Latest news with #RathYatra
Time of India
18 minutes ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Bengal is not safe for women: BJP's Pradeep Bhandari slams TMC on Kolkata rape case
BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari on Friday launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress over the Kolkata alleged gangrape case and said that West Bengal is not safe for women under the Mamata Banerjee government. "Mamata Banerjee's government supports the rape of women in Bengal. The accused in the Kasba gangrape is an active member of Mamata Banerjee's party, Trinamool Congress. Mamata Banerjee runs and protects an army of goons in Bengal for her appeasement politics and political dominance. People of Trinamool Congress commit rape against women, erase evidence and the TMC government makes a one-week case. A person of Trinamool Congress has been found guilty in the Kasba gang rape. Bengal is not safe for women. Despite Mamata Banerjee being a woman chief minister, her thinking is anti-women," Bhandari told ANI. The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo-motu cognisance of the alleged gangrape of a law student at South Calcutta Law College in Kolkata's Kasba area on June 25, with NCW member Archana Majumdar expressing outrage over the incident. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Victoria Principal Is Almost 75, See Her Now Reportingly Undo Speaking to ANI, Majumdar said, "It's shocking. As a mother, as a woman of West Bengal, I am very annoyed. We have taken suo-motu cognisance, we have asked DGP to answer within 72 hours in detail, including arrests, sections, crime scene examinations, medical examination, and everything...I will be meeting the victim today or tomorrow. I talked with the officer in charge of the concerned PS also. He reported that the victim has been sent to Calcutta National Medical College for medical examination. Three of the accused have been arrested already. Whatever action is being taken, my question is - why does it happen? Where is the security of women, of girl students?" BJP leader Dilip Ghosh also echoed similar sentiments, stating, "Whenever a crime occurs in West Bengal, a TMC leader is found to be involved. The most evil and anti-social elements are in TMC. Holding the TMC flag seems to grant immunity from police action." Live Events He further criticised the state's law and order situation, saying, "Such an incident happening with a college student in broad daylight shows the poor law and order in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee has taken the entire police administration to the Rath Yatra in Digha, as if there are no other pressing issues in Bengal." On Wednesday evening, a female student was allegedly gang-raped inside a law college in Kolkata's Kasba. The police have arrested all three accused within 24 hours. The three accused, named as Monojit Mishra (31), Zaib Ahmed (19), and Pramit Mukhopadhyay (20), were former students or staff members of the same law college. According to the police, the accused named in the FIR will be produced before the A.C.J.M. of Alipore, South 24 Parganas, with a prayer to remand them to Police Custody for a proper investigation into the case. The alleged sexual assault took place between 7:30 pm and 10:50 pm on Wednesday within the law college premises. According to the official, one of the accused allegedly committed sexual assault, while the others were involved in the crime. The victim's family filed a police complaint against the accused, and the police have taken swift action in the matter. Two of the accused, Monojit Mishra and Zaib Ahmed, were arrested on Thursday, near Siddhartha Shankar Roy Sishu Udyan, close to Talbagan Crossing in Kolkata. Pramit Mukhopadhyay was arrested later the same night at his residence. The police have seized the mobile phones of all three accused. The official had visited the site and kept it under protection till they had done a forensic examination. They requested custody remand for further investigation.
NDTV
32 minutes ago
- General
- NDTV
Rath Yatra 2025: The Story Of Lord Jagannath's Muslim Devotee Salabega Inspires Generations
Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025, also known as the Chariot Festival or Shree Gundicha Yatra, is one of the most significant Hindu festivals celebrated annually in Odisha. Observed on Dwitiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the lunar month, the event draws lakhs of devotees to the streets of Puri. Among the many fascinating stories and traditions linked to this grand festival is that of Salabega, a Muslim devotee of Lord Jagannath. According to the Odisha government's official records, Salabega was one of the most revered devotional poets of the region. Despite being born into a Muslim family, he dedicated his entire life to worshipping Lord Jagannath. The Story of Salabega and His Devotion to Lord Jagannath Salabega, son of a Mughal subedar and a Hindu Brahmin woman, became a devout follower of Lord Jagannath after surviving a near-fatal injury through divine grace. Deeply moved by a dream where Mahaprabhu healed him, he dedicated his life to the Lord, composing timeless bhajans like Ahe Nila Saila. A beloved legend says the Rath Yatra chariot once halted miraculously until Salabega arrived. That spot, now marked by a shrine, continues to witness the Lord's chariot pausing each year symbolising the unbreakable bond between Salabega and Jagannath. His legacy lives on in Odisha's devotional culture. Salabega's heartfelt bhajans and devotional songs continue to be sung by Odia devotees even today. His unique devotion, crossing religious boundaries, stands as a symbol of spiritual inclusiveness and faith. His legacy remains alive during every Rath Yatra, reminding devotees of the universal appeal of Lord Jagannath. The Jagannath Yatra follows a series of sacred rituals rooted in ancient tradition. It begins with Rath Snana, a ceremonial bath of the deities with 108 pots of holy water. This is followed by Rath Pratistha, where the newly constructed chariots are sanctified with sacred chants. The grand spectacle of devotees pulling the deities' majestic chariots towards the symbolic Gundicha Temple marks the heart of the festival. The return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra, and the final ritual, Niladri Vijaya, mark the conclusion of the sacred event, leaving behind the promise of divine return next year.
Mint
an hour ago
- Business
- Mint
Bank holiday today: Are banks open or closed on Saturday, June 28? Check here
Bank holiday today: Banks throughout India will be closed today, June 28, 2025, as it is the fourth Saturday of the month. According to the Reserve Bank of India calendar (RBI), banks are closed on the second and fourth Saturdays and all Sundays each month. Usually, banks remain closed on weekends, except on the first, third, and fifth Saturdays. Apart from weekends, banks remain closed for national, regional and religious observances, depending on the state of residence. Therefore, bank holidays differ from state to state in India. Before making a visit to the bank, customers should check with the local bank branch for holiday lists. The next designated bank holiday falls on Sunday, June 29, 2025. In terms of festivals, banks in Aizawl will be closed on Monday, June 29, 2025 due to Remna Ni. Notably, banks will be closed for three consecutive days in Aizawl, including the weekend. For the month of June, banks were scheduled to be closed for four days, apart from weekends. Here's a list of state-wise bank holidays for this month. June 7 (Saturday) — Bakrid (Id-Uz-Zuha) — All banks closed pan-India. June 11 (Wednesday) — Sant Guru Kabir Jayanti / Saga Dawa — Banks will be shut in Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh. June 27 (Friday) — Rath Yatra / Kang (Rathajatra) — Banks closed in Odisha and Manipur. June 30 (Monday) — Remna Ni — Banks closed in Mizoram. Yes, during a bank holiday, online banking services remain accessible across the country even if the nearest branch is closed. Customers can use these services for convenient financial transactions. Requests for fund transfers can be submitted using NEFT/RTGS transfer forms, demand draft request forms, and chequebook forms. Credit cards, debit cards, and ATM cards can be accessed through card services. Additionally, services such as account maintenance forms, setting up standing instructions, and applying for a locker are also available.
The Hindu
an hour ago
- General
- The Hindu
Lord, along with siblings, begins annual sojourn amid Jai Jagannath chants in Vizag
There was an air of festivity along the main thoroughfares of the city on Friday as tall 'Rathas' (chariots) carrying the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Bhalabhadra and Godess Subhadra pulled by devotees moved at a slow pace, with cultural troupes performing before the grand processions, and devotees trying to catch a glimpse of the deities. The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra organised by ISKCON, Hare Krishna Movement, Utkal Samaj and Sri Jagannadha Swamy temple drew devotees in large numbers. Devotees gathered on either side of the road and prayed to the deities. Many devotees took selfies and pictures before the chariots. Some of the artistes and cultural troupes, who came to perform before the chariots, took pictures of their groups. The overcast sky and cool weather provided a welcome relief to those pulling the chariot and the artistes participating in the processions. Traditional dances, bhajans, congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra and chants of 'Jai Jagannath' marked the commencement of the 18th Annual Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra from the Central Park, near the GVMC. The procession began after Mataji Nitasevini broke a coconut and ceremoniously swept the ground in front of the chariot, symbolising service. Visakhapatnam West MLA PGVR Naidu (Ganababu) inaugurated the Rath Yatra. The procession passed through Dabagardens, Jagadamba junction, Ram Nagar Main Road, before culminating at Gurajada Kalakshetram, where special Vedic rituals were performed by priests. The Rath Yatra, organised by Utkal Sanskrutika Samaj, began from the Sri Jagannath temple at Daspalla Hills, after sweeping of the chariot by J.K. Nayak, president of the Samaj. The procession passed through VMRDA Children Arena, AU Out Gate and VUDA Park to reach the Gundicha temple, at Lawson's Bay Colony, where the deities would be in sojourn till July 5. Marwadi Yuva Manch provided drinking water. General secretary of the Samaj, Bimal Kumar Mahanta was present. Scores of devotees participated in the Jagannadha Swamy Radha Yatra from Town Kotha Road to the Turner's Choultry. Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat, and Visakhapatnam South MLA Vamsikrishna Srinivas inaugurated the yatra after the rituals, by pulling the rope. The chariots of Embar Mannar and Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy temples followed the chariot of Sri Jagannadha Swamy. Endowments Commissioner N. Sujata, Assistant Commissioner Annapurna, temple EO T. Rajagopal Reddy were among those who participated in the Rath Yatra. As one side of the road was occupied by the chariots and devotees, vehicles were allowed to ply on the other side causing traffic snarls at a few junctions.
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First Post
an hour ago
- General
- First Post
Rath Yatra: Over 500 devotees injured due to overcrowding in Odisha's Puri, many fell ill amid intense heat
Much of the chaos unfolded near the Balagandi area, where Lord Balabhadra's chariot, Taladhwaja, was stuck for over an hour. The prolonged stoppage led to heavy crowding, trapping several devotees read more Chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra at the Jagannath Temple, on the eve of the annual Rath Yatra festival, in Puri, Odisha, on Thursday. (Image: PTI) Over 500 people attending the annual Rath Yatra festival in Odisha's Puri were injured as crowds surged to pull the chariots as part of an age-old tradition. Many injuries were also caused by heat and humidity, health officials have said. The injured devotees were taken to nearby hospitals in ambulances that were already on standby near Lord Jagannath Temple. No casualties have been reported so far. The Rath Yatra festival was celebrated across the country on Friday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD #WATCH | Devotees gather to witness and be a part of the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, which began yesterday, in Odisha's Puri. — ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2025 Odisha Minister Mukesh Mahaling said, 'One or two devotees collapsed due to the weather conditions, but rescue teams responded quickly and took them to the hospital.' The minister added that the government is ensuring that the affected people receive proper treatment. Much of the chaos unfolded near the Balagandi area, where Lord Balabhadra's chariot, Taladhwaja, was stuck for over an hour. The prolonged stoppage led to heavy crowding, trapping several devotees, some of whom were injured while attempting to escape the congestion. Authorities attributed the delay to difficulties in manoeuvring the chariot at a critical turn, which slowed the procession and intensified the congestion. The situation worsened as a surge of devotees entered restricted areas, further hindering the chariot's movement. #WATCH | Puri, Odisha | Ambulances reached the Rath Yatra spot after some people complained of suffocation and were reported unconscious due to humidity. The affected people were taken to the hospital and were provided with the required medical assistance — ANI (@ANI) June 27, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While thousands of people pulled the chariots, lakhs of others also reached the seaside temple town to participate in the festival. An estimated one million devotees gathered in Puri for the annual Rath Yatra, officials said. Meanwhile, Lord Jagannath devotees will get another chance to pull the chariots on Saturday as none of them reached their destination on Friday after Balabhadra's Taladwaja chariot got stuck. With inputs from agencies
