Anupama - Strings of Heritage

Terracotta Artist Venki Palimar

by Anupama | Aug 20, 2017 | Art & The Artist

Flashback-

The last time I visited Venki’s (He is Venkataraman Kamath but known to everyone as Venki Palimar) terracotta workshop was twenty years ago. When he had just started out and I was in college. He was a friend’s cousin and I was very interested in art. I remember when we got down from the bus, he was waiting for us and took us home through what seemed a jungle at that time. But now, it’s all changed. With broad roads and areas marked, finding the gallery in Palimar was easy peasy (That’s my daughter’s slang for you!). His mother’s got great memory. She remembered me from back then (I am sure I have changed quite a bit from then!!) and insisted I have lunch with them. So it was more like catching up with all that happened in the last twenty years with terracotta artist Venki Palimar.

Buddhists Monks in terracotta Venki Palimar

Buddhists Monks in terracotta by Venki Palimar.They inspire peace and contentment.

Early morning, before going to school, he would get some clay from the fields and make small Ganapathis out of them. He would hide them and go off to school. But his grandfather knew of this hobby and would look for the day’s Ganapathy and immerse it in the well( as clay Ganapathis were only to be done during Ganesh chaturthi and had to be worshipped according to rituals). The young boy would return from school and cry for the lost Ganapathy. In school his books used to be filled with drawings and science was his favourite subject because, that was where he was required to draw! With a reason like that he was bound to study art. Venki fondly remembers Mr. K V Bhat, the Principal at Junior College Palimar who told him about the art course in Udupi and refused to take his application for college.

Venki’s Fascination for Ganapathi continues.

Vraksha Ganapathy by Venki palimar in terracotta is going to the USA

The Beginning-

No man is an island and all our struggles are witnessed. When Venki realized that his calling was in moulding clay and terracotta, Venki pursued it with great passion. Mr. Balram Bhat, a well wisher, helped him expand his vision. He helped him get more exposure through books, exhibitions attended by him and any terracotta work that he came across, he shared with Venki. It was this selfless interest on Mr. Balram Bhat’s part that helped him improve on his vision and imagination, shaping him into the Terracotta artist Venki Palimar. In his spare time, he would go along with an artist friend for rock climbing, a rock by the name of Nimmipade near Adve. His own struggle to master the art, achieve in life and his experience while climbing the rock has inspired him to do a series on rock climbing. Though he shares this with me, he says he prefers the viewer to have his own interpretation.

Rock climbing in terracotta by Venki Palimar. Struggle to reach the top.

But baking the life sized art pieces presented a problem when many of his art pieces would not survive the process. He was clearly disheartened as his work needed to withstand the ‘agnipareeksha’ (test of the fire) at the baking kiln to be a success. Even when the tile factory closed down, he continued working in the medium, until there was no more space in the house to walk around. At this point he came across another mentor, Ramakrishna Kamath who owned Uma tile factory in Hejmady. He visited Venki and asked him to use his tile factory for baking. From then on, there has been no looking back. He uses the same tile factory for baking even to this day and not a single piece has been damaged (It takes 15 days of baking to be ready). With this, his art received a new lease of life. Mr. Ramesh Rao, an artist of international repute from Udupi has also been his staunch supporter and I remember Venki’s work being displayed in Drishya Gallery Udupi (And drooling over a rooster fruit bowl in terracotta by Venki).

A couple depicting rural life in terracotta

Working as an art teacher in a School, his students love his enthusiasm for art and he is generous with his knowledge. The proof for this is his favourite and longtime student Laren Pinto. This young boy was sent to Venkati at the age of six to learn drawing and more importantly, to be kept out of mischief. But Venki soon realized his potential in terracotta and trained him. A very shy child, he lets his work do the talking. When I met him, I could see the close bond between the teacher and the student. Laren who is now 14, has won the national award(Rashtriya Vibhushan Rashtra Prashasthi and many more awards) and Venki is mighty pleased with his dedication. Venki especially values it as he himself became a terracotta artist without a teacher. It was a long process of trial and error, understanding the medium, the patrons and blending it with his vision.

Venki Palimar with award winning student Laren Pinto

A sample of Laren Pinto’s work in terracotta

When I ask him about inspiration, he says that he finds it everywhere. In the people around him, their expressions and the different reactions that people have. When he says that he sees everything around him from the perspective of capturing it in terracotta, I can quite understand. Nowadays anything that I see, I feel “Yes! This is something I can write about”. Life has become so much more interesting this way.

Rural life appeals to him the greatest, and he has portrayed it in the farmers, school children and the local culture, be it Bhootaradhane, the lambanis or the masks. Not to forget his roots, “After all this is what I grew up with”, says Terracotta artist Venki Palimar.

Bhootaradhane Ravana in terracotta at Chitralaya Art gallery by Venki Palimar

Bhootaradhane, Character applying make-up in terracotta

Hamara Bajaj series, remembering the good old days of the scooter

Now his subjects, more often than not are nature based and this old tree holds a unique appeal. Cut off but he seems to be deep in thought, and birds make do with him. In fact he had some visitors to the gallery today and when I asked them for their feedback, here is what Deepthi had to say. “Everybody just loved it. Especially the expressions captured by the terracotta artist Venki Palimar were awesome. Our favourite piece was the tree which was cut off and deep in thought, with birds on top”. So it’s not just me who loved the tree!

A tree in terracotta by Venki Palimar at Chitralaya Art Gallery

Inspired by nature and a sad reality in terracotta by Venki Palimar at Chitralaya Art Gallery

When I ask Venki about his dream, he says that it is now fulfilled with his Chitralaya Art Gallery which was inaugrated this May. Building his own gallery with a heritage feel was his dream and after planning for it for nearly three years, it is now achieved. The next step might be to build a space above his gallery for his vast and growing antiques collection. And I am sure he will do that with the support that he gets from his family and well wishers. I wish him the very best.

Sadhus in terracotta by Venki Palimar at Chitralaya Art Gallery

I now have an invite to attend his next workshop. So off I go again. Coming anyone?

Lots of Twinkles to all of you. Have a happy week.

Anupama

PS- You can contact the artist for orders at Venki Palimar – 9844813019 (Whatsapp)

I am planning to conduct a workshop with Terracotta artist Venki Palimar in Bangalore, later this year. If interested, do write to me at the email mentioned.

Bindu Bolar the ‘Tribalina’-Tribal Fusion Belly Dance

by Anupama | Aug 16, 2017 | Art & The Artist

If we had met in passing it would have been a ‘hi’ and a ‘bye’. After all we were classmates for three years during our graduation. But I am happy, that I could meet and talk to Bindu Bolar beyond these pleasantries. An awesome personality, who has seen the ups and downs in life and emerged a success. She followed her passion inspite of the opposition and the doubts. She took risks with no guarantee of success- personal, financial and professional. She forged her identity through dance, giving it her own signature style. The Tribal Fusion Belly dance is a mix of the tribal belly dance as pioneered by Jamila Salimpour and Bindu’s own style of animation and popping. Tribal belly dance has its origin from the different tribes spread all over the world. Belly dance is originally a Middle Eastern Folk dance, but over the years has been adapted and evolved across different countries and styles. This also saw fusion in its costumes and changes wherein the belly movements would be in focus. Her beautiful collection of antique jewellery used in the dance form, reflects its different origins. There are hip belts, headgears, bangles, armlets and neckpieces featuring Indian coins, Afghani coins and pom poms from Rajasthan. The creative person that she is, she also has her own line of tribal jewellery called ‘Tribal Tijori’, which she makes from motifs in sarees, coins, shells, beads and all that appeals to her. The headgear is again a mix of cardboard and metal, which is handmade by her. She even makes her costumes sometimes. This makes it exclusive and helps her incorporate all that she likes.

Tribal Fusion Belly Dance-Tribalina Bindu Bolar

Tribal Fusion Belly Dance jewellery- Made up of coins,pom poms and mirrors

Tribal Fusion Belly Dance-Elaborate belt for the hips, with precious stones, coins and beads

Lights Camera Dance is her baby, where she takes classes and workshops in the different forms of dance. Her team also works with different schools, choreographing their dances, as hobby teachers and teaching dance as part of their syllabus. Today she is successful and recognized as a ‘Tribalina’. A title earned by her through her unique dance form. She also conducts workshops of tribal fusion belly dance all over India and also abroad. But her journey has not been a smooth sail.

Tribal Fusion Belly Dance- Fusion and evolution in the costumes.Ornamental jewellery is now part of it.

Born and brought up in Mangalore, right from her childhood, she was fascinated with dance. But her family being conservative and education oriented, there was absolutely no scope for her to learn dance formally. But not to be dissuaded easily, she would take every opportunity to dance on stage. Be it in school, college, competitions, festivals or even New Year celebrations in the neighborhood. I still remember in college, whenever there was any dance completion, or festival, we would turn to Bindu to handle the show. But back in those days, we did not have the kind of exposure kids have these days. There was no career counselor, who would say, “Yes, pursue your passion in dance”. Falling in line with what was expected; she completed her Masters in Computer Applications and came to Bangalore with a job in IT. But that was a turning point for her, where she simultaneously started pursuing her passion for dance. Along with Oriental Belly Dancing, she also trained in dance forms such as Bollywood, Hip Hop, B-Boying, Kathak, Salsa, Popping, Merengue, Jive, Bachata and Contemporary.When she felt that she was ready to take the plunge, she gave up her comfortable job and started dancing in earnest and professionally. But the first studio that she established was not destined to be hers and after four and half years of putting her heart and soul into it, she was back to square one. But not one to give up easily, she picked herself up and was among the Top 30 in Dance plus of the Star Plus dance reality show.

Tribal Fusion Belly Dance-Fluid Movements inspired from nature and wildlife.

She was trained in Oriental Belly dance by Anna Olkinuora – UK and with this foundation, she self trained in Tribal belly dance. She won the title of ‘The Most Hypnotic Belly Dancer’ in the first International Belly Dance India festival, Hypnosis 2013. But even after winning the title, she felt that she should prove herself to the world and went to the United States of America, for training in the dance form under International Trainers. I was curious to know on who helped her make the arrangements in a foreign country, maybe a relative or a friend? But she is one girl with spunk! She took a personal loan to fund her travel and intensive training of four months (which is now repaid she says with pride and rightly so), with absolutely no contacts or friends to help her. She became the first native Indian to complete the 8 Elements Initiation Certification with Rachel Brice (USA) – The pioneer of Tribal Fusion Belly Dance in the world. After which she went on to do workshops and some more intensive training with various other trainers across America. It was no less than an adventure, she smiles. Some of her travel stories had me spellbound. Having trained in various dance forms, resulted in a very unique fusion and a style of her own – Tribal Fusion Belly Dance. Her movements are characterized by intense and precise muscular isolation, and very sharp breaks & pops which contribute to her very mesmerizing and hypnotic style. Elegant yet raw her technique draws inspiration from nature and wild life. In fact, she tells me that the happiest moment for her was when her teacher Rachel Brice, saw her dance and was totally moved. The best compliment was when she said that, she could see the dance styles of all her trainers but was also ‘so much Bindu’. And Bindu wants the same for her students- to evolve in dance and create a style of their own.

Bindu Bolar has represented India in a lot of dance festivals abroad like Elevation in Denver (USA), Tribal Fest in Sebastapol (USA), Tribal Umrah in Viareggio (Italy), Art One Nation in Hanghzou(China), Cues and Tattoos in Seattle (USA) and British Columbia Belly Dance festival in Penticton (Canada). She has also performed and taught in various festivals in India like Channel V India Fest, Goa Tribal Fest, Bombay Fest, Pune International Dance Congress, Bwitchs Belly Dance Festival, BellySima to name a few.

Bindu wants her students to evolve in dance and create a style of their own

Seeing her syllabus and the subjects the training involved had me reeling. I had ‘No idea’ that dancing involved studying elements of History /Lineage of the dance form, Techniques formulated according to the individual teacher’s format, Yoga Based exercises, Choreography structuring, Costumes and its history in the genre, Stage performance skills and many more. So in case you plan to study Tribal Fusion Belly dance in an advanced format…better be prepared (just jokin!). But on a more serious note, Bindu is truly old school. She is very strict about which songs the children dance to. “Beedi Jalayle” is a strict No-No. She says, “After all, there are many fun dances where kids can enjoy. Why corrupt their innocence?” This sums up the person that she is- Innocent at heart but worldly-wise; a girl who loves plain vanilla but peeks through scary scenes in horror movies; creative in every which way and who loves to Dance.

I so loved talking to Bindu Bolar and learning so much about the dance form- Tribal fusion belly dance, and more so of her journey. Each artist’s journey and their path to the ‘Aha’ moment is unique. Thank you so much Bindu for letting us into your life and your unique journey.

Check out the video:

Lots of Twinkles to you. Have a great week…at least what’s left of it!

Anupama.

Pic Credits- Pictures of Bindu by Salman Sam. Thanks Sam for the lovely pics.

PS- Will keep you updated on the workshop ‘Introduction to belly dance’ from ‘Lights, Camera, Dance’. Let’s learn to belly dance. What fun!

Preethi Prabhu’s Design Studio

by Anupama | Aug 10, 2017 | Tours & Experiences

Even before I introduce you to the amazing lady, who is a Blogger, Interior Designer, Compulsive DIYer and creator of the handicraft store, ‘IndyaKaleidoscope’, I have to tell you of my experience and interaction with her. When I started on the idea of my website, I wanted to speak to someone who had some experience in blogging. After all, being a blogger was a different ball game altogether. The only person I could think of was Preethi Prabhu. The reason being, we were classmates in high school and though not close, at least I was familiar with her. But I had my doubts, as it had been years since I last spoke to her. She was also very popular in the blogging arena and a successful interior designer. “Would she be able to make time? Would she help me? Would we hit it off well?” DOUBTS, I say! Well, I just called. She was so warm and friendly, all my doubts were forgotten and I immediately went over to her office the same day. I am still amazed, I spent nearly 3 hours with her that day, just talking, catching up, using her as a sounding board on what I wanted to do and generally offload all my apprehensions. She was just the person to help me. Her suggestions and experience as a blogger helped me set it all up. And there’s been no looking back after that. Thank you, Preethi! You have no idea how much you helped and inspired.

I have been planning to do an office tour of her space for quite some time now. Preethi’s design studio ‘Transforminions’ (such a cute name) reflects her personality, design and aesthetic sense, warm and collaborative spirit. A comfortable and inviting space, with many DIY projects, it is an inspiration. So let’s get inspired!

Transforminions, Preethi Prabhus design studio

Transforminions – Transforming Interiors

An engineer who worked in the IT industry for nearly eight years, she pursued her interest in interior decoration as she was working. Many of us might have experienced the lack of joy in our job. But in spite of that, many continue as uncertainty is riskier than unhappiness. But Preethi is an example for changing tracks, when she was at the peak of her career in IT. I had some questions for her and here are her answers.

StringsofHeritage- Do you have any regrets that you started late at your passion for home decor?

Preethi Prabhu- No, not at all. Every experience in life is a learning and comes in handy. When I was doing my IT job, I was very happy and gave my 100% to it. Now I do what I love and I put my 100% in that too. I enjoyed the work and grew in it. The day I felt that there was something else I need to do, I changed tracks.

Preethis love for cushions is evident in the wide array on the day bed. A quaint wrought iron bed.

StringsofHeritage – Which is your favourite piece in your office? Something which inspires you maybe?

Preethi Prabhu – Many of my pieces have a story and have seen many makeovers. The fact that I have spent so many hundreds of hours with them, re-imagining and enjoying them, it is difficult to pick a favourite.

The tables surface is a DIY and so is the pin up board

Pin up board with Ikkat fabric. The elephant is a paper mache from Orissa

StringsofHeritage – What would be the best time to consult an interior designer, if the house is being built?

Preethi Prabhu – Most architecture firms give design services too, so I would say while deciding the building layout. In apartments there is no much choice, in terms of layouts. The reason why you would need a designer is so that you don’t end up making expensive mistakes.

Preethi Prabhu-Office tour, Gallery wall

Beautiful paintings make up the gallery wall. Cane chairs with wooden frames complement the setup.

StringsofHeritage – Can you give us some suggestions on how an established home can be decorated with some Indian aspects or flavours?

Preethi Prabhu – Our ethnic arts and crafts can fit into any style of home. I have seen many westerners blend traditional Indian art and artefacts into their very modern and contemporary homes with ease. If you love something, you will automatically find a place for it in your home.

StringsofHeritage – How can someone complement the modern and the traditional? What aspects can we concentrate on?

Preethi Prabhu – The modern and the traditional always complement each other. It’s a matter of understanding that. A very modern looking sofa can be upholstered with a traditional fabric; a very ethnic looking wallpaper wall can adorn a modern art.

A winged chair, reupholstered in a dark shade but with a peep of ikkat. Functional and Inspirational!

StringsofHeritage – When you are designing for someone else, where do you start….are you able to envision it and then work on that image?

Preethi Prabhu – There needs to be a jumping off point. A picture online that they have liked, a fabric they love or an idea. Once you have that, you build around it. Design is as much about functionality as it is about look and feel. So depending on the functionality of the space and the design inspiration, we slowly create the look we want.

Check out the 5 ways to glam up a bathroom by Preethi Prabhu

A glam bathroom in office. Notice the pretty mirror and shells in a glass jar. Lovely idea!

Like the way the bathroom has been glammed up? Check this out.

StringsofHeritage – How would you define your decorating style? What does Preethi look for or identify in all the spaces decorated by you

Preethi Prabhu – My style, I don’t know-is being very personal, I think. When I am working on something, I live it every single moment of my life. And I ensure that me and my team create the positive vibe in a space while we work and it shows when the space is all done up.

Preethi has a fondness for plants and greenery. The snake plant purifies the air and adds a dash of green.

StringsofHeritage – You are always experimenting, the different DIYs that you have…how do you get your inspiration

Preethi Prabhu – I don’t know. The inspiration just comes from constantly looking. It comes from around me, magazines, online, anywhere…

Preethi Prabhu-Transforminions office tour

A wonderful collection of books on plants, the different art forms and textiles.

StringsofHeritage – Some values that you stand for and believe in..

Preethi Prabhu – I believe good design should be available to all. It is the reason I share what I do, on my blog and my social sites freely. Also being honest and upfront with clients is the best policy for me.

So that’s it for today. A lovely office(Thanks for the pics, Preethi), many many ideas and one amazing lady, Preethi Prabhu. Thank you Preethi, for the lovely tour.

Many times, the fear of the unknown freezes us. Inaction itself may me the wrong step that we take. So if there is something you want to pursue, today is the day. Seize it! And if you want a makeover for your home, you know whom to lookup- The Transforminions.

Lots of Twinkles to you. Have a great weekend.

Anupama.

Check out Preethi’s website.

Patachitra from Orissa

by Anupama | Aug 6, 2017 | Art & The Artist

Last week I discussed the palm leaf engravings from Orissa, with Krishna as the central figure. Today I want to give you, a glimpse of ‘Patachitra’ from Orissa. This is once again in conversation with Mr. Devasish Sahoo, an artist. With Krishnajanmashtami being celebrated next week, Krishna continues to inspire me. As He is the main deity in Orissa as Lord Jagannath, he inspires the artists in Orissa as well. Most of the ‘Patachitras’ are based on Krishna, other Gods and mythological stories. ‘Patachitra’ literally means art on canvas. ‘Pata’ is the canvas and ‘chitra’ means art. This was earlier done only on cotton canvas which is prepared in an elaborate manner. But now, we have the art on Tussar silk as well. The arrangement of the painting is similar to the palm leaf engravings. With elaborate borders, and the main theme at the centre, the space in between is to narrate the entire story of any of the mythological characters. Krishna, Rama, Dashavatara, Ramayana and Mahabharatha are favourite topics. Though there are simpler paintings, I am usually drawn to the elaborate and colourful ones.

Colourful and elaborate Patachitra, with Krishna at the centre.

Preparation of canvas is an astounding process.

Cotton cloth without starch, is used for making canvas. The cloth is dipped in a solution of tamarind seeds and water over 4 to 5 days. It is sundried and laid on the tamarind seeds solution, and ‘kaitha’ or wood apple gum is applied on it. Another processed cloth is overlapped on this and gum paste is applied to stick the layers. It is again sun dried and a paste of chalk powder, tamarind seeds and wood apple gum is applied on both sides and sun dried. OOfff….such a tedious process and we are still not done! After drying this, it has to be rubbed with a stone called ‘khaddar’ several times for smoothening the canvas. After this, another stone, called ‘chikana’ stone is used for rubbing the canvas. This gives it a shine. Thank God…it’s now ready for painting. The canvas feels thick and leathery after the process.

Lord Jagannath with Balram and Subhadra is the main theme. The Dashavataras are also depicted here.

The Rathyatra or car festival with all three deities

But the colours!

In urban areas artists like us will just pick some bottles of acrylic paints, but not so in Orissa ‘Patachitras’. They use natural colours from leaves, minerals and stones. Earlier it was difficult for the artists to find these raw materials. But now they are easily available. Mr. Sahoo tells me, colour preparation takes nearly two months. Check out the different colours and their source.

White – The shells from the seaside are powdered, boiled and purified two to three times.
Black – Lamp soot is collected.
Brown – Geru stone is powdered.
Yellow – Hartal stone from Jaipur is powdered and boiled. After the water is removed, the paste is sundried.
Red – Hingulal stone found in Orissa is used.
Blue – A stone in Orissa called Khandneela is used.
Green – Leaves are dried, boiled and the paste is sieved and dried. This is ground with hand with a little water.
These colours are prepared and stored for use. A little quantity is taken and mixed with water and wood apple gum to be used as required.

Some details in an elaborate patachitra

More of black is used in this patachitra

Themes for these paintings-

1. ‘Krishna leela’ is a favourite of artists, depicting Krishna’s childhood.

Krishna leela

2. Dashavatara depicting the ten forms taken by Vishnu.

3. ‘Thia Badhia’ , the representation of the Jagannath temple in Orissa.

4. ‘Rama Ravana Judha’, which is the battle between Rama and Ravana in Ramayana.

5. ‘Kanchi Abhijana’, which is the expedition against the Kingdom of Kanchi. (I have this painting, but did not know the story. But now I know!)

From my collection-Kanchi Abhiyan, where Lord Jagannath is on a black horse and Lord Balabhadra on a white horse. The milkmaid offers them some refreshment on their way.

6. ‘Kandarpa Leela’ of Krishna. This one is my favourite. ‘Kandarpa’ has two meanings. One is ‘Kama’, the god of love( that’s Cupid for you) and it also means amazing. These paintings portray Krishna with the gopikas in different formations. They are so under the spell of Krishna’s love, that they are entangled and aligned in different postures around him.There are four leelas here. The Kandarpa Hasti (elephant), Kandarpa Ashva (horse), Kandarpa Ratha (chariot) and Kandarpa Nouka (boat). I did not find the Kandarpa Ashva and Nouka but have the other two..yippee!!

Kandarpa Leela of Krishna- Kandarpa Rath and Kandarpa Hasti on tussar silk

I think I am in love again…with these ‘Patachitras’. Don’t you just love them??

Twinkles to you. Have a great week.
Anupama

PS- Mr. Sahoo’s contact details have been shared in the earlier post.

Kesariya- Royalty for Bangaloreans

by Anupama | Aug 3, 2017 | Tours & Experiences

As I had been to other Rajasthani restaurants, I did not expect to be blown over by the rich textures or the beauty around me. But I was, and could see that a lot of care and thought, had gone behind everything here. Right from the floor to the ceiling…No seriously! I am not joking. The ceiling is covered with beautiful paintings reflecting the richness of Rajasthani art and the flooring again reflects the traditional feel of the space.

Designs from Rajasthan- This is on the ceiling

The lady who is the quiet force behind this venture is Ms. Vishakha Goenka. She was earlier with St. John’s Medical College Hospital as a nutritionist and has now taken over the reins of ‘Kesariya’ from her brother, Mr. Siddharth Goenka who conceptualized this space. Her experience as a nutritionist, adds a healthy dimension to these traditional dishes from the Shekhawathi region in Rajasthan. For example, in the ‘Dal Baati Churma’, my favourite in Rajasthani cuisine, the ‘Baati’ is sometimes baked depending on its variation. The fresh ingredients, the recipes passed on from centuries, find their rightful place here, on the lovely silverware amidst pillars( restored from havelis), jharokas and miniature paintings sourced from Rajasthan.

Daal Panchmel, Bharma baati, Kesariya Choorma

Right from the brass handwash offered at our seats, the attentive service, the wonderful ambience with melodious Rajasthani folk songs, the silverware in which we are served to the course by course scrumptious meal….ummm..I felt like a queen.

Restored woodwork from Havelis, silverware and beautiful tiles

The pure vegetarian restaurant includes special recipes which reflect the subtle nuances in the Shekhawati cuisine. Sangar or ‘sangri ki sazi with kair‘, is one such speciality of the region. As I was curious to see the raw form, they got me the dry sangar. These special ingredients are sourced from Rajasthan. You can read more about this special ingredient and its significance in Rajasthan here.

Sangar/ Sangria ki Sabzi with Kair. Ingredients sourced from Rajasthan. A Shekhawati speciality.

When we taste a new cuisine, it is not just a meal, but we also get to experience the culture of the place, its vibes and all that is special to the community. The restored pillars, archways, all of these spell a special connection to Rajasthan and the havelis in Shekhawat. You may well forget that you are in Bangalore and not Rajasthan.

Balcony dining area at Kesariya. Paintings from Rajasthan.

Jharokhas in the balcony dining area at Kesariya

The hospitality is again a differentiating factor. I loved the experience and felt very welcome. In spite of running a full house, not even for a moment did I feel neglected. As some of the items on the menu were new to me, the staff was happy was explain the significance. The ‘Imlana’ is a tangy refreshing drink made of tamarind pulp and helps digestion. ‘Raabdi’ is again a drink made from bajra, which can be had either hot or cold. Vishakha tells me that ‘Raabdi’ forms part of the staple diet in Rajasthan, owing to the heat. The extensive use of lentils again helps cool down the body. ‘Mongodi ki kadhi’ was again something new and I just loved it. This is gram flour cooked in curd. Totally yum…

Mr.Manohar, the Maharaj(chef) at Kesariya.

With ‘Phulka’, ‘Mooli ka Paratha’ and ‘Sada poori’ I had a wide variety of curries to choose from. ‘Chana Jasalmeir’, ‘Sangar ki sanzi’, ‘Gobi matar’ and ‘Dhuli hari moongdal’. This was followed by Rice, ‘Ram Kheechdi’ and ‘Chole ka pulav’. My hubby always tells me that I am wasted on a buffet spread. So true! I truly felt it in ‘Kesariya’. Everything before me was so tasty, I would have loved a second helping. Alas! I can have only that much……too bad.

Mini Jamun Rabdi. Yummy dessert at Kesariya

And how can I not tell you about the DESSERTS!!?? I had Malai Sandwich, Petha halwa(made of bottle gourd), mini Jamoon Rabdi and Pista Badam Kulfi. And the chef Mr. Manohar ( the Maharaj), tells me they have a live dessert counter on Saturdays and Sundays. And that includes paneer, apple and pineapple jalebi, Ghevar with rabri and Tawa taka tak. Ummm…my mouth is watering. I guess I will have to visit on a weekend to taste all of these. I have such a sweet tooth!! I guess that makes me a sweet person(haha).

I love colours

Padharo mhare desh ,Kesariya, Bangalore.

As I wind up, raving about the mini jamoon rabdi, Vishakha has some packed for me…wow. How sweet is that! Vishakha signs off saying that ‘Kesariya’ is their intention to preserve and showcase their culture from the Shekhawati region. And it is definitely beautifully showcased. If you have not visited yet, do check it out.

Use #NammaMetro, It is 5 minutes away from the J P Nagar metro station on Outer ring road.

Lots of Twinkles to you. Have a great weekend.

Anupama

PS- Please note that this is not a sponsored post. The views are all my own and genuine. Also I have got two super nutritious recipes from the Maharaj, Mr. Manohar. I will post it in a day or so, after I try it myself. So keep checking.

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Terracotta Artist Venki Palimar

Bindu Bolar the ‘Tribalina’-Tribal Fusion Belly Dance

Preethi Prabhu’s Design Studio

Patachitra from Orissa

Kesariya- Royalty for Bangaloreans

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