The Story of the Chathans: When Harmful Spirits Become Gods in Kerala Folklore

The story of the Chathans, most notably Kuttichathan or Vishnumaya, is one of the most fascinating, complex, and misunderstood concepts in Kerala’s folklore, Tantric traditions, and Theyyam culture. It directly addresses a profound question: can those who cause harm become gods? In the unique framework of Dravidian folklore, the answer is a resounding yes, but […]

How to Remove and Prevent Spiderwebs at Home Naturally

Spiderwebs are a common nuisance in homes, appearing in corners, ceilings, and window sills almost overnight. While spiders are generally harmless and even help control other insects, their webs can make a home look untidy and neglected. The good news is that you can quickly remove existing webs and prevent spiders from returning using simple, […]

Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme: Kerala Health Cover Explained

The Oommen Chandy Health Insurance Scheme is a flagship welfare initiative announced in the June 2026 Kerala State Budget, designed to provide comprehensive medical coverage of up to ₹25 lakh per family. The scheme aims to reduce heavy out-of-pocket medical expenses for households across the state by offering free healthcare coverage. An initial budget allocation […]

India to Introduce MDR on Large UPI Merchant Payments from October 15

2026 ഒക്ടോബർ 15 മുതൽ 2,000 രൂപയ്ക്ക് മുകളിലുള്ള വ്യക്തി-വ്യാപാരി UPI ഇടപാടുകൾക്ക് 0.4% മർച്ചന്റ് ഡിസ്കൗണ്ട് റേറ്റ് (MDR) ഏർപ്പെടുത്തുമെന്ന് സർക്കാർ പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ചു; എന്നാൽ ഉപഭോക്താക്കൾക്ക് ഈ ചാർജ് ബാധകമല്ല, വ്യാപാരികളാണ് ഇത് വഹിക്കേണ്ടത്, ബാങ്കുകൾ ഈ ചെലവ് ഉപഭോക്താക്കളിലേക്ക് കൈമാറരുതെന്ന് സർക്കാർ നിർദ്ദേശിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. വ്യക്തി-വ്യക്തി ഇടപാടുകളും 2,000 രൂപ വരെയുള്ള വ്യാപാരി പേയ്‌മെന്റുകളും പൂർണ്ണമായും സൗജന്യമായി തുടരും. 75,000 രൂപയ്ക്കും അതിന് മുകളിലുമുള്ള ഇടപാടുകൾക്ക് MDR 300 രൂപയിൽ പരിധി നിശ്ചയിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്, റെയിൽവേ, ടെലികോം, […]

The Story of Ganesha and Kubera: A Lesson in Humility

The story of Ganesha and Kubera’s pride begins with Kubera, the treasurer of the gods and the wealthiest being in the universe, who grew immensely proud of his boundless riches. Wanting to show off his wealth, he decided to host a grand feast at his palace in Alakapuri and invited all the gods, including Lord […]

How to Clean Your Gas Stove Like a Pro Using Simple Household Items

Cleaning a gas stove can feel like a daunting task, especially when faced with baked-on grease, stubborn stains, and clogged burners. However, with a few simple techniques and common household ingredients, you can restore your stove to its original shine without harsh chemicals or expensive products. The key lies in a three-step approach: soaking removable […]

Thrissur-Style Parippu Curry: The Rustic Lentil Dish That Defines Central Kerala

Thrissur-style parippu curry, often called Parippu Kuthi Kachiyathu, is a distinctly rustic lentil preparation that stands apart from the milder versions found elsewhere in Kerala. Unlike the standard Onam Sadya-style moong dal curry, this traditional Thrissur variant uses toor dal as its main base, giving it a deeper, earthier character. The dish earns its name […]

Ethakka Mezhukkupuratti: The Classic Kerala Raw Plantain Stir-Fry

A traditional Kerala-style dry stir-fry, Ethakka Mezhukkupuratti transforms humble raw plantains into a dish that holds a proud place on any Malayali dining table. The name itself tells a story—”Mezhukkupuratti” translates to “coated with oil,” perfectly describing the glossy, pan-roasted texture that defines this preparation. Made with raw green plantains, preferably the Nendran variety, and […]