Latest news with #GaneshPuja


Indian Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Retd SC judge Oka: Did Justice Murlidhar face consequences for decisions during Delhi riots
Noting that dissent by judges while adhering to Constitutional morality comes at a price, retired Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay Oka on Wednesday publicly asked if Justice (retired) S Muralidhar had to 'face consequences' for his 'bold decisions' during the 2020 Delhi riots. At the same event in the capital, themed on morality in judiciary, retired Delhi HC judge Justice Kailash Gambhir drew a contrast between former CJIs D Y Chandrachud and M N Venkatachaliah. He said that while one 'violated' the Constitutional scheme of separation of powers by inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a Ganesh Puja at his residence, the other had refused to meet the then PM, Rajiv Gandhi, when his elevation from the Karnataka HC to SC was underway. Justice Chandrachud had defended himself over the visit last year, saying there was 'absolutely nothing wrong for the simple reason that these are continuing meetings between the judiciary and the executive, even at a social level'. Justice Oka, delivering the keynote address at the event in New Delhi, said: 'Judges are not bound by traditional concepts of morality, they are bound by the oath of the constitution. We talk about dissenting judgements… We talk of Justice HR Khanna… he gave dissenting judgments because he was bound by his oath, not bound by what politicians feel or people in power feel or what the common man feels… One example I can't resist, it pertains to Delhi… a midnight bench was constituted (of Justices S Muralidhar and Anup Bhambhani), some victims of riots were stranded and the bench gave audience at midnight or a little past midnight and not only ensured that they were given safe passage, but also ensured that compliance is reported. We often talk about sacrifices made by the three judges in Kesavananda Bharati, but some day we also have to consider whether the judges who were in the midnight bench during the 2020 Delhi riots) met with consequences of their bold decisions given in the four corners of the Constitution. So when we discuss morality, we have to discuss this also… these judgements were delivered because the judges were not influenced by the opinion of the ruling party.' Justice Muralidhar, who retired in 2023 and is now practising as an advocate, was transferred from the Delhi High Court to the Punjab & Haryana High Court in February 2020 after questioning the Delhi Police's conduct in the riots and directing it to register FIRs against those who made hate speeches. Meanwhile, Justice Gambhir noted recent instances of 'judicial impropriety'. He spoke about Justice Yashwant Varma, at whose residence cash was found, and Justice Shekhar Yadav, who had made communal statements in a public address. He said apart from financial corruption, the judiciary has also been under attack owing to judges' 'temptation for post-retirement jobs'.


Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Bodies of six Odia workers brought back to their villages
Berhampur: Heartbreaking scenes unfolded in four villages across Ganjam district as the bodies of six Odia workers, who lost their lives in a granite quarry accident in Andhra Pradesh, were brought to their respective villages for the last rites on Monday. The accident took place on Sunday when a portion of rock collapsed at a quarry near Ballikurava in Andhra Pradesh's Bapatla district, claiming the lives of six Odia migrant workers. The deceased included two workers each from Digapahandi and Dharakote blocks in Ganjam district, and two others from Mohana block in Gajapati district. Eight other workers, mostly Odias, sustained injuries in the incident. The Ganjam district administration facilitated the transportation of the bodies from Digapahandi to their home villages. Transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena and fisheries and animal resources minister Gokulaananda Mallick visited the grieving families to offer their condolences. The victims were identified as Danda Badatya, 48, from Chasa Nimakhandi, Banamali Behera, 30, from Bangarda in Digapahandi block, Santosh Gouda, 36, from Bada Kashei, and Musa Jena, 43, from Bahadaguda in Dharakote block. The tragedy has left their families devastated. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Pieces of Clothing Older Women should Avoid Learn More Undo Laxmi, wife of Danda Badatya, expressed her despair, saying, "I don't know what we will do now, as he was the only breadwinner of the family." Danda, who had been working in Andhra Pradesh for seven years, had recently visited his village and promised to return for Ganesh Puja. Similarly, Bhagaban Behera, the father of Banamali Behera, was shocked by the news of his son's death. Banamali had gone to Andhra Pradesh two months ago to earn a livelihood, and the family had been planning his wedding this year. In Gajapati district's Mohana block, a sombre atmosphere prevailed as the bodies of Tukuna Dalia (37) and Bhaskar Bisoi (40) were brought back to their village. Both had left for Andhra Pradesh about a month ago in search of work. Rina Dalai, the wife of Tukuna, was inconsolable and fainted several times upon hearing the news of her husband's untimely death. She is now left to care for their two young children.


Style Blueprint
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Style Blueprint
A Famed Nashville Chef's STUNNING Indian Wedding
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit If you're a culinary enthusiast, a Nashvillian, or both, the name Vivek Surti likely rings a bell. As the acclaimed chef and founder of Tailor, Vivek is a James Beard Semifinalist for Best Chef in the Southeast, with The New York Times naming Tailor among Nashville's 25 best restaurants. But beyond accolades in the kitchen, Vivek recently stepped into an entirely new role: newlywed! Vivek tied the knot with podiatric surgery specialist Sheela Chockalingam in the fall of 2024. From swiping right on Hinge to an exquisite four-day wedding celebration, we got an inside look at Vivek and Sheela's love story. Pin The couple's story began in a thoroughly modern way: swiping on Hinge. But the romance that followed was anything but ordinary, and before he knew it, Vivek was planning a proposal during a trip that included stops in Baton Rouge and Los Angeles. 'As I was discussing plans with my sister, we decided on surprising Sheela during a day trip to Malibu on the beach,' Vivek recalls. However, nature had other plans. 'On the morning I was going to propose, the tide was so high that it flooded the beaches to the street.' His sister quickly organized a backup plan at Point Dume, a scenic overlook above the Pacific Ocean. 'There was a point where Sheela had to climb a few steps before she saw a ring of flowers — marigolds, magnolias, and roses — as the sun was just starting to set,' Vivek describes. 'As I led Sheela to the flowers, I got down on one knee and asked her to marry me. She said, 'Yes! I will!' Almost immediately, two dolphins jumped out of the water below us.' How picture-perfect is that? Pin Then, in November of 2024, Vivek and Sheela would embark on a four-day series of events that blended rich cultural traditions with personal touches — and a stunning array of wardrobe changes. The celebration began with a Ganesh Puja and Mehndi in Brentwood, TN, followed by the Pithi ceremony the next day. Each ritual was steeped in tradition, leading up to their wedding day and culminating in a grand reception. Vivek kicked the celebrations off in style by riding in on a horse. Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin Pin According to Hindu tradition, planning began with a carefully chosen date. 'Our first steps were securing a date that was suitable for our families,' Vivek explains. 'In Hinduism, there are holy and auspicious days on the calendar, with certain days being ideal for weddings. Luckily for us, November 8, 2024, was such a date.' Once the date was set, they enlisted Premier W.E.D. to help bring their vision to life. The wedding ceremony itself took place at the Sri Ganesha Temple. 'This temple has been one that Vivek's family has been going to for over 40 years, and it's also the place where our parents met for the first time,' Sheela shares. Pin For her wedding attire, Sheela honored her family by wearing her mother's Kanchipuram wedding saree, an heirloom her mother originally wore 45 years ago. 'This saree, a stunning deep yellow adorned with intricate gold zari designs, embodies the artistry that makes these silks India's most captivating and timelessly beautiful,' she tells us. Pin The morning of the wedding reflected their personalities: Sheela's began at 5 a.m. with hair, makeup, and a heartfelt handwritten letter to Vivek. Meanwhile, Vivek enjoyed a champagne breakfast with his groomsmen, featuring his favorite Krug and breakfast sandwiches from FatBelly Deli. Pin The wedding's aesthetic was a love letter to their heritage. 'We wanted to highlight the traditional beauty and romance inherent in a Hindu wedding,' Sheela says. 'Our inspiration stemmed directly from the rich cultural heritage, the timeless rituals, and the deep symbolism that define these sacred ceremonies.' The floral arrangements were equally thoughtful. 'During the wedding ceremony, we had garlands made of roses and baby's breath, which were shipped from Madurai, India, which is where Sheela's parents grew up,' Vivek says. The mandap was adorned with marigolds, roses, and jasmine flowers. Pin The reception was held at OZ Arts Nashville, chosen for its versatile space and stunning sound and lighting capabilities. 'For the reception, we kept true to having a cocktail hour, announced entrances, a first dance, speeches, and a cake cutting,' Vivek tells us. Guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour, though rain forced them indoors. The cocktail hour featured a vibrant array of flavors: Pani Puri, lamb Mamana kebabs, black-eyed pea salad in watermelon radish cups, and Lata's (Vivek's mom) catfish. Pin Pin Pin Naturally, Vivek was intimately involved in the planning of the seated dinner. 'I was so excited to work with my friends on this menu — including Molly Martin of Juniper Green and Patrick McCandless of Rambler — two people who I knew I wanted to cater from the beginning,' says Vivek. 'The most important aspect of the food for me was making sure we had something that was a nod to our Indian heritage, while showcasing the bounty of amazing produce and community that we have built at Tailor,' he adds. The meal included fall squash salad, grilled chicken roulade, and vegetable biryani. 'Our wedding cake was the best ever because it was made by the supremely talented Rebekah Turshen, pastry chef at City House,' Vivek gushes. 'The base was a carrot cake, infused with chai masala. The cream cheese and yogurt frosting was accented with boondi (crispy chickpea balls), mamra (crispy rice), and nuts for texture.' Pin While the ceremony was guided by tradition, the reception was more modern. 'With the decor, we tried to modernize the feel of this event versus the wedding,' explains Vivek, 'installing an amazing vinyl wrap as the dance floor, having many chandeliers in the space, as well as some late-night chicken sandwiches from S.S. Gai.' Pin Pin Though a sparkler exit was planned, a torrential downpour meant a spontaneous indoor send-off instead. Guests cheered the happy couple down the hallway before they dashed into their getaway car. Pin Congratulations, and thank you for sharing your special day with us! RESOURCES Ceremony Venue: Sri Ganesha Temple Reception Venue: OZ Arts Nashville Photographer & Videographer: Jim & Ilde Cook, SheHeWE Photography Planner: Katy Pena, Premier W.E.D. Florals: T Villager Designs Catering: Nawabi Hyderbad House (wedding lunch), Juniper Green Catering (reception), Rambler Events (reception), S.S. Gai (late-night eats) Cake: Rebekah Turshen of City House Invitations, Programs, & Menu Cards: Sheela Bride's Makeup & Hair: One10 Beauty Bridal Gown: Custom Groom's formalwear: Custom DJ: DJ iLLEST Rentals: Please Be Seated, White Door Events, BBJ la Tavola STYLEBLUEPRINT RESOURCES: Planning a wedding? Check out StyleBlueprint's two Wedding Resource Guides. (More to come!): ********** Discover more fabulous wedding inspiration in our archives HERE! About the Author Jenna Bratcher Jenna Bratcher is StyleBlueprint Nashville's Associate Editor and Lead Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville 17 years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.


Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Do This 7-Minute Ganesh Puja on Wednesdays and Remove All Money Blockages Instantly
Are financial struggles holding you back? Whether it's mounting debt, unstable income, or missed opportunities, a simple 7-minute Ganesh Puja on Wednesdays performed with heartfelt devotion can help you clear financial blockages and attract wealth effortlessly. Lord Ganesha, is known for removing obstacles and granting wealth, success, and wisdom to his devotees. And Wednesday, ruled by the planet 'Mercury', is considered the most auspicious day to please him. Here's a simple step-by-step 7-minute Ganesha Puja you can do every Wednesday to invite prosperity into your life - Rise at Brahma Muhurta - Wake up at Brahma Muhurta. Preferably, between 4 AM to 5 AM. Wear Green clothes - Clean the space where you will do the puja, take a bath, and then wear green clothes. The color green is considered the favorite of Lord Ganesha. Place the idol - Place a red or yellow piece of cloth on a pedestal. Then, place the Lord Ganesha idol or image over it. Make sure you are placing the deity in the northeast direction. Offer Fresh Durva Grass and Modaks - Place 21 blades of Durva grass at Lord Ganesha's feet. Offer one or more modaks or laddoos. Prepare Aarti - Light an aarti of desi ghee and some incense sticks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 오스템 임플란트 받아가세요 임플란터 더 알아보기 Undo Apply Tilak - Apply a chandak tilak on Lord Ganesha. Chant the Ganesh Beej Mantra - After the offerings, chant the Ganesh Beej Mantra 21 times - 'Om Gam Ganapataye Namah'. Pray - Finish your puja with a prayer. Share your problems and life issues with Lord Ganesha and ask for his blessings. Way to go! This simple 7-minute Ganesh Puja is perfect for those leading a busy life yet want to stay connected to the Almighty and receive his blessings. Practice it regularly on Wednesdays and experience a powerful shift in your financial well-being. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .


India Today
27-05-2025
- Business
- India Today
Even Ganesh idols imported: PM's 'Make in India' appeal to check China dumping
In a strong push for self-reliance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to prioritise Made in India products and reduce dependence on imported goods, especially during festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Ganesh Puja. Taking a veiled dig at Chinese products flooding Indian markets, PM Modi said that 'even Ganesh idols come from abroad, small-eyed Ganesh idols whose eyes don't even open properly'.advertisementAddressing the public in Gujarat, the Prime Minister said, 'We must encourage village traders to pledge that no matter how much profit they make, they will not sell foreign goods.' Citing examples of foreign imports flooding Indian markets, he said, 'Unfortunately, even Ganesh idols come from abroad, small-eyed Ganesh idols whose eyes don't even open properly. Even Holi colours are foreign-made.' The Prime Minister's remarks come amid concerns over China dumping cheap goods into the Indian market. Items such as decorative lights, firecrackers, toys, and religious idols, often imported at low prices from China, have dominated festival sales in recent years, impacting local artisans and Modi urged people to introspect on their daily use of imported products. 'As a citizen, I have a task for you- go home and make a list of how many foreign products you use in 24 hours. You don't even realise but even hairpin, comb used are foreign-made,' he on the collective responsibility of all citizens, he added, 'If we want to save India, to make India, to make India grow, then Operation Sindoor is not just the responsibility of armed forces, it's the responsibility of 104 crore citizens.'Trending Reel