Latest news with #Ashada
New Indian Express
32 minutes ago
- General
- New Indian Express
Telangana's Bhadrakali temple gears up for Shakambari festival
WARANGAL: The historic Bhadrakali temple will celebrate the 15-day Shakambari Utsavalu from Thursday. Addressing the media, chief priest B Seshu said that the festival will commence on the auspicious occasion of Sahasra Kalasabhishekam and conclude on July 10, when the goddess will be adorned with a grand decoration of vegetables. Celebrated annually during the month of Ashada, the festival is observed to invoke the blessings of the goddess for timely rainfall, a bountiful harvest, and abundant vegetable yield. Historically, it is stated that during times of severe hardship, goddess Bhadrakali compassionately responded to the suffering of farmers and the general populace, bringing much-needed rainfall and prosperity.
Hans India
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
CM Revanth extends Bonalu greetings
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has extended his warm greetings to the people of Telangana on the occasion of the Bonalu festival, which commenced from today and is celebrated annually with great fervour and gaiety. The Chief Minister noted that the festive atmosphere will officially begin with the Bonalu festival in the Ashada month. He expressed his hope that everyone would celebrate this festival, a profound symbol of Telangana's culture and traditions, with utmost devotion. The first Bonam of the Ashada month is being offered to Jagadambika Yellamma, who originated from the historic Golconda, signifying the vibrant buzz the local festival brings to the twin cities. On this auspicious occasion, the Chief Minister wished for the people to experience happiness, peace, and good health. He also expressed his hope that the state would receive bountiful rains and abundant crops, leading to progress in all fields with the blessings of the Goddess. CM Revanth Reddy stated that the state government has made special arrangements for organising the Bonalu festival in the twin cities, having already released Rs 20 crore to provide facilities for devotees. The Chief Minister instructed police officers to ensure that devotees do not face any difficulties and to implement strict security measures to prevent any untoward incidents. Officials from all departments have been directed to work in close coordination.
The Hindu
16 hours ago
- General
- The Hindu
Ashada Fridays atop Chamundi Hills: A slew of measures in place as large turnout foreseen
With the first Ashada Friday scheduled on June 27, the Mysuru district administration is gearing up to manage a massive influx of devotees at the Chamundeshwari Temple atop the Chamundi Hills, expecting a turnout of over two lakh devotees on each Friday of the month. To ensure smooth darshan and prevent untoward incidents, a slew of measures have been put in place by the administration. On Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner (DC) G. Lakshmikant Reddy, along with senior officials, visited the temple premises and reviewed the preparedness. As in previous years, private vehicles will not be allowed on the hill from Friday to Sunday during the season. To manage the crowd and reduce congestion atop the hill, free shuttle buses will operate from the temporary bus stand near Lalitha Mahal Palace. 'All private vehicles are banned on these days. Free KSRTC buses will ferry devotees from the foothills. The entry system has been categorised to avoid confusion,' Mr. Reddy said at a press conference after the inspection. Three-tier darshan system This year, a three-tier darshan system will be in place with devotees having the option to choose from - a free darshan, a ticketed darshan at a cost of ₹300, or a special darshan at a price of ₹2,000. Tickets will be available at the bus-stand and parking lot near the Lalitha Mahal helipad. Separate shuttle buses will be operated based on ticket category. 'Devotees will be segregated at the foothills and guided accordingly to avoid mixing up of lines,' the DC added. Devotees, as per their ticket category, have to move in separate queues and reach a common entry point inside the temple premises, ensuring orderly darshan without mixing ticketed and free entry queues. Dasoha arrangements On the first Friday, temple authorities will manage the dasoha (mass food offering). Mr. Reddy clarified that no private individuals or organisations will be allowed to distribute prasad atop the hills despite several requests. The official dasoha will be arranged behind the temple in an open space only on the first Friday, he added. Security measures Police Commissioner Seema Latkar stated that over 1,000 police personnel will be deployed on bandobast duties across Chamundi Hills and its foothills from Friday to Sunday. Security will be maintained throughout the day in three shifts. Two DCPs, 12 ACPs, two Additional SPs, 20 inspectors, and a women's KSRP team will be in-charge of security. Additional CCTV cameras have been installed for surveillance, and movement on routes like Lalithadripura, Uttanahalli, and Tavarekere will be restricted on Ashada Fridays. Alternative routes will be notified to the public, she added. To help devotees navigate, QR codes will be made available that guide them directly to designated parking areas and the bus stand, Ms. Latkar informed. Traffic movement to the hill will be halted from 10 a.m. on Thursday, and only residents of Chamundi Hills with valid ID proof will be allowed entry thereafter, she told reporters. Temple chief priest Shashishekar Dikshit, MCC Commissioner Syed Tanvir Asif, temple authority member secretary Roopa, ZP CEO Yukesh Kumar. and other officials were present.
Hans India
a day ago
- Business
- Hans India
People see red as prices of greens shoot up due to non-stop rainfall
Bengaluru: Continuous rains over the past two weeks have led to a sharp surge in the prices of vegetables and leafy greens across the state. Beans, which had already seen a consistent price increase over the past month, now retail at Rs 90–100 per kg in the open market, and as high as Rs 117 per kg at government-run HOPCOMS outlets. The prices of other essential vegetables like white brinjal, bell peppers (capsicum), beetroot, and carrots have also skyrocketed. White brinjal, which previously sold at Rs 40–50 per kg, now costs Rs80 at HOPCOMS, while thick green capsicum has crossed Rs 100 per kg. Quality leafy greens are becoming increasingly rare due to crop damage caused by heavy rain, leading to prices of Rs 30–Rs40 per bunch for varieties like palak, methi, and coriander. Festive occasions, weddings, and housewarming ceremonies have further increased demand, contributing to the price hike. However, prices may see some relief post-July 8, as the Ashada month begins and auspicious events decline, according to HOPCOMS officials. Coconut prices, which had peaked recently, have slightly dropped—now available at Rs 30–Rs 35 for medium-sized coconuts, down from Rs 40. Tomato crops in Kolar and Chikkaballapur were damaged by rain, pushing wholesale tomato prices from Rs 22 to Rs 29 per kg, and retail rates to around Rs 25–Rs 30. Egg prices, too, have increased from Rs 6 to Rs 7 per piece, while Elakki bananas now cost Rs 90–Rs93 per kg.
Hans India
2 days ago
- 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.
