Latest news with #Maharashtrians
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Chennai's best vada pav spots: A trail
When I moved to Chennai from Maharashtra, I did not expect my connection to home come wrapped in a piece of newspaper, handed over a street counter. But sometimes, it is not the grand things that make you feel rooted. It is instead a hot, spicy snack that tastes like nostalgia. A product of the 1960s, the vada pav was conceptualised outside Dadar station. A popular theory suggests that batata vada or potato vada, a Maharashtrian staple, was wedged between pieces of soft pav by a street vendor named Ashok Vaidya. Chutneys were added as binding elements. This humble, affordable dish became the go-to snack for Mumbai's mill workers. Eventually, it transitioned from a blue-collar bite to an icon that crossed the boundaries of class, region, and generations. It did not take long for this snack to travel across State borders and reach Chennai. As Maharashtrians and Rajasthanis shifted to Chennai for work, education, or business, they brought with them their culinary habits. Slowly, pockets of the city, particularly areas like Sowcarpet, began to see stalls pop up serving vada pav to a growing North Indian community and curious locals. Adaptations like sweeter pavs, fusion fillings, and wider menus, did take place, but mostly, sellers stuck to the authentic original recipe. The anatomy of a good vada pav is constructed on four non-negotiables: pillowy pav served with a crunchy, hot vada made of gram flour and spicy mashed potato, and a perfectly fried and salted thin chilli. To seal the deal, zingy chutneys made of garlic and coriander are added. As summer rains begin in Chennai, we go on a trail to find the perfect vada pav in Chennai. All that is left is a cup of tea. Stop 1: Shree Vada Pav, Sowcarpet Tucked in the buzzing lanes of Sowcarpet, Shree Vada Pav has stood its ground for 18 years. Hemant Vyas, a third-generation entrepreneur from Rajasthan, currently runs the show. His grandfather once sold vada pav on the streets of Mumbai. Seeking better opportunities, the family moved to Chennai. Eventually, Shree Vada Pav was born. Hemant, who now manages everything hands-on, is a man of many languages, fluent in Hindi, English, Tamil, Marwadi, and Gujarati. This might explain why the stall attracts such a large crowd. Locals flock here, not just for the food but also for authenticity. The pav here leans a little on the sweet side, but the vada makes up for it, bursting with flavour and layered spices. The fried green chillies are not spicy, but bring their own drama to the plate. Hemant says, 'Cheese vada pav,' when asked what flies off the shelf at this stall. 'Everyone wants add-ons now… everyone wants an upgrade.' Shree Vada Pav is at 27, Ramanan Road, Sowcarpet. A vada pav is priced at ₹25. Contact: 9380648311. Jay Vada Pav, Sowcarpet Jay Vada Pav may just be a year old, but it is already giving the veterans a run for their money. Nestled in the heart of Sowcarpet, this compact stall has a cheeky banner out front that read: 'Badi badi baatein vada pav khate'. It is a clever riff on a popular Bollywood line, and honestly, it is impossible not to smile while reading it. What immediately stands out here is the slightly larger pav, making it look more generous than most versions around. The vada here is a crunchier, with a bold spice mix that does not overpower but leaves a lasting zing. The pav follows the Chennai signature of being a tad bitsweet, which surprisingly pairs well with the earthy flavours of the vada. The chillies served on the side are milder than the Mumbai ones but still bring forth a kick. At ₹30 a piece, it may seem a bit steep for traditionalists, but when a dish travels over 1,000 kilometres and still delivers, it seems worth it. Yashaswini Chauhan, a Delhi-based food-enthusiast ie who has been in Chennai for a while, says, 'It was my first Chennai-style vada pav and I am blown away! Did not expect to find this Mumbai Street classic down South, but they have given it their own spin.' Jay Vada Pav is at 434/164, Mint Street, Sowcarpet, Park Town, Chennai. A vada pav here is priced at ₹30. Contact: 9962119280. Stop 3: Mumbai Chatwala, Kilpauk From the moment you step into Mumbai Chatwala, there is a certain chaos in the air — the aroma of frying snacks, clatter of plates, buzz of conversation, and a cook-owner who is practically a blur, running between counters, taking orders, and making sure every plate hits the mark. It is chaotic in the best way possible. Mumbai Chatwala began 10 years ago when Anandaraman B, a localite, decided that it was his calling to feed people. 'I haven't stopped since,' he says, speaking in bits as he slits chillies and sets out plates. Generously stuffed with crunchy sev, spicy onions, and a pav so soft that is drenched in butter, this version has a spice-filled vada in the centre that ties it all together. A spicy green chilli is served on the side (finally!), not just for the drama, but because it genuinely elevates the experience. What sets Mumbai Chatwala apart is the range of offering — bhel puri, sev puri, dabeli, grilled sandwiches and pizzas along with ambience. Bright, colourful interiors and a surprisingly spacious seating area, makes this place, a good spot to hangout. Unlike most chaat corners which are either too cramped or take-away places, this one invites you to sit, snack, and chat. Mumbaii Chatwala is at Lumbini Square, 384/130, Purasaiwalkam High Road. A vada pav here is priced at ₹40. Contact: 9003228763. Stop 4: King's Vada Pav, Purasaiwalkam If you are on the hunt for the closest thing to Mumbai's original vada pav, your trail should end at King's Vada Pav in Purasaiwalkam. The masalas here, are not overused. Instead, the vada retains the original flavour. Chunky potato mash, strong taste of curry leaves, a garlic kick, and just enough crisp on the outside. Add to that a slender, fiery green chilli. Behind the counter is Govind Kumar, a man with deep-rooted connections to the food he serves. Originally from Bihar, Govind moved to Chennai as an employee at King's 10 years ago. But with grit, patience, and a passion for flavour, he eventually bought the place himself. Over time, he fine-tuned the recipe, focussed on freshness, and created what is now one of the most beloved vada pav joints in the city. The vadas are fried in small batches, ensuring every customer gets a piping hot snack instead of something pulled out of a reheated pile. Over the years, King's has also expanded its menu, now offering samosas, kachoris, and even drinks to wash it all down. When asked how he manages to keep that Mumbai magic alive in Chennai, he simply says, 'Just make it fresh, make it authentic, that's what works.' King's Vada Pav is at 59, Alagappa Road, Purasaiwalkam. A vada pav here is priced at ₹25. Contact: 9940042134.
News18
12-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Festive Seasons Boost Real Estate Investments: What To Keep In Mind While Buying Property
Last Updated: Expert highlights the importance of fundamentals, tax benefits, and strategic planning over seasonal discounts in luxury shopping and real estate in India. Authored by Sachin Bhandari, Executive Director & CEO, VTP Realty: Luxury shopping and investment in India have always favoured auspicious timing. Be it Gudi Padwa, which holds special meaning for Maharashtrians, or Akshaya Tritiya, a nationally observed day and part of the significant 3.5 muhurats of the Hindu calendar, informed and calculated purchase decisions on such days are believed to attract desired and even extraordinary returns over time. Residential real estate is no exception to this norm, and as festive seasons propel investments in other luxury categories such as gold and launch businesses, buying a home remains the ultimate symbol of prosperity. This belief has stood the test of time across generations and geographies, making the day truly pan-Indian in its appeal, cutting across communities and regional identities. For instance, Akshaya Tritiya 2025 observed a significant rise in inquiries, site visits, final bookings, and possessions of properties, indicating a predictable pattern of consumer behaviour with favourable upticks in inquiries and possessions specifically during the festive season over the years. Thus, homebuyers should pay attention to the following suggestions. Think Beyond Offers While seasonal discounts are tempting, property buyers should prioritise fundamentals such as location, developer track record, approvals, and long-term appreciation potential. Infrastructure upgrades and enhanced connectivity, especially in tier-2 cities, are becoming key drivers of real estate value. Special festive schemes like reduced EMIs or no-cost down payments can be enticing. However, it's important to understand their long-term implications to avoid surprises later. Aligning with the start of the financial year, investment during the festive season also offers practical advantages. Homebuyers can optimise annual tax savings through deductions on home loan principal, interest payments, and registration charges. Investing early in the fiscal cycle allows buyers to maximise tax benefits over the year ahead. Even in emotionally driven purchases, legal diligence must not be overlooked. Responsible investment blends faith with foresight. Aligning purchase with personal career growth There's also a financial rhythm to this season. With the start of the new fiscal year, salary increments, bonuses, and job transitions are common, making it a naturally conducive time for bigger financial commitments. Pair that with one of the most spiritually significant days of the year, and you get a compelling recipe for homebuying. Value addition beyond discounts Homebuying is never an impulsive decision; it is deliberate, researched, and carefully timed. And while the market often sees a flurry of discounts and festive offers during such periods, we believe in going beyond that. Smart homebuyers aren't swayed solely by discounts or free gold coins. They're looking for tangible, lasting value, favourable financing terms, transparent transactions, and projects that live up to their brochures. In an era where homebuying has evolved from being purely emotional to increasingly strategic, customers are rightfully seeking more than symbolic value—they demand substance, transparency, and long-term growth. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not represent the stand of this publication. First Published: May 12, 2025, 12:14 IST
Hans India
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
PM has avenged April 22 attack: Lt Narwal's mother
Noida: Pahalgam terror victim Navy officer Lt Vinay Narwal's mother, Asha Narwal, on Wednesday hailed India for avenging the April 22 attack and said their entire family and people of the country stand with the government. Retaliating against the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian armed forces on early Wednesday carried out missile strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir, including the Jaish-e-Mohammad stronghold of Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba's base in Muridke. 'It is a very good thing that (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi has avenged the (Pahalgam) attack. I am with them (the govt), people are with them, and our entire family is with them,' Asha told reporters in Karnal. 'I want to tell our Army to give a befitting reply so that such incidents (like Pahalgam) do not occur again,' she said and added that those who got martyred have got justice. In the aftermath of the Indian Army's precise counter-terror strike, Operation Sindoor, the family of Shubham Dwivedi, one of the 26 civilians killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack, has expressed deep gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the armed forces for fulfilling the promise of justice. Shubham Dwivedi, a 30-year-old civilian from Uttar Pradesh, was visiting Pahalgam with his wife and sister-in-law when terrorists opened fire on unarmed tourists. He was shot in the head and died at the scene. His wife, Ashanya Dwivedi, spoke out following the military response. 'I would like to sincerely thank everyone who is connected to this operation, especially our personnel in the armed forces and especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who personally looked after the operation,' she said. 'The name 'Operation Sindoor' clearly shows they stand with us, those who lost their husbands. Whatever the Prime Minister said, he proved. Wherever terrorism exists, it will be eliminated.' Fighting through her grief, she added, 'Terrorists killed our husbands to make us vulnerable, but we will fight. PM Modi took revenge as he said, these terrorists will be ended.' Shubham's brother also welcomed the swift action. 'The whole nation is thanking Modi ji and our armed forces. If someone challenges our country in this manner, we must respond with strength. The way this operation was carried out was like medicine on our wounds,' he said. 'The name 'Operation Sindoor' truly pays tribute to the victims who lost their lives during that attack.' Shubham's father, too, praised the government's resolve. 'I got the information around 2 a.m. The Indian government and armed forces have taken action against Pakistan. I praise PM Modi for doing this for the country and for understanding the emotions of the people. PM Modi has completed the destruction of terrorism. I salute him.' Family members of the Maharashtrians killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on Wednesday welcomed 'Operation Sindoor', saying the government and the Indian armed forces have taught a lesson to the terrorists. Pune-based Kaustubh Ganbote and Santosh Jagdale were killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Kaustubh Ganbote's son, Kunal Ganbote, said, 'We all were waiting for such action to be taken.' 'I think that the operation was named 'Sindoor' as a mark of respect for the women who lost their husbands in the dastardly attack,' Kunal said. Santosh Jagdale's family members said it is a perfect tribute to the departed souls. Aarti, a mother of twins who saw her 68-year-old father Ramachandran being gunned down by a terrorist in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, expressed happiness over Operation Sindoor. 'Even though our loss can never be compensated, we are happy about what has happened when India hit back at Pakistan,' said Aarti after hearing the news. 'India has hit back at the correct time, and it was the moment we all waited. It's good that the common man has not been affected in this attack,' added Aarti. A former non-resident Indian who returned from the Middle East five years ago, Ramachandran was a staunch BJP supporter. He had unsuccessfully contested local body polls and was among those shortlisted as a potential BJP candidate for civic elections to be held later this year. Aarti, a mother of twin boys, was seen often breaking down last month while recounting the horrifying moment when her father was shot dead by a terrorist, and also watched by her kids. She, along with her parents, was holidaying in Pahalgam, Kashmir, when Ramachandran was gunned down by terrorists.
Hans India
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Perfect tribute: Family members of Pahalgam victims on 'Operation Sindoor'
Family members of the Maharashtrians killed in the Pahalgam terror attack on Wednesday welcomed 'Operation Sindoor', saying the government and the Indian armed forces have taught a lesson to the terrorists. Pune-based Kaustubh Ganbote and Santosh Jagdale were killed in the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Family members of the victims hailed 'Operation Sindoor'. Kaustubh Ganbote's son, Kunal Ganbote, said, "We all were waiting for such action to be taken." "I think that the operation was named 'Sindoor' as a mark of respect for the women who lost their husbands in the dastardly attack," Kunal said. Santosh Jagdale's family members said it is a perfect tribute to the departed souls. Jagdale's wife, Pragati, said, "I am grateful to the government for naming today's air strikes 'Operation Sindoor'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi understands our feelings. The terrorists shot and killed my husband. Today, Prime Minister Modi has attacked the base of those terrorists with 'Operation Sindoor', which is very appropriate. It was necessary to teach them this lesson." "We are PM Modi's daughters, and I knew he would take action. I was sure it would take some time, but they would attack," Pragati said. Jagdale's daughter, Asawari Jagdale, said, "Today, I feel like my father has received a true tribute from the government. The 'mission' was completed in 15 days. I thank the government." In a military operation following the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched 'Operation Sindoor', striking terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Ministry of Defence in its statement said, "Our action has been focused, measured and non-escalatory in nature. No Pakistani military facilities have been targeted. India has demonstrated considerable restraint in the selection of targets and method of execution."
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Business Standard
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Stock market holiday: Are NSE, BSE, MCX open today on Maharashtra Day?
Stock Market Holiday Today: Stock markets in India are closed today, Thursday, May 1, 2025, on the occasion of Maharashtra Day, and Labour Day 2025 SI Reporter New Delhi Stock Markets Closed on May 1, 2025, for Maharashtra Day Stock Market Holiday, May 1: Indian stock markets are closed today, Thursday, May 1, 2025, on the occasion of Maharashtra Day, a day celebrated by Maharashtrians to commemorate the formation of the state of Maharashtra on May 1, 1960. That apart, today is also a public holiday to celebrate May Day or International Workers' Day (Labour Day 2025). Labour Day, which began in the late 19th century, pays tribute to all the workers. In India, Labour Day is a public holiday in many states, such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Trading Suspension Details: Notably, there will be no trading on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the BSE, and the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX). When Will Markets Reopen? Markets will resume normal trading on Friday, May 2, 2025. Upcoming Stock Market Holidays in 2025: Independence Day – August 15 Ganesh Chaturthi – August 27 Gandhi Jayanti / Dussehra – October 2 Diwali Laxmi Pujan – October 21 Diwali Balipratipada – October 22 Guru Nanak Jayanti (Prakash Gurpurb) – November 5 Christmas – December 25 The last market holiday was on Good Friday, April 18, 2025. Stock Market Timings: The trading session in the Indian stock markets is divided in three parts – Pre-Open, Regular Trading, Post-Market session. The timings for these sessions are as follows: Pre-Open Session: 9:00 AM – 9:07 AM Regular Trading Hours: 9:15 AM – 3:30 PM Post-Market Session: 3:30 PM – 3:40 PM Indian stock markets are open Monday to Friday and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Stock Market Wrap, April 30, 2025: Indian stock markets witnessed a range-bound session on Wednesday, April 30, as investors remained on the sidelines ahead of a market holiday. The BSE Sensex closed at 80,242, down 46 points or 0.06 per cent, while the NSE Nifty50 shut shop barely 2 points or 0.01 per cent lower at 24,334. In the broader markets, the Nifty Smallcap100 and Nifty Midcap100 indices dropped by 1.71 per cent and 0.85 per cent, respectively. Among sectors, the Nifty Realty index gained the most. The index rose 3.6 per cent during the day b before settling 1.91 per cent higher. This was followed by the Nifty Pharma index, which gained 0.44 per cent. On the downside, the Nifty PSU Bank index fell 2.23 per cent, dragged by UCO Bank and State Bank of India shares. Global Market Update: Asian markets are having a lean morning as most regional markets are shut for public holiday. Trading is underway in Japan and Australia, while markets in South Korea, India, Hong Kong, and China are shut for Labour Day. Meanwhile, Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 index advanced 0.15 per cent ahead of the Bank of Japan's monetary policy decision today. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 benchmark was down 0.10 per cent. Back home, GIFT Nifty was 43 points lower at 24,376 levels at 6:35 AM. Overnight in the US, the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rallied 0.15 per cent and 0.35 per cent, respectively. Meanwhile, the Nasdaq Composite ended the day flat at 17,446.34.
