
Samruddhi Manjunath to back Ganesh and Srinivas Raju's romantic entertainer
Known for producing Life Jothe Ondu Selfie, directed by Dinakar Thoogudeepa, and the upcoming Dhanveerrah-starrer Hayagreeva, this project is set to mark Samruddhi Manjunath's third film as a producer.
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Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
Loudspeakers may be used till midnight on 7 days: Ashish Shelar
1 2 Pune: State cultural minister Ashish Shelar on Wednesday announced a relaxation in the use of loudspeakers which may be played till midnight for seven days in Pune during the upcoming Ganesh festival. Shelar visited the city on Wednesday to meet district administration officials and discuss preparations for Ganeshotsav — which was accorded state festival status in the monsoon session of the assembly, recently. Elected representatives and Ganesh mandals had been demanding an extension in the timing till when loudspeakers may be played during the festival. Shelar announced a relaxation till midnight for seven days, as against the five days allowed earlier, in Pune. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune | Gold Rates Today in Pune | Silver Rates Today in Pune According to the Supreme Court directions, use of loudspeakers is banned after 10 pm. The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules says state govts have the right to select 15 days in a year when a relaxation to use loudspeakers till midnight may be given by collectors for their respective districts. After the meeting, Shelar said, "The district collector will meet representatives of important Ganesh mandals to decide the particular days when the extension will be applicable." That apart, Shelar also said the state will provide funds to celebrate the festival on a grand scale. "Mandals will be encouraged to depict the success of Operation Sindoor, to promote Swadeshi and showcase the life of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through their decorations," he added. The minister also said special attention would be given to Ganeshotsav in Pune — the city where Lokmanya Tilak started the festival on a community level. "The festival is celebrated in a traditional manner in Pune and is popular worldwide. We have decided to livestream activities of some important Ganesh temples and mandals so that devotees from across the world can feel connected," Shelar added. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.


Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Ganesh idol sales soar as Vij gears up for Chaturthi
Vijayawada: The festive spirit of Vinayaka Chavithi has already gripped Vijayawada, with idol sales beginning a week ahead of the festival. Streets in Ayodhyanagar, Singh Nagar, and several other busy localities are now dotted with colourful Ganesh idols, ranging from one foot to towering 12-foot figures, attracting devotees and festival organisers alike. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "We received more orders this year compared to last year. There is a possibility of more retail sales as well. That is why we made the idols and put them up for sale. The sales were very good. I think people are showing interest in the new design idols brought mainly from Hyderabad," said M. Devender, a local Ganesh idol maker, with visible enthusiasm. Vinayaka Chavithi is regarded as one of the most important festivals in Andhra Pradesh. Organisers across Krishna and NTR districts are planning larger-than-life celebrations this year. "Ganesh idol collection is very good this year. The price of idols increased up to 30%. But the quality of idols is pushing us to buy them," said Bonu Rambabu, a festival organiser from Mylavaram in NTR district. This year, innovative designs like the Ayodhya Mandir Ganesha have become a major attraction, drawing huge crowds to stalls across the city. Despite the price hike, the demand continues to surge as families and organisations are determined to celebrate on a grander scale than before.


Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
As Ganesh Chaturthi festival gains popularity, Ludhiana sees rising demand for eco-friendly idols
Ganesh Chaturthi, once considered a festival largely celebrated in Maharashtra, is now finding a place in Punjabi households in Ludhiana, with more families choosing to celebrate it each year. With just a week left for the 10-day festivities, idol-making workshops across Ludhiana are bustling with activity, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for the festival. An artist giving final touches to Ganesha idols in Ludhiana on Wednesday. (Manish/HT) Artisans noted that the shift has been rapid. Until a decade ago, Ganesh Chaturthi was almost unknown in the city, but in recent years, its popularity has steadily increased. Demand for Ganesh idols has grown consistently, prompting artisans from other states, such as Rajasthan, to cater to the city's needs, they added. Sudhir Kumar, a third-generation artisan from Chander Nagar, said, 'We have been running our business for the past 50 years, making sculptures for Durga Puja, Diwali and other festivals. It was only 15 years ago that we began making idols for Ganesh Chaturthi, after noticing the growing interest among residents,' he said. There is a notable shift towards eco-friendly idols. 'Earlier, we mostly used Plaster of Paris (POP) idols, but with rising environmental awareness, people now prefer clay-based idols. Even the paints we use are eco-friendly which dissolve easily in water after immersion. Prices for these idols range from ₹2,000 to ₹40,000 depending on size, yet they remain a preferred choice for many households,' Kumar added. Rise in home celebrations and customised idols The post-pandemic trend has also opened opportunities for artisans to experiment with eco-friendly materials, innovative designs and modern themes while retaining the traditional charm. Artisans said the trend of home celebrations, which gained momentum after Covid-19, has significantly increased demand for customised Ganesha idols. Families now prefer celebrating the festival in their homes, seeking idols that are not only traditional but also tailored to their personal preferences. Sheema Rani, another artisan on Ferozepur road, said, 'Earlier, people mostly bought standard idols from shops. Now, many families come to us months in advance with very specific requests. Some want Bal Ganesh while others prefer 'Lal Bagh ke Raja' style idols with intricate decorations, bright colours and a regal aura. She further said that meeting these customised demands requires extra effort, skill and creativity. Each order often involves handcrafting minute details from facial expressions to attire and jewellery, making the idols unique. 'Some families even share photographs or sketches and we try to replicate every detail as closely as possible,' she added. Shivani, a resident of BRS Nagar, said, 'Earlier, I only knew about Ganesh Chaturthi from TV shows and movies. But after seeing the celebrations in full grandeur at local pandals and temples, we felt inspired to celebrate it at home ourselves. It gave us a chance to enjoy the festival up close, create our own traditions, and make it truly personal for our family.'