Latest news with #Mahakal
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
NDA state chiefs meet in Gaya ahead of PM visit
Gaya: The ruling NDA is making all efforts to make Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Gaya visit on Aug 22 a grand success. In view of this, the state chiefs of all NDA constituents — BJP president Dilip Jaiswal, his JD(U) counterpart Umesh Singh Kushwaha, LJP(Ram Vilas)'s Raju Tiwari, HAM's Anil Kumar and RLM's Madan Chaudhary — met in Gaya on Wednesday. The PM will address a public meeting on the sprawling Magadh University campus, less than 2km to the west of Gautam Buddha's seat of enlightenment. Keeping in mind the security requirements, some trees inside the university campus have either been felled or pruned. At the NDA meeting, the BJP state chief, in particular, referred to the initiative taken by the Union govt at PM Modi's behest to conserve and promote Buddhist heritage sites and develop the religious circuit under the public-private-partnership mode. During his Gaya visit, Prime Minister Modi is likely to announce a religious corridor in Magadh region on the pattern of Kashi Vishvanath and Mahakal temples, besides redevelopment of Gaya international airport, for which Rs 300 crore have been earmarked, according to the ruling NDA. Extension of the runway from the existing 2,200 metres by another 600 metres is pending for long. Once the runway is expanded, wide-body aircraft of international airlines can land and take off from the Gaya airport. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo Senior officials of the state govt, including chief secretary Amrit Lal Meena and DGP Vinay Kumar, are also expected to visit Gaya to review the arrangements. According to political observers, the PM's visit is specially significant for HAM leader and Union Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, as besides Gaya being his home turf, the show will reflect on the party's seat sharing claims. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Devotees get inked in devotion during Shrawan
1 2 Prayagraj: This Shrawan month, young devotees of Lord Shiva are embracing a profound expression of faith, adorning their bodies with sacred tattoos of revered symbols such as Om, Mahakal, and the majestic Trident. During the sacred month of Shrawan, young devotees of Lord Shiva are increasingly opting for tattoos symbolizing their devotion. Popular designs include the trident, Mahakal, Shivlings, Om, Swastikas, and serpents. Notably, tattoos featuring 'Mahakal' and 'Om Namah Shivaya' are particularly favoured among both young men and women, serving as a permanent expression of their faith. With Shrawan month being considered the biggest holy month for Lord Shiva worship, devotees are seeking blessings and expressing their faith through various rituals and prayers. Noted religious scholar Amitabh Gour says, "Tattoos of Lord Shiv's symbols are considered a mode to carry the deity's energy and blessings among devotees... Getting tattoos of spiritual and religious symbols is more popular among youngsters." Lakhan, a tattoo artist, said, "Youngsters are leaving no stone unturned to ink tattoos on their arms and finding it as the latest way of expressing their faith and devotion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The young devotees are connecting with tattoo artists to get inked with Lord Shiv images and symbols to feel a deeper connection with their deities." For Rishabh Kesarwani, tattoos are one's own choice to express devotion. "I, along with my younger brother, inked tattoos of Lord Shiva in the pious month of Shrawan. Inking a tattoo is not to seek any attention but to connect ourselves with the world of spiritualism." Another tattoo lover, Anupam, said, "I find tattoos the best way to express my love for the Lord."
India Gazette
14-07-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
"MP is committed to increasing religious tourism": CM Mohan Yadav during Dubai visit
Dubai [UAE], July 14 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, currently on an official visit to the UAE as part of the MP Global Dialogue 2025, on Monday highlighted the state's efforts to boost religious tourism and attract global investment across key sectors including textiles, aviation, renewable energy, and mining. Speaking about the religious significance of the Mahakal procession, the Chief Minister said, 'Baba Mahakal's procession is being taken out in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh and devotees eagerly wait for this time of the year. We (Madhya Pradesh government) have made new arrangements for Baba Mahakal's procession. The state government is committed to increasing religious tourism in the state.' Yadav, who visited the textile city in Dubai, also spoke about the interest of Indian businessmen and global investors. 'I have arrived at the textile city in Dubai and a committee of Indian businessmen have taken land from the Dubai government and established a market here. The facilities here are very good. Investors in large numbers have expressed their desire to invest in Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh is moving forward in the field of textiles,' he said. On the second day of his visit, the Chief Minister held one-on-one interactions with investors and discussed investment opportunities across sectors. 'Since this morning, we have been meeting with different people. First, we met the people from the embassy and had a discussion with them about how the Indian govt and the MP govt can do business with foreign nations in a simpler manner and what are the possible areas. We have mining and have various types of industry set ups. There is a huge potential for a food park, we have discussed it too. We allocated time for every business-related task; we also had several one-on-one discussions and interacted with many good investors,' he said while speaking to ANI. He further emphasised the state's focus on civil aviation and emergency health services. 'We are also doing work on aviation in our state, and they (investors) are ready to support it with the guidance of the Indian government. Along with this, there are investment opportunities in different sectors which include energy sector, service sector, health and wellness and we have received some good suggestions as well. In the mining sector, which consists of gold mines, diamond mines, several types of cement industries and others in which investors showed their interest,' he added. CM Yadav also held a meeting with UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, to discuss investment under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and I2U2 collaboration. In a post on X, Yadav stated, 'Today, on the second day of the Dubai visit, I met with the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, H.E. Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, and held extensive discussions on the immense investment opportunities in Madhya Pradesh under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and I2U2 collaboration.' 'Madhya Pradesh offers a suitable industrial base, policy support, and necessary infrastructure for UAE investments in sectors such as EV, textiles, pharma, smart manufacturing, renewable energy, and food processing. Additionally, there are vast opportunities for partnership in areas like mineral resources, tourism, healthcare, 'plug and play' industrial parks, and air cargo. This multidimensional collaboration based on CEPA and I2U2 will elevate India-UAE relations to new heights and prove significant in realizing the vision of a 'Developed Madhya Pradesh',' he added. Earlier in the day, Yadav held a high-level bilateral meeting with Chairman of the Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO), Mukesh Vora, where they reached a consensus on setting up the MP-JITO investment platform in Dubai to facilitate cooperation in advanced manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, skill development, MSME promotion, and educational exchange. According to a post by the MP Chief Minister's Office on X, 'Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, during his Dubai visit, held a high-level bilateral meeting with Mr. Mukesh Vora, Chairman of the JITO (Jain International Trade Organisation) group. The meeting extensively discussed the possibilities of investment and industrial cooperation in Madhya Pradesh. During this, consensus was reached on establishing the MP-JITO investment platform in Dubai, encouraging joint ventures in advanced manufacturing, logistics, and renewable energy sectors, as well as strengthening partnerships in the areas of skill development, MSME promotion, and educational exchange.' Yadav also met with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates Airlines and the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations for West Asia and the Indian Ocean at Emirates. Discussions focused on promoting direct flight services from Tier-2 cities like Indore and Bhopal, developing a regional cargo hub in Central India, and exploring aviation training and MRO infrastructure. The Chief Minister further held a meeting with Vinay Thadani, CEO and Director of Grew Energy Private Limited, regarding the 3.0 gigawatt solar cell project in Narmadapuram district, expected to generate over 700 jobs and position Madhya Pradesh as a leader in the sustainable energy sector. 'The investment dialogue of Madhya Pradesh in Dubai began this morning with various important meetings and discussions... Detailed discussions were held with the Consul General of India and Embassy officials, focusing on making business abroad smoother and more effective. Considering the potential in areas such as mineral resources, industrial infrastructure, and food processing parks, extensive dialogues took place with various business representatives,' Yadav said. 'One-on-one meetings were held regarding potential investments in air ambulance, civil aviation, and MRO sectors, which received positive responses from Dubai's industrial community. Additionally, meaningful suggestions emerged in the fields of wellness, healthcare, energy, and services. Investors showed keen interest in gold and diamond mining, as well as other mineral-based sectors, which will give a new direction to the state's development,' he added. Yadav is scheduled to travel to Spain after concluding his visit to the UAE. The visit, from July 13 to 19, aims to bring global investment to Madhya Pradesh, encourage technology sharing, and create new job opportunities under the umbrella of 'Global Dialogue 2025.' (ANI)
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
MP: Collector's order for School Holiday on Shravan Mondays in Ujjain sparks political debate
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], July 9 (ANI): A political debate has erupted in Madhya Pradesh over an order issued by the Ujjain district administration declaring holidays for schools on Mondays during the month of Shravan, citing the traditional Mahakal Sawari (procession) in the city of Ujjain. Ujjain Collector Raushan Kumar Singh issued the order declaring a holiday for all government and private schools within the limits of Ujjain Municipal Corporation every Monday from July 14 to August 11. To compensate, schools will remain open on the preceding Sundays. 'In view of Lord Mahakaleshwar Sawari during Shravan, All the government and non-government schools within the limits of Ujjain Municipal Corporation area will remain closed on July 14, July 21, July 28, August 4, and August 11, every Monday. In lieu of this, the schools will operate as per their scheduled time on July 13, July 20, July 27, August 3, and August 10 on every Sunday, respectively,' the order stated. Following the directive, a political war of words broke out between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Opposition Congress. Congress MLA, Arif Masood, criticised the move, saying the collector issued an 'irrelevant order' and only wished to appease the Chief Minister. 'Mahakal's ride has been observed for years and traditionally people welcome it. People belonging to every section of society and religion welcome it. But sadly, the collector issued this irrelevant order and only wanted to please the Chief Minister. It is relevant because the traditional procession is already observed for years, so what is the need for a holiday and running schools on Sundays,' Masood told ANI. 'Additionally, if people of other religions will also raise such a demand, then what will one do? Therefore, the country will operate in accordance with the constitution. Those who talk about one country and one constitution should think about it. This order is not for Mahakal Sawari or the education of children but to please the Chief Minister,' he added. Responding to the criticism, BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma said the Congress was 'unfortunate' and alleged the party was 'busy feeding biryani to terrorists.' 'Parents of Ujjain district must be happy that the school will be closed on Mondays and they will visit to take blessings of Lord Mahakal and participate in the 'Mahakal Sawari'. The Congress is unfortunate, neither they had a fate to behold Lord Ram nor Lord Krishna nor fortunate enough to get blessings of Lord Mahadev. The Congress is only busy feeding biryani to terrorists. Its people are busy sycophanting foreigners. I don't know whether this Congress belongs to China or Pakistan... The Collector has the authority to declare a government holiday based on public needs,' Sharma told ANI. There is a tradition of taking out Baba Mahakal's Sawari (procession) every Monday in the month of Sawan. It is believed that in order to know the condition of the public, Baba Mahakal goes on a tour of the city. The devotees also wait for hours on the roadside to witness the ride and consider themselves blessed by getting a glimpse of Baba Mahakal. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Auraiya medical college to be named after Ahilyabai: Yogi
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday announced that the state medical college in Auraiya would be named after Ahilyabai Holkar. Addressing a seminar at his official residence, CM Yogi emphasised that great personalities cannot be divided on caste lines opinion, or religion. He criticised previous governments for attempting to do so. Speaking at the seminar organised at his official residence to mark Ahilyabai's tricentenary birth celebration, Yogi hit out at the Samajwadi Party, saying: 'There was an attempt to change the name of the degree college established in the name of Mata Ahilyabai Holkar in Auraiya. The state government has decided to name Auraiya's medical college after Mata Ahilyabai Holkar. Seven hostels for working women are being constructed in her name across the state.' Additionally, the state government has named three PAC battalions after Avanti Bai, Jhalkari Bai, and Veerangana Uda Devi, symbolising respect for women's strength, the CM added. Attacking the governments before 2014, CM Yogi said that Ram and Krishna were once dismissed as imaginary and attempts were made to break Ram Setu even as corruption, distrust, anarchy, and political conspiracies prevailed in the state. 'In contrast, the Modi government instilled 'Nation First' ethos, enabling India to reach new heights with pride today,' the CM said. He added, 'New India does not provoke anyone, but if provoked, it does not spare the offender. Operation Sindoor stands as a living example.' The CM also outlined the state's progress in infrastructure, connectivity, railways, metro, rapid rail, and ropeways. He pointed out that the central government has approved Uttar Pradesh's policy for semiconductor manufacturing, which will further boost its production in the state. The CM elaborated on the life and contributions of Ahilyabai Holkar, noting that she was born on May 31, 1725. 'Despite being married at a young age, she continued her education, and during her 70-year lifespan till 1795, she established an exemplary system of governance, making remarkable strides in empowering farmers, youth, artisans, handicraftsmen, and women,' Yogi underlined. Referring to her restoration efforts, the CM highlighted that Ahilyabai ventured beyond Malwa to renovate temples destroyed during Aurangzeb and Babar eras. She restored revered sites such as Pashupatinath, Rameshwar, Mahakal, Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, and temples in Bengal. Like Banaras, the sarees of Mahishmati and the grandeur of the Narmada ghats still bear testimony to her reign, Yogi said. Describing Ahilyabai as a symbol of women empowerment, the CM emphasised that while women were struggling for their rights globally, she was administering an ideal governance system in India. CM Yogi urged BJP workers to engage with public over the next 10 days to propagate the life and legacy of Ahilyabai. He added that various programmes honouring Ahilyabai were being organised across the country from May 21 to 31 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP is organising Smriti Abhiyan from May 21 to 31 to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary organised under the name of 'Punyashlok Rani Ahilyabai Holkar Rani Ahilyabai Holkar', a revered figure known for her exemplary governance. Prominent among those present on the occasion were BJP national joint general secretary Shiv Prakash, deputy CMs Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, BJP state president Bhupendra Chaudhary, state minister Ajit Pal, and programme coordinator Sanjay Rai, along with several state ministers and party leaders.
