Posts

atOptions = { 'key' : '6c39f3afcc4a7d3273ae854cf46e16fa', 'form

Cuisine : Doda Barfi: Punjab’s Traditional Grainy Delight - how to prepare

Image
  One of the most loved traditional sweets from Punjab, Doda Barfi is known for its rich taste and distinctive grainy texture. Unlike many other sweets, this delicacy does not rely on regular wheat flour. Instead, its unique flavour comes from sprouted wheat, which gives it a rustic taste and a slightly coarse consistency. With a little effort, you can recreate this authentic sweet at home and enjoy a texture just like the ones sold in sweet shops. Ingredients 1 cup sprouted wheat 2 litres milk 1½ cups sugar or jaggery 1½ cups desi ghee 2–3 tablespoons curd 1 tablespoon cocoa powder Cashews, pistachios or other nuts (as required) 1 teaspoon cardamom powder Method The key to making perfect Doda Barfi lies in preparing the wheat properly. First, soak whole wheat and allow it to sprout. Once sprouted, dry the grains and grind them lightly in a mixer. The mixture should not become a fine flour; instead, it should remain coarse and grainy, similar to dalia. Next, heat about two litres o...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sporting superstars : Colin Croft – The Tall Enforcer of the West Indies Pace Quartet- Career HLs , video

Image
  Colin Croft was born on 15 March 1953 in Georgetown, Guyana. A key member of the fearsome West Indies fast-bowling attack of the late 1970s and early 1980s, Croft was known for his unorthodox run-up and steep bounce. Style of Play Croft was a right-arm fast bowler renowned for: A wide, almost diagonal run-up Delivering the ball from close to the batsman Generating steep bounce and awkward angles Aggressive short-pitched bowling Standing tall and imposing, he was an intimidating presence who thrived in the aggressive Caribbean fast-bowling culture. Career Highlights Croft played a crucial role during the golden era of West Indies cricket, when the team dominated world cricket with its unmatched fast-bowling depth. He was often part of a legendary quartet featuring bowlers like Michael Holding, Joel Garner, and Andy Roberts. Together, they terrorized batting line-ups worldwide. Test Record Matches: 27 Wickets: 125 Average: 23.30 Best Bowling: 8/29 Five-wicket hauls: 10 Croft’s Test...
Post a Comment
Read more

Indian Temples : Mahabali Temple (Hanuman Temple), Imphal – Manipur

Image
  The Mahabali Temple, also known as the Hanuman Temple of Imphal, is one of the most important Hindu temples in the state of Manipur. Located on the eastern bank of the Imphal River, near the old Kangla Fort, the temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the devoted follower of Lord Rama. It is a prominent place of worship for the Hindu community in Manipur and attracts large numbers of devotees, particularly on Saturdays and during Hanuman-related festivals. History (In Detail) The Mahabali Temple has a significant historical connection with the Manipur royal family and the spread of Vaishnavism in the region. The temple was built in 1725 CE during the reign of King Garib Niwaj (Pamheiba), one of the most influential rulers of Manipur. During his rule, Vaishnavism—especially devotion to Lord Rama and Lord Krishna—became widely established in the kingdom. According to historical records, King Garib Niwaj constructed the temple after embracing Hinduism and promoting Vaishnava traditions...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sporting superstars : Bruce Reid – Australia’s Tall Left-Arm Pace Weapon

Image
  Bruce Reid one of the tallest fast bowlers to have played cricket , was born on 14 March 1963 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. A towering left-arm fast bowler, Reid was known for his steep bounce, natural swing, and ability to trouble even the best batters. Although his international career was frequently interrupted by injuries, he produced several outstanding performances and remained one of the most respected Australian pacemen of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Style of Play Bruce Reid’s bowling style was distinctive because of his height (around 6 ft 8 in) and left-arm fast-medium action. Key attributes included: Sharp bounce from a high release point Natural outswing to right-handed batters Ability to generate movement even on flat pitches Intelligent use of seam positioning and variation Left arm angle which used to trouble righthander batters . His unusual angle and bounce often created awkward situations for batsmen. Reid was primarily a specialist bowler, though he wa...
Post a Comment
Read more

Indian Temples: Kirateshwar (Kirateswar) Mahadev Temple, Sikkim- Highlights

Image
  The Kirateshwar Mahadev Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan state of Sikkim. Located at Legship on the banks of the Rangit River, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped here in the form of Kirateshwar Mahadev. The temple is associated with a famous episode from the Mahabharata, where Lord Shiva appeared as a Kirata (tribal hunter) to test the warrior Arjuna. Because of this legend, the shrine is also called Kirateshwar Mahadev, meaning “Shiva in the form of the Kirata hunter.” Today the temple is an important religious centre for devotees from Sikkim, West Bengal, Nepal, and Bhutan, and is regarded as one of the most spiritually powerful Shiva shrines in the eastern Himalayas. History (In Detail) Mythological Origin According to the Mahabharata, during the exile of the Pandavas, Arjuna performed severe penance to obtain the divine weapon Pashupatastra from Lord Shiva. During his meditation in the Himalayan forests, a demon named Muk...
Post a Comment
Read more

India Clinch Back-to-Back T20 World Cups with Crushing Win Over New Zealand

Image
  The heartbreak of two and a half years ago finally faded on Sunday as India produced a commanding performance to defeat New Zealand by 97 runs in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad. India lifted the trophy for the second consecutive time, becoming the first nation to achieve that feat, and secured their third T20 World Cup title overall. The victory also highlighted India’s remarkable dominance in ICC tournaments. After ending an 11-year title drought in 2024, India have now won three ICC trophies in three years — the 2024 T20 World Cup, the 2025 Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup. Pitch analyst Ian Bishop had noted that the surface contained more red soil than black — ideal for batting. Yet New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner chose to bowl first after winning the toss, hoping the slight grass cover would help his pacers. Openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma launched a ferocious assault on the Kiwi bowlers. After scoring 12 runs in the first two overs, the pair ex...
Post a Comment
Read more

Lakshya Sen Falls Short Again in All England Final, Loses to Lin Chun-Yi in Straight Games

Image
  Lakshya Sen’s wait for a historic All England title continued as the Indian shuttler suffered defeat in the final for the second time. The Bengali star had a golden opportunity to script history but could not overcome Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun-Yi, who won in straight games 21-15, 22-20. Sen did not have a favourable record against Lin coming into the match. In their previous four meetings, the Indian had lost every time. However, after Sen’s impressive victories against strong opponents in the quarterfinal and semifinal, there was renewed hope that he could turn things around in the final. Unfortunately for him, Lin once again proved too strong. The left-handed Lin created constant problems for Sen. Left-handers often produce awkward angles against right-handed opponents, and that advantage was evident from the start of the match. Lin dominated the opening game and, despite Sen’s efforts to close the gap, comfortably took it 21-15. Sen made a promising start in the second game an...
Post a Comment
Read more

Indian Temples: Nartiang Durga Temple, Meghalaya- Highlights

Image
  The Nartiang Durga Temple is one of the most important Shakti temples in Northeast India. Located in the historic village of Nartiang, about 65 km from Shillong, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is considered a major Shakti Peetha tradition center of the Jaintia Kingdom. This temple is especially famous because it was once the royal temple of the Jaintia kings, who ruled parts of present-day Meghalaya, Assam, and Bangladesh. The shrine blends Hindu religious traditions with indigenous Khasi-Jaintia culture, making it unique among Indian temples. History (In Detail) Origin during the Jaintia Kingdom The temple dates back to the 16th century, when the Jaintia Kingdom ruled the region. According to historical accounts, the temple was built by King Dhan Manik, one of the prominent rulers of the dynasty. The Jaintia kings were devotees of Goddess Durga, and they established this temple as their royal place of worship. Capital at Nartiang For several centuries, Nartiang ser...
Post a Comment
Read more

Australia Crush India women by 10 Wickets in Perth Day-Night Test, Healy Bids Farewell in Style

Image
  Australia capped three days of complete dominance with a commanding 10-wicket victory over India in the one-off women’s day-night Test in Perth on Sunday, sealing the contest in emphatic fashion. The hosts laid the foundation for the comprehensive win earlier in the day by dismissing India for 149 in their second innings. Chasing a modest target of just 25 runs, Australia wrapped up the match comfortably without any drama. The victory also served as a perfect farewell for captain Alyssa Healy, who signed off her career in the Baggy Green with a memorable triumph against an opponent she had consistently dominated throughout her career. India’s hopes were already fading when they resumed the third day at 105 for six. Overnight batters Pratika Rawal and Sneh Rana attempted to offer resistance, adding valuable runs to take the score to 132. Rawal displayed admirable composure during her well-crafted 63, but the uphill task proved far too demanding. The turning point arrived when Ash ...
Post a Comment
Read more

India's Lakshya Sen Storms Into All England Open Final after a semi final thriller

Image
  India’s Lakshya Sen reached the final of the prestigious All England Open Badminton Championships, setting up another shot at the historic title. On Saturday, he defeated Canada’s Victor Lai 21–16, 18–21, 21–15 in a gripping semifinal. The world No. 12 did not have it easy, spending one hour and 37 minutes on court before sealing the victory. Lai, who had won a bronze medal at the BWF World Championships in Paris last year, pushed Sen hard before the Indian shuttler prevailed. This is the second time Sen has reached the final of the tournament. He had also made the summit clash in 2022 but had to settle for the silver medal. This time, he will face Chinese Taipei’s Lin Chun-yi in the title match. Only two Indians have won the All England title so far — Prakash Padukone in 1980 and Pullela Gopichand in 2001. Apart from them, Prakash Nath (1947) and Saina Nehwal (2015) finished as runners-up. Sen has been in superb form throughout the tournament. In the opening round he stunned wor...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sutherland brilliant 100 & shocking Indian batting display put Australia women on verge of test win

Image
  India Women are staring at a heavy defeat against Australia in the day-night Test in Perth. At the end of the second day’s play, the one-day world champions found themselves firmly on the back foot after another disappointing batting performance. Replying to India’s modest first-innings total of 198, Australia posted a commanding 323, securing a sizeable 125-run lead. By stumps on Saturday, India were struggling at 105 for 6 in their second innings and still trail by 20 runs. Just like the first innings, India’s batting line-up crumbled under pressure. While Jemimah Rodrigues had shown resistance earlier, the second innings saw only Pratika Rawal offer any real fight. The Indian batters looked uncomfortable against Australia’s disciplined pace attack on the Perth pitch. Smriti Mandhana (2), Shafali Verma (5), Jemimah (14), captain Harmanpreet Kaur (11), Deepti Sharma (9) and Richa Ghosh (0) all failed to make an impact, unable to read or counter the sharp Australian bowling. With...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sporting icons : Sir Vivian Richards - Career details & video of West Indies batting legend

Image
  Sir Vivian Richards, born March 7 , 1952 is widely regarded as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, hails from Antigua and was a dominant force in the sport during the 1970s and 1980s. Known for his aggressive and flamboyant batting style, Richards was a key player for the West Indies team that achieved unprecedented success. His intimidating presence at the crease, combined with remarkable hand-eye coordination, allowed him to amass runs with remarkable consistency. Richards played a pivotal role in the West Indies' dominance, contributing significantly to their multiple Test and One Day International triumphs. Beyond his on-field prowess, his charismatic personality and leadership qualities left an indelible mark on cricket, making Sir Vivian Richards an iconic figure in the history of the sport. Vivian Richards was a right-handed batsman known for his aggressive and attacking batting style. His powerful stroke play and fearless approach made him one of the most formidab...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sporting icons : Ivan Lendl- The tennis legend of 1980s era - Career HLs , video

Image
  Introduction Ivan Lendl was born on March 7, 1960, in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic). He is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, dominating the sport during the 1980s. Lendl was known for his powerful baseline game, relentless consistency, and exceptional fitness. He revolutionized modern tennis with his aggressive playing style, emphasizing heavy topspin and intense physical conditioning. Style of Play Lendl was a baseline powerhouse who relied on strong groundstrokes, heavy topspin, and excellent footwork . He had a particularly devastating forehand and a strong two-handed backhand. His serve was also effective, helping him dictate play. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who preferred serve-and-volley tennis, Lendl was among the pioneers of baseline dominance. His mental toughness and rigorous training regimen set new standards in professional tennis. Career Highlights Ranked World No. 1 for 270 weeks , a record at the time (l...
Post a Comment
Read more

Australia Pacers Dominate as India Women Struggle on Day 1 of Pink-Ball Test

Image
  India Women endured a challenging opening day in their first-ever day-night Test, played at the lively Perth surface, as Australia’s disciplined pace attack left the visitors under pressure. With the conditions favouring the bowlers, wickets tumbled throughout the day. While India’s batters largely faltered, the bowlers fought back bravely to keep the contest alive. A total of 13 wickets fell on the opening day, including 10 from India, highlighting the demanding nature of the pitch. Batting first after Australia captain Alyssa Healy won the toss and opted to field, India were bundled out for 198 in their first innings. The innings began poorly for India as Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for just 4 runs bowled by debutant Luis Hamilton. The opening pair of Shafali Verma and Pratika Rawal tried to stabilise the innings but failed to convert their starts into substantial contributions. Shafali looked promising, played some glorious  drives but fell for 35, attempting to acceler...
Post a Comment
Read more

India Edge England by 7 Runs in Thrilling T20IWC semis ,Bethell’s Heroics Go in Vain

Image
  India booked their place in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 after defeating England by a thrilling seven-run margin in the second semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium. In a high-scoring contest packed with drama, India posted a formidable 253 for 7 in 20 overs. England responded bravely but fell just short, finishing on 246 for 7 despite a magnificent century from Jacob Bethell. England required 30 runs in the final over and managed to score 22, but India held their nerve to seal victory. Bethell was the standout performer for England with a sensational 105. For India, Hardik Pandya claimed two wickets, while Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel took one each. India will now face New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final on Sunday at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Bethell’s Century Keeps England in the Hunt Chasing a daunting target of 254, England did not begin well and lost two early wickets at 38. Phil Salt (5) and captain Harry Brook (7) were dismissed...
Post a Comment
Read more

New Zealand Crush South Africa to Storm into T20IWC Final, Finn Allen smash 100 in 33 balls

Image
    South Africa walked into the T20 World Cup semi-final as overwhelming favourites. Unbeaten in the tournament and brimming with confidence, Aiden Markram’s men seemed poised to shed their long-standing “chokers” tag. Instead, the Proteas suffered yet another crushing knockout blow. In a one-sided contest at Eden Gardens, New Zealand dismantled South Africa with clinical precision to book their place in a second T20 World Cup final. A packed Eden had gathered in anticipation of a high-octane thriller. What unfolded, however, was a stark mismatch. Winning the toss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner opted to bowl first — a decision that paid instant dividends. The relatively unheralded Cole McConchie struck twice in the second over, jolting South Africa early  with wickets of southpaws DeKock (10) & Rickleton (0) . From that point onward, the Proteas never truly recovered. Markram’s (18) controversial dismissal further deepened the crisis. David Miller (6) , the he...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sporting icons : Zico - Brazilian midfield genius - Career HLs , video

Image
  Zico, born Arthur Antunes Coimbra, is widely regarded as one of the greatest attacking midfielders in football history. Known as the “White Pelé,” he was the creative heartbeat of Brazil during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Zico combined elegance, vision and extraordinary technical ability, becoming one of the finest playmakers and free-kick specialists the game has ever seen.   Early stages  Zico was born on 3 March 1953 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. As a young boy, he was physically slight and initially doubted by coaches. However, through disciplined strength training and relentless practice, he developed into a complete footballer. His rise from a frail youth prospect to a global superstar remains one of the most inspiring stories in Brazilian football. Style of Play Zico was an attacking midfielder blessed with superb ball control, sharp vision and exceptional passing accuracy. He had the ability to dictate tempo, unlock defenses with through balls and score spectac...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sporting icons : Jackie Joyner-Kersee – All time legendary female Athlete of USA - Career HLs video

Image
  Jackie Joyner-Kersee is widely regarded as one of the greatest female athletes in the history of track and field. She dominated the heptathlon and long jump during the 1980s and 1990s and became an icon of versatility, strength and competitive spirit. Her performances made her one of the most celebrated Olympians of all time, and she set records that still stand decades after her retirement. Date of Birth and Early Life Jackie Joyner-Kersee was born on March 3, 1962, in East St. Louis, Illinois, USA. From a young age she showed remarkable athletic talent across multiple sports, including track and field, basketball and volleyball. Her early success in athletics during high school paved the way for a scholarship at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she eventually focused on the heptathlon under the guidance of coach Bob Kersee, whom she later married.  Style of Play (Sporting Style) Joyner-Kersee excelled in the heptathlon, a demanding track and field ev...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sporting icons : Inzamam-ul-Haq- Pakistani batting stalwart - Career HLs , video

Image
  Inzamam-ul-Haq was born on March 3, 1970, in Multan, Pakistan. He was one of Pakistan’s greatest batsmen, known for his calm demeanor, exceptional timing, and ability to play under pressure. Inzamam was a technically sound middle-order batsman who could anchor innings as well as accelerate when required. He played a crucial role in Pakistan’s success during the 1990s and early 2000s and later served as the team’s captain and chief selector. Style of Play Inzamam was a classical right-handed batsman with a strong technique and elegant stroke play. He was known for his ability to pace his innings perfectly, shifting gears when necessary. Despite his large frame, he had remarkable agility when playing his shots, particularly his flicks and drives. He was strong on pulls & hooks off genuine quick bowling .  While he wasn’t the quickest runner between the wickets, he made up for it with his excellent placement and shot selection. Batting, Bowling & Fielding Records ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The significance of Holi festival & its celebrations

Image
  Holi is a Hindu festival celebrated primarily in India and Nepal, but it's also observed in other parts of the world with Hindu communities. It signifies the victory of good over evil and the arrival of spring. Here's how it's celebrated in detail: 1. **Holika Dahan**: The festivities usually begin with the lighting of a bonfire the night before Holi, known as Holika Dahan. This ritual symbolizes the burning of the demoness Holika, who tried to kill Prahlad, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. 2. **Play with Colors**: The main event of Holi involves people throwing colored powders and water at each other. People roam the streets, parks, and temples, smearing each other with colors, water balloons, and water guns. It's a joyful and colorful celebration, where social norms are relaxed, and people of all ages participate. 3. **Music and Dance**: Holi is also celebrated with music, dance, and traditional folk songs. People gather to sing and dance, often accompanied by drums and ot...
Post a Comment
Read more