Latest news with #Bhandara
News18
08-08-2025
- General
- News18
Bhandara-Style Aloo Ki Sabzi At Home: Quick, Spicy Recipe
Last Updated: Bhandara style Aloo ki Sabzi is a nostalgic, mildly spicy dish served at festive gatherings. Recreate this halwai-style delight at home, pairing it with puris or kachoris There's something unforgettable about the aroma and mild spiciness of Bhandara style Aloo ki Sabzi. It's a taste we all associate with festive gatherings and community meals – flavourful, nostalgic, and always served hot with freshly made puris. The dish brings a sense of warmth and community, making it a beloved choice for many. But who says this halwai-style delight should be limited to just bhandaras? With this simple yet flavour-packed recipe, you can recreate that same magic right in your kitchen, any day of the week. Ingredients 4 medium-sized boiled potatoes 2 tbsp oil 1 tsp cumin seeds 2 dried red chillies 1 bay leaf 1 tsp kasuri methi 1 tsp grated ginger 1 finely chopped green chilli ¼ tsp asafoetida ½ tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder ½ tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp coriander powder 4 tomatoes blended into pulp Salt to taste ¼ tsp garam masala Finely chopped fresh coriander leaves Water as required Recipe Boil the potatoes, allow them to cool, and mash them roughly with your hands. Don't mash them into a fine paste, small chunks should remain for texture. Heat oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds, dried red chillies, and bay leaf. Once they start to crackle, add kasuri methi, ginger, green chilli, and asafoetida. Saute until fragrant. Add Kashmiri red chilli powder, turmeric, and coriander powder. Cook until the raw smell of the spices disappears. Pour in the tomato pulp and cook on medium heat until the masala starts to release oil. This is the key step for rich flavour. Add the mashed potatoes and mix well. Adjust the water depending on whether you prefer a thick or runny gravy. Add salt to taste and let it boil for 5–7 minutes. Sprinkle garam masala and chopped coriander on top. Mix once again and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes. Your halwai -style Bhandara wali Aloo ki Sabzi is ready to serve! Special Tips For added richness, you can mix in a spoonful of curd with the tomato pulp. This curry pairs best with puris or kachoris for a classic combo. If you Like it extra spicy, just add more green chillies to your taste. view comments First Published: 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.
News18
20-07-2025
- News18
5 Top Temples To Visit In Maharashtra During The Monsoon Season
Last Updated: With devotion in your heart and an umbrella in your hand, head to Maharashtra's most divine corners this monsoon It's that time of the year again when you can see the glory of nature at its best. In this season, temples become more alive with a perfect fusion of spiritual fervour and nature's inexplicable charm. The scenic landscapes, accompanied by misty hills and beautiful waterfalls, altogether provide a serene backdrop for a truly divine experience. Maharashtra is home to numerous age-old temples that provide both picturesque views and peace. The following are the top 5 temples that you must visit during the monsoon. Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni, founder, Temple Connect and ITCX (International Temples Convention & EXPO) shares a list of the top 5 temples: Bhimashankar Temple (Pune District) Located deep in the Sahyadri hills, Bhimashankar Temple transforms into a heaven shrouded in clouds during the rains. Adding to its beauty is the gushing waterfall and the monsoon greens all around. When you travel through these scenic and mist-filled routes, the region unfolds its beauty even more. Being one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas, the temple offers a spiritual introspection, immersed in the rain-soaked nature. Trimbakeshwar Temple (Nashik) This temple is a beauty to watch during the rains, revealing its spectacular backdrop cradled by foggy hills and streams. The place is the source of the River Godavari, and this holy site radiates an otherworldly charm under the overcast skies. The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, combines spiritual power and natural beauty, resting peacefully against the green folds of the Brahmagiri hills. Harihareshwar Temple (Raigad) Recognised as one of the 'Kashis of the South', Harihareshwar Temple is an age-old shrine devoted to Lord Shiva and should be on your list. With quiet beaches and rolling green hills all around, it radiates a soothing coastal calm in the monsoons. Apart from that, when you drive through Shrivardhan or Diveagar, the temple's unique Pradakshina route along a picturesque seaside cliff introduces a touch of magic. Khandoba Temple, Jejuri (Near Pune) Abode of the divine presence of Lord Khandoba (a form of Lord Shiva), this temple-fort rises majestically against the moody monsoon skies. The hillside bursts into life with monsoon lush. Also famous for its vibrant Bhandara ritual/procession, this holy spot is worshipped as the Malhari Martand temple. If you are looking to experience the genuine flavour of local tradition and culture, then you ought to begin your day early with the morning ceremonies. Saptashrungi Devi Temple (Nashik District) Situated on the Sahyadri mountains and enveloped in monsoon mist, this holy shrine provides you with spectacular views of waterfalls and velvet green valleys. Moreover, when you trek to the shrine, nature's beauty lining the trail soothes and rejuvenates your soul. The freshness of the mountain breeze and twisting paths contribute their magic to this holy journey. Apart from a devotional experience, a temple visit in the monsoons is like dipping your soul into cultural richness, natural beauty, and peaceful contemplation. So, what are you waiting for? With devotion in your heart and an umbrella in your hand, head to Maharashtra's most divine corners this monsoon. view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 08:06 IST 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.
Hindustan Times
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Bhadri Naresh Uday Pratap Singh put under house arrest
Police put 13 people, including Raha Uday Pratap Singh, under house arrest for 40 hours from Saturday morning onwards owing to ongoing Muharram. The house arrest which started on Saturday morning at 5am will end after the end of Muharram at 9 pm on Sunday night. Police deployment outside Bhadri Mahal in Kunda Pratapgarh since Saturday morning. (HT Photo) Police posted a notice of house arrest at the gate of Bhadri Mahal in the early hours of Saturday and a heavy police force was deployed outside the palace. Bhadri Naresh Raja Uday Pratap Singh, father of seven-time MLA of Kunda, former cabinet minister and president of Jansatta Dal Loktantrik, Raghuraj Pratap Singh, Raja Bhaiya, has been the target of police administration for the last 10 years. In 2015, on the day of Muharram, the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa and organising a huge bhandara at the Hanuman temple in Sheikhpur Aashiq village has become a problem for him. The police administration banned the bhandara after the Muslim community opposed it. To ensure that Raja Uday Pratap Singh did not come out of his palace and visit the temple on the day of Muharram, he was put under house arrest along with his supporters. Along with Uday Pratap Singh, his trusted men including Jitendra Yadav resident of Naubasta, Anand Pal resident of Barhaipur, Ramakant resident of Sheikhpur Aashiq, Bhawani Vishwakarma resident of Badupur, Ravi Singh, president of Kunda Bar Association, senior advocate Hanuman Prasad Pandey resident of Subhash Nagar, advocate Kesarinandan Pandey resident of Saraiyan Praveshpur, Jamuna Prasad Maurya, resident of Mian Ka Purwa Majhilgaon, Nirbhay Singh resident of Benti, Gaya Prasad Prajapati resident of Loharan Ka Purwa Sariyawan, Jugnu Vishwakarma resident of Gopalganj Shahpur, and Mohan, resident of Pannalal Road, Georgetown, Prayagraj have also been put under house arrest. Raja Uday Pratap Singh had already expressed his apprehension by posting on his X account that could be again put under house arrest in a few days. According to SDM, Kunda Vachaspati Singh, 'to ensure that there was no disturbance on the day of Muharram and the festival was completed safely, 13 people including Raja Uday Pratap Singh have been put under house arrest for 40 hours in view of the possibility of breach of peace.' A simian had died in an accident near Hanuman Temple at Shekhupur Ashiq village on 10th day of Moharram in 2005. Some residents of the village started reciting Hanuman Chalisa on 10th day of Moharram for the dead monkey. In 2014, Uday Pratap had organised a Bhandara at the temple which is on the way to Karbala where Moharram processions were taken out. However, in 2015, there was tension among members of two communities on the 10th day of Moharram when Bhandara was organised while Moharram processions were being taken out. Tension again prevailed in 2016 following which Pratapgarh administration put a restriction on organising a Bhandara. Raja Uday Pratap Singh had also approached the court for permission to organise a Bhandara but his pleas were turned down. Since then, Raja Uday Pratap Singh is being put under house arrest on the 10th day of Moharram each year.
Business Recorder
13-06-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Budget boosts agri loans, but growth uncertainty remains
LAHORE: While the budget 2025 continues to present agriculture as the backbone of Pakistan's economy - contributing 24% to the national GDP - experts and stakeholders expressed concerns that real growth and resilience in the sector remain uncertain. The government has introduced several policy initiatives aimed at improving agriculture and strengthening climate resilience. These include an increase in agricultural loans from Rs 1,785 billion to Rs 2,066 billion, digital refinancing of up to Rs 100,000 for small farmers without collateral, and the establishment of the National Seed Development and Regulatory Authority to support climate-compatible seed systems. In addition, the National Agriculture Biotechnology Policy and National Seed Policy 2025 are in the final approval stages, aiming to improve innovation, seed quality regulation, and private sector involvement in research and development, according to Aamer Hayat Bhandara, a progressive farmer and co-founder of Agriculture Republic. A National Agriculture Committee is also being formed to improve coordination between federal and provincial governments - acknowledging that agricultural execution primarily falls under provincial jurisdiction. However, the Economic Survey of Pakistan reported just a 0.56% growth rate in the agriculture sector which is considered 'disheartening' for a country where millions depend on farming. 'Despite agriculture being frequently mentioned in policy debates, the lack of a long-term, consistent strategy continues to hold back meaningful progress. Relying solely on policy announcements is risky - especially when climate change, water inefficiency, and weak farmer support remain unresolved,' said Bhandara. He emphasized that real change will come only when policies are implemented effectively and reach the grassroots level. Meanwhile, the Kissan Board Pakistan (KBP), a small farmer advocacy group, criticized the budget for ignoring the agricultural community. They argued that inadequate subsidies for crop procurement and indirect taxes on farming inputs would further strain farmers. KBP President Sardar Zafar Hussain Khan, General Secretary Dr. Abdul Jabbar Khan, and Secretary Information Haji Muhammad Ramzan, in a press conference, pledged to continue advocating for farmers' rights. They warned that unless agriculture is placed at the top of the national agenda, economic progress will remain limited. Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) President Khalid Khokhar and Aamer Hayat Bhandara also pointed out inconsistencies in tax policies. They called for the removal of the 18% GST on local cotton, arguing that it creates an unfair advantage for imported, tax-free cotton. Removing the tax would support local growers and help revive domestic cotton cultivation. Experts noted that climate change featured prominently in both the Economic Survey and the federal budget speech. The government has secured $1.4 billion through the IMF's Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, seed systems, and risk management. Encouragingly, no new taxes have been imposed on fertilizers and pesticides, protecting farmers from additional costs amid ongoing IMF reforms. However, the imposition of GST on solar energy technologies has drawn widespread criticism for threatening clean energy access in agriculture. For many smallholders, solar-powered tube wells, cold storage units, and off-grid irrigation systems remain the only viable options amid high electricity costs and climate challenges. Making these technologies more expensive, experts warned, could hinder the country's goals for climate adaptation in rural areas. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Time of India
10-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Devotees throng Lord Hanuman temples in Sangam city on last Bada Mangal
Prayagraj: On the occasion of fifth and last Bada Mandal, thousands of devotees on Tuesday offered special prayers to Lord Hanuman at city-based Lord Hanuman temples, including the Sangam-situated Lete Hanuman Temple and Rajapur Hanuman Temple, seeking deity's blessings. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Locals also took a holy dip in the Sangam and organised Bhandara on this pious day. Devotees started flocking to city-based Lord Hanuman temples, particularly the Sangam-located Lord Hanuman Temple, also known as Lete Hanuman Temple, Rajapur Hanuman Temple, and Civil Lines Hanuman Temple, early on Tuesday, and the flow of devotees continued until late evening. The idol of Lord Hanuman was decorated with flowers on the occasion. Noted religious scholar Dr Amitabh Gour told TOI that Bada Mangal, or Budhwa Mangal, are the five most powerful Tuesdays that fall in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha. He added, "June 10 was the fifth and last Bada Mangal (Tuesday). All these five Tuesdays are extremely auspicious, strong, positive, and have energy that devotees of Lord Hanuman can harness." On the last Bada Mangal, the strength of devotees increased at temples, and they were spotted chanting Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand path. Some of them organised Bhandara (community feast) and engaged in donation and charity. Priests also claimed that Bada Mandal day was considered auspicious for worshipping Lord Hanuman, who is believed to bring peace, joy, and prosperity. On the occasion of Purnima on Tuesday itself, scores of devotees first took a holy dip in the Sangam and performed puja at Lord Hanuman temples. Meanwhile, cops maintained strict surveillance at all prominent city temples and regulated the flow of the crowd.
