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Vishu 2025: Devotees receive Ayyappa gold lockets at Sabarimala Temple
The distribution of gold lockets with images of Lord Ayyappa, brought out by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), began at the Sabarimala Temple on Monday, the auspicious Vishu 2025. State Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan launched the distribution of the lockets, kept at the sanctum sanctorum, among devotees who booked for them via online. The official inauguration was held beneath the "kodimaram" on the Sannidhanam (the temple complex) by 6.30 am, a TDB statement said. With this, a long-drawn demand of Lord Ayyappa devotees has been fulfilled, it said. An Andhra Pradesh native, who booked via online, received the first locket from the minister. After that, Sabarimala tantri (head priest) Kandararu Rajeevaru, TDB president P S Prashant and board member A Ajikumar distributed lockets to the rest of the devotees. The Ayyappa lockets were prepared in different weights-two gram, four gram and eight gram, the TDB said. The price of a two-gram gold locket is Rs 19,300, a four gram gold locket is Rs 38,600 and a gold locket weighing eight gram is priced at Rs 77,200, it said. A total of 100 devotees have already booked the lockets within two days of the opening of the booking, the TDB statement added. 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.
14 April,2025 09:43 PM IST | Kerala | IANS
'The Golconda Blue': Rare Indian royal diamond to go on auction for first time
A rare piece of India's royal heritage, 'The Golconda Blue' -- a historic diamond once owned by the Maharajas of Indore and Baroda -- is set to make its auction debut at the Christie's "Magnificent Jewels" sale in Geneva on May 14. The 23.24-carat vivid blue diamond, mounted in a striking modern ring by celebrated Parisian designer JAR, is expected to fetch an estimated value between USD 35 and USD 50 million (Rs 300 - Rs 430 crore). "Exceptional noble gems of this caliber come to market once in a lifetime. Over the course of its 259-year history, Christie's has had the honour of offering some of the world's most important Golconda diamonds, including the Archduke Joseph, the Princie, and the Wittelsbach. "With its Royal heritage, extraordinary color, and exceptional size, 'The Golconda Blue' is truly one of the rarest blue diamonds in the world," Rahul GKadakia, Christie's International head of Jewelry, said in a statement. Hailed as one of the most important and rarest blue diamonds ever discovered, what makes the auction more significant for Indian audiences is its direct lineage to Indian royalty -- and its origins in the legendary Golconda mines of present-day Telangana, renowned for producing the world's most iconic diamonds. According to Christie's, 'The Golconda Blue' once belonged to Maharaja Yeshwant Rao Holkar II of Indore, a modernist monarch celebrated for his refined taste and cosmopolitan lifestyle during the 1920s and '30s. In 1923, the Maharaja's father commissioned a bracelet featuring this extraordinary blue diamond from the French house Chaumet, after he had earlier acquired the famed "Indore Pears" -- the two significant Golconda diamonds -- from the same jeweller, they informed. A decade later, the Maharaja appointed Mauboussin as his official jeweler, who redesigned the royal collection and incorporated 'The Golconda Blue' into a striking necklace alongside the famed Indore Pear diamonds. The piece was immortalised in a portrait of the Maharani of Indore by French painter Bernard Boutet de Monvel, capturing a moment of Indo-European elegance at its peak. In 1947, the diamond was acquired by famed New York jeweler Harry Winston, who set it in a brooch with a matching white diamond of equal size. That brooch later found its way to the Maharaja of Baroda, continuing its journey through India's royal lineage before passing into private hands. The live auction will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva. 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.
14 April,2025 02:48 PM IST | New Delhi | PTI
Assam celebrates Rongali Bihu with festive spirit and joy
The people of Assam are gearing up to celebrate Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, with great joy and enthusiasm. Rongali Bihu is the biggest and most important festival in Assam, marking the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. Shops are adorned with traditional items like food, Gamosas, Bihu clothes, dhools, pepa, and Assamese Japis. People across the state observed the first day of Rongali Bihu, known as Goru Bihu, with traditional rituals and devotion. This day is especially dedicated to livestock, where cows and bulls are washed, decorated, and worshipped as a mark of respect. Rongali Bihu marks the onset of the agricultural season and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is a multi-day festival that typically spans seven days, each day known as 'Xaat Bihu.' The week-long celebration begins with Goru Bihu and includes music, dance, traditional food, and visits to relatives, reflecting the rich culture and spirit of unity in Assam. Speaking to ANI, a local, Vipul Sharma, said, "Vaishakh Bihu is the biggest festival for us in Assam. It is celebrated for three to four days. On the first day, called Goru Bihu, we wash and worship the cows using turmeric and black gram paste. After that, everyone in the family takes a bath and applies turmeric. We also show respect to our elders and eat traditional food like pitha and curd. People visit relatives and enjoy the celebrations together." "At night, there are Bihu functions and fairs where everyone comes together to celebrate. My preparations are going well. My daughter lives in Canada, and it's just me and my wife at home. I also have relatives in Naugaon village, so I'll visit them too. This year, the market seems a bit quiet, but I think the excitement will pick up slowly. Everyone will celebrate in their own way," Sharma added. On the first day of Rongali Bihu, known as Goru Bihu, cattle are washed and smeared with a paste made of fresh turmeric, black lentils, and other ingredients. And people sing traditional songs to the animals, like, "Lao kha, bengena kha, bosore bosore barhi ja, maar xoru, baper xoru, toi hobi bor bor goru" - which translates to, "Eat gourd, eat brinjal, grow year by year, your mother is small, your father is small, but you will become a large, strong cow." On this day, the people of Assam also worship the cattle, showing their respect and gratitude for the animals that are important for farming and daily life. The Bihu celebration committees in Guwahati and other parts of the state have been organizing week-long Rongali Bihu programmes. The Assam government has provided financial assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh to each of the 2,241 Bihu Committees across the state to celebrate the Rongali Bihu festival. 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.
14 April,2025 10:02 AM IST | Guwahati | ANI
Coachella 2025: Lady Gaga delivers electrifying performance
Pop icon Lady Gaga on Friday evening delivered a stellar performance at Coachella 2025. She opened the gig with "Bloody Mary" from her 2011 album Born This Way. The song was followed by hits, including "Abracadabra," "Judas" and "Poker Face," People reported. Among the Easter eggs in her 20-song set list was a homage to her music video for "Paparazzi." While performing the 2009 hit, Gaga opted to wear metal armour, referencing scenes from the music video. Gaga later sang "Disease" from her 2025 album Mayhem. During that performance, she lay beside a skeleton to recreate a scene from her "Bad Romance" music video. The same white crown worn for the video could be seen in a chessboard dance battle toward the end of the show. Gaga's headlining gig marked her return to the music festival for the first time since she stepped in for a pregnant-with-twins Beyonce last minute in 2017. After the lineup for the festival was unveiled in November 2024, Gaga detailed her excitement in an Instagram post. "I have long dreamed of throwing a massive night of chaos in the desert," the songstress wrote. She added, "I've had a vision I've never been able to fully realise at Coachella for reasons beyond our control but I wanted to come through for music fans. I have been wanting to go back and to do it right, and I am." Gaga concluded, "I'm headlining and starting the weekend off at Coachella. Can't wait to hear you all singalong and dance dance DANCE till we drop." 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.
13 April,2025 02:33 PM IST | Los Angeles | ANI
Hanuman Jayanti 2025: Varanasi celebrates with grand processions and music
Temples across Varanasi wore colourful decorations, witnessed aartis, devotional songs and Ramcharitmanas recitals from early in the day to mark Hanuman Jayanti. Several local committees organised processions to celebrate the day, while senior police officials patrolled the city to ensure peace and security. At the renowned Sankat Mochan Temple, a major centre of celebrations, special arrangements were made. Professor Vishambhar Nath Mishra, the mahant of Sankat Mochan Temple, told PTI, "On the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, special adornment, tableaux, worship, and aarti of Lord Hanuman are being performed on the temple premises. The morning began with shehnai performances, Rudrabhishek by Brahmin priests, recitations of Ramcharitmanas, Sita-Ram kirtans, and the Sundarkand from the Valmiki Ramayan." He added that devotional singing will continue in the evening. "At 5 PM, the Sankirtan Mandali from Ramakrishna Mission will perform, followed by uninterrupted Ramcharitmanas recitations by various city-based Ramayan Mandalis." Mishra also announced that from April 13 to 15, many renowned Ramayan storytellers from Kashi and across the country will deliver discourses from 5 PM to 10 PM each evening. Following that, the 102nd edition of the six-night-long Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh will take place from April 16 to 21 on the temple premises. "This grand musical festival is entirely dedicated to Indian classical music. This year, 11 Padma awardees and 16 emerging artistes will participate, representing both national and international acclaim," he said. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaurav Banswal said that various committees in the city are organising processions on the occasion. "We have coordinated with these committees. Senior police officials are patrolling alongside the processions to ensure law and order," he said. He further added, "Drone surveillance is being conducted in crowded areas, and social media platforms are being monitored to prevent the spread of misinformation or incitement." 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.
12 April,2025 05:38 PM IST | Varanasi | ANI
Why is it called ‘Good Friday’? Here’s all you need to know about the day
Many non-Christians may often feel the urge to wish a follower of Christianity ‘Happy Good Friday’ before Easter. For those who have followed through, you may have been met with a puzzled reaction, but you are not alone. Going by the word ‘Good’ in the term, it is easy to be perceived as celebratory. However, this day is much more spiritual, reflective, and solemn than the word ‘Good’ may make it sound. Every year, the day quietly arrives with silence unlike any other public holiday, and this is not without reason. It marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ—an event that lies at the very heart of Christian faith. But the question arises, when the day commemorates suffering and death, why is it called “Good” Friday? The ‘good’ in Good Friday reflects the goodness of this selfless act—a moment that, though tragic, paved the way for forgiveness and hope. It's a day when sorrow meets redemption. Even though it has a history riddled with suffering and death, the perspective with which Christianity observes this day, supersedes mourning with hope. According to Christian belief, Jesus willingly gave his life on the cross to save humanity from sin. His sacrifice was not seen as a defeat, but as an act of unconditional love. One of the verses from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah that strongly relates to Jesus' sacrifice and captures the essence of Good Friday is: Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. According to the Bible, Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples, arrested, and sentenced to die by crucifixion. He bore the weight of humanity’s wrongdoings despite his innocence only to save them from the sufferings of sin. Christians believe this wasn’t the end, but the beginning of a new promise: eternal life for all who believe. Good Friday is observed with quiet dignity and solemn around the world. Sombre services and silent bells echo in the churches around the world. Many believers fast or refrain from indulgences. Others reflect on the story of the crucifixion through prayer, meditations, or re-enactments. It’s a time to slow down and contemplate the deeper values of sacrifice, love, and compassion. This year, Good Friday will be observed on April 18 as Easter Sunday falls on April 20. Be it for the believers or non-believers, Good Friday extends an invitation to pause, reflect, and consider what it means to give of oneself for others. While this holiday unlike other is not festive, this deeply meaningful day is a moment to reconnect with the values that make us human.
12 April,2025 02:49 PM IST | Mumbai | Katyayani Kapoor
Boyce Avenue’s Daniel Manzano: 80 per cent of top 100 music is explicit today
For Daniel Manzano of the American band Boyce Avenue, returning to India for the third time since they first visited in 2016, feels surreal. He shares, “2016 feels like so long ago. Isn't that crazy? It's a huge honour to be a United States band with no record label that just posts videos on YouTube and be invited to go play in a faraway country like India. So, for this to be our third time back, it's humbling because it's confirmation that we're doing something right. So, we're excited.” The three-member band will be performing in Mumbai at Phoenix Palladium in Lower Parel today, as a part of their three-city India tour. Daniel is one of the three Manzano brothers including Alejandro and Fabian, who make up the Florida-based band that took over YouTube in 2007 and enjoy every bit of singing and performing with each other because of their camaraderie. Ever since they came together in 2004, they have not only sung covers but also originals, and their audience has not only grown in the US but also around the world and even India, as more people were exploring the online video platform in its early days. In the process, they also have the Guinness World Record for being "the most-viewed independent band in the world" with over 16.8 million subscribers and seven billion views. Over the last two decades, online mediums have only expanded and with that the trio has seen a lot of change, as Daniel puts it, “We have seen a big change in that time. The landscape of music has changed pretty drastically.” ’80 per cent of top 100 music is explicit today’While Daniel says he doesn’t want to sound grumpy; he believes the change hasn’t been for the better. “We've noticed a trend. When we first started, if we looked at the top 100 songs on the US or global charts, and we were thinking about covering one of those songs, maybe 10 per cent of them,would be rated explicit because they have vulgarities or certain words that warrant warning parents that the songs are explicit.” However, the bassist of the band says a lot has changed now, as he believes over 50 per cent and almost closer to 80 per cent of the top 100 is explicit. "I just don't see that as a positive change. I don't see what's artistic or positive about having all of our top music be explicit or arguably vulgar. So,it has definitely narrowed the universe of songs that make sense for us to cover,” he adds. Interestingly, the Manzanos aren’t complaining because they have taken it in their stride and now focus on what they love doing the most. “It has also sent us into a more nostalgic trip, where we are now looking more backwards at things that we loved when we were younger, and inspired us when we were younger. I think it's a blessing in that regard.” Having come from a time where they covered some of the oldies, Daniel says it is probably more appropriate for their audience anyway, who is aging with them. “It's to say that the music landscape has changed drastically. We accept and acknowledge it, but we also feel like it isn't the kind of music right now that we're that excited to cover.” Evolution of the online music mediumEver since YouTube came out, there are many more platforms that have come out over the years including TikTok and even Instagram, and that has probably changed a lot too. Even as the songs dominating the charts are so different than anything ever before, Daniel feels the younger kids are getting to explore so many different kinds of music. He shares, “The younger kids, because of the democratic nature of the internet, are actually being exposed and appreciating older music. I feel like a lot of memes, a lot of TikTok, a lot of these videos are being synced to music from my generation and even older. And all of a sudden, I'm finding that my kids know songs that I didn't even think they would know.” While it may seem easy to get the eyeballs, Daniel reminds that the mediums may have changed but virality is still important, and they have never fit into it. He explains, “The primary way that a song would go viral or would propel an album to mega success 20 years ago was by getting success on radio. Now, I actually think a song or album's likelihood of being successful is more dependent on whether it gets picked up and goes viral on TikTok. I think we didn't fit well in either of those. We don't fit well in either of those landscapes. We didn't really have a chance when it was all about radio and we definitely don'thave a chance, on having one of our covers used on a viral TikTok.” It’s simply because Boyce Avenue’s music and vocals has always been about emotion, the lyrics, how it makes you feel, according to Daniel. “It's not like the 20 seconds worth of audio candy that's going to get used in a TikTok.” It is why he believes that the landscape and the primary means of getting successful with an original song or with a cover has changed but that has neither benefitted nor hurt them. “Our niche has always been more word of mouth and YouTube and long form, and I think there's still a place for that. So, I'd say it's a whole different world, but I don't know that it has prejudiced us in any way.” Over the years, they have covered many different artists and songs including ‘Photograph’ by Ed Sheeran, but one look, and you may see more of Coldplay with the likes of ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ but now without songs by The Goo Goo Dolls, and even John Mayer, that are among their favourites. “It also feels like somewhere at the intersection of those three artists is where you find Boyce Avenue,” says Daniel of the band, who has also collaborated with many artists over the years but haven't had the chance to try it out with an Indian artist, especially because of how much India has used YouTube as a medium. But it is not like he isn’t hoping it happens sometime soon. Till then, he will continue to explore Indian food, as he has been getting into it more in the last few years, than ever before, and is excited to try Chicken Xacuti as this writer suggests, when he wants a recommendation for something in chicken and spicy. “Butter chicken is delicious, but I want to evolve past that. I feel like I want something that's a little spicier. I want something that's a little more complex,” says Daniel, who is clearly ready for the India tour, produced by BookMyShow Live, as the band performs in Mumbai, after Bengaluru, but ends their tour in Pune at Drome Arena in Mayfield Estate on April 13.
12 April,2025 02:39 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto
How deaf-mute girl from Jammu-Kashmir's Rajouri defies odds to keep learning
In the heart of the Pir Panjal mountain range, nestled in the remote village of Dara in the Thannamandi block of Rajouri district, a young girl has become a symbol of resilience and inspiration. Afsana Kouser, daughter of Mohammad Bashir, is a deaf and dumb girl from a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family who has defied odds to pursue education and emerge as a role model in her community. Afsana successfully completed her 8th standard at Government Middle School Dara, the last school in the Thannamandi education zone. Her dedication and determination have earned her immense respect and admiration from the people of her village, who take pride in her achievements. Despite her eagerness to continue her education, Afsana had to quit schooling after 8th grade, as there is no high school nearby. The closest one is in Thannamandi, approximately 8 kilometers away--a journey she cannot afford due to her family's poor financial condition. She wants to continue her studies. After 8th class, passed from Govt Middle School Dara, Zone Thannamandi, about 40 km from Rajouri HQ. Local residents and teachers alike believe Afsana's story highlights the urgent need for accessible education facilities in remote areas. Her passion for learning, despite physical and economic challenges, has touched hearts across the region. Mohammad Bashir, the father of Afsana, stated that she is very talented and wants to pursue further studies, but she is not in a condition to go outside. Adris Ahmed Dar, a Teacher, said, "There are many talented individuals here, but because this is a far-flung area, their talent often goes unnoticed. We had a student named Afsana Kausar, daughter of Mohammed Bashir. She was deaf and mute, yet she supported us in many ways. She completed her 8th grade two years ago. Due to challenges related to her condition, she had to discontinue her studies, as the area was 5-7 km away, making it difficult for her to attend. But she was exceptionally bright. She had the ability to understand and do everything." Afsana's neighbour said, "This girl is mute, and so are her two brothers and other family members. Despite these challenges, it is by the grace of God--and the dedication of her father, who is a hardworking man--that she has come this far. She has studied up to class 8 with a strong mindset. Those who have taught her and supported her have done an incredible job. Look at her handwriting, her expression--she is truly inspiring. I thank your media channel, especially ANI, for supporting us. On behalf of our community, I also thank the administration, our Lieutenant Governor, and the Government of India. This is a remote area, about 6 to 8 kilometers from the mountains. I warmly welcome you all here. Please highlight the achievements of girls like her in your reports." Shabir Ahmed, a social and political activist, said, "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the staff members for their dedication and service to deaf and mute children. They have done remarkable work. One of the students, Afsana Kausar, is a smart, sharp, and advanced learner. She is an inspiration to others, and I truly appreciate the efforts of the entire management for their hard work." Mohammed Usman, a teacher at Government Middle School, said, "We have several specially-abled children in our school. A live example is Afsana Kausar, daughter of Mohammed Bashir. She lives near our school and has passed her 8th standard. Unfortunately, due to her condition, she could not continue her studies. She belongs to a remote, mountainous area, which adds to the difficulty. Still, she has shown great determination. Despite her disability, she is quick to learn and understands everything. Her journey is not only a matter of pride for us but for the entire community." Her family expressed gratitude to the Government of India for providing them with a pucca (permanent) house under PMAY, a rural development scheme, which ensured a safe shelter for the family. The story of Afsana Kouser is not just one of struggle but also of strength and inspiration -- a call for better infrastructure and inclusive opportunities for the differently-abled in far-flung corners of the nation. 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.
12 April,2025 02:20 PM IST | Rajouri (Jammu and Kashmir) | ANI
Hanuman Jayanti 2025: Devotees throng Hanuman Garhi Temple in Ayodhya
Devotees thronged Ayodhya's Hanuman Garhi Temple to offer prayers on the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Jayanti on Saturday. In the visuals, devotees were seen standing in the queue, waiting for their chance to offer prayers. Meanwhile, devotees offered prayers and took a holy dip in the Saryu River as they arrived at Ram Temple in Ayodhya on the occasion. The devotees also arrived at Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple to offer prayers on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. Several devotees also gathered at the Hanuman Temple in Lucknow on the occasion to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman, who is known for his unwavering devotion, courage, and strength. Moreover, the devotees arrived at Shri Koranti Hanuman Temple, Kalaburagi, in Karnataka, and offered prayers to Lord Hanuman. Jabalpur's Pachmatha temple had prepared a special Maha Thali with 56 traditional dishes from across India and a massive 5,000 kg laddu. Marking its silver jubilee, the Hanuman Mandir Seva Samiti and Mahila Mandal are set to organise a grand three-day celebration. The thali reflects the idea of "unity in diversity," bringing together regional favourites on a single sacred platter. There's dry fruit from Kashmir, fafda-jalebi and dhokla from Gujarat, layiya from Uttar Pradesh, Banarasi paan and lassi, bel sharbat, and even Bihar's signature litti-chokha. Hanuman Jayanti or Hanuman Janmotsav celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman, an ardent follower of Lord Ram. Hanuman Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Hanuman and is observed on the day of the full moon in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which occurs in March or April. It also goes by the name Chaitra Poornima. On this auspicious occasion, devotees across the world keep fast and offer puja to the deity. Devotees chant Hanuman Mantras to form a deeper connection with Lord Hanuman. The festivities are marked by colourful processions, cultural performances and the sharing of prasad. On this auspicious occasion, devotees across the world keep fast and offer puja to the deity. Devotees chant Hanuman Mantras to appease Sankatmochan and form a deeper connection with Lord Hanuman. 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.
12 April,2025 11:55 AM IST | Ayodhya | ANI
Ram Darbar at Ayodhya temple to be open for devotees from June 6
The Ram temple at Ayodhya will see the installation of a 'Ram Darbar' next month which will be open for devotees from June 6 but it won't be a consecration ceremony, says temple construction committee chief Nripendra Mishra. The event will also mark the completion of the construction of the temple which started in 2020. The Ram Lalla consecration in 2024 was presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "The Pran Pratistha (consecration ceremony) of Ram Lalla has already been held at the ground floor of the temple in 2024. Now is the turn of Raja Ram (Ram as a King) to be placed at the Ram Darbar on the first floor. So it is expected that (the idols of) Lord Ram along with that his brothers and goddess Sita will arrive in Ayodhya and be installed on the temple's first floor on May 23," Mishra told PTI over phone. "When Lord Ram's idols are placed in his Darbar, it is obvious that the same would happen after a religious ceremony. There would be puja but it won't be right to refer to it as a consecration, as the same consecration (or pran pratistha) has already happened in 2024. Yes, different kinds of pujas would be held before the Ram Darbar is open for devotees. These puja, would conclude on June 5," he said. The dates May 23 and June 5 have their own auspicious planetary alignments so it has been decided to have the installation done on May 23 and subsequently have the Ram Darbar open on June 6 after puja on June 5. The almost 5-ft Ram statue carved in white marble in Jaipur is part of the Ram Darbar, which will also feature idols of Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughn, and Hanuman. Asked if it would be another big ceremony akin to the pran partistha event on January 22, 2024, at Ayodhya that was presided over by Prime Minister Modi, Mishra said, "These aspects would be decided upon by the Ram Temple Trust." However, he added, "It will (the inauguration of Ram Darbar) not be at the same level, as that of the earlier event (January 22, 2024, one). This one would be a close religious affair." Asked if the entire temple would be ready by June 5 and open for devotees from June 6, Mishra said, "Yes, it would be, as the second floor too would be ready on the same day." While the construction of the main temple will be over, the building of the compound wall will take some more months. "However, by June 6, seven other temples outside of the Ram temple, like the Maharishi Valmiki Temple, would be complete," he added. 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
09 April,2025 12:07 PM IST | Ayodhya | PTI
Mark Elder: Gen Z is going to find its own path in appreciating classical music
“Gen Z is going to find its own path,” shares famed British conductor Sir Mark Elder, continuing, “I'm sure for some of them, the idea of what's happening in classical music is really important because my experience is that audiences are full of young people.” It is a stark difference from the time he was growing up. Elder, who was in Mumbai for the very first time, was also making his debut in the country, when he was left pleasantly surprised to see the audience for his performance at the National Centre for Performing Arts during Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI)'s Spring 2025 Season. Elder adds, “I'm so thrilled about that because when I was young, they weren’t, and everybody thought that the youth would never get to music. I've spent my life trying to get young people interested in all sorts of music and I just love it when I come to do a concert and see lots of young people everywhere.” While the number of Gen-Z who witnessed him live is debatable, the crowd had an interesting mix of young and old. It is no wonder then that the British conductor is hopeful for the future of Western Classical music at a time when Gen-Z, a generation that people apparently love to hate, is confidently taking over physical and online spaces in more ways than one. Having conducted orchestras around the world in Australia, USA and the United Kingdom, for the last five decades, Elder says a live symphony orchestra is a powerful emotional language, which can be loud and soft too, “It is the only large-scale musical activity that happens in the world without microphones. As a young person growing up today, all the music they hear, whatever it is and however much they love it, it's microphoned.” On the other hand, he says in a live symphony orchestra what you see is what you get. “I always say that to young children, ‘You must come and listen. Come on, sit near the front. They say, oh, it's so loud. Yeah, but there are no microphones. It's live. The player sits there and makes the sound for you. That's part of the appeal. You see the moment of creation. I think that's wonderful to watch people create.” Showcasing this very artistry, Elder conducted Mumbai’s very own Symphony Orchestra of India of whom he had heard a lot about from his colleagues in the past. Doing it for the very first time and decided to mix it up by playing three pieces, one of which was Beethoven’s third symphony. He explains, “I was asked whether or not I would do the third symphony of Beethoven because the orchestra hadn’t played it for a long time, and it is a very important piece. It is a very brave and incredibly original piece. If you know the first and the second, the difference is immense, longer and louder, and daring, and the music is heroic and very hard to play. I thought it would be a great challenge for the orchestra to do it and as a way for us to get to know each other.” While the other two pieces are also beautiful and fine pieces, Elder seemingly has an affinity to showcase a challenging piece, and in the process produces a spectacle, which he so easily did, with his dramatic movements and his child-like exuberance. Interestingly, music and Sir Mark Elder have been inseparable for more than 70 years now. He reminisces, “When I was very young, in the 1950s, I sang as a soprano in a cathedral choir.So, my introduction to music was through the ritual of the English church, singing some of the greatest music that has ever been written in England, which was wonderful music and I loved it.” Once the British conductor became aware of the profession, there was no looking back, even as he dabbled with the piano and bassoon, the latter of which he sold as soon as he started conducting. It feels like being a conductor is sacred for the septuagenarian, who fell in love with it very early on, and has been honing his craft ever since then, the passion for which could be seen when he took to the stage for the performance. So, even after all this time, what inspires him to continue conducting after all this time? He concludes, “Music is like spiritual food. I find that music gives me great strength. It gives me great hope for the future. It gives me incredible pleasure and doesn't terrify me. When I was young, starting out, it was frightening. It nerved me but I'm not nervous now. I'm just enjoying it. So, without it, I would be nothing.”
07 April,2025 06:44 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto