Society

Ganesh Chathurthi marks the start of the Hindu festive season of the year. How about starting it on an eco-friendly note? Ganesh idol made out of clay. Pic: ecoexist Every year, the rivers and lakes get polluted because of the chemicals used in making Ganesha idols. In order to be sympathetic towards nature, a large number of people are moving towards eco-friendly Ganesha idols that are made of clay. Ecoexist is a group that encourages the concept of eco-friendly products and you can book your eco-friendly, hand-sculpted clay ganesha from their website - www.e-coexist.com. The clay Ganesh idols are biodegradable.…

Vetiver is a perennial grass (Binomial name Chrysopogon zizanioides, commonly called Khus) that has a very strong root system which grows deep and binds the soil wonderfully, preventing soil erosion. The island at Puttenahalli Lake already has some mature clumps of vetiver that were planted way back in 2010. Vetiver clumps on the island (May 2011)With the rains finally making an appearance, we've stepped up our gardening effort. This morning there were many gardening volunteers at the lake, from different complexes around the lake and even Jeanne all the way from Richmond Town and Pankaj from Whitefield. The volunteers planted vetiver along the one of the boundary…

Vetiver is a perennial grass (Binomial name Chrysopogon zizanioides, commonly called Khus) that has a very strong root system which grows deep and binds the soil wonderfully, preventing soil erosion. The island at Puttenahalli Lake already has some mature clumps of vetiver that were planted way back in 2010. Vetiver clumps on the island (May 2011)With the rains finally making an appearance, we've stepped up our gardening effort. This morning there were many gardening volunteers at the lake, from different complexes around the lake and even Jeanne all the way from Richmond Town and Pankaj from Whitefield. The volunteers planted vetiver along the one of the boundary…

On Id-ul-Adha, the Moon, too, seems to have sacrificed some of Herself:The festival is also called Bakrid, and this is not because the Bakri (Goat) is beingvenerated, it's because it is going to be sacrificed...I was musing on how the concept of sacrificing something to appease a Higher Power came about... this is what the Wiki had to say.I wonder if the gentle, repressed people of today's urban societies realize that the pumpkins that they smash into the roads after smearing them with vermilion....are a symbol of blood sacrifice? I listened to one elderly gentleman ("I am proud to be…

On Id-ul-Adha, the Moon, too, seems to have sacrificed some of Herself:The festival is also called Bakrid, and this is not because the Bakri (Goat) is beingvenerated, it's because it is going to be sacrificed...I was musing on how the concept of sacrificing something to appease a Higher Power came about... this is what the Wiki had to say.I wonder if the gentle, repressed people of today's urban societies realize that the pumpkins that they smash into the roads after smearing them with vermilion....are a symbol of blood sacrifice? I listened to one elderly gentleman ("I am proud to be…

Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala. And when it comes to harvest, how can we miss out on the delicious goodies made out of these first crops? Rice, pulses, vegetables and sweet. It’s a combination of a lot of delicious delicacies put together on one platter. Rather, a plantain leaf. Ona Sadhya. Pic: Anisha Nair This sadhya or the grand meal, is usually a vegetarian affair. A meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes, is savoured on a fresh banana leaf. Papad, Banana, Sarkara Varatti – banana chip coated with jaggery, Pickle, Inchi curry or inchipuli, Thoran –…

Onam is the harvest festival of Kerala. And when it comes to harvest, how can we miss out on the delicious goodies made out of these first crops? Rice, pulses, vegetables and sweet. It’s a combination of a lot of delicious delicacies put together on one platter. Rather, a plantain leaf. Ona Sadhya. Pic: Anisha Nair This sadhya or the grand meal, is usually a vegetarian affair. A meal consisting of 11 to 13 essential dishes, is savoured on a fresh banana leaf. Papad, Banana, Sarkara Varatti – banana chip coated with jaggery, Pickle, Inchi curry or inchipuli, Thoran –…

Imli or Tamarind - an important ingredient of gravies that brings a completely different flavour to the dish. Hence the name, Tamarind. The restaurant has branches in Indiranagar and Banaswadi. This restaurant is a part of the same group that owns Enigma, the pub, and a rooftop restaurant interestingly called ‘Over the Top.’ All three are located in the same building. Handi Mushroom - Tamarind. Pic: Anisha Nair    This giant will not satisfy Bakasur, a new restaurant on ORR will definitely draw your attention with the images of a giant with his mouth wide open, displayed along the building.…

Havelock, in JP Nagar 5th Phase, though multicuisine, largely serves Mangalorean and North Indian food. This month-old restaurant has all the usual fare. The menu is extensive especially for non-vegetarians. The recommended dish for non-vegetarian food lovers would be Prawn Gassi (Mangalorean Prawn Curry) served with plain steamed rice or neer dosa. The curries also taste good when served with neer dosa. Manglorean Prawn curry with roti and rice. Pic: Abhishek Angad The typical Mangalorean food usually comprises seafood and poultry. It is prepared with a coconut base. It’s high on spices but is not very oily. The curry has…

National Geographic Traveller India (Indian edition of the American magazine) was launched in India in July 2012. The August 2012 issue cover story is on "Quiet Places, Spaces of serenity".  While skimming through the magazine, we found a page for Bengaluru/ Bangalore where there is an article on the Someshwara Temple in Ulsoor, and below this there is a mention of "4 other spots for quiet time". One of the spots named is Puttenahalli Lake!   We would love to think that it is our JP Nagar Puttenahalli Lake that the editorial team means, but given that there is a Puttenahalli Lake in…