Haleem, a slow-cooked delicacy made from high-quality meat, lentils, wheat, ghee, and aromatic spices, is known for its nutritional value and energy-boosting properties, making it a staple during Iftar. Pista House ensures authenticity by sourcing select spices, ghee, and rava directly from Hyderabad, staying true to its original recipe.

Central Kitchen and distribution points across Chennai

Pista House has set up a central kitchen in Royapettah, alongside a live kitchen unit at Lalitha Party Hall, Seevaram (Near Toll Gate). Freshly prepared Haleem is available daily from 3 PM onwards at multiple locations across Chennai.

The distribution outlets include locations in Royapettah at Peter’s Road, Perungudi at Lalitha Party Hall, Navalur at RTS Food Street, and Sholinganallur at Ambur Star Biryani. Other spots include Anna Nagar, Mogappair, Ramapuram, Chrompet, Rajkilpakkam, and Thiruvanmiyur, all housed within Ambur Star Biryani outlets. Additionally, Mannady near Edgah Masjid, Potheri at Golcondas, and MWC at V Mini Mart also serve this Ramadan special.

Pista House also sells Vegetarian Haleem, which will be available exclusively on Sundays at the Royapettah outlet.

Customers can purchase Haleem directly at these locations or place orders via Zomato and Swiggy for home delivery. Orders can also be placed through 97890 60918, 98849 20918, 99666 21404.

We do have a volcano of our very own, and can you imagine it is erupting as you read this article?

It is a volcano on Barren Island in the Andaman Islands. It is the only active volcano in South Asia, and it is currently active. The Island is uninhabited except for a small population of wild goats. This is my 3rd visit to the island. It was deep-sea big-game sportfishing that took me initially to the island, and this time around too, it was fishing that took me back to the island. 

Recently, three of us were on a deep-sea angling expedition in that region. Starting from Havelock Island, we were on a dedicated sport-fishing boat.

While we did a good deal of fishing, the view of the island was just awesome. The sight of the volcano erupting dense smoke, ash, and fire was simply breathtaking. During my first visit, I had spent the night on board anchored off the island (presently spending the night off an anchored boat is not permitted). The night view of the volcano was also amazing. You can keep watching those fireworks that keep lighting up the dark sky. Andaman is home to big game-sport fishes like the Marlin, Tuna, Giant Trevally, Kingfish, Barracuda, Grouper, Wahoo, Sharks and so on. These fish caught are released back into the ocean after being photographed.

Angling is highly absorbing and can reward you with so much joy and excitement. It can give you the adrenaline rush of your life. Believe me, it does. But for angling, I would not have seen the Barren Island and witnessed one of nature’s fascinating wonders.

* Big-game sportfishing, also known as offshore or deep-sea fishing, is a sport that involves catching large fish species using specialised fishing rods and reels. Sports fishermen use artificial lures and handheld rods. This sport requires skill, patience, and endurance, as the targeted fish are strong and often put up a challenging fight. All the fish caught are safely released back into the ocean. 
* While the volcano at Barren Island is erupting continuously, major eruptions were witnessed in 1787, 1991, 2005, 2017 and 2020. A large part of the volcano lies underwater, with only the tip forming the island. The waters around Barren Island are known for rich marine biodiversity, including manta rays, reef sharks, and coral reefs.
* For more information on fishing / water sports / trips to Barren Island, contact captainhooks.havelock@gmail.com; Ph: 74308 13322, WhatsApp: 9434280543.
* The Chennai coast too has a lot of fishing. For gear, advice, etc., one can contact Anglers Fishing Tackles and Poseidon Sport Fishing in Chennai.

Around 20 poets read their compositions, which were warmly appreciated by the audience. The next session is scheduled for the third week of February 2025. Aspiring poets interested in participating can contact Jairam Seshadri at 98844 45498. 

As part of the project’s outreach efforts, students from the Olcott Memorial Higher Secondary School, Besant Nagar, delivered an inspiring performance at the Society’s 149th International Convention. The event, attended by delegates from India and abroad and live-streamed on YouTube, featured a traditional Villupaatu storytelling session and a skit.

The Villupaatu creatively highlighted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as poverty eradication, quality education, and climate action, blending upbeat music, humour, and dialogue. Delegates were captivated by the performance’s impactful messages.

The accompanying skit emphasised harmony with nature, with students portraying the Adyar river, the sea, mangroves and the estuary (where TS is located). It narrated the River’s origins, its ecological importance, and the degradation it has suffered, concluding with the message: “The Adyar River is not just a river, she is life.”

The AED project will expand its efforts throughout Chennai, offering hands-on activities with naturalists and educators while using traditional art forms like Villupaatu and Therukoothu to engage communities in climate action and environmental conservation.

For more details, visit https://www.ts-adyar.org/adyar-eco-development.

Checkout the performance:

Around 1,000 participants from Tamil Nadu, representing students, teachers, farmers, artisans, professionals, and researchers, will attend. Another 200 Tamil students from Central Universities will join visits to Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya.

This year’s event coincides with the Maha Kumbh Mela (Jan.13 to Feb.26), allowing participants to take a Shahi Snan and visit the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

The theme focuses on Sage Agasthyar, highlighting his contributions to Siddha medicine, Tamil literature, and cultural unity. Activities include exhibitions, workshops, and visits to key sites like Subramania Bharati’s ancestral home and BHU’s Tamil Department.

The Sangamam, launched in 2022, continues to revive and celebrate the rich cultural heritage connecting Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

The festival will include a variety of traditional performances, such as naiyyandi melam, thappattam, karagattam, kaavadiattam, thevarattam, sevaiattam, k     olattam, oyilattam, and silambattam, performed by over 1,500 artists from across Tamil Nadu. These performances will take place daily between 6 pm and 9 pm at various venues like Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar), Thiruvanmiyur Beach, and many more places across Chennai, celebrating the state’s rich cultural heritage.

Elliots Beach, Besant Nagar

• Jan.14: 6 pm – Erode Mugil Kalaikuzhu (Karakattam); 6.30 pm –
  Ramanathapuram Ma. Kaliyappan Troupe (Jimbala Melam); 7 pm –
  Srikala Bharath Troupe (Bharatanatyam); 7.30 pm – Virudhunagar Ramar Troupe (Parai); 8 pm – Villupuram Kai Kodukkum Kai Troupe (Mallar Gampam); 8.30 pm – Maharashtra Lavani; 
• Jan.15: 6 pm – Cuddalore Sri Renugambal Troupe (Irai Nadanam); 6.30 pm – Kalappai Troupe (rural variety show); 7 pm – Gandarvakottai Murugaiya Troupe (Gramiya Paattu); 7.30 pm: Coimbatore Murugan Troupe (Jikkattam); 8 pm – Thoothukudi Sai Karthikeyan Troupe (Kaniyan Koothu); 8.30 pm – Aduthurai Raj Visual Arts (Karikala Cholan Drama);
• Jan.16: 6 pm – Ramanathapuram B. Marungan Troupe (Naiyandi Melam Karakam); 6.30 pm – Thoothukudi Kannan Troupe (Devarattam); 7 pm – Dr.Purisai P.K. Sambandam Troupe (Kattakoottu); 7.30 pm: Krishnagiri Makizham Troupe (Bambayyattam); 8 pm – Coimbatore Sri Veeramathiyamman Bambai (Irai Nadanam); 8.30 pm: Rajasthan Ghoomar Dance;
• Jan.17: 6 pm: Thiruvarur Surjit Troupe (Kavadi Aattam); 6.30 pm –
  Kanchipuram Vivekananda Troupe; 7 pm – Kerala Theyyam; 7.30 pm: Tiruvallur Aathi Thamizhar Troupe; 8 pm: Kanyakumari Murasu Troupe (Kazhiyal Aattam); 8.30 pm – Makka The Band (concert);

Thiruvanmiyur Beach

• Jan.14: 6 pm – Virudhunagar Ramar Troupe (Parai); 6.30 pm – Villupuram Kai Kodukkum Kai Troupe (Mallar Gampam); 7 pm – Maharashtra Lavani; 7.30 pm – Nithyasree Mahadevan (Tamil Music); 8 pm – Erode Mugil Kalaikuzhu (Karakattam); 8.30 pm – Ramanathapuram Ma. Kaliyappan Troupe (Jimbala Melam);
• Jan.15: 6 pm: Coimbatore Murugan Troupe (Jikkattam); 6.30 pm – Thoothukudi Sai Karthikeyan Troupe (Kaniyan Koothu); 7 pm – Aduthurai Raj Visual Arts (Karikala Cholan Drama); 7.30 pm – Cuddalore Sri Renugambal Troupe (Irai Nadanam); 8 pm: Kalappai Troupe (rural variety show); 8.30 pm – Gandarvakottai Murugaiya Troupe (Gramiya Paattu);
• Jan.16: 6 pm: Krishnagiri Makizham Troupe (Bambayyattam); 6.30 pm – Coimbatore Sri Veeramathiyamman Bambai (Irai Nadanam); 7 pm: Rajasthan Ghoomar Dance; 7.30 pm – Ramanathapuram B. Marungan Troupe (Naiyandi Melam Karakam); 8 pm – Thoothukudi Kannan Troupe (Devarattam); 8.30 pm – Dr. Purisai P.K. Sambandam Troupe (Kattakoottu);
• Jan.17: 6 pm – Tiruvallur Aathi Thamizhar Troupe; 6.30 pm – Kanyakumari Murasu Troupe (Kazhiyal Aattam); 7 pm – Kashyap Band (concert); 7.30 pm – Thiruvarur Surjit Troupe (Kavadi Aattam); 8 pm – Kanchipuram Vivekananda Troupe; 8.30 pm: Mayiladuthurai Gananathar Drama Sabha (Bommalattam).

Her latest work, ‘Joie De Vivre’, is a remarkable collection of 108 English poems, complemented by photographs taken by her husband, N. Ravi.  The book captures the beauty and essence of life, reflecting her keen observational skills. She says, “Life is all-encompassing and all-inclusive; the pyramidal base characterises nature where evolution takes place. The cerise blush of the new morning, tangerine sunsets over the plains and hills, never-ending waves lashing at the shore, stately palms swaying in the breeze, the orchestration of birds at dawn, the voluptuous moon in the autumn skies – all have a tale to share. Even a little feather blown by the tender breeze can excite a sensitive observer to burst into rhyme spontaneously.”

Hema’s literary contributions include ‘The Cuckoo Sings Again’ (short stories), ‘Everyday English’ (self-tutor for English learners), and the ‘Write Right Handwriting Series’ for young learners, among many others. For copies of ‘Joie De Vivre’, priced at Rs.250, contact Hema at 98410 03201 or mail her at hemaravi24@gmail.com.

The corporation playground on Rukmani Road in Kalakshetra Colony came alive last Sunday evening (Jan.5) with a fabulous cast of puppet characters performing to a delighted audience of dozens. 

The dramatically painted puppets – depicting a village headman, municipal official, mother and schoolchildren, local wiseacres – used song and dance, wit and humour to put across socially useful messages on the harmful impacts of plastic. 

The performance was sponsored by the Kalakshetra Colony Welfare Association (KCWA) to support the struggling art of ‘bommalattam’, and the artistes trying to keep it alive. It drew a large number of colony residents, and more than 20 students invited from the corporation Gandhigram school, who especially enjoyed the banter between the puppets. 

The show was presented by Kalaimamani Muthuchandra Rao, who represents the sixth generation of a family of traditional puppeteers from Kanyakumari. Their small family-run troupe conceives and creates the entire production – script and lyrics, light and sound and the puppets, made from goatskin and coloured with eye-catching natural dyes. The puppet shows are their only source of livelihood. 

Moving from mythological stories, they increasingly focus on themes of contemporary importance, like environmental protection, the importance of education, and why it is essential to use helmets on scooters. “We have brought these issues to life in ways that online lessons cannot, especially for school students who have learned a lot from our shows,” says Mr. Muthuchandran, who is the remarkably talented voice for all the puppets in his show. 

But it’s increasingly difficult to keep this ancient art form and business afloat. Support from individuals helped them to take their show to 27 schools in Salem recently. “We want to perform in many more places to keep our art alive and earn the money to build a house for our 14 family members in Tirunelveli, where a local patron has helped us to get the land title,” he said during an interaction with the audience after the show. 

He said his troupe will be performing at the Mylapore Kapaleeswarar temple and four schools in the city and hopes for more commissions before they leave on January 18. 

In an age of ubiquitous video games and non-stop online entertainment, it was a rare treat to experience this timeless art of puppetry in real life and witness the passion and commitment of the artistes. The audience expressed its admiration with spontaneous and generous monetary contributions to help their cause of building a roof over their heads. 

The Executive Committee of KCWA requests other resident welfare associations, institutions, schools and interested individuals to do their bit to support this ancient art of Tamil Nadu by organising similar shows.

Valued at Rs.5 crore, the floating restaurant named ‘Seanz Cruise’spans an impressive 3,000 square feet over two floors, with the capacity to host 100 diners simultaneously. The facility has been designed to accommodate a variety of events, including conferences, official meetings, wedding receptions, and other gatherings, providing a unique experience for guests.

The project is operated by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC), an organization established in 1971 under the leadership of the late Dr. Kalaignar. Over the years, TTDC has grown to manage 26 hotels and nine boat houses across the state, offering innovative and enriching tourism experiences. The floating restaurant marks yet another milestone in TTDC’s mission to promote cultural and tourism activities in Tamil Nadu.

The inauguration was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Dr. P. Senthil Balaji, IAS, Secretary of Tourism and Culture, and Shilpa Prabhakar Satish, IAS, Managing Director of TTDC, alongside district officials and local government representatives.

The floating restaurant is expected to draw significant footfall to the Muttukadu Boat House, contributing to the region’s economy and tourism industry while offering visitors a modern and picturesque dining experience.

Before the internet era, come Margazhi and one could find umpteen Kolam books on every corner of the street. Households got ready to depict their themes through ‘pulli’ kolams, ‘sikku’ kolams, traditional kolams or just free hand.

In an era when those books have vanished and kolam has gained the status of street art, Besant Nagar resident Dr.V.Krishnamoorthy and his sister Leela Venkatraman have created an app (by Learnfun Systems) that anyone can install and generate a variety of customised kolams. “Kolam can be simple as well as very complex. Through the app, we want to reach out not only to the beginners but amateurs alike,” explains Krishnamoorthy.

Combining tradition with cutting-edge technology, this ambitious project brings the beauty and mathematical intricacies of Kolam to a global audience through educational tools, digital platforms, and interactive experiences. “Kolam isn’t just art; it’s a combination of symmetry, mathematical precision, and cultural heritage. Our project presents Kolam as an innovative tool for scientific thinking among the youth,” says Dr. Krishnamoorthy.

The app, available in both Windows and Apple is divided into 10 parts, each focusing on a unique aspect of the art:

• Books and E-books: Detailed books exploring Kolam’s history, themes, and applications, including ‘Kolam: A Comprehensive Guide.’
• Interactive Software: Programs for creating complex Kolams in various designs and dimensions, including features like 3D effects, rotational symmetry, and integration with other media for printing on fabric and paper. Kolams of straight dots, cross dots and circular dots can be created. Kolam size can be up to 50 x 50 dots with 3 kinds of ‘suzhi’s’
• Children’s Coloring Books: Engaging resources for young learners, promoting creativity through Kolam patterns.
• Games and Puzzles: Interactive educational games designed to stimulate critical thinking and coordination skills, with challenges like ‘Odd Man Out’ and ‘Make Me Symmetric’.
• Daily Kolam Software: A curated tool showcasing unique Kolam patterns daily.

One of the project’s highlights is its advanced Kolam-generating software, which allows users to design patterns that would be impossible to create manually. From printing Kolams on saris and T-shirts to integrating complex 3D effects, the software unleashes endless possibilities for art and design enthusiasts.

All software and e-books are available for free download in Tamil and English, making the project accessible to students and enthusiasts worldwide. Updates are released every three months to ensure users enjoy new features regularly.

Leela Venkatraman, with her 75 years of Kolam expertise has designed iconic Kolams in temples across Tamil Nadu, including the famous lakh-dot Kolam at Madurai’s Meenakshi Amman Temple. Dr.Krishnamoorthy is a former professor from IIT Madras with over 38 years of experience in computer science and a passion for promoting Tamil culture through technology.

To download the App and for more details, visit www.learnfunsystems.com or contact Dr. Krishnamoorthy at prof.vkrish@gmail.com.

Computer Kolam Competition 2024

Learnfun Systems has announced the Computer Kolam Competition 2024 to coincide with the Tamil month of Margazhi. The contest stands apart from traditional Kolam drawing as participants are required to design their Kolams using the free software package provided by Learnfun Systems. The software unlocks innovative ways to create intricate patterns, challenging participants’ imagination and creativity.

The competition is open to all, with no entry fee. First Prize: Rs.5,000 and many other prizes to be won. Interested participants can download the software and explore its features. Detailed instructions and submission guidelines are available at learnfunsystems.com.