Petals!

What is Agjak? Turns out it is Korea's most talked about dessert right now.  Looks tempting and sounds like a poetic expression, doesn't it? Well, it looks yummy! [READ: Where to Eat in Kochi , Korean Instant Noodle Consumption ]                      [ Agjak - This is an AI-inspired image for Petals! Blog ] Yes, it caught my fancy too when I was reading about it.  Typically, the word 'Hangwa' is used as a general term when we refer to Korean confectionery. But this latest sensational dessert called Agjak seems like visual poetry on a platter! Let me confess, I don't have a sweet tooth as such. I rarely open up mithai boxes which come in for Diwali but I love sharing it with friends who come over. However, when I travel or eat out, I like to experiment with unique desserts.                                  [ Agjak - This is an AI-inspired i...

Wondering how to properly light a diya at home without making mistakes? I used to watch my grandmother light the Nilavilakku or the traditional lamp at home. Back then, I didn't understand its deeper significance. Lighting a diya or a lamp embodies our inner journey from darkness to light. T he transition represents a deep metaphysical truth: the triumph of light over darkness. Are you lighting your diyas wrong? Use these tips to when lighting diya or lamp at home. [Source: Pexels.com] How To Properly Light A Diya At Home 1. Never place your diya or lamp on the floor to light it in your pooja room. Keep a Thaali/Plate under it. You can keep a small brass plate under the lamp. Don't use that Thaali/Plate for any other purpose once you use it for this purpose. 2. Don't put your diya or lamp in any place where it is not clean earlier. Before you place the diya or lamp, make sure the area around it is clean. Remember, you are inv...

Attukal Pongala:  The year 2026 raced through with so many unexpected milestones, the most significant one being the opportunity to offer Attukal Pongala. What began as a family get-together culminated in a precious and most beautiful blessing from Devi or Bhagawathy, as we Malayalis refer to the Divine Mother. As my humblest offering to Attukal Devi, I offer this writing to Bhagawathy , with a prayer that may more and more women from all walks of life find joy and fulfilment through offering Attukal Pongala year after year. May their joy multiply! [READ: Conversations with my Mother  and  Amazing Tale of Peddabottu ] What is the Story Behind Attukal Pongala?  The Attukal Pongala festival celebrates and honours the life of Kannaki , who is said to be a real life heroine whose tragedy is documented in the Tamil epic, Silapathikaram . The story is that an angry Kannaki's wrath upon Madurai over the merciless and unjust execution of her husband Kovalan, following which ...

Want to check out some best messages for Christmas? There's something magical and instantly playful about Christmas. As Helen Steiner Rice says, "Peace on earth will come to stay, when we live Christmas every day."                                              [Image: Toni Cuenca @ Pexels.com] Sending Christmas greetings and messages is a beautiful way to let your friends and loved ones feel special. So, wondering how to wish Merry Christmas in a short way? Wondering what is a simple sentence for a Christmas card?                                    [Image: Oleksandr Pidvalnyi @ Pixabay]   How do you write a heartfelt Christmas message?  If you were wondering how do you write a simple Christmas wish, this post is for you. Here's how to write Merry Christmas in an easy way:...

Who doesn't love noodles? Koreans rank as no 2 globally for instant noodles consumption! According to World Noodle Organisation, Korea is ranked the second largest consumer of instant noodles, after Vietnam. This trend raises health concerns but experts suggest that adding vegetables and other ingredients can address the drawbacks of consuming refined carbohydrates and salty soup. Those who are prediabetic are advised to add an egg whenever they eat noodles.  [READ: This Korean Bestseller Opens a New Window]                                               [Source:  ikhsan baihaqi  @ Unsplash] What Makes Instant Ramen Noodles Popular? Worldwide, Ramen noodles are popular as it is delicious, easy to customise according to regional preferences and most importantly, you can prepare it in few minutes. Most spicy Korean instant noodles are enjoyed in different p...

                                               [Image:  Anna Evlanova  on Unsplash] Latest news from Korea Tourism Organization: Pet-friendly travel norms for Korean travellers! According to a comprehensive report released by the Korea Tourism Organization, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, new guidelines have been issued to help travellers manage their pets while on the move. [READ: This Korean Bestseller Opens a New Window] Earlier, in 2022, six cities in Korea had been designated as pet-friendly destinations. The latest guidelines provide the much anticipated impetus for travellers and the pet industry to work alongside local authorities to executue the new guidelines for greater impact.                                        ...