Latest news with #Mahakumbh2025
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Laxmi Narayan corrects Mamta Kulkarni's 'blessing' blunder during Akhada ritual in viral video
Mamta Kulkarni's spiritual journey took a dramatic turn with her appointment as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada at Mahakumbh 2025, sparking controversy and backlash. Her subsequent expulsion and resignation added to the turmoil, fueled by concerns over her past and internal conflicts. However, she made a return, reaffirming her commitment to the Akhada and devotion to Sanatan Dharma. Once known for her bold roles in 90s Bollywood, Mamta Kulkarni has reinvented herself in the most unexpected way—by stepping into the spiritual spotlight. Her appointment as Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada at Mahakumbh 2025 sparked headlines, debates, and viral moments. From controversies and expulsion to an emotional return, Mamta's spiritual journey this year has been nothing short of dramatic—blending faith, fame, and fierce backlash in equal measure. Viral Moment In a now-viral video, members of the Kinnar Akhada are seen gathered for what appears to be a ceremonial procession. Laxmi Narayan stands under a beautifully decorated umbrella, orchestrating the event. She gestures for Mamta Kulkarni to join her, who then steps forward and takes her place under the canopy. Mamta is seen raising her hand in a blessing pose, as Laxmi brings other members to join the formation, marking a symbolic and visually striking moment. As soon as Laxmi Narayan noticed Mamta raising her hand in a blessing gesture, she promptly signaled her to lower it, asking her to stand straight instead. Mamta is seen dressed in a saffron kurta and palazzo, paired with a yellow scarf adorned with religious inscriptions—visibly blending into the spiritual setting of the event. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Doctors Beg: Take These 4 Ingredients Before Bed to Burn Fat The Healthy Way Learn More Undo Mahamandaleshwar row During the Mahakumbh 2025 festival, Mamta Kulkarni was appointed as the Mahamandaleshwar of the Kinnar Akhada by Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan. Taking on a new spiritual identity as Shree Yamai Mamta Nand Giri, the former actress stepped into a deeply religious role. However, the announcement sparked widespread controversy, with many questioning her elevation and triggering intense backlash against her. In an interview with ANI, Mamta Kulkarni shared that her appointment as Mahamandaleshwar during the historic 2025 Kumbh was, in her view, a divine decision. She believes it was the result of 25 years of dedicated spiritual practice, and that the timing of the event—held after 140 years—was no coincidence. Expulsion and Resignation However, on January 31, 2025, the situation took a dramatic turn when Rishi Ajay Das, founder of the Kinnar Akhada, expelled both Mamta Kulkarni and Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi from their positions and the Akhada itself. The move came amid growing backlash and concerns over Mamta's controversial past. It was also revealed that her appointment was allegedly made without the founder's approval. Just days later, Mamta announced her resignation from the post via social media, citing intense criticism and internal conflicts. A few days after announcing her resignation, Mamta Kulkarni made a return to the Kinnar Akhada, stating that her guru had not accepted her decision to step down. Expressing gratitude for being reinstated, she affirmed her commitment to the Akhada and pledged to devote her life to the service of Sanatan Dharma.
India Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Uttar Pradesh tops cleanliness survey, Lucknow wins presidential award
In a landmark achievement, Uttar Pradesh has claimed top honours in the Swachh Survekshan 202425. The state stood out across multiple categories in the ninth edition of the cleanliness survey, with its awards being presented at a ceremony at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan by President Droupadi Murmu. Cabinet Minister A.K. Sharma received the awards on behalf of the state. Lucknow secured third place among cities with over one million residents and achieved a historic 7star Garbage Free City (GFC) rating. The presidential award for Lucknow marked a major milestone in urban sanitation in Uttar Lucknow, other cities in the state earned top recognition: Prayagraj was honoured as the Cleanest Ganga City, Agra was declared an Emerging Clean City, and Gorakhpur secured strong ranks in both the Safaimitra Safe City category and for midsize urban cleanliness. Prayagraj was praised for its sanitation efforts during Mahakumbh 2025, while Gorakhpur earned a 5star GFC rating and ranked high in the 3–10 lakh population class. Agra entered the top thirty nationally and received a 5star GFC certification, showcasing its growing commitment to urban cleanup efforts have also reached smaller cities: Moradabad ranked tenth nationally, Bijnor's municipal council placed twenty-ninth, and Shamshabad stood at ninety-fifth, showing a wide implementation of sanitation initiatives across Uttar Pradesh. Honoured for its innovations during Mahakumbh 2025, the state's success is due to effective coordination between urban bodies, diligent monitoring, and public cooperation. Urban Development Minister A.K. Sharma highlighted that these awards reflect Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's commitment to creating clean cities. Special Secretary Anuj Jha reported an increase in door-to-door waste collection from 48% to 62% and waste processing from 48% to over 85%. With advancements like GFC certification and progress in ODF++ and Water+, Uttar Pradesh is on the path to becoming India's leader in urban sanitation.- Ends advertisement
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Spl plantation drive begins today with ‘Eklavya Forest'
Varanasi: With development of a unique 'Eklavya Forest' in Baragaon area under the Plantation Mega Campaign 2025, a drive to establish special forests will begin on Friday and will continue till Sep 5. Theme-based Oxy Forest, Shakti Forest, Triveni Forest, Atal Forest, Drumstick Bhandara, Gopal Forest, Unity Forest, Rakshabandhan Garden and more such will be developed at different locations. This is UP govt's unique effort for environmental conservation. This year, 'special forests' will be developed at various locations in Varanasi, as well as across the state. The forests are significant not only for plantation purposes but also for special purposes and messages associated with their naming. This campaign will work on strengthening roots of national, social, spiritual and cultural values along with environmental balance. Govt is naming each forest with a specific thought and message. For example, 'Shaurya/Sindoor Forest' honours brave soldiers, 'Brother-Sister/Rakshabandhan Plantation' encourages family emotions, 'A Tree in Name of Guru' expresses gratitude to teachers, Gopal Forest is for welfare of cattle and Triveni Forest will refresh memory of Mahakumbh 2025. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo by Taboola by Taboola The initiative is not limited to plantation but also fosters emotional and cultural connections. Some special forests are linked to specific dates, such as Raksha Bandhan on Aug 9, Shaurya-Sindoor Forest on Independence Day on Aug 15, and A Tree in the Name of Guru on Teacher's Day on Sep 5. Divisional forest officer, Swati Srivastava, said, "On Aug 6, 7 and 8, there will be plantation and resolution symposiums in industrial units for pollution control and environmental conservation, with participation from Kanpur, Bareilly and Meerut forest divisions.
Time of India
08-07-2025
- Time of India
UPSRTC drivers, conductors get Rs 10,000 bonus for Kumbh duty
Lucknow: A bonus of Rs 10,000 each has been credited to the accounts of drivers and conductors of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) who rendered their services during Mahakumbh 2025. This initiative was implemented as per the earlier announcement made by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. A total of Rs 24.7 crore was transferred to 24,071 employees, including 11,786 drivers and 12,285 conductors, under this scheme. Transport minister Dayashankar Singh expressed gratitude to the CM, stating that the bonus not only serves as a reward for the staff but will also motivate them to continue delivering excellent service in the future. He further informed that personnel from all 19 regions of the state were deployed during Mahakumbh 2025 and carried out their duties with utmost efficiency. Highlighting the scale of the event, the transport minister noted that over 66 crore devotees participated in the holy dip during Mahakumbh. He said, "Throughout the event, drivers and conductors of the UPSRTC performed their responsibilities with dedication, honesty, and promptness, ensuring safe and smooth travel for pilgrims."
Hindustan Times
27-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
PIL seeks disposal of garbage left over in Mahakumbh mela area
A PIL has been filed in the Allahabad High Court highlighting the huge amount of garbage, debris, construction material, commodes and many such things left unattended at Sangam where the Mahakumbh 2025 recently concluded, and seeking its proper disposal. (File photo) The PIL was filed by law interns undergoing legal training with Human Rights Legal Network (HRLN), who came across the pathetic condition of the land near main Sangam Ghat, Sangam Marg, Balua Ghat, Katehra Dariyabad, Muthiganj, Sector 8 and 9 near Koteshwar Mahadev Mandir, Dashashwamedh Ghat, Daraganj following a field visit on June 11. 'The PIL was heard by Justice Jayant Banerji on Friday and the order has been reserved,' shared lawyer KK Roy, director of HRLN. The petitioners in their plea stated that the pathetic condition of areas near the river post Mahakumbh showed the carelessness of the authorities in handling waste disposal highlighting disregard for environmental norms. The petitioners requested the court to direct the respondents, including State of UP through Additional Chief Secretary, Urban Development, District Magistrate, Prayagraj, Mela Adhikari (Kumbh Mela 2025), Prayagraj, Nagar Nigam through its Municipal Commissioner, Police Commissioner, Prayagaraj to immediately initiate and complete the removal of accumulated waste before the arrival of monsoon and undertake scientific segregation, and environmentally sound disposal of waste. The eight petitioners are law students Anshika Pandey, Devansh Saxena, Anurag Tripathi, Harshit Sharma, Avanish Mishra, Rohit Kumar, Aditya Srivastava and Shambhavi Baranwal stated in the petition that despite Namami Ganga's zero-discharge goal, waste at the site was neither segregated nor scientifically handled, resulting in indiscriminate dumping that undermines the core sanitation and river protection objectives of the programme. It further stated that despite the event being promoted as 'Green Kumbh', the ground reality revealed widespread littering, untreated sewage, and floral decay, defeating the credibility of the claimed ecoconscious arrangements. According to the petitioners, the sacred bathing zones had become dumping sites, eroding the religious and cultural importance of the ghats which actually violated the fundamental reverence associated with the Ganga.
