Pondicherry Best Travel Videos

Located amid the hues of Indian state of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry is one of the prominent tourist destinations in the world. The city has been called by many names such as Puducherry and Pondy. It was believed that the major part of the city was part of Pallava Kingdom and Cholas during the 10^th century. Followed by Vijayanagar Empire, the French took the entire control of Pondicherry and the city has started to establish a strong French connection.

The Bonjour Festival- An International French Event in Pondicherry

Now, we are going to take a tour of the French Colony in Pondicherry. If you are in Pondicherry, then definitely you must have heard of Bonjour India Festival. This is considered to be the major cultural events of French that showcases international movies, classical music and much more fun. Watch out the Bonjour India Festival from the mouth of Sahar Zaman.

Rock Beach Pondicherry

Close to French Colony is the beautiful Rock Beach of Pondicherry. This famous tourist attraction in the city offer an ideal ambiance, cool breeze and serene surroundings. Though you cannot step into the waters, still you can feel the chilling sea breeze passing by. The below video will help you to stroll on the soft sands of the Rock Beach.

Goubert Market, Pondicherry

Let’s have a quick look at the famous Pondicherry Fish Market. The Goubert Market is regarded as one of the largest fish markets in Tamil Nadu that offers an array of sea fishes to the local people.

Mahabalipuram

Located at about 60 kms from Chennai, Mahabalipuram is on of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India. It is also an ancient tourist destination which was built by the Pallavas during the 7^th century. You can find a number of rock cut temples in the heritage site. Let’s take a brief look at the ancient city of Mahabalipuram.

Aurobindo Ashram

Aurobindo Ashram is a place for complete relaxation, rejuvenation and peace of mind. Stepping into the ashram will bring your body, mind and soul to a balanced state of mind. Take a tour to Sri Aurobindo Ashram Pondicherry.

How to Make Kesar Pista Falooda ?

Hey Readers!

This week we will checking out a new delicious recipe “Kesar Pista Falooda” It is a simple yet lovely dessert drink that is a mix of saffron and pistachios flavoured milk. Everyone loves to have faloodas in this hot summer season. Faloodas are in different range such as rose syrup flavoured falooda, mango falooda, chocolate falooda and more.

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Okay! So, Now we are going to show you of how to prepare Kesar Pista Falooda in your home.

Main Ingredients

Milk                               -1 Cup 250 ml

Sugar                             -3 to 4 tbsp

Pista                               -1 tbsp

Saffron/Kesar                -25 to 30 strands

Falooda seeds               -2tsp (soaked in ¾ cup water)

Toppings for Garnish

Vanilla Ice Cream         -4 to 6 scoops

Pistachios                       -1 tbsp (sliced or chopped)

Cashews/ Almonds        -5 to 6

Cherries                         - 2 to 3

Uncooked falooda sev   - 3 tbsp

Instructions

• First, take some sabja/falooda seeds and soak in a bowl with ¾ cup water. Leave it for 20-30 minutes. After the time, you can strain the seeds in a tea strainer and keep in the same bowl.

• Take the Falooda sev and follow the instructions as given in the manual. The preparation differs for the falooda sev. Few people will boil the falooda sev like noodles or some just add in boiling water.

• Crush pista and keep it aside.

• Now, take one cup milk, add sugar and stir well

• Again, add some ground pistachios, crushed saffron and others

• You have to put on the flame and gently heat the milk. Note that you have to heat the milk and not boil at an cost. After some time, the kesar pista flavoured milk is ready. Refrigerate the mix for a long time.

Assembling the Mix

• The milk would be cool now. Take a glass, add 1 to 2 tbsp sabja seeds.

• Next, add 1 to 2 tbsp of falooda sev and ice above

• Pour ½ of kesar pista milk depending upon the size of the glass

• Continue the same process till the glass gets full

• Decorate the Falooda mix with 2 scoops of vanilla ice cream or kesar pista ice cream.

• Top with some chopped pistachios and serve!

How to Make One Minute Chocolate Cake?

Chocolate Cake is the perfect food delight for any kind of celebrations, parties and family unions. It can be prepared with the small list of ingredients. Now, let us have a quick look at how to make one minute chocolate cake in your home:

Ingredients 

Flour- 1/4 cup

Cocoa Powder- 2 tbsp

Baking Powder- 1/4 tsp

Sugar-3 tbsp

Salt- as required

Milk- 1/4 cup + 1 tbsp

Vegetable Oil- 2 tbsp

Hazelnut chocolate- 1 tbsp

How to Make?

•  Take a medium bowl and add all the dry ingredients like Flour, Cocoa Powder, Baking Powder, Sugar and Salt.  

• Add milk and vegetable oil in the cake mixture. Ensure to mix all the ingredients in a smooth way.

• Now, take a microwave cup and fill the prepared cake mixture in it. You can add hazelnut chocolate as toppings on the cake.

• Keep in the microwave and leave for 15 minutes. Leave for 10 minutes inside the microwave oven to get the perfect taste.

• Your favorite chocolate cake is ready! Enjoy with you family.

Written by

Anushya

Spicy Mushroom Briyani- How to Make?

Briyani is one of the most favorite dishes for all age group of people. It is easy to prepare and offer a delicious taste. Today, we are going to learn how to make Mushroom Briyani in a quick way.

Ingredients

Basmati rice- 2 cups

Mushroom- 1 lb (cut into medium size)

Ground Ginger Garlic Paste - 3 tbsp

Yogurt - 1 tbsp

Big Onion- 1 (sliced thin)

Green chillies- 5

Tomato- 1 (chopped)

Star Anise- 1

Clove- 1

Cardamoms- 1

Bay Leafs- 1

Cinnamon- 1

Chilli Powder- 1 – tbsp

Chopped Mint Leaves- 1

Chopped Coriander Leaves- 1

Water- 1/2 cups

Salt to taste

How to Cook?

• First, wash and soak the rice in water for 15 minutes.

• Take a bowl and now wash the mushroom well. Cut them into medium sized pieces for cooking.

• Heat the oil in the cooker. Add the main ingredients like star anise, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon and bay leaves.

• Add sliced onions and green chillies and fry till they get golden brown colour

• Now, add some ginger garlic paste and fry for about 2 minutes. You can also put the mushroom pieces in the hob and leave for a cook.

• By this time, you can get an aroma of the mushroom masala. Now, add chilli powder, curd, chopped mint leaves, coriander leaves and salt to the taste. Mix the dish well and close the cooker for a deep cook.

• You have to put the soaked rice and ghee into the cooker. Add 3&1/2 cups of water and slowly mix the dish.

• Cover and cook with the weight on, until you hear 1 whistle.

• Switch off gas flame. Allow the cooker to cool naturally.

Written by 
Anushya

Modi Announces Merger Of PIO & OCI, Lifetime Validity

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi created history at Madison Square Garden on September 28 as he addressed a record breaking footfall of Indian Americans at the giant indoor stadium on Sunday morning. Modi’s speech at Madison went viral within hours of the live broadcast both among the Indians and the Indian American community. The crowd went wild with the Prime Minister’s speech and social media burst forth with hashtags of #ModiinAmerica and #Modified.

A much important issue that Modi addressed on Sunday was that of PIO (Persons of Indian Origin) card holders. As Modi declared to the huge crowd, PIO holders will now get lifetime validity and exemption from police registration. This is an endeavor to facilitate visa-free travel to India, rights of residency, ownership of property (non-agricultural), participation in business and educational activities in the country.

This announcement in particular also comes as a pleasant surprise for many Pondicherrians living abroad, notably in France. Pondicherry which was under French rule until 1962 had many citizens opt for French nationality, many of them are now settled in France but have family and assets here.

A Person Of Indian Origin is a form of identification issued by the Central Government of India, to a person of Indian origin or their spouse who holds a passport in any country other than Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Modi has also announced the merger of PIO and OCI (Overseas Citizens of India) cards. OCI cards are made available for people of Indian origin living in other countries. The merger of these two cards could make PIO card holders eligible for the same benefits that are enjoyed by OCI card holders and facilitates a simplified process.

“I have been told that due to differences between PIO and OCI people face difficulties, especially those who have spouses who are not Indians. I am happy to announce that we will merge the PIO and OCI schemes and make it into one,” Modi said.

“Happy?” he asks the cheering crowd. “There is even more to come,” he says with a smile.

France Eager To Get More Involved In Pondicherry

A deputation led by François Vandeville, Co-operation Counselor, French Consulate, Delhi, recently met with the Chief Minister N. Rangaswamy. The 45 minute long meeting was described as a courtesy call by the Chief Minister’s Office.

Also part of the delegation were  Jeany Vesgillon, Director of French Institute, New Delhi. Together, they held discussions with the Chief Minister on the future prospective of various areas in Puducherry. Philippe Janvier Kamiyama, Consul General of France in Pondicherry, was also present.

According to Vandeville, France wanted to mainstream and boost its presence in Pondicherry not just for the sake of the past, but for the future and what it could hold as well.

“We believe that Puducherry can help us outreach our future not only in the field of education but in other areas also. The idea is to develop the French International Lycee Francais de Pondicherry here which has been offering several international programmes. The school is not only for students from France but has to serve Indian citizens all over the country,” he said.

The Chief Minister responded that the Puducherry government would be glad to respond to the plea and asked the delegation to furnish the administration with information of the type of aid they would need for the proposed expansion. Both sides, as it is apparent, are looking forward to a greater expansion of the white town in Puducherry.

                                                                                                                                         

HIDESIGN Launches The ICONS

Pondicherry based Hidesign, India’s leading luxury leather and lifestyle brand celebrates 35 years of heritage and craftsmanship. With centuries old skills of tanning with natural seeds and barks, and hand making in full grain leather, Hidesign has attained an exclusive place in the minds of its patrons.

To commemorate the occasion, Hidesign launches its Icon Collection. The collection re-launches some of the earliest styles, maintaining the same purity reflected in the original bags: vegetable-tanned leathers, solid brass, cotton and leather lining and designs that have stood the test of time over the last 35 years.

The Icon Collection boasts of eleven classic styles such as doctor bags, briefcases, satchels and duffel. The romance of travel has been a constant muse for Hidesign through the year, and the same spirit is captured in the Icon bags.

Hidesign attempts to create a window to the brands formative years through the ‘Icon Exhibition’- an exhibition showcasing images of the company’s journey so far and key styles from its archives. The exhibition kicks off in Hidesign’s hometown Pondicherry from 13th- 20th September, 2014.It is slated to travel to Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore in the following months.

The collection will be launched at Hidesign stores across India after the exhibition.