Latest news with #Rajasthanis
India.com
24-05-2025
- General
- India.com
Only city in the world where eating and selling non-vegetarian food is banned, it is... reason is...
Only city in the world where eating and selling non-vegetarian food is banned, it is... reason is... Food habits differ from place to place. Some people love to eat non-vegetarian dishes, while others prefer to incorporate gluten-free, vegetarian foods and salads into their diets. However, there is one place in the entire world where not only eating but even selling non-vegetarian food is strictly prohibited. Any guesses? Well, this place is situated in our country. It is… In India, people from different states have their unique culinary preferences. People from the South prefer to eat dosa, Punjabis enjoy sarson da saag and makki di roti, Bengalis love fish and macher bhaat, Biharis are fond of litti chokha, and Rajasthanis relish dishes like dal baati churma. Every individual respects each other's food habits and patterns. But there is a city where eating and selling non-vegetarian food is completely prohibited. Palitana city of Bhavnagar district of Gujarat is completely vegetarian, and non-vegetarian food is completely banned here. Back in 2014, a powerful movement began when nearly 200 Jain monks chose to go on a hunger strike. Their heartfelt plea was simple yet deeply spiritual — they wanted Palitana, a place they considered sacred, to be respected as a holy pilgrimage site. They asked for a complete stop to the sale of meat in the area. Troubled by the presence of butcher shops near their places of worship, they stood firm in peaceful protest. In the end, their voices were heard, and the government agreed to their request, marking a significant and emotional victory for the Jain community. Going by a The Times of India(TOI) report, following the monks' peaceful protest, the local administration shut down over 250 meat shops in Palitana. Moreover, the sale as well as the consumption of meat, fish, and eggs were completely prohibited in the city. This significant move not only set a unique precedent in India but also stood out globally as a remarkable example of religious and ethical harmony. This decision was deeply rooted in respecting the principles of Jainism, which emphasize non-violence (ahimsa) and reverence for all forms of life. The Jain community holds Palitana sacred, as it is located on Shatrunjaya Hill, home to over 800 ancient Jain temples. Surprisingly, not only meat, but the killing of any kind of animal is also prohibited in Palitana. Activities such as fishing, poultry farming, or animal sacrifice do not take place here. Hence, this place is termed as 'Paradise for Vegetarians'. You might be wondering if this ban has caused any food-related problems for the locals. Absolutely not — Palitana offers a wide variety of pure vegetarian dishes. From delicious Gujarati thalis to traditional Jain meals, everything here is very popular. This ban has also had an interesting impact on Palitana's economy. With the closure of meat businesses, vegetarian restaurants and the food industry have flourished rapidly. Tourists now visit not only to see the temples but also to experience the city's pure vegetarian cuisine.
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.
India Gazette
19-05-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
Khelo India Beach Games 2025: Big wins for Goa, Gujarat, Kerala; non-coastal states stay brave in soccer
Diu (Daman and Diu) [India], May 19 (ANI): The inaugural Khelo India Beach Games 2025 (KIBG) at the Ghoghla beach in Diu got rolling on Monday with beach soccer taking centre stage on day one of the event, according to SAI Media Release. Amid the breaking waves of a dazzling Arabian Sea in the background, Goa and Rajasthan featured in the boys' opening match of the day. There couldn't have been more contrasting teams, and the match, 13-9 in favour of the Goans, validated that point. Goa is a full of beaches while Rajasthan has none. Which means, the Goans were kind of at home and the Rajasthanis were at sea. Which leads to the question: are the non-coastal regions going to find it tough at KIBG 2025? Not necessarily since last year in the Diu Beach Games it was actually Madhya Pradesh, a non-coastal state, that ran away with most medals but of course, there will be challenges. Rajasthan team manager Hari Om listed the set of challenges his team faced in the lead-up to the KIBG. 'It's not that easy for us, a non-coastal state. I mean we practice on an artificial field of play back in Rajasthan. What we do is get tons of sands on trucks from southern Rajasthan but do what we will, this sand is so different from the one which we use for our practice,' he said, as quoted from SAI Media Release. 'We started very well against Goa but then we got tired and they pounced on us. Going forward we need to focus on this aspect, stamina. We also need to focus on proper hydration. One of the players today fell sick. So, these are the challenges a non-coastal team like us faces,' he added. Uttar Pradesh girls coach Mukesh Kumar Sabberwal echoed the sentiments even though they got their campaign off to a good start. 'We practice on grass, not even sands. Today we won against the girls' team of Rajasthan which is also a non-coastal state but once we go up against coastal teams, that will be a totally different ball game,' he said. 'When we play against non-coastal teams, we know we will win somehow. We are beach boys, familiar with the sand and sea, so we are always confident against these teams. We should have won this match with a bigger margin though,' he added. For the uninitiated, beach soccer is different than the soccer that's played on grass turf. For one thing, there are five players a side. For another, it's a much shorter game with three periods of 12 minutes each. There are eight states each in the boys' and girls' categories and they are divided into two pools, and the top two teams from each pool will reach the semis. (ANI)
Daily Tribune
24-03-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
RIB distributes 800 Ramadan food packets
In the true spirit of Ramadan, Rajasthanis in Bahrain (RIB) successfully organized a Food Packet Distribution Drive at Hidd Labor Camp, ensuring that over 800 laborers received food packets for Iftar. The event was graced by prominent businessmen, RIB members, members of the Pravasi Legal Cell, and media personnel, alongside the RIB Executive Committee, reinforcing the profound impact of collective compassion and service. RIB thanked Mega Mart for their generous contribution, and extended gratitude to Mr. Anil Nawani, General Manager of MegaMart, for his efforts in arranging food packets. With strong community support , RIB remains committed to initiatives that uplift, inspire, fostering a culture of generosity and shared humanity.
