Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday inaugurated the four-day International Kite Festival, which has drawn 143 participants from 47 countries. Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said Gujarat has a 65 per cent share of the country's kite market, with exports to countries like the US, UK, and Canada. The 'International Kite Festival-2025' is being organised at Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad from January 11 to January 14. Apart from Ahmedabad, the festival has also been organised at the Statue of Unity (Ekta Nagar), Rajkot and Vadodara on January 12 and Surat, Shivrajpur, and Dhordo on January 13.State Tourism Minister Mulu Bera said this year, 143 international kite flyers from 47 countries and 52 kite flyers from 11 states in India are participating in the festival. Patel said as the then chief minister of Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced modern elements to the festival by integrating it with tourism. "Thus, this kite festival has given Gujarat a global identity," he said. The chief minister launched the festival by releasing a tricolour balloon into the sky and said that this year, ambassadors from 11 countries have travelled to Gujarat to see the kite festival. He said PM Modi's Vocal for Local campaign has received a boost from tourists attending the kite festival. "People setting up food and crafts stalls during the festival earn lakhs of rupees. More than five and a half lakh people joined the International Kite Festival last year," Patel said. He said Gujarat has gained recognition in the world as the state that makes the most number of kites because Gujaratis love kites. He said Ahmedabad, Nadiad, Khambhat and Surat have become kite manufacturing hubs. "Today, Gujarat has a 65 per cent share in the country's kite market. Every year, kites are exported from Gujarat to countries like the US, UK and Canada," Patel added. He said the kite of Gujarat's development should soar high to realise PM Modi's promise to make India a developed nation by 2047. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
11 January,2025 04:31 PM IST | Ahmedabad | PTIAmid the excitement for Coldplay's India tour this year, BookMyShow has just announced that "limited tickets added for all Coldplay Music Of The Spheres World Tour 2025 - India, Mumbai shows". The Mumbai shows are set to happen on January 18, 19 and 21 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The tickets will go live today at 4 pm on BookMyShow. The waiting room opens at 3 pm. The live entertainment platform has also put together a guide to book the tickets to help concert attendees: Apart from the tickets going live today, they have said the following: - Early entry in the waiting room does not guarantee priority access in the queue- Once the sale begins, each user will be assigned a position in the queue based on the automated queue randomisation- Each user can purchase a maximum of 4 tickets per transactionIN PHOTOS: Love Coldplay? Here's all you need to know about members of the British bandEver since Coldplay announced their India tour in 2024, there has been a lot of buzz surrounding the concert. While many fans were happy, they were disappointed when getting tickets became difficult every time the window opened. Some even did not get tickets after two more shows were added for Mumbai, and one for Ahmedabad later. Earlier this week, the Bombay High Court on Friday dismissed a petition seeking guidelines to prevent black marketing and ticket scalping at major events in the backdrop of the alleged foul play in the ticket sale process for the British band's concerts.A little before that, the District Child Protection Unit in Ahmedabad has issued a notice to singer Chris Martin and the organisers of the Coldplay concert, instructing them not to use children in any form on stage during the concert scheduled to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on January 25 and 26.
11 January,2025 04:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a boost for Mumbai's access to open spaces and green cover, Shantivan Gardens in Malabar Hill is all set to reopen for the public on February 1 as 'The Nest', a 1.2-acre urban forest that will act as a biodiverse sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. Revived by The Heritage Project in collaboration with nature:re and the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), the urban forest aims to be a breath of fresh air in the city, which is now suffering not only from declining green cover but also open spaces for Mumbaikars. Ahead of the opening, speaking exclusively to mid-day, Radha Goenka, founder of The Heritage Project and director of RPG Foundation, said, "Just like we have our cultural heritage, we also have inherited our natural heritage, which we need to preserve. When I talk about natural heritage, I mean our forests." We as a city, Goenka says, are fortunate enough to have the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, which is within our city limits. She explains, "It is unlike any other city, like for example, New York has Central Park, and London has Hyde Park, we have a forest. Why is it like that? It is because we inherited it like that in its natural state, and that's amazing." Goenka says when you have the SGNP, it has its climate. It could be hot outside but it won't be as hot inside. If it is raining outside, it will be less strong inside the forest as it trickles down the trees in the forest. It is because a forest naturally lets you regulate climate as it has its ecosystem inside that not only includes the bugs on the ground but also the butterflies, bees and birds play an important role.Also Read: Feeling 'Wanderlost'? Follow these five hacks to ease travel planning in 2025 With that being said, Goenka says Mumbai is also facing worsening AQI and temperatures, and the need for the forest is now more than before. "The whole idea that we have with the Green Corridor in Mumbai is to plant the same kind of trees that are in SGNP, which are native to Maharashtra. With that, we are also creating what is scientifically known as 'Stepping Stone Habitats', which means that when the birds fly out of SGNP, they have a place that resembles a micro forest, which resembles the Park with native species. By creating these micro forests, we are encouraging them to fly out of the park and thrive in an ecosystem through these forests across the city. Even the coastal road presents the opportunity to plant trees along it to create a habitat. Creating this would not be a curated garden but a forest to have an environmental impact. It is where 'The Nest' replicates the forest by having walking pathways that don't go through the forest parts of the area, but around it, to not disturb the habitat. Looking futuristically, Goenka says The Heritage Project proposes that there should be more urban forests than parks in Mumbai and around the country in the future. "It is not a garden that you can step on and walk, but one that you can walk around the green oasis," she adds. Radha Goenka, founder of The Heritage Project and director of RPG Foundation, says more native species need to promoted in Mumbai.The Nest has over 8,000 new plants and trees (350 species with over 200 native species) resulting in an ideal 70:30 ratio of native to exotic species. With so many different kinds of plants, ask Goenka which is her favourite and she says, "I love the Madhumalti flowers, which are fragrant and native to India. We have planted them along the entrance, and they are yet to grow but they will thrive and that's the beauty of it. The space also aims to be multi-sensory experience through thoughtfully curated zones – Bird Zone, Butterfly Zone, Indigenous Zone, Medicinal Zone, and Carbon-Sink Zone – each featuring its unique ecosystem and biodiversity. Last but not least, Goenka says with The Nest, the goal is to build a prototype not only as a private-funded NGO but more importantly for the government to adopt such a cause. She explains, "If the government converted open spaces with this kind of thinking, it would help." Beyond that, they have already started encouraging people to plant native species of plants and trees in their balconies to build the ecosystem. "With every person in the city planting native trees, it will be helpful as the cause but not without the government taking it up that you should plant only native trees," highlights Goenka as a call to action for everybody in Mumbai.
11 January,2025 11:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoThe World Hindi Day was celebrated in Nepal on Friday with a series of cultural events. The Hindi Day programmes were organised by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. On the occasion, Geetanjali Tripathi, the first secretary political, read out the message delivered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She also underscored the contributions made by Kabir, Surdas, Tulsidas, Nirala, Panta and many others who wrote poems and songs that helped popularise the Hindi language worldwide. Hindi is understood among a large number of Nepalese people and it has served as a bond of friendship between Nepal and India, Tripathi said. A host of speakers who spoke on the occasion shed light on the importance of the Hindi language in today's world. On the occasion, students from different schools of Kathmandu presented dance, and songs and recited poems. The programme was attended by a large number of people including intellectuals, students, diplomats and journalists. Hindi is spoken mainly in the southern plains of Nepal and most of the people of other urban areas, including Kathmandu also understand the language. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
10 January,2025 06:04 PM IST | Kathmandu | PTIIn a video message that has gone viral on social media, Larsen & Toubro chairman SN Subrahmanyan suggested employees to work longer hours, including Sundays, attracting backlash from netizens. Responding to the controversy, the company issued a clarification on Friday saying that the chairman’s remarks reflect the larger ambition of nation-building, “emphasising that extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort”. A company spokesperson said in a statement, “For over eight decades, we have been shaping India's infrastructure, industries, and technological capabilities. We believe this is India’s decade, a time demanding collective dedication and effort to drive progress and realise our shared vision of becoming a developed nation.” “The Chairman’s remarks reflect this larger ambition, emphasising that extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effort. At L&T, we remain committed to fostering a culture where passion, purpose, and performance drive us forward,” the spokesperson further stated. What did SN Subrahmanyan say? In the undated video, Subrahmanyan said, "What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife? How long can wives stare at their husbands? Go to the office and start working”. "Honestly, I am sorry that I am not able to make you work on Sundays. I will be happier if I can make you work on Sundays, because I work on Sundays too," he added. Subrahmanyan encouraged L&T employees to work harder. He spoke about a conversation he had with a Chinese man who said that China could overtake the US because of its strong work ethic. According to Subrahmanyan, the Chinese man said, "Chinese people work 90 hours a week, while Americans work only 50 hours a week." L&T chairman receives backlash The video received backlash from netizens on social media platforms, with many users comparing it to Infosys co-founder Narayan Murthy's statement about working 70 hours a day. Also Read: Narayana Murthy advocates for 70-hour workweek yet again; calls on youth to work hard Harsh Goenka, Chairperson of the RPG Group, also criticised the remarks. “90 hours a week? Why not rename Sunday to ‘Sun-duty’ and make ‘day off’ a mythical concept! Working hard and smart is what I believe in, but turning life into a perpetual office shift? That’s a recipe for burnout, not success. Work-life balance isn’t optional, it’s essential. Well, that’s my view! #WorkSmartNotSlave,” Goenka posted on X. Several celebrities, including Deepika Padukone, also expressed discontent on these comments. (With inputs from IANS)
10 January,2025 03:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent&ME, the globally acclaimed DJ and producer from the iconic Berlin-based collective, Keinemusik, is all set to make his debut with a two-city tour in March. Brought to India by Team Innovation, in partnership with Spacebound, the artist will perform at Mumbai's Mahalaxmi Race Course on March 22 and Bengaluru's Nice Grounds on March 23. Audiences can expect to immerse themselves in &ME's signature sound: a masterful fusion of sultry Afro-house rhythms, captivating melodies and deep, hypnotic grooves that seamlessly blend deep house, techno and Afrobeat influences. His transformative sets are renowned for their ability to transport listeners to another realm, seamlessly merging raw energy with intricate musicality. Mohit Bijlani, Co-Founder, Team Innovation, states, “We're thrilled to bring Keinemusik's &ME to India! His trailblazing artistic repertoire and global appeal perfectly align with the evolving tastes of the Indian concertgoers. This collaboration underscores our commitment to delivering world-class experiences that not only enrich the Indian music scene but also demonstrate the power of electronic music to transcend cultural boundaries and unite people through shared passion." Karan Singh, CEO, Spacebound states, “Keinemusik’s genre-defying artistry and global influence make them the perfect act to bring Indian fans together and embrace the magic they bring to every stage.” Beyond &ME's individual brilliance, the Keinemusik collective – comprised of &ME, Rampa, Adam Port, and Reznik – is celebrated for its innovative spirit and genre-defying approach. Their influence on modern electronic music is undeniable, consistently pushing boundaries and inspiring a new generation of artists. &ME's solo performances are particularly sought-after, showcasing his distinct ability to weave together intricate soundscapes while maintaining a visceral connection with the crowd. His hit tracks, such as ‘The Rapture Pt. II’ and ‘Fairchild’ have cemented his place as a true icon in the techno and house music world. This India tour promises an all-encompassing experience: cutting-edge sounds, dazzling visuals and a vibrant atmosphere guaranteed to leave an indelible mark. Prepare for an electrifying journey through &ME's diverse soundscapes, from the subtle nuances of his deep house explorations to the pulsating intensity of his techno-infused tracks. The event will cater to seasoned electronic music aficionados and newcomers alike, creating a shared space of pure musical enjoyment. Team Innovation's dedication to delivering top-tier live event IPs underlines their mission to enrich the country's burgeoning music scene. This partnership with Spacebound underscores their commitment to bringing exceptional musical experiences to the forefront, further cementing India's place on the global electronic music map. Whether you are a dedicated Keinemusik follower or simply looking for an unforgettable night out, &ME’s India debut is not to be missed. Tickets are live exclusively on BookMyShow. Prices start at Rs 1,500.
10 January,2025 02:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPrajakta Koli, who is known to be a content creator first before she became an actress, author, and climate activist, has released an original soundtrack for her highly anticipated debut novel, Too Good To Be True. With an aim to redefine book promotion, this marks a groundbreaking moment in Indian publishing, as it's the first time an original soundtrack and accompanying music video have been conceptualised and curated for a romance novel. HarperCollins India's most pre-ordered book and Amazon Books' most anticipated book of 2025, Too Good To Be True is a fun, fresh and feel-good exploration of love, relationships and self-discovery. The novel follows Avani, a romance enthusiast who encounters Aman—a man seemingly plucked from her favorite love stories—and charts their heartwarming journey through love, expectations and the complexities of finding their happily ever after. The original soundtrack, ‘Saanvare’ perfectly encapsulates the novel's emotional core, providing a captivating musical introduction to its themes and characters. Composed and performed by rising Mumbai-based artist Outsky and featuring vocals by Prajakta Koli herself, the song evokes the protagonists' first encounter, setting the scene for the story's unfolding romance. The accompanying music video, filmed in the picturesque setting of Mussoorie, takes viewers on a visual journey through budding romance, blending memories from a hill station trip with contemporary scenes in Mumbai. This innovative approach elevates the reader experience and sets a new benchmark for book promotion. Prajakta Koli a.k.a. Mostly Sane states, “I'm so excited to share this unique approach to bringing Too Good To Be True to life. This launch is a testament to the power of storytelling and innovative ways to share and experience tales. Too Good To Be True promises to be more than just a novel; it's an immersive experience.” 'Too Good To Be True' releases globally on January 13.
10 January,2025 01:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentEvery year, World Hindi Day is observed on January 10 around the world. As India boasts of many different kinds of languages, it is also a good opportunity to celebrate the beauty of the Hindi language by listening to different kinds of stories beyond listening to the text. With more audiobooks available over the years, India also boasts of many Hindi authors and their works that have got their own fans. he collection spans diverse genres and authors, With that in mind, Audible has released a list featuring works by both incredible Hindi authors like Munshi Premchand, Anand Neelakantan, Saadat Hasan Manto as well as Hindi translated works of international bestselling authors such as Jeffrey Archer, Paulo Coelho and James Clear. So, whether you're seeking a deeper connection with Hindi literature, or are simply keen to enjoy masterful screen-free storytelling or entertainment in our national language, this compilation really is for everyone. 21 Shreshth KahaniyanWritten by: Munshi Premchand; Narrated by: Avdhesh Tondak Hindi literature is incomplete without Munshi Premchand, who revolutionized it with his vivid storytelling and realistic portrayal of social life. His narratives are deeply rooted in their environments, characterized by concise prose and dialogues that authentically reflect the emotional undercurrents of the characters and their environment. He masterfully blends ideals with the harsh realities of life that resonate deeply with the listeners. This unique approach, coupled with his insightful portrayal of rural and urban social realities makes for a delightful and engaging listen. Tune in to enjoy these timeliness masterpieces from the legend of Hindi literature. Asura (Hindi Edition) Written by: Anand Neelakantan; Narrated by: Nitin SharmaThe stature and magnitude of Ramayana often overshadow the story that runs parallel - the story of Ravana. Anand Neelakantan put this important narrative into focus through this audiobook. This audio version of the acclaimed bestseller presents a different perspective, exploring themes of victory and defeat through a lens that has been largely ignored for millennia: the experiences of India's oppressed and exploited castes. For centuries, Ravana's story has been silenced, his perspective unheard. Neelakantan breathes life into the stories of the vanquished and forgotten. Tune in for this unheard perspective presented by this masterful storyteller. Short StoriesWritten by: Saadat Hasan Manto; Narrated by: Sameer Goswami Saadat Hasan Manto presents the unsettling yet captivating through his stories widely celebrated for his unflinching portrayal of human existence. This collection showcases some of his most potent works, each a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the societal struggles that define our lives. Manto's writing is a force of nature – raw, unflinching, and utterly mesmerizing. His characters are etched with startling realism, their stories unfolding with an intensity that grips the soul. He masterfully captures the complexities of human experience, laying bare moments of profound truth and unsettling beauty. A must-listen for those seeking literary experiences that are both deeply moving and profoundly thought-provoking, Manto's timeless exploration of the human condition continues to resonate with readers today. A Prisoner Of Birth (Hindi Edition) Written by: Jeffrey Archer, Narrated by: Manish BhavanThis gripping novel from bestselling author Jeffrey Archer unfolds a twisting tale of false accusation and relentless revenge. Danny Cartwright's life takes a devastating turn when a tragic mistiming leads to his wrongful conviction for the murder of his closest friend. Had he proposed to Beth Wilson a mere day earlier or later, fate might have spared him the nightmare that follows. Facing overwhelming odds, Danny finds himself battling for survival against a formidable prosecution. Sentenced to 22 years in Belmarsh, the most secure prison in the country, Danny faces a bleak future, imprisoned in a fortress from which escape seems impossible. Driven by an insatiable thirst for revenge and fueled by Beth's unwavering belief in his innocence, he embarks on a perilous journey to clear his name. Will he expose the truth behind his unjust imprisonment? Tune in to find out! The Alchemist (Hindi Edition)Written by: Paulo Coelho, Narrated by: Babla KochharSantiago, a humble shepherd boy embarks on a remarkable journey across Spain which ultimately leads him to Egypt. This is no ordinary pilgrimage; it is a profound transformation of both his inner and outer worlds. Along this extraordinary path, Santiago encounters several wise philosophers and spiritual teachers, each offering unique insights and challenges. But the most pivotal encounter awaits him: a meeting with the legendary alchemist, a man possessing the power to not only transmute base metals into gold but to unlock the extraordinary potential within every human soul. This encounter will forever alter Santiago's destiny and offer profound wisdom and inspiration to all who dare to listen. Fire up your device and tune in for a listen that will move you, leave you with questions, help you find answers and open your world to a handful of wisdom. Atomic Habits (Hindi Edition)Written by: James Clear, Narrated by: Sandeep BhattContrary to popular belief, significant life transformations don't always require grand, sweeping gestures. World-renowned habits expert James Clear challenges this notion, arguing that true change emerges from the cumulative force of countless small, seemingly insignificant decisions. Clear introduces the concept of "atomic habits" – minuscule actions like performing two push-ups daily, waking up five minutes earlier, or reading an extra page. He masterfully demonstrates how these seemingly trivial shifts can compound over time, leading to remarkable, life-altering outcomes. Packed with exciting narratives of Olympic gold medalists, CEOs, and scientists who have successfully leveraged tiny habits to enhance their productivity and overall well-being, this audiobook is curated to inspire change. Tune in for practical techniques, the surprising power of the two-minute rule, and the key to finding your "Goldilocks zone".
10 January,2025 12:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentKommune's Spoken Fest 2025 will take place in Mumbai on February 1 and 2 For the first time, the festival expanded its celebration of literature, music, and the transcending power of words to Shillong, it is all set to return to its roots the city for the two-day with a diverse array of artists at Jio Garden. The artist line-up comprises individuals who have made a mark and created a space for their talent to thrive. From the world of music to films to poetry, this year the lineup will has many different voices. As music has been an integral part of the festival, bringing some amazing voices from all over the country, this year will see Wild Wild Women, actress Eisha Chopra and Meera Desai will join hands for an enchanting spoken word and music performance, along with The Aahvaan Project, Vidhya Gopal and Siddharth Pandit, as well as Snehdeep Singh Kalsi, enchanting the evening air with mesmerising performances. Joining this list of artists will be Raghubir Yadav + Naynesh Pimpale, Khasi Bloodz, Tapi Project, and Nush Lewis. As music encapsulates time, words decorate it with its eternal charm. For the new season, the line-up of artists who will captivate the audience with a magical world of words comprises actors, YouTube stars, and creators: Huma Qureshi, Divya Dutta, Gajraj Rao, Faisal Malik, Paritosh R Tripathi, Ankush Bahuguna, Ahliya Bamroo, Suhani Shah, Ashish Vidyarthi, Nayab Midha, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Nikhil Taneja, Vivaan Shah, Srishti Shrivastava, Dr. Pallavi Mahajan, Naresh Saxena, Nidhie Sharma, Manu Rishi Chadha, and Anushka Bajpai Jain. Adding to this stellar lineup will be Aditya Rahbar, Ankita Shah, Nidhi Narwal, Amy Singh, Kalyanee Mulay, Rajat Sood, Abhinandan Sekhri, Laksh Maheshwari, Badal Sharma, Priya Malik, Ramneek Singh, Shweta Singh, Rytasha Rathore, Puja Sarup, and Shreeja Chaturvedi. From satire to stand-up comedy to poetry and spoken word pieces, this esteemed line-up will offer a rich blend of performances, embracing new voices and stories while celebrating its roots. Attendees can book their tickets on Insider.in to immerse themselves in the magic of storytelling, voices, and art.
10 January,2025 11:58 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) 2025 is set to make history as it hosts six Booker Prize winners for the first time in its eight edition. The Booker Prize winners gracing the event include Jenny Erpenbeck, Paul Lynch, Michael Hofmann, GauZ’, Sophie Mackintosh, and Georgi Gospodinov. Their presence is expected to elevate the festival’s global profile, making it an unmissable event for literary enthusiasts. Nobel Prize winners Venki Ramakrishnan and Esther Duflo are adding further prestige to the lineup, whose groundbreaking contributions in their respective fields will bring unique perspectives to the event. France, the guest nation for KLF 2025, will have a stellar representation of authors and artists. Renowned French speakers include Philippe Claudel, an acclaimed author and director, and Pierre Singaravélou, a celebrated global historian. Literary voices such as Julie Stephen Chheng, Chowra Makaremi, Timothée de Fombelle, and Alfred Lionel Papagalli will enrich the discussions with their diverse expertise. French crime writer Johanna Gustawsson, graphic novelist Zeina Abirached, illustrator Cheyenne Olivier, and the multifaceted Fred Nevché will further contribute to showcasing the vibrant literary and artistic traditions of France. Beyond the Booker and Nobel laureates, KLF 2025 boasts an impressive lineup of other notable speakers. Indian stalwarts such as historian Ramachandra Guha, violin maestro L. Subramaniam, and actor Naseeruddin Shah will share their insights. The festival will also feature Indian authors Ira Mukhoty, Manu S. Pillai, Benyamin, Amit Chaudhuri, and Abraham Verghese, alongside international voices such as Norwegian novelist Helga Flatland and New Zealand’s Catherine Chidgey. Additionally, performances by luminaries like Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Mir Mukhtiyar Ali, and Ustad Waseem Ahmed Khan will add a rich cultural dimension to the event. Ravi Deecee, chief facilitator, Kerala Literature Festival, said, “KLF 2025 embodies the spirit of global dialogue and cultural exchange. Hosting six Booker Prize winners and distinguished speakers from across the world is a testament to our commitment to creating a platform that celebrates literature in all its glory. This year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable experience for every attendee." KLF 2025, the eighth edition of Asia’s largest literature festival, will be held from January 23 to 26 in Kozhikode, Kerala. As a UNESCO City of Literature, Kozhikode provides a fitting backdrop for the festival, which will host over 500 speakers from 15 countries and draw more than 600,000 visitors. With an eclectic mix of literary discussions, cultural performances, and a special focus on France, KLF 2025 promises to be a landmark event celebrating the power of storytelling and the exchange of ideas across borders.
10 January,2025 11:13 AM IST | Kozhikode, Kerala | mid-day online correspondentA 65-year-old French woman, Pascal, has reached Prayagraj to participate in the Kumbh Mela. Pascal, who resides in France, has been drawn to Hinduism since childhood, revering Lord Shiva as her idol and possessing knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita and Puranas. "I have a great attachment to the Hindu religion and Lord Shiva. I have no reason to express my attachment to Hinduism. This feeling comes from my heart," Pascal told ANI. Pascal's connection to Hinduism began in 1984 when she first visited India. Her experiences have left her so enamoured with the Sanatan tradition that she is considering becoming a sadhu. Pascal revealed her extensive knowledge of the Kumbh Mela and its significance, including the legend of Samudra Manthan and the drop of Amrit. "I know everything about Kumbh Mela and I also have complete information about Samudra Manthan. I also have complete information about the drop of Amrit," she said. She expressed her delight in meeting sadhus, sanyasis, and Hindus, saying, "I like meeting Sadhu Sanyasis and Hindus here." Pascal also showcased her Rudraksha necklace, a gift from a friend, which she believes offers her protection. "I am wearing a Rudraksha necklace around my neck which was given to me by my friend. Wearing it feels like it protects me," she said. She praised the arrangements at the Kumbh Mela, highlighting the safety, free accommodations, food, and drink available to all attendees. "Mahakumbh is amazing. Crores of people are coming here and I feel very safe here. Staying here is free, eating is free, drinking is free and sleeping is also free. All the arrangements are very good," Pascal exclaimed. The Maha Kumbh, the world's largest spiritual congregation, is being celebrated after 12 years and a huge turnout of devotees is expected in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26. To prevent mishaps, the district administration has been taking important steps to ensure the safety of the devotees, especially for crowd management and avoiding fire incidents. DIG Mahakumbh Vaibhav Krishna and SSP Kumbh Rajesh Dwivedi on Tuesday inspected the Kumbh Mela area. "Police are conducting their drills and rehearsals on the placement of force at different points in the Kumbh area. The emphasis of the police is to ensure that devotees face no problems," said DIG Mahakumbh Vaibhav Krishna while speaking to ANI.
08 January,2025 03:59 PM IST | Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) | ANIADVERTISEMENT
