Rak's Kitchen

I have been following this website for a long time and I found the recipes to be very simple and the step-wise instructions and the photo clicks are simply a treat to your eyes! Mainly highlights Indian recipes and a few from other parts of the world. A must see and must try link. Hope you guys like it!

http://www.rakskitchen.net/

Doodle 4 Google

I am proud of our young and talented kids and and wish them the very best. Keep it up guys!
Happy Children's Day!!!
http://www.google.co.in/intl/en/doodle4google/vote.html#d=d2-8

Diwali - Festival of Lights

Wish you all a very happy and prosperous Diwali!!!

For more info on this festival click below-

http://www.ruchiskitchen.com/festivals/deepceleb.htm

Karwa Chauth - Fasting for husband's long life

Today in India ( mostly in the north) married hindu women observe fast from morning to evening without food or water and break their fast after they sight the moon and pray for their husband's well-being and long life. It is a good time to be with the entire family and then feast on special dishes prepared on the occasion. It is a tradition followed for many years and has great significance attached to it.

This site describes the tradition, how to fast and do the pooja and recipes made during the vrat.

http://www.karwachauth.com/

Gandhi - Father of our Nation

It was only appropriate that today's posting would be on Gandhiji.

He said " Give me the spinning-wheel and I will spin the swaraj for India."

http://www.gandhiashram.org.in/

http://www.mkgandhi.org/

Bollywood Love Story - Oprah Show

Bollywood's hottest couple were on Oprah show. Click below to read more.


http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20090826-tows-aish-rai-ab-bachchan

The Tradition of Rangolis

As the festive season of Diwali is fast approaching, I thought this link would come in use. Here are some design patterns of rangolis. Do try these colorful ones and make it grand!

http://www.diwalifestival.org/the-tradition-of-rangoli.html

http://www.diwalifestival.org/rangoli-patterns.html (Rangoli Patterns)

http://www.diwalifestival.org/diwali-rangoli.html (Rangoli Design)

Raja Ravi Varma - Timeless Paintings

Raja Ravi Varma is considered one of the greatest painters in the history of Indian art. Some of his oil paintings are displayed in Mysore Palace. Here is a website which has a collection of some 120 pics of his original paintings.

http://www.cyberkerala.com/rajaravivarma/index.html

Navratri - Nine nights of prayers and festivities

This time of the year in India, wherever you go, you will find Navratri (NINE NIGHTS) being celebrated in their own unique way. In Gujarat they have Garba (Dance form). All the men and women gather together and dance thru the night and seek blessings of Ambe Mata (Goddess Durga). In Bengal they have Durga pooja and in Southern states they keep Bommai kolu for nine days and invoke Goddess Durga, lakshmi and Saraswati. Family members come together and celebrate this festival and perform pujas and pray for the well being of one and all.

The below link explains at length the navratri kolu tradition and the way to worship the dieties and the correct way of exhibiting the dolls.

http://www.hindu-blog.com/2008/09/marapachi-bommai-kolu-dolls-during.html

Get inspired by the artistic kolam and do try one of them during the festivities!

Click on the below link and get started.

http://kamalamalarkolam.blogspot.com/