Latest news with #KarthigaiDeepam


Time of India
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Karthigai Deepam 2: Geetha surprises Karthik on his birthday
In the latest emotional episode of the popular Tamil soap Karthigai Deepam season 2, viewers were treated to a heartwarming surprise as Revathi celebrated Karthik 's birthday in a touching and unexpected way. The episode begins with Karthik appearing distant and preoccupied, unaware that Revathi has planned a special surprise for him. Despite the growing tensions and misunderstandings between them in recent episodes, Revathi chooses to put their differences aside to make Karthik's birthday memorable. As the day progresses, Karthik returns home to find the lights off, only to be greeted by the soft glow of candles and the smell of fresh cake. Revathi appears with a lovingly prepared cake and a warm smile, catching Karthik completely off guard. Her gesture not only melts his heart but also surprises the family members, who witness a rare moment of affection between the estranged couple. Karthik, moved by Revathi's thoughtfulness, cuts the cake as Revathi and the rest of the family cheer him on. The emotional undercurrent between the two sparks hope for fans who have been rooting for their reconciliation. The episode ends on a high note, with Revathi and Karthik sharing a quiet moment together. While no words are exchanged, their expressions speak volumes, leaving audiences eager to see whether this moment marks a turning point in their relationship. Karthigai Deepam, known for its dramatic storytelling and complex characters, continues to win hearts with emotionally charged sequences like this one. As fans speculate about what lies ahead for Revathi and Karthik, one thing is certain—love still lingers between them. Storyline Deepa's death, Karthik moves to his native village along with his brothers Anand and Arun. They now live with their grandparents Raja Sethupathi and Parameshwari. Karthik currently serves as a house help for Chamundeshwari, who is actually his aunt, in an effort to reunite the family. Meanwhile, fate begins to bring Karthik and Revathi


New Indian Express
19-07-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Be abreast with tech: CM Stalin at DSP passing-out event
CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin said policing is a noble duty that demands empathy, patience, and honesty. Addressing the passing-out parade of 24 directly recruited Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) at the Tamil Nadu Police Academy (TNPA) on Thursday, Stalin said every officer should listen to grievances of the people with respect and respond with fairness and urgency. 'When I meet you again, if you say you have served people well, I will be satisfied to the core,' he said. The chief minister stressed on the importance of officers maintaining both physical and mental fitness throughout their career, and urged them to use scientific methods and be abreast with modern technology. He also encouraged officers to spend time with their families, saying a well-balanced life strengthens duty. The batch of 24 DSPs - 9 women and 15 men - began training in July 2024. They come from diverse backgrounds, including engineering, veterinary science, Siddha medicine, and the social sciences. Thirteen are in their first jobs. The 52-week training covered law, cybercrime, community policing, intelligence, and leadership. Officers were trained in arms handling, swimming, yoga, and field duties during Jallikattu and Karthigai Deepam. DGP Shankar Jiwal received the ceremonial salute and awarded the Chief Minister's Trophy and Sword to top performers. Senior officers, officials, and families attended the event.


New Indian Express
18-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Tiruvannamalai temple to get Rs 8-crore hall, new queue system
TIRUVANNAMALAI: A new queue system and a Rs 8 crore waiting hall for 2,000 devotees are being developed at the Annamalaiyar Temple in Tiruvannamalai, with plans to install LED screens and improve basic amenities to enhance the darshan experience, said Minister P K Sekar Babu on Thursday. Following a review meeting at the Tiruvannamalai Collectorate, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister P K Sekar Babu addressed the press and announced a series of additional measures to improve infrastructure and facilities at the temple. 'A queue system similar to the one in Tiruchendur is being implemented here, he said. 'A Rs 8-crore master plan is in progress to construct a waiting hall that can seat around 2,000 devotees. It will be equipped with fans, drinking water, toilets, and televisions to screen abhishekams and other rituals. More LED screens will also be installed across the temple to broadcast daily pujas.' The minister noted that the influx of devotees not just during Karthigai Deepam or Pournami, but on regular days as well has created pressure on temple infrastructure. He added CM Stalin directed him and Minister EV Velu to jointly formulate long-term development plans, he added. Speaking on regulating mobile phones, the minister said a final decision would be made in ten days. 'Since the temple complex is vast and often crowded, banning cell phones could make it hard to trace lost individuals. We'll take a considered call after discussion.' He also announced that a public relations officer would be appointed to manage crowd flow and assist foreign and interstate visitors, and a new deputy commissioner post would be created to strengthen administrative capacity.


The Hindu
17-06-2025
- The Hindu
Tiruvannamalai Corporation plans to build OHTs to provide uninterrupted water supply on Girivalam path
The Tiruvannamalai Corporation plans to construct at least two large overhead tanks (OHTs) on 14-km-long Girivalam Path near Arunachaleshwara temple soon to provide uninterrupted water supply to washrooms used by pilgrims along the route. Officials of Tiruvannamalai Corporation said that existing civic amenities, mainly washrooms and water taps, remain inadequate due to the rising number of footfalls to the temple town, especially after the pandemic. 'Water supply especially to washrooms on Girivalam path remains the top priority due to a steady increase in pilgrim flow to the temple town. Water sources are also being identified for the purpose,' S. Selva Balaji, Commissioner, Tiruvannamalai Corporation, told The Hindu. On an average, the town gets around three lakh visitors on Chitra Pournami days and 1.5 lakh tourists on weekends. During Karthigai Deepam festival last December (2024), around 40 lakh visitors attended it on Maha Deepam day alone. Corporation officials said that temple and Girivalam path is covered by Adinamalai reserve forest (RF), which comprises around 900 hectares, and a home for spotted deer, wild boar, peacocks, wild cats and rabbits. Any open defecation on the route will not be unhygienic but also pose a threat to wild species in the forests. On Tuesday, along with Corporation Commissioner Mr. Balaji, Collector K. Tharpagaraj inspected temple, Girivalam path and surrounding areas on providing additional civic amenities to pilgrims. At present, the path has 57 washrooms including 35 of them were built by the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA). Most of the washrooms are in existence since 2002 when the path got its first batch of four toilets for pilgrims. Since then, mobile washrooms especially during festival seasons were hired on rental basis by the civic body. Corporation officials said that an additional 223 new washrooms on the path will be built in the coming months under CSR initiative by public undertakings like BHEL, NLC and ONGC. In other words, each washroom, on an average, will have a space of 50 metres between each other. The civic body plans to build at least two OHTs at a cost of Rs 30 crore for the purpose. Each tank will have a capacity of one lakh litres. Sathanur dam and Samuthiram lake will provide water for the new facility. Currently, washrooms on the path are maintained with around one MLD (millions of liters per day) of water as against the actual need of four MLD. Borewells remain a key water source for it. The civic body gets around 22 MLD for its domestic needs and other purposes from these two water bodies every day. A small share of water from these water bodies will be diverted to new washrooms on the path, Corporation officials said.


NDTV
11-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- NDTV
6 South Indian Festive Foods You Will Want Even When There Is No Festival
South Indian festivals are full of rituals, family time and a whole lot of comforting food. Whether it is the grand feast during Onam or a homemade offering on Pongal, the food is always the star. Festivals like Ugadi, Vishu, Mysore Dasara, Thrissur Pooram, Hampi Utsav and Karthigai Deepam all come with their own must-have dishes - sweet, savoury or both. The best part? You do not need to wait for a festival to eat these South Indian favourites. These dishes are simple to cook at home and are perfect for a cosy lunch or even a last-minute celebration meal. You can also order them online using any food delivery app. Here Are 6 South Indian Festive Dishes That Taste Good All Year Round: 1. Ven Pongal Ven Pongal is the ultimate comfort dish - made with rice, yellow moong dal, curry leaves, ghee, cumin, ginger and black pepper. It is a signature part of the Pongal harvest festival in Tamil Nadu. Soft, ghee-laced and easy to digest, Ven Pongal is filling without being heavy. It is also incredibly easy to cook at home. See the full recipe here. 2. Paruppu Payasam Paruppu Payasam, or moong dal payasam, is the sweet hug your taste buds need. Popular during Onam celebrations in Kerala, this payasam blends moong dal, jaggery and coconut for a rich, silky finish. It is a staple in every festive sadhya, but works just as well when you need something indulgent yet rooted. Click here for the recipe. 3. Curd Rice A bowl of curd rice is like hitting the refresh button. Made with cooked rice, fresh curd, curry leaves and tempered spices, this South Indian classic is ideal for hot days. Though it is a staple across homes in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, curd rice also finds a place on many festive menus as a soothing end to a rich meal. Try the recipe here. 4. Mysore Pak Mysore Pak is not just a dessert - it is a sweet with serious street cred. Prepared using just three ingredients (besan, ghee and sugar), it is found at every festive table and is often packed into wedding return boxes across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It is rich, crumbly and melts the second it hits your mouth. Make it at home or order it online. 5. Maavilakku Maavilakku is one of the more sacred festive foods - an edible lamp made with rice flour, jaggery, cardamom, dry ginger and ghee. Shaped like a lamp and lit with a cotton wick, it is offered to Mariamman or the family deity during Karthigai Deepam and Aadi month. Once the prayers are over, it is eaten as prasad. This dish is as spiritual as it is nostalgic. 6. Rasam No list of South Indian dishes is complete without rasam. This tangy broth is made with tamarind, tomatoes, pepper and spices, and is usually served with rice. Lighter than sambhar but big on flavour, rasam is a festive essential, especially during Tamil and Telugu celebrations. It is also a go-to during sick days, thanks to its immunity-boosting ingredients. Learn how to make rasam here. Try these 7 South Indian tiffin recipes you can make in 15 minutes.