Latest news with #Navaratri
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Mysuru Dasara will be celebrated for 11 days this year
In a rare instance, the world famous Mysuru Dasara will be celebrated for 11 days this year, as against the usual 10 days. Dasara has been celebrated for 11 days on eight occasions earlier. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who heads the high-powered committee to oversee the festival celebrations, told officials of Public Works, Energy, Home, and other departments to make all preparations in advance to conduct the festival on a grand scale from September 22 to October 2. Grand celebrations As the State has received bountiful rains, the festival would be celebrated grandly, Mr. Siddaramaiah said. As Vijayadashami this year falls on Gandhi Jayanti, the Chief Minister instructed the executive committee that the procession of tableaus should focus on Gandhian values. According to tradition, Navaratri starts the day after the Mahalaya Amavasya, which this year falls on September 21. Hence, Navaratri would begin on September 22. However, with Panchami falling on two consecutive days (September 26 and 27) in the lunar calendar, the festival stretches to 10 nights and 11 days. The Gajapayana will commence on August 4, and Dasara celebrations will be inaugurated on September 22 atop the Chamundi Hills. The meeting was attended by Ministers, MLAs, and senior officials, and the Chief Minister told the police to be civil in crowd management and take steps to avoid any stampede during the festival. The Chief Minister said about 10 lakh people/tourists are expected to attend this year's festival. Who is to inaugurate On inviting a special guest to inaugurate the festival, the Chief Minister said party leaders Pushpa Amarnath suggested a woman should inaugurate the festival this year, while some others suggested inviting a person who practices Gandhian principles. He would decide the guest in the next 15 days, the Chief Minister said. The Energy Department has been told to illuminate the city of Mysuru for 22 days. The PWD officials were told to spruce up all roads in and around Mysuru. A sum of ₹40 crore was spent on conducting various events during last year's Dasara. The executive committee would plan the programmes and funds would be released as per the requirement, the Chief Minister said.
Hans India
24-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
Varahi Gupta Navaratri celebrations from June 26
Rajamahendravaram: The sacred Varahi Devi Gupta Navaratri celebrations will commence at the Gadala Sri Mahalakshmi Sametha Chinna Venkateswara Swamy Peetham on Thursday, June 26, coinciding with the auspicious Ashada month. The announcement was made by Peethadhipathi Guru Govinda Chinna Venkanna Babu Swamiji during a meeting held on Monday. Swamiji informed that until July 10, Goddess Mahalakshmi will bless devotees in her Varahi avatar. He explained that worshipping Varahi Devi brings knowledge, health, courage, wealth and success, while also eliminating tantric obstacles. As part of the Navaratri festivities, special rituals and Homams will be performed at the Peetham. On Thursday, July 3, a special Abhishekam will be conducted for Goddess Sri Vyuhalakshmi. On July 10, under the leadership of Anugrahaprada Foundation Vice-Chairman Singamsetti Mahitosh, a grand Gandhabhishekam will be performed to Goddess Varahi using 108 kilograms of fragrant sandal paste. Speaking on the occasion, Anugrahaprada Foundation Chairperson Dharanikota Durga Venkata Hemavathi stated that devotees who have darshan of Sri Varahi Devi during the Gupta Navaratri will be blessed with the removal of obstacles and the fulfilment of their wishes. Managudi–Manaseva Bharatiya Adhyatmika Seva Samithi Chairman for AP and Telangana, Mathala Ramesh, said that devotees from across various states are expected to participate in the celebrations and offer special prayers and services. Vice-Chairman of the Mahalakshmi Peetham TV Apparao, INTUC District President Vasamsetti Gangadhar Rao, trade union leaders Box Prasad, Gubbala Gangabhavani, Mudunuri Venkata Lakshmi, Ananta Lakshmi, and Tirumala Raju Venkataraju were among those present at the gathering.
India.com
21-06-2025
- India.com
Travel Smart: Essential Budget Hacks For Exploring Chennai!
Even though the metropolitan city of Chennai, in Tamil Nadu, is known for its never-ending activities from historic temples and buildings to modern beaches and food courts, it does have the potential to pinch your pockets. But fret not. With adequate planning, you can truly appreciate everything Chennai has to offer without worrying about spending too much. Here are great budget traveling tips that allow you to discover the true essence of Chennai while simultaneously saving a good amount of money. Your Visit During the Off-Season During the winter months, the region from November to February has pleasant weather and is the peak tourist season for Chennai. If you are looking to save a few bucks, you should definitely look into the season between March and October where accommodation and travel costs are significantly lower. All in all, these months are less touristy and more local. Pro Tip: Utilize seasonal discounts for hotels and flights that may be available off-season. Pack Light:Summers can get hot in Chennai so make sure to bring light clothes along with plenty of sunscreen. Festivals:You can also try to plan your trip around other local festivals like Pongal or Navaratri that occur in January and October respectively so that you can indulge in cultural activities. Quick Facts: Chennai Summers reach as high as 40 degree celsius so ensure to stay hydrated. Hotel rates during off-season can go 30 to 50 percent lower than peak season rates. Pongal and other festivals are celebrated with traditional foods, kolams, and much more cultural fanfare. Affordable Accommodation Options You will find plenty of budget accommodation like guest houses, bed and breakfast, or hostels in Chennai. Stays under these categories are usually posted on booking sites such as Airbnb, hostelworld, and makemytrip. Also, quite a few inexpensive hotels provide price cuts for extended visits. Hostels: You can easily find OYO Rooms or FabHotels and other chain hotels that offer cozy and reasonably priced rooms. Budget Hotels: Staying in a house of a local family is not only culturally enriching, but it is usually cheaper than hotels as well. Homestays: Ideal for backpackers and solo travelers looking for inexpensive dorms Quick Facts: In Chennai, hostel dorms are available for as low as 400 INR per night. Budget hotels can cost somewhere between 800 to 1,500 INR a night. A homestay can go for 1,000-2,000 INR a night, most of the time with meals inclusive. Like a Local Chennai's public transport is not only affordable but also efficient and quite vast. Traveling by trains, buses, and share-autos helps you cut costs as compared to hiring a private vehicle or taking a cab. MTC Buses: The Metropolitan Transport Corporation's Bus Service – Almost every area of the city is covered by MTC buses and they are dirt cheap. Suburban Trains: When going to places such as Chengalpattu, Marina Beach, and St. Thomas Mount. Share Autos:The best option for covering short distances within the city when on a budget. Quick Facts: Starting fare for the MTC bus is 5 INR. 10 INR is all that is needed to buy a ticket for a suburban train and travel one way. Traveling share autos cost between INR 20 to 50. Budget-Friendly Food Do not worry if you are on a budget because Chennai is a food lover's dream. Savor the variety of food available including steaming idlis, mouthwatering biryani, crispy dosas, there is a lot to explore that is also light on the pocket. Street Food:Visit the beach and T. Nagar to enjoy sundal, bajji, and freshly cooked parottas from the street food stalls. Messes: Affordable and hearty South Indian meals can be enjoyed at Ratna Cafe and Murugan Idli Shop. Lunch Buffets: Some eateries provide low-priced lunch buffets which is great for trying out several cuisines at once. Quick Facts: At neighborhood cafes, every plate of idli-sambar sells for approximately 30-50 INR. Cheap restaurants serve full South Indian meals ( thali) for 100 – 200 INR. The prices of street food sundal and bajji are 20 -50 INR. Free and Low-Cost Attractions There are a lot of free or inexpensive places to visit in Chennai. It's perfect for temples, museums, and beach lovers. Beaches: Head to Marina Beach, as well as the second longest city beach in the world, or Elliot's Beach to unwind and enjoy. Temples:India boasts of stunning temples that define the culture, and the Kapaleeswarar and Parthasarathy temples in Chennai are no exception. It's a free site so don't forget to visit. Museums and Parks: Some budget friendly places to visit include the Government Museum as well as Semmozhi Poonga which charge a small fee. Quick Facts: Elliot's and Marina Beaches can be accessed for free Indian citizens only need to pay INR 15 to enter the museum. Children under 12 can enter Semmozhi Poonga for INR 10 and adults only need to pay 15. Smart Chennai's active street bazaars and markets are great for those looking to shop on a budget. With the proper knowledge, silk sarees, jewelry, and other souvenirs are sold at reasonable prices. T. Nagar: Best spot to find sarees, jewelries and other accessories at affordable Pondy Bazaar: A budgeted fashionista's paradise for clothes, bags and even shoes. George Town: Great for wholesale fabric shopping and other knick-knacks. Pro Tip:Always negotiate prices at street markets. Quick Facts: Kurtas and cotton dresses start from 300 – 500 rupees. You can find handmade jewelry for as cheap as 100 to 200 rupees. At T. Nagar, silk sarees are available starting from 1,000 rupees. on Souvenirs and Experiences You can spend less and still enjoy the true culture of the city by choosing souvenirs that are unique and inexpensive. Artisan Crafts: Terracotta jewelry, Tanjore Paintings, and pottery are things to look out for. Music and Dance: Attend free events or workshops for classical dance and music during the Margazhi festival (December-January). Local Snacks: Murukku, banana chips, and Mysore pak are some of the treats you can enjoy while in the city. Quick Facts: Terracotta Jewelry sets: INR 200-500. Entry to cultural performances during Margazhi is often free. Local Snacks: Between 50-100 per packet. Wrapping Up Chennai is a premier city for budget travelers due to its wonderful culture, welcoming vibe, and the delicious food. So long as you plan your trip wisely by reserving the flight ahead of time, utilizing buses and trains to get around the city, and eating and shopping in reasonably priced places, you will enjoy everything that the city has to offer without breaking the bank. What are you waiting for, pack your bags and go on an adventure of a lifetime to Chennai!
The Hindu
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Dasara festival 2025 to be celebrated over a period of 11 days
This year's Dasara festival is scheduled to be celebrated over a period of eleven days. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysore royal family, in a statement here on Saturday, sought to make it clear that this year's eleven-day Dasara celebration was not unprecedented, but in keeping with traditional observances based on the lunar calendar. Though the festival is typically observed over a period of nine days, there have been several instances in the past when the celebrations have lasted either Ashtaratri (eight nights) nine days, Navaratri (nine nights) ten days, or Dasharatri (ten nights)eleven days'. 'The calendar (Panchanga) followed by the Mysuru palace for all festivals, including Dasara, is based on the lunar calendar. Variations in the duration of the festival arise due to astronomical factors – specifically the movement of the moon and the Sun – which determine the alignment of the lunar days/dates,' the statement said. Dasara had been celebrated over eleven days in 1920, 1929, 1953, 1962, 1980, 1990, 1998, 2000, 2015 and 2016, said Ms. Wadiyar.
India.com
03-06-2025
- General
- India.com
Know Why Chennai City Is The Perfect Destination For Backpackers
Chennai, located in the southern part of India and serving as the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a lively city which masters the integration of traditional and modern practices. Dubbed 'Gateway to South India,' the city presents an ideal mix for backpackers through culture, history, and affordable travel. Even when visiting alone or in a group, Chennai has something distinct to offer its visitors. With that said, here are five compelling reasons why Chennai is the perfect destination for backpackers. 1. Affordable Accommodation Options Chennai's biggest draw for backpackers is the availability of affordable accommodation options. The city is well-known for its extensive range of budget hostels, guesthouses, and hotels as compared to the rest of India. Most of these facilities are located around popular visiting spots such as Marina Beach or the railway station. Moreover, certain guesthouses and hostels are available at the airport for those who need immediate rest upon arrival. In addition, sites like Airbnb and also cater budget-oriented travelers while ensuring comfort. 2. Rich Cultural Heritage Chennai has a rich history and culture that gives backpackers an opportunity to explore south Indian customs. There are also ancient temples like Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Parthasarathy Temple, along with some colonial era sites like Fort St. George. All these places are filled with history and do showcase brilliant architecture. In addition to that, backpackers get a chance to celebrate local festivals like Pongal or Navaratri and get a taste of the culture. 3. Delicious Street Food Scene For enthusiasts looking to traveling places with great food, Chennai is paradise on Earth. The city is famous for its South Indian dishes which include idli, dosa, vada, filter coffee, among many others. What makes this even more attractive for backpackers is the inexpensive prices of street food. Regions such as T. Nagar and Mylapore have great markets where you can get authentic food for very little money. Make sure you try the city's famous biryani and coconut based desserts. 4. Easy Reach Public Transport This city is very easy to navigate due to Chennai's decent public transport system. There are buses called MTC that serve most parts of the city and auto-rickshaws can be used for shorter distances. For train users, there is a Chennai Suburban Railway Network which covers important areas. With these features, traveling in the city becomes easier for backpackers who aim to explore the town without spending excessively on transportation. 5. Gorgeous Beaches and Nature Chennai is renowned for its wonderful natural features such as beautiful beaches and greenery. Marina Beach is one of the longest urban beaches in the world, which makes it a favorite to many backpackers who want to enjoy the sun by the water. Other attractions in the area include, but are not limited to Guindy National Park, a small reserve with plenty of biodiversity located inside the city, and the beautiful Besant Nagar Beach. These places greatly aid in photography, bird watching, or just relaxing while enjoying the scenery. Wrapping Up Chennai has a unique bargain. It has a perfect blend of affordability, culture, and convenience making it ideal for backpackers. From historic monuments, beautiful beaches, street food, to the roaring arts in the city, there is truly something for everyone. Additionally, because of its position in South India, it makes the city a central point for traveling to other regions, hence extending the possibilities. So, grab your backpack and get ready to unleash the inner traveler within you to figure out what makes Chennai such a special place.
