53 Keralites Stranded in Nepal Following Devastating Floods: NORKA Roots
NORKA Roots is the Keralam government agency that coordinates overseas affairs and welfare services for non-resident Keralites
P.H. Kurian, one of the most respected civil servants of Keralam, is no more
Wedding Bus Overturns in Keralas Koothattukulam, Over 35 Injured
Over 35 persons, including the driver and passengers of the bus, the two wheeler rider escaped with minor injuries
High Spirits: Onam Liquor Sales in Kerala Cross Rs 700 Cr in 8 Days
During the corresponding period of the previous year's Onam season, liquor worth Rs 694.96 crore was sold, officials said
Kerala Onam liquor sales top Rs 700 cr
Two brothers electrocuted at poultry farm near Perinthalmanna in Keralam
The police suspect that the power lines had been erected without authorisation to keep wild boars away. An investigation is under way
Asia's largest waste-to-art pookalam to be unveiled in Keralam's Malappuram
Malappuram district is unveiling Asia's largest waste-to-art pookalam for the Onam festival. This impressive installation uses recycled plastic waste collected from households across the region. The pookalam reflects Kerala's traditional art and cultural heritage with specific motifs. It carries a strong message about waste management and personal responsibility. The public can view this unique creation until August thirty-first.
37 Tourists From Keralam Stranded in Nepal Amid Flooding, Says MLA Kunhikrishnan
Payyanur MLA V Kunhikrishnan has said that 37 people from his constituency are stranded in Nepal following flooding and are unable to proceed with their journey or return home. In a Facebook post on Wednesday night, Kunhikrishnan said he had brought
Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in Nepal flash floods
Kathmandu, Aug 26: Nearly 160 people were killed and over 750, including 133 Indian nationals, remain missing after a massive flash flood originating in Tibet swept through central Nepal on Wednesday, devastating several towns and villages, washing away critical bridges, and crippling a dozen hydropower projects. Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal told the parliament that an earthquake hit the Tibet region at 8:37 am (local time) and the flash floods were reported three minutes later, suggesting the tremors may have caused a glacial outburst which triggered the floods. The flood surged through the Bhote Koshi River affecting Rasuwa and Dhading districts bordering Tibet, officials said. The massive flood entered the Trishuli River through the Bhote Koshi in Timure, a border-town in Rasuwa district, due to the rockslide and swelling of the Lhende River situated along the Nepal-Tibet border, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority said. It then spread along the river course to other districts like Nuwakot, Chitawan, Gorkha, Tanahu and Nawalparasi East, covering areas ranging from around 70 km to nearly 200 km from capital Kathmandu. The Nepal Police in a social media post said 157 people died in the flash flood that hit the Himalayan nation. The Nepal government said around 500 were missing, while Chinas state-run CGTN news channel said three people were dead and 265 were missing on the Chinese side of the border. Videos from the affected areas showed a powerful surge of muddy water, rocks and debris sweeping through the border region, with people seen fleeing as the torrent moved towards buildings and vehicles. In one clip, a four-storey structure could be seen being swept away by the raging waters, while another showed a car floating in fast-moving floodwaters in Rasuwa. Another video clip showed a long bridge broken into two by the sheer force of water. Other video clips showed bridges being pounded by powerful currents before collapsing and being swept away. In Dhading district, a video showed floodwaters striking a bridge before the structure collapsed and was carried away. Another video showed muddy water rapidly engulfing a bridge and sweeping it away in about 30 seconds. Around 100 people have been rescued from different parts of the affected areas, officials said. Of them, 30 are undergoing treatment at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Nepalese counterpart Balendra Shah and assured him of all possible humanitarian assistance to deal with the situation. New Delhi has already sent the first tranche of relief supplies to the neighbouring nation. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu issued emergency numbers for assistance and information related to Indian nationals affected by the flash floods. In a post on X, it said people can contact +977 985 131 6807 or +977 970 910 7500. The Embassy of India has remained engaged with the relevant authorities of the Government of Nepal for early rescue and relief for Indian nationals affected by the flash floods that took place in Nepal, it said in another post on X, adding rescue and relief efforts continue to be strengthened in coordination with the Nepal government. The Nepal Tourism Board also issued similar numbers, including the toll-free emergency number 1234, hotline 1144 and Tourist Police number 9851289445 for help. In Beijing, the Embassy of India also issued a helpline number 0086 185 1428 4905, which can also be contacted through WhatsApp. At least 133 Indians and 37 NRIs are among the nearly 500 persons missing, officials said. At least 50 of the Indians were pilgrims for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Isha Foundation, a non-profit organisation based out of India, said 77 of its members who were at an immigration centre were missing. There has been no official information on the whereabouts of any of the people who were at the immigration office, said its founder Sadhguru, adding that 495 people have returned safely. The Nepal government later said the entire staff of that particular immigration centre are out of contact. Thirty-seven missing tourists are from Thanjavur, authorities in Tamil Nadu said. Several other Indian states - including Uttar Pradesh and Kerala - issued helpline numbers as well, fearing their residents could be among the stranded ones in Nepal. Other than the Indians and NRIs, the remaining missing tourists were from more than two dozen countries including the US, Malaysia, the UK, South Africa, Australia and the Netherlands. Over and above that, 80 security personnel, including 44 Nepal Army personnel, have gone missing across various locations, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal informed the House of Representatives. The flash flood damaged eight operational hydropower projects with a total capacity of 354 MW and five under-construction projects located in Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts, according to a statement by the Independent Power Producers' Association Nepal (IPPAN). The major operational hydropower projects damaged by the floods include Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project (111 MW), Sanjen Khola Hydropower Project (78 MW) and Upper Trishuli 3A (60 MW). According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Wednesday's flooding was not caused by rainfall in Rasuwa. Nepal's Flood Forecasting Division said in a post on X in the afternoon: According to information received from the Chinese side, since the lake at the river blockage site has not yet been fully drained, the risk remains in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli areas and asked people to stay away from the rivers and remain in safe places. Even though the lake has not been fully drained at the site where the river is blocked, the risk persists in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli areas, and people are urged to stay away from the river and remain in safe locations until the next update is issued, the NDRRMA said in a post on X later in the day. The Kathmandu Post said flooding in the Bhote Koshi River washed away the 42-km road linking Betrawati in Nuwakot with the Rasuwagadhi border crossing in Rasuwa. The government later said 19 motorable bridges were washed away in the flash floods on Wednesday. Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police personnel were mobilised in the affected areas to carry out rescue and relief work after an emergency meeting chaired by Nepal PM Shah to assess the situation. Extending condolences to those who lost life and sympathy to the bereaved family members, Shah wished for speedy recovery of those injured in the tragic incidents, according to a statement released by the government. He directed officials to provide all necessary assistance to those affected. The Nepal Army mobilised 12 helicopters to conduct search and rescue operations after the flash flood. Six people were rescued from Syaphrubesi, two from Mailung and four from Dhunche, all in Rasuwa district, according to a Nepal Army statement. The Nepal Army has also established a treatment centre at the Military Training Centre No 1 in Trishuli, where medical personnel from the army are providing emergency medical treatment to affected people, the statement said. An Army MI-17 helicopter equipped with an Emergency Medical Rescue Team was also mobilised towards the district hospital in Trishuli, it added. Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday ordered all-out efforts to search for and rescue people missing after the devastating flash floods. A total of 145 officers and soldiers from the Xigaze detachment of the People's Armed Police have been sent to the affected border port to assist with emergency response operations. Xi called for efforts to evacuate residents at risk and provide timely medical treatment to the injured to minimise casualties. Xi also stressed the need to strengthen monitoring and early warning, ensure scientific rescue operations and guard against secondary disasters. State-run Global Times reported that the local government had dispatched personnel to the disaster-hit area, where communications had been cut off. Nepalese President Ramchandra Paudel expressed sorrow over the loss of life and property due to the flash flood in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. Last year too, two catastrophic floods hit Bhote Koshi, wreaking havoc in Rasuwa and killing at least 10 people. Late in the evening, Prime Minister Shah thanked Prime Minister Modi for his warm words of solidarity and offering all possible humanitarian assistance to the flood-hit country for the rescue and relief operations.
1 Kashmir-tested antibiotic among 199 samples flagged in CDSCOs July alert
Srinagar, Aug 26:A Cefpodoxime dispersible tablet sample tested through DTL, Dalgate Srinagar has failed description test, and is listed among the 199 flagged samples found Not of Standard Quality by Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO). The country-wide alert includes medicines, cosmetics and medical devices found NSQ or misbranded. One product, Diabetes All Powder has been declared spurious. The spurious drug sample tested at Chattrapati Sambhajinagar Lab in Maharashtra raises serious concerns about a formulation that was being sold for life-threatening disease diabetes. The CDSCO has a robust network of laboratories across states and UTs for ensuing quality healthcare formulations, disposables, devices and other items in healthcare. The batch of Cefpodoxime Dispersible Tablets Nexopod-100DT is an antibiotic sample reported by the Drug Testing Laboratory (DTL), Dalgate, Srinagar. It has been included among 199 drug, cosmetic and medical-device samples flagged by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in its July 2026 State Drug Alert. The antibiotic sample was recorded as failing the Description test. The product Cefpodoxime Dispersible Tablets Nexopod -100DT, with batch number BL-033E25 is the NSQ sample listed. Its manufacturing date is listed as May-2025, while the expiry is Apr-2027. The manufacturer has been identified as Austin Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Antibiotics remain among the medicines routinely used across clinics and hospitals. The CDSCO's July alert covers a broad range of pharmaceutical and healthcare products, including antibiotics, antidiabetics, antihypertensives, analgesics, gastrointestinal medicines, cardiovascular drugs, corticosteroids, antiepileptics, vitamin and mineral preparations, including injections. It also lists medical devices and cosmetic products. The 199 samples have been flagged under different categories of quality and compliance failures, involving parameters such as assay, dissolution, disintegration, identification, description, pH, sterility, uniformity of weight, content of active ingredients and compliance with label claims. Many products have been classified as misbranded. The July list contains several other antibiotic formulations including Cefixime Dispersible Tablets IP. Many formulations of Amoxycillin and Potassium Clavulanate Tablets IP, a commonly prescribed antibiotic combination have failed quality tests. A Levofloxacin Tablets IP 500 mgandCefpodoximeProxetil-Clavulanic Acid have also been listed as NSQ. Pantoprazole Tablets IP, manufactured by Finecure Pharmaceuticals, is among the products listed, alongside Methotrexate Tablets IP 7.5 mg manufactured by Macmillon Pharmaceuticals, Calcium and Vitamin D3 Tablets IP manufactured by Cureza Healthcare, Pregabalin Capsules IP 300 mg manufactured by Divine Medicare, Itraconazole 100 mg manufactured by MK Healthcare. The July alert also includes Calcium and Vitamin D3 Tablets IP. Failures extend to injections and topical medicines. Shockingly, Oxytocin Injection IP 5 IU/ml. The July 2026 State Drug Alert reflects quality-control findings reported by laboratories across multiple jurisdictions, including Punjab, Rajasthan, Odisha, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Jharkhand, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Tripura, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh.
A taste of Kerala in city: Onam celebrated with grandeur and grace
Why Kerala's tigers shake their bellies
Why Keralas tigers shake their bellies
Congress MPs Launch Hunger Strike Against Palakkad Railway Division Reorganization on Thiruvonam Day
Palakkad, August 26: On a day of great significance for Malayalis, when families across Kerala celebrate the traditional Onam feast, Congress MPs from Northern Kerala have chosen to go on a hunger strike. They are protesting the proposed reorganization of the Palakkad Railway Division, opting for a demonstration over the usual Thiruvonam Sadhya, which features ... Read more Congress MPs Launch Hunger Strike Against Palakkad Railway Division Reorganization on Thiruvonam Day
Why does this Kerala temple offer Munch as prasad? Story behind viral tradition
A Kerala temple has attracted online attention for a long-standing tradition in which devotees offer Munch chocolate to Lord Murugan and receive it back as prasad. A recent video has revived interest in the practice, with some viewers sharing memories and excitement, while others questioned the customs religious significance and criticised the chocolate and its packaging.
Nepal flood: Keralam starts help desk to provide emergency assisstance to stranded people
People seeking assistance can contact the NoRKA Global Contact Centre at 1800 425 3939 (toll-free) or +91 88020 12345 (missed call from abroad)
On Thiruvonam, Cong MPs on hunger strike to protest Palakkad Rail Division split
Palakkad (Kerala), Aug 26 (IANS) On the most important day of the year for Malayalis, when families across Kerala sit down to a traditional Onam feast, Congress MPs from North Kerala will spend the day on hunger strike, choosing protest over the 26-course Thiruvonam sadhya to oppose the proposed restructuring of the Palakkad Railway Division. []
Keralam Monitoring Situation In Nepal After Flash Flood Leaves Over 100 Indians Missing: CM
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority urged people to report details of Malayalis suspected to have been affected by the flash floods in Nepal through its toll-free number, 1070
BJP questions silence of Congress over SWR-Mangaluru integration
The party also asks why the Karnataka government is not reacting to Keralams opposition to the integration
From IAS Dream to Scientific Leadership: How Kerala
From a childhood fascination with rockets and an IAS dream to leading Agni-IV and Agni-V, Tessy Thomas built a pioneering career.
High Waves and Flood Risk Alert Issued for Keralas Coastal Areas
Thiruvananthapuram, August 26: Authorities in Kerala have issued a warning regarding the possibility of high waves and rough seas along the southern coast. Fishermen and residents in coastal regions are advised to exercise caution due to the impact of the Kallakkadal phenomenon. The term Kallakkadal refers to sudden waves or flooding in coastal areas caused ... Read more High Waves and Flood Risk Alert Issued for Keralas Coastal Areas
WATCH: Thiruvananthapuram lights up as Kerala Tourisms Onam celebrations begin
WATCH: Thiruvananthapuram lights up as Kerala Tourisms Onam celebrations begin
Onam 2026: Richa Chadha gifts mechanical elephant to temple in Kerala
Richa Chadha celebrated Onam with her daughter Zuneyra at Keralas Gurupuram Sree Maha Vishnu Temple, where she presented a life-size mechanical elephant, Gurupuram Arjunan. The actor said the gesture was about carrying traditions forward with compassion
Keralas Maveli takes a robo avatar this year
Unitree G1 Edu, an AI-powered humanoid robot developed by Chinese firm Unitree Robotics, dressed as Mahabali, or Maveli, greets visitors at Kochis Forum Mall and has gained traction on social media.
Kerala-Inspired Banana And Coconut Dessert For Onam
A contemporary plated dessert blends ripe banana, coconut, chocolate and crisp banana chips.
Watch: Onam bring Keralas traditions to communities across India
For Malayalis, Onam is more than a festival. It is a celebration of home, harvest and the return of the legendary King Mahabali, whose reign is remembered in Kerala as a time of equality and prosperity.
Kerala Is Now Keralam: Centre Makes State
Centre officially renames Kerala as Keralam, reflecting Malayalam identity after years of constitutional and legislative process.
EPFO credits August pensions early to 4,40,901 pensioners in Keralam Zone amidst Onam celebrations
The Employees' Pension Fund Organisation credited August pensions early for 4,40,901 pensioners. This advance disbursement occurred on August 26, 2026, before the Onam festival. The Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 is usually paid at the month's end. This early release enabled families to celebrate the festival without financial concerns. EPFO aims for timely social security benefit delivery through technology.
Thiruvanathapuram: LPST Rank Holders Protest On Onam With Pookkalam
All Kerala LPST Rank Holders Association Secretary S Valarmathi said the protestors were compelled to celebrate Onam at the protest venue instead of joining government service.
Kerala Plus One Improvement Exam 2026 Calendar Out: Check Application Deadline And Timetable
Kerala Plus One Improvement/Supplementary Exam 2026 calendar is out. Check application deadlines, exam dates, fees and subject-wise timetable here.
The making of Onam Sadhya and why the Kerala feast means so much
The making of Onam Sadhya and why the Kerala feast means so much
Kerala School Onam Holidays 2026: Reopening Dates, Exam Shifts, and Weather Alerts
Planning for the Onam break? Kerala schools are closed through August 30, with classes resuming August 31. Get the latest on exam reschedules, weather advisories, and official 2026 reopening dates to plan your family travel and study.
Anand Mahindra took to X to recall his Onam memories from his boarding-school days in Ooty, where he eagerly awaited the Sadhya and especially payasam. He said Keralas Vallam Kali, with its magnificent snake boats and hundreds of oars moving in one rhythm, is perhaps the festivals most vibrant image. For Mahindra, the spectacle offers a powerful reminder of what people can achieve when they work together.
Kerala Plus One Improvement, Supplementary Exam 2026 From October 12
The Kerala Department of General Education has released the timetable for the First Year Higher Secondary (Plus One) Improvement and Supplementary Examinations 2026. The exams are set to commence on October 12, 2026, giving eligible students another opportunity to improve their
From engineer to filmmaker, Girish A.D. has made waves in the Malayalam film industry with his engaging narratives. His works like Premalu and Thanneer Mathan Dinangal specifically appeal to a younger demographic. Recently, he released Bethlehem Kudumba Unit, which has seen remarkable success in theatres worldwide. Read on to know more about his journey.
Communist Org AISA President Neha Bora Labels Army
Neha Bora, president of the communist organisation, All India Students Association (AISA), also the face of the Cockroach protests in Jantar Mantar who came out glowing after the 21-day hunger strike, recently participated in the Secular Fest organised by Desheeya Manavika Vedi as part of its third anniversary celebrations in Kerala, where she spoke [] The post Communist Org AISA President Neha Bora Labels Armys Rank Structure Segregation While Ignoring Command Responsibilities: Heres What She Wont Tell You appeared first on The Commune .
Kerala Plus One improvement exam 2026 timetable released: Check dates, fees and exam timings
Keralam LPST rank holders hold Onam protest with Pookkalam after 52 days outdoors
The News Mill
Richa Chadha marked the festival of Onam with her daughter Zuneyra at Gurupuram Sree Maha Vishnu Temple in Kerala. The actor attended a special ceremony at the temple, where she participated in the unveiling of Gurupuram Arjunan, a life-size mechanical elephant that she gifted to the temple. Richa and Zuneyra joined the celebrations dressed in traditional attire, with the actor opting for a white and gold sari while her daughter wore a traditional Onam outfit. The occasion included a Chenda Melam performance and a Thiruvathira dance, adding to the festive atmosphere. Richa also participated in the celebrations and shared an Onam Sadhya with the people present. Speaking about the occasion, Richa Chadha said, It was a very special feeling to be here in person and celebrate Onam in such a beautiful and culturally rich setting. To be there with my daughter made it even more special. To see her enjoy the festivities, colours and immerse her in the traditions felt truly special. We got a special Onam dress made for her to be dressed for the occasion. Our festivals, traditions are such an integral part of who we are. I believe that embracing our culture also means understanding how we can carry these traditions forward with greater compassion, with the aid of technology. There is something beautiful about witnessing a tradition being preserved that too, in a kinder and more thoughtful way of celebrating it. She further spoke about the significance of Onam and the thought behind gifting the mechanical elephant to the temple. Onam is a festival that celebrates togetherness, abundance, gratitude and the spirit of community. Celebrations should always include compassion. Elephants are such magnificent and intelligent beings, these large mammals are highly social. They deserve to live freely in their natural environment with their kind. I am truly grateful that this temple, its trustees agreed to this magnificent present. I am sure it will become a local attraction! For me, this was not simply about presenting an elephant to a temple; it was about being part of a cultural celebration, experiencing the warmth of the people, eating Onam Sadhya with them here and contributing in a small way to something that can have a larger impact, she added. Concluding her note, the actor said, I hope more people see that tradition and compassion do not have to be at odds with each other. We can celebrate our festivals, honour our customs and still make choices that are kinder to animals. I feel grateful to have been able to witness this moment and to celebrate Onam in such a meaningful way. The ceremony concluded with traditional performances and celebrations, with Richa and her daughter participating in the festivities. The actors presence and gesture of presenting Gurupuram Arjunan made the occasion a celebration centred on culture, tradition and compassion. Also Read: Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal join Conan OBriens India adventure in Conan OBrien Must Go season 3
Mumbai, August 26 (IANS) Television actress Shubhangi Atre celebrated Onam by taking her fans on a visual journey through Kerala. Sharing a series of pictures showcasing the states rich cultural heritage, traditional art forms and vibrant festivities, the actress shared pictures from her Kerala visit on her social media account. Her carousel includes pictures with []
CMD Kerala Training Coordinator Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
Centre for Management Development Kerala (CMD Kerala) Recruitment 2026 for 1 post of Training Coordinator. Candidates Can Apply Online. The online application opens on 26-08-2026, and closes on 09-09-2026. The candidate shall apply online through CMD Kerala official website.
19-year-old Kaziah Liz Mejo becomes Miss Universe India, brings first crown to Kerala
19-year-old Kaziah Liz Mejo becomes Miss Universe India, brings first crown to Kerala
Leaders Extend Warm Wishes for the Vibrant Festival of Onam
New Delhi, August 26: The Onam festival, celebrated for its cultural significance in Kerala, has received warm wishes from various leaders, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Chief Ministers of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, shared his greetings on X, stating, ... Read more Leaders Extend Warm Wishes for the Vibrant Festival of Onam
On Thiruvonam, all of Kerala becomes one
Bilkul Online | Festival Special Thiruvananthapuram There is something distinctive about the way Kerala wakes up on Thiruvonam morning. Homes The post On Thiruvonam, all of Kerala becomes one appeared first on Bilkul Online .
Heavy Rush At Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple For Thiruvonam
Onam is a ten-day harvest festival celebrated primarily in Keralam and marks the annual homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali.
Onam Celebrations Fill Kerala with Homecomings, Sadya & Traditions
Vibrant colours of Onam were in full bloom across Kerala on Wednesday with people celebrating the auspicious Thiruvonam, the culmination of the state's 10-day Onam festivities.
Speaking up takes courage: Miss Universe India Keziah Mejo praises protesting youth
Miss Universe India 2026 Keziah Liz Mejo has praised the courage of young people who recently participated in protests in Delhi, saying that raising one's voice for what is right reflects love and pride for the nation. Mejo said she feels proud to represent a generation that is confident, fearless and supportive of social causes. Speaking to PTI about the recent youth-led protests in Delhi, Mejo said, I salute each and every single one of those students, each soul that stepped out ready to protest what is right, everybody who joined hands for the betterment of our nation. She added, It takes a lot of courage to be able to speak up. It takes a lot of pride, a lot of love for your country. The protests at Delhis Jantar Mantar began on June 20 over alleged NEET paper leak. The movement, led by the satirical outfit Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), later spread to other parts of the country. The agitation concluded on July 25 after the government held discussions with CJP representatives and agreed to address several demands, including compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and withdrawal of FIRs registered against protesters. Calling herself incredibly proud to be part of todays youth generation, Mejo said, That is the India that I represent. The 19-year-old from Kerala will now represent India at the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico later this year. Despite her success in the pageant world, Mejo said she continues to pursue her dream of becoming a lawyer. She believes her legal ambitions and her pageant journey can work together to create a positive impact. I absolutely love law. I have wanted to become a lawyer since grade nine, and I am not ready to let that go. I do not believe you have to choose between your dreams. You can allow them to work together and amplify each other, she said. Mejo added that she hopes to use her knowledge of law along with the Miss Universe India platform to bring about meaningful change. She won the Miss Universe India 2026 title after competing against 51 contestants at the Jaipur grand finale. Vaishnavi Ganesh from Tamil Nadu was declared the first runner-up, while Gujarats Anushri Satavlekar secured the second runner-up position.
Kerala Tightens Lane Rules to Prevent Highway Crashes
Better compliance could help prevent avoidable crashes and save lives on Kerala's busy highways. The post Kerala Tightens Lane Rules to Prevent Highway Crashes appeared first on Fusion - WeRIndia .
Bank holidays: Are banks closed on August 26 for Eid-e-Milad? Check full list here
If you're planning to visit bank branches today, check whether they are open in your city. According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) holiday calendar, August 26 marks the celebration of Eid-e-Milad or Id-E-Milad/Baravafat. Further, it's Thiruvonam today, a significant day of the Onam festival celebrated in Kerala. This is why banks will remain closed in several states today.Not only public sector or PUS banks like SBI, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, and Punjab National Bank will remain closed, but many private sector banks like Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Bandhan Bank, and several non-banking financial institutions will also remain shut today.
Kerala Is Now Officially 'Keralam' As Government Notifes New Name For The State
The Union Home Ministry has officially renamed the southern state Kerala as Keralam, effective August 25, 2026, following the Kerala Alteration of Name Act, 2026.
Indian Leaders Extend Warm Wishes for Onam Festival
New Delhi, August 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Chief Ministers have extended their best wishes for Onam, Keralas most celebrated and culturally significant festival. In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi stated, Warm wishes to everyone on Onam. This is a magnificent festival celebrated with great enthusiasm worldwide. May this festival strengthen ... Read more Indian Leaders Extend Warm Wishes for Onam Festival
With I, Nobody, Lurk, Pluto, Kerala Underground and Unmadham, Malayalam OTT viewers have plenty of variety this week. Whether you prefer a tense crime story, an unusual alien comedy, an environmental thriller or a reality show centred on rap, the latest lineup offers several options beyond the usual streaming fare. Read on!
Onam, Id-E-Milad 2026 bank holiday: Are banks open or closed in your state today?
On August 26, 2026, banks will remain closed in observance of Onam and Id-E-Milad. Customers planning visits to physical branches are advised to consult the RBI holiday calendar beforehand. While Onam is a vibrant harvest celebration honored in Kerala, Eid-e-Milad marks the significant birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, influencing banking activities across several states.
A young cyclist from Kashmir's Lolab valley recently set out on a journey of several thousand kilometres toward Makkah to perform Umrah. A GoPro (camera) was already fixed to his handlebars. Within days, clips of his departure travelled faster than he did, gathering views while he was still pedalling from Kashmir to Delhi. He is not alone. Across Kashmir, Kerala, Pakistan, Malaysia and Turkey, a growing number of young men have taken to bicycles and their own feet to reach the holy cities, each journey filmed, narrated and watched by an audience that will perhaps never follow. This is not just a story about faith, though faith runs through every mile. It is a story about what happens when an old religious practice gets pulled into a modern game built around visibility, attention and reward. We spent time reading comment sections under posts about this cyclist who is perhaps accompanying a friend too. Roughly five out of every ten comments from young followers had nothing to do with faith. They treated the journey as an adventure sport, a bid for reels fame, or a stepping stone toward becoming an influencer. The pilgrimage has never been more visible, yet the pilgrim has rarely been so pulled in two directions, caught between his wheels and an audience waiting for updates. Pilgrimage has always involved hardship and witnesses. Earlier travellers kept diaries later pilgrims cherished. Documentation itself is not new. What has changed is who it is recorded for. Today's pilgrim broadcasts almost in real time to strangers scrolling on their phones. The room no longer has walls. A pilgrim on a bicycle performs not only for family and hosts along the way, but for a scattered, invisible audience checking in from their screens, until performance and pilgrimage start happening at the same moment. Classical Islamic thought has its own word for this drift: ghaflah, heedlessness, where one can travel without truly arriving, worship while the mind rehearses captions and imagines how the next clip will land. Its opposite is hudur, presence, the quiet discipline of letting the heart travel with the body, needing no audience. None of this is necessarily dishonesty. It rarely looks like vanity. It arrives dressed as sincerity, in prayers for safe passage and honest talk of sacrifice. But sincerity and performance are not opposites. They walk together more than we admit, as a private act gets pulled into a public marketplace where devotion becomes something to be liked, shared and counted. When millions of Muslims now fly to the holy cities each year, arriving by bicycle or on foot after months on the road becomes a rare, costly way of signalling sacrifice that a plane ticket cannot. These pilgrimage videos follow a familiar shape: the emotional send-off, the gruelling middle stretch, the triumphant arrival. The religious content sits inside a format built for something else entirely. Consider Shihab Chottur, a young man from Kerala who in June 2022 set out on foot for Hajj, walking roughly 8,650 kilometres through Pakistan, Iran, Iraq and Kuwait over 382 days, reaching Makkah in June 2023. His journey, documented daily on YouTube and Instagram, drew crowds in town after town. Chottur shows this is not new, but the spectacle around his walk shows how thoroughly pilgrimage and broadcast had merged. However, none of this means the sincerity on display is fake. Many of these travellers describe the experience as among the most meaningful of their lives, and that deserves to be taken seriously. What often drives the urge to film every mile inside the holiest spaces, from Tawaf around the Kabah to prayer inside Masjid an-Nabawi, is a quieter fear: that hardship left unrecorded might go unnoticed, that sacrifice unseen counts for less. This is a generation raised to believe experience only becomes real once someone else has seen it. Not every step toward Makkah needs to concern a following back home. Devotion does not need an audience to prove it was real. It can be a subtle form of riya (show-off) too. The fix is not throwing the camera away entirely, since even the earliest pilgrims left letters travellers cherished. It is putting the journey and its documentation back in the right order. Before filming, a traveller might ask honestly: am I recording this because it deserves to be remembered, or because I fear nobody will believe it happened unless they see it? Some hours, certainly those spent in Tawaf and prostration, are better left undocumented, held only in memory and in God's sight, which was always sufficient before any camera existed. What matters here is niyyat (the intention). Islamic law is built on the principle of istita'ah, capacity; Hajj becomes obligatory only on those who are financially secure enough to go without debt, physically able, and travelling a safe route, never on those who seek out hardship as a virtue in itself. The law and the principle of capacity are clear. The Hajj and Umrah should be a time for growth and reflection, not just a way to show off on social media. Even as a section of the new generation seeks costly, hardship-laden routes to Makkah for visibility, a much larger and quieter crisis sits closer to home. In much of South Asia, Hajj and Umrah have been steadily over-ritualised into an economic burden that has little to do with scripture. Customs like elaborate farewell feasts, expensive new wardrobes, gold jewellery and gifts for all relatives on return, and days of hosting guests before departure and after return, can cost as much as the pilgrimage itself. Our ulema should speak openly on these over ritualised issues. For a poorer believer without a following to build or a story to sell, these unnecessary customs, not walking or cycling, genuinely place Hajj and Umrah out of reach. If this generation's spectacular journeys teach us anything, it should be to ask why we have made an already difficult obligation harder still through custom, while chasing an entirely different kind of difficulty for an audience of strangers. Is it fair to turn such sacred journeys into mere adventure purely for social media following? If such adventures become a trend among young people, we must ask what the consequences could be for parents waiting at home and for the safety of travellers, always male youth, walking or cycling through dangerous zones to reach the pilgrimage. The question that many neitzens pose is whether such pilgrims will continue their journey to Makkah without broadcasting it live on social media platforms? Dr. Adfer Shah is a Sociologist at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, and was awarded the George Greenia Research Fellowship in 2019 for his contribution to Pilgrimage Studies reseach. Dr. Aamir Habib is Assistant Professor at the International Centre for Spiritual Studies, IUST, Kashmir.
Kochi wakes to Thiruvonam festivities
Kochi embraces the festive spirit as Onam celebrations gather pace; Thrikkakara temple draws visitors as Onam rituals continue; traffic police deploy additional personnel as festive crowds take to roads
Government notifies 'Keralam' as new name for Kerala effective Tuesday
In a gazette notification issued on Tuesday, the home ministry said, In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (2) of Section 1 of the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Act, 2026, the Central government hereby appoints the 25th day of August, 2026, as the date on which the provisions of the said Act shall come into force.
Experience Kerala Like a Local with New Tourism Initiative
Thiruvananthapuram, August 25: What if tourists visited Kerala not just to see its backwaters, beaches, and hills, but to actually live like a local for a day? On the eve of Onam, Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunath launched a new experiential tourism initiative titled Be a Malayali for a Day. This initiative is significant as the ... Read more Experience Kerala Like a Local with New Tourism Initiative
Kerala Is Now Officially Keralam, Centre Notifies New Name
The Kerala government had forwarded a resolution passed by the state Assembly regarding the name change to the Centre in June 2024.
Centre notifies Keralam as Kerala's new official name ahead of Onam
Centre notifies Keralam as Keralas new official name ahead of Onam
Ahead of Onam, Centre Notifies Keralam as Official Name of State
Earlier this month, President Droupadi Murmu gave assent to a Bill to rename Kerala as Keralam, turning the legislation into a law. The Lok Sabha passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill on August 11, followed by the Rajya Sabha the next day.
Gen Z, Millennials Reshape Onam in Hyderabad
Young Malayalis are adding contemporary flair while keeping Keralas traditions alive
Be a Malayali for a day: Kerala unveils new tourism initiative
Be a Malayali for a day: Kerala unveils new tourism initiative Thiruvananthapuram: What if tourists did not merely come to Kerala to see its backwaters, beaches and hills, but spent a day actually living like a Malayali? That is the idea behind Tourism Minister P.C. Vishnunaths new experiential tourism initiative, Be a Malayali for a [] The post Be a Malayali for a day: Kerala unveils new tourism initiative appeared first on Mangalorean.com .
Government Notifies Keralam as Keralas New Name, Effective Tuesday
The Lok Sabha passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill on August 11, followed by the Rajya Sabha the next day.
Onam turnover of 422.17 crore highest in recent times: Supplyco Keralam
Subsidised items accounted for 153.49 crore and non-subsidised items 268.89 crore
Safe Onam on the menu: Food Safety wing steps up vigilance on mass-catered sadyas
Food Safety wing began its Safe Onam initiative weeks ago, keeping an eye on vehicles carrying fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products, edible oils, jaggery and other food items
Safe Onam on the menu: Food Safety wing steps up vigilance on mass-catered sadyas
Food Safety wing began its Safe Onam initiative weeks ago, keeping an eye on vehicles carrying fruits, vegetables, milk and dairy products, edible oils, jaggery and other food items
United Breweries expands Heineken Silver Across Kerala, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh
Vikram Bahl, Chief Marketing Officer, United Breweries, said, The positive response to Heineken Silver highlights the growing consumer appetite for differentiated premium beer offerings. As we expand into Kerala, Odisha and Madhya Pradesh, we remain focused on strengthening our premium portfolio and making the brand available to more consumers across key markets.
Kerala man falls asleep inside car on busy road, locals shake vehicle to wake him up
Kerala man falls asleep inside car on busy road locals shake vehicle to wake him up
Keralam govt. rolls back controversial decision to restore Punyam Poonkavanam project in Sabarimala
The government order apparently overlooked a court directive asking the Travancore Devaswom Board and the police to issue an advisory to Sabarimala pilgrims that the project was not part of the Police Bandobast Scheme from the Mandalam-Makaravilakku festival season of 2023-24
Chennithala urges Centre to drop Palakkad division split move of Railways
Member of erstwhile Cochin royal family presented with Uthrada Kizhi
Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan presented the Kizhi, containing 1,001, to Thampuratti at a ceremony held at Vayaskara Kovilakam
President Murmu greets citizens on eve of Onam, Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW)
New Delhi, Aug 25: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday greeted citizens on the eve of harvest festival Onam and Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). In a message, she said Onam is an occasion to express gratitude to nature on arrival of the new harvest. Onam celebrates our rich culture and spirit of brotherhood. It promotes unity in diversity. Boat races, folk dances, music and sports are important traditions associated with this festival. They showcase the culture and values of Keralam, President Murmu said. The president prayed that this auspicious festival brings happiness, peace, good health and prosperity to all, and inspire the citizens to contribute to the nation's progress, according to a statement issued by her office. On the auspicious occasion of Onam, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all citizens, especially the brothers and sisters of Keralam living in India and abroad, she added. In another message, President Murmu said the festival of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) is an occasion to recall the preachings of Prophet Muhammad. His teachings inspire us to follow the path of pious conduct and dutifulness. May the noble ideals of Prophet Muhammad inspire us to contribute actively towards building an inclusive and developed India, the president said. She extended warm greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens living in India and abroad, especially the Muslim brothers and sisters, on the auspicious occasion of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW).
Mondelez India, Amway withdraw misleading claims on products after FSSAI notices
FSSAI said several food companies, including Mondelez India and Amway India, have withdrawn or revised misleading claims on product labels and advertisements after receiving notices from the regulator. Mondelez withdrew health and nutrient comparison claims from its products and removed related advertisements from e-commerce platforms. Sapiens Labs and Kerala-based Juza Foods also removed misleading claims.
Onam Festival Fever Grips Kerala
From Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi, Kozhikode, and Thrissur, the excitement was palpable, especially during the traditional Uthrada Pachil rush on the eve of Thiru Onam, which keeps vegetable, grocery, and flower markets bustling
Thampu launches tribal rights campaign in Attappady
The campaign began on August 9 marking the International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples. It will conclude on September 13.
Residents, local body representatives allege that the Forest department failed to invite or even inform them about the opening of the season; Chief Conservator of Forests clarifies that the event was merely an informal opening
KGMOA decides not to cooperate with the working arrangement proposed in Kollam district
The association is demanding that the government establish clear guidelines and adequately staff hospitals before implementing round-the-clock services, underlining the urgent need for a more robust healthcare infrastructure.
100 days of people-centric governance despite financial stress: Keralam Home Minister
Speaking at the inauguration of the Chavara constituency MLA office for Forest, Wildlife, and Skill Development Minister Shibu Baby John, he reaffirmed the cabinets commitment to delivering all entitled benefits to common citizens
Library blends festival traditions with AI
Held under the motto Read, Think, Create AI, the initiative was conducted in collaboration with the UKF College of Engineering and Technology, Paripally.
Keralam Village Creates Gigantic Pookkalam in Memory of Beloved Jumbo
The centrepiece of the Pookkalam is a large floral depiction of Maniyan, a peace-loving wild tusker, who was known for his friendliness with the people in the village, that remains deeply etched in the memories of the local community
School holiday tomorrow, August 26: Schools nationwide are set to close for Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi, with Kerala also observing Onam. Raksha Bandhan follows on August 28 in several northern states. Meanwhile, heavy rainfall across Delhi-NCR, Odisha, West Bengal, Bihar and the Northeast has triggered local, weather-related closures in some districts, though no nationwide rain holiday has been announced. Students should verify their specific state and school status.
Happy Onam 2026: Best wishes, quotes & messages for family and friends
Onam is a vibrant harvest festival celebrated with immense fervor in Kerala. This occasion sees the sharing of warm wishes and heartfelt messages, promoting joy and abundance among family and friends. Traditional practices such as crafting intricate pookalams and relishing the elaborate sadya form the heart of the festivities. Onam is a time when families come together to create cherished memories while deepening their connections.
Munnar landscape accounts for highest number of deaths in wild elephant attacks in Keralam
Recent study by Wildlife Institute of India records 581 human fatalities from wild jumbo attacks in the State over an 18-year period; Munnar tops the list with 103 deaths
Arippa land struggle beneficiaries in Keralam face bleak Onam
More than 200 landless families are caught in an administrative trap after receiving title deeds, reportedly without Forest dept. NOC; panchayat authorities refuse to issue basic documentation, leaving residents without possession certificates, house numbers, or power connections
KASE Manager Recruitment 2026 - Apply Online
Kerala Academy for Skills Excellence (KASE) has released the Recruitment 2026 notification for 1 Manager - Media and PR post. The online application process will be conducted up to 03 September 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official website.
In her complaint, woman stated that her husband engaged in domestic abuse when she confronted him after discovering that private recordings made during their time abroad were shared online without her consents
I had warned you they would cheat you, former Keralam Minister Jaleel tells P.V. Anvar
Jaleel reminds the former Nilambur MLA that he had warned him against aligning with the United Democratic Front ahead of the Assembly election, saying he would be betrayed
Mahabali Hugs, Biryani Invite: Keralam Celebrates Nabidinam, Onam Together
Nabidinam, or Eid-e-Milad, marks the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammed and the legend of Mahabali forms the basis for the Onam celebrations organised by the local Hindu community
Keralam Govt Allocates Rs 2 Lakh for Onam Celebrations at Childcare Centres
The Onam feast, outings and arrangements for watching movies will be organised for around 250 children staying at 16 child care centres across the state
How Onam bridges generations in Keralam: Elders, millennials and Gen Z share their stories
As Keralam celebrates Onam, the festival continues to mean different things to different generations, yet brings them all together
Keralam CM Satheesan extends Onam greetings, calls for unity beyond caste and religion
