Why I Still Use This Traditional Method Before Making Multigrain Flour

 

Some kitchen traditions never grow old.

For many years, I have been following the same simple method to prepare soybeans before getting my homemade multigrain flour milled. Even today, despite having modern kitchen appliances, I still prefer this traditional technique because I believe it makes the soybeans cleaner, easier to digest, and better suited for everyday use.

Freshly washed soybeans drying naturally in the sun.

Jowar drying alongside the soybeans on a sunny afternoon.

The process begins by washing the soybeans thoroughly and spreading them out in the sun until they are completely dry.

Once dry, I pulse them gently in a mixer grinder—not to make flour, but just enough to loosen their outer skins.

Then comes my favourite part.

Separating soybean husks using a traditional bamboo winnowing tray (Chhaj)—a simple technique passed down through generations.

I transfer the soybeans into a traditional bamboo winnowing tray, known as a Chhaj. With gentle movements of the tray, the lighter husks separate from the heavier beans. It is a simple technique that has been passed down through generations and still works beautifully today.

The cleaned soybeans are then mixed with wheat, jowar (sorghum), barley, gram, or other grains before being taken to the flour mill for making our family's multigrain flour.

Soybean husks separated after light grinding.

The separated husks are never wasted. They can be fed to cattle, making this an eco-friendly and sustainable practice.

Many people ask me why I continue using this traditional method when machines can do much of the work. My answer is simple: some traditional practices have stood the test of time because they are practical, economical, and effective. They also keep us connected to the wisdom of earlier generations.

This is one such tradition that continues to be a part of my kitchen even today, and I hope it remains alive for many years to come.

Do you still follow any traditional kitchen practices in your home? I'd love to hear about them in the comments!

XO

Is Today's Spirit of Helping One Another Also a Form of "Ishq"?

A few days ago, I watched this video of an interesting conversation between Kapil Sibal and Justice Markandey Katju, here Justice Katju spoke about the idea of an "Ishq Karo Party."

I do not see this as a political slogan. To me, it is a human and philosophical idea.

Over the past days, we have witnessed many moments when people from different backgrounds, faiths, communities, and beliefs have stood together, supported one another, and shown compassion during difficult times.

Isn't this, too, a form of "Ishq"?

If Ishq is understood not merely as romantic love but as humanity, empathy, kindness, mutual respect, and the willingness to stand by one another, then perhaps we are already living this idea in many ways.

This thought raises an important question:

Can a better society be built on love, dialogue, cooperation, and shared humanity rather than division and distrust?

I am sharing this post not as an endorsement or criticism of any political viewpoint, but simply to encourage thoughtful discussion.

This idea has been on my mind since I first watched the conversation. The current social atmosphere has only made me feel that it is the right time to reflect on it and invite others to think about it as well.

What does "Ishq" mean to you?
Can compassion, solidarity, and mutual support also be considered expressions of it?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

XO

A Pilgrimage to Our Roots: Seeking Blessings at Mungipa Baba, Tosham Hills

 

A Family Pilgrimage to Mungipa Baba at Tosham Hills | Faith, Heritage & Family Memories

A heartwarming memoir of our family's visit to Mungipa Baba at Tosham Hills when our granddaughter turned one. A journey celebrating faith, ancestral roots, and unforgettable family moments.

Flashback to October 2015

These photographs were taken eleven years ago, yet every image still brings back the warmth of that beautiful family day. We had gone to seek the blessings of Mungipa Baba when our granddaughter celebrated her first birthday.

Three generations united by faith, visiting Mungipa Baba at Tosham Hills in October 2015.

A Journey Close to My Heart

Some journeys remain etched in our hearts forever—not because of the distance we travel, but because they reconnect us with our roots.

These photographs were taken in 2015, when my granddaughter had just celebrated her first birthday. To seek blessings for her healthy and happy life, our family—my son, daughter-in-law, little granddaughter, my niece, and I—visited the sacred shrine of Mungipa Baba on the beautiful Tosham Hills in Haryana.

For us, it was much more than a family outing. It was a pilgrimage filled with faith, gratitude, and memories that continue to warm our hearts.

Every journey becomes memorable when shared with loved ones.

Our Ancestral Connection with Tosham

Tosham is not just another town for our family.

According to the stories lovingly preserved by our elders, our ancestors originally belonged to Tosham. In later generations, they moved to nearby agricultural lands, and over time those settlements gradually developed into villages with new names.

Every year, the traditional family genealogists (known locally as Jagas) who maintain ancestral family records in Haridwar would visit our village and share details of our family lineage. Listening to them was like opening a living history book.

Our elders also believed that our family traces its lineage to Prithviraj Chauhan, and that over the centuries the family gradually became part of the Jat community. Such oral traditions have been passed down through generations and remain an important part of our family's heritage.

Whether preserved in written records or through family memories, these stories remind us that knowing where we come from gives deeper meaning to where we are today.

Seeking blessings amidst the sacred surroundings of Tosham Hills.

A Day Filled with Smiles

The photographs capture simple but beautiful moments.

My niece and daughter-in-law laughing together on the stone steps…

My little granddaughter, barely one year old, looking around with innocent curiosity…

Our family pausing before the sacred statues…

The peaceful surroundings of Tosham Hills…

Every picture carries the warmth of togetherness.

Years have passed since then, but these smiles still feel fresh.

The happiest memories are often the simplest ones.

Discovering the beauty of Tosham Hills together.

Faith and Nature Together

One of the most beautiful aspects of Tosham Hills is the peaceful harmony between spirituality and nature.

Ancient rocks, green trees, gentle pathways, and sacred shrines create an atmosphere where one naturally slows down and reflects.

Standing there, it felt as though time itself had paused for a while

Moments of peace surrounded by nature.

Joy needs no words.

Looking Back with Gratitude

Today, whenever I revisit these photographs, I realize that they preserve much more than a family picnic.

They preserve blessings.

They preserve traditions.

They preserve relationships.

Most importantly, they preserve our connection with the land where our family's story once began.

And perhaps that is the greatest gift photographs can give us—they allow memories to remain alive long after the moment has passed.

Laughter makes every pilgrimage unforgettable.

Candid moments often become our favourite memories.

Family traditions are not only preserved in history books—they live on through journeys, prayers, conversations, and photographs.

This visit to Mungipa Baba, Tosham Hills, reminds me that every generation should know its roots, cherish its heritage, and pass these stories on with love.

As time moves forward, these memories become priceless treasures for the generations that follow.

Note:

These photographs were taken during our family visit to Mungipa Baba, Tosham Hills, in October 2015. I am sharing them today from my personal photo archives because some memories become more meaningful with time.

A Small Request to My Readers

Thank you for spending a few moments with my family's memories.

If this post reminded you of your own hometown, your ancestors, or a special family journey, I'd love to hear about it.

Have you ever visited Tosham Hills or Mungipa Baba?

What place in your life holds the deepest memories?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below. Your words encourage me to continue sharing more stories from my memory archives.

Thank you for visiting my blog. See you again with another cherished memory!

हर मंगलवार की वो मीठी यादें

पहाड़ के ऊपर मंदिर तेरा, सबसे प्यारा धाम हो।

तेरी दया त मौज करै सै, सारा नगर तोशाम हो।

तेरी दया त मौज करै सै, म्हारा नगर तोशाम हो।

यो भजन सुनते ही बचपन की याद आगी! 

हर मंगलवार अपनी दादी अर कुनबे के बालकां सतीं  बाबा मुंगीपा कै धोक मारण जाणा .. वे दिन अर वा आस्था आज भी दिल में बसै सै। बाबा मुंगीपा सब पै अपनी मेहर बनाए राखियो। 

जय बाबा मुंगीपा तोशाम धाम!💗

Handmade Crochet Table Topper – Complete Recipe and Instructions

Table Topper

 

 Learn how to crochet a beautiful handmade table topper with this easy step-by-step tutorial. Complete pattern, stitches, materials, and finishing tips for beginners and crochet lovers.

ABBREVIATIONS: beg = beginning; ch = chain; dc =

double crochet; dtr = double treble; lp(s) = loop(s); rep

= repeat; rnd = round; sc = single crochet; sl st = slip

stitch; sp = space; st(s) = stitch(es); tr = treble crochet;

yo = yarn over; * or ** = repeat whatever follows the *

as indicated; [ ] = work directions given in brackets the

number of times specifiedABBREVIATIONS: beg = beginning; ch = chain; dc =

double crochet; dtr = double treble; lp(s) = loop(s); rep

= repeat; rnd = round; sc = single crochet; sl st = slip

stitch; sp = space; st(s) = stitch(es); tr = treble crochet;

yo = yarn over; * or ** = repeat whatever follows the *

as indicated; [ ] = work directions given in brackets the

number of times specified

Topper measures approximately 32” across.

2 Skeins

Crochet Hook: 3.25mm

Yarn needle.

GAUGE: Rnds 1-5 = 4 1/4” across; Rnds 1-23 =20”

across. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to

obtain the gauge.

 

 

 

Rnd 1: Ch 5, [dc in 5th ch from hook, ch 1] 7 times; join

with a sl st in 4th ch of ch-5.

Rnd 2: Ch 3, tr around post of st directly below, dc in top

of same st, ch 1, [dc in next dc, tr around post of same dc,

dc in same dc, ch 1] 7 times; join in top of ch-3.

Rnd 3: Ch 1, [sc in st, 2 sc around post of next tr, sc in

next st, 2 sc in ch-1 sp] 8 times; join in first sc – 48 sc.

Rnd 4: Ch 6, skip first 3 sc, [dc in next sc, ch 3, skip next 2

sc] 15 times; join in 3rd ch of ch-6.

Rnd 5: Ch 5, sc in sp, ch 2, [dc in next dc, ch 2,sc in sp, ch 2] 15 times; join in 3rd ch of ch-5.

Rnd 6: Ch 8, [dc in next dc, ch 5] 15 times; join in 3rd ch of

ch-8.

Rnd 7: Ch 1, sc in same st as joining, * [ch 1, dtr] 8 times

all in next dc, ch 1 **, sc in next dc; rep from * around, end

at **; join. Rnd 8: Sl st across to 2nd ch-1 sp, ch 1, sc in

same sp, * [ch 3, sc in next sp] 6 times, ch 1, skip next 2

sps **, sc in next sp; rep from * around, end at **; join.

Rnd 9: (Sl st, ch 1, sc) all in ch-3 sp – beg rnd made; ch 3,

* sc in ch-3 sp, ch 3; rep from * around; join.

Rnd 10: Beg rnd, * [ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp] 4 times, ch 5,

skip next ch-3 sp **, sc in next ch-3 sp; rep from * around,

end at **; join.

Rnd 11: Beg rnd, * [ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp] 3 times, ch

8 **, sc in next ch-3 sp; rep from * around, end at **; join.

Rnd 12: Beg rnd, * [ch 3, sc in next ch-3 sp] twice, ch 12

**, sc in next ch-3 sp; rep from * around, end at **; join.

Rnd 13: Beg rnd, * ch 3, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 16 **, sc in ch-3

sp; rep from * around, end at **; join.

Rnd 14: Beg rnd, * ch 10, sc around the ch-lps of last 3

rnds (ch-8, ch-12, ch-16) together, ch 10 **, sc in next ch-3

sp; rep from * around, end at **; join.

Rnd 15: Ch 4, * [dc, ch 1] 5 times all in ch-10 sp **, dc in

next sc, ch 1; rep from * around, end at **; join in 3rd ch of

ch-4.

Rnd 16: Ch 5, * sc in next dc, ch 2 **, dc in next dc, ch 2;

rep from * around, end at **; join in 3rd ch of ch-5.

Rnd 17: Ch 7, * dc in next dc, ch 4; rep from * around; join

in 3rd ch of ch-7.

Rnd 18: Ch 1, (sc, ch 3, tr) all in same st as joining, * (sc,

ch 3, tr) all in next dc; rep from * around; join.

Rnd 19: Ch 8, * dc in next sc, ch 5; rep from * around; join

in 3rd ch of ch-8.

Rnd 20: Ch 3, * tr in sp, ch 3, dc around post of tr just

made **, dc in next dc; rep from * around, end at **; join in

top of ch-3.

Rnd 21: Ch 9, * skip next dc, dc in next dc, ch 6; rep from

* around; join in 3rd ch of ch-9.

Rnd 22: Ch 3, 2 dc in same st as joining, * ch 2, sc in sp,

ch 2 **, 3 dc in next dc; rep from * around, end at **; join.

Rnd 23: Sl st to first sc, ch 9, * dc in next sc, ch 6; rep from

* around; join in 3rd ch of ch-9.

Rnd 24: Ch 4, * [dc, ch 1] 3 times all in sp **, dc in next dc,

ch 1; rep from * around, end at **; join in 3rd ch of ch-4.

Rnd 25: Ch 3, tr around post of st directly below, dc in

same st, * ch 1, skip next dc, dc in next dc, tr around post

of same dc, dc in same dc; rep from * around; sc in top of

ch-3 to join and form last sp.

Rnd 26: Ch 7, * sc in next sp, ch 4 **, dc in next sp, ch 4;

rep from * around, end at **; join in 3rd ch of ch-7.

Rnd 27: Ch 5, 2 dc in same st as joining, * ch 2, 8 dtr in

next dc, ch 2 **; (2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc) all in next dc – shell

made; rep from * around, end at **; dc in same st as

joining; join in 3rd ch of ch-5.

Rnd 28: (Sl st, ch 5, 2 dc) all in ch-2 sp, * ch 2, [dc in next

dtr, ch 1] 7 times, dc in next dtr, ch 2, skip next sp **, shell

in next sp; rep from * around, end at **; dc in same sp as

joining; join in 3rd ch of ch-5.

Rnd 29: (Sl st, ch 5, shell) all in ch-2 sp, * ch 2, skip ch-2

sp, sc in ch-1 sp, [ch 3, sc in ch-1 sp] 6 times, ch 2, skip

ch-2 sp **, (2 dc, ch 2, shell) all in next ch-2 sp; rep from *

around, end at **; (2 dc, ch 2) in same sp as joining; join in

3rd ch of ch-5.

Shape Tips-Row 30: (Sl st, ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) all in ch-2

sp, ch 2, sc in ch-3 sp, [ch 3, sc in ch-3 sp] 5 times, ch 2,

skip ch-2 sp, shell in next ch-2 sp; TURN.

Row 31: Sl st to sp, (ch 3, dc, ch 2, 2 dc) all in sp – beg

shell made; ch 2, sc in ch-3 sp, [ch 3, sc in ch-3 sp] 4

times, ch 2; shell in ch-2 sp of shell – shell over shell

made; turn.

Row 32: Beg shell, ch 2, sc in ch-3 sp, [ch 3, sc in ch-3 sp]

3 times, ch 2, shell over shell; turn.

Row 33: Beg shell, ch

2, sc in ch-3 sp, [ch 3, sc in ch-3 sp] twice, ch 2, shell over

shell; turn.

Row 34: Beg shell, ch 2, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 3, sc in ch-3 sp,

ch 2, shell over shell; turn.

Row 35: Beg shell, ch 2, sc in ch-3 sp, ch 2, shell over

shell; turn.

Row 36: Sl st to sp, ch 2, holding back last lp on hook, dc

in same sp, 2 dc in sp of last shell, yo and through all 4 lps

on hook. Fasten off.

*** With right side facing, attach yarn in next ch-2 sp of

Rnd 29; rep Rows 30-36. Rep from *** around.

I hope you enjoyed this step-by-step crochet table topper pattern and found it easy to follow. Handmade creations always bring a special warmth and personal touch to our homes, and I hope this project inspires you to create one of your own.

If you make this table topper, I'd love to hear about your experience. Feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions, or any questions in the comments below. Your feedback and encouragement mean a lot to me.

If you enjoyed this tutorial, please share it with your family and friends who love crochet and handmade crafts. Don't forget to visit my blog again for more crochet patterns, creative DIY projects, gardening inspiration, and nature-filled posts.

Happy Crocheting!

XOXO

When Editors Are Fearful and Literature is Censored: A Personal Account

 

What is the ultimate duty of a writer, poet, or creator? To remain absolutely honest to their art and thoughts. But when mainstream media houses lose their backbone, they expect creators to compromise their integrity as well.

Recently, an incident occurred with me that forced me to question whether any space is left for free writing in our country.

The Background
The editor of the prestigious media house 'Aaj Tak' requested my daughter Vipin Choudhary  to write a special essay for their upcoming issue. The theme was beautiful and highly relevant— 'Poetry, Technology, and Humanity'. To do full justice to the topic, She reached out to 8 sharp, distinguished poetes/poetesses across India and wove their thoughts into a single compilation.

Anupam Mishra Ji Fanning her daughter Neha

Among these 8 names was Anupam Mishra Ji. She is a brilliant creator. Coincidentally, she happens to be the mother of Neha Bora, who is currently on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar against the NEET paper leak scams.

The Editor's Call and Media's Fear
The article was ready and sent for publication. Suddenly, this morning,She received a phone call from the editor. He flatly told Her, "Please remove Anupam Mishra's name and her section from the article."

She was shocked.She asked why. Why censor a literary piece focused entirely on poetry, technology, and human values based on a writer's political or family background? The editor had no logical answer, only an unspoken, haunting fear of the establishment.

What Does This Reflect?
This incident exposes the ugliest truth of today's corporate media:

1.    Intellectual Helplessness: Mainstream editors no longer possess the independence to publish an innocent literary essay if it mentions someone whose family is questioning the system.

2.    Politics Over Art: The worth of a poet's thoughts is no longer judged by her words, but by the protest her family is involved in.

3.    Fear of the Truth: The establishment and its media are so terrified of dissenting voices that they want to silence even their literature.

My Daughter’s Stand
As a writer and a poet,She cannot trade her artistic honesty. This bouquet of thoughts belongs to all 8 poetes/poetesses, and it is complete only with Anupam Ji's words. She will never allow my work to be mutilated out of someone else's political fear.

She has decided not to allow the altered version to be published in 'Aaj Tak'. This piece will very soon be published in its original, unedited form on an independent platform that respects freedom of thought.

Mainstream media may shut its eyes, but in this digital age, truth cannot be blocked. I look forward to your support.