A bit of China in Chennai...

Madras aka Chennai has always been synonymous with the Taj Coromandel. Even as five stars and seven stars prop in and out of the city, there is always an aura around the Taj.So, when I was invited for the preview of the Claypot festival in the Golden Dragon, I could not refuse.

I am not too much of a foodie. In fact I hate to cook. What has however fascinated me is pots and pans. I am more interested in the tradition behind cooking than cooking itself   – the vessels used, the spices grounded, the methods used, the little stories and legends behind a dish . So, Chef Radi Prakash, Sous Chef – Golden Dragon, of Golden Dragon decided to make my meal interesting by telling me how “Claypot” as a concept originated in China as a meal for the family. Most family members used to eat out of one claypot or every member had a claypot for himself or herself. Rice, noodles, meat, vegetables and sauces were all cooked and served in that claypot and it was probably the Chinese version of a kichdi, but a family meal nevertheless. And the traditional clay cooking added more textures and flavours.

I started my meal with varieties of dumplings – my favourite in any Chinese meal. I can actually have a meal of dumplings. I was servedWater chestnut and cilantro dumpling,Imperial vegetable dimsum and Spicy bean Dumpling. Being a vegetarian, my claypots had a mix of mock meats, flavoured rice and tofu, but for those who like a bit of meat, there is fresh sea food and imperial duck served in their claypots.  But the most sinful experience was the dessert – Water chestnut and peanut roll with Litchi Basil seed ice cream.

So, get your taste buds ticked with some interesting flavours at the Claypot festival at the Golden Dragon at Taj. The festival is on till May 4.

Erotic sculptures in Khajuraho and Konark

Indian art and architecture has always celebrated sensuality and eroticism. Although most temples in India have their share of erotic sculptures, they are at their passionate best in the temples in Khajuraho and Konark, both of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

Erotic sculptures in Khajuraho

Lost in a world of caresses with passions running high are millions of exquisite sculptures carved on the walls of the temples here. They may be cast in stone but their emotions bring them alive.

Erotic sculptures in Konark Sun temple

Love alternates with lust as these amorous men and women are etched in a montage of erotic art.They seem unabashed as they make no attempt to cloak their feelings. Some are locked in a tight embrace, others gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes, while the rest are enacting various scenes out of the Kamasutra. And even in those private moments made public, they seem to have eyes only for their beloved.

Erotic sculptures on Khajuraho temples

There are many reasons why temples depict erotic art . Most locals however say that the underlying thought is to leave your lust behind before entering the temple, which is probably why these sculptures do not show the Gods and goddesses in intimate moments. Neverthess these sculptures are odes to pristine forms of passion.

More erotic art at Konark

Have you been to these temples ? What do you think prompted the sculptors tto carve these erotic sculptures ? Do let me know your thoughts..