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A Journey Through Classical Indian Street Foods

1.  Pakora: A Crispy Delight from the Indian Subcontinent Pakora is a popular fritter originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is typically made by coating vegetables such as potatoes, onions, or spinach in a seasoned gram flour batter and deep-frying them until golden and crispy. Some variations include paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or even chicken and fish. The term pakora is derived from the Sanskrit word pakvata, a combination of pakva (cooked) and vata (small lump). The dish has been a staple of Indian cuisine for centuries, enjoyed across regions with slight variations in preparation and ingredients. While pakoras are commonly associated with Indian street food and home-cooked snacks, their precise historical origins remain debated. Some accounts suggest that pakoras were first popularized in the Peshawar region, with Kundan Lal being credited for their invention in the 1930s. They remain a beloved snack, especially during monsoon rains, paired with a cup of masala chai....
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India’s Ancient Temples: A Testament to Rich Heritage and Spiritual Grandeur

India takes immense pride in its rich cultural and religious history. It is the birthplace of Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism. People of diverse faiths coexist in harmony and brotherhood.   Hinduism, often considered the world's oldest religion, has deeply influenced India's architectural and spiritual landscape. As one traverses the country, one encounters a vibrant spectrum of colors, scents, sounds, and architectural marvels—many of which are ancient temples that stand as enduring symbols of India's profound religious and artistic heritage. India is renowned for its 1,000-year-old temples, each narrating a unique tale of devotion, history, and architectural brilliance. Below are some of the most significant temples that continue to captivate devotees and history enthusiasts alike. 1. Mundeshwari Temple, Bihar Situated atop the Mundeshwari Hills in Kaimur district, Bihar, the Mundeshwari Devi Temple is considered one of the oldest functional Hindu temples in Indi...

My Generation Is Ending

My generation is going to end . In another 10 years, a generation is going to leave the world — senior citizens whose age now is between 60–75 years. I find myself looking around and realizing that my generation is slowly fading into the backdrop. The world we grew up in, the one we shaped and were shaped by, is giving way to something new. People of my generation are different: Ø We sleep early and get up early. Ø We enjoy talking to people on the way, enquiring about their welfare, and saying namaste with folded hands. Ø Our world is different. No food without performing prayers. Worrying about vegetables, Tirth yatra, and following traditions. Ø Our contentment with simple pleasures, like wearing well-worn clothes or using old mobile phones, maintaining a telephone directory with important phone numbers, and reading newspapers twice or thrice a day, stands in stark contrast to today’s fast-paced consumer-driven world. Ø Our childhood was filled with outdoor games, handwritten letter...

The Struggles of a Bachelor: Finding a Rented House in a New City

If you are a youngster and, more importantly, a bachelor looking for a rented flat or a house in any city, I am sure you must have invariably encountered the disheartening sight of these boards declaring “Families Only” or “Bachelors Not Allowed” outside the gates of several houses and housing societies. I cannot explain how these boards hung outside hurt your self-esteem. It seems as if we bachelors are the only villains in the world out to destroy society’s social fabric. It feels as though society has collectively branded bachelors as the ultimate disruptors, unwelcome in their carefully maintained sanctuaries. But why is this stigma attached to single tenants? Many of us have faced the frustrating experience of being turned away by landlords who prefer families over individuals. Why do we see these ‘derogatory’ or ‘insulting’ words written on boards outside houses?? It’s disheartening to see these signs and to feel judged without reason. But why do these restrictions exist? I think...

Spend Time with Your Elders: A Connection Beyond Prayers

  Our elders are reservoirs of wisdom, history, and love—qualities that enrich our lives in countless ways. Life today often feels like a whirlwind. With tight schedules, professional commitments, and the constant distractions of digital devices, we tend to overlook one of life’s greatest treasures: the wisdom, love, and companionship of our elders. Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges many elders face, especially in the modern world where nuclear families are more common, and younger generations often move away for work. Spending time with them can have a profoundly positive impact on their mental and emotional health. A shared meal, a casual chat, or even sitting together in comfortable silence can bring them immense joy and a sense of belonging. Time is the most precious gift we can give to someone. For elders, who may often feel isolated or overlooked, your presence can be more meaningful than any material offering. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the ...

Reflections On A Failed Marriage-Heaven To Heartache

It is said “ marriages are made in heaven. ” They are  often seen as the “ ultimate partnership ” , a promise to navigate life’s challenges together. But the reality of life can be much more complex.  Life introduces unforeseen challenge, and maintaining the “ultimate partnership” requires accomodation, trust, compromise, and growth. Marriages thrive not just on love but on continuous effort, and understanding. When these elements falter, even the strongest partnerships can struggle. When my marriage ended, it left me grappling with a mix of emotions—confusion, sadness, and even guilt. Reflecting on the reasons behind its failure has been both painful and enlightening, providing clarity and lessons for the future : l   Poor communication > "Communication to a relationship is like oxygen to life, without it - It Dies". > One of the core issues in our marriage was poor communication. Initially, we spoke openly about our dreams, fears, and expectations. Over time,...