Latest news with #Heer


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Divita Juneja to share screen space with Ashutosh Rana and Sanjay Mishra in 'Heer Express'
Actress Divita Juneja has joined veteran actors , and in the upcoming film 'Heer Express.' On Monday, Juneja took to Instagram to share the first glimpse of her forthcoming family drama and wrote, "Pan in one hand, power in the other - Heer is on the way to meet you tomorrow! Lijiye Chatpate Emotions Ka Swaad, Parivar Ke Saath! #heerexpress releasing in cinemas on 8th August. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now " In the motion poster, Divita Juneja is seen confidently riding the Heer Express, with Ashutosh Rana, Sanjay Mishra, Gulshan Grover, and Prit Kamani, offering a quirky and energetic glimpse into the film's vibrant ensemble. In the film, Divita Juneja takes on the role of the spirited Heer, embarking on a journey that promises to be anything but ordinary. 'Heer Express' is a joint production by Tulip Entertainment and Divisa Entertainment in collaboration with Merry Go Round Studios and Creative Strokes Group. Helmed by director , the film is produced by Umesh Shukla, Wagh, Mohit Chhabra, and Sanjay Grover, with Sampada Wagh serving as co-producer. The film is all set to hit theatres on 8th August 2025. Divita Juneja is a rising star in the industry, having appeared in several music videos, including the popular track 'Akhiyan.' On the other hand, Ashutosh Rana, Sanjay Mishra, and Gulshan Grover are stalwarts of , each with decades of experience and an impressive body of work. Known for their versatility and impactful screen presence, the trio has appeared in dozens of acclaimed films across genres-ranging from intense dramas and comedies to action-packed thrillers-earning both critical praise and audience love over the years. Ashutosh is currently seen essaying the role of Chand Bardai in the historical drama 'Chakravarti Samrat Prithviraj Chauhan.'


Express Tribune
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Shalimar Gardens to host Mela Chiraghan
The Punjab government is set to revive the historic Mela Chiraghan at Shalimar Gardens after a 67-year hiatus, in a move to celebrate and preserve the province's rich Sufi and cultural heritage. Organised by the Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA), the four-day festival will run from Friday to April 14. Events will be organised at both the Shalimar Gardens and the shrine of the 16th-century Sufi Madhu Lal Hussain. Acting on directives from the chief minister, the festival aims to offer families a secure and spiritually enriching experience, while promoting Punjab's traditional values and public culture. Daytime programming will include academic lectures, panel discussions on Sufi poet Shah Hussain's teachings, recitations of his Kafis and Punjabi poetry sessions. Evening events will feature Sufi qawwali performances, Heer recitals, traditional food stalls and a local handicrafts bazaar. The historic ritual during which devotees light candles and oil lamps as part of a spiritual practice will also be revived. "Mela Chiraghan is a symbol of Lahore's cultural identity, and its revival reflects our commitment to preserving our heritage," said WCLA Director General Kamran Lashari. "This festival not only honours the legacy of Shah Hussain but also promotes inclusivity, creativity and traditional arts. We invite everyone to reconnect with our roots and celebrate the spirit of Lahore." Mela Chiraghan, once one of the most prominent cultural and spiritual gatherings in Punjab, is expected to draw large crowds and serve as a platform to foster peace, harmony, and communal unity. Security measures and public facilities have been arranged for the visitors.


South China Morning Post
18-02-2025
- South China Morning Post
Kumbh Mela: one Hong Kong teen's experience at the pilgrimage and festival in India
Kumbh Mela is an enthralling Hindu festival and pilgrimage celebrating spiritual heritage and diversity. Given that the Maha Kumbh Mela, in particular, only occurs once every 144 years, my family and I felt compelled to travel from Hong Kong to immerse ourselves in this tradition and experience in India. This year, the Kumbh Mela began on January 13 and will end on February 26. It is expected to bring together more than 450 million people across 45 days in Prayagraj in northern India. Here are five reflections I had about this unique festival and my once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage. What is the Kumbh Mela? Perhaps the largest human gathering in the world, the Kumbh Mela is marked by a ritual dip in water. The word kumbha means 'pitcher, jar, pot' in Sanskrit, while mela refers to a festival or gathering. It is rooted in Hindu texts and traditions, based on the legend of a pot of amrita – nectar of immortality – that spilled at four places across India now sacred to the event. Pilgrims take a holy dip in Sangam, the confluence of Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers, on the occasion of Maghi Purnima during the Maha Kumbh Mela festival in Prayagraj on February 12, 2025. Photo: AFP The four major pilgrimage sites recognised as the Kumbh Melas are: • Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad) in Uttar Pradesh, where the Ganges-Yamuna-Sarasvati rivers meet • Haridwar in Uttarakhand, northern India, on the right bank of the Ganges • Nashik-Trimbak in Maharastra, western India, on the banks of the river Godavari • Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, central India, on the eastern bank of the Shipra river Those visiting bathe in these rivers, hoping it will wash their sins away and bring them closer to spiritual salvation. Visiting as a teenager This year, the mela was situated around the Triveni Sangam – an auspicious point where three sacred rivers meet. The lack of easily accessible internet connection for visitors pushed us to turn to nature and our surroundings during the long walks to the rivers. Attending as a teen was an opportunity to learn more about Hinduism, one of the oldest principal religions still practised today. I witnessed the extraordinary power of faith, drawing tens of millions of people to a single location. Seeing people of all ages and backgrounds united for a common purpose was beautiful. The journey also showed me poverty beyond what I knew in Hong Kong, highlighting the challenges and arduous lives many endure. It also made me reflect on struggles and material possessions. Heer's father took her to talk to a Naga Sadhu, devotees or ascetics who can be found wandering by the Triveni Sangam. Photo: Heer Donda Making connections We walked more than 15km outdoors each day to reach the holy rivers, vastly different from our easier daily lives. Visiting the Kumbh Mela, even for a few days, encouraged me to connect with the world and people around me, instilling a deeper appreciation for others and the planet. Detaching from the modern world in this way also made me more reflective, connecting with myself and contemplating my values and feelings. Staying safe As this mela is one of the world's largest religious gatherings, the thought of being stuck amid a melee of people trying to reach one destination can be daunting. Last month, at least 30 people died in a stampede on one of the festival's holiest days. Heer and her family found themselves in the middle of a huge crowd on January 29, one of the most auspicious days. Photo: Heer Donda Here are some things you can keep in mind: • Avoid crowded routes, especially on the auspicious dates when most people choose to visit. • It is also crucial to keep your valuables secure in a shoulder bag with a zip to prevent them from falling or getting lost. • Finally, stay hydrated at all times since temperatures in the day can reach 30 degrees Celsius or above. Preserving culture As technology advances, we begin to forget our older customs. Millions gathered for the Maha Kumbh, a noteworthy reminder to hold on to our traditions and history amid a rapidly changing and expanding world. I hope other communities will be inspired to preserve the richness of their heritage and culture.