Stories my mother told me

We have heard about Ram and his three brothers-lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna. But he had a sister too. This story starts with her. Apart from the three prominent queens Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra, King Dashrath had another queen called Chitra. Chitra passed away after giving birth to a daughter named Shanta. King Dashrath was distraught with grief. who would give a mother's love to his daughter Lomapada, the king of the neighbouring state and a dear friend of Dashrath had come to give his condolence with his wife. they were a childless couple. his wife suggested, they take Shanta with them. they would have a child and Shanta would never feel the absence of a mother.after long deliberation, Dashrath agrees to this arrangement.From that day onwards, Shanta becomes Lomapada's daughter. Time passes by. Shanta grows up to be a beautiful princess. But Lomapada's kingdom faces severe draught for many years. As a king, Lomapada does whatever he could to help his people. he even prays for divine intervention. Yagna, offerings, convocation to the divine power- he keeps no stones unturned, but to no avail. How is he to bring rain for his kingdom? The rajguru is summonened to find a solution to this calamity. after consulting the stars and the king's horoscope, he comes up with this suggestion. Rishyashringa, the son of Vibhandaka could bring rains to the kingdom. Lomapada's face drops at the mention of the name. Vibhandaka, once a great friend and benefactor, is an arch rival today. its been years since the fallout between the two friends. But time has not been able to heal the anger of the rishi. He is still very angry and upset with Lomapada. why would he agree to send his son to rescue Lomapada's kingdom. anyone who goes to meet him with the request is sure to die of his wrath. who would dare to face him? Jarata- the aged courtesan volunteers. noone knows better than me the art of luring men. I may be old and decripit, but not bereft of my art. If I can bring him here, I would be doing the greatest service to my kingdom. If I die of his wranth, I will consider myself lucky. Isn't he a great hermit? I have nothing to lose. Jarata, sets off on her mission armed with ten young and beautiful damsels and a boat full of exotic fruits, flowers and aromatic oils, incense sticks, condiments and lepa. Rishi Vibhandaka's hermitage was on the other side of the river. Jarata set camp at the river bank but at a distance from the hermitage and waited for a day or two to observe the day to day happenings of the Rishi. Early morning Rishi Vibhandaka would leave his ashram to walk into the deep forest to do his tapas leaving Rishyashringa alone at home. Rijata worked out a scheme. soon after Vibhandaka left his cottage she arrived with her girls and entered the hermitage pretending to be wayfarer. "May I know who you are and what are you doing in my father's hermitage?" demanded Rishyashringa. "We are just passers by. Going from one place to another. Saw this beautiful place and came inside to have a look. Hope, we didn't disturb you." Jarata, the royal courtesan, was no novice to know how to strike a conversation. soon, young Rishyashringa was immersed in interesting details about the world outside the little cottage. He so far has been confined to the hermitage and the forest around it. He had no knowledge of life outside. The stories and descriptions of Jarata kept him captivated. while Jarata kept him engaged in her stories, the girls put a soothig layer of aromatic paste on his body, served him sweet orages and apples and exotic fruits. somebody massaged scented oil on his body, somebody sprayed perfume on his clothes. Rajata weaved fancy tales about the land they came from Amazed by this new experience, Rishyashrunga could not believe whether it was real or just a fairy tale.This continued for some days. But they would always take leave before Vibhandaka returned. One day, on his return to the cottage,Vibhandaka inquired about the beautiful smells that lingered in the house, to which Rishyashrunga described his chance meeting with the travelers and the amazing stories of their land. Unlike the son, young and inexiperienced and ignorant of the outside world, Vibhandaka knew something was amiss. He tried to warn his son. "Son, beware! The outside world is not as simple as your life here. There are mayabees who could lure you into their world. keep away from them. Your life is for meditation and realization. Don't let anyone deviate you." So next day, Jarata arrived with her entourage. On seeing Rishyashringa she said,"Son, we have come to take your leave. We are going back to our land. How wonderful it would be, if you could come with us and see with your own eyes what a beautiful world it is out there. Alas,that is not possible. So late it be. It was wonderful meeting you. God Bless you. But before we go back, I want you to taste this fruit from our land." That was the sweetest, juiciest and tastiest thing that Rishyashringa had ever eaten in his life. He bagan to wonder "My father brings home fruits like Amalaki, haritaki and Bibhitaki. Most of the fruits we get from the forest are bitter, sour and pungent. I have never seen anything as magnificent in taste like these fruits. Is there really a magic land on the other side of the river where such flowers and fruits really grow? If there is a land like that, it would be foolish not to see that in this life.So he makes a request to Jarata to take him along with her to her land. An exhilerated Jarata immediately obliges. Without any delay, they set on their return journey with the assurance to bring him back safe and sound. Rishyashringa had not expected such a royal reception on his arrival. He was welcomed by men and women dressed in their fineries who showered flowers on him and led him to the palace. As soon as he put his foot on the Lomapada's kingdom, like magic clouds gathered in the sky. cool breeze started flowing and soon the land was drenched with bountful shower. Soon the landscape changed. Dry trees came out of their stupor and began to bloom in escstacy. Bright green foliage spread its wing all over the land. Seeds sprouted from nowhere and breathed life into the dead grounds. Lomapada's kingdom was indeed magical. Mesmerised by the wonderous sites he was experiencing for the first time in life, Rishyashringa was more than willing to accept the hospitality of Lomapada. It is needless to say what might have happened later. Rishyashringa met Shanta, fell in love instantly and married her subsequently. That's the usual sequence of most stories. So let's skip that. Also let us skip the part how Rishi Vibhandaka came angry and resolved to destroy the kingdom of Lomapada. But the king was magnanimous enough to set aside his ego for the wellbeing of his people. He bowed down in front of Vibhandaka a and pacified his anger with humple aplogies for his mistakes in the past and gifting him one thousand and one healthy, beautiful and milking cows. Rishyashringya eventually became the king ruled over Lomapada's kingdom. On the other side Dasrath married and was childless. On Lomapada's advice, he requested Rishi Vibhandaka to perform the Putreshi yajna and Ram, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna were born. when time came for Ram's abhisek, King Dasrath invited Rishyashringa and daughter Shanta to come and bless the occasion. That's the time Shanta reunited with her family and met her brothers. She was both happy and sad to meet her brothers. For years she was deprived of this beautiful relationship. She was filled with despair thinking how she couldn't enjoy the company of her brothers when she was growing up. She was filled with sorrow that she had to leave her brothers and go back after a short while. She wanted to love them be pampered by them to her heart's fill. When lord Ram came to know of her desire to spend time with her brothers, He gave ger a blessing that during the subsequent birth, she would be born in the same household as his and enjoy the fun and frolics of brother-siser relationship. And further, in another yug, she would be worshipped along with the lord, and would never leave his side. It is said that in Dwapar yug, Shanta took the form of Subhadra and enjoyed Krishna's affection as his younger sister. In Kaliyug, she lives with her brothers, Jagannath and Balabhadra and is worshipped at Puri with her brothers. Puri is probably the only place where brothers and sister are worshipped together. Though Jagannath's consort Lakshmi is also -------in the same temple compound, she is not worshipped along with Lord Jagannath. That previledge is given to Subhadra.

The story of Subhadra

The story of Subhadra We have heard about Ram and his three brothers-lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna. But he had a sister too. This story starts with her. Apart from the three prominent queens Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra, King Dashrath had another queen called Chitra. Chitra passed away after giving birth to a daughter named Shanta. King Dashrath was distraught with grief. who would give a mother's love to his daughter Lomapada, the king of the neighbouring state and a dear friend of Dashrath had come to give his condolence with his wife. they were a childless couple. his wife suggested, they take Shanta with them. they would have a child and Shanta would never feel the absence of a mother.after long deliberation, Dashrath agrees to this arrangement.From that day onwards, Shanta becomes Lomapada's daughter. Time passes by. Shanta grows up to be a beautiful princess. But Lomapada's kingdom faces severe draught for many years. As a king, Lomapada does whatever he could to help his people. he even prays for divine intervention. Yagna, offerings, convocation to the divine power- he keeps no stones unturned, but to no avail. How is he to bring rain for his kingdom? The rajguru is summonened to find a solution to this calamity. after consulting the stars and the king's horoscope, he comes up with this suggestion. Rishyashringa, the son of Vibhandaka could bring rains to the kingdom. Lomapada's face drops at the mention of the name. Vibhandaka, once a great friend and benefactor, is an arch rival today. its been years since the fallout between the two friends. But time has not been able to heal the anger of the rishi. He is still very angry and upset with Lomapada. why would he agree to send his son to rescue Lomapada's kingdom. anyone who goes to meet him with the request is sure to die of his wrath. who would dare to face him? Jarata- the aged courtesan volunteers. noone knows better than me the art of luring men. I may be old and decripit, but not bereft of my art. If I can bring him here, I would be doing the greatest service to my kingdom. If I die of his wranth, I will consider myself lucky. Isn't he a great hermit? I have nothing to lose. Jarata, sets off on her mission armed with ten young and beautiful damsels and a boat full of exotic fruits, flowers and aromatic oils, incense sticks, condiments and lepa. Rishi Vibhandaka's hermitage was on the other side of the river. Jarata set camp at the river bank but at a distance from the hermitage and waited for a day or two to observe the day to day happenings of the Rishi. Early morning Rishi Vibhandaka would leave his ashram to walk into the deep forest to do his tapas leaving Rishyashringa alone at home. Rijata worked out a scheme. soon after Vibhandaka left his cottage she arrived with her girls and entered the hermitage pretending to be wayfarer. "May I know who you are and what are you doing in my father's hermitage?" demanded Rishyashringa. "We are just passers by. Going from one place to another. Saw this beautiful place and came inside to have a look. Hope, we didn't disturb you." Jarata, the royal courtesan, was no novice to know how to strike a conversation. soon, young Rishyashringa was immersed in interesting details about the world outside the little cottage. He so far has been confined to the hermitage and the forest around it. He had no knowledge of life outside. The stories and descriptions of Jarata kept him captivated. while Jarata kept him engaged in her stories, the girls put a soothing layer of aromatic paste on his body, served him sweet orages and apples and exotic fruits. somebody massaged scented oil on his body, somebody sprayed perfume on his clothes. Rajata weaved fancy tales about the land they came from Amazed by this new experience, Rishyashrunga could not believe whether it was real or just a fairy tale.This continued for some days. But they would always take leave before Vibhandaka returned. One day, on his return to the cottage,Vibhandaka inquired about the beautiful smells that lingered in the house, to which Rishyashrunga described his chance meeting with the travelers and the amazing stories of their land. Unlike the son, young and inexperienced and ignorant of the outside world, Vibhandaka knew something was amiss. He tried to warn his son. "Son, beware! The outside world is not as simple as your life here. There are mayabees who could lure you into their world. keep away from them. Your life is for meditation and realization. Don't let anyone deviate you." So next day, Jarata arrived with her entourage. On seeing Rishyashringa she said,"Son, we have come to take your leave. We are going back to our land. How wonderful it would be, if you could come with us and see with your own eyes what a beautiful world it is out there. Alas,that is not possible. So late it be. It was wonderful meeting you. God Bless you. But before we go back, I want you to taste this fruit from our land." That was the sweetest, juiciest and tastiest thing that Rishyashringa had ever eaten in his life. He began to wonder "My father brings home fruits like Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki. Most of the fruits we get from the forest are bitter, sour and pungent. I have never seen anything as magnificent in taste like these fruits. Is there really a magic land on the other side of the river where such flowers and fruits really grow? If there is a land like that, it would be foolish not to see that in this life.So he makes a request to Jarata to take him along with her to her land. An exhilerated Jarata immediately obliges. Without any delay, they set on their return journey with the assurance to bring him back safe and sound. Rishyashringa had not expected such a royal reception on his arrival. He was welcomed by men and women dressed in their fineries who showered flowers on him and led him to the palace. As soon as he put his foot on the Lomapada's kingdom, like magic clouds gathered in the sky. cool breeze started flowing and soon the land was drenched with bountful shower. Soon the landscape changed. Dry trees came out of their stupor and began to bloom in escstacy. Bright green foliage spread its wing all over the land. Seeds sprouted from nowhere and breathed life into the dead grounds. Lomapada's kingdom was indeed magical. Mesmerised by the wonderous sites he was experiencing for the first time in life, Rishyashringa was more than willing to accept the hospitality of Lomapada. It is needless to say what might have happened later. Rishyashringa met Shanta, fell in love instantly and married her subsequently. That's the usual sequence of most stories. So let's skip that. Also let us skip the part how Rishi Vibhandaka became angry and took a resolve to destroy the kingdom of Lomapada. But the king was magnanimous enough to set aside his ego for the wellbeing of his people. He bowed down in front of Vibhandaka and pacified his anger with humble aplogies for his mistakes in the past and gifting him one thousand and one healthy, beautiful and milking cows. Rishyashringya eventually became the king ruled over Lomapada's kingdom. On the other side Dasrath married and was childless. On Lomapada's advice, he requested Rishi Vibhandaka to perform the Putreshi yajna and Ram, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna were born. when time came for Ram's abhisek, King Dasrath invited Rishyashringa and daughter Shanta to come and bless the occasion. That's the time Shanta reunited with her family and met her brothers. She was both happy and sad to meet her brothers. For years she was deprived of this beautiful relationship. She was filled with despair thinking how she couldn't enjoy the company of her brothers when she was growing up. She was filled with sorrow that she had to leave her brothers and go back after a short while. She wanted to love them and be pampered by them to her heart's fill. When lord Ram came to know of her desire to spend time with her brothers, He gave ger a blessing that during the subsequent birth, she would be born in the same household as his and enjoy the fun and frolics of brother-siser relationship. And further, in another yug, she would be worshipped along with the lord, and would never leave his side. It is said that in Dwapar yug, Shanta took the form of Subhadra and enjoyed Krishna's affection as his younger sister. In Kaliyug, she lives with her brothers, Jagannath and Balabhadra and is worshipped at Puri with her brothers. Puri is probably the only place where brothers and sister are worshipped together. Though Jagannath's consort Lakshmi also resides in the same temple compound, she is not worshipped along with Lord Jagannath. That previledge is given to Subhadra.

Lemon Yellow

Lemon Yellow- Art Gallery for all occasion. If colours had a home, it would be Lemon Yellow- the quiet art gallery on the busy road connecting Kannammoola and Kumarpuram. From outside, the visuals are pretty ordinary that do not give away any hint of what the inside holds. The inside is a storehouse of colours. Reema Narendran, the journalist turned painter, is the co owner and the main artist whose works are on display at the gallery. Those who know Reema personally, will feel shades of her being in the paintings- bold, calm, straight foward and colourful. Its like she has mellowed into colorful vibes and framed herself in the paintings. Those who don't know the artist, its a dance of colours on canvas. The captions are interesting. A blotch of red, green and white catches your attention. The caption reads “Water Melon deconstructed”. Well, ya, that exactly was the first thought on viewing. The walls are a riot of colours. That speaks a volume of the artist. To put it in her own words, “She always wanted to paint, paint not draw.” There are abstracts and still lives, the mundane and the precious, all interpreted by the artist. It makes you look at life around you with a new eye. Gift for any season The art gallery offers a range of paninting in affordable price. Whether it’s a house warming or a birthday or a corporate occasion, one can pick a suitable frame without burning a hole in the pocket. There are prints as well in both matt and glossy finish which are great decorative pieces. They have scrollers, neatly packed in lemon yellow colour boxes which can be packed in suitcases without any hassle. Exhibitions and other artists Though right now Lemon yellow has paintings by Reema Narendran only, it is planning to open the doors to other artsists as well. A short time ago, it had hosted fabric designer and artist Medha Bhatt from Baroda at the Kumarpuram gallery under the banner “The whistling school boy”. During last christmas, Reema had hosted her own christmas themed exhibition, keeping festival gifting in mind. More such events are in the pipeline. The branch at Kochi Within a year of opening Lemon Yellow in Trivandrum, they opened a branch in Kochi which is getting rave reviews. A visit to their facebook page reveals the presence of many eminent personalites from all walks of life who have graced the gallery at different times. Visit their facebook page to get a glimpse of works of Reema Narendran. Purchase online Lemon yellow painting are also available for online purchase. They have their products displayed on IndiaMart and Amazon.com. To get more info about the artist and the art gallery get in touch with her on 099617 36505.

Tejas Jewellery, Trivandrum

Tejas Jewellery If dressing up is your passion and jewellery your muse, then Tejas Jewellery is the place for you. A jewellery boutique with an ecclectic collection of fancy jewellery from different parts of the country Tejas is the buzz word among fashionistas in the city. Dokra from Odisha, Polki from Rajastan, Dance jewellery from Machalipattanam, Temple Jewellery from Vadassery, Nagercoil, Maharastrian jewellery from Nasik or the latest bollywood jewellery- all have found their foray into this small yet tastefully done store in Trivandrum. Tejas has been a trend setter in introducing Designer Terracotta- traditional motifs carved on baked clay and painted to perfection in earthy colours. Each piece is carefully handpicked from the best source or handcrafted in-house under the guidance of Mrs. Saraswathy Vasudevan, a teacher turned business woman and the owner of the store. Her diligence and design acumen has evolved the store from a retail outlet to a designer studio. Today they are more into customized jewellery. Good collection and reasonable pricing is the USP of Tejas. The regulars vouch for it and keep coming back time and again to check on the new arrival. The polite and well trained staff is just too eager to help without being persuasive. Get customized Brides to be, socialites, celebrities or the just the fashionistas- get your jewellery customized at Tejas. Flaunt your designer pieces that match with your costume in terms of colours and design. Work ware jewellery- A haven for elegant light weight jewellery, Tejas offers a wide collection for students and office goers. No wonder its a hot favourite among doctors and IT profesionals. Sales and Exhibitions The annual clearance sale is coming up in March, Be connected to their facebook page for great deals and exclusive designs. Watch out for exhibitions an sales at different places in the city to get their latest collections. What's special Terracotta jewellery sets, exclusive temple jewellery and classical dance jewellery. What's trending Glass and mirror work danglers,Chunky Jhimikis, huge pendants with bead work, tassles and feather works. Go nature crazy Choose from a range of eco friendly jewellery in wood, jute, natural seeds and fibres which are trendy and stylish as well. These are all handcrafted using natural colour and are perishable without leaving a trace on earth. The designs and texture primarily inspired by nature make you feel close to the elements. Make your own jewellery Tejas conducts hands on training where you can learns the nuances of making earrings and necklaces. If you are creative enough and have a nimble finger you get a chance to showcase your creations under the banner Good Earth. Do your bit The business of jewellery making is primarily women centric. But in terms of benefit, they are the least gainers. Tejas tries source their jewellery from non profit organizations and workplaces that promote craftswomen and women entrepreneurs. So by shopping at Tejas you not only add envious pieces to your kitty, you also do your bit for society. For an enthralling shopping experience Visit Tejas Jewellery and as the tag line says “Wear a different feeling”. Tejas Jewellery, G 3 , Dally's Apartment, Chalakuzhy lane, near Medical college Trivndrum. 9447001722.

Eve's Coffee, Trivandrum

Eve's Coffee Trivandrum is warming up to new concepts and that is heartening. Eve's Coffee, the new coffee shop on the block is a first of it's kind in Kerala. A board game based coffee shop, that promotes family time, games time and unwinding through books and music. Started by a former HR professional, Beta Jayakumar, Eve's coffee is attracting coffee lovers of all kinds. Boardgames unlimited Playing cards, carroms, Uno cards, Ludo, chess and chinese checkers and may be a few more are probably the only board games an average malayalee/Indian is exposed to. Eve's coffee is an eye opener. There are over 130 board games on the shelf which the owner has painstakingly collected from different parts of the world. You get to play them free while enjoying your cup of coffee. Read, draw or listen to music Starting from Archies comics to books on philosophy, the bookshelf boasts of an impressive collection of books. One can occupy a cosy table overlooking the road and spend an entire afternoon or evening while browsing through the collection. The unlimited coffee option (Rs 150/-) will make sure your coffee mug is refilled as many times as you wish. If you wish to bring your own book, that is also allowed. One section is devoted to drawing books which you can fill with crayons. There are an exclusive collection of mandala drawings which will calm your mind. There also is a good collection of music of all genres- rock, metalic, soft hindi, country and folk- to choose from. And the good news is its not for children alone.Be it drawing or games, the place encourages adults to induge in the so called “childish” pursuits. Many hesitant adults after much coaxing agree to play or draw and then get hooked to it. The mobile and other gadgets are pushed to oblivion. According to the owner, that precisely what they intent to do. A gadget free family or personal time that relaxes and rejuvenates. There are several amusing videos on their facebook, testimony to how family members across generation enjoy a time in each other's company. Food and beverages The display counter at the far end offers a delectable menu of homebaked delicacies and drinks to go with them. Though limited, Eve's coffee offers some extremely healthy and tasty snacks and cakes like corn and spinach quiche, chicken pies, chocolate brownies, somosas and cutlets. The all organic carrot cake is a hot favourite among regulars. The coffee shop encourages home bakers and primarily sources all the food items from them. The difference in taste is evident and obvious. When you compare, the prices are slightly higher than the regular bakeries but very reasonable given the fact that it is a coffee shop and offers much more than any coffee shops in town. Must try- Veg/non veg quiche, brownies, carrot cake, coffee and coolers. And of course the games. A meal for two- Rs.500 The ambience, the taste and the experience, its worth the money and Eve's coffee is highly recommended. Location- on Pettah- Anayara Road, Contact no- 096452 63333

The Forest Vibe

Forest Vibe A patch of green amidst the hustle and bustle of the city centre. As you enter the place, you are accosted by a cosy open air lounge with the perfect setting of a romantic date. With the gurgling sound of a brook playing in the back ground you are at once taken in by the forest vibe. A well manicured wildreness invites you to explore the place with curiosity and soothing Opened less than a year ago, Forest Vibe, is a dream shopping destination for any avid planter in the city. Rows of potted plants, garden accessories, designer acquariums sit pretty on antique looking coconut wood shelves. Tin plant holders, ceramic pots, stone planters and a variety of indoor and ornamental plants call your attention the moment you step in. A joint venture of three professionals- An architect, an interior designer and an engineer turned landscape designer, Forest Vibe is a product of passion. The three give their best to make this place unique and inviting. Within a year Forest Vibe has become the shopping destination for plant lovers keen on growing indoor plants and giving a facelift to their living spaces. While pictures on a life style glossy can be sometiomes be daunting and inhibits people making a new house or going in for renovation to try out new ideas display of a living wall, a self watering vertical garden or a live fountain says a lot about the feasibility of such features in an average home. Customers go back happy with the hope of developing a green patch in their own space. Forest Vibe specialises in five different landscaping elements vertical gardens, terrariums, vivariums, paludariums and planted aquariums. Customer is spoilt for choices when it comes to indoor plants - succulents, ferns, flowering plants such as buttercup, snake plants and maranta, semi-aquatic plants such as pennywort and more- an amalgamation of local and imported species. Aquariums and vertical gardens The planted aquariums with their plants, fish, media and decorative elements hold a pride of place in the store. The aquariums in different shapes with in built oxygen tanks could be a reflection of the marine world in your living room. Similarly, the concept of vertical garden is becoming increasingly popular in both residences as well as working places due to the their compact nature and visual extension. By providing self watering sprinklers that water the plants at equal intervals make them hassle free and maintains the freshness through out the day. So, if you are a garndening freak or just an ameteur trying to bring in some freshness into your house, Forest Vibe has it all. Plant a few oxygen giving plants in your living room, or install a mini fountain for that gurgling background, bring in the forest vibe into your life. Location- on Marrapalam- Kurovankonam road Sunday Holiday Contact- Look for -cute planters in soothing colours, vertical gardens and aquariums

Kolkota Sweets

Kolkotta Sweets- A sweet shop that transports you to the sweet world of Calcutta. Well, don't go by the looks. Some of the red, brown and white things arranged neatly in heaps may not look familiar to you. But try them. 100% you will ask for more. They are the delectable sweets and savouries from rural Bengal. Soft, white dumplings soaking in sugar syrup may not look too sophisticated, but they are the authentic Rosogullas of West Bengal. The triangular puffs with potato fillings taste nothing like the samosas we usually find in Bakeries here. They have the distinct taste of Singhadas- a very common street food in the Eastern part of India. The hot jalebis and fried samosas appear in quick succession and get consumed in a jiffy. Be there on time or you miss. The shop opens early offering hot puris and a lentil curry- a typical bengali breakfast fare. Within hours of opening, the place comes alive with migrant labourers, mostly Bengalis ready to go for work. Their happy faces and satisfied smiles are infectious. Its fascinating to see them savour their food, their style. Two or three samosas broken into pieces, the sweet chatni poured over them generously and parttaken with bliss. Hot puris dunked into the slightly sweet daal curry polished off with a bowl of Misti doi (sweetened curd). One is tempted to try all that and more. All we can say is go for it. You will not regret. While munching on the delicacies one can have a glimpse of things being made inside. Freshly made paneer hanging in one corner, fresh dough being rolled out for the samosa, sugar syrup boiling in iron coldrons and a few bengali calling out to each other in native dialect. A mini Bengal amidst the hustle and bustle of Trivandrum city. The whole thing has a rustic touch. Must tries- Rosogollas, Rajbhog and Chum chum- Variants of the basic rosogullas, they taste heavenly. Samosas- perfectly fried with a spiced potato filling, very different from the local variety. Lavang latika- an orange colour sweetmeat, deep fried and soaked in sugar syrup with a sweet filling. Gaja- An oblong and layered pasty, crisp fried and sweetened with sugar syrup. Misti Doi- Sweet curd, the quietessential Bengali desert. Daal- Puri- A combination of puri and mildly spiced lentil gravy. Available only for breakfast. A meal for two- Even if you try everything available in the shop, a meal for two won't exceed Rs. 100/- A word of Caution- This is a place mainly thronged by daily wagers. Do not expect anything fancy. If you don't enjoy sitting on wooden benches and eating with hands, take away is the best option for you. But we strongly recommend sitting and eating there to get a feel of rural Bengal in Trivandrum. Location- Ulloor Junction. Watch out for the board.

Gowri Designer Boutique

Gowri Desinger Boutique What makes a dress look good? Or to rephrase it, what ladies look for in a dress? Comfortable material, sleek cuts, perfect neckline and a classy touch. Well price too. And to find all these and more is a dream come true. Ladies, welcome to Gowri Desinger Boutique, that offers all these and more. To be specific “More” means an unobrusive, peaceful ambience whrere you can take your time to go through the collection, try as many as you want and then decide what to buy. A far cry from the crowded malls and commercial complexes that are bombarding the skyline of Trivandrum lately. Gowri has many loyal customers and among them are many celebrities. They all vouchfor the neat silhouttes, the delicate hand embroideries, the perfect colour combination and quality stitching for the dresses. The boutique has mainly women’s kurtis- mostly casuals but also a limited collection of festival and party wear. True to the concept of a boutique, this place do not have an overbearing of designs and wearables. They stick to their concept of comfortable clothing and make limited pieces in regular intervals. The good part is each time you go, you find new collections on the shelves. Vibrant and trendy Gowri , the brain child of two house wives Mrs, Tara Nair and Mrs.Veena Nair is truly the trend setter in fashion scene in Kerala. Hailing from Kottayam, a place known for its sense of style and class, the duo started their first store there. Later they were joined by Tara’s daughter in law Nilima Pillai, an engineering graduate. Gowry products are a rare amalgamation of contemporary designs and elegance of trational fashion. Their clothing line became popular within no times among the locals as well as NRIs visiting their hometown. Vibrant and trendy, they cater to the working ladies who look for comfort and flair as well as the college goers who want to add variety and latest norms to their wardrobe within budget. What to look for Gowry has a good collection of Kurtis, salwar sets, tops and hand picked sarees. Made out of Jaipur cotton, silk and natural fabrics, the cloting line is very subtle and stylish. The sizes range from XS to XL. You may not find the same design in all sizes but you can place order if you fancy something which is not available. They undertake minimal alterations on demand. What’s trending Anarkalis, gowns and shirt dresses are the toast of fashion industry these days. Gowry has a enviable collection of all these which are sure to enhance your feminine charm. It is difficult to choose among the dresses yet when you do, you can be sure it is the best in your wardrobe. Where to go Gowri is conveniently located on Cotton Hills road, Trivandrum. There is enough parking space inside the compound. Its open from 11am to 7 pm, Monday through Saturday. For further details call on