Uttarakhand government shuts down over 173 madrasas; 'historical move,' says CM Pushkar Singh Dhami

DEHRADUN: At least 173 madrasas across the state has been sealed by the Uttarakhand government, citing lack of registration with the Madrasa Board or the education department as the primary reason. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the move is a historic step aimed at curbing institutions that allegedly promote radicalism under the guise of education. The action has allegedly targeted unregistered madrasas lacking permission from the Uttarakhand Madrasa Education Council, with a significant concentration found in the border districts. Most of these allegedly unauthorised institutions were found in the districts of Dehradun, Haridwar, and Udham Singh Nagar. According to authorities, many of these madrasas operated without proper registration or building permits. Furthermore, authorities claimed that some sealed madrasas were under scrutiny for suspicious activities. Udham Singh Nagar district recorded the highest number of closures, with 67 illegal madrasas sealed. Haridwar followed with 44 closures, while Dehradun also saw action against 44 institutions. Smaller numbers were sealed in Nainital -19, Pauri 2, and one in Almora. Mufti Shamoon Qasmi, chairman of the Uttarakhand Madrasa Board, confirmed the ongoing operation and its rationale. Speaking to the New Indian Express, he stated, On Sunday, 13 illegal madrasas were sealed in Banbhulpura, Haldwani. Besides these, campaigns against illegal madrasas were also conducted in Dehradun, Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar. Qasmi emphasised the critical reasons behind the crackdown, explaining, The illegal madrasas that were acted against had neither obtained building construction permission, nor had they fulfilled educational recognition or safety standards. Uttarakhand Madarsa Board Chairman Mufti Shamoon Qasmi told TNIE , 'Our goal is to improve madarsas and provide quality education to students, aiming to make them cultured and well-rounded individuals.' He emphasized modernizing madarsa education, introducing the NCERT syllabus, and promoting interfaith understanding, aligning with the government's vision of inclusive development.

CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Honored by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Mahamanch for Implementing UCC in Uttarakhand

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was honored by the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Mahamanch at a program held in Haridwar for implementing the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand.

Manoj Kumar Laid to Rest, Sons Immerse His Ashes In Ganga

The ashes of legendary actor and filmmaker Manoj Kumar were immersed in the Ganges at Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar. Kumar, known for his patriotic roles, passed away on April 4 at 87.

Uttarakhand's demographic shift: Migration threatens hill region's political clout

DEHRADUN: A stark reality is unfolding in Uttarakhand, where a significant demographic shift is underway. The state's nine mountainous districts are witnessing a rapid exodus of people, while its four plains districts - Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital - are grappling with an unexpected surge in population growth. This imbalance is affecting not only the social and economic fabric but also poses a threat to the political representation and existence of the mountainous regions. If no concrete measures are taken to stem this migration before the next delimitation, the political existence of the mountains will be weakened, warns Anoop Nautiyal, an activist and founder of Social Development for Communities (SDC). In the wake of five South Indian Chief Ministers uniting over delimitation, the issue is also gaining traction in Uttarakhand. While the Delimitation Commission is yet to be formed in the state and the census is pending, indicating time before action, unlike South India, Uttarakhand's concerns stem from its own unique demographic shift internal migration. The population is rapidly migrating from the nine hill districts that formed the basis of the concept of a hill state. Concurrently, the population in the state's four plain districts is increasing at the same rate, highlighted Anoop Nautiyal, founder of SDC, in a comparative analysis shared with TNIE. He further emphasized, Election Commission voter lists corroborate these facts. Voter numbers have increased much more rapidly in the plain districts compared to the hills. This demographic trend is reportedly a major concern for political figures deemed influential in the hill state's interests. This migration pattern raises serious questions about political representation and the future voice of the hill regions, remarked Jai Singh Rawat, a historian and analyst on the subject, while speaking to TNIE. According to official sources, In 2018, the Migration Commission reported that over five lakh people had migrated from Uttarakhand. Of these, more than three lakh people had temporarily left their homes in search of work or due to a lack of basic facilities. Official sources added, Since then, the state government has been undertaking measures to curb migration and promote reverse migration. According to the Election Commission's records, the first assembly elections in 2002 saw a total of 5,270,375 voters. Of these, a majority, numbering 3,779,523, resided in the four plains districts of Dehradun, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, and Haridwar. This constituted 52.7 percent of the total electorate. In contrast, the nine hill districts accounted for 2,490,852 voters, or 47.3 percent of the total. At the time, the difference in voter share between the plains and hill districts was a marginal 5.4 percent. However, this gap has widened considerably over the years. The Election Commission data shows a consistent increase in the plains districts' share of the voter base. By 2012, the total number of voters had risen to 6,377,330. This figure further jumped to 8,266,644 in 2022. In the decade between 2012 and 2022, the electorate swelled by 1,889,314, marking a significant 31 percent increase in voter numbers, stated a source within the Election Commission. Delving deeper into the regional distribution, the data reveals a pronounced trend. In 2012, the four plains districts were home to 3,658,842 voters, representing 57.4 percent of the state's total electorate. By 2022, this number had surged to 5,010,881, now accounting for 60.6 percent of the total voters. Over the span of two decades, the plains districts have witnessed an addition of 1,352,039 voters, a staggering 72 percent growth in their voter base, the source added.

IRCTC pilgrim special towards Haridwar-Rishikesh-Vaishnodevi-Amritsar-Anandpur on April 23

15 prisoners at Haridwar district jail test HIV positive

Haridwar: Fifteen inmates of the Haridwar district jail have tested HIV positive, prison authorities said. More than 1,000 inmates are lodged in the prison. Senior Jail Superintendent Manoj Kumar Arya said prisoners were examined at a health camp organised inside the jail on World Health Day on April 7 and 15 of them tested HIV Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Crackdown on Madrasas: 84 Islamic Schools Shut in Uttarakhand

Muslim Community Condemns Targeted Action Dehradun: The BJP-led Uttarakhand government has shut down 84 madrasas, triggering protests and accusations of discrimination. The closures primarily affected Muslim-majority districts 43 in Dehradun, 9 in Udham Singh Nagar, and 31 in Haridwar and Nainital. Governments Justification & Community Backlash Officials claim the move ensures legal compliance, but critics [] The post Crackdown on Madrasas: 84 Islamic Schools Shut in Uttarakhand first appeared on .

Unrelated Video of Deers on Road Viral as One From Kancha Gachibowli, Hyderabad

This old 2020 video was shot in Haridwar and is not related to the Kanchi Ganchabowli area in Hyderabad.

Uttarakhand: Massive fire engulfs chemical factory in Haridwar

Police and fire department officials are present at the scene. Operations to douse the fire are underway; the fire broke out at the Ibrahimpur village

544 accident-prone spots identified for Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand

DEHRADUN: With the Char Dham Yatra set to begin later this month, the authorities concerned in Uttarakhand have identified 544 accident-prone spots along the routes of pilgrimage across four districts. In view of this, the transport headquarters has issued a letter to the National Highways Authority of India, Border Roads Organisation and the Public Works Department, urging immediate action in these areas and requesting a report on the measures taken. In a bid to enhance safety and ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience for the Yatra, government sources reveal, road safety committees in Dehradun, Haridwar, Uttarkashi, Tehri, Pauri, Rudraprayag and Chamoli districts have been directed to conduct surveys. According to these committees, a total of 544 accident-prone areas have been identified that require immediate attention. The report highlights that there are 38 such areas in Haridwar, 65 in Chamoli, 297 in Tehri and 144 in Dehraduns Vikas Nagar and Rishikesh regions. Sources indicate that the safety measures recommended for these routes include traffic calming interventions, rumble strips, informational signage, pothole repairs, chevron boards, crash barriers, road markings, reflectors, the removal of debris along the roads and addressing unauthorised median openings & blind curves. In a notable first, this years Char Dham travel routes have been divided into 15 super zones, 41 zones, and 137 sectors. Speaking to this daily, Dehradun Traffic SP Lokjeet Singh stated, Each sector will cover an area of 10 kilometres. Police personnel will be on patrol 24 hours a day, ensuring safety and order. He added, Over six thousand police officers and staff will be deployed to manage security and traffic throughout the pilgrimage route. Notably, registrations for the Yatra have now surpassed an impressive 12.5 lakh. Yogendra Gangwar, the nodal officer from the Uttarakhand Tourism Department overseeing Char Dham yatra registrations, told TNIE, We have recorded 3,674 registrations for Kedarnath, 3,045 for Badrinath, 1,918 for Yamunotri and 2,105 for Gangotri from foreign visitors. The online registration process, which requires Aadhaar verification, began on March 20.

Ramdev slams oppositions vote-bank politics on Waqf bill

Haridwar: The Waqf (Amendment) Act will strengthen Indias system of one Constitution, one law for all religions, yoga guru Ramdev said on Sunday and described the legislations passage in Parliament a historic decision. He also alleged some political parties were opposing the legislation for votebank politics. People of different communities would have demanded separate boards Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Haridwar to close all meat shops in the city

Authorities in Haridwar are relocating all butcher shops outside municipal limits. This follows a municipal corporation resolution from last year. Currently, around 100 butcher shops operate in the area, with only a few holding valid licences. The move aims to improve sanitation and control the stray dog menace. Illegal shops will be sealed.

IRCTC to launch budget flight packages to pilgrim centres from Kerala

KOCHI: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is launching holiday tour packages from Kerala, featuring visits to significant Hindu pilgrimage centres in North India, as well as destinations in Nepal and Sri Lanka. The flight packages will operate from Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi. One of the highlights is a 5-day flight package to popular pilgrimage sites in Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi (Kashi), Ayodhya, and Prayagraj, departing from Kochi on April 15. Additionally, the Chardham flight package encompasses the revered pilgrimage centres of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. This package starts at Rs 40,650 per person and will depart from Thiruvananthapuram on April 21. The Chardham journey covers not only the pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand but also includes visits to Haridwar and Rishikesh. More than just a pilgrimage, this 13-day tour allows travellers to experience the stunning scenery of the Himalayan foothills. The trip, which departs from Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi on June 10, starts at Rs 61,900 per person, covering all expenses, said an IRCTC official. Nepal air travel package A 6-day air travel package that includes visits to pilgrimage sites and tourist attractions in Nepal will depart from Kochi on May 22. The total cost for this package, inclusive of all expenses, is Rs 61,800 per person. Sri Lanka Ramayana tour The 7-day Sri Lanka air travel package combines visits to scenic locations and significant holy places mentioned in the Ramayana. This tour will depart on May 24, with a total price of Rs 63,300 per person.

Haridwar to be butcher-free, meat shops to exit city limits

Authorities in Haridwar are relocating all butcher shops outside municipal limits to improve sanitation and control stray dogs. Around 100 shops, mostly in Jwalapur and Jagjeetpur, will be affected. Validly licensed shops will move to a new site in Sarai village while illegal ones will be sealed. Residents have long complained about the poor hygiene of these shops.

Uttarakhand CM Dhami announces plan to rename 15 regions known by Mughal-era names

DEHRADUN: Following the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code and anti-conversion laws, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced plans to rename 15 regions known by Mughal-era names. This decision includes the renaming of one assembly constituency and a municipal council. Speaking about the changes, Dhami emphasized that the renaming of various locations in Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar reflects public sentiment and aligns with Indian culture and heritage. The changes will inspire people to contribute to the preservation of our Indian culture and honor the great personalities who have shaped it, he stated. This announcement comes in the wake of rising tensions between Haridwar MP Trivendra Singh Rawat and state bureaucrats, which had escalated over an offensive comment made by Rawat regarding a state official. The situation had sparked considerable anger among IAS officers in the state. Following Rawat's controversial remarks, the opposition Congress party also voiced strong reactions. In the wake of comments made by MP Trivendra Singh Rawat regarding an IAS officer, the Uttarakhand IAS Association has issued a resolution, announcing plans to submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister. On Saturday, Rawat refrained from commenting on a statement made by the state's mining secretary, who had denied the MP's allegations of illegal mining raised during a session in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. In a dramatic turn of phrase reminiscent of a film dialogue, Rawat stated, Sher kabhi kuttey ka sheekar nhi karta. (A lion doesnt hunt dogs.) During his address in Parliament on Thursday, Rawat, who represents Haridwar, highlighted what he described as a troubling matter in his home state. He asserted, In Uttarakhands Dehradun, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, and Nainital, illegal mining is becoming rampant at night. That same evening, in an apparent effort to counter the allegations, the state government released a video featuring Mining Secretary Brijesh Sant, who categorically denied the claims made by Rawat. Garima Mhara Dasoani, the chief spokesperson for the Congress party in the state, has expressed sharp criticism of the Dhami governments recent decision regarding the renaming of certain areas. The government should be more concerned about social harmony in the regions rather than changing their names. Instead of focusing on name changes, the government should pay more attention to altering its working style and make efforts in that direction, she stated. In her remarks, Garima also pointed out that Haridwar MP Rawat has held a mirror to his own party, demonstrating how the state government is functioning. Rawat's comments reflect the reality of the government's operations, she added, emphasizing the need for accountability and effective governance.

Uttarakhand CM Announces Renaming of 11 Places After Hindu Deities, Icons

Pushkar Singh Dhami unveils renaming of locations across Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar, honoring prominent figures from Indian culture and BJP-RSS leaders

'Uttarakhand ka naam bhi Uttar Pradesh-2 kar dijiye': Akhilesh Yadav on CM Pushkar Singh Dhami renaming 11 places in 4 districts

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav criticized Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami's announcement to rename 11 places across four districts. Dhami justified the renaming as honoring Indian culture and great personalities. The changes include names in Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar. The Tapkeshwar Mahadev Temple's Acharya Dr. Vipin Joshi praised the move as aligning with Sanatan culture.

Aurangzebpur now Shivaji Nagar as 11 places renamed in Uttarkhand

Dehradun: In a significant move to pay tribute to prominent figures who contributed to preserving Indias rich cultural legacy, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced the renaming of various locations in the districts of Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar. The Chief Minister emphasised that the renaming process reflects public sentiment while Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Yuva All Stars Championship: Sonipat Spartans, Warriorz K.C. qualify for playoffs; Jaipur Pink Cubs reach final

Yuva All Stars Championship: Sonipat Spartans, Warriorz K.C. qualify for playoffs; Jaipur Pink Cubs reach final Haridwar.The Super 6 round of the Yuva All Stars Championship 2025 continued with some thrilling encounters on Monday. Palani Tuskers edged past the Chandigarh Chargers, while Sonipat Spartans defeated Junior Steelers to qualify for the playoffs. Warriorz K.C. secured [] The post Yuva All Stars Championship: Sonipat Spartans, Warriorz K.C. qualify for playoffs; Jaipur Pink Cubs reach final appeared first on Mangalorean.com .

Aurangzebpur to be renamed Shivaji Nagar, says Uttarakhand CM Dhami

Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the renaming of 13 areas and two roads in four districts to reflect Indian culture and heritage. The changes include new names in Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, and Udham Singh Nagar, inspired by prominent Indian figures.

Uttarakhand renames 18 places located in Haridwar, Dehradun, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar districts

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami says the move is to respect public sentiment and preserve Indian culture and heritage

Haridwar dharam sansad: SC issues notice on Waseem Rizvi's plea to club cases against him

The Supreme Court has issued notices on Jitendra Narayan Tyagi's plea to club all criminal cases against him related to alleged hate speeches at the Haridwar dharam sansad in 2021. Tyagi faces four cases, including one in Srinagar, which he argues poses significant risks to his safety.

Pawan Kumar Shastri flagging off bus to Haridwar on Thursday.

Pawan Kumar Shastri flagging off bus to Haridwar on Thursday. The post Pawan Kumar Shastri flagging off bus to Haridwar on Thursday. appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Four Fraudsters Pose As Haridwar Akhara Priests At Delhi Aerocity, Flee With Gold Ring

Delhi Police arrested four individuals posing as head priests from Haridwar Akhara for cheating Gagan Jain out of his gold ring. They were identified through CCTV footage

Two Killed as Sand-Laden Dumper Rams Car at Lachhiwala Toll Plaza

Accident on Haridwar-Dehradun Road leaves car mangled; investigation underway

J&K Veteran Cricket team flagged off for North Zone Tourney

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Mar 21: The J&K Veteran Cricket Team was flagged off by DIG of the Jammu-Kathua-Samba Range, Shiv Kumar Sharma for North Zone Tournament, set to take place in Haridwar. Sharma was joined by Gaurav Gupta, spokesperson BJP, K S Jamwal, Senior Vice President, and Vivek Suri, General Secretary of the Veteran Cricket Association of J&K. The tournament is being organized by the Veteran Cricket Association of Uttarakhand under the aegis of the Board for Veteran Cricket [] The post J&K Veteran Cricket team flagged off for North Zone Tourney appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Beyond death: How Haridwar helps souls find peace

Haridwar, one of India's holiest cities, is revered as a gateway to Lord Vishnu's abode and a spiritual haven. Pilgrims visit to perform last rites and immerse ashes in the Ganga, seeking liberation for their ancestors. The divine Ganga river, descending from the heavens, is believed to cleanse sins and bridge life and afterlife, guided by priests through sacred rituals. The city's temples, mantras, and the Ganga Aarti further enhance its spiritual aura, attracting travelers like Aryan Sharma, who finds peace and transformation in its holy waters.

Chhattisgarh Waqf Board reschedules Friday prayers on Holi, issues directives

The Chhattisgarh Waqf Board has rescheduled Friday prayers in mosques from 12:30 PM-1:00 PM to 2:00 PM-3:00 PM on March 14 due to Holi celebrations coinciding with the prayer time. Similar adjustments are made in Haridwar and Gorakhpur to maintain peace during religious observances, with officials emphasizing community cooperation and law enforcement readiness.

Conservation of medicinal plants underscored

Haridwar: A two-day event on the topic regional training for development of agricultural entrepreneurship in cultivation of medicinal plants, sponsored by the National Medicinal Plants Board Scheme under the AYUSH ministry, was recently held at Patanjali Research Foundation in Haridwar. At the programme, emphasis was laid on conservation of medicinal plants, plantation and the protection []

Celebrating a Decade of Aludecor Sand & Rustic Series: Where Nature Meets Design

It all started on the peaceful shores of the Ganga in Haridwara place that holds an almost mystical charm. Watching the golden sands glisten in the evening light, we were struck by an idea: What if we could capture this natural beauty in architectural form using ACP Sheets?

Bajrang Dal Workers Barge Into Haridwar College Over Iftar Party

Bajrang Dal workers on Saturday stormed the Rishikul Ayurvedic College here in protest against some Muslim students organising an Iftar party on the campus and inviting outsiders to it.

Bajrang Dal storms Haridwar college over Iftar party, cries Islamic Jihad

HARIDWAR: Bajrang Dal workers on Saturday stormed the Rishikul Ayurvedic College here in protest against some Muslim students organising an Iftar party on the campus and inviting outsiders to it. Police placated the right-wing workers, who left but not before creating a ruckus and warning of a more aggressive agitation if no action was taken in the matter within three days. On Friday, some Muslim students reportedly organised an Iftar party on the college campus. Bajrang Dal office bearer Amit Kumar alleged that the party had been organised in the Hindu religious city as part of a conspiracy to bring outsiders to the college campus. Rishikul Ayurvedic College has historical importance. This medical college was established under Rishikul Vidyapeeth, established by Pandit Mahamana Madan Mohan Malviya. Students from all over the country come here to get medical education, the Bajrang Dal functionary said. Organising any such event by non-Hindus in the Haridwar area is already prohibited under the Municipal Corporation bylaws, he claimed. A conspiracy is being hatched in the religious city under Islamic Jihad. If the management does not initiate steps for the expulsion of the guilty students within three days, then the Bajrang Dal will be forced to escalate the protest, Kumar warned. Rishikul Ayurvedic College Director DC Singh on Friday that he received a complaint about some students having a party on campus without getting permission from the administration. Some students had brought food items there. We went and stopped the party, Singh said. A committee of college teachers has been formed to investigate the matter and submit a report, he said.

'Conspiracy under Islamic Jihad': Bajrang Dal storms Haridwar college over Iftar party

Bajrang Dal protested at Rishikul Ayurvedic College in Haridwar against an Iftar party organized by Muslim students, alleging it to be part of an 'Islamic Jihad' conspiracy in the religious city. The college administration is investigating the incident, with the Bajrang Dal demanding action within three days or threatening to escalate the protest.

Yoga Guru, Baba Ramdev, Union Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan along with others during foundation day celebration of University of Patanjali in Haridwar.

Yoga Guru, Baba Ramdev, Union Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan along with others during foundation day celebration of University of Patanjali in Haridwar. The post Yoga Guru, Baba Ramdev, Union Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan along with others during foundation day celebration of University of Patanjali in Haridwar. appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Uttarakhand: 3 arrested after Haridwar shooting incident

Three individuals were apprehended in Haridwar's Landaura area after a shooting incident left one person dead and another injured. Identified as Ankush, Abhishek, and Prashant, the suspects were caught following a police operation. The police recovered a country-made pistol and live cartridges. The shooting occurred over a financial dispute, and further investigation is underway.

On Maha Shivratri, Devotees Offer Special Prayers And Take A Holy Dip At Har Ki Pauri | N18S

On Maha Shivratri, devotees offer special prayers and take a holy dip at Har Ki Pauri, Haridwar, and in the Godavari River, Nashik, seeking Mahadevs divine blessings n18oc_shortsNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

INTERVIEW | AI played key role in managing 63 crore Mahakumbh crowd: Prayagraj ADG

Managing a crowd of over 1.5 to 2 crore on a daily basis for a span of 45 days sounds a daunting task comprising intricate challenges for law enforcement agencies and the administration. Undeniably one of the largest congregations of humanity on earth, the Mahakumbh, which is nearing its finale on Mahashivratri on Wednesday, leaves behind a trail of sweet and bitter experiences. Bhanu Bhaskar, ADG, Prayagraj Zone, at the helm of affairs, shares his insights into crowd management and other aspects of the religious festival while talking to TNIE's Namita Bajpai. Excerpts: Did the administration really expect crowds of this magnitude at the Mahakumbh? The previous trends and historical data available suggested that after the fourth snan, which is the Basant Panchmi Snan, there is a drop in crowd levels in the Kumbh and Mahakumbh. And then after the fifth and the sixth snan, there is another discernible drop in the magnitude of the crowd. But this time, there was an enhanced surge. So we had a consistent flow of pilgrims between 1.5 crore to two crore every day. As the state government had estimated a footfall of 40-odd crore during the entire Mela span, what was the pre-Mela strategy chalked out for crowd management of the Mahakumbh? So the pre-Mela strategy depends upon quite a few things. One was getting the inputs about the incoming crowds and the pace at which the crowd is coming up. So there was a regular feedback mechanism and regular inputs from all the verticals like the roads and the transport and the toll plazas and the railways. These are the regular modes of transport which people use to come to the mela. There was a regular input mechanism. That input mechanism was then used to take decisions regarding the crowd management strategy. Moreover, there were various management strategies employed which included the facilitation of the crowds, the diversion of the crowds and others. Despite such strategies already in place, what went wrong on Mauni Amavasya, January 29, when the unfortunate stampede happened claiming so many lives? What were the major lapses? It was extremely unfortunate because we had been working to avert any such tragedy for over the last two years. Before January 29, there were a lot of positive stories about Mahakumbh which were the result of our hard work of two years. However, the unfortunate and painful incident was all because of the massive crowd pressure. However, on this particular question there's a judicial commission which is looking into it. So, I would not like to share my views because I have to give my views before the judicial commission. After the Mauni Amavasya stampede, what were the special measures taken by the administration for succeeding snans so as to avert the recurrence of a mishap? There was a review meeting convened by the state Chief Secretary and Director General of Police immediately on January 30. The joint team of Chief Secretary and the DGP visited the mela and the areas where the possible weaknesses had developed and addressed them. It was followed by a high-level meeting by the Chief Minister on the same day itself. The CM also visited the mishap site on the Mela premises. After the visit of the CM, the Chief Secretary and the DGP, we reviewed the areas where we were doing better and also those areas where we needed to improve. We picked up from where we had left and started preparing for the next snan. And then all the CCTV cameras were analyzed and the strong points were enhanced and the gaps were filled up because there was a huge crowd surge that was coming up. So all the gaps were re-looked into and additional police and administrative personnel were posted to keep a close watch of the crowd to regulate its movement. What has been the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as it was a highly-publicized tool which was being used for the first time for crowd management and monitoring other aspects related to the mela? It was very, very useful. Basically, Artificial Intelligence was used for the first time in the world for crowd management because the existing software was not aware of how to give input. So, we had been machine learning these softwares for over six months and testing them on Dussehra, Diwali and other such occasions when the crowd surges in respectable numbers at various specific places. Using all those inputs, we machine-learned the existing software so as to get credible inputs. The inputs thus received were very, very useful over a period of time. They could give us the density mapping and other parameters including the rate at which the crowd was surging. Bhanu Bhaskar, ADG, Prayagraj Zone How far has this entire system been helpful in managing pilgrims who get lost and separated from their kin in such congregations? We have 10 lost and found centres which also use Artificial Intelligence along with the existing system. They included trained psychologists and trained psychiatrists because the trauma, which the children and women face under such circumstances after getting separated from the families, is immense. So in order to make them relax, the measures were taken. Plus facial recognition technology was used to a great extent so that, in case the person is lost, his/her name and face is flashed across all the 10 centres and other places to identify the location. The results of this use of technology have been exceedingly positive and encouraging. There's an input result of close to 95 per cent. And the remaining also, we are working on it. Thus, the facial recognition technology along with Artificial Intelligence coupled with picking up the faces from the images and the photographs and then matching it with the real faces was a cutting-edge technology which was used to reunite the persons lost in the melee with their families. Meanwhile, most of these technologies are present, but they were machine-learned and customized to meet the requirements of the present times. Therefore, the success rate has been very encouraging. Moreover, the results which we have carried from here will now be passed on to the other three Kumbh Mela venues including Nasik, Ujjain and Haridwar, so that they can also learn from our experience and implement the same technology for better management of things. Even their team is here and they have been working with us hands on for the last two months so that they can also learn from our experience. The number of devotees thronging the Mela has breached the 63-crore mark against an estimation of 40 crore. What technique is being used to determine the precise number of devotees thronging the Mela and taking holy dip on a particular day? A first of its kind AI-enabled monitoring of crowd density per square metre, inflow and outflow of pilgrims and ground assessment is enabling the authorities to fetch the figure of devotees visiting the Mela daily. There is an Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC) where multiple teams of police personnel, senior IPS officials, and experts are deputed and they are keeping a close watch on every alert. The alerts keep popping out on the screens in the ICCC so the authorities on the ground are directed accordingly to address a particular situation at a particular place so as to avert any untoward incident, check barricade breaches and even crime. The 4000-acre Mela ground has around 2,750 close-circuit cameras monitoring the movement of the crowd and other activities. Of those 2750 CCTV, about 250 are AI-enabled, feeding information to the Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC) of the Mela empowering the authorities with unique and real-time insights into crowd density per square metre at the bathing ghats, footfall in the Mela premises per minute, parking status of vehicles, crowd accumulation at key junctions and the need to issue alerts based on pre-set danger thresholds. The screens at ICCC continuously throw up images of ghats, fetching data charts and real time information on population density. The inputs are also there about people entering and leaving ghats from over half a dozen entry and exit points. Teams collate data from different sources including railways, road and transport and highways to make the accurate assessments. What were the tools used to manage the traffic as there were reports of huge vehicular pressure in and around Prayagraj resulting in massive jams in the Sangam city, adjoining districts and on national highways? First of all, I would greet the people of Prayagraj for extending immense cooperation in implementing the traffic plan laid out for Mahakumbh. Despite heavy vehicular flow, we could maintain the traffic movement effectively. Traffic facilitation has become possible because the vehicular movement is being monitored regularly in all the districts adjoining Prayagraj along with Lucknow zone, Kanpur zone and Varanasi zone. Moreover, the district magistrates of all the adjoining districts are managing not only the incoming crowds but also the vehicular traffic on the ground themselves. So all the districts touching Prayagraj more or less witnessed seamless traffic movement all this long. Monitoring through drones is also being done regularly. However, there have been bits of misleading information about long traffic jams in and around Prayagraj on social media. I would urge everyone to follow information disseminated by the official social media handles of the UP government, UP Police department and Mela authorities in order to avoid the traffic jams which are caused more by misinformation.

In Push For BJP's Key Poll Plank, Delhi Chief Minister's Day 1 Yamuna 'Aarti'

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and her ministers, hours after taking oath, made a beeline for Yamuna at Vasudev Ghat, where they are participating in the river aarti -inspired by the daily evening ceremony at the ghats of Ganga at Haridwar and Va

Bryan Johnson Claims Baba Ramdev Blocked Him For Commenting On Anti-Aging Post; Here's What He Said

Johnson commented on pollution levels in Haridwar. US millionaire and anti-aging fanatic Bryan Johnson claims that Yoga guru Ramdev blocked him on X after the former commented on the latter's post.

Anti-Ageing Millionaire Bryan Johnson Posts He Was Blocked By Ramdev Because...

In response to Ramdev's video, Bryan Johnson pointed out that the air quality in Haridwar.

Millionaire Bryan Johnson Posts He Was Blocked By Ramdev Because...

In response to Ramdev's video, Bryan Johnson pointed out that the air quality in Haridwar.

Bryan Johnson says Ramdev blocked him on X after comment on post regarding anti-ageing claims

US millionaire Bryan Johnson has alleged that Yoga Guru and Patanjali founder Ramdev blocked him on X after he dismissed his anti-ageing claims. The exchange began after Johnson commented on a video posted by Ramdev, in which he was seen running alongside a horse while promoting Patanjali's 'Swarna Shilajit' and 'Immunogrit Gold'. Ramdev claimed the products could boost immunity, enhance stamina, and slow down ageing. Johnson, however, was unconvinced and responded by highlighting Haridwars poor air quality, stating that simply breathing there increased the risk of heart and lung diseases. Ramdev's post on X, written in Hindi, promoted Patanjalis supplements with the claim: Ghode ki tarah tez daudne ki taakat, strong immunity, anti-aging aur power chahiye toh Swarna Shilajit avam Immunogrit Gold khaaiye (If you want to run like a horse, have strong immunity, anti-ageing benefits, and power, then consume Swarna Shilajit and Immunogrit Gold). US millionaire Bryan Johnson responded to the post by once again highlighting concerns over air quality in India. Air quality in Haridwar right now is PM 2.5 36 g/m which is equal to smoking 1.6 cigarettes a day, he wrote. This raises risks of heart disease by 4050%, lung cancer by 3x, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and early death (57 years lost), Johnson claimed. Minutes later, the entrepreneur tweeted saying he had been blocked by Ramdev. I replied with this comment and he hid it and blocked me: Air quality in Haridwar right now is PM. 36 g/m which is equal to smoking 1.6 cigarettes a day. This raises risks of heart disease by 4050%, lung cancer by 3x, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and early death pic.twitter.com/z99RZDjXar Bryan Johnson /dd (@bryan_johnson) February 19, 2025 Johnson made headlines weeks ago when he abruptly left Nikhil Kamaths podcast, citing Indias air pollution. Since then, he has repeatedly raised concerns over the countrys worsening air quality. The millionaire, who invests millions in his strict anti-ageing regime, claimed that his brief stay in India caused multiple health issues due to the poor air quality. Explaining his decision to exit the podcast, Johnson later stated, When in India, I did end this podcast early due to the bad air quality. Nikhil Kamath was a gracious host, and we were having a great time. The problem was that the room we were in circulated outside air, which made the air purifier I'd brought with me ineffective. Why Bryan Johnson is right on Indias air quality

Bryan Johnson alleges Baba Ramdev blocked him for commenting on his Shilajit viral video

Baba Ramdev's video of him running alongside a horse led to a dispute with anti-ageing businessman Bryan Johnson over India's air quality. In response to Johnson's comments about the harmful effects of pollution in Haridwar, Ramdev blocked him on social media.

Why Delhi is sitting on a seismic timebomb with Haridwar and Moradabad connection

A 4.0 magnitude earthquake struck Delhi-NCR early Monday, marking the first significant seismic activity directly within Delhi in 295 years. The epicenter was in New Delhi at a depth of five kilometers, with tremors felt at 5:36 am. Fortunately, no damage or injuries were reported. Delhi lies in Seismic Zone IV, making it vulnerable to future earthquakes.

New Delhi stampede: Rail Bhavan gets into huddle

NEW DELHI: Under pressure from various quarters, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday held a series of meeting at the Rail Bhavan to take stock of the safety measures during heavy passenger rush. Vaishnaw also met and briefed Home Minister Amit Shah about the stampede at the New Delhi railway station. Railways announced the names of two high administrative group officials, who will be part of the inquiry committee constituted to probe the stampede at the New Delhi Railway station. Narsingh Deo, Principal Chief Commercial Manager, Northern Railway, and Pankaj Gangwar, Principal Chief Security Commissioner, Northern Railway, are the members of the committee, the railways said. Railways directed all zones to remain on maximum alert, ensuring the safety of passengers during seasons of heavy footfall, especially in stations dealing with high numbers of passengers traveling to the Maha Kumbh. Sources said nearly 60%-70% of those attending the Kumbh are taking trains. The railway stations across Uttar Pradesh have been put on high alert following massive convergence of devotees reaching Prayagraj for holy dip at Sangam. Prayagraj and its neighbouring districts, including Ayodhya, Gonda, Varanasi, Fatehpur, Gorakhpur and Lucknow experienced huge crowd on railway stations. ADG, Railways, Prakash D has issued directives to the authorities concerned to ensure deployment of GRP personnel on all stations across the state. Heightened alert has been sounded on railway stations across Madhya Pradesh, with security being beefed, particularly at the Katni and Satna stations of the West Central Railway (WCR). There is a huge rush of devotees bound to Maha Kumbh. The rush is at its peak in Katni and Satna, the two stations on the route of long-distance trains coming from central, western and southern India to Prayagraj, police said. In Satna, in-charge IG of Rewa Saket Pandey along with administrative, health and railway officials, held a meeting on Sunday afternoon and decided to raise the number of GRP and RPF jawans up to four times at key stations. All trains towards Prayagraj from Jharkhand are overcrowded, with even people with valid reservation tickets finding it hard to board trains. According to a passenger from Hazaribagh, Premchand Prasad, who boarded the train from Koderma, trains are running without ticket collectors and RPF jawans as even they are not able to board the trains. The East Central Railway has bolstered safety measures as most passengers from Bihar are bound for Prayagraj. 'Confusing announcements triggered stampede': Delhi police say after initial probe Major stampedes across country Jan 29, 2025: 30 killed and 60 injured at Maha Kumbh July 2, 2024: 121, most of whom women, lost during a satsang by godman Bhole Baba in Hathras, UP March 31, 2023: 36 died when a well collapsed during Ram Navami at Indore temple January 1, 2022: 12 died and over a dozen injured at Vaishno Devi shrine in J&K due to heavy rush of devotees September 29, 2017: 23 dead and 36 injured in a stampede on a bridge connecting Elphinstone Road station with Parel station of Central Railway in Mumbai July 14, 2015: 27 pilgrims died and 20 injured at a bathing spot along Godavari where devotees gathered for festival in Rajahmundry, AP October 3, 2014: 32 killed and 26 injured at Gandhi Maidan in Patna, shortly after Dussehra celebrations ended October 13, 2013: 115 killed and over 100 injured during Navratri near Ratangarh temple in MPs Datia January 25, 2005: Over 340 devotees trampled to death and hundreds injured during a pilgrimage at Satara temple August 3, 2008: 162 dead, 47 hurt at Naina Devi temple in Himachals Bilaspur September 30, 2008: 250 devotees killed and 60 hurt in a stampede following rumours of a bomb at Chamunda Devi temple in Jodhpur March 4, 2010: 63 killed at Ram Janki Temple in UPs Pratapgarh where people gathered to collect clothes and food from a godman January 14, 2011: 104 Sabarimala devotees killed and over 40 injured when a jeep crashed into homebound pilgrims in Keralas Idukki November 8, 2011: 20 killed in Haridwar at Har-ki-Pauri ghat along the Ganga November 19, 2012: 20 killed and several injured as a makeshift bridge caved in, triggering a stampede during Chhath Puja at Adalat Ghat in Patna

Legal challenges emerge for Uttarakhand's UCC; court to deliberate soon

DEHRADUN: A significant legal battle is unfolding in Uttarakhand as five petitions have been filed against the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), which came into effect on January 27 . Various Muslim organisations and concerned groups are contesting the law's legality, claiming it undermines their community's established personal laws. The Nainital High Court has set a hearing for all related petitions on April 1, allowing six weeks for the parties to prepare their arguments. The petitions assert that the UCC conflicts with the prevailing practices of the Muslim community, raising concerns about its implications on personal rights. In a significant pronouncement, Chief Justice G Narendar, presiding over the division bench of the High Court, urged individuals adversely affected by the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) to seek judicial recourse. Individuals who believe they have been impacted by actions taken under the UCC are hereby encouraged to bring their grievances before the court, he said. Among those challenging the UCC is Mohd. Mukim, the Nainital District President of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (JUH), who, along with Tajim Ali from Haridwar, Shoaib Ahmed from Mallital Nainital, Mohammad Shah Nazar, Abdul Sattar, and Mustaqeem Hasan from Dehradun, voiced their concerns during a recent hearing. Additionally, Naeem Ahmed Qureshi, President of the Muslim Sewa Sangthan, has also filed a writ petition against the UCC. The legal fray intensified with advocate Arushi Gupta filing public interest litigation against specific provisions of the UCC. Just days earlier, Suresh Singh Negi from Bhimtal contested the UCC's regulations regarding live-in relationships, reflecting widespread discontent among various groups. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal presented compelling arguments before the bench, asserting that no provincial government possesses the authority to implement a UCC under the third entry of the legislative list. Even Article 44 does not permit any provincial government to enact such a law, Sibal contended. He further emphasised that the UCC violates fundamental rights enshrined in Articles 14, 19, 21, and 25 of the Constitution, urging the court to impose a stay on its implementation. In response, the advocate representing the Uttarakhand government opposed Sibal's request and sought additional time to file a reply. The court directed the state government to respond accordingly. The next hearing is scheduled for April 1, 2025, where Sibal intends to focus on securing a stay. Highlighting potential penalties and fines associated with the UCC, Sibal underscored the urgency for judicial intervention. The Chief Justice assured that if any case arises during this interim period, petitioners could bring it to the court's attention immediately, reiterating that anyone personally affected by the law may seek redress from the bench. Uttarakhand government ensures privacy in UCC registration

MLA Pawan Gupta and R S Pathania flagging off Udhampur-Haridwar bus service on Saturday.

MLA Pawan Gupta and R S Pathania flagging off Udhampur-Haridwar bus service on Saturday. The post MLA Pawan Gupta and R S Pathania flagging off Udhampur-Haridwar bus service on Saturday. appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Pakistan's Karachi Hanuman Temple priest brings ashes of 400 Hindus and Sikhs to Mahakumbh for immersion, praises Yogi

Ramnath Mishra, the head priest of Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple in Karachi, is in Prayagraj to immerse the ashes of 400 Hindus and Sikhs. He performed his son's sacred thread ceremony and plans to take the ashes to Haridwar after a ritual in Delhi. Mishra has renovated the crematorium in Karachi where he collected the ashes.

Karnatakas Kumbh Mela: Devotees take a holy dip at T.Narsipur as three-day event begins

The Kumbh Mela in Karnataka began in 1989 as the initiative of some pontiffs, to encourage the devout to take a dip at the confluence at T.Narsipur in case they could not make it to the Kumbh Melas that take place at Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain or Nashik.

Over 40 crore pilgrims take dip in Mahakumbh

LUCKNOW: The ongoing Mahakumbh in Prayagraj continues to draw an overwhelming number of devotees, with the total count surpassing 40 crore by 4 PM on Friday. The grand religious congregation has seen participation from people across India and different parts of the world, all seeking spiritual liberation and divine blessings at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati at Sangam. Among the distinguished guests who visited Mahakumbh were Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini, and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Several Bollywood personalities also graced the event. During his visit on Friday, Arif Mohammad Khan praised Indias Sanatan culture, calling it magnificent. He remarked that Mahakumbh reflected the unity of Sanatan traditions and emphasized that Indian culture teaches people to see every human being in their divine form. He further said that Mahakumbh showcases how traditions bring people together, as even strangers participate in rituals with a shared sense of devotion and unity. The chief ministers of Haryana and Gujarat also expressed their joy after taking a holy dip at Sangam, calling it a great fortune. , - - , @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/UfZyLIb4uR Nayab Saini (@NayabSainiBJP) February 6, 2025 68 Hindu devotees from Pakistan visits Mahakumbh Meanwhile, a group of 68 Hindu devotees from Sindh province in Pakistan arrived at Mahakumbh to immerse the ashes of their ancestors and experience the spiritual grandeur of the event. These devotees, who had obtained a special visa for the pilgrimage, had earlier visited Haridwar, where they performed Vedic rituals and immersed the ashes of nearly 480 ancestors. Accompanied by Mahant Ramnath Ji, they later traveled to Prayagraj, took a holy dip in the Sangam, and prayed for the salvation of their ancestors. The Pakistani devotees expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to participate in Mahakumbh, describing it as a long-cherished wish not only for themselves but also for their ancestors. They shared that the spiritual connection to Sanatan traditions and the sacred call of Mahakumbh had drawn them to Prayagraj, fulfilling a lifelong aspiration to take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam and carry its sacred water back home. The religious fervor at Mahakumbh remains high even after the three Amrit Snans Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami. Pilgrims continue to arrive in large numbers, ensuring a relentless flow of devotees seeking divine blessings. Mahakumbh 2025: Over 10 crore pilgrims took holy dip at Sangam, says UP government As the event progresses, the total footfall is expected to cross the 50 crore mark, with state authorities initially estimating the arrival of around 45 crore devotees. The sacred congregation has already witnessed visits from several top dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 5, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on February 1, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on January 27. President Droupadi Murmu is also scheduled to visit Prayagraj on February 10 to participate in rituals at Triveni Sangam. With 19 days remaining, Mahakumbh continues to be a grand spiritual spectacle, drawing millions of devotees who seek divine grace and the eternal essence of Sanatan traditions.

Ex-Husband Invites Woman To Haridwar Temple, Days Later Her Body Found In The Ditch

The woman's body was found in Haridwar after she had been missing for days, which prompted a swift investigation. After initial police inaction, her ex-husband confessed to his crime and was subsequently arrested

Devotion knows no borders: 68 Pakistani Hindu devotees attend Mahakumbh in Prayagraj

A group of 68 Pakistani devotees arrived on Wednesday, 05 th February in India from Pakistans Sindh, registering their attendance at the grand spiritual gathering of the world, the Mahakumbh 2025. The devotees took the holy dip at the holy confluence on Thursday, reflecting upon the Mahakumbh and Sanatan Dharmas significance that could draw them all over Pakistan. Reportedly, the group is staying at Shri Gurukarshnis camp in Sector 9 of the Kumbh mela city. A few members of the group are carrying the six urns of ashes of their loved ones which they desire to immerse in Ganges, Haridwar. In the Hindu religion, Haridwar is believed to be the gateway to salvation. The 68 people were somehow drawn to the divinity and spirit of the Mahakumbh, stories and regular updates they have been putting up through social media. Govind Ram Makhija, one of the group members shared, We have been hearing about the Mahakumbh from the past two to three months and had a great desire to be here. We could not stop ourselves from coming and experiencing the grandeur of the event. He also informed that last year as many as a 200 people had come from Pakistan to Prayagraj to take the holy dip in Ganges. While this time, 68 people had come for the sacred event from Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, and Shikarpur districts of Sindh, Pakistan. 50 devotees are witnessing Mahakumbh for the first time. He further added, Its a bliss. I am very happyI do not have words to describe the experience here. We took the holy dip in the Ganga. Upon coming here, we feel proud of being part of Sanatan Dharma. Mukesh, who belongs to Ghotki province of Sindh has kind of a similar experience to share. He had come to India and the Mahakumbh for the first time. Mukesh had to say, I got a chance to explore our religion in depth. It feels very good, and Im thankful to the Indian Government for providing the visa and other facilities. Priyanka, another first-time visitor shared her sentiments, Seeing our culture here is a divine experience. I am lucky to come to India. It is an overwhelming experience to be part of this majestic event. There is not much discrimination against Hindus in Sindh province, but we are getting a chance to see our culture here, for which we are happy. The 68- member group is prepared to leave for Raipur on February 8 th , after which they will head to Haridwar. They were all praise and grateful for the government and their arrangements of Mahakumbh.

Fact Check: Video Of Foreign Saint Walking Switzerland To Haridwar Is From 2021 Kumbh Not 2025 Maha Kumbh

The video dates back to 2021 and shows Bel Baba of Switzerland, who walked from his country to attend the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar held back then

Hindus reach India from Pakistan with 400 urns containing ashes of relatives for immersion in Ganga

A group of Hindus from Pakistan arrived in India with nearly 400 urns for the third time since Partition to immerse the ashes in the Ganga river. The ashes will be taken to Haridwar, and the group hopes to visit Prayagraj for a holy dip at the Mahakumbh if the visas are extended.

Devotees Take A Holy Dip In River Ganga In Haridwar, On The Occasion Of Basant Panchami | N18S

Devotees Take A Holy Dip In River Ganga In Haridwar, On The Occasion Of Basant Panchami | N18S n18oc_shortsNews18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube

J&K Kalarippayattu team shines at 38th National Games

Excelsior Sports Correspondent JAMMU, Jan 31: Jammu & Kashmirs Kalarippayattu athletes delivered impressive performances at the 38th National Games 2025, held at Police Line Stadium, Haridwar. Dua Mukhtar earned a Silver Medal in the High Kick (Above 5.6 Feet) event, while Aman Gupta secured a Bronze Medal in the Kaipporu event (65 to 80 kg weight category). Additionally, Parkash Singh finished fourth in the High Kick (Below 5.6 Feet) event, and Sajan Shan claimed Fifth place in the Urmivesshal event, [] The post J&K Kalarippayattu team shines at 38th National Games appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Uttarakhand netas' 'gunfight': HC takes suo motu cognisance

The Uttarakhand HC has summoned the DM and SSP of Haridwar regarding the violent Republic Day clash between independent MLA Umesh Kumar and former MLA Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion. The court has demanded all evidence, detailed offences, and stringent measures against the accused, with firearm licenses cancelled and security provisions under review.

Gunfire incident at MLA's residence on Republic Day triggers High Court intervention in Uttarakhand

DEHRADUN: In a dramatic turn of events, the gunfire incident involving former MLA Pranav Singh Champion at the residence of independent MLA Umesh Kumar in the Khanpur area of Haridwar on Republic Day has escalated to the Uttarakhand High Court. The court's Winter Vacation Bench has taken suo motu cognizance of the matter, labelling the incident as detrimental to the state's image. This kind of behaviour tarnishes the reputation of our state, the bench remarked. In response to the seriousness of the situation, the court has summoned Haridwar's Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) to appear virtually for further proceedings. A verbal altercation between former MLA Pranav Singh Champion and independent MLA Umesh Kumar spiralled out of control at Kumar's residence in the Khanpur area of Haridwar on Republic Day. Reports indicate that Champion, armed and accompanied by several supporters, arrived at Kumar's residence and openly used abusive language while firing multiple rounds into the air. Prior to this escalation, tensions had already flared when Umesh Kumar confronted Champion at his residence after being verbally insulted. This kind of behaviour is unacceptable, Kumar remarked, expressing his frustration over the incident. The situation has raised serious concerns regarding safety and decorum among elected representatives in the region. Following a shooting incident, police arrested former MLA Pranav Singh Champion and later, MLA Umesh Kumar late at night. Both were presented in the Chief Judicial Magistrate's Court on Monday. Champion has been remanded to 14 days of judicial custody, while Umesh has been granted bail, officials confirmed. As part of the investigation, Haridwar police seized nine firearms from Champion and his family, revoking their licenses. Additionally, the District Magistrate of Dehradun suspended Umesh Kumar's weapon license. The incident, which unfolded in a state known for its peaceful image, compelled the High Court to take suo motu cognizance. The court summoned the SSP of Haridwar and DIG of Garhwal virtually at 2 PM. Furthermore, police officials have been instructed to present detailed information regarding the cases filed against both individuals. The court's intervention has stirred a flurry of activity within the government machinery. We have taken cognizance based on reports published in newspapers regarding the lawlessness associated with this incident, a court spokesperson stated.

Mauni Amavasya 2025: Mahakumbh to attract 8-10 crore devotees to the holy sangam on no moon day

Mauni Amavasya, the spiritual day that occurs during the new moon day in the month of Magha as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It is also known as the Maghi Amavasya. The word Mauni originates from the Sanskrit word Mauna which translates to silence. Practicing silence for spiritual discipline and inner peace along with some other rituals. The day holds immense significance, especially this year coinciding with the grand Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. Mauni Amavasya 2025 This year, the Mauni Amavasya is going to be held as always on the Amavasya Tithi. The tithi will begin from January 28, 2025 at 7:35 pm to 06:05 pm on January 29, 2025. The day shall attract positive cosmic energies for the devotees. There is an enormous presence of divine blessings that shall shower upon an individual through self-discipline, meditation and compassion. Your actions along with the positive energy will make your life fulfilling and prosperous. The significance of Mauni Amavasya Mauni Amavasya is the last Amavasya before the festival of MahaShivratri. The astrological significance of the day is that it marks the conjunction of the Sun and Moon, aligning the powerful energy of the stars. The cosmic phenomenon results in increasing the impact of the spiritual practices ideal to remove the negative Karma, attracting positivity, prosperity and harmony. The historical significance of the day marks another sacred event in the past, when Adi Rishi Rishabhdev, the ancient sage and Tirthankara in Jainism ended his Maun Vrat (vow of silence) and took bath in the holy waters of the Sangam, absorbing himself in complete devotion. Mauni Amavasya at Mahakumbh 2025 Mauni Amavasya this year, coinciding with the Mahakumbh only adds to its importance. There is a firm belief among the devotees of Hindu culture that taking a holy dip in the waters of the Ganga, Saraswati and Yamuna at the confluence at Triveni Sangam, washes away all the sins and grants them Moksha (salvation). It is also an auspicious day to offer prayers to the ancestors as the blessings received bring happiness and prosperity in life. The Mahakumbh estimates to attract as many as 8-10 crore devotees on the day of Mauni Amavasya, who will take the holy dip at the Sangam. Till now, there have been over 15 crore visitors at the event, the crowd only increasing every hour as the Mauni Amavasya is approaching. Rituals performed on Mauni Amavasya The devotees in India take a bath in sacred rivers, especially in Haridwar, Prayagraj and other spiritual places to seek forgiveness for their sins and to attain purity of soul. Many people are witnessed taking a vow of silence, practicing it for an insight within and an introspection for spiritual growth. People observe a fast throughout the day, some of them even not having any food or water. The others, eat only some specific food like kuttu, fried potatoes and sama kheer. The devotees also perform charity giving food and money to the poor or in temples or other religious institutions. As mentioned earlier, Ancestral worship hold immense significance on the day of Mauni Amavasya. People practice Pitru Tarpan which is an offering to the ancestors. Another practice common in some parts of the country is lighting a diya with mustard oil, and placing it under the peepal tree. Mauni Amavasya is the day which marks inner spiritual reflection, providing homage to the ancestors and performing charity. With the year of Mahakumbh, more and more devotees will gather to celebrate the day bathing in the sacred rivers. It is the day to completely cleanse the soul with spirituality and eternal devotion. So, by embracing silence, practicing gratitude and attracting positivity, invite the abundant to your life!

Fact-Check: Video From China Falsely Viral as Haridwar-Karnaprayag Railway Line

This visual is from China's Cili County in the Hunan Province and not Haridwar as claimed.

Dehradun Diary: Landslide blocks highway, several left stranded

Landslide blocks highway, several left stranded A sudden landslide near Khirchana on the Pithoragarh-Dharachula highway caused significant disruptions with debris and boulders blocking the road. This highway is a crucial route for daily commuters, facilitating access to popular tourist destinations such as Adi Kailash, Narayan Ashram, and Munsiyari. Over 150 vehicles and more than 400 passengers found themselves stranded. According to a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) spokesperson, On receiving an information, we promptly dispatched a JCB to clear the road. After three hours of efforts, the traffic was restored. 52 girls to become Drone Didis, get special training Fifty-two girls from the marginalised communities are undergoing specialised training to become skilled drone operators. The training camp, organised by the Youth Welfare and Provincial Defense Force Directorate, provides instruction on drone operation, assembly, disassembly, and repair. Minister Rekha Arya inspected the camp and shared that the participants were selected from various districts, including Chamoli, Uttarkashi, Pithoragarh, and Champawat. The aim is to equip these girls with skills to enhance their career prospects, she stated. Ex-MLA Champion sent to jail, Umesh gets bail Amid rising tensions and territorial dispute in Uttarakhand, former MLA Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion was arrested and remanded to 14 days judicial custody. The arrest follows his heated argument with Khanpur MLA Umesh Kumar, who was also presented in court on Monday. Rinku Verma, the in-charge joint inspector of prosecution in Haridwar, stated that the arrest was necessary due to the sensitive nature of the situation. There was a heavy police deployment outside the court to maintain order and ensure public safety. During the same court proceedings, MLA Umesh Kumar was granted bail following a brief hearing before the Chief Judicial Magistrate. Narendra sethi Our correspondent in Uttarakhand narendrasethi@newindianexpress.com

Uttarakhand: How Haridwar's Municipal Election Results Will Shape The Future Of Ganga Corridor Project

Ex-MLA, legislator arrested after attacking each other's offices in Roorkee, waving pistols

DEHRADUN: The rivalry between former BJP MLA from Laksar Kunwar Pranav Singh 'Champion' and Independent MLA from Khanpur Umesh Kumar took a violent turn on Sunday when both of them allegedly attacked each other's offices along with dozens of their supporters following the announcement of local body election results in Uttarakhand. On Sunday evening, Champion created a ruckus at Kumar's Roorkee office along with his supporters and fired several rounds in the air. As soon as Kumar learned about Champion's ruckus and firing at his office, he reached Champion's office along with his supporters and created commotion in a similar manner. The situation escalated quickly, leading to the police intervening and taking Kunwar Pranav 'Champion' into custody. Later MLA Umesh Kumar was also detained by authorities for allegedly orchestrating a retaliatory attack at 'Champion's' office. Sources reported that multiple rounds were fired at the office of Khanpur MLA. A local official described the situation as a serious escalation in political tensions, emphasising the urgent need for decisive action to restore order. Haridwar's Senior Superintendent of Police, Paraminder Dobal, informed TNIE, In light of the incident, we have recommended to the District Magistrate the cancellation of the firearm licenses for both the former and current MLAs, as well as the revocation of their security detail. VIDEO | On Uttarakhand Police arresting ex-MLA Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion, Independent Khanpur MLA Umesh Kumar says, Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion's candidates lost in local body polls in Landhaura and Dhandera. Following this, he used vulgar words against mother in a social pic.twitter.com/yk1bvTBqXw Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 26, 2025 PTI reported that Champion was picked up by the police from his residence in Dehradun following the incident and taken to Haridwar. In a video that has gone viral, he was seen in a police van going from Nehru Colony police station in Dehradun. Talking to reporters from inside the police van, Champion said the Khanpur MLA had attacked his mansion in Landhaura on Saturday night and abused him. What he did today was in reaction to that, Champion said. When I reacted, I was picked up.It is an injustice. I will fight against it, Champion told reporters. His wife Devyani Singh claimed that a complaint was lodged with the police about Umesh Kumar attacking their residence in Landhaura at 10. 28 pm on Saturday but when no action was taken, it became necessary to react to save our honour. The tension stems from a prolonged rivalry between the two leaders. For months, former MLA Kunwar 'Champion' and current MLA Umesh Kumar have been exchanging heated remarks on social media. To address the escalating tensions, authorities have deployed additional police forces across the district. Traffic along Kanvad Patri Roada critical route leading to the residences of both leadershas been completely blocked to prevent further clashes. We are taking all necessary precautions to maintain law and order, a police spokesperson said. Crowds are being actively prevented from approaching Champions residence. Meanwhile, a large group of Umesh Kumars supporters is reportedly heading to Roorkee from Khanpur, further heightening the already volatile atmosphere. The situation is becoming increasingly challenging to control, a senior police officer admitted, raising concerns over the growing unrest. (With inputs from PTI)

UP CM Yogi Adityanath says Sanatan Dharma is India's 'national religion'

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said Sanatan Dharma as the ational religion, emphasising that the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is for all, irrespective of caste or religion. Sanatan Dharma is the national religion of India. It is the religion of humanity. The process of worship may differ, but the religion is one, and that religion is Sanatan Dharma. The Kumbh represents that Sanatan Dharma, Adityanath told NDTV . MahaKumbh 2025: 10 crore pilgrims expected to take holy dip for Mauni Amavasya on January 29 Yogi Adityanath stated that nearly six crore devotees took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and once the Saraswati. He added, This message of unity was given by Maha Kumbh. There was no discrimination. People who used to criticise Sanatan Dharma, we say come see this. Do not be Dhritarashtra, come see it yourself, the chief minister said. According to reports, over 11 crore devotees have taken a holy dip in the sacred waters of Prayagraj during the first 14 days of the Mahakumbh. On Sunday, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav visited Prayagraj and took part in the Maha Kumbh by taking a holy dip. Afterward, he told reporters, Devotees come here driven by their faith. I took 11 dips. There is no room for divisive or negative politics... The day I took a dip at Haridwar was a celebration, and today, I was fortunate to take a dip here. As per tradition, pilgrims gather at the Sangamthe confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the now-extinct Saraswati riversto take a holy dip, believed to wash away sins and grant moksha (liberation). Deeply rooted in Sanatan Dharma, the event symbolizes a celestial alignment, creating an auspicious time for spiritual cleansing and devotion. The Maha Kumbh Mela is anticipated to welcome over 45 crore visitors, marking a historic event for India. India will be strong if Sanatan Dharma is strong, says UP CM Yogi Adityanath

Akhilesh Yadav Takes Holy Dip at Maha Kumbh

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav took a holy dip in the Sangam at Maha Kumbh on Sunday, urging the BJP to bathe with patience. He criticized the BJP for splashing water on each other after bathing in the Sangam, saying people come to Kumbh for virtue and charity, not for water sports. Yadav, who had earlier taken a dip in the Ganga river in Haridwar on Makar Sankranti, said he had always visited the religious congregation. The latest official figures show that 1.17 crore people took a dip in the Sangam till late Sunday afternoon, bringing the total number of 'snan' (bath) in Maha Kumbh since its start to 11.47 crore.

BJP sweeps urban local body polls in Uttarakhand, wins 10 of 11 mayoral seats

DEHRADUN: The BJP on Sunday swept the urban local body elections in Uttarakhand , winning 10 out of 11 mayoral seats to emerge as the dominant party in the municipal councils and nagar panchayats. While the BJP won 10 mayoral seats, an Independent candidate bagged the remaining seat, State Election Commissioner Sushil Kumar told PTI. However, the counting which began on Saturday is still underway and the results of all the 100 urban local bodies which went to the polls on January 23 are likely to be out by late afternoon, Kumar said. Polling to 11 municipal corporations, 43 municipal councils, and 46 nagar panchayats was held by ballot on Thursday with 65.4 per cent of voters exercising their franchise. A total of 5,405 candidates, including 72 running for 11 mayoral posts, 445 for municipal council chairperson and 4,888 for municipal councillors and members, were in the fray. The mayoral seats won by the BJP included Dehradun (Saurabh Thapliyal), Rishikesh (Shambhu Paswan), Kashipur (Dipak Bali), Haridwar (Kiran Jaisdal), Roorkee (Anita Devi), Kotdwar (Shailendra Rawat), Rudrapur (Vikas Sharma), Almora (Ajay Verma), Pithoragarh (Kalpana Devlal), and Haldwani (Gajraj Bisht). Arti Bhandari , an Independent nominee, won the Srinagar mayoral seat in Pauri district, Kumar said. Congress, which won two mayoral seats in the last urban local body polls held in 2018, drew a blank this time. In municipal councils too, it finished third behind the BJP and independents. In the run-up to the urban local body polls, the BJP had sought votes in the name of a triple-engine government to keep the pace of development uninterrupted in the state. As the results showed a BJP sweep, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated the winning party candidates and asked them to speed up development works in their respective areas. Heartiest congratulations to all the winning candidates of BJP. People have elected capable public representatives. Now it is the job of all the elected representatives to speed up development in their respective areas and strengthen the system. Our aim is to implement the concept of clean and green city on the ground through municipal bodies so that tourists coming to the state from across the country and abroad return with positive and inspiring experiences, Dhami said after unfurling the Tricolour at the state BJP office here to mark the 76th Republic Day. He also thanked the state election commission for holding the polls peacefully. Uttarakhand BJP chief Mahendra Bhatt termed the poll verdict another stamp of approval by the people on the policies and programmes of the BJP governments in the state and at the Centre. The verdict is a trailer of BJP's third consecutive victory in the assembly polls due in 2027, he said.

Uttarakhand local body polls: Voting underway, 22.6 per cent turnout by noon

DEHRADUN: Voting for 100 municipal bodies in Uttarakhand kicked off on Thursday morning, with a voter turnout of 22.6 per cent reported by noon. Despite clear skies, the first two hours saw a modest turnout of only 11 per cent. Polling started at 8 am and will continue until 5 pm. The voting process encountered several challenges. In one area, voters staged a boycott, while four polling stations faced chaos due to discrepancies in the electoral rolls, preventing many individuals from locating their names. Notably, former Chief Minister Harish Rawat was among those unable to cast his vote, as his name was missing from the voter list. Former CM Rawat told TNIE , The BJP is leading the charge in removing names from the electoral rolls, and they have become quite skilled at it. However, these actions will not undermine the integrity of democracy or the will of the voters. According to information received by TNIE from its sources, residents in Kesharwala, Dehradun, staged a boycott of the voting process. At the Government Inter College Kesharwala, only one vote has been cast so far. A team from the administration is on its way to the location, in Kesharwala. Villagers had previously announced their decision to boycott the elections in protest of their demand for better road infrastructure. Tensions have escalated among voters in the Badkot Municipal Council of Uttarkashi. Chaos erupted at the polling booth located in the Industrial Training Institute, where several voters were reportedly being denied the right to vote despite their names appearing on the electoral rolls. BJP candidate Atol Rawat stated, Only those whose Aadhaar card is registered under the Badkot Municipal area have the right to vote. This stance has faced strong opposition from other candidates. Independent MLA Sanjay Dobhal emphasised, Voter names should be on the electoral list, and voters must possess valid identification. They should be citizens of India; they have the right to vote. The Returning Officer added, It is the presiding officer who has the authority to determine who can vote and who cannot. According to sources from the Election Department, the number of municipal corporations in Uttarakhand has increased to 11 over the past six years. This election marks the first time that elections are being held for the municipal corporations of Srinagar, Almora, and Pithoragarh, which were previously designated as municipalities. As of 12:30 pm, voter turnout figures indicate that Almora recorded 24.3 per cent, Bageshwar 25.9 per cent, Chamoli 18.4 per cent, Champawat 24.32 per cent, Dehradun 22.4 per cent, Haridwar 26.6 per cent, Nainital 22.3 per cent, Pauri Garhwal 24.4 per cent, Pithoragarh 22.1 per cent, Rudraprayag 20.9 per cent, Tehri 19.3 per cent, Udham Singh Nagar 28.2 per cent, and Uttarkashi 20.6 per cent. A total of 1,515 polling stations have been established across the state, comprising a total of 3,394 booths. The total number of voters in these municipalities stands at 3.029 million. To facilitate the voting process, 3,394 polling teams were dispatched on Wednesday.

DCA seizes medicine in Telanganas Medchal for misleading claims

Hyderabad: The Telangana Drug Control Administration (DCA) has seized ayurvedic medicines over misleading claims from Medchal on Thursday, January 23. Stocks of Rheuam Liniment manufactured by Maheshwari Pharmaceuticals, Haridwar, Uttarakhand, were detected in Asifabad while Stolist Capsules, manufactured by Bhrigus Pharma, Haryana, were detected at Medchal-Malkajgiri district. Also ReadTelangana: DCA raids de-addiction center for illegal Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

OYO To Add 500 Hotels In Religious Hubs As Tourism Booms In India

The company plans to open hotels in locations including Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Puri and Haridwar.

OYO plans to add 500 hotels in religious hubs this year

NEW DELHI, Jan 22:Travel tech unicorn OYO on Wednesday said it is planning to add 500 hotels in religious hubs, including Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Puri, Haridwar, Mathura, Vrindavan, Amritsar, Ujjain, Ajmer, Nasik, and Tirupati, this year. The announcement comes at a time when religious tourism in the country is booming and the government has launched several initiatives that aim to improve infrastructure at tourist sites and develop tourist attractions, including the PRASHAD scheme, the Ramayana Circuit, and the Swadesh [] The post OYO plans to add 500 hotels in religious hubs this year appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

From vignyan to gyan: Abhey Singh alias IITian Baba's quest for truth brings him to Mahakumbh

He speaks in staccato. Sounds silly and sublime at the same time. And breaks into a delightful impromptu jig. The first week of Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, already visited by over 70 million, saw this unlikely head-turner, Abhey Singh, 34, now a media star identified by the masses as 'IITian Baba'. Abhey Singh's life journey is one as unique as the spelling of his name. From science to spirituality -- from vignyan to gyan -- he is now on a quest to explore the meaning of his existence and purpose of his life. My existence is unrestricted and boundless. I possess complete freedom to undertake any action, unbound by limitations or constraints, he tells media persons, now following him in droves. He is a complete nomad even at the Mahakumbh and it's difficult to spot him at one place. After the limelight remained trained on him at the beginning of the Mela, he suddenly disappeared for a couple of days, but showed up on Friday evening, claiming that seers were spreading rumours about his 'vanishing' act due to his popularity. Born to lawyer father and a homemaker mother in Jhajjar, Haryana, Abhey was exceptional in academics. His entry to IIT-Bombay in 2008 was a testimony to this. He completed his four-year degree in aerospace engineering like a normal whiz kid. In came a campus placement at a Delhi firm. Nothing unusual on the surface. But somewhere within there was growing restlessness. I studied at IIT-Bombay for four years, and also did MDS from there. But there was something amiss. Soon, I developed interest in arts and photography, he says. He also did a course in fine arts. But equilibrium was nowhere to be seen. Still, despite a tumultuous state of mind, he carried on for some more years. A high-paying job took him to Canada in 2016. But at the same time disenchantment with the material world was on full throttle. In one of the Instagram posts from 2016, he writes in a philosophical post: There were so many things I did not want to be, but they were deep within me. So I cut parts of me out. With time, more parts I chopped. The less remained. And now I wonder who it is that is 'left'. The Covid pandemic revealed to him the unpredictability of life. He left Canada for good. The family, expectedly, was not amused. But, for Abhey, the familial thread had weakened. Parents' appeal for pursuing a normal life remained unheeded. And he often started remaining outdoors. His passion for photography and travelling added to his spiritual pursuit. Soon he realised his real calling lay in the hills. For the next couple of years, he was off to Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh -- Rishikesh, Haridwar, Shimla, Mussoorie, Dharamshala. Spending harsh winters at these places triggered his own metamorphosis. Then I spent a couple of days with an Aghori baba performing week-long sadhna (meditations)... life changed after that, he says. Crisp suit and tie gave way to saffron rob and Rudraksh. A few months ago, he met Baba Someshwar Puri of Juna Akhara in Varanasi, who brought him to Mahakumbh. Now soaked in ascetic ecstasy and basking in the fame that he is getting here, he says: I have finally understood the truth. Gyan ke peeche chalte jao, chalte jao, aur kahan jaoge, yahin aoge (Keep following the path of knowledge and wisdom. Where else will you go? You will return to your roots). I don't want to get stuck, I don't want to stop. When a man doesn't get stuck anywhere, then he becomes free, he says, declaring I have no friend, nor I am in touch with my family. He last spoke to his parents six months ago. They, of course, want him back, but deep within they know it's a difficult demand.

129-Year-Old Swami Sivananda Attends Kumbh Mela for a Century

Swami Sivananda, born in 1896, has witnessed every Kumbh Mela over the past century, marking an extraordinary milestone in his life. The revered spiritual leader, who has dedicated his life to yoga and spiritual service, is considered a living legend in the world of Indian spirituality. His participation in the Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years in India, has become a symbol of his unwavering devotion and spiritual journey. 1896 born Swami Sivananda has attended every Kumbh Mela in 100 years #KumbhMela2025 #MahaKumbhMela2025 pic.twitter.com/OXHI6OWx1H Deccan Chronicle (@DeccanChronicle) January 16, 2025 Swami Sivanandas first Kumbh Mela was in 1901, when he was just five years old. Since then, he has attended every subsequent gathering, including those held in Allahabad, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. His continuous presence at this sacred event, which is considered one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, has made him an iconic figure. The Kumbh Mela is a festival that holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus. Pilgrims from across the world gather to take a ritual dip in the holy rivers, believing it purifies the soul and washes away sins. For Swami Sivananda, the Kumbh Mela has not only been a spiritual pilgrimage but also an opportunity to teach, guide, and inspire countless devotees. In his later years, despite the challenges of age and health, Swami Sivananda has continued to attend the Mela, often seen leading spiritual discourses and conducting yoga sessions for his followers. His teachings focus on the importance of self-realization, meditation, and the pursuit of inner peace. Swami Sivanandas dedication to attending the Kumbh Mela for over a century highlights his commitment to the principles of yoga, spirituality, and community. His remarkable journey is a testament to his resilience, devotion, and the deep spiritual connection he shares with the sacred festival. Today, at the age of 129, Swami Sivananda continues to inspire generations of seekers with his teachings and unwavering faith.

Dehradun Diary| Gend mela lights up Makar Sankranti

Gend mela lights up Makar Sankranti! The Gend Mela, a well-known ball festival of the state, was celebrated in Pauri Garhwal on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. While this festival takes place in various locations, the events at Thalnadi and Dadamandi are the most famous. The celebration of Makar Sankranti in the hilly regions was highlighted by vibrant Gend Melas, featuring thrilling matches. In one such competition, Kanvghati emerged victorious against Mavakot. These melas attracted many spectators. Akhilesh says backing stronger AAP in Delhi SP leader Akhilesh Yadav has expressed his doubts about Congresss strength in Delhi, stating that AAP is better positioned to challenge the BJP. Congress is weak in Delhi but AAP is strong enough to take on the BJP. That is why we are supporting them, he asserted. Yadav was in Haridwar on Wednesday to immerse his uncle Rajpal Yadavs ashes. Speaking to the media he raised questions regarding Congresss leadership within the INDIA alliance. When the INDIA alliance was being formed, Nitish Kumar had held discussions with all anti-BJP parties and it was decided to strengthen regional parties where they are already strong, he noted. AIIMS Rishikesh uses drone to deliver meds In a significant development, AIIMS Rishikesh on Wednesday used a drone to deliver medications for Hepatitis C patients at the Roshanabad District Jail. The drone covered the distance in approximately 23 minutes. Last month, of several jail inmates, ten had tested positive for Hepatitis C, prompting AIIMS specialists to recommend treatment. The medications were sourced specifically for these patients. On Wednesday at around 11:30 am, the drone departed with the medications, overseen by AIIMS Director Meenu Singh and Dr. Ajit Bhadoria. Narendra sethi Our correspondent in Uttarakhand narendrasethi@newindianexpress.com

INDIA bloc intact, SP supporting AAP over Congress in Delhi, asserts Akhilesh Yadav

During a visit to Haridwar, Yadav urged the Uttar Pradesh government to address visible shortcomings in the organisation of the Maha Kumbh, particularly in light of modern expectations and live broadcasts

AAP stronger than Congress in Delhi to fight BJP: Akhilesh Yadav

Haridwar: Asserting that the INDIA bloc is intact, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday, January 15, said he is supporting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over the Congress in Delhi because it is stronger and the common aim is to defeat the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Strengthening the hands of regional parties wherever they Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .

Naga Sadhus mesmerise devotees at Mahakumbh 2025

LUCKNOW: The early morning processions of saints and seers, smeared in ashes, made their way to the ghats for the Amrit Snan of Makar Sankranti, reflecting the different hues of the world of Sanatan. Among them, the procession of the Naga Sadhus left onlookers spellbound and intrigued. From the captivating display of spiritual fervour to martial artistry, discipline, and mastery over traditional weaponry, the Naga Sadhus mesmerised those gathered at the banks of Triveni. Leading most of the Akharas during the Amrit Snan, they epitomised the vibrancy of age-old traditions whether it was the skilful wielding of spears and swords or playing the Damru. Their stunts with sticks, martial feats, and dancing to their own beats, made the Naga Sadhus a spiritual delight to watch. The grand Shobha Yatras taken out by the Akharas for the Amrit Snan were a sight to behold. Some Naga Sadhus rode majestically on horses, while others walked on foot in their distinctive attire and ornaments. With flowers in their matted hair, garlands around their necks, and Trishuls (tridents) held high, they added to the spiritual grandeur of Mahakumbh 2025. Known for their self-discipline and unwavering spirit, the sadhus moved in perfect order, following the directives of their Akhara leaders. Naga sadhus of Shri Panchayati Niranjani Akhada arrive to take the first 'Amrit Snan' at the Mahakumbh on Makar Sankranti festival, at Sangam. Amidst the rhythmic beats of drums, the energy and enthusiasm of the Naga Sadhus created a vibrant celebration. During the Shobha Yatra, both the media and devotees eagerly raised their cameras to capture the mesmerizing presence of the Naga Sadhus. The sadhus, in turn, engaged with the crowd, inviting them to share in their joy. Some even wore black sunglasses, adding to their mystique. Dancing to the beats of drums and showcasing the verve of the rituals, the Naga Sadhus filled the atmosphere with vibrant energy. Their enthusiasm was contagious, as devotees watched in awe, captivated by every movement and expression. Even during the holy bath, the Naga Sadhus' unique style stood out. With zeal in abundance, they entered the icy waters of the Triveni Sangam. Their playful interactions were a sight to behold, as they splashed water on each other in mystical ecstasy. Some even engaged with the media, sprinkling water on the cameramen, adding a touch of light-heartedness to the spiritual proceedings. Mahakumbh expected to boost economy by Rs 2-4 lakh crore Female Naga ascetics were also present in significant numbers. Like their male counterparts, they devote themselves to intense meditation and yoga. The primary distinction lies in their attire female ascetics wear saffron, typically unstitched garments. Their journey to becoming Naga ascetics involves renouncing worldly pursuits, including familial ties, by performing 'Pind Daan' for their parents and themselves. Once initiated into sainthood, their mission is to uphold and protect Sanatan Dharma. This Mahakumbh sparked widespread curiosity about these remarkable women and their steadfast dedication to their spiritual cause. Relegated to the higher Himalayan ranges and immersed in their yogic and spiritual practices, the Nagas descend on the banks of the Sangam only during the Kumbh and Mahakumbh. They attend all the Kumbhs across four centres: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nasik. Every action of the Naga Sadhus is a celebration of the spiritual and natural harmony of humanity, reflecting the purity and joy embodied at the congregation. 'Kamala' performs rituals in Niranjani Akhara at Sangam Bhogali Bihu lights up Mahakumbh with Northeastern traditions For the first time, the Mahakumbh embraced the vibrant traditions of the Northeastern states with the celebration of Bhogali Bihu taking centre stage. On Makar Sankranti, a special event was held at the Prag Jyotishpur camp of Northeastern saints, where women devotees from various states performed the traditional Bihu dance, infusing the mela with the rich culture of Assam. The celebration began with the distribution of rice dishes, followed by Naam Kirtan at the Namghar. Women devotees lit up the fairgrounds with their Bihu dance, showcasing the Northeast's rich heritage. Traditional structures such as the Bhelaghar, made of paddy straw, and the Meji, crafted from bamboo, were ceremonially burned on Tuesday morning, marking the essence of Bhogali Bihu. YouTuber faces Babas wrath at Mahakumbh At the Mahakumbh, YouTubers are a common sight, visiting Babas and ashrams, interviewing devotees, and capturing the mela in all its colours. However, one YouTuber had a tough time when Baba Mahakal Giri chased him with a chimta (tongs). The YouTuber faced Babas wrath for asking questions while he was immersed in his sadhna. The Baba, with one hand raised as a vow, jumped to his feet and began beating the YouTuber with a chimta, leading the victim to run for safety from Babas anger.

Akhilesh Yadav Takes Holy Dip In Ganga On Makar Sankranti

Samajwadi party chief Akhilesh Yadav took a dip in the Ganga river in Haridwar on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday.

'Ancient temples converted into mosques be vacated'

The president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri, has demanded the evacuation of mosques built on ancient temples across India. Puri, who is also the president of the Mansa Devi Temple Trust in Haridwar, claims that around 80% of mosques in India are built on temples and that their domes resemble those of temples. He has appealed to Muslims to hand over such structures to Hindus and has called for the formation of a Sanatan Board to protect Hindu religious institutions. Puri also denied banning Muslims from attending the Maha Kumbh Mela, saying that they are welcome to visit and learn about Hinduism.

Adorned in snow, Uttarakhand mountains beckon

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand saw a delightful change in weather on Sunday, as heavy snowfall and rain swept across various regions, causing a significant drop in mercury levels. Areas such as Nainital, Auli, Chakrata, Mussoorie, and their surroundings were blanketed in a thick layer of snow. The mountains draped in a white sheet of snow look nothing short of paradise, remarked a local resident, capturing the beauty of the winter landscape. In addition to the snowfall in the hilly areas, the plains experienced rain, accompanied by dense fog. Notably, Nainital welcomed its first snowfall of the year, much to the joy of both residents and tourists. Its a magical sight to see the first snow of the season, said a visitor, enthralled by the charm of the winter wonderland that Uttarakhand has become. Dehradun has been under a thick blanket of clouds for the past two days as mercury levels continue to fall, leading to a significant increase in cold conditions. The biting cold has made life quite challenging for residents of the hilly terrain. The severe cold is really taking a toll on us, remarked a local shopkeeper, highlighting the harshness of the weather. Morning fog and mist have further complicated matters, making it difficult for commuters. Despite the mercury dropping three degrees Celsius below normal, the weather in Dehradun has turned out to be colder than several other hill stations, including Mussoorie and Nainital. Its surprising how much colder it is here compared to the hills, said Jasmeet Anand, an IT professional who is based in Dehradun, reflecting on the unusual weather patterns this season. The local administration set up bonfires in various areas in the city during the day, while government offices recorded low attendance, remaining unusually quiet. Dr Bikram Singh, Director of the Meteorological Department, informed this newspaper, There is a possibility of clear weather in the hilly districts starting Monday. On Sunday, the weather suddenly changed, resulting in heavy snowfall in the higher regions, he added. According to the meteriological department, Haldwani recorded the highest rainfall in the state at 17 mm. Other areas received the following amounts: Someshwar 15 mm, Haridwar 14 mm, Roorkee 12 mm, Laksar 10 mm, Mukteshwar 10 mm, Dehradun 10 mm, Nainital 9 mm, Srinagar 8 mm, and Tharali 5 mm.

Kumbh Mela 2025: Best Wishes, Quotes And Messages To Share During Maha Kumbh

Kumbh Mela 2025: Considered the most auspicious in the world, Maha Kumbh Mela takes place every 12 years at holy pilgrimage sites, including Prayagraj (Allahabad), Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik.

Juna Akhara Saint Found Hanging In Haridwar Flat, Probe On: Police

A saint belonging to the Juna Akhara, residing in Shanti Bhavan located in the Kankhal police station area of Haridwar, was found dead, said the police on Sunday.

Maha Kumbh to feature lectures on simultaneous polls

A Haridwar-based community welfare organisation, Divya Prem Seva Mission, will host a series of seven lectures on diverse themes, including one on the contentious subject of simultaneous polls, at its camp at the Maha Kumbh site in Prayagraj. The lecture series, starting on January 12, will also cover topics like Swami Vivekananda's philosophy, India's glorious past, global terrorism, gender equality, and the challenges of privacy and safety on social media. The organization has been involved in philanthropic activities for 29 years and is raising awareness about the discrimination faced by people with leprosy.

Haridwar-based organisation to host lecture on simultaneous polls at Maha Kumbh

The first in the series is slated to be held on January 12, a day ahead of the beginning of the mega festival that will run till February 26 in the holy city of Prayagraj.

Haridwar-Based Organisation To Host Lecture On One Nation, One Election At Maha Kumbh

New Delhi, Jan 12: A Haridwar-based community welfare organisation has lined up a series of seven lectures on diverse themes, including one on the contentious subject of simultaneous polls, at its camp at the Maha Kumbh site in Uttar Pradeshs Prayagraj on January 18. The first in the series is slated to be held on January 18, a day ahead of the beginning of the mega festival that will run till February 26 in the holy city of Prayagraj. A [] The post Haridwar-Based Organisation To Host Lecture On One Nation, One Election At Maha Kumbh appeared first on Daily Excelsior .

Temple Connect for better Maha Kumbh experience

Giresh Kulkarni , founder of an organisation called Temple Connect, tells Namita Bajpai in an exclusive interview about his involvement in a consultative role in the ongoing endeavour of the Uttar Pradesh government to create and manage tent cities and other sectors in Maha Kumbh 2025, making it a special experience for the pilgrims. Excerpts: How is Temple Connect striving to enhance the mela experience for the devotees thronging Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj? Driven by merging tradition with innovation, my initiative aims to revolutionise temple operations by engaging communities. We are in an advisory role to standardise different aspects of the organisation and management of such events. Are you working in collaboration with UP government agencies? It is a suo motu initiative to complement the journey and add value wherever we can. Our deliberations focus on creating a plastic-free ecosystem, ensuring greater sustainability, making it convenient for senior citizens, expecting mothers and kids with better vigilance, and smoother unification of those who get lost in the mela. How are you making the tents special to enhance the experience of the visitors? Awareness is the key. Secondly, people should not be misguided. It starts with booking a tent. There are so many false websites trying to dupe consumers. The UP government and its agencies have identified 54 fraudulent websites. My advice for Kumbh visitors regarding your publication is to book only through standard websites like IRCTC and Make My Trip (MMT). What amenities are provided in the tent cities at Maha Kumbh? Premium facilities are provided. The price of tents ranges from Rs 12,000 to Rs 50,000 per room per night. Each tent is a double-bedroom set. There is a sit-out area and a washroom equipped with all facilities; there are spaces for storage. Is it your first such endeavour in UP? No, I had been there in the 2019 Kumbh. We had the opportunity to closely work and understand different aspects of organising such events besides getting ready for the present Maha Kumbh. However, last time, it was a limited exposure because of Covid-19. But we learnt a lot from Haridwar Ardh-Kumbh. Have you been a part of any other big religious event? We had worked during the launch of Ayodhya Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024, on the design, look and feel and the arrangements at the launch.

Uttarakhand CM says UCC to be implemented this month; vows action on 'land jihad', 'spit jihad'

BAREILLY: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday highlighted the various initiatives undertaken in the state, reaffirming the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in the Devbhoomi this month. Uttarakhand is the first state in the country to have UCC Act, which seeks to establish a uniform and an equal set of rules on marriage, divorce, succession and inheritance for all citizens in the state, except the Scheduled Tribes (STs), irrespective of religion. It makes registration of all marriages and live-in relationships mandatory. We have formulated the Uniform Civil Code law in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. This is the state's first honour and will be implemented within this month, Dhami said during the inauguration of the 29th Uttarayani Mela in Bareilly. He compared the UCC to India's sacred rivers such as Sharda, Ganga, Saraswati and Kaveri, stating that just as they sustain life across the country, the UCC will work similarly. Regarding the state's tourism and infrastructure initiatives, Dhami said, In Haridwar and Rishikesh, we are planning to develop the Ganga Corridor. Work on a corridor along the Sharda River has also begun. He added that Uttarakhand continues to see an increasing influx of devotees and tourists which would be bolstered by the reconstruction efforts in Kedarnath and the master plan underway at Badrinath Dham. Dhami also announced beautification and restoration efforts for temples in the Kumaon region and development at Purnagiri. It gives me immense joy that more devotees from Uttar Pradesh visit Purnagiri. We are creating the Sharda Corridor, which will enhance the ghats and beautify the area, he said. Uttarakhand police uncover 190 illegal Madrasas, crackdown sparks political controversy The chief minister expressed hope for Uttarakhand becoming a hub for destination weddings and tourism, emphasising the state's growing reputation. Handicraft products from Uttarakhand are gaining recognition among multinational companies and women in the state are doing excellent work. Over one lakh women in Uttarakhand are now earning a substantial income. We will provide them with interest-free loans, he said. On governance and security, Dhami shared progress on several legal reforms, including the anti-conversion law, the introduction of anti-riot legislation and measures to counter exam malpractice. We have taken strong steps by enacting an anti-riot law. Any damages caused during riots will be recovered from the perpetrators. Similarly, with our anti-cheating law, over 100 individuals involved in exam malpractice have been jailed. This ensures fair opportunities for deserving candidates, he added. Dhami mentioned initiatives to combat land jihad, stating that 5,000 acres of encroached land have been freed. He also discussed tackling issues like spit jihad with new laws to maintain public order. Looking ahead, the chief minister announced that the 28th National Games would commence on January 28 in Uttarakhand, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to inaugurate the event. Earlier, Dhami inaugurated the 29th Uttarayani Mela where he was accompanied by Bareilly MP Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar, Mayor Dr Umesh Gautam and Cantonment MLA Sanjeev Aggarwal. The three-day fair, held at Bareilly Club Ground, showcases Uttarakhand's culture, music and dance, delighting attendees with performances by local artists and food stalls featuring traditional delicacies. The UCC has been on the BJP's agenda nationally for many years. But the party's government in Uttarakhand became the first to take a concrete step towards implementing it just before the Lok Sabha elections last year. An expert committee formed by Dhami and headed by retired Supreme Court judge Ranjana Prakash Desai submitted a comprehensive draft in four volumes to the state government in February 2024. Acting on the draft, the state government presented the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code Bill in the Assembly a few days later and it was passed on February 7. The UCC Act received President Droupadi Murmu's approval on March 11, making the hill state the first in independent India to have a UCC Act. A nine-member state government-appointed panel, chaired by former chief secretary Singh to lay down the rules for the UCC's implementation panel, submitted its final report. Dhami has previously said in no unclear terms that the UCC will be implemented in January.

Add these 15 enchanting experiences to your bucket list in 2025, that are worth a lifetime!

Let the feeling of the New Year sink in, it is time to get on to some new experiences. Those that you shall add to your already pending bucket list, those that you will just feel like hopping on to right now. Here are some, right in India. You know the destinations, but the glory of the place is worth to be experienced at a certain point of time. Thus, we have got it prepared for you. The long weekends in 2025 shall be utilized well. Come, check it- Kumbh Mela The first event that you got to experience at the beginning of the year is to visit the Mahakumbh. After a gap of 12 years, in 2025 the Mahakumbh is going to take place at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This religious event is the largest human gathering on the planet. Take a dip on the day of the Shahi snan in the Ganges, visit the camps of various spiritual leaders and be a part of the once in 12- year experience at the Mahakumbh 2025. It will begin on Jan 13 th 2025 and will continue till Feb 26, 2025. Do not miss the event of the year! Rann Mahotsav The ongoing Rann Mahotsav will continue till March 15, 2025. Celebrate the natural bliss of the White desert with the vivid cultural heritage of Gujarat. You can enjoy a comfortable stay at the Tent city and enjoy various activities and adventures, the music and folk dance performances of the local artists, the traditional crafts of artisans, and relaxation with meditation at spa. During the Rann Mahotsav, the beauty of Kutch is a splendid experience. You should go for it now, before the festival ends! Attractive packages are available for an amazing visit. Experience Holi as a local India is on a festival spree every year. Apart from all the festivals, the Holi fervor is always on a high. Why not celebrate the best of Holi at the most known places of the country? Be one with the local community and enjoy the festival of colors like never before. You can head out for- the Bra ki Holi in Mathura, around the Banke Bihari and Gopinath temple in Vrindavan, the Barsane ki Holi near Mathura, the ultimate experience of Holi in the Pink city of Jaipur, the best eve of Holi, i.e. Holika dahan in Udaipur, on the shores of Lake Pichola in Pushkar, in the idyllic spot Varanasi and near the Golden temple of Goddess Durga in Amritsar. Plus, it is a long weekend at the time of Holi this year. So you just cannot miss at any cost. The Taj Mahal at sunrise or on full moon Its a spectacular experience to visit the Taj Mahal. But have you ever imagined the beauty of the monument at sunrise and on a full moon night? It would be one of a kind. For a breathtaking sight where the rays of the sun fall on the white marble structure, when there is no flock of visitors seen, get out early and gaze at the Taj Mahal. And if you want to see it in the moonlight, then also you have got a chance. For, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) keeps the Taj Mahal open for visitors five days a month after sunset. Go for it to witness the magical hues right in front of your eyes. Spot the Bengal tiger The big roaring cat is a sight to behold. And the Indian subcontinent has a significant number to its tiger population. Add the unique thrilling safari experience to your bucket list now. Well, the best place to spot the Bengal tiger would be the Sunderbans in West Bengal. Get on the boat safari to look out for the Bengal tiger that lives in the semi-aquatic lifestyle in the Sundarbans, the Worlds largest Mangroves. Yet you can look out for other wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and tiger reserves in India. These include the Bandhavgarh National Park, Kanha National Park, Ranthambore, Tadoba, Pench and the Jim Corbett. At the Golden temple One of the most serene places you will ever be at, the Golden temple. Visit the Golden temple to attend the Palki ceremony and be a part of the Langar for lunch. The Palki ceremony is commenced at pre-dawn when the Sikh holy book is carried in a palanquin from the Alakh takht inner chamber (where it rests at night) to the main sanctum of the temple. The devotees sing bugles and devotional songs. The practice is reversed at night. It will be the best sacred visit of your life. Every day, a langar is organized for the worshippers and pilgrims at the Golden temple. Go out to help in the kitchen preparing the meals, and in the end seat in the lines to experience the most beautiful meal for the day. Serving at the Golden temple is the ultimate human experience one can ever have. Ganga Aarti at Haridwar On the banks of the river Ganges, the evening prayer is the most blissful religious ritual to be a part of. Thousands of pilgrims assemble to witness the Ganga Aarti at the Har-ki Pauri Ghat. It is organized every morning and evening by the Ganga Sabha. Offering of Panchamrut and flowers is made to Ganga while chanting the Ganga Lahari Mantra. Lastly, a special song for Ganga can be heard in the speakers when Aarti is offered by lighting the copper diya. It can be the most overwhelming experience of your lifetime. Night Kayaking in Andaman The Bioluminescence effect of the Andaman Islands is surreal. And it is only experienced at night by Kayaking in the calm waters with dense mangroves around. The best time to go for Kayaking is during no-moon or full moon phase. It also takes place on other days, only the bioluminescence effect is reduced by 20-30% in comparison to the dark days. The luminescent plankton glows blue in the depths of the waters of Andaman sea. You can even stargaze on the Kayak, at the best adventure of your life. The best places to opt for Night Kayaking include Port Blair, Havelock, Baratang, Neil Island and the Ross Island. Get onto the Kayak to immerse yourself in the spell-bounding luminescent night! Stay in the traditional homestays Homestays are quite in trend these days, with visitors looking for that home feeling while travelling. There are many traditional homestays in various parts of India offering the most comfortable, cozy, homely experience. They serve you with the best local cuisine with a unique cultural experience. You can also look for some homestays that are reviving the rich heritage of India. The best traditional homestays of India date back to five decades and more. Ones you can experience include- Slow Garden (Ladakh), Krishnayan Heritage (Gwalior), Shahpura Bagh (Shahpura), Ranjit Svasa (Amritsar), Philipkuttys farm, Kumarakom (Kerala), Premkunj (Udaipur), Jungle Lodge (Shimla) and many more homestays that are being opened by people in their old homes for visitors. An Ayurvedic retreat The land of Rishi Patanjali, yoga and Ayurveda, India has a variety of hosts offering you the ultimate Ayurvedic wellness. There is a long list of Ayurvedic rejuvenation centers and resorts in the country. Why not try something new and go for an Ayurvedic holiday for a therapeutic experience. The experts and doctors treat you with therapies even for some acute medical conditions, with meditation and yoga and the best from Ayurveda. So, basically it will be a peaceful, healthy and healing trip. The best in India are- Ananda in Himalayas (Uttarakhand), Ashok Country Resort (New Delhi), The Leela (Udaipur), Devaaya, The Ayurvedic and Nature Cure Center (Goa), Somatheeram Ayurveda resort and Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village, both in Kerala. Explore famous food streets Well, who doesnt love the Indian street food. Say the name of the dish and everyone is up for it. You might always go down the street in your city, but have you ever experienced the delight of eating at some of the famous Indian streets? Its so deliciously amazingyou should try visiting these food streets for a real good culinary experience of your lifetime. Know the delicacies, culture and cuisine of India through its street food. Sarafa bazaar (Indore), Chowk and Aminabad (Lucknow), Old city and Majithia road (Amritsar), Paranthevali gali (Delhi), Gol Park (Kolkata), VV Puram, Mosque road, Avenue road and Church street (Bengaluru), Muhammad Ali road (Mumbai), Manek chowk (Ahmedabad) and Chartori gali (Bhopal) are some of the famous food streets of India that are a heaven for a food lover. Encounter the elusive Snow leopard In the high altitude mountains of the Himalayas, you can track down the striking beauty of the Snow leopard. It can camouflage easily in the snow, with patterned spots and thick fur, often called as mountain ghosts by the locals. An estimated 718 snow leopards are left in the Himalayan region. Watching the big cat is the most thrilling experience to have. Coming month of February is the best month to spot them, when they come out to lower regions in search of prey. Visit the Himalayan states of Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Sikkim to catch the sight of the elusive cat species. Explore the stars, sky and space Get a step ahead of star gazing, know more about the stars, the sky and the space. You will know space exploration, astronomy and associated technologies, and you will be surprised to know Indias advancement. Visit the biggest planetariums in the country, even the best in Asia for an educational and entertainment treat. Delve into one of a kind experience that you will have at- The Birla Planetarium in Kolkata (also known as Taramandal which is the largest in Asia and 2 nd largest in the world), Hyderabad and Chennai are the top most. Others include the Nehru Planetarium (Mumbai), Guwahati Planetarium (Assam) and the Ahmedabad Planetarium (Gujarat). Celebrate Cinema at the iconic Raj Mandir All things glamour and iconic at the Raj Mandir cinema of Jaipur. The Raj Mandir Cinema has become symbolic with time. It is often called as Cinema ka Mandir. The meringue shaped auditorium is in business since 1976. Movie premieres are a different feel at Raj Mandir, which is well equipped with the latest sound and technology. Designed in the art moderne style, it has art deco chandeliers and velvet drapes adding to the charm of the interiors here. Not to forget the jasmine scented air conditioning of the cinema theatre. Thus, experience the best of cinema at the Raj Mandir! Ride Kettuvallam in Kerala To those who dont know the Kettuvallam is a traditional houseboat in Kerala. It is made up of bamboo, coir and wood, that reflects Keralas authentic craftsmanship. Basically, it is now a cruise that sails in the backwaters of Kerala. With lagoons, lakes and canals forming the network of water channels in Kerala, the Kettuvallam is worth the ride. You can also watch out the sunset and enjoy a delicious supper that is rich in Kerala cuisine. Do not miss your leisurely Kettuvallam cruise in Kerala. Thus, with this you can experience the best of India in 2025, that you will remember for a lifetime. And when you are done, you can tick this off your bucket list. Happy travelling and Happy experiences!

Cold Wave and Dense Fog Disrupt Travel Across North India

NEW DELHI: A cold wave combined with dense fog has gripped several regions of North India, severely impacting visibility. Delhi, in particular, woke up to a chilly morning, with thick fog limiting visibility in many areas. The cold wave continues to affect the national capital, and visuals from Rajasthan, Punjab, and parts of Assam show similar conditions with extremely low visibility along major routes. Travel Disruptions Due to Dense Fog The fog has caused significant disruptions in train and flight operations. On Friday, many trains faced delays at New Delhi railway stations, with some trains running several hours late due to the poor visibility. Among the delayed services were the Ayodhya Express, which was running four hours late, and the Gorakh Express, which was delayed by three hours. Other affected trains included: Gorakh Dham Express, Farakka Express, Bihar Sampark Kranti Express, Mahabodhi Express, Kalindi Express, Brahmaputra Express, Shram Shakti Express, Baba Baidyanath Dham Express, Nandan Kanan Express, Rewa Antyodaya Express, RJPB Tejas Rajdhani Express, Ayodhya Express, Dauladhar Express, Malwa Express, Jabalpur Nizamuddin Superfast Express, Akal Takht Express, UP Sampark Kranti Express, Mewar Express, Chhattisgarh Sampark Kranti Express, LTT Haridwar Express, RKMP Nizamuddin Superfast Express, Telangana Express, Sampark Kranti Express. Flight Disruptions and Advisory Issued In addition to trains, flights were also impacted by the fog. Airlines such as SpiceJet and Indigo faced disruptions, with delays and cancellations reported. The Delhi International Airport Limited issued an advisory early in the morning, urging passengers to check with their respective airlines, particularly for flights not compliant with CAT III regulations. Orange Alert for Delhi-NCR The IMD issued an ORANGE alert for DelhiNCR, warning residents of extremely low visibility. The cold wave and dense fog are continuing to cause problems in the region. At 5:30 am, Delhi recorded a minimum temperature of 9.6 degrees Celsius. According to the IMD's 7-day forecast, Delhi will experience very dense fog throughout the day, with similar conditions expected in the coming days. However, there may be light rain on January 6, which could help alleviate some of the fog. As the cold wave persists, Delhi residents have been seen huddling around bonfires and seeking shelter in night homes to stay warm.

Eight killed in two separate road accidents in Uttarakhand on New Years Day

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand witnessed a grim beginning to the New Year as two separate road accidents claimed the lives of eight individuals on January 1. According to police sources, four people were killed in a devastating car crash in Bageshwar district. An Alto car veered off course and plunged into the Pinder River near Teekh, under the jurisdiction of the Kapkot police. Of the four people in the vehicle, three bodies were recovered on Wednesday, while the body of the missing woman was found after an intense search operation on Thursday. The victims have been identified as Neelam Rawat, 30, from Timilabgad; Sundar Aithani, 32, son of the late Govind Singh, resident of Bamshera Aithan; Munna Shahi, 34, from Ranthal; and Poonam Pandey, 30, wife of Ramesh Pandey. Arpan Yadhuvanshi, Commandant of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), informed this newspaper, The SDRF and police teams worked tirelessly throughout the night to recover three bodies on Wednesday night, while one was found on Thursday afternoon. Police Circle Officer Ankit Kandari added, The bodies have been sent for post-mortem at the district hospital and will be handed over to the families afterward. An investigation into the incident is currently underway. In another accident near Bahadarabad in Haridwar, a group of five young men from Haryana died when their car crashed into a truck. According to police sources, the five youths were from the Lisadi village in the Rewari district of Haryana were travelling to Haryana when the accident happened. Naresh Rathore, the station house officer, stated, The five youths were from the same village in Rewari. The families of the deceased have been notified. The accident occurred late Wednesday night. Rathore explained, During their journey, their car lost control and collided with a truck parked on the roadside. The impact was so severe that the car was completely mangled. Three of the passengersKair Singh, 35; Aditya, 38; and Manish, 36died at the scene. Two other individuals were rushed to a district hospital, where doctors pronounced Prakash, 40, dead upon arrival.

Stage set for urban local body polls in Uttarakhand

DEHRADUN: Competition has intensified for the January 23 elections to the five municipal corporations in Uttarakhand. Despite a setback in the last Lok Sabha elections, the Congress saw its vote share increase, suggesting that this years municipal electionsespecially in the capital and the five corporationscould take an intriguing turn. All eyes are now on the electoral dynamics of the states five major municipal corporations: Dehradun, Haldwani, Kashipur, Haridwar, and Srinagar. Currently, the BJP occupies the mayoral seats in Dehradun, Haldwani, and Kashipur, while the Congress holds Haridwar and Srinagar. Speaking to TNIE, Chief Election Officer Dr BVRC Purushottam said, Nominations for the Uttarakhand municipal elections have been completed, and the scrutiny process is currently underway. Voting will take place on January 23, with results expected to be announced on January 25. Political analyst Avikal Thapliyal stated, There is a significant fundamental difference between the two political parties. The BJP has a robust organizational structure from the state level down to the booth level whereas Congress candidates have to rely on their own efforts. The disparity could play a crucial role, he added. For the Dehradun mayoral election, the BJP has selected Saurabh Thapliyal, who hails from the partys youth wing. Congress has strategically chosen veteran Virendra Pokhriyal. Both candidates have strong political backgrounds and have emerged from student politics. Pokhriyal is the former president of the states largest DAV College. Thapliyal enjoys considerable popularity among the youth. With 7,65,000 voters across 100 wards in the Dehradun Municipal Corporation, the upcoming elections promise to be highly competitive. This election is crucial as it encompasses nearly five legislative constituencies, remarked a local political expert. In the Haridwar Municipal Corporation, which has 193,000 voters and a mixed population of Brahmins and Banias, the BJP has nominated Kiran Jaisal as its candidate. Jaisal has served as a councillor twice, while her husband, Subhash Chandra, has held the position thrice. Kiran Jaisal is considered a strong contender. The Congress is going with Amresh Baliyan to contest against Kiran Jaisal. The selection process has been complicated by the introduction of womens OBC reservations, prompting both parties to consider their candidates. Meanwhile, dissent plagues the Congress, surfacing afresh after the ticket distribution. Party strategists are trying to avoid the situation from getting out of hand by appeasing the disgruntled members. Mathura Dutt Joshi, vice-president of Uttarakhand Congress, has expressed dissatisfaction with the ticket allocation process and is keeping himself away from the media. A reliable source within the party revealed, He may even bid farewell to the Congress. State President Karan Mahara actively engages with upset party officials and workers to reconcile differences. The BJP, too, is tackling dissent, tasking its MPs and MLAs with addressing the concerns of dissatisfied members and rebels. In some regions, state officials have also been deployed to manage discontent. At a glance Elections to 5 municipal corporations in Uttarakhand on January 23 BJP occupies the mayoral seats in Dehradun, Haldwani, and Kashipur Congress holds Haridwar and Srinagar Key contest for Dehradun corporation BJP, Congress choose candidates emerging from student politics Both parties face dissent,rebels