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Time of India
08-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Why Varanasi's iconic Pahalwan Lassi and Chachi ki Kachori shops demolished; watch video
Varanasi, a city revered not just for its spiritual essence but also its vibrant street food culture, has long been hailed as a land of rich flavours. From the tangy Tamatar Chaat to creamy Lassi, the city's culinary legacy has delighted locals and tourists alike. However, a recent development has left food lovers saddened. According to a post by Piyush Rai, who manages the X (formerly Twitter) handle @Benarasiyaa, 35 long-standing shops were recently demolished as part of a road expansion project, including the 75-year-old Pahalwan Lassi Shop and the 108-year-old Chachi ki Kachori outlet. — Benarasiyaa (@Benarasiyaa) Local media reports state that the demolition is part of a ₹241.80 crore initiative to construct a 9.5 km four-lane road between Lahartara and Vijaya Mall, aimed at easing traffic congestion through the densely packed Bhelupur-Lanka stretch. The Public Works Department had marked buildings for demolition nearly a month earlier, following land assessments. Authorities have reportedly assured compensation for those affected. Why Pahalwan Lassi was so loved A local and international favourite, Pahalwan Lassi operated for 75 years, drawing visitors from the US, Australia, Japan, and beyond. Known for offering eight types of lassi ranging from ₹30 to ₹180, the drink was served in traditional kulhads (clay cups), made with a blend of curd, cream, and rabri. Located near the Lanka crossing toward Assi, the shop also welcomed celebrities and politicians over the years. Live Events The legacy of Chachi ki Kachori Another casualty of the project was the 108-year-old Chachi ki Kachori, famed for its asafoetida-spiced, lentil-stuffed kachoris, served with pumpkin curry and matka jalebi on leaf plates. A cultural gem, the eatery was frequented by chefs, politicians, and food lovers from across the country. Varanasi's timeless street food spots While these losses are significant, Varanasi still boasts several iconic food joints: Deena Chat Bhandar – A 200-year-old spot known for Tamatar Chaat and Chooda Matar Shri Madhur Jalpaan (Sarafa Gali) – Famous for Samosa, Malpua, and Gulab Jamun Goverdhan Das Malai Wala – An 80-year-old dairy hub known for buffalo milk-based sweets Laxmi Chai Wala – Over 50 years old, beloved for chai, toasted bread butter, and malai . Reader discretion is advised. [With TOI inputs]
Indian Express
24-06-2025
- Indian Express
Heavy water leakage on Delhi-bound Vande Bharat Express sparks outrage: ‘Complimentary waterfall service'. Watch
Passengers travelling on a Delhi-bound Vande Bharat Express were left outraged — and wet — when water began leaking from the train's roof, drenching them and their luggage. A video reportedly recorded by passengers shows water pouring from a ceiling vent, creating chaos inside the train compartment. Sharing the video on X, Piyush Rai, a journalist, wrote, 'A complimentary 'waterfall' service unlocked in the Delhi-bound 22415 Vande Bharat express caught the passengers off-raincoat.' Watch the video here: A complimentary 'waterfall' service unlocked in the Delhi-bound 22415 Vande Bharat express caught the passangers off-raincoat. — Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) June 24, 2025 Another video, shared by the passenger, shows empty seats near the compartment gate as the leak left them drenched. Sharing the video, the passenger demanded a full refund of his ticket, alleging that the staff were irresponsible. 'AC not working and water leakage in #VandeBharat train. Extremely uncomfortable journey despite premium fare. Multiple complaints lodged but no action taken. Kindly look into it. PNR: 2137164305,' the caption read. Soon after the video came to light, Railway Seva responded to it, citing 'condensate water' to be the root cause of the incident. They further informed that the RMPU (Roof-Mounted Packaging Units) drip tray was fixed and cleaned at the New Delhi Railway Station. 'A case of water leakage was reported from the return air duct in coach C-7 (seat no. 76) on Train No. 22415 (Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Express). Root Cause: Condensate water accumulated under the cooling coil of the RMPU due to drain holes of drip tray blocked by Mix media/ Return air filter. The water, during braking, entered the return air duct, causing water to drip into the passenger area,' they wrote. 'Action Taken: The affected RMPU drip tray were thoroughly cleaned at NDLS station before the return journey. Washer provided below the filter to create gap between filter and drip tray thus clearing the drain hole. The coach was undertaken in pre-monsoon drive from 15/05/25 to 27/05/25. All RMPUs of the rake are being checked for provision of washer to create gap between filter and drip tray,' they added. A case of water leakage was reported from the return air duct in coach C-7 (seat no. 76) on Train No. 22415 (Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Express). Root Cause: Condensate water accumulated under the cooling coil of the RMPU due to drain holes of drip tray blocked by Mix media/… — RailwaySeva (@RailwaySeva) June 24, 2025 A similar incident took place in 2024 and was recorded by the passengers. At the time, the Northern Railway's official handle responded to the video, stating that the issue was due to a temporary technical glitch.
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Health dept plants moringa trees at CHC, govt hosps
Varanasi: The health department is planting moringa trees on the premises of govt hospitals. In view of this, tree plantation was carried out at the urban community health centre in Shivpur on Friday by councillor Baliram Kannaujia, deputy chief medical officer Dr Piyush Rai, and superintendent Dr Santosh Yadav. Mission director Dr Pinky Joyel inspired people by planting a moringa tree at the same CHC. Chief medical officer Dr Sandeep Chaudhary said that moringa is a miraculous health tree with leaves, pods, and seeds rich in nutrients. It contains abundant amounts of vitamins A, C, calcium, potassium, protein, and iron. Moringa is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, pain-relieving properties and amino acids which are highly beneficial for health. The CMO said that to increase greenery and improve the environment in the district, trees are being planted, and the nutrient-rich moringa trees are prioritised. Two moringa trees should be planted at all CHCs, PHCs, and health sub-centres in the district. He said that according to the National Family Health Survey, about 32% of children in the country are underweight for their age. Some children suffer from anaemia due to various reasons. Due to its properties, moringa can be a boon for such children, as well as for adolescents and women. Dr Santosh said that plastic is most dangerous for the environment. Plastic is a material that does not decompose for years, causing significant harm to the environment. If it is on the ground, the soil cannot absorb water, and if dumped in rivers, ponds, or seas, it becomes a threat to aquatic life. Therefore, people should be encouraged to reduce the use of plastic and prevent plastic pollution. Senior physician Dr Manoj Dubey and all the hospital staff were present at the tree planting event. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Al Bawaba
16-04-2025
- Al Bawaba
Disturbing footage: Indian men assault woman and pull her hijab
ALBAWABA - A video of several Indian men assaulting a woman and stripping her of her hijab recently sparked outrage on social media. Footage of the violent interaction swarmed several platforms, with many locals condemning the act. According to several Indian sources, the incident occurred in Uttar Pradesh, India. The woman was walking down the state's streets with her mother's Hindu work colleague when they were suddenly surrounded by many men who started assaulting them verbally and physically. The incident occurred specifically in the Muzaffarnagar district on Saturday, April 12, 2025, with local police quickly arriving at the scene and arresting a total of six people for having ties to the violent interaction. Following the arrests, newly released footage showed six suspects limping as police officers escorted them away. Caution: violent footage below Acting swiftly on the case, police arrested six suspects seen in the viral video. A video of the arrested suspects, barely able to walk, has also surfaced. — Piyush Rai (@Benarasiyaa) April 14, 2025 The move is degrading to a Muslim woman's pride and values, as it's considered prohibited for a hijabi woman to be seen without her headscarf in public and around strange men. Several locals on social media have expressed that this incident has become a daily occurrence in India, expressing further concern for Muslim women's safety in the country. A social media user wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter), "The violent harassment of Muslims in public by Hindutva thugs has become a daily occurrence in Modi's India." Another added, "Utter disgrace, imagine doing that to a Sikh woman or any other religion, shameless."
