Tootfinder

So, I can't eat any fresh greens when I #travel home to #America next week?
This is the type of advice I used to get when traveling to places like #India or

"Google’s $15bn India data centre project faces water and environmental challenges"
#Google #India #Technology

Google’s $15bn India data centre project faces water and environmental challenges
Google’s planned $15bn data centre hub in Andhra Pradesh, India, is facing growing opposition from environmental activists over water use and its proximity to wildlife habitat, even as construction at the site moves ahead.

Talking of #birthdays, in #India they're celebrated on one of three days:
- day and month on Gregorian calendar; most common
- day and month on lunar calendar; "traditional folks"
- day when moon aligns with birth star in the lunar birth month; "traditional west coast folks, in the south"
#trivia

"Rhinos reintroduced to Indian park are breeding, but still need support"
#Rhinos #India #Animals

Rhinos reintroduced to Indian park are breeding, but still need support
Manas National Park in India’s Himalayan foothills was once home to some 100 Indian rhinos, almost all of which were wiped out by poaching by the late 1990s. After a campaign to reintroduce them, the population is growing and several calves have been born. But their recovery still needs active support, reports contributor Sneha Mahale […]

Heat wave empties roads and markets in north India as some farmers turn to nighttime work #India

Heat wave empties roads and markets in north India as some farmers turn to nighttime work
Roads and markets have emptied during afternoons and some farmers have switched to nighttime work to avoid scorching temperatures as a heat wave grips large parts of India.

"India connects 124 million rural homes to tap water"
#India #Water #Health

India connects 124 million rural homes to tap water | The Optimist Daily
India’s Jal Jeevan Mission has connected 124 million rural households to tap water since 2019, lifting coverage from 16.7 percent to 81 percent.

Made in Udupi. Served in Bavaria. 🤤 🇮🇳 🇩🇪
(see alt text)
#food #sweets #India #Germany

India's monsoon rain depends on where air gets cleaner #India

India's monsoon rain depends on where air gets cleaner
Cleaning up pollution around the world could bring significantly more rainfall to India's monsoon than regional action alone, research from the University of Reading shows and highlights the value of international cooperation on air quality.

"Trail cameras show elephants, leopards, and more embracing India's 7-mile wildlife crossing months ahead of schedule"
#India #Animals #Nature

Elephants, leopards, and more use India's 7-mile wildlife crossing months ahead of schedule
Researchers observed over 60 instances of the elephants safely utilising the corridors beneath the six-lane highway in India.

One morning, when Kascitcana awoke from a nightmare of religious authoritarianism, they found themselves transformed into an enormous cockroach. They were covered in armour. They could fly. They could digest anything, and infect the body politic with revolutionary ideas. Like the gods, they had many arms and legs! It was wonderful!!!!!
#India

🇺🇦 #NowPlaying on BBCRadio3's #RoundMidnight
INDIA BLUE & Josef Akin:
🎵 Fallen
#INDIABLUE #JosefAkin
https://open.spotify.com/track/0FqLXFUHpe7heyE8s7qxJj

"India adds 4.6 GWh of battery storage capacity in Q1"
#India #Energy #Batteries

India adds 4.6 GWh of battery storage capacity in Q1 - pv magazine Global
The country’s cumulative installed battery storage capacity reached 5.9 GWh as of March 2026.

"India curtailed 2.1 TWh of renewable electricity in fiscal year 2025–26"
#India #Energy #Renewables

India curtailed 2.1 TWh of renewable electricity in fiscal year 2025–26 - pv magazine Global
Ember's analysis found that about 2.1 TWh of renewable electricity generation was curtailed in fiscal year 2025–26, equivalent to 1.3% of total renewable generation, to keep coal-fired power plants operating at their minimum technical load. The report estimates that around 10 GWh of energy storage, charged during peak midday solar generation hours, would have been sufficient to absorb this surplus renewable output, maintain coal plants above their minimum technical load, and avoid the curtail…

YouTube influencer successfully influences someone to, checks story, rob her. 🥷
#burglary #irony #India #influencer

🇺🇦 #NowPlaying on KEXP's #VarietyMix
India Shawn:
🎵 Marmalade
#IndiaShawn
https://open.spotify.com/track/2Ph4qrjAKjD3qDu7z5znjF

"Introduced fish thrive amid Kasmir’s freshwater habitat degradation"
#India #Fish #Animals

Introduced fish thrive amid Kasmir’s freshwater habitat degradation
Native fish in the lakes and rivers of India’s Kashmir Valley are under increasing pressure from pollution, habitat loss, dam construction and other human activities, a recent review finds. These same threats are also likely giving exotic fish introduced to these freshwater habitats an edge, researchers say. “Our indigenous fishes are becoming vulnerable, endangered and […]

It's all relative.
- If you grew up in Bengaluru, you'll despise what it has become. 😤
- If you moved to Bengaluru from Delhi OTOH. ☺️
#Bengaluru #Bangalore #India #Delhi #comparison #living

Exquisite 23-karat (96%) gold medallion, made in India. Depicts "Wittala", a form of Hindu god Krishna.
(not my picture; I only prepared it for presentation)
#gold #jewelry #art #India

🇺🇦 #NowPlaying on KEXP's #VarietyMix
E. Lundquist feat. INDIA BLUE:
🎵 My Wings
#ELundquist #INDIABLUE
https://elundquist.bandcamp.com/track/my-wings-ft-india-blue-2
https://open.spotify.com/track/439dGIpVdTlMCwrld7vdHK

"India installs 2.7 GW of rooftop PV in Q1"
#India #Energy #Renewables #SolarPower

India installs 2.7 GW of rooftop PV in Q1 - pv magazine Global
India installed 2.7 GW of rooftop solar capacity in the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, driven largely by residential installations under the PM Surya Ghar program.

"India installs 15.3 GW of solar capacity in Q1"
#India #SolarPower #Energy #Renewables

India installs 15.3 GW of solar capacity in Q1
India installed 15.3 GW of solar capacity in the first quarter of 2026 – the highest quarterly addition on record – representing a 143% year-on-year increase, according to Mercom India.

Achievement Unlocked: Finally a smiley on the hygrometer indoor. 😀💦
#humidity #Udupi #India

I've 884 pics from Aug. 2024 alone from #India visit. Already reviewed most of them but dropping a third would still leave me 583. At least a half of those are worth publicly sharing, but I doubt I'll ever get around to sharing even 100.
So much beauty will stay unshared. 😥
#photography #dilemma

I love how these pictures capture falling water from the pot, to the conch, and on to the idols; and the authentic auspiciousness the whole setup conveys.🐚💧🛕
Remastering of pictures I received of a #ritual bathing ("abhishaeka") of idols of #Hindu gods. The hands seen belong to the current Swamiji of #Udupi Krishna Matha, #India.
#photography #notMine

Today, the 4th day of Shraawana month in the Hindu lunar calendar, is Naaga Chathurthi; tomorrow Naaga Panchami. Both days honor serpents (and snakes) with prayers made to the lord of serpents.🐍
In some traditions, women visit brothers on Panchami and get presents.🎁

#photography #amateur #Hindu #India #snake #serpent #mandala #tradition #ama

Lodging is a big concern visiting Mantralaya #India but turns out we had the best: Clean, large, AC suite ~100m from temple entry; just walk without footwear. It's also their most expensive lodging but worth it, esp. because it sleeps 4.
Bonus that the lodge gave me some nice pictures. 📷
PS: Shiva at lodge entry is odd given the temple's faith, but 😐
#travel #lodging #photography #amateur

"Domestic solar cells to meet half of India’s total demand this fiscal year"
#India #Energy #SolarPower #Renewables

Domestic solar cells to meet half of India’s total demand this fiscal year - pv magazine Global
Crisil expects India’s domestic solar cell supply to rise to about half of demand by fiscal 2026–27, driven by localization policies and capacity expansion, but warns that rapid buildout could pressure utilization and returns.

RE: #Udupi #India yesterday, where I'm most content these days. A welcome breakfast from a local friend, then caught a "yakshagaana" play.
Today saw this presentation of Krishna and had 1-1 with two swamijis. Also met many people who've accepted me as their own. Even picked up some goodies. ☺️😋
Like I said, #content. 🙇‍♂️

🇺🇦 #NowPlaying on #BBC6Music's #6MusicsRaveForever
India & Tito Puente, Jr.:
🎵 Oye Como Va (Joey Musaphia Main Mix)
#India #TitoPuente #Jr

A Japanese man's ordeal in India after he rage-hit someone. The story takes weird turns.
#India #Bangalore #Japan #immigration #ordeal

Got this just now at Krishna Matha #Udupi #India.
Traditionally, this is an invitation from the paryaaya Swamiji to receive "prasaada" along with the main meal.
#tradition #blessing

Set aside religion, faith,... and take in the #art and #imagination that produced this simple yet elegant #sculpture (centuries ago) and presentation (today).
Picture I received today of Anantapadmanabha (Wishnu reclining, Brahma in the lotus from his navel, consorts by his feet) in Karkala #India.

New to me: Folk and ~classical #music by "Jogappas", a friendly #Kannada term for #trans people. The music starts slow; give it a ~minute. The start of the first video has English intro if you need it. 🏳️‍⚧️ 🌈
#pride #India #LGBTQ

This huge bull is really just a cat on the inside. Stroke its face and it offers its neck and back, and doesn't want us to stop stroking. Try to leave and it blocks our path and reposition its back in front of us. 🐂 😀
#animal #bull #India

Wonderful #experience yesterday at Mantralaya #India. Skipping personal details, participated in the evening processions (1), then sat mere feet from the "brindaawana" (2, shrine) of Shree Raaghawaendra Swami during final service. 🙇‍♂️
Plus, good food. 😋
PS: Pic 1 is mine; 2 is official release (not mine)
#travel #ama

Video of Waishnawa branding tradition at the start of "chaathurmaasa".
Video from Kaniyooru Matha #Udupi #India

Many in South India dedicate Saturdays to Lord Shreeniwaasa (aka Wenkataesha). They offer special prayers to him at home, visit his temple, sing his praise, take his "prasaada" (blessings).
Alt text has a brief of what's in this picture (taken May 11, 2026 #Bengaluru).
#photography #amateur #tradition #India #Hindu #Saturday

My wife and I went to a "Yakshagaana" #play today in #Udupi #India. It was only the second play we've ever sat through fully (our first was just last week).
I've so much to say about the experience but don't know where to begin, except say it was mind blowing and wish all #theater was this masterful.
🤯😊🙇‍♂️
#review

Since I mentioned it: Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagara empire 14-16 Century CE and is believed to be the world's most prosperous city in that era. The temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has some of the most stunning architecture and sculptures you'll ever see. Absolutely worth a visit.
#history #India #Karnataka #trivia #travel

Storing produce and still saving space. 🍌🤓
#photography #amateur #WindowFriday #FensterFreitag #produce #melon #bananas #India

Continuing my effort to share #music new to me: Brilliant exhibition of "Naadaswaram", a woodwind instrument from #India. Watch just 11 minutes if pressed for time; 20 to fully appreciate the #skill. 🎶
#video) have an impressive story.👇
#classicalMusic #learning #growing

A 200 years old wooden window with exquisite carving. The paint/polish is recent. 🪟
(Sep. 10, 2025, Krishnapura Matha, #Udupi #India)
#phitography #amateur #FensterFreitag #WindowFriday #window

Pomelo. Not a fruit I like eating but it makes good pictures.
(Today at a store in #Udupi #India)
#FotoMontag #photoMonday #photography #amateur #fruit #pomelo

A homemade South Indian crepe ("doase") which I'm told¹ is actually a cat. 😽
¹ By the 4-year old, who is clearly an authority in these matters.
#Caturday #India #food #crepe #shape

Picture I took of my TV screen during today's #IPL finals.🏏🏆
Happy that my team #RCB won the #trophy. Like they say in #Bengaluru:
ಈ ಸಲ ಕೂಡ ಕಪ್ ನಮ್ದೇ
ee sala kooḍa kup namdae
This time too the cup is ours
#Cricket #sports #RCB #halftimeShow #photography #amateur #India #Kannada

My second time in Mantralayam #India. The first was over 4 decades ago, and I've virtually no memory of that visit.
I know the kind of great experiences that can be had here, but I've to set low expectations and let things come to me over the next three days. 🙇‍♂️
"raayariddaare" as they say in these parts.
#photography #amateur #FotoMontag #PhotoMonday #travel

"Upon reflection" I think I got a good deal on these copper and bronze tumblers. 🤓
#photography #amateur #India #tumblers #copper #bronze #reflection #pun #photoMonday #FotoMontag

An electric fan in interesting colors bolted to a nearly 300-year old wooden ceiling (recently polished). Check out that handcrafted woodwork.
(Shirooru Matha #Udupi #India)
#photography #amateur #architecture #carpentry #wood #appliance

So much opulence they sell gold coins by the bags. In supermarkets. 😲
Like how historians say the markets of Hampi did at the peak of the Vijayanagara empire. 🪙
#trinkets #cheap #coins #humor #Germany #India #photography #amateur

German honey waits to be of use in #Udupi India. 🐝🍯
(Illmünster, Germany to be specific)
#honey #Germany #India #stillLife #jar

Paarijaata flowers ("night jasmine") are pretty and very fragrant. They fall off the tree at the slightest breeze, and you often find 10-30-50 around the tree by 6am. No surprise they are the only flowers that may be picked off the floor and still be offered to Hindu gods.
The orange stem gives strings of these flowers a unique look and are very popular in presentations at Wishnu temples. E.g., Picture 4.
The flowers in Pictures 1-3 are from my sister's garden.
Picture 4 is from: #photography #amateur #flowers #bloomscrolling #India

I realize local road travel, especially taxi, is always more expensive (time and money) than long distance rail travel, but this #atrocity in and around #Bengaluru #India: 😒
Train, long distance: 386kms, 4.5 hrs, ₹1980 for two.
Taxi, home to station: 30kms, 1.5 hrs, ₹1100 for two.
#travel #rail

If only this "best astrologer in Bangalore" could also *prevent* all my problems.😆
#marketing #dubious #astrologer #Bengaluru #Bangalore #India

A peacock's elegant dance; a nightingale's sweet sound (volume up). 🦚 🎵
This was yesterday on a rooftop in #Bengaluru #India. Someone in the neighborhood filmed and shared it.
#peacock #nightingale #dance #nature #video

RE: #Udupi #India.
The picture shows a presentation of the idol of Waradharaaja ("king among wish granters") consecrated in Kanchi, #Tamilnadu.
PS: An interesting tidbit about that Kanchi temple 👇
#portrait #art #temple

Just a mango tree in the neighborhood showing off its wares. 🥭
See if you can spot a ripe fruit. 🔍
#mango #tree #nature #Bengaluru #India

Even James Bond seeks Lord Shreeniwaasa's blessings on Saturdays. 🙇‍♂️ 😉
Today morning in #Bengaluru. The markings at the top of the altar entrance is common in Shreeniwaasa temple, especially those operated by the "Iyengaar" sect.
(Interesting name on the man's jersey BTW. #iykyk)
#humor #India #Saturday

Long-form read: A community's elders made a promise over a millennium ago so the community can survive, but keeping that promise is dwindling the community's numbers.
#Parsi #Persia #India #demographics #dilemma #longform #essay

Vivid colors and beauty almost everywhere you look. Feels good to be back in #India, hopefully for a long-ish stay this time. 🚜
(Zoom in and you'll see there's so much going on in just the front of that tractor.)
#Bengaluru #photography #amateur #tractor #vehicle

"Respect for good traits. Kingly respect for money."
- A bumper sticker
The sticker is in #Kannada, the local language in #Bengaluru #India. The word in red is misspelled (says "raajaa" instead of "raaja") but still 🫡
#lesson #bumperSticker

Happened on these cleaned pots and pans today at the "chauki" kitchen (where they prepare the offerings) in #Udupi Krishna Matha. Some of the pots, especially the copper ones, are decades old. 🍯
#photography #amateur #FotoMontag #PhotoMonday #pots #India #kitchen

#TIL: The Atthi Varadha idol at Varadharaja Temple in Kanchipuram #India stays submerged in the temple tank and is brought out once every 40 years; and only for 48 days. A true *once in a lifetime event*. ☺️
The idol will be brought out next in 2059. So, not in my lifetime. 🥹
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varadharaja_Perumal_Temple,_Kanchipuram#Atthi_Varadhar

A super closeup of yoga narasimha of Kaniyooru Matha, Udupi. Not my picture.
BTW presently only nine people in this world are allowed to even touch this idol. (There'll ever be at most 16.) That's a truly exclusive and privileged group but also one with a lot of responsibility. #ama
#art #sculpture #Udupi #India

Had the best seat to view the entire 90 mins of the annual ritual bathing of the idols at Kaniyooru Matha #Udupi #India. I chose not to take my own pictures during the ritual so I can be there fully in the moment. I did take some pictures after 👇.
The pictures here are from the matha, just to give an idea.
Video: #Hindu #temple #ritual

Today is the start of "chaathurmaasa" in the Hindu luni-solar calendar. It's a 4-month period with prescriptions and proscriptions on food to be eaten and rituals to be performed.
On the first day, in addition to fasting, some Waishnawa sects have a tradition of branding their body ("mudraadhaarane") with icons of Wishnu's chakra (disc) and shankha (conch) to show their commitment to the faith:
1. Preparing branding "irons" (at Puthige Matha)
2. Branding a devotee (at Krishna Matha)
3. Chakra (disc) on right arm (a few hours after branding)
4. Shankha (conch) on left arm
Video 👇
#Hindu #tradition #branding #ritual #India

A "pile" of calves at Krishna Matha #Udupi. 🐮🐮
BTW how many calves do you see here?
#India #cows #calves #cowCalves

Peered in to admire the bright rainbow umbrella. 🌈 ☂️
PS: A temple gate. The sign on the gate stands for the #Sanskrit word "swasthi" which means "well being". No other symbol is represented.
#photography #amateur #PhotoMonday #FotoMontag #umbrella #rainbow #temple #Udupi #India

Stopped at a storefront to stay out of rain and spotted this beautiful home across from the store. 🏠
Love the intense blue, the contrasting brown trims, and the falling rain drops. 💦
#photography #amateur #PhotoMonday #FotoMontag #Udupi #India #rain

A welcome mat for the new baby and the mom. The two will be seated here for a brief ritual before entering the home for the first time.
(May 11, 2026 #Bengaluru)
#tradition #India #birth #ritual #photography #amateur

Today is International Yoga Day. Apropos, a picture of 800 years old idol of "yoga narasimha" of Kaniyooru Matha, Udupi; the gold cladding is recent. The idol on its right is also yoga narasimha but a few decades newer. On the left is Krishna; age unknown but old.
I love the detail of the crowns and other ornaments, as well as that of the silver arch behind the idols. And of course the elegance of the simple decoration.
Picture from Jun. 8, 2026. **Not my picture.**
#sculpture #idol #India #Udupi #art #yoga

Mandalas at the original site of Puthige Matha (near #Udupi #India). 🪷
Witnessed a wonderful and intimate evening service. Then light refreshments made with devotion and love by students there. Warm conversations with everyone we met. Three hours well spent. 🙇‍♂️
#photography #amateur #art #mandala

A unique and beautiful interior balcony. Love the woodwork, the skylight, and the colors, but I wonder what that window opens to. 🪟
Spotted today at Palimaru Matha #Udupi #India. Lucky to have gone inside while I waited out the rain.
#photography #amateur #FensterFreitag #WindowFriday #window #skylight #balcony #sculpture #art

Threshold symbols in #Udupi (and elsewhere) #India: simple and elaborate versions, both shown as they appear from inside a home. The triangular parts invite in Lakshmee, goddess of prosperity (to place her feet there). The vertical lines prohibit entry to evil.
#art #symbolism #tradition #kolam #rangoli #Hindu

A visitor drew these mandalas: by hand, letting out mandala powder ("rangoli") between index and middle fingers; a technique quite common in the southern states of #India.
Description in alt text.
#art #skill #mandala #drawing #icons #symbols #Hindu #tradition

Fresh amaranth leaves. Almost "farm to table". 🌿
#photography #amateur #PhotoMonday #FotoMontag #greens #produce #India

My wife took this picture today from the balcony of our rental. 🌴
#photography #NotMine #amateur #SilentSunday #Udupi #India #trees #coconut

I found this #painting today at Krishna Matha #Udupi. Someone (most likely the artist themselves) left it outside the Swamiji's room as their offering.
🖼️ 🌳 🦚 🪈 🐄
(see alt text)
#photography #amateur #PhotoMonday #FotoMontag #art #found #India