Beamed into focus: Lit-up angel atop Victoria dome to be part of Kolkata's night skyline
2
3
Kolkata: The rotating fairy atop Victoria Memorial Hall dome will soon be visible 24×7. Between 11 pm and dawn every night, it will shine like a jewel, bringing attention to a less conspicuous detail in one of the city's most celebrated landmarks.
While Victoria Memorial Hall is lit up at dusk, the lights are switched off at 11 pm, plunging the marble edifice with the angel perched on the dome into darkness. Though the lights will still go off at 11 pm, 10 light beams will continue to be trained on the Angel of Victory with its wings unfurled, holding a wreath in the left hand and a trumpet in the right. "We will do the final light tests on Monday. If everything is good, the fairy will glow through the night, every night," said VMH secretary and curator-in-charge Anurag Kumar.
When heritage lovers' group Kolkata Restorers sought Kumar's permission to try and illuminate the angel, he gave the go-ahead but with multiple conditions, VMH being a protected heritage site. Lighting design and illumination expert Suyash Narsaria was told no equipment could be fixed on the facade and that the dome and the angel were off-limits. "That meant no direct access and no standard lighting solutions. But the limitation was also an opportunity to innovate.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Cyprus investments might be cheaper than you think
Cyprus Investments | Search Ads
Get Info
Undo
We decided to experiment with narrow-beam focus lights — specifically, 8-degree beam angle fixtures. We did this first from the garden, nearly 350 ft from the fairy. Encouraged by the result, we moved to the terrace for focused and sharper beams," Narsaria said.
You Can Also Check:
Kolkata AQI
|
Weather in Kolkata
|
Bank Holidays in Kolkata
|
Public Holidays in Kolkata
To ensure that the rotating angel is illuminated from all sides, 10 LED focus lights of 18W. Each has been used with eight-degree beam angles, strategically arranged in a 360° layout so that the angel remains evenly lit regardless of its orientation.
"The result has been magical. It almost felt like the fixture was designed specifically to highlight the angel — subtle, elegant, and powerful," the illumination expert added.
The 4.9-m tall, 3.5-tonne bronze angel, named Victoria after the Roman goddess of victory, is a windvane that rotates in wind in excess of 18 kmph. Created by British sculptor Lindsay Clarke, the angel was shipped from Cheltenham, England, to India in 1920 and installed the following year on the dome, nine years after the memorial was inaugurated.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
40 minutes ago
- Time of India
Daily Shani Predictions, July 28, 2025: Saturn will Bless These Zodiac Signs Today
Saturn is the planet of our karmas. It teaches us valuable lessons by encouraging us to learn from our mistakes. Saturn wants us to grow, evolve, and continuously improve as we move forward in our life journey. It also wants us to introspect about our actions to avoid repeating the same mistakes. Currently, Saturn is transiting into the sign of Pisces, and from this position, it will be casting its influence on the lives of all zodiac signs. Let us discover Saturn's cosmic guidelines for you today and how you can seek his blessings in this Daily Shani Horoscope . Saturn Horoscope Today for Aries Today is an opportunity to practice self-care. Saturn reminds, taking care of your body and mind is part of your responsibility. The karmic lesson is about respecting your own limits and creating healthy habits. Avoid overworking or ignoring your needs. Think how a balanced routine, good rest, and mindful choices can support your energy and help you move forward with quiet strength. Saturn Remedy: Practice honesty and integrity in all dealings. Saturn Horoscope Today for Taurus Trust that your efforts are making a difference. Saturn supports your steady nature, but asks you today to release self-doubt. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Stylish New Mobility Scooters Available for Seniors (Prices May Surprise You) Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Search Now Undo The karmic lesson is to believe in the slow but strong results of honest work. Stay focused on your goals, even if progress feels invisible. Think how patience and regular effort in daily tasks can quietly build a future that feels secure and meaningful. Saturn Remedy: Assist the elderly and handicapped, especially on Saturdays. Saturn Horoscope Today for Gemini Be mindful of your energy and use it wisely. Saturn teaches that scattered focus can delay progress. The karmic lesson today is about choosing where to place your thoughts and actions. Avoid overthinking and stick to one task at a time. Reflect on how staying present and limiting distractions in your daily routine can help you build stronger focus and make better use of your talents. Saturn Remedy: Carry or wear a Shani Yantra for protection. Saturn Horoscope Today for Cancer Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow stronger. Saturn helps you turn emotional tension into inner strength. The karmic lesson today is about facing discomfort without running from it. Stay committed to your responsibilities and trust your emotional resilience. Think how discipline, emotional balance, and quiet reflection can help you stay rooted and calm as you grow through every struggle that comes your way. Saturn Remedy: Wear black shoes and keep them clean and polished. Saturn Horoscope Today for Leo Your voice is powerful—use it to advocate for yourself. Saturn reminds you to speak with clarity and stay true to your values. The karmic lesson today is about using self-expression with responsibility. Avoid reacting in anger and instead choose calm confidence. Think how daily honest communication, strong boundaries, and inner belief can help you lead without fear and gain respect in a balanced way. Saturn Remedy: Fast on Saturdays to honor Shani and reduce negative effects. Saturn Horoscope Today for Virgo Let go of what no longer serves your highest good. Saturn's energy today pushes you to release habits, thoughts, or routines that hold you back. The karmic lesson is learning detachment with grace. Avoid perfectionism and focus on what truly matters. Reflect on how simplifying your daily schedule and being kind to yourself can clear the path for new, meaningful growth and peace of mind. Saturn Remedy: Do Surya Namaskar every morning. Saturn Horoscope Today for Libra Your dreams are within reach—keep moving forward. Saturn shows that slow and steady work brings long-lasting results. The karmic lesson today is about trusting your path even during quiet phases. Avoid comparing your journey with others and stay focused. Think how small, consistent steps in your routine can shape your goals into reality and bring you closer to the balance and success you seek. Saturn Remedy: Refrain from making life-changing decisions on Saturdays. Saturn Horoscope Today for Scorpio Celebrate progress rather than perfection. Saturn guides you to honour your growth, even if it feels incomplete. The karmic lesson today is to appreciate effort over outcome. Avoid pushing yourself too hard or hiding your emotions. Reflect on how gentle discipline, mindful actions, and emotional honesty each day can help you move forward with inner strength and a more peaceful relationship with yourself. Saturn Remedy: Early morning water offerings to the sun with copper vessels. Saturn Horoscope Today for Sagittarius Saturn's energy reminds you that inner balance supports outer action. The karmic lesson today is about creating space for rest without guilt. Avoid spreading yourself too thin. Think how small daily rituals like reading, mindful eating, or quiet reflection can help you reconnect with yourself and bring more clarity to your long-term dreams and goals. Saturn Remedy: Engage in cleaning public places or temples on Saturdays. Saturn Horoscope Today for Capricorn Your resilience will carry you through tough times. Saturn stands by your side, helping you stay grounded under pressure. The karmic lesson today is learning to trust your strength, not just your plans. Avoid shutting down emotionally and give yourself space to breathe. Reflect on how discipline, patience, and inner calm in daily actions help you handle challenges without losing sight of your deeper purpose. Saturn Remedy: Recite the Navagraha Stotra to pacify all planets including Shani. Saturn Horoscope Today for Aquarius Embrace vulnerability as a sign of strength. Saturn asks you today to open your heart without fear. The karmic lesson is learning that showing emotion does not make you weak. Avoid isolating yourself and speak gently with those close to you. Think how expressing feelings with honesty, while staying responsible, can build stronger connections and bring balance into both your personal and practical life. Saturn Remedy: Conduct a special Saturn Pooja with a knowledgeable priest. Saturn Horoscope Today for Pisces Focus on the present moment to find peace. Saturn guides you to bring your dreams down to earth through simple daily actions. The karmic lesson today is about grounding your emotions instead of escaping them. Avoid daydreaming too much and centre your energy. Think how mindfulness in routine work, gentle breathing, or quiet observation can help you feel calm and more in control of your path. Saturn Remedy: Use a black sesame tilak on your forehead on Saturdays. Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
UP govt launches programme to enrol out-of-school kids
Prayagraj: In a bid to ensure that no child is left behind in education, the Uttar Pradesh govt has launched an ambitious programme to identify and enrol out-of-school and dropout children aged between 6 and 14 years into age-appropriate classes. The initiative, spearheaded under the Sharda Programme, will offer special training to help these children catch up with their peers. School education director general Kanchan Verma has directed that the training of these children will commence on Aug 1 and continue until March 31, 2026. To make this mission effective, volunteers will be appointed to motivate children and reignite their interest in learning. Special training will be offered in areas where more than five out-of-school children are identified. Retired teachers or qualified volunteers will be selected as special instructors, and in their absence, nodal teachers from the local schools will conduct the training. According to basic shiksha adhikari (BSA) Devbrat Singh, children enrolled at these special centres will receive the same facilities as regular students. A temporary selection process will be carried out for instructors, and a district-level advertisement will be issued to invite applications. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo Applicants must be residents of the same panchayat where the school is located and should be aged between 21 and 45 years. The selection will be merit-based, calculated through the average percentage of marks obtained in High School, Intermediate, Graduation and relevant teaching qualifications like DElEd, BTC or BEd. In the absence of professionally trained candidates, the merit will be prepared based on the academic marks alone. Retired teachers will be given preference. Selected volunteers will receive an honorarium of Rs 4,000 per month. A four-member subcommittee, comprising the school management committee's president, vice president, member secretary (headmaster-in-charge), and a parent member, will oversee the selection process. The selection process is to be completed before July 31. As many as 68,913 out-of-school children have been identified across UP. In Prayagraj alone, the number stands at 1,263 while in Pratapgarh it is 448, Amethi 333, and in the state capital Lucknow, 742 children will receive special training. The total number of special training centres in the state is 22,044, with Prayagraj hosting 411 of them. Nearby districts like Pratapgarh and Kaushambi will have 208 and 224 centres respectively. The basic education department has instructed that volunteer recruitment advertisements be displayed at panchayat buildings, secretariats, schools and other public spaces. This outreach aims to ensure community participation in bringing every child back to school and shaping a literate and empowered future.
Time of India
5 hours ago
- Time of India
No OCs to building owners for illegal disposal of debris
Hyderabad: Building owners may be denied occupancy certificates (OCs) if they fail to properly dispose of construction and demolition (C&D) waste as Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is set to implement stricter regulations to tackle the issue soon. In this regard, the state govt has decided to introduce mandatory requirements for building owners to submit their C&D waste disposal certificate while applying for occupancy certificates with GHMC. The authorities are expected to issue a GO on these regulations within the next few weeks. Officials emphasise that the move would help reduce illegal dumping on roads, vacant plots, and water bodies, which has become a major environmental concern. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad The processed C&D waste could be recycled into construction materials like paver blocks and sand substitutes. "Under the proposed rules, property owners must engage C&D waste collection agencies to transport debris to designated processing facilities. They will need to maintain proper documentation showing the quantity of waste generated and its disposal method. This certificate will become a mandatory requirement for obtaining the occupancy certificate from GHMC. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo We will also increase the penalties against the improper disposal of C&D waste," a senior official in the sanitation wing, GHMC, said. As per the estimates, Hyderabad generates approximately 2,000 metric tonnes of C&D waste per day. There are four C&D waste processing plants in the city at Jeedimetla, Fathullaguda, Shamshabad, and Thumukunta, where citizens could deposit their waste. At present, a fine amounting to 5,000 is imposed on individual households, while a penalty of 25,000 is enforced on bulk waste producers, including builders, work contractors, institutions, and commercial establishments, for each violation where C&D waste is transported or disposed of in an unauthorised or hazardous condition. GHMC would also conduct regular monitoring and impose penalties on violators found disposing of debris improperly. Building owners who fail to comply with the new norms would face delays or rejection of their occupancy certificates. Meanwhile, under a comprehensive challan management system (CCMS), GHMC has issued nearly 4,000 penalties worth 70 lakh to residents and commercial establishments for various littering offences.
