Bael sherbet: The summer cooler
Just behind my house, is a Bael tree. It caught my interest last year, when I found a pair of yellow-footed green pigeons making a nest in its branches. This year it is the koel’s favourite haunt.…
Cheezbilai or Junglee Jalebi
Just at dawn, on our walk, we discovered a flock of plum headed parakeets fly from one tree and rest on an adjacent branch and peck at something. They did that repeatedly and then one parakeet dropped…
The pumpkin patch
This morning we discovered a pumpkin patch. Actually, it was more than a patch, it was a field where they were growing red pumpkins. I’ve always found the local nomenclature for pumpkins and squashes very confusing. Now, this one…
Satuani: A ritual to mark the beginning of summer
Although I originally belong to Bihar, I did not grow up there. So I’m always on the lookout- trying to gather little details of the unique customs and traditions of the place. On Friday, that is on…
Saturdays and khichdi
One of the most delectable dishes that Bihar has to offer is the masoor dal khichdi. It isn’t the usual bland khichdi which is served to people who are ill. Instead this is flavourful, with added vegetables…
Chhat: When Bihar worships the Sun
Today Bihar and its adjacent areas celebrate their most important festival — Chhat. Since a lot of my friends here, don’t know much about the significance of this festival, I thought I should explain why it is so…
Weekend getaway: Markanda Devasthan
On Sunday, we visited this 1200 year old temple complex dedicated to Lord Shiva near Chamorshi in Gadchiroli district. Built by the Rashtrakuta dynasty on the banks of the Wainganga river, only 18 of the original 24…
The mausoleum of Gond kings and Shri Anchaleshwar temple
Just inside the Gond fort, near the Anchaleshwar gate in Chandrapur, is the ancient Anchaleshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in the 16th century. But what is more interesting than the temple are the…
Holi ke phool: Flame of the Forest
Flame of the Forest. Family Papilionaceae. Genus Butea. Species monosperma Not every kid has known the pleasure of taking a walk with a Dad who’d walk with a small razor blade, snip off fallen flowers and explain…
