hot glue.

Now, your wings are ready to be worn.

Decorate the wings by drawing few patterns, attaching ribbon bows, sparkling stars, shiny pearls, glowing stones; whatever helps you in decorating and making your wings beautiful.

Enjoy the wings on the fancy dress day. 

Also prepare a quick wand. Wrap a small stick with gold foil paper and attach a cute star at one end.

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20 Fairy Fancy Dress Ideas & Costumes

February 1, 2016, 3:57 am

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Playing dress-up is so much fun. All of us grew up playing this very popular game. Some kids have the privilege of buying fancy dress costumes, while some make their dress-up accessories with available items at home.

Fairy tale characters is a great idea for dressing up for the fancy dress competition. Girls always like to dress up beautiful like an angel.

Fairies are always seen with a flowing gown, tutu skirt with fancy sparkling decorations on the outfit. Head accessories like a tiara, floral band, magical butterfly headband and a magical wand make the fairytale fairy costume complete.

Here are few of the best ideas for dressing up like a fairy for fancy dress.

 

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