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Sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha displayed in Sri Lanka after 16 years
A rare exposition of the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha began on Friday in Sri Lanka's central town of Kandy after a gap of 16 years, according to an official statement. The event will continue for 10 days until April 27, and the relics will be available to the public for viewing from noon till 5 pm local time, said a statement by the office of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Ambassadors from 17 nations including India were arranged to travel by train to Kandy to view the exposition, according to the statement. Tens of thousands of Buddhist devotees are expected to venerate the relic, Mahawela Rathanapala, a senior monk in the holy shrine of the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, told reporters. The tooth relic holds special spiritual, historical and cultural significance for the 74 per cent Sinhala Buddhist majority in the island nation of 21 million people. “Thousand have been lining up since two days ago at all three access roads to the temple,” Rathanapala said. According to historical records, the tooth relic which came to Kandy in 1590, came to symbolise Buddhist holiness, becoming Sri Lanka's most treasured possession and the seal of sovereignty. It is said that no one was ever allowed to view the actual tooth relic. What could be seen behind a gilt railing and a silver table at the Temple of the Tooth is a gold-plated reliquary- the outermost of seven caskets. For most of its history, the inner sanctum housing the caskets was only accessible to the King and certain powerful Buddhist monks. In the modern day, visitors are allowed to view the reliquary from a distance. “The initiative aims to convey a message to Sri Lanka's friendly nations that the country is recovering economically overcoming previous challenges and fostering national harmony. The event also seeks to strengthen international support for Sri Lanka,” a statement said. 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
18 April,2025 01:11 PM IST | Kandy, Sri Lanka | PTI
Bhagavad Gita, Natyashastra added to UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register
In a significant recognition of India’s cultural legacy, the Bhagavad Gita and Bharat Muni's Natyashastra have been inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat announced on Friday. These revered Indian texts are among 74 new documentary heritage collections selected for inclusion in the 2025 edition of the register. According to UNESCO, the newly added entries represent pivotal milestones in the history of scientific revolutions, women's contributions, and multilateral cooperation, submitted by 72 countries and four international organisations. The announcement coincides with World Heritage Day (April 18), which is marked globally to promote awareness of the importance of preserving both natural and cultural heritage. Calling it “a historic moment for Bharat’s civilisational heritage,” Minister Shekhawat posted on X (formerly Twitter): “The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita & Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra are now inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. This global honour celebrates India’s eternal wisdom and artistic genius.” He further noted, “These timeless works are more than literary treasures—they are philosophical and aesthetic foundations that have shaped Bharat’s world view and the way we think, feel, live, and express.” A historic moment for Bharat’s civilisational heritage!The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita & Bharat Muni’s Natyashastra are now inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.This global honour celebrates India’s eternal wisdom & artistic genius.These timeless works are more than… pic.twitter.com/Zeaio8OXEB — Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) April 18, 2025 Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the development, calling it “a proud moment for every Indian across the world.” “The inclusion of the Gita and Natyashastra in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register is a global recognition of our timeless wisdom and rich culture. The Gita and Natyashastra have nurtured civilisation and consciousness for centuries. Their insights continue to inspire the world,” PM Modi posted on X. A proud moment for every Indian across the world! The inclusion of the Gita and Natyashastra in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register is a global recognition of our timeless wisdom and rich culture. The Gita and Natyashastra have nurtured civilisation, and consciousness for… https://t.co/ZPutb5heUT — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 18, 2025 The Bhagavad Gita, part of the Mahabharata, is one of the most revered spiritual texts in Hindu philosophy, offering profound insights on duty, morality, and devotion. Natyashastra, attributed to sage Bharat Muni, is an ancient treatise on dramaturgy and performing arts, considered foundational to Indian classical dance, music, and theatre traditions. With these additions, India now has 14 inscriptions in the Memory of the World Register. UNESCO’s Director-General Audrey Azoulay underscored the importance of preserving humanity’s documentary heritage. “Documentary heritage is an essential yet fragile element of the memory of the world,” she said in a statement. “This is why UNESCO invests in safeguarding—such as the libraries of Chinguetti in Mauritania or the archives of Amadou Hampâté Bâ in Côte d’Ivoire—shares best practices, and maintains this register that records the broadest threads of human history,” Azoulay said in a statement. The total number of collections in the Memory of the World Register now stands at 570, representing a vast tapestry of global intellectual and cultural memory.
18 April,2025 12:40 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Himanshu Dulani announces multi-city India dance tour 'Beyond'
Indian dancer, choreographer and social media personality, Himanshu Dulani, has announced his highly anticipated five-city dance workshop tour titled ‘Beyond’, signifying a return to the stage following an ACL surgery. This tour is in cities like Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Ahmedabad, aims to present an opportunity for dancers across India to engage with his skills and learn from him. It isn't a conventional dance workshop, as he aims to showcase his journey of self-discovery and triumph over physical limitations encountered during his recovery. The tour will feature exclusive classes -- each showcasing fresh choreography every weekend in a different city. With hints of additional cities on social media, Dulani envisions his tour as the genesis of a larger movement, underscoring his steadfast commitment to inspiring others through the transformative power of dance. Himanshu Dulani states, "More than a dance showcase and a series of workshops. 'Beyond' is an emotional journey of resilience and healing, and pushing past physical and mental limits. With 'Beyond,' I'm not just performing again — I'm rewriting what a comeback looks like. It is a celebration of perseverance, artistry, and the power of dance to overcome challenges." Participants will will be able to witness Dulani's original choreography and unique style. Dulani's 'Beyond' India Tour not only marks a resurgence with renewed passion but also complements a successful 2024, highlighted by workshops in both India and the US, a standout performance at YouTube Fanfest India, and a significant Instagram presence fuelled by widely resonating choreography. His mission extends beyond performance to nurturing emerging talent and fostering a vibrant dance community, embodying passion, reinvention, and perseverance. Hailing from Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior, Dulani has been recognised for his electrifying hip-hop style and emotive choreography. His journey began with viral YouTube videos, amassing over 1.5 million subscribers with routines like Jazzy B’s ‘Dil Luteya’. He has also choreographed superstar Diljit Dosanjh, and created his first music video for Zaeden’s track ‘5 AM'. His choreography, set to popular tracks like ‘Tere Liye’, ‘Pee Loon’ and ‘Main Tera Boyfriend’, has resonated with a wide audience on Instagram. Achieving international recognition in 2016, he contributed to dance crew 13.13's fourth-place finish at the World Hip-Hop Dance Championship in Las Vegas.
17 April,2025 06:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Easter 2025: From Bandra to Byculla - here’s how Mumbai celebrates Easter
Easter is one of the highly revered festivals for Christians around the world, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, believed to have occurred three days after his crucifixion. This festival is not just a religious milestone, it is a symbol of triumph over sorrow, a celebration of hope, and the promise of new beginnings. How Does Mumbai Celebrate Easter? In Mumbai, the Easter 2025 spirit shines brightest in neighbourhoods with strong Christian roots — including Bandra, Mazgaon, Colaba, Orlem, Byculla, and Dadar. Churches such as Mount Mary Basilica, St. Michael’s Church in Mahim, Gloria Church in Byculla, and Fort’s St. Thomas Cathedral gleam with lights and become a centre stage for vibrant community gatherings. Worshippers from the Christian community attend the midnight and early morning Easter Masses dressed in their best, greeting one another with heartfelt cries of “He is Risen!” amidst the ringing of the church bells and soulful choirs. Traditions That Speak of Joy and Renewal For Advocate Rubina Dsouza, 32, Easter is a celebration wrapped in love and tradition. “Easter has always been one of the meaningful celebrations for us. We attend Easter Mass as a family, light candles, and renew our baptismal vows. On Easter Sunday at noon, we bless our homes when the church bells ring, followed by a festive meal. And of course, there are Easter eggs — chocolate and cake versions — which are sweet symbols of joy and love,” she said. Easter comes as a much-awaited moment, hosting feasts and reconnection post the 40 days of Lent — a season of prayer, reflection, and sacrifice. For 62-year-old Marina Eugene Dsouza, food is a cherished part of the Easter tradition, rooted in love and memories. “Many of us give up meat or fast during the period of Lent. Easter is a celebration of hope fulfilled. One of the most special moments is the midnight Mass at Holy Family Church in Chakala. After Mass, I start preparing our Easter meal — it’s my way of expressing gratitude. On Sunday, we bless our home and invite family over for a special lunch. A few years ago, when my mother-in-law was still with us, we had a lovely tradition — a potluck lunch where each daughter or daughter-in-law brought a dish. We’d gather, share food, laughter, and stories,” said Marina Eugene Dsouza. From sweet breads and coconut eggs to symbolic dishes infused with local flavours, Mumbai’s Christian community serves up delicious feasts with deep-rooted meaning. East Indian, Goan, and Mangalorean families prepare festive meals featuring spicy vindaloo, mutton cutlets, roast chicken, and traditional sweets like marzipan and coconut eggs. Delicious Easter treats are offered by bakeries across the city of Mumbai. Community spaces like Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana host egg painting contests, music nights, and family gatherings. When is Easter Celebrated? While most of the holidays are celebrated on fixed dates each year, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox. This year, Easter Sunday will be celebrated on April 20, 2025. A Festival That Brings Mumbaikars Together For Rohan Sarao, 35, a chartered accountant, Easter 2025 goes beyond its religious roots. “We begin our celebrations with the midnight Easter Mass, where the priest lights the Paschal candle — a symbol of Christ’s light overcoming darkness. After Mass, we cut a cake as a family, marking the beginning of our Easter joy. The next day, we bless our home and share a special meal with loved ones. It’s a time of reflection, renewal, and gratitude,” said Sarao. In the multicultural city of Mumbai, Easter is much more than just a religious occasion — it's a festival of hope, family, and shared beginnings. From the solemn glow of midnight Mass to the joy of Easter lunch, the city celebrates not only a resurrection, but a renewal of love, life, and community spirit.
17 April,2025 05:05 PM IST | Mumbai | Katyayani Kapoor
Kevin Hart to perform in India for the first-time ever; know all the details
American actor and comedian Kevin Hart is all set to perform in India for the very first time on April 30, as a part of his 'Acting My Age' tour 2025. While there are many cities that he can perform in, fans will hope that his sole performance will take place in Mumbai later this month. A post on Instagram by Zomato's District says, "THE WORLD’S BIGGEST COMEDIAN IS COMING TO INDIA. The highest-grossing comedian in the world with sold-out global shows, Emmy nominations, and NYT bestsellers—Kevin Hart isn’t just a comic, he’s a cultural force. Now for the first time ever, he’s performing live in India! 🎤 Get ready for an unforgettable night. One city. No repeats. Tickets drop soon. Download the District app to know more."
17 April,2025 01:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Vishu 2025: Devotees receive Ayyappa gold lockets at Sabarimala Temple
The distribution of gold lockets with images of Lord Ayyappa, brought out by the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB), began at the Sabarimala Temple on Monday, the auspicious Vishu 2025. State Devaswom Minister V N Vasavan launched the distribution of the lockets, kept at the sanctum sanctorum, among devotees who booked for them via online. The official inauguration was held beneath the "kodimaram" on the Sannidhanam (the temple complex) by 6.30 am, a TDB statement said. With this, a long-drawn demand of Lord Ayyappa devotees has been fulfilled, it said. An Andhra Pradesh native, who booked via online, received the first locket from the minister. After that, Sabarimala tantri (head priest) Kandararu Rajeevaru, TDB president P S Prashant and board member A Ajikumar distributed lockets to the rest of the devotees. The Ayyappa lockets were prepared in different weights-two gram, four gram and eight gram, the TDB said. The price of a two-gram gold locket is Rs 19,300, a four gram gold locket is Rs 38,600 and a gold locket weighing eight gram is priced at Rs 77,200, it said. A total of 100 devotees have already booked the lockets within two days of the opening of the booking, the TDB statement added. 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 April,2025 09:43 PM IST | Kerala | IANS
'The Golconda Blue': Rare Indian royal diamond to go on auction for first time
A rare piece of India's royal heritage, 'The Golconda Blue' -- a historic diamond once owned by the Maharajas of Indore and Baroda -- is set to make its auction debut at the Christie's "Magnificent Jewels" sale in Geneva on May 14. The 23.24-carat vivid blue diamond, mounted in a striking modern ring by celebrated Parisian designer JAR, is expected to fetch an estimated value between USD 35 and USD 50 million (Rs 300 - Rs 430 crore). "Exceptional noble gems of this caliber come to market once in a lifetime. Over the course of its 259-year history, Christie's has had the honour of offering some of the world's most important Golconda diamonds, including the Archduke Joseph, the Princie, and the Wittelsbach. "With its Royal heritage, extraordinary color, and exceptional size, 'The Golconda Blue' is truly one of the rarest blue diamonds in the world," Rahul GKadakia, Christie's International head of Jewelry, said in a statement. Hailed as one of the most important and rarest blue diamonds ever discovered, what makes the auction more significant for Indian audiences is its direct lineage to Indian royalty -- and its origins in the legendary Golconda mines of present-day Telangana, renowned for producing the world's most iconic diamonds. According to Christie's, 'The Golconda Blue' once belonged to Maharaja Yeshwant Rao Holkar II of Indore, a modernist monarch celebrated for his refined taste and cosmopolitan lifestyle during the 1920s and '30s. In 1923, the Maharaja's father commissioned a bracelet featuring this extraordinary blue diamond from the French house Chaumet, after he had earlier acquired the famed "Indore Pears" -- the two significant Golconda diamonds -- from the same jeweller, they informed. A decade later, the Maharaja appointed Mauboussin as his official jeweler, who redesigned the royal collection and incorporated 'The Golconda Blue' into a striking necklace alongside the famed Indore Pear diamonds. The piece was immortalised in a portrait of the Maharani of Indore by French painter Bernard Boutet de Monvel, capturing a moment of Indo-European elegance at its peak. In 1947, the diamond was acquired by famed New York jeweler Harry Winston, who set it in a brooch with a matching white diamond of equal size. That brooch later found its way to the Maharaja of Baroda, continuing its journey through India's royal lineage before passing into private hands. The live auction will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Geneva. 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 April,2025 02:48 PM IST | New Delhi | PTI
Assam celebrates Rongali Bihu with festive spirit and joy
The people of Assam are gearing up to celebrate Rongali Bihu, also known as Bohag Bihu, with great joy and enthusiasm. Rongali Bihu is the biggest and most important festival in Assam, marking the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring. Shops are adorned with traditional items like food, Gamosas, Bihu clothes, dhools, pepa, and Assamese Japis. People across the state observed the first day of Rongali Bihu, known as Goru Bihu, with traditional rituals and devotion. This day is especially dedicated to livestock, where cows and bulls are washed, decorated, and worshipped as a mark of respect. Rongali Bihu marks the onset of the agricultural season and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is a multi-day festival that typically spans seven days, each day known as 'Xaat Bihu.' The week-long celebration begins with Goru Bihu and includes music, dance, traditional food, and visits to relatives, reflecting the rich culture and spirit of unity in Assam. Speaking to ANI, a local, Vipul Sharma, said, "Vaishakh Bihu is the biggest festival for us in Assam. It is celebrated for three to four days. On the first day, called Goru Bihu, we wash and worship the cows using turmeric and black gram paste. After that, everyone in the family takes a bath and applies turmeric. We also show respect to our elders and eat traditional food like pitha and curd. People visit relatives and enjoy the celebrations together." "At night, there are Bihu functions and fairs where everyone comes together to celebrate. My preparations are going well. My daughter lives in Canada, and it's just me and my wife at home. I also have relatives in Naugaon village, so I'll visit them too. This year, the market seems a bit quiet, but I think the excitement will pick up slowly. Everyone will celebrate in their own way," Sharma added. On the first day of Rongali Bihu, known as Goru Bihu, cattle are washed and smeared with a paste made of fresh turmeric, black lentils, and other ingredients. And people sing traditional songs to the animals, like, "Lao kha, bengena kha, bosore bosore barhi ja, maar xoru, baper xoru, toi hobi bor bor goru" - which translates to, "Eat gourd, eat brinjal, grow year by year, your mother is small, your father is small, but you will become a large, strong cow." On this day, the people of Assam also worship the cattle, showing their respect and gratitude for the animals that are important for farming and daily life. The Bihu celebration committees in Guwahati and other parts of the state have been organizing week-long Rongali Bihu programmes. The Assam government has provided financial assistance of Rs 1.5 lakh to each of the 2,241 Bihu Committees across the state to celebrate the Rongali Bihu festival. 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 April,2025 10:02 AM IST | Guwahati | ANI
Coachella 2025: Lady Gaga delivers electrifying performance
Pop icon Lady Gaga on Friday evening delivered a stellar performance at Coachella 2025. She opened the gig with "Bloody Mary" from her 2011 album Born This Way. The song was followed by hits, including "Abracadabra," "Judas" and "Poker Face," People reported. Among the Easter eggs in her 20-song set list was a homage to her music video for "Paparazzi." While performing the 2009 hit, Gaga opted to wear metal armour, referencing scenes from the music video. Gaga later sang "Disease" from her 2025 album Mayhem. During that performance, she lay beside a skeleton to recreate a scene from her "Bad Romance" music video. The same white crown worn for the video could be seen in a chessboard dance battle toward the end of the show. Gaga's headlining gig marked her return to the music festival for the first time since she stepped in for a pregnant-with-twins Beyonce last minute in 2017. After the lineup for the festival was unveiled in November 2024, Gaga detailed her excitement in an Instagram post. "I have long dreamed of throwing a massive night of chaos in the desert," the songstress wrote. She added, "I've had a vision I've never been able to fully realise at Coachella for reasons beyond our control but I wanted to come through for music fans. I have been wanting to go back and to do it right, and I am." Gaga concluded, "I'm headlining and starting the weekend off at Coachella. Can't wait to hear you all singalong and dance dance DANCE till we drop." 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.
13 April,2025 02:33 PM IST | Los Angeles | ANI
Hanuman Jayanti 2025: Varanasi celebrates with grand processions and music
Temples across Varanasi wore colourful decorations, witnessed aartis, devotional songs and Ramcharitmanas recitals from early in the day to mark Hanuman Jayanti. Several local committees organised processions to celebrate the day, while senior police officials patrolled the city to ensure peace and security. At the renowned Sankat Mochan Temple, a major centre of celebrations, special arrangements were made. Professor Vishambhar Nath Mishra, the mahant of Sankat Mochan Temple, told PTI, "On the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, special adornment, tableaux, worship, and aarti of Lord Hanuman are being performed on the temple premises. The morning began with shehnai performances, Rudrabhishek by Brahmin priests, recitations of Ramcharitmanas, Sita-Ram kirtans, and the Sundarkand from the Valmiki Ramayan." He added that devotional singing will continue in the evening. "At 5 PM, the Sankirtan Mandali from Ramakrishna Mission will perform, followed by uninterrupted Ramcharitmanas recitations by various city-based Ramayan Mandalis." Mishra also announced that from April 13 to 15, many renowned Ramayan storytellers from Kashi and across the country will deliver discourses from 5 PM to 10 PM each evening. Following that, the 102nd edition of the six-night-long Sankat Mochan Sangeet Samaroh will take place from April 16 to 21 on the temple premises. "This grand musical festival is entirely dedicated to Indian classical music. This year, 11 Padma awardees and 16 emerging artistes will participate, representing both national and international acclaim," he said. Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Police Gaurav Banswal said that various committees in the city are organising processions on the occasion. "We have coordinated with these committees. Senior police officials are patrolling alongside the processions to ensure law and order," he said. He further added, "Drone surveillance is being conducted in crowded areas, and social media platforms are being monitored to prevent the spread of misinformation or incitement." 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.
12 April,2025 05:38 PM IST | Varanasi | ANI
Why is it called ‘Good Friday’? Here’s all you need to know about the day
Many non-Christians may often feel the urge to wish a follower of Christianity ‘Happy Good Friday’ before Easter. For those who have followed through, you may have been met with a puzzled reaction, but you are not alone. Going by the word ‘Good’ in the term, it is easy to be perceived as celebratory. However, this day is much more spiritual, reflective, and solemn than the word ‘Good’ may make it sound. Every year, the day quietly arrives with silence unlike any other public holiday, and this is not without reason. It marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ—an event that lies at the very heart of Christian faith. But the question arises, when the day commemorates suffering and death, why is it called “Good” Friday? The ‘good’ in Good Friday reflects the goodness of this selfless act—a moment that, though tragic, paved the way for forgiveness and hope. It's a day when sorrow meets redemption. Even though it has a history riddled with suffering and death, the perspective with which Christianity observes this day, supersedes mourning with hope. According to Christian belief, Jesus willingly gave his life on the cross to save humanity from sin. His sacrifice was not seen as a defeat, but as an act of unconditional love. One of the verses from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah that strongly relates to Jesus' sacrifice and captures the essence of Good Friday is: Isaiah 53:5 (NIV) But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. According to the Bible, Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples, arrested, and sentenced to die by crucifixion. He bore the weight of humanity’s wrongdoings despite his innocence only to save them from the sufferings of sin. Christians believe this wasn’t the end, but the beginning of a new promise: eternal life for all who believe. Good Friday is observed with quiet dignity and solemn around the world. Sombre services and silent bells echo in the churches around the world. Many believers fast or refrain from indulgences. Others reflect on the story of the crucifixion through prayer, meditations, or re-enactments. It’s a time to slow down and contemplate the deeper values of sacrifice, love, and compassion. This year, Good Friday will be observed on April 18 as Easter Sunday falls on April 20. Be it for the believers or non-believers, Good Friday extends an invitation to pause, reflect, and consider what it means to give of oneself for others. While this holiday unlike other is not festive, this deeply meaningful day is a moment to reconnect with the values that make us human.
12 April,2025 02:49 PM IST | Mumbai | Katyayani Kapoor