Latest news with #Maharashtrian
Indian Express
a day ago
- Business
- Indian Express
Around Town: From milk centre to misal to chicken biryani—How Dadar's 84-year-old Adarsha keeps evolving
In pre-Independence Bombay, a young Bhalchandra Panshikar (of the famous sweet shop Panshikars) had successfully established a milk and mithai business. At his suggestion, his cousin Tryambak Mirwankar purchased a shop in Dadar and set up a milk centre called Adarsha in 1941. They sourced milk from a gotha (cowshed) in Goregaon and sold it from their shop on Ranade Road. Given the shop's proximity to Dadar railway station, customers suggested that they serve tea—and perhaps a few biscuits to go with it. They complied. A decade later came the demand for a snack. Tryambak turned to his wife Sushila, who happily shared her recipe for kothimbir vadi. Crispy on the outside, soft and slightly gooey inside, with barely a trace of oil on the surface—it was an instant hit. The warm reception encouraged the addition of more Maharashtrian snacks: batata vada, thalipeeth, sabudana vada, kanda pohe, and upma followed. As the milk business thrived, sweets were added too, with mava barfi and peda earning a reputation of their own. 'Back when we started, eating out was frowned upon. It wasn't seen as a part of Indian culture or tradition,' said third-generation custodian Sanket Mirwankar, 39, recalling stories passed down from his grandfather and father. 'By the 1950s, people wanted a quick bite before boarding the trains. So they added a very small dining area. The need was still for something that could be packed and taken along or eaten quickly before dashing home. The idea of sitting down for a meal became more acceptable around the 1970s,' he said. The 1970s and '80s saw the entry of the second generation. Sanket's father, Narayan Mirwankar, and uncle Dattatray Mirwankar joined the business one after another and expanded the menu. 'They added pav bhaji, misal, Punjabi dishes, and expanded the dining area to seat around 30 people. The Maharashtrian thali came next, and suddenly, Adarsha was a full-fledged restaurant. By then, we'd stopped selling sweets, and milk was only used for in-house items like tea or piyush (a thick, creamy drink made by blending shrikhand with milk and flavoured with cardamom),' said Sanket. Today, Adarsha's misal is among its most sought-after dishes. They serve it two ways: the house-special sweet-and-sour Adarsha misal with minimal oil, and a spicier Puneri version, both priced at Rs 100. Sanket recalled how their misal was a favourite among Maharashtrian theatre actors. 'My father would say that after rehearsals at Shri Shivaji Mandir, actors like Ashok Saraf and Usha Nadkarni would stop by for our misal. It wasn't too spicy and used very little oil, which mattered to them because they wanted to preserve their voices. Then they'd walk straight to Dadar station—everyone took the train back then,' he said. Sanket is a hospitality graduate from Dadar Catering College (IHM Mumbai), and went on to pursue a Masters in Hospitality and worked in London for five years before returning to join the family business. When asked about the changes he brought to this 84-year-old eatery, he said: 'I made the entire restaurant air-conditioned and gave it a facelift. When Dadar gets chaotic during the festival season, they step into Adarsha and feel that wave of cool air—and they thank us.' Three years ago, when it reopened after Covid-19 led lockdown, Sanket made another bold move: he introduced a handful of non-vegetarian items. 'Some were sceptical, but most accepted it. In fact, on non-fasting days like Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, our non-veg sales actually exceed the vegetarian ones,' he said, adding that their chicken biryani is now a hit. And what about his uncle's reaction? 'He was very supportive. We can't be prisoners of our own style. If we had stuck only to the milk business, we wouldn't be here today. Would we?' he asked as we concluded.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Live telecast of Ganeshotsav events: Minister
Over a week after according a state festival tag to Ganeshotsav, culture minister Ashish Shelar said various activities have been planned this year for the 10-day festival. Not only will cultural events be held in Mumbai and across the state but also in other states with a significant Maharashtrian population as well as globally. The state will telecast live aartis at popular temples and celebrations at many sarvajanik mandals and households, said Shelar. Govt will also give awards to mandals, hold a bhajan competition and organise a world-class drone show at Girgaum Chowpatty. —Somit Sen
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Time Business News
Places to Visit in Pune: A Cultural and Historical Journey
Pune, often called the 'Oxford of the East' for its prestigious educational institutions, is a city that beautifully blends rich history, vibrant culture, and modern urban life and Places to Visit in Pune. Once the seat of the mighty Maratha Empire, Pune boasts grand forts, serene temples, lush gardens, and colonial-era landmarks. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or a nature lover, Pune has something for everyone. You can vsit during Pune darshan One day tour From the majestic Shaniwar Wada, a remnant of Peshwa grandeur, to the tranquil Aga Khan Palace, a symbol of India's freedom struggle, every corner of Pune tells a story. The city also offers spiritual retreats like Parvati Hill and Chaturshringi Temple, where devotees and tourists alike soak in divine energy. For art lovers, the Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum is a treasure trove of ancient artifacts, while Saras Baug provides a peaceful escape amidst nature. You can read Nearest Tourist Places of Pune Best 20 Places To Visit in Pune Pune's pleasant climate, especially during monsoons and winters, makes it an ideal year-round destination. With excellent connectivity, delicious Maharashtrian cuisine, and a mix of old-world charm and contemporary attractions, Pune promises an unforgettable travel experience. Overview: A historic fort-palace built in 1732, Shaniwar Wada was the seat of the Peshwas. Its majestic gates and ruins reflect Maratha grandeur. How to Reach: Located in central Pune, accessible by auto, taxi, or bus. Significance: A symbol of Maratha power, known for its architectural brilliance. Best Time to Visit: October to February (pleasant weather). Things to Do: Explore the ruins, light and sound show. Travel Tips: Visit in the evening for the best experience. Best 10 One Day Trips from Pune Overview: Built in 1892, this palace is a memorial to Mahatma Gandhi, housing his ashes and a museum. How to Reach: 7 km from Pune station; taxis available. One Day Pune Local Sightseeing Tour By Cab Significance: Linked to India's freedom struggle. Best Time to Visit: Monsoon and winter. Things to Do: Visit the museum, stroll in the garden. Travel Tips: Carry water; photography allowed. Overview: A scenic hill with ancient temples offering panoramic city views. One day Pune Local sightseeing By Private cab. How to Reach: Auto or taxi from Swargate. Significance: Religious and historical importance. Best Time to Visit: Early morning or sunset. Things to Do: Temple visit, photography. Travel Tips: Wear comfortable shoes for climbing. Overview: Houses over 20,000 artifacts showcasing Indian heritage. How to Reach: Near Bajirao Road; easily accessible. Significance: Preserves India's cultural legacy. Best Time to Visit: Weekdays (less crowded). Things to Do: Explore sculptures, musical instruments. Travel Tips: Allocate 1-2 hours for the visit. Overview: A memorial dedicated to Mahadji Shinde, with stunning architecture. How to Reach: 6 km from Pune station; auto available. Significance: Honors the Maratha military leader. Best Time to Visit: Morning hours. Things to Do: Admire the intricate carvings. Travel Tips: Check opening hours in advance. Overview: A serene garden with a Ganesh temple and lake. How to Reach: Near Swargate; well-connected. Significance: Popular for religious and leisure visits. Best Time to Visit: Evenings for cool breeze. Things to Do: Boating, temple visit. Travel Tips: Ideal for family outings. Overview: A hilltop temple dedicated to Goddess Chaturshringi. How to Reach: 7 km from Pune station; taxis available. Significance: A major pilgrimage site. Best Time to Visit: Navratri for special festivities. Things to Do: Seek blessings, enjoy the view. Travel Tips: Avoid weekends for a peaceful visit. Use local transport like buses and autos. Carry water and wear comfortable footwear. Visit historical sites early to avoid crowds. Pune's mix of history, spirituality, and nature makes it a must-visit destination! Shaniwar Wada, Aga Khan Palace, and Shinde Chhatri are must-visit historical sites. Pune is well-connected by air (Pune International Airport), rail (Pune Railway Station), and road (via Mumbai-Bangalore Highway). October to February offers pleasant weather, while monsoon (June-September) adds lush greenery. Yes, Sinhagad Fort, Lohagad Fort, and Tikona Fort are popular trekking destinations. Saras Baug, Rajiv Gandhi Zoo, and Empress Garden are great for families. Yes, Pune is generally safe, but standard precautions should be taken. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
India.com
3 days ago
- India.com
Getting Lost In Pune For a Whole Day: No GPS, No Guide, Just Pure Adventure
Pune is considered the cultural capital of Maharashtra and is also well-known as 'The Oxford of the East.' This means it has modern street life alongside rich history. Their heritage of the Marathas, beautiful educational institutes and modern IT hubs makes Pune a city worth visiting. Now, imagine spending a whole day in Pune without any form of navigation, no Google Maps or physical maps to help you out, just pure instinct. Where do you think you would end up? Are you ready to find out all the possibilities there are? Then let's begin the adventure together. Starting the Day: The Heart of Pune – Shivajinagar Abandoning the hypothetical adventure for a moment, picture waking up in Shivaji Nagar, one of the buzzing areas of Pune. As a warm up to this imaginary day, going with the flow seems to help. Following the initial stream of people would bring you to a street-side vendor where you could enjoy some freshly brewed tea along with a delicious serving of Vada Pav or Poha. Not only would you be amazed at the rich taste of Maharashtrian food, but your taste buds would be thanking you too. Continuing on, you will approximately find the Shaniwar Wada, a fortification built by Peshwas in the 18 th century. If you do not have a map, the structure itself will guide you. The Maratha brave stories along with the exquisite architecture and large gates will take you back to that era instantly. You can spend a good hour or two imagining the glory of the Peshwa period and explore the astonishing ruins. Kasba Peth Exploration From Shaniwar Wada, you can follow your curiosity to the winding and narrow lanes of Kasba Peth, which is one of the oldest residential regions of Pune. You can reach there by following the ringing of temple bells and the vibrant bazaars. This area is home to the renowned Kasba Ganpati Temple, which is the Ganesh idol of Pune. There are chances you would join the locals in offering prayers and soaking into the spiritual feel. As you stroll through the captivating alleys, it would be hard to miss the small boutiques selling traditional Maharashtrian clothing, jewelry, and handicrafts. There is plenty of vivid color and activity that helps capture the beauty of the market. If you do not have access to a map then you would have to rely on your instinct as a navigational tool, affording you a chance to discover hidden treasures such as a 100-year-old sweet shop and their highly recommended purankachi or shrikhand. Afternoon: A Hidden Lunch Gem in Koregaon Park Around noon, there are high chances that your legs will take you to Koregaon Park, a heritage area renowned for its cafes and eclectic shops. You can find many art murals so if you do not have a map, then it is wise to follow the wafts of freshly baked bread. It is easy to lose yourself among the several different cultures that exist in Koregaon Park; sitting in one of the small corner cafes, sipping on a warm beverage while devouring a delicious Mediterranean or Indian dish is irresistible. The place also serves mouth-watering vegan bowls and gourmet burgers. Once you are done unhinging your jaw, you could walk around savoring the sight of tree-lined streets, beautiful colonial bungalows and contemporary apartments. Mapped or unmapped, you are granted creativity as you wander around with the energy of the area being your best friend and guide. If you are 'lucky' enough you might stumble upon the tranquil space that is Osho International Meditation Resort, a beautiful sanctuary in what seems to be an ever chaotic city. Evening – Sunset at Sinhagad Fort If you have an adventurer's heart, you might find it leading you away from the city when the sun begins to set. With no map in hand, you would have to depend on seeing the hills and what the locals tell you. This could take you to the base of Sinhagad Fort – an old fort that sits quite majestically on top of a hill. While the ascent would be tough, the breathtaking views one could capture of Pune city along with the valleys would make it worthwhile. At the fort, the remains of the battle begin to tell the story of the battle of Sinhagad where Tanaji Malusare, a general of Chhatrapati Shivaji, fought with extreme bravery. The golden color of the sunset along with the cool breeze and the sense of historical significance would culminate in a wonderful evening. Wrapping Up At FC Road The vibrant neon signs lighting up throughout the city, signals one thing; it's time to return. There is a good possibility that you are in Fergusson College Road (FC Road) at this very moment. If you do not carry a map, the music and laughter that permeates the atmosphere will effortlessly lead you to the right spot. With its numerous street performers, cafes, and bookstores, FC Road is a hot spot for students and young professionals alike. It is very likely that you will stumble across a food stall and relish in bhel puri or misal pav. The Blazing spirit of FC Road is exactly what you need to rejuvenate after a long 24 hours of wandering FC Road. Ending the Day at FC Road Exploring Pune for 24 hours with no map in hands seems like an exhilarating challenge with surprises to discover and fascinating places to visit. It's a city full of culture and charm. Embracing spontaneity along with a little guidance from the locals and landmarks will ensure you have a wonderful time. Wherever your journey ends, be it a serene cafe, a historic fort, or a bustling market, rest assured the expedition will prove to be enjoyable and fulfilling. With its alluring past, lively culture, and welcoming hospitality, Pune is a city that invites exploration. Therefore, the next time you are in Pune, why not throw away the map and let the city lead you? You never know what wonderful surprises lie in wait for you.
Mint
3 days ago
- General
- Mint
Mumbaikar in Bengaluru shares survival hack: ‘Came with a lot of caution, but what I got was…'
'I came in with a lot of caution,' a Mumbaikar living in Karnataka's Bengaluru for the past 5 years said he was 'welcomed' to the city and has 'barely faced any issues' in these years, unlike the common chatter about hostility on social media. In a now-viral Reddit post, the man busted the common beliefs about moving to Bengaluru and shared a rather simple survival hack to win over the locals. The Mumbaikar said, 'I'm originally from Mumbai, born and brought up in a Maharashtrian household. About five years ago, I moved to Bengaluru for work, and I'll be honest, I came in with a lot of caution.' The man said, before shifting, he kept hearing the usual: 'Bengaluru traffic will drive you mad.' 'Autos and cab guys are a nightmare.' 'Locals don't like outsiders, especially if you don't speak Kannada.' However, to his surprise, the Mumbaikar said his actual experience has been the 'complete opposite'. 'Whether I've driven my own car or taken autos and cabs, I've barely faced any issues. People have been respectful, fair, and often more helpful than I expected. I was prepared for hostility, but what I got was patience,' he wrote. The Mumbaikar said his 'effort' to learn basic Kannada made the 'biggest difference'. 'What made the biggest difference, I think, is effort. I started learning Kannada just basic stuff, greetings, directions, small talk. Even when I mess it up, people appreciate it,' he said. 'They smile, they help, and they correct me kindly. It's made me feel included, not alien,' he added. This comes at a time when much hostility toward outsiders is being reported from Bengaluru for not knowing Kannada. 'This city feels like it mirrors what you bring to it. I never acted like a tourist or outsider, I just tried to belong, and Bengaluru met me halfway,' the man said. The Mumbaikar also noted that others may have had different experiences. 'But personally, I've felt nothing but welcome. It makes me wonder: Is it possible that the city treats you how you treat the city?' he asked. Netizens welcomed the post, saying that Bangalore does meet people halfway. 'The hostility part is blown out of proportion. The ones creating such situations are an extremely small minority. Most people here are well natured and treat everyone well,' a social media user said. Another added, 'Never faced any problems with people here in Bangalore.' 'The sentiment that Bangalore people have met them halfway is objectively true IMO,' said a user. 'The kind of entitlement I've seen some Hindi speakers have like 'No, I will only speak Hindi' has just not been there before with locals. Even people who only know Kannada make efforts to speak English and even Hindi,' the user added. However, a few skeptical users asked, '5 years in Bangalore and you have never faced any issues with traffic?'
