Latest news with #GaneshChaturthi
Indian Express
7 hours ago
- General
- Indian Express
Pune: ‘Was told women shouldn't perform rituals because we menstruate, but I stood my ground'
By Kavyaa Masurkar Vasanti Vijay Palkar, a resident of Sadashiv Peth, has been performing religious rituals and ceremonies for close to three decades. Formally trained in Paurohitya, Palkar began her practice in 1995 at the age of 43 and has since built a formidable reputation in the community through word of mouth. Her interest in religious rituals can be credited to her grandfather, Ganesh Upadhyay, who was a respected priest. 'I used to accompany him for Satyanarayan pujas and sit beside him, listening with wonder,' she recalled. Her father, Chintaman Upadhyay, could not continue the family tradition due to financial responsibilities. 'Being the eldest son, he was compelled to take on a job for a steady family income. However, he always felt that the family tradition had to continue, consequently encouraging me to carry it forward,' she added. Palkar began her formal training under the guidance of Jyotsana Bodas at Shri Ram Ganesh Mandal and continued under her tutelage until 2020. Over the years, she mastered various aspects of the priesthood — from Stotras and Rudras to Saptashati, Vastu Shanti, Udaka Shanti, and wedding rituals. She started small, conducting pujas during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Maha Shivratri, as well as Satyanarayan Pujas for friends and neighbours. As word spread, she was called on to perform more elaborate rituals, including grah pravesh, thread ceremonies and weddings, many of which lasted for six to ten hours. As per her, her journey wouldn't have been successful without the wholehearted support of her late husband, Vijay Palkar. 'Despite his long working hours, he would insist that I continue with my education and regularly attend classes. He would prepare lunch for our daughters and then leave for work,' she reminisced fondly. His constant encouragement gave her the strength to pursue her passion seriously, she added. Despite his sad demise last year, she has continued performing ceremonies. 'It was difficult initially, but my daughters encouraged me to keep going. Conducting rituals gave me strength and helped me move on with my life, navigate through grief with dignity,' she said. Though most of her experiences have been positive, she has also faced resistance. 'A few male priests told me that women shouldn't perform rituals because we menstruate and are impure, but I stood my ground. If one is truly interested and devoted to the task, there is no reason why one should not be allowed to do it, regardless of gender,' she added. At the same time, she has received affirmation from unexpected quarters. 'Many people have said they prefer women performing the ceremony over men because, in their opinion, women recite the rituals more slowly and proficiently, allowing both the organisers and attendees to connect with and understand the rituals better,' she said. Despite the time and effort involved, Palkar has never charged a fixed fee. 'Sometimes I've travelled long distances and people haven't even offered conveyance. But I do it notwithstanding because it brings peace not only to me but also to those I serve. I've never done it for the money,' she said. Many people have told her that their lives have improved after she has performed rituals in their homes. 'Some say things have started falling into place, like improved health, healed relationships, etc. This kind of feedback motivates me and reaffirms my conviction that I and my work matter,' she said. Although she hasn't insisted that her daughters or other women in the family follow her footsteps, she hopes her journey will encourage others. 'I believe in encouragement through personal examples. If my family wants to pursue this line, I'll support them wholeheartedly,' she said. For Palkar, Paurohitya is a path of service to the community as well as a means of attaining inner peace. 'Make yourself so strong that no one can push you down,' she said. 'This work has given me a sense of purpose, resilience of mind and body, and clarity of thought. I hope more women are motivated to tread this sacred path, to accrue the benefits to themselves and the society,' she summarised.
New Indian Express
21 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Implement door-to-door policing effectively: Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara
BENGALURU: If the door-to-door police initiative is successfully implemented, the state police will earn national recognition, said Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara after reviewing progress during the second day of the Annual Conference of Senior Police Officers held at the State Police Headquarters. The initiative will help in preventing crimes when police personnel visit homes as they gain direct insight into the issues within their station limits, the home minister said. He added that Karnataka police should set an example for other state police forces. 'Officers and personnel must undergo regular training. We should adopt new technologies. Several types of software applications have been developed and launched within the department. It is necessary to analyse data to assess their effectiveness. Without it, these technologies hold no value. Other states should be able to learn from our police department. Officers should avoid making complainants run from pillar to post. Complaints must be received and responded to in a citizen-friendly manner,' he said. 'Officers must work at the ground level. Issues such as hatred and communal conflicts must be anticipated and addressed. During festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi and Muharram, various challenges arise. It is crucial to be mindful of these beforehand,' he said. He also noted that the conviction rate is low in cases of atrocities against the SCs, STs, women, and children. 'We have set up 33 Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement police stations across the state to address crimes against SCs, STs,' he said. Referring to drug-related issues, he said the Chief Minister has issued strict directions. 'Cracking down on drug networks is not rocket science. Officers must take greater ownership of drug cases and ensure that the main accused are not spared,' he added.
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Curbing drug menace is not rocket science: Karnataka Home Minister
Bengaluru: Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara said on Saturday that curbing the drug menace is not rocket science and asked the police officers to put in focused efforts. He also conducted a progress review and then addressed the officers. On the issue of drug control, he said that the Chief Minister has issued strict directions. 'Curbing the drug menace is not rocket science. The department has sufficient strength. Investigating officers must involve themselves deeply in drug-related cases. In any case, the prime accused must never be spared,' he said while addressing officers on the second day of the senior police officers' annual review meeting held at the office of the Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG and IGP). 'Different districts face different kinds of problems. Officers must work on the ground. Issues such as hate crimes and communal clashes may arise. Festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Muharram come with their own challenges. If officers don't observe these challenges firsthand, what is the point?' he questioned. Referring to crimes against Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and children, he noted that the conviction rate remains low. Investigating officers must consult public prosecutors and take necessary guidance. 'Some officers are not following this, and this is one of the reasons why accused persons are escaping the law,' he warned. 'To prevent atrocities against SC and ST communities, 33 DCRE (District Crime Record and Enforcement) police stations have been set up across the state. These must be made effective,' he said. Parameshwara added that if the 'Police at Your Doorstep' initiative is successfully implemented, the Karnataka Police Department will earn national recognition. 'When police visit homes, they understand the issues in their respective station jurisdictions. This also helps in preventing crimes,' he said. Parameshwara stressed that many key issues of the Police Department must be discussed. Expert consultations should be held regarding various problems, and appropriate suggestions should be sought to aid investigations. The structure of the annual review meeting should be redesigned with this aim in mind. District-level progress reviews are already being conducted at the Range level. At the annual conference, it is enough to present state-level data, he added. 'New technologies must be adopted. Karnataka Police should set an example for the rest of the country,' Parameshwara stated. He further added that the police must work more effectively, in line with the expectations of the government and the public. 'When citizens come to the station, their complaints should be accepted without making them run around repeatedly. Police must respond in a people-friendly manner,' he said. He further stated that officers and personnel of the police department must be provided with advanced technological training. Senior officers must think seriously and act accordingly.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Margao to get CCTV cameras at 16 locations before Chaturthi
Margao: The Margao Municipal Council (MMC) is set to revive its CCTV surveillance network with the installation of cameras at 16 strategic locations before Ganesh Chaturthi. With this initiative, MMC aims to make a fresh attempt to tackle traffic congestion and crime in the city. MMC chairperson Damodar Shirodkar said that a five-member committee constituted under the chief officer has already identified the locations for camera installation. The committee, which met with RTO officials, police, and MMC representatives, has finalised the spots for the initial phase. While the MMC requires 100 cameras to provide CCTV coverage across the entire town, the civic body will begin with 16 cameras as part of the first phase. Ten cameras have already been installed around the Sonsoddo waste treatment plant. This initiative is a second attempt at establishing effective camera surveillance in Margao. The town first introduced CCTV cameras in June 2012 when the South Goa district administration installed a CCTV surveillance system from Holy Spirit Church to MMC square under the MP Local Area Development scheme. The system initially showed promising results, with traffic police successfully tracking down violators and issuing fines to vehicle owners based on CCTV footage. A dedicated cell was formed of traffic personnel to monitor CCTV footage and detect violations. Police said the CCTV surveillance system created a sense of deterrence, thus enabling curtailment of the crime rate. However, the exercise soon fizzled out. The surveillance network of 2012 turned dysfunctional largely due to a lack of maintenance. The absence of regular maintenance obligations from the vendor resulted in the system becoming irreparable, leaving Margao without effective CCTV surveillance for over a decade. 'The crime rate jumped steeply once the CCTV surveillance was out of order,' a senior police officer said. This time, however, Shirodkar said, all necessary safeguards will be built into the agreement to be signed with the vendors to prevent any kind of misadventure. The new initiative also includes plans to introduce pay-parking areas to further address traffic congestion issues plaguing the state's commercial capital.
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Time Business News
Best Beaches in Maharashtra: Coastal Escapes You Can't Miss
Maharashtra's coastline stretches over 700 km along the Arabian Sea, offering a treasure trove of sun-kissed beaches, cultural retreats, and offbeat seaside getaways. Whether you're seeking peace, water adventures, or beach parties, the best beaches in Maharashtra cater to every traveler's desire. From the golden sands of Ganpatipule Beach to the clear waters of Tarkarli Beach, the lively buzz of Juhu Beach to the tranquil shores of Velneshwar—each destination has its own charm. You can read Best Hill Stations in Maharashtra Beaches like Alibag Beach and Kashid Beach make for perfect weekend getaways from Mumbai and Pune, while hidden gems like Vengurla-Malvan Beach, Bhatye, and Guhaghar offer untouched beauty and authentic Konkan experiences. Rich in heritage, blessed with natural beauty, and dotted with temples, forts, and coconut groves, these coastal escapes promise unforgettable moments. In this blog, explore the best beaches in Maharashtra with complete information—how to reach, best time to visit, must-see attractions, fun activities, and handy travel tips. Whether you're a solo backpacker, couple, or family, it's time to dip your toes in Maharashtra's finest coastal gems. Overview: A pristine beach blessed with a famous Ganesh temple, Ganpatipule is ideal for both spiritual seekers and beach lovers. Nearest station: Ratnagiri (30 km) Road: 340 km from Mumbai Best Time to Visit: November to March Ganpatipule Temple Prachin Konkan Museum Malgund Beach Swimming Devotional visits Watching sunsets Book early during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi Avoid weekends for a peaceful experience Famous Weekend Getaway From Mumbai Overview: A long, uncrowded beach lined with chikoo orchards, perfect for relaxed, offbeat trips. Nearest station: Dahanu Road Road: 140 km from Mumbai Best Time to Visit: October to March Bordi Beach Asavli Dam Dahanu Fort Beach strolls Orchard walks Local Warli art tours Try fresh chikoo during harvest season Great for eco-stays and rural tourism Overview: One of the most iconic and lively beaches in Mumbai, Juhu is perfect for evening outings, street food, and celeb spotting. Easy access from anywhere in Mumbai via road and suburban rail Best Time to Visit: October to February ISKCON Temple Prithvi Theatre Versova Beach (nearby) Try Mumbai street food Evening walks Beach sports Keep an eye on personal belongings Visit during weekdays to avoid heavy crowds Best Weekend Getaways From Delhi – One Day Trip Overview: A scuba diving paradise, Tarkarli is one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Maharashtra. Nearest station: Kudal (35 km) Road: 550 km from Mumbai Best Time to Visit: October to March Sindhudurg Fort Devbagh Beach Tsunami Island Scuba diving Snorkeling Dolphin watching Stay in beachside homestays for best experience Book water sports in advance Overview: Kashid is a quiet, white-sand beach nestled between Alibag and Murud, perfect for picnics and water sports. Road: 30 km from Alibag, 125 km from Mumbai Best Time to Visit: October to February Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary Murud-Janjira Fort Revdanda Beach Banana boat rides Camping Photography Weekdays are more peaceful Avoid monsoon due to high tides Best Tourist Places In Maharashtra To Visit In Summer Overview: Popular for its proximity to Mumbai and ferry access, Alibag offers a mix of beach fun, historic forts, and local cuisine. By ferry from Gateway of India to Mandwa + local transport Road: 100 km from Mumbai Best Time to Visit: November to February Alibag Fort Kihim Beach Varsoli Beach Water sports Fort exploration Local seafood tasting Try cycling from Mandwa to Alibag Book ferry tickets online in peak season Best 20 Places To Visit in Pune Overview: A holy beach town often called the 'Kashi of the South,' surrounded by hills and temples. Nearest town: Shrivardhan (18 km) Road: 200 km from Pune Best Time to Visit: October to February Harihareshwar Temple Diveagar Beach Kalbhairav Temple Temple visits Sea walks Photography Early mornings are peaceful for temple darshan Combine with Diveagar and Shrivardhan for a beach circuit Overview: A clean, serene beach perfect for a spiritual and nature-filled retreat. Nearest town: Guhagar (20 km) Road: 300 km from Mumbai Best Time to Visit: October to March Velneshwar Shiva Temple Hedvi Ganesh Temple Guhagar Beach Meditation Local seafood Swimming Carry cash; limited ATMs No water sports, ideal for peace seekers Overview: Famous for their clean waters, coral reefs, and cultural festivals, these beaches are a hidden gem of Konkan. Nearest station: Sawantwadi (20 km) Road: 540 km from Mumbai Best Time to Visit: October to February Sagareshwar Beach Vengurla Jetty Sindhudurg Fort (Malvan) Snorkeling Dolphin tours Seafood feasts Hire local guides for underwater sports Ideal for peaceful vacations Overview: A lesser-known beach with a vast coastline, perfect for long walks and quiet time. Nearest town: Chiplun (45 km) Road: 280 km from Mumbai Best Time to Visit: November to February Vyadeshwar Temple Anjanvel Lighthouse Hedvi Ganesh Temple Sunset walks Village exploration Nature photography Carry food and water on the beach Not many resorts—opt for local homestays Overview: A beautiful long beach near Ratnagiri, ideal for photography, family time, and gentle swims. Best Time to Visit: November to March Mandavi Beach Ratnadurg Fort Thibaw Palace Parasailing Sand sports Exploring Ratnagiri town Combine with Ganpatipule trip Visit early morning for best photos Maharashtra's coastline is filled with diverse beach destinations—from lively shores to quiet getaways. Whether you're after water sports, temple visits, photography, or peaceful sunbathing, the best beaches in Maharashtra offer something for everyone. Plan your journey, respect the coast, and soak in the stunning Konkan charm. Q1: Which is the cleanest beach in Maharashtra? A: Tarkarli and Ganpatipule are among the cleanest beaches. Q2: Which beach is closest to Mumbai? A: Juhu and Alibag are the most accessible from Mumbai. Q3: Which beaches are best for water sports? A: Tarkarli, Alibag, and Kashid offer various water sports. Q4: When is the best time to visit beaches in Maharashtra? A: October to March offers the best beach weather. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
