Pulimunchi Kitchen

Chennai was the holiday we hadn’t planned for, but it turned out to be one of the highlights of our India trip, apart from Dad’s 80th birthday celebrations in Mangalore. When my sister announced her move to Chennai, the husband and I decided to squeeze in a quick trip to spend some time with in her new city. It was my third time in Chennai and, as always I loved it.

We also finally sneaked in day trip to Pondicherry that Nishal Crasta and I have been planning since our wedding. Pondy did not disappoint. Loved the quaint charm. Mahabalipuram was the sister’s planned getaway, so we packed in all three. Thank you, Akkivi Akshata Salian for making this holiday so special. One month in Chennai and you were already a pro. Watching you settle in and start another interesting chapter has been wonderful. ❤️

The nephew and Jij were equally entertaining who had come for a month to help my sis settle down before heading back to London. Jij negotiating with the house help and cook in full Agarwal mode, half Hindi + half Google-translated Tamil, and the nephew discovering the joy of never-ending OTPs for package deliveries as his new pastime was fun to watch.

To make this holiday even more perfect Karishma Gupta flew down from Mumbai to meet me and along with Dipty Gurjar, we painted Chennai in our own shades of pinks and yellows. Sriram Krishnan met me at Bangalore airport on my way back from Chennai, an adventure in itself when you’re coming from Indiranagar! Treasure you guys.🩷

The time I spent my family and friends this visit has been so very precious. Packed these memories and on a quiet Edmonton morning like today, I sip my chai and reflect back.

Random HK scenes. Just leaving it out there like pages from a diary. Flipping one core memory at a time.

Janmashtami da Vanas. A more simplified version of the usual feast. One week after coming home, I relived the smells and tastes of my mums home through this festive cooking. Unlike most Tulunadu homes that feast on Kori Gassi and Kottige on Dahi Handi or Mosaru Kudike day, we have stuck to this kind of vegetarian feast that first goes as naivedya to Krishna and then in our tummies. The highlight remains Thetla, Padengi and Ambade Gassi (second from top left of the spread) that represents Ashtami lunch for me. The knotted Colacasia leaves texture is something that I look forward to every Ashtami.

The biggest joy is when my nearest Asian store carries our South Indian veggies. That one pack of Ambade or Hog Plum’s cousin remaining made me smile. I have literally stopped going to the Indian stores after the produce variety in these stores.

Just before the midnight aarti, I sneak into the kitchen and quietly start the steamer to steam the Idlis. Aware of the quietness of the night in Edmonton and the condo walls that are thin enough to disturb neighbours with loud noises.

It’s time for a little prayer and offering for our Krishna. Fresh fruits, Seepe Bajeel, Panchakajjaya and two of these Baare da ire da Kottige. A serene and blissful time listening to the soothing sound of Abby V in the background. There is something so beautiful about midnight prayers. From the last few years the Gita has also been very close to my heart. Especially some of the chapters. Arjuna in us will always seek answers from you Krishna through every phase of our lives. Thank you for everything. 🙏🏽

Wishing you all a very happy and blessed Krishna Janmashtami!

Holige for Holi. Holige, also known as Puran Poli, is a traditional sweet flatbread prepared for the festival of colours. Mum always makes Holige for Holi, and tomorrow will feel incomplete without them, so at least a small batch had to be made. Some colour feels necessary when everything around the world seems a little bleak and weary. With so much unfolding around us, this riot of colour brings hope for spring and new beginnings. A reminder that even for a day, there is space to pause, gather, and celebrate. Happy Holika and Holi to everyone celebrating. Holi hai!!!