Latest news with #LakshmiPuja
Hans India
08-08-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Bustling markets ahead of Sravana Lakshmi Puja
Vizianagaram: Markets across the city witnessed heavy crowds and soaring prices on the eve of Sravana Lakshmi Puja, observed on Friday as part of the Varalakshmi Vratam celebrations. Devotees thronged shops and stalls to purchase pooja items, creating a festive and chaotic atmosphere in both traditional marketplaces and residential areas. Pooja essentials like betel leaves, areca nuts, flowers, and coconuts have seen an unprecedented surge in prices. A single coconut, which usually costs Rs 30, is now selling for over Rs 50. Sampangi flowers, priced at four for Rs 10, highlight the inflation clearly. Betel leaves, typically ₹25 for a bundle of 100, are now being sold at Rs 1 per leaf. Fruit prices have also skyrocketed, making them unaffordable for many middle-class families. Besides the main market areas, makeshift stalls have popped up across residential neighborhoods, as small vendors seize the opportunity to cash in on the demand. Sravana Fridays hold religious significance for women, who traditionally perform Lakshmi Puja seeking prosperity and family well-being. Vendors, taking advantage of this sentiment, have hiked prices across the board, yet women shoppers have little choice but to go ahead with the purchases to make arrangements for the auspicious ritual. The surge in demand isn't limited to puja items alone. Saree shops, textile stores, and branded malls are witnessing a shopping frensy. The Sri Balaji Textile Market and several local saree outlets have reported brisk sales, especially in sarees and matching blouse pieces. Adding to the festive spending, gold jewellery sales have also seen a spike. Despite a slight slowdown in the real estate sector, women are diverting their savings—especially from schemes and savings plans—towards gold purchases, reaffirming gold's status as a preferred investment during auspicious occasions. After weeks of dull activity, the Sravana Lakshmi festival has brought new vibrancy and economic buzz to the city markets. K Anjali, resident of Balajinagar said that it's compulsion to purchase the pooja items at any cost to offer the goddess.
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
CM Mamata Banerjee hikes Durga Puja grant, urges support for migrant workers returning to Bengal
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee KOLKATA: CM Mamata Banerjee on Thursday combined an enhanced handout for Durga Puja organisers this year with an appeal to them to stand by migrant labourers returning home because of harassment in BJP-governed states. Banerjee, reminding everyone of their social responsibility, asked clubs and puja organisers as well as the local administration to 'give new clothes to those returning because of torture and harassment'. 'Everything has been snatched from them. We do not tolerate this torture nor do we believe in torturing others,' Banerjee said, referring to the plight of Bengali-speaking migrant workers in BJP-governed states. The CM announced an increased state grant of Rs 1.1 lakh for Durga Puja committees in Bengal, up from last year's Rs 85,000 and Rs 70,000 in 2023. Concession on electricity bills, too, have been increased to 80% (it was 75% last year). And, like last year, the state fire department will not levy any charge. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata 'Some people claim that Mamata Banerjee does not allow pujas. Every household celebrates puja here. There is no puja that does not happen in Bengal. But, then, some people even go to court, questioning why there should be assistance for pujas. This is a festival but it is a means of livelihood for so many as well. Youngsters from every neighbourhood leave household chores to focus on themes to make their pujas successful. One puja ends and they start planning for another,' she said, referring to the commerce around the festive e season. Puja organisers backed the CM's stance. The hiked payout to 43,000-plus puja organisers will cost the state exchequer around Rs 473 crore (up from last year's Rs 365.5 crore). 'But the money circulates in the market. It contributes to the Durga Puja economy that may be around Rs 80,000 crore now,' Saswata Bose, general secretary of Forum for Durgotsav, an umbrella organisation representing all major Durga Puja organisers, said. Banerjee announced that the carnival would be held on October 5, a day before Lakshmi Puja. Immersions will start on October 2 and end on October 4 (except for the pujas invited to the carnival). Kolkata Police commissioner Manoj Verma announced that the single-window Asaan Durga Puja permission portal would be up and running from August 22. The CM asked cops to check the themes with organisers and urged the latter not to create themes that could lead to stampedes. 'People's lives should not be put at risk in the effort to attract crowds. Avoid competing over crowd size. Every puja is unique. There should be no stampede. Why only showcase the festivals of Bobby, Aroop, and Sujit (pujas patronised by state ministers Firhad Hakim, Aroop Biswas and Sujit Bose)? Showcase others as well,' she said. Banerjee warned that revellers might be out early this year. 'Mahalaya is barely four days after Vishwakarma Puja this year. Earlier, cops hit the road on Chaturthi. Now people come out much earlier. I begin inaugurations before Mahalaya. The police and all emergency services will have to hit the road early. Spare a thought for those who work round the clock for your safety during puja,' she urged, asking puja organisers to pay special attention to revellers' safety. Each puja committee should set up an emergency centre, she suggested. 'There should be coordination between Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police. All control rooms must remain active 24x7. Separate entrances and exits should be there for crowd dispersal, she said, also referring to the increased participation of foreigners: 'Ensure that they are treated with respect.' Banerjee also urged the local administration to be prepared for emergency situations. 'There should be no issue regarding women's security. Specially abled people, too, should be taken care of,' she stressed while instructing the transport department to run more vehicles and asking state chief secretary Manoj Pant to speak to Metro Railway and local train authorities to extend their hours of operation during the festival.
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Didi hikes grants for Durga Puja organisers, says stand by migrants
Mamta Banerjee (File photo) KOLKATA: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday combined an enhanced handout for Durga Puja organisers this year with an appeal to them to stand by migrant labourers returning home because of harassment in BJP-governed states. Banerjee, reminding everyone of their social responsibility, asked clubs and puja organisers as well as the local administration to "give new clothes to those returning because of torture and harassment". "Everything has been snatched from them. We do not tolerate this torture nor do we believe in torturing others," Banerjee said, referring to the plight of Bengali-speaking migrant workers. The CM announced an increased state grant of Rs 1.1 lakh for Durga Puja committees in Bengal, up from last year's Rs 85,000, and Rs 70,000 in 2023. Concessions on electricity bills, too, have been increased to 80% (it was 75% last year). And, like last year, the state fire department will not levy any charge. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata "Some people claim that Mamata Banerjee does not allow pujas. Every household celebrates puja here. There is no puja that does not happen in Bengal. But, then, some people even go to court questioning why there should be assistance for pujas. This is a festival but it is a means of livelihood for so many as well. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo Youngsters from every neighbourhood leave their household chores to focus on themes to make their pujas successful. One puja ends and they start planning for another," she said, referring to the commerce around the festive season. Puja organisers backed the the CM's stance. The hiked payout to 43,000-plus puja organisers will cost the state exchequer around Rs 473 crore (up from last year's Rs 365.5 crore). "But the money circulates in the market. It contributes to the Durga Puja economy, which may be around Rs 80,000 crore now," Saswata Bose, general secretary of Forum for Durgotsav, an umbrella organisation representing all major Durga Puja organisers, said. Chief minister Mamta Banerjee announced that the carnival would be held on October 5, a day before Lakshmi Puja. Immersions will start on Oct 2 and end on Oct 4 (except for the pujas invited to the carnival). Kolkata police commissioner Manoj Verma announced that the single-window Asaan Durga Puja permission portal would be up and running from Aug 22.
News18
10-07-2025
- General
- News18
Aaj Ka Panchang, July 11, 2025: Tithi, Vrat, Shubh Muhurat & Rahu Kaal Today
Aaj Ka Panchang, July 11, 2025: Today is the Pratipada date of Krishna Paksha of Ashwini month, i.e., the first day after the full moon. This day is dedicated to Friday, Goddess Lakshmi, who is considered the presiding deity of wealth, beauty, and good fortune. The Moon will enter Capricorn today, and the influence of Uttarashadha Nakshatra will remain. This day is considered auspicious for fasting, work related to women's good fortune, Lakshmi Puja, and starting financial plans.
News18
03-06-2025
- General
- News18
Numerology, June 3, 2025: Number 3, 5 & 9 Shine — See What's In Store For You
Last Updated: Numerology, June 3, 2025: 3s feel bright, 5s stay cheerful, 9s gain success. Check your root number and discover what the numbers reveal about your day. Numerology, June 3, 2025: Every number has its significance in numerology. Root numbers are determined by the person's date of birth. According to the beliefs of numerology, you can know a lot about a person's personality based on the root number. Number 1 people will remain uncertain during the day. Number 2 people will struggle to control their anger. Number 3 people feel bright and energetic today. Number 4 people will earn a lot of money today and spend a lot. Number 5 people will be happy and cheerful today. Number 6 people need to make efforts to make the day successful. Number 7 people should expect a promotion or an unexpected salary hike. Number 8 people may get spoiled by bad news related to children. Number 9 people's work related to higher officials will be completed successfully. Number 1 (People born on 1, 10, 19 and 28 of any month) Ganesha says that today people with number 1 will feel a little tired. Especially today will be a day full of complications. It is not right to depend on others for your work. Today people with number 1 will not get the expected support from the family, but try to increase socializing with everyone on this pretext. To relieve stress, float barley in water today. Number 2 (People born on 2, 11, 20 or 29 of any month) Ganesha says that today people with number 2 will come closer to their spouse. Today your mind will be romantic. You will play with your spouse with a lot of enthusiasm. If you are thinking about a new relationship, then you can also express your love today. Keep your anger calm today, otherwise many people are waiting to take advantage of you. There may be a burden of work today. Recite Ram Stotra today. Number 3 (People born on 3, 12, 21, 30 of any month) Number 4 (People born on 4, 13, 22 or 31 of any month) Ganesha says that people with radix 4 can make new plans today. Some such plans will come up which will bring positive improvement. Today you may get to hear some new things from people at the workplace. You can get benefits from these plans in future. Offer dry coconut in the temple today. Number 5 (People born on 5, 14, 23 of any month) Ganesha says that people with radix 5 will have a good time with the family today. You will get a chance to establish mutual coordination with the family. There may be some work of worship at home. Today, someone will stand to help you at the workplace. This will make your work easier. Lighted a camphor at home today. Number 6 (People born on 6, 15 or 24 of any month) Ganesha says that people with radix 6 are also going to be busy with household chores today. You will spend some time with your siblings. Today, someone will need your help, so be ready to help. Today, a plan will be made to go out with someone. Today, Lakshmi Puja will bring monetary benefits. Number 7 (People born on 7, 16, and 25 of any month) Ganesha says that people with radix number 7 will have good health. They will remain energetic. At the beginning of the day, you may get a chance to take some rest from work. Enjoy it to the fullest and play with all your heart. During this time, you will be cheerful and do your work well. Offer a red thread on Tulsi today. Number 8 (People born on 8, 17 and 26 of any month) Ganesha says that people with radix number 8 may be upset due to an excess of work today, but do not let such things dominate your mind. Today, you are going to complete some important tasks. Today, you will not get a chance to rest amidst the hustle and bustle. Today, do Shiva Stuti. Number 9 (People born on 9, 18 and 27 of any month) Ganesha says that people with radix number 9 will be upset about going somewhere today. Today, you will need to make your decisions intellectually. You will get opportunities for financial gain. Take full advantage of this opportunity. Today, light a ghee lamp in the temple for auspicious effects. (The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla). tags : Chirag Daruwalla numerology Location : Mumbai, India, India First Published: June 03, 2025, 06:05 IST News astrology Numerology, June 3, 2025: Number 3, 5 & 9 Shine — See What's In Store For You
