Most recent blog entries

Krishna Jayanthi - Birthday of Lord Krishna

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Every year, eight days after Rakhi in August or September is the birthday of Lord Krishna, known as Krishna Jayanthi in South India and Janamasthami in North India.

Happy 61st Independence Day, India!!

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

May India celebrate the 61st birthday - born 1947!

Enjoy and all the best to India for all the years to come!!

Today is Varalakshmi Vratham

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Every Friday of Adi Masaum (Adi Month in Tamil Calendar) is dedicated to praying to the Goddess. The last Friday is Varalakshmi Vratham, which is today. Click inside to read more on this fascinating holy day...

Reacquainting myself with the salt and pepper shaker

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

In America it could be considered blasphemy not to have the salt and pepper shaker on your dinner table. As a true-blue born and raised American girl, I haven't had the salt and pepper shakers on my table for the past ten years. It's only today I realized why they are there!

Follow Up Fridays: Alaivani Newsletter August 2008

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Running a bit late with this update. Lots been going on with me. Click inside to follow my stories...

Thanks for stopping by!

Strangers in their own land

Mon, 04 Aug 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Imagine if your government woke up one fine day and published a manual on correct behavior and expected a cultural shift overnight? How would you respond?

Learning to Chill Out...

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Have you ever felt frozen in a moment unable to know what to do next? Are these moments desired or avoided? How chilling out in these moments can help us to learn more about ourselves...

Caring for Others is Caring for Ourselves

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

People have expressed to me that in caring for others, they felt they were unable to care for themselves. I reflect on this sentiment in this post.

Follow up Fridays - Alaivani Newsletter July 2008

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Come inside this month's newsletter to come up to date on what's been happening in my world including other blogs I author, my handmade soaps and my career outside the house!!

Follow Up Fridays: Back from Kerala! (June Newsletter)

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 05:00:00 GMT

After a pause of two months of follow ups, see what's in store from our travels to India, contributors discussing Tamil celebrations and temples, holistic healing through chakras, vegetarian recipes and more! Enjoy.

Chakras – Circles of Mystery, Circles of Life (Part 2 of 2)

Fri, 30 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Ever wonder what are the seven chakras- muladhara, swadhistana, manipura, anahata, visuhuddha, ajna and sahasrara. Ever wonder how you can physically experience these chakras? The workshop I attended on chakras opened me up to intellectually knowing what are chakras as well as experiencing them through a series of exercises.

Par 2 of 2. Concluded.

Hello from Kerala India!

Wed, 28 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Hadn't anticipated posting anything... but since the connection is good there are select posts, photos and videos!! Read on....

Chakras – Circles of Mystery, Circles of Life (Part 1 of 2)

Wed, 28 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

One of the great circles of life reside within our own body- the chakra. Chakras are energy vortexes in our body that help move energy and help us grow and individuals and as a collective whole.

After attending an intriguing workshop on Chakras, and experiencing these vortexes within myself and others, I was moved to write about it. Chakras are one of India's great mystic traditions I have yet to fully explore and understand...

Website Wednesdays: Dhivya Darsanam

Wed, 21 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Since childhood, Sarvanan has been intrigued by the rich history and cultural significance of Hindu temples. This passion has encouraged him to collect historical, socio-cultural, and scientific based narrations of different aspects of the temples. He hopes in sharing these stories and spreading the word, temples he features will gain significance and devotees to help keep them alive.

A Thought for Food and Food for Thought - "Anna Shuddhi" and "Atma Shuddhi"

Mon, 12 May 2008 07:00:00 GMT

Vedic thoughts on the meaning of food in our lives. Presented in a series of seven parts. Enjoy.

This week's installment -"Anna Shuddhi" and "Atma Shuddhi" discusses the importance of a balanced diet (conclusion).

Submitted by Sudarshan K Madabushi. Reprinted from old tripod site.

Fun Fridays Episode 10: Going to India!

Fri, 02 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

We are going to India in a few weeks! Ever wonder what it takes to prepare for our yearly trips abroad? It's not only fun to be in India, but it's equally fun to get ready to go to India! Enjoy.

Thaipusam: Ode to Lord Murugan

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Examining some popular reasons to celebrate the south Indian, Tamil festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, Thai Poosam.

By: Arun and Jayanthi**

A Thought for Food and Food for Thought - Tamasic Foods

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT

Vedic thoughts on the meaning of food in our lives. Presented in a series of seven parts. Enjoy.

This week's installment - "Tamasic Foods Foods" shares thoughts on foods that bring down our energy that have been stored, reheated and preserved for long periods of time.

Submitted by Sudarshan K Madabushi. Reprinted from old tripod site.

5 Things I Did to Celebrate Earth Day This Week

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Everyone can do small things to make this world a greener place on Earth day and everyday! How did you make this world a little greener to celebrate Earth day?

A Thought for Food and Food for Thought - Rajasic Foods

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT

Vedic thoughts on the meaning of food in our lives. Presented in a series of seven parts. Enjoy.

This week's installment - "Rajasic Foods"

Submitted by Sudarshan K Madabushi. Reprinted from old tripod site.

Sharing the Wealth

jennifer@alaivani.com — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

In anticipation of getting something, I have learned giving first and not waiting until you get something reaps amazing outcomes!

Thrissur Pooram - Kerala Celebration Where Decorated Elephants Steel the Show!

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Today is Thrissur Pooram in Kerala, India. This festival is well known for decorated elephants. It is definately a tourist attraction by both Indians and non-Indians alike.

Submitted by BN Kartha

A Thought for Food and Food for Thought - Sattvic Foods

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:00:00 GMT

Vedic thoughts on the meaning of food in our lives. Presented in a series of seven parts. Enjoy.

This week's installment - "Sattvic Foods" wholly nutritious foods.

Submitted by Sudarshan K Madabushi. Reprinted from old tripod site.

Happy Tamil New Year!

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Submitted by Sindhu

Featuring a snippet of the article, Tamil New Year - Chithirai Kani / Tamil Varusha Pirappu , written by Sindu of Flower Girl's Rural India shares a personalized of the holiday, Tamil New Year. New Year wishes to all!

Follow Up Fridays: Kerala 2007 Diaries List Mela!

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Walk down memory lane with us as we reminisce our trip to Kerala, India in May 2007! Enjoy!