Shyam Mandir in Pictures(2)

Here are few pictures of the unique temple.....

Shyam Mandir,Narengi,Guwahati

Have you heard of a temple which is open to people of all communities? Where people irrespective of their class, creed and religion can go and pray. Yes, there is such a temple in ASSAM. It is Shyam Mandir, basically a temple of Lord Krishna( VISHNU), situated in a small hillock in Narengi area of Guwahati. The temple is a part of Indian Carbon Office Complex at Narengi. The owner of Indian Carbon, Late Prabhudayal Himatsingka built it. You will find his statue in the middle of the mandir premises. Lot of devotees throngs the temple and its main attraction is the evening aarti. Visitors are charmed and captivated by the well maintain garden of the complex; and a statue of Hanuman, Nandi and a Shiv Linga in the mandir complex. As you enter the temple, you will see a beautiful idol of Lord Krishna(which is the main idol), to his right is Shri Krishna –Radha’s statue and to the left is the staute of Ram/Laxman /Sita. The temple is built in such an area that it gives tranquility and peace of mind to every visitor. But one should be aware that the road to the mandir is not approachable to people who travel by public transport-bus, auto, tracker. It is a long walk across the bridge. Only if you travel by your private car, the journey will be smooth; otherwise be prepared to walk few miles.

Some construction of the road was going on when we last visited it. Hope it is over by now and people don’t have to walk long distance to reach the temple.

Greenwood Resort,Guwahati,Assam

“Greenwood Resort “…..Your gateway to a world of fun amidst nature.

Just at the outskirts of the Guwahati city,  at Khanapara area, it’s the perfect place to unwind yourself from the hectic work schedule of the week. A perfect place to enjoy your weekend, celebrate your kids birthday, your anniversary, your or your hubby’s birthday party. It’s not only for private parties but companies too can organize their yearly party’s here. We used to visit it often during our courtship period and also after marriage. But slowly visits became less as we shifted to Kuwait. During our last visit to home, we visited it along with my sister and brother-in-law.

When I look back, I really feel very happy at the development of the resort. Started in 2002 as a dhaba, it has became a very beautiful weekend break destination. The resort has grown many folded…villas or condo’s are available now. And you will surely be impressed by the cleanliness of the condos. There are 36 duplex cottages and only 1 building has 4 condos/cottages which are independent.The park for kids is full with kids play items and the bigger park is full with greenery and is artistically planned and implemented. The swimming pool is a hit among the visitors. You can just splash around or simply relax in the pool. There is also a separate kid’s pool which allows children to enjoy themselves under adult supervision. And you will get to see how our mekhla chadars are made in their workshop and even buy them. Be assured to be greeted by friendly and courteous staff every time you visit it. You can discover nature as you walk with your kids to the park or simply explore the 20 acres of green slopes and hilly terrain. This mountain resort gives its guest the peace, unmatched beauty and modern living in the lap of nature. Your visit is incomplete if you don’t buy some freshly baked biscuits from their confectionary shop to have with your morning and evening tea.

You will get all information about the resort….its location, room tariffs, facilities etc in their website www.greenwoodresort.in


I remember meeting the owner of this beautiful resort, a Khasi lady, years ago during our courtship visits. But it was during our recent visit only I came to know that this Khasi lady Mrs Abha Bora is married to an Assamese gentleman who died years ago. She has  a daughter call Sumi, who completed her Hotel Management and her son Hemraj Bora who looks after the activities of the tastefully decorated resort.

A "must visit" place if you are in Guwahati.

Bihu Dance , Assam, India

The Bihu is the most widespread folk dance of Assam and is enjoyed by all, young and old, rich and poor. It is also a part of the life known as Assamese life. The folk dance cuts through all the religious, caste and class barriers of the different kinds of people living in Assam. The dance is part of the Bihu festival, that comes in mid-April, when harvesting is done, and continues for about a month. The participants are young men and girls, who gather in the open, in daytime. These performers dance together but are not paired together and form in lines when they dance. The music played at this dance are drums and pipes and the performers sing of love during the act. The pattern which the performers follow during the dance is the circle or the parallel rows. The dancers sway their hips, take brisk steps and fling and flip their hands when the dance progresses. Dancers wear traditionally colorful Assamese clothing.

The Bihu dance is performed in conjunction with traditional Bihu folk music, played with: the "dhol", similar to a drum; the mohor singor pepa, a pipe instrument made from a buffalo horn; the tala, a cymbal; the gogona, a reed and bamboo instrument; and the toka, a bamboo clapper. The songs (bihu geet) that accompany the dance have been handed down for many generations. The subject of the lyrics ranges from welcoming the Assamese new year to describing the daily life of a farmer, from historical references of invasions to Assam to contemporary socio-political commentary in a satirical way.

Sharing pictures of Bihu dance that we performed on 14 May on occasion

of celebrating Bihu at Asia Asia's Royal Ballroom at Kuwait City.....

BIHU @ Fintas Park,Q8

The Assamese Community of Kuwait celebrated Rongali Bihu, the most important festival of the Assamese people of India at Fintas Park, Mahboula on 16th of April 2010. Lot of families gathered bringing with them home made, variety of traditional Bihu snacks and foodstuff’s. Games were organized for both children and couples. We all enjoyed them and the celebration ended with a nice homemade dinner . Hats off to all the ladies who prepared all the tasty Bihu snacks and dinner items.


Bihu snacks are very tasty and easy to prepare. Some of the popular Assamese Bihu snacks are Til Pitha, Narekol Ladoo, Ghila Pitha, Til Ladoo, Besan Ladoo and many more. Sharing with you some of Bihu receipes.....


Til Pitha Recipe

Til Pitha is a very popular Assamese recipe. Learn how to make/prepare Till Petha by following this easy recipe.
 

Ingredients:
• 2 cups Glutinous Rice

• 100 gm Jaggery

• 80 gm Black Sesame Seeds

• 4 cups Water
How to make Til Pitha:

• Soak the rice overnight in water.

• Drain excess water and grind it carefully.

• Roast sesame seeds and pound them to remove their outer shell.

• Cut Jaggery into small chips and combine the sesame seeds with it.

• Heat the griddle and spread the rice batter over it to the size of Puri with the help of a ladle.

• While it is being roasted, put the stuffing of jaggery and sesame mixture in its middle.

• As and when the rice batter gets firm, fold its sides to cover the stuffing.

• Turn it over and heat lightly before taking it off from the fire. Ensure that jaggery doesn't melt and flow out.

• Til Pitha is ready to eat.

Narikel Laddoo Recipe

Narikel Laddoo is a sweet delight savored during Assamese Festival, Bihu.

Ingredients:

• 2 Coconuts

• 2 cup Sugar

• 1 tbsp Ghee
How to make Narikel Laddoo:

• Grate both the coconuts in a plate.

• Take a saucepan and put grated coconut and sugar in it. Stir them well, over medium heat.

• Once the water from coconut starts making lumps, remove the mixture from fire.

• Grease your hands with a little ghee and roll the coconut mixture into small laddoos (balls).

• Make sure that the mixture is not allowed to cool, as it would prevent you from making laddoos.

• Serve when the laddoos come down to room temperature.

Ghila Pitha Recipe


Ghila Pitha another very popular Assamese recipe prepared in the festive occassion of Bihu.
Ingredients:

• 1 kg Rice Flour (sieved)

• ½ kg Jaggery (grated)

• 200 g of Cooking Oil

• 1 cup of Warm Water

How to make Ghila Pitha:

• Add jaggery to a cup of warm water and mix well.

• Let it to stand for some time.

• Fold the rice flour into the jaggery water.

• Now knead well till the dough is smooth.

• Keep it covered aside for 10 minutes.

• Divide the dough into equal portions and make small balls.

• Flatten them into half-inch thick rounds.

• Finally, fry them on a medium flame till they are brown on both sides.

Til Ladoo

 Method

Step 1: Lightly roast the sesame seeds. Heat the jaggery in a pan till it melts and then add the roasted sesame seeds to it.

Step 2: Once the jaggery starts to firm up, remove from fire.

Step 3: Lightly grease your palm with some ghee and roll one tablespoon of the mixture into a ball.

Step 4: Be careful with the hot jaggery but the balls should be made while the mixture is still hot.

Step 5: Serve when the balls come to room temperature.

Ingredients

Sesame seeds 40 gm

Black or Brown Jaggery 50 gm

Ghee 1 tablespoon

Try making them.....You will surely love it.