Found Guilty

Klem found guilty!!!

Tonight Klem was found guilty of consuming 220 Calories * 8 times.

Yes its true! I was not in a mood to have my food (regular meal) so thought would skip the meal. But around 12:05AM I found me cribbing and frantically searching for options to satiate my voracious hunger.

Well! Well! Found something very unique in my cupboard. FERROR ROCHER.

A full pack of Ferror Rocher Chocolates :)

Rocher is a tempting combination of luscious, creamy, chocolaty filling surrounding a whole hazelnut; within a delicate, crisp wafer…all enveloped in milk chocolate and finely chopped hazelnuts.

The first one was a real pleasure. I enjoyed it as a complete chocolate. Then I started a game. I tried and ate every layer separately without disturbing the inner layer closely knitted to the upper layer. First layer is a layer of chocolaty cream mixed with nuts then is a layer of crisp tasty wafer then comes the pure pleasure of chocolate and core is the nut.
I succeeded in my eight attempt. Making me the winner of the immensely pleasurable contest!

I am content now. My hunger is satisfied and calmed!

Now All I can say is Today I had the most intimate dinner!

Mahashivratri Festival – Part II

It was a silent evening at home while I prepared for the Mahashivratri Puja. An ancient bag, almost belonging to the previous century came back home from the bank with all silver items in it. Part of the booty was a silver pot, lamps and other items like diyas, Kalash and different things required for the puja. I cleaned all the brass and copper articles for the puja.

The following morning, I was draped in my crisp cotton Salwar Kameez reciting mantra and meticulously doing the puja.I was complete with gold jewellery like the earrings, bangels and a bindi on my forehead. They say these jewellery keep away all evil spirits and black magic, while the woman is free to tread on any ground, her purity being her only guard.

I was all set to perform the puja when Purohit (Brahmin who conducts the puja) arrived as per the scheduled time and the puja started. The first thing the Brahmin asked me was to tie my undone wet hair. After tying them she asked me to put some scented flowers in them. They say when a woman wears the flowers it distracts people from doing evil deeds to her and if any one is mad at her they shall calm down after smelling her flowers. So as per her instructions I tied my wet hair and put the flowers in it. So now that my Lord is calm with my adorned flowers.

The puja started with process of purification. Purifying the body, soul, mind and the place and upkaran for the puja. Every puja starts with Ganesh puja so we prayed to the Lord Ganesha and requested him to complete our puja without any hindrance and problems. And bless me with the true fruits of this puja. Then the real puja started with chants of shiva. They did twelve avartans of the sholka. It was the most blissful moment to hear eleven brahmins recite the sholkas. It was simply divine and calmly. I was completely absorbed in the most serene moment.

The whole place was touched by the purity and essence of the puja. It smelled of pure ghee, flowers, candan, milk, panchamurt and essencestick. It was a completely engrossing panorama. I was completely involved in the puja. I was touched by the supreme.

Rudraabhishka lasted for long three hours. It was invigorating to see the milk on the stark black body of the shiva idol. It shined and glowed. Mesmerising was the complete experience. After the puja it was impossible for me to interact. I was completely soaked.Just thanked my dad for giving me the opportunity to perform the puja. Now I look forward to the next festivity where I would get the similar opportunity to be the true brahmin. I am blessed! I am thankful to my dad and Lord to bestow me with this opportunity. Amen!

Mahashivratri Festival – Part I

The devotees of Lord Shiva look upon the festival of Mahashivratri with greatest reverence & respect. This festival is celebrated every year on the 14th day in the Krishna Paksha of the month of Phalgun. As per the English calendar this is somewhere around the end of Feb or the beginning of March. And this year it was celebrated on 16-Feb-2007

Shivratri held in the Phalguna month is a socio-religious function that is the very part of a Hindu's life. It is believed that on this day Goddess Parvati was wedded to Shiva. The Shivratri symbolizes the wedding of the two, and on this occasion the Bhairavas and other Ganas accompanying Lord Shiva are fed with choicest dishes up to the fill and to their satisfaction.

Legends

Lord Shiva and his wife Sati were in Kailash abode, and Daksh, father of Sati, was doing a big yagya (fire ceremony). Sati went to the yagya without an invitation from her father. Daksh was very proud, and out of his great pride, he was disrespecting God Shiva. Sati could not tolerate it. So she jumped in the fire of yagya and finished Herself.

When Lord Shiva heard about this incident, out of fury, he was on the threshold to destroy the universe. It was only when other gods interfered and calmed down his anger that it was saved. God Shiva was now alone and went into deep meditation. Then Sati again took birth as Parvati in the family of god Himalaya. So, from very childhood She desired to meet God Shiva. In order to break the meditation of Lord Shiva, She undertook grave austerity in the jungle- all absorbed in love of God Shiva. So the day was fixed for their marriage, and on this particular day, Hindu celebrates the union of God Shiva and Parvati.

Customs & Rituals

The celebration of Mahashivratri include bhajans offered in praise of Lord Shiva, offering milk, water, fruit, incense and flowers to Lord Shiva, circling the lingam, and ringing the bell. The conches are blown and rousing arti is performed to Lord Shiva.Devotees observe fast on this day, taking only fruits & milk. And Perform elaborate puja of Lord Shiva, and perform Rudrabhisheka. Chant various hymns & bhajan of Lord Shiva. Chant the mantra ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ as many times as you can. Practise Dhyana for longer periods than the usual routine.

Regional Celebrations Of Mahashivratri

The festival of Mahashivratri is observed throughout India including the southern region. Some of the major states include Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Maharashtra etc

HaPpY VaLeNtINeS DaY!!!!

Valentines Day is here. The mood is romantic and love is the air. The young couples seem to be happy and ever smiling. After all it’s their day! Romance seems to be on everyone’s mind. So lets talk about romance and being romantic to the core. There is no age bar to fall in love. Love can happen to anyone, anywhere and anytime. That lil extra effort counts when you know you are in love. It is the way you say and express your feelings. It’s always good to have that velvety touch to it when it comes to expressing your love to someone. For real romance to happen it is necessary how and when you say things. Romance isn’t reserved for special moments but in fact it’s all about moments made special by romantic gestures. It’s all about being creative. Flirting, complimenting each other, snuggling up and showing affection are all about romancing your partner. Romance isn’t necessarily means putting a hole in your pocket but lil gestures like cooking a meal together, cuddling up watching a flick, long walks on a starry nights, a cuppa of tea on raining day, nibbling chocos together, enjoying a book or shower together add up to romance. Any activity you enjoy together is romance. Romance can be found in petite things as well as grandiose things. Cliché ideas about romance like roses, teddy bears and chocolates still work and make wonders. Romance is about feeling comfortable and confident. Romance is a feeling of togetherness. It is about communicating with each other. Today long distance relationships are blessed because of the technological evolution. Cell Phones, PDA’s, Internet are helping these couples to keep their love alive. For me the epitome of romance could be sending an impromptu message in between meetings. You can communicate your tender most feelings to that special person in your life without resorting to the predictable moments. Romance is all about impulse, spontaneity and naturalness. Everyone wants to feel loved and cared for, and that is what romancing your partner is all about. So from well-timed hug, touch to elaborate grooming to gifts of gorgeous baubles, men and women employ an arsenal of tricks in their romantic lives. Romance is about security, warmth and fun. Everyone wants romance, candlelight dinners and emotional anchoring, Romance can be materialistic or spiritual depending on your level of evolvement.

So this year “Come fall in love…………”

Your Personality Profile

You are dignified, spiritual, and wise. Always unsatisfied, you constantly try to better yourself. You are also a seeker of knowledge and often buried in books. You tend to be philosophical, looking for the big picture in life. You dream of inner peace for yourself, your friends, and the world. A good friend, you always give of yourself first.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Spring is here.....Knocking on the doors....

Indian summer has arrived. Fall is nearing its end and spring is on the threshold.
Today while cooking I was gazing outside the Kitchen window. From this window I have witnessed some real beautiful birds and creatures. And today I saw new life emerging. I saw the infant leaves popping out. The Mango tree that was looking lifeless for past two months was actually glowing with the sun kiss. I was really excited and happy to see the new life. But at the time I cursed myself for not finding time to enjoy this view before, to see the first footstep of this emerging life.

Sometime back my close friend prod this question, “ Is money directly proportional to ones happiness”. Today this question was bothering me and I was really concerned. There were many similar question popping in my mind. Have I really become part of this rat race? I mean I was never like this before. I always had time to enjoy little moments of life. Chasing the butterflies, talking to birds, seeing the flowers bloom, taking care of my plants and talking to them as if they were my babies. Of late all I do is sit in front of my laptop and work. Watch Movies and hear some music while working. This Technology Savvy World envelops my life. Now the major question that’s bothering me is am I happy? With all this advancement I am really happy with my life? Well the harass truth is I am not? But these worldly requirements for ones survival and my thirst to gain more are compelling me to be part of this rat race.

But today after much pondering I have decided to cut down on my work. After the work on my hand is completed I am going to get relaxed a bit. And become the one I was once - One to enjoy life and be worldly wise. Hope I am successful in my motive and don’t get engulfed by the worldly pressures. But till then I am planning to take time out to enjoy every little moment of this beautiful nature and life.

This reminds me of my desktop wallpaper which says, ‘Do not run through life so fast that you forget not only where you have been, but also where you are going. Life is not a race but a journey to be savored each step of the way.’ So apt! Life is beautiful; enjoy every moment of it! Amen!

Banglore Trip

Finally I made the decision to go to Banglore after long discussions with friendz and fruitless planning for different locations including Goa, Kokan and many such picturesque locations. Finally took my own decision to visit the Electronic city.

Since it was a last minute call had to spend three times more on my air ticket. And everything was finalized. It was Spicejet Airways Boeing 217 at 16:30 PM flight.
Was hoping that the flight would be on time but to my dismay it was delayed by long two hours and I was getting restless, as I wanted to reach the city soon. Well to make things a little better I met my College Professor with her husband on the airport. They were boarding the same flight as mine to meet their son who is working for Microsoft in the Electronic City.

Well I chatted for long two hours with my professor. And she remembered every little thing about me that was really sweet and rare. Well after the long wait our flight was announced. I was happy to board the flight after a long wait. Well I had to seat in the last row but fortunately was successful in getting the window seat.

So after few minutes the Pilot announced we are ready to take off. So here I was just 1 hour 20 Min. away from my destination. With a mixed bag of feelings and little apprehensive about my decision I started my journey to the unknown land. But yes happy and excited at the same time. Well here was my opportunity to befriend a foreign city. And I was really looking forward to this meeting.

So finally the plane started to move on the runway. It felt like sitting on the top of a double Decker bus. Then slowly it took off and we were reaching the sky. First I got what I call as “Google Map” View. I was able to identify few of the landmarks from the top. Yes I could see the entire city from the top. It was just fantabulous to see the city. As we went further up it felt like I was viewing the city through a glass filled with clear champagne. I could see the shimmer shin spread across just as the pearls thrown across would glitter. Sun seemed at the eye level. It was as if I am watching God painting a canvas. The reds and oranges spread across made a spectacular view. It was a different experience to watch the sun go down then the usual sunset that we watch sitting on hilltop or beach. Here it was as if I am traveling with him. It was indescribable experience. Finally when the sun went down there was stillness around and after few minutes I located the first star on the horizon. It was twinkling as if smiling at me.

I was just trying to absorb the whole experience when the pilot announced our landing in the Electronic City, Banglore looked beautiful from above. Again I could grasp few landmarks of the city from top. M.G Road looked like city of lights. As if the garland bulbs adorned it. It looked just too overwhelming. Then it was a smooth landing and finally I put forth my first step in the HI-tech City.

I was there in the city for around 4 days filled with exuberance. Met friendz and made some for the lifetime. It was as if we were destined to be friends and were just waiting for this opportunity to face each other. I am happy I did meet them. Was able to explore the streets of Banglore. Explored many local areas. And did some good amount of shopping. Also tasted few delicacies of Banglore. Few of the things which are worth mentioning here are the ripe bananas deep-fried and dipped in the sugary syrup, dumpling with some kind of sweet stuffing, Prawns curry, Fish Biryani and many such dishes. Well was able to taste the authentic Andharait meal. But sadly missed on the Hot Idly.

Well the things I really disliked about the city were its traffic jams. That was really frustrating. Auto Rickshaw drivers always claiming some extra bucks giving some lame reason. And lastly I must say the Traffic Police themselves. God they treat you like hell.

And lastly if you are stranger to the city and planning to visit it first time. Make sure you have at least one native person to guide you as language is the major problem and banglorians are really week when it comes to their own national language. And lastly hire a bike or arrange for your own transport, as all the travel hot spots are distantly located. As the local bus service is already overtly taxed so it’s better to be accountable for your own transport.

All in all it was a good experience and I look forward to my next visit!!!