One of the reasons why Indian cooking is tasty is because of our fried foods. Most of us prefer to have poori over chapathi, gulab jamun over payasam, and even French fries over mashed potatoes. The richness in our various cuisines comes not only from the wonderfully spiced dishes, but from the...
Donkeys have been associated with human beings for ages. While horses were regal and associated with the rulers, donkeys were the common man’s means of transport. Donkeys have been with us carrying heavy loads meekly. Biblical references are plenty on donkeys. Jesus rode a colt to enter...
In the film, Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi, the king, played by Vadivelu, is happy that his spymaster has come to see him. There is a rebellion brewing in his kingdom and the spymaster could help him beat back the rebellion. An excited Vadivelu, who hails from Madurai, welcomes Vathakodari, the...
An interesting question in food and nutrition history is how many lives, energy and time has gone into finding out what is edible and non-edible. What we eat or bring to our plates represents our culture, tradition, prosperity and wealth as well as our health. Food is the indicator of our...
The 2017 jallikattu protests marked a watershed moment in recent history of Tamil Nadu. It brought forth young Tamils’ rootedness and also their anxiety about losing their traditions. Boycott of colas was mooted, for instance. Campaigners for jallikattu alleged that the ban on the bull sport...
The number of farmers growing traditional rice varieties is increasing every year. Mappillai Samba, Karuppu Kavuni are favourites. The traditional rice farmers are spread over several districts including Tiruvannamalai, Tiruvarur, Cuddalore, Madurai and Thanjavur. The greatest challenge is...
This year’s Deepavali is upon us. Though Covid is looming, this Deepavali promises a more prosperous time ahead. The gloom is almost gone and we are ready to celebrate as we used to -- with new clothes, firecrackers and food. In the past, idly was a Deepavali indulgence for the poorer...
“Saali nellin sirai koL veli; aayiram viLaiyuttu aaga; kaaviri purakkum naadu kizhavoney” says Sangam poem Porunaraattruppadai. The lines discuss a high yield variety of rice called Sali that grew in the areas fed by Cauvery. This record from more than 2,000 years ago makes us think if this...
