Koli fishers add colour, tradition to Velankanni's early pilgrimage season in TN
For this coastal community, the off-season offers more than rest. It's time for a collective journey of faith and tradition – where almost all the lodges in the temple town are pre-booked months before for their long stay.
The July 1-15 pilgrimage features daily sermons in Marathi, hoisting a flag bearing Marathi inscriptions, and the colourful presence of Kolis from Mumbai and other fishing settlements across Mumbai.
Koli men wear distinctive triangle-shaped dhotis with the names and photos of their boats printed on them, a statement of both identity and pride. Many carry miniature replicas of their vessels, decorated with candles, to offer in prayer.
But it's the women who take the lead in carrying these symbolic boats along with coconut and candles to the altar, quietly anchoring this annual tradition. 'The boat is more than a symbol. It's our life, our sweat. We carry it with the same care we carry our families,' says Priyanka Johnson, a fisherwoman from Mumbai.
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News18
18-07-2025
- News18
Echoes Of Kashi: Walk Through Varanasi With UP's Audiobook That Tells Ganga's Tales In 13 Languages
Last Updated: UP Tourism is set to launch a GPS-enabled, app-integrated audiobook system that will guide your steps while covering all 84 ghats of Varanasi. the Ghats of Kashi will no longer remain silent. Instead, they will become living storytellers, speaking in 13 languages, narrating the legacy of gods and pilgrims, and inviting the world to not just see — but listen to — the soul of India. All this is set to become a reality as the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department embarks on a groundbreaking digital initiative to transform the way the world experiences Varanasi. They are going to launch a GPS-enabled, app-integrated audiobook system that will guide your steps while covering all 84 ghats of Varanasi. The idea is simple but powerful: to let visitors walk, sail, or even explore from afar while listening to professionally narrated content that brings to life the historical, religious, and cultural significance of each ghat — all through the UP Tourism mobile app. 'This digital audiobook will turn every walk along the Ganga into a spiritual and cultural journey. It's about telling Kashi's story the way it deserves to be heard — soulfully, accessibly, and globally," said Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism. Authentic Stories in 13 Languages Officials said the GPS-enabled audiobook will be programmed in Hindi and English, narrated by professional storytellers, and further translated into 13 languages using the Government of India's AI-powered Anuvadini platform. These include 8 Indian languages — Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Kannada, Odia, Malayalam, Urdu — and 5 international ones — French, German, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean. 'Kashi has always belonged to the world. This app will help people in Tokyo, Toronto, or Thiruvananthapuram connect with its divine rhythm," said Dr Shashikant Pandey, Head of Political Science at Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar University. Expert-Backed, Artistically Voiced Each ghat's script — limited to 2 minutes to retain listener interest — will be created by a team of researchers and vetted by a panel comprising historians, ASI officials, and cultural experts. This ensures factual accuracy and cultural sensitivity. These scripts will then be recorded by voice-over artists chosen specifically for their clarity, tone, and connection to the spiritual ethos of Varanasi. To enhance immersion, the background audio will include subtle effects — such as temple bells, river waves, conch sounds, or distant chants — designed not to overpower but enrich the narration. Offline Ready, Elder Friendly The app will also offer offline downloads so that users on boat rides or in areas with poor network connectivity can still access the content. The interface will be kept simple and intuitive, with pause/play options, chapter selection by ghat, and transcript toggles for the hearing impaired. 'Many elderly pilgrims or foreigners don't engage with printed guides or QR codes. This voice-led journey will feel more natural and accessible," noted Anupama Chauhan, Joint Director, UP Tourism. Rollout and Expansion Plans The rollout of the GPS-enabled audiobook system for Varanasi's 84 ghats will take place in three structured phases. Phase 1, covering the first three months, will focus on research, scriptwriting in Hindi and English, expert vetting by a panel of historians and ASI officials, and voiceover recording by professional artists. The content will then be translated into 13 languages using the AI-based Anuvadini platform. After editing and integration into the UP Tourism mobile app and website, with GPS-based triggers and offline access, the system will undergo internal testing and, following approval from the Tourism Department, be launched for public use. Phase 2 will span the next 36 months, focusing on content and technical maintenance, language updates, user feedback monitoring, and analytics reporting. The agency will ensure hosting support and smooth functionality across devices. Phase 3, an optional 24-month extension, may expand the system to nearby temples, heritage streets, or thematic trails, and potentially include advanced features such as AR/VR or AI-guided tours. This phased rollout ensures long-term sustainability and continuous enrichment of Varanasi's spiritual and cultural tourism experience. Transforming Heritage into a Living Classroom This initiative is not just about convenience or tourism numbers — it's about cultural preservation and emotional connectivity. 'You can build temples and pathways, but making people understand the spirit of a place — that requires storytelling. This app will be Kashi's voice," said Prof Rajeev Sinha, a historian involved in the content design process. With over 7 crore tourists visiting Varanasi in 2023 alone, including nearly 9 lakh foreigners, UP's Tourism Department hopes this step will boost experiential tourism, promote inclusivity, and create lasting emotional bonds between Kashi and its visitors. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
16-07-2025
- New Indian Express
Koli fishers add colour, tradition to Velankanni's early pilgrimage season in TN
NAGAPATTINAM: Each July, long before the large crowds pour into Velankanni for its famed September festival, the Tamil Nadu coastal town welcomes a quieter but vibrant group of over 13,000 Koli fisherfolk from Mumbai who arrive during the monsoon fishing ban in the Arabian Sea. For this coastal community, the off-season offers more than rest. It's time for a collective journey of faith and tradition – where almost all the lodges in the temple town are pre-booked months before for their long stay. The July 1-15 pilgrimage features daily sermons in Marathi, hoisting a flag bearing Marathi inscriptions, and the colourful presence of Kolis from Mumbai and other fishing settlements across Mumbai. Koli men wear distinctive triangle-shaped dhotis with the names and photos of their boats printed on them, a statement of both identity and pride. Many carry miniature replicas of their vessels, decorated with candles, to offer in prayer. But it's the women who take the lead in carrying these symbolic boats along with coconut and candles to the altar, quietly anchoring this annual tradition. 'The boat is more than a symbol. It's our life, our sweat. We carry it with the same care we carry our families,' says Priyanka Johnson, a fisherwoman from Mumbai.
Hans India
01-07-2025
- Hans India
Dy CM Shinde intervenes to help tourists from Maharashtra stranded in Uttarakhand
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