A major water laser show showcasing key events related to the Mahakumbh 2025 was inaugurated by the Industrial Development Minister, Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi, at the Yamuna Bank Ghat in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. The water laser show was held for 45 minutes and prepared at a cost of nearly Rs 20 crore. It was created by a team of about 100 people in just 60 days. The private company behind the project had previously organised similar water laser shows in Ayodhya and Jhansi. During the inauguration, Minister Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi described the show as a historical and visually stunning experience, highlighting the beauty. Taking to the social media platform X, Minister Nandi wrote that the water laser show would be operated daily, with the Kumbh Katha displayed on the water screen. "Under the able leadership of Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, the water laser show of the Tourism Department, built at a cost of Rs 22 crore at Kali Ghat on Yamuna Bank Road, was inaugurated today by performing Puja and pressing a button. It will be operated daily. In this, the Kumbh Katha will be displayed on the water screen," Nandi wrote. "On the occasion, Regional Tourism Officer Aparajita Singh, Uttar Pradesh PCL General Manager Suresh Yadav, Project Manager Rajesh Sharma, APM Ganesh Prasad and Suraj Babu were present," the post said. The Minister also said that the show would provide an attractive and visually spectacular experience to the tourists visiting the Mahakumbh. "The water laser show will provide an attractive and visually stunning experience to the tourists visiting Mahakumbh. This presentation, decorated with a wonderful combination of water and light, will add to the grandeur of Mahakumbh and the audience will get to witness a unique confluence of spirituality and modern technology," the post added. The Mahakumbh is being celebrated after 12 years, and more than 45 crore devotees are expected for the event. During the Mahakumbh, devotees will gather at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, to take a holy dip. The Mahakumbh will conclude on February 26. The main bathing rituals (Shahi Snan) of the Kumbh will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). Also Read: From travel to health, know all about the special provisions at Mahakumbh 2025 This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 January,2025 08:32 PM IST | Prayagraj | IANSKicking off International Women’s Week on March 1, the award-winning festival 'It’s A Girl Thing' (IAGT) makes its much-anticipated return to India for a fifth season at JVPD Grounds in Juhu bringing together music, comedy, dance and thought-provoking conversations that empower, inspire and connect young women. Produced by Branded, alongside ticketing partner District by Zomato and Insider.in with talent partner One Digital Entertainment, IAGT promises a celebration of sisterhood. The festival aims to be a movement that has reshaped entertainment with a purpose. Over the years, it has spotlighted the significant challenges girls and women around the world face while sending an uplifting message - women are bold, courageous and phenomenal. This season brings an incredible line-up of fan-favourite international and Indian creators, influencers, advocates and celebrities across industries, including YouTuber Anisha Dixit, American singer-songwriter Lisa Mishra, storyteller and poet Priya Malik, musician and songwriter Mali (Maalavika Manoj), singer Simran Choudhury and poet, artist and performer Vanika Sangtani, amongst many other women who have redefined success in their respective fields, carving out a niche for themselves that inspire and empowering others to follow suit. From engaging panel discussions to candid conversations, these trailblazing women will share their personal journeys and insights while diving into topics that matter most to young women - breaking society barriers, mental health, self-love, relationships, adulting, as well as arts, music, environment, sports, careers and more - in a positive, safe space. Attendees can also expect live performances, spectacular stand-up acts, cool workshops, interviews, meet and greets, and much more that spark creativity and connection. Whether you’re looking to laugh, learn or just soak in the vibes, IAGT has something for everyone - where women can develop a strong sense of self and exchange experiences through entertainment and community. Beyond the stage, attendees can take a break from action with interactive zones, delicious food and a curated flea market that supports women-led businesses. Emma Fung, Branded COO & Executive Producer of It’s A Girl Thing, said, “It’s A Girl Thing was launched by Branded in Singapore in 2016 to create a festival that celebrated young women. The aim was to empower and engage by opening up the conversation about what it truly means to be a girl in a world where young women are constantly told how they should look, be and act. IAGT looks at the world through the eyes of young women and provides a safe space to dream and be inspired to go beyond stereotypes and cultural norms to be the best, most fulfilled versions of themselves.” Meghana Bhogle, AVP at District by Zomato, said, “At District, we’re always striving to bring meaningful experiences that truly resonate with our audiences. With International women’s week around the corner, we wanted to make It’s A Girl Thing a day of inspiration, connection and good vibes where women of all ages can feel connected and celebrated. We’re thrilled to be a part of it with a team of amazing women working on this behind the scenes and we're looking forward to growing this into something that continues to make an impact.” From its very first on-ground edition in India, the platform has championed equality and showcased the country’s potential for true social inclusivity. This year, IAGT India is set to take a step further. It’s a day to share stories, grow and revel in the joy of being unapologetically you. Book your tickets now on District by Zomato and Insider.in.
15 January,2025 05:01 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe 8th edition of the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) will bring together some of the most celebrated figures from the worlds of literature, music, film, and art. This year’s event will feature iconic personalities including flute maestro Hariprasad Chaurasia, award-winning director Mani Ratnam, and the ‘God of Indian Violin’ L. Subramaniam. Along with them, the literature festival will also have renowned Bollywood veterans Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, acclaimed actor Prakash Raj, YouTube sensation Prajakta Koli, and many other eminent figures will also grace the occasion. Their presence will create a unique blend of culture, creativity, and intellectual dialogue, making it an unmissable event for art and literature enthusiasts alike. Alongside these legends, KLF will showcase a remarkable array of talent, including Booker Prize winners, Nobel laureates, award-winning authors, directors, and historians. The festival promises a rich and diverse lineup with renowned personalities like Parvathy Thiruvoth, Mir Mukhtyar Ali, Vidya Shah, Methil Devika, Fred Nevché, Rajashree Warrier, Harish Sivaramakrishnan, Stephen Devassy and Mónica de la Fuente. These celebrated artists will engage in thought-provoking discussions and performances, amplifying the festival's cultural significance. In addition to international stars, KLF will highlight the vibrant local cultural heritage of Kerala, including traditional art forms, dance, and performances that are deeply rooted in the region’s history. These local performances will be complemented by an array of cultural acts, fostering a harmonious blending of global and local expressions. The 8th edition of KLF also spotlights France as the Guest Nation, fostering cultural exchange through French cultural performances alongside traditional Kerala art forms. The festival will be graced by distinguished French guests including Fred Nevché, Alfred Lionel Papagalli, whose contributions will enrich the exchange of artistic ideas. This year’s festival will seamlessly blend literature, art, music, and culture, making it a global celebration of creativity and intellectual dialogue. Ravi Deecee, chief facilitator of the Kerala Literature Festival, shared his excitement about the upcoming event: “We are thrilled to bring together such a distinguished line-up of artists, writers, and intellectuals for this year’s festival. The fusion of global cultures, including French and Kerala traditions, will offer a unique platform for cross-cultural engagement. It is a celebration of the diverse ways in which art and literature bring people together, breaking boundaries and fostering a universal dialogue.” The 8th edition of KLF is set to attract an estimated six lakh footfall, as Kozhikode, recognised as India’s UNESCO City of Literature, plays host to a rich tapestry of artistic expressions. The festival, running from January 23rd to 26th, promises to bring together a global audience, from all corners of the world, to engage in intellectual discourse and celebrate the power of art and literature.
15 January,2025 03:31 PM IST | Kozhikode | mid-day online correspondentUttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday confirmed that more than 35 million devotees have taken a holy dip at Sangam in Prayagraj on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. "Heartiest greetings to all revered saints, Kalpvasis and devotees who took a holy dip of faith in the holy confluence on the auspicious occasion of holy 'Makar Sankranti' at the grand confluence of faith, equality and unity 'Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj," the Uttar Pradesh CM said in a post on X. "Today, on the first Amrit Snan festival, more than 3.50 crore revered saints and devotees earned the holy benefit of bathing in the uninterrupted-clean Triveni," he added. He thanked all 'revered' Akharas, Maha Kumbh Mela administration and sanitation workers associated with this religious gathering. "On the successful completion of the first Amrit Snan festival, heartfelt thanks to all the revered Akharas based on Sanatan Dharma, Maha Kumbh Mela administration, local administration, police administration, sanitation workers, voluntary organisations and religious institutions, boatmen and all the departments of the central and state government associated with Maha Kumbh and congratulations to the people of the state. May the good deeds bear fruit; let us go to the Maha Kumbh," the UP CM said. Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, will continue until February 26. The next key bathing dates include January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). The Maha Kumbh is being celebrated after 12 years, and over 450 million devotees are expected for the event. The Maha Kumbh will conclude on February 26. On Tuesday, during the first Amrit Snan of Mahakumbh 2025 on Makar Sankranti, the Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, organised a grand flower shower from helicopters, draping the lakhs of devotees at the Sangam bank in rose petals. Flowers were showered on all the ghats and Akharas, adding to the sanctity of the occasion. The sight of rose petals raining down overwhelmed the devotees, who responded with heartfelt chants of Jai Shri Ram and Har Har Mahadev.
15 January,2025 01:23 PM IST | Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) | ANIFollowing the anticipation and excitement spanning four months since the announcement was made in September 2024, British rock band Coldplay will finally perform in Mumbai this weekend. As fans wait for the city to transform into a ‘Paradise’ with the band’s popular songs echoing in the area, here are some essential details and tips every attendee should know. Coldplay Mumbai concert date, time and venue The Grammy-award winning band is coming to India as part of their ‘Music of the Spheres World Tour’. They are set to perform in Mumbai on January 18 (Saturday), 19 (Sunday) and 21 (Tuesday). All three shows are set to take place at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. According to information shared by BookMyShow on Instagram, the gates will open at 3:00 PM and close at 7:45 PM. Coldplay is expected to take the stage post 7:45 PM. How to reach the venue The nearest local train stations to the venue are Nerul and CBD Belapur on the Harbour Line, both approximately 3 km away. Additionally, one can also take a bus or auto/cab to the venue. Parking is not available, hence public transport is recommended.Also Read: Coldplay Mumbai performance: BookMyShow collaborates with Indian Railways, Cityflo for exclusive train, private buses; check details Coldplay Mumbai concert tickets The tickets for all three shows were sold out as soon as they went live in November. BookMyShow released additional limited tickets for the shows last week, but they were also sold out quickly. For all valid ticket-holders, the wristband (either delivered or to be collected from box office) will be their ticket to the concert, according to BookMyShow. No tickets will be sold at the venue. Coldplay Mumbai concert performances and setlist Artists Shone, Elyanna and Jasleen Royal will perform and entertain the crowd before Coldplay takes the stage on all three days. In addition to performing several hits from their album ‘Music of the Spheres’ and singles like ‘We Pray’ and ‘Feels Like Falling in Love’ from their latest album Moon Music, fans can expect other loved songs from the band’s incredible discography, including ‘Yellow’, ‘The Scientist’, ‘Hymn for the Weekend’, ‘Fix You’, ‘Viva La Vida’, ‘Paradise’, ‘A Sky Full of Stars’ and ‘Adventure of a Lifetime’. Coldplay Mumbai concert security guidelines BookMyShow has also released several security guidelines to be followed at the venue. All attendees will have to carry a copy of their valid government photo ID along with the soft copy of the valid government photo ID of the primary transactor. Additionally, several security checks will be implemented to spot counterfeit wristbands and black marketers. This comes after multiple controversies regarding the black marketing of Coldplay concert tickets. Coldplay Mumbai concert essential tips While the three shows are expected to be grand spectacles with fans immersed in music and fun, here are some tips that can make the experience more convenient for you. Wear comfortable footwear: You might have to stand in lines before entering the venue and for some tickets, even throughout the concert, So, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes. Eat well before reaching: While food and beverages will be available at the venue, it is always safe to eat something before reaching the venue so as to have enough energy and prevent any health issues. Be mindful of traffic: Since the concert will draw huge crowds, traffic congestions are expected near the area. So, make your schedule accordingly so that you don’t miss the fun! Bring a fully-charged phone: How else will you take 100 pictures and videos at the concert? Network considerations: In crowded spaces and events like concerts, festivals, etc., people usually experience slow internet speed or network delays due to congestion. Be prepared for the same. If you are in a group, make sure you stay together throughout the concert or fix a spot to meet, in case someone gets lost and calls don’t go through. Return commute: Booking cab or auto rides on the spot may not be the smartest choice! Arrange for your return commute in advance to ensure a hassle-free experience. Go through guidelines: Before going for the concert, do read detailed guidelines issued by the organisers and traffic advisories to avoid any inconvenience. Have fun: As LED wristbands light up the stadium and Coldplay delivers mesmerising tunes, sing along and have fun! After Mumbai, Coldplay will perform in Ahmedabad on January 25 and 26. Also Read: Here’s why Coldplay Ahmedabad concert is expected to be a grand spectacle
15 January,2025 12:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWhile lakhs and crores of devotees took 'Amrit Snan' at the Triveni Sangam on the second day of Maha Kumbh 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government organised a grand flower shower for pilgrims, saints and Akharas visiting the holy town. Helicopters, deployed by the Yogi government, showered flower petals on the devotees at the ghats and Akharas while they took a holy dip in the river Ganga. The flower petals draped the gathering of devotees in rose petals, thereby leading to a breathtaking and magnificent spectacle. The sight of rose petals raining down at the ghats overwhelmed the devotees, who responded with heartfelt chants of 'Jai Shri Ram' and 'Har Har Mahadev'. The Horticulture Department, on the directives of the Yogi Adityanath government, had been meticulously preparing for the flower showers at the Maha Kumbh Mela for weeks. Special arrangements were made to procure and store rose petals to ensure an uninterrupted shower during the bathing festival. Preparations are well in place for similar flower showers on all the major 'Amrit Snan Parvs' of the Maha Kumbh, with plans to use around 20 quintals of rose petals for each occasion. On Monday, during the first bathing festival, Paush Purnima Snan, rose petals were showered on the devotees, while on the second day, Amrit Snan on Makar Sankranti, the divine flower shower continued, leaving devotees overwhelmed with devotion and spiritual fervour. The Horticulture Department ensured sufficient stock for the first two days, arranging over 40 quintals of rose petals to maintain the grandeur of the flower showers. This thoughtful initiative by the Yogi government has left a lasting impression on the devotees, enhancing their spiritual experience at the Maha Kumbh, the biggest gathering of Sanatan Dharma followers. The Maha Kumbh 2025 will see crores of devotees descending the holy town of Prayagraj over the next two months to take a dip of faith and to ‘wash away their sins’. Also Read: Mahakumbh 2025: Water laser show narrating 'Kumbh Katha' inaugurated in Prayagraj This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 January,2025 04:56 PM IST | Prayagraj | IANSThe UNESCO World Heritage Site Certificate of Inscription for Assam's Charaideo Moidams was received by the state's Culture Minister Bimal Borah in Paris on Monday. The certificate for 'Moidams - The mound burial system of Ahom dynasty' was given by UNESCO's Assistant Director General for Culture Ernesto Ottone Ramirez in the presence of India's ambassador to France Vishal B Sharma. "Indeed, an immensely priceless gift on the eve of Magh Bihu – The Charaideo Moidams are now officially Bharat’s 43rd World Heritage Site," Borah posted on X. Indeed, an immensely priceless gift on the eve of Magh Bihu – The Charaideo Moidams are now officially Bharat’s 43rd World Heritage SiteMy heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble PM Adarniya Shri @narendramodi Ji and Hon'ble CM Dr. @himantabiswa dangoriya, under whose visionary… pic.twitter.com/TFKzfVaRmr — Bimal Borah (@BimalBorah119) January 13, 2025 "This achievement honours our past and inspires efforts to preserve Assam’s cultural treasures for future generations.," he added. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and CM Himanta Biswa Sarma for their support and efforts, which have culminated in achieving this milestone. Sarma said, "Bhogali Bihu wishes straight from @UNESCO and what's sweeter? We have received the official certificate of Charaideo's inscription into the prestigious World Heritage Site List. 2024 was indeed a good year for Assam and 2025 promises to be better." Moidams was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2024, making it the first cultural property from Northeast India to get the coveted tag. The decision to recognise it was taken at the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee held in India. This development took the number of World Heritage Sites in India to 43, bringing India to the sixth position globally for most number of World Heritage Properties. Other than Moidams, Assam is home to two other World Heritage Sites – Kaziranga National Park and Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, which were both inscribed under the 'Natural' category in 1985. World Heritage sites are classified into cultural, natural, and mixed categories. Also Read: As 'Moidans' from Assam enters UNESCO World Heritage List, here's a look at all heritage sites in India About Moidams Moidams represent the late medieval (13th-19th century CE) mound burial tradition of the Tai Ahom dynasty, which ruled for 600 years. Out of 386 Moidams explored, 90 royal burials at Charaideo are the best preserved, and most complete examples of this tradition. The Charaideo Moidams, which are highly venerated, enshrine the mortal remains of Ahom royalty. Initially, the deceased were buried with their personal belongings and other paraphernalia, but after the 18th century, the Ahom rulers adopted the Hindu method of cremation and later entombed the bones and ashes in the Moidams. (With inputs from PTI)
14 January,2025 04:37 PM IST | Paris | mid-day online correspondentOverwhelmed by the huge crowds at the Maha Kumbh, Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, was briefly indisposed but is recovering after 'Ganga snan' and rest. Her enthusiasm to learn about Sanatan Dharma remains strong, according to a statement issued by the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday. The billionaire businesswoman-philanthropist has been given a new name, 'Kamla', by her guru Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri of the Niranjani Akhara. "Laurene was briefly unwell on Monday but is feeling better after 'Ganga Snan' and rest. Her enthusiasm to delve deeper into Sanatan Dharma remains strong," the government statement quoted Swami Kailashanand as saying. Swami Kailashanand told PTI Videos that she faced some health issues due to the crowds. He described his newest disciple as a "simple, virtuous, and humble" woman with a keen interest in Sanatan Dharma. "She is free from ego and fully devoted to her guru," he said. "All her questions revolve around Sanatan Dharma and she finds great joy and satisfaction in the answers," he added. Mahant Ravindra Puri, chief of Panchayati Akhara Shri Niranjani, said that Laurene's quest for spirituality brought her to the Maha Kumbh. "She has a new name here, Kamla. She is very simple, soft and bereft of ego and is here as she was inspired by the timeless sanatani culture," said Puri, who is also the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP), the apex body of 13 monastic Hindu orders. "Her quest for spirituality brought her here. The way she has conducted herself in the akhara makes it clear that despite being among the world's richest and most famous, she is sans all ego and does not show-off. Here she dresses simply and conducts herself gracefully," he added. Barring a few short video clips of her that were shared by news outlets last week, Laurene has largely avoided the media at the world's largest religious gathering so far. In the video clips that were shared online on Saturday, she is seen dressed in a peach-yellow salwar suit with a saffron stole and a Rudraksha necklace around her neck. "She maintains a low profile. The day before yesterday (on Sunday), I asked her to come and sit on the dais during an event but she remained seated at the back," Puri said. "She has come here to witness our ageless and timeless sanatani culture, the core of all consciousness. She is also here to meet the sentinels of the sanatani faith, the saints and seers," he said. Puri, who is also the president of the Mansa Devi Mandir Trust, Haridwar, said Laurene has come to the Kumbh for the first time. Asked how long she will be staying her, Puri said, "She came to our place, Niranjani Akahra, on Sunday and would be staying here for a few days."
14 January,2025 04:35 PM IST | Mahakumbh Nagar (Uttar Pradesh) | PTIThe people of Gujarat on Tuesday celebrated the festival of Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayan, with fervour.Kite flying is an integral part of this festival, and people across the state throng to their rooftops to have a glimpse of the colourful skyline or to immerse themselves in kite flying.In his message to the state the CM Bhupendra Patel said, "Salutations to Lord Suryanarayan and warm wishes to all of you on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. May this auspicious festival of nature worship bring prosperity, progress and happiness to everyone's lives, may our state and country attain new heights of development, and may the spirit of brotherhood in society become stronger."Meanwhile, Gujarat Tourism Corporation has organised the 'International Kite Festival - 2025' from January 11 to January 14. Events will be held at the Statue of Unity (Ekta Nagar), Rajkot, and Vadodara on January 12, and at Surat, Shivrajpur, and Dhordo on January 13.This year, 143 kite flyers from 47 countries, alongside 52 kite flyers from 11 Indian states, are participating. A total of 417 kite flyers from 11 cities in Gujarat are also joining the festivities. In total, 153 global kite flyers from 55 countries, 68 national kite flyers from 12 states, and 865 local kite flyers from 23 cities across Gujarat will be part of this celebration, the release added.This year, kite flyers from Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lebanon, Lithuania, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russian Federation, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam are participating in the International Kite Festival 2025, the release mentioned.Makar Sankranti is being celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm on Tuesday. The festival marks the Sun's transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn, heralding the beginning of Uttarayan. On this occasion, bathing in holy rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna during Makar Sankranti is believed to cleanse sins and bestow spiritual merit.The day is also dedicated to acts of charity and devotion. Traditional dishes such as sesame-jaggery laddus, khichdi, and other festive treats grace the occasion. Kite flying, symbolising vibrant energy, and cheer, is a cherished tradition on this day. Also Read: Makar Sankranti 2025: Follow these easy recipes to make traditional and innovative dishes The festival is known by various names in different parts of the country such as Pongal, Bihu, and Maghi. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 January,2025 03:25 PM IST | Gujarat | ANIThe world-renowned three-day Jallikattu event in Tamil Nadu's Madurai kicked off on Tuesday, with Avaniyapuram village holding its first-day event which features 1,100 bulls and 900 bull-tamers. The best bull will be awarded a tractor worth Rs 11 lakhs, while the best bull-tamer will receive a car worth Rs 8 lakhs, alongside other prizes. The other two Jallikattu events in Madurai will be held at Palamedu and Alanganallur on January 15 and January 16 respectively. Strict rules and security measures are in place for the conduct of the events. According to the directions issued by the Madurai district administration, each bull can participate only in one of the three jallikattu competitions in the district. Each bull can be accompanied only by its owner and a trainer familiar with the bull. Bull tamers and owners of the bulls needed to register through the official district administration website, "madurai.nic.in". All submitted documents were verified by the authorities. Only those deemed eligible have received a downloadable token, which is mandatory for participation. Without this token, neither bull tamers nor bulls are permitted to enter the event. The Jallikattu events of Madurai, particularly those in Alanganallur, are internationally recognised as a vibrant celebration of Tamil heritage and rural valour. With preparations in full swing and expectations running high, this year's competitions are set to attract significant participation and global attention. The first Jallikattu event of Tamil Nadu for 2025 was held on Saturday at Thachankurichi village in Pudukkottai district. Pudukkottai district is known for having the highest number of vadivasal (entry points for bulls) and hosting the most Jallikattu events in Tamil Nadu. Between January and May 31, over 120 Jallikattu events, more than 30 bullock cart races, and over 50 vadamadu (tethered bull) events are typically conducted in the district. Jallikattu is an age-old bull-taming event celebrated mostly in Tamil Nadu as part of Pongal celebrations. In Jallikattu, a bull is released into a crowd of people, and participants in the event try to grab the large hump on the bull's back, attempting to bring the bull to a stop. The history of Jallikattu dates back to 400-100 BCE, when the Ayars, an ethnic group in India, played it. The name is coined from two words: Jalli (silver and gold coins) and Kattu (tied)
14 January,2025 02:38 PM IST | Madurai (Tamil Nadu) | ANIAs the first 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh 2025 is being performed on Makar Sankranti on Tuesday and several Akharas have reached the Sangam to take the holy bath, DGP Uttar Pradesh Prashant Kumar informed the total number of devotees who had taken dip in the Sangam has crossed the 10 million mark. Speaking to ANI, Prashant Kumar said, "It's the first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025, for now four Akharas have taken a holy dip and the third lot Juna, Awahan and Agani Akharas and they will be taking holy dip shortly. By 7 am, 98 lakhs 20 thousand people have taken bath and by now the numbers might have crossed one crore mark." "All our senior officials are monitoring through different control rooms including DGP, Chief Secretary and CM control room." The DGP further informed that apart from that, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti people in major cities across the state are doing Snan. "Snan for the Makar Sankranti in different cities including Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Ayodhya on the banks of different rivers going in a normal way as it used to happen." On day one of the world's largest gathering over 1.5 crore pilgrims had taken a holy dip at the Sangam. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday extended heartfelt congratulations to all the devotees who participated in the first 'Amrit Snan'. In a post on X, CM Yogi described this sacred event as a living testament to India's eternal culture and faith. "This is the living form of our eternal culture and faith. Today, on the auspicious occasion of the great festival of folk faith 'Makar Sankranti', congratulations to all the devotees who earned virtue by taking the first 'Amrit Snan' at the Triveni Sangam in Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj!" he said. Earlier the CM also wished the people of the state on Makar Sankranti, "Heartiest congratulations to the people of the state, all revered saints, devotees and followers on Makar Sankranti! This is a festival to express gratitude to the Sun God, the father of the universe." Sadhus of the 13 Akharas of Sanatan Dharm are taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
14 January,2025 10:32 AM IST | Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) | ANIADVERTISEMENT
