International visitors at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj express admiration for India's hospitality, spirituality, and cultural diversity. Pedro James from Brazil and Ronny Luke from New Jersey praise the event's unique experience and beauty, while Natalia Shayk from Russia highlights the confluence of faith and traditions. Vikas Dhar from the US reflects on the inclusivity of the event.
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Another Ayyappa devotee, Manjunath Waghmore, died due to burns sustained in a cylinder blast in Hubballi, raising the death toll to six. The blast occurred on December 24, injuring nine devotees. Three others are still receiving treatment. They were planning to visit the Ayyappa temple in Kerala.
The Art of India (AOI) Festival will feature renowned works from the Madras Art Movement, highlighted by R B Bhaskaran's and AP Santhanaraj's masterpieces. Partner galleries will showcase a wide array of Indian art from classical to contemporary, including hidden gems and traditional pieces, offering a platform for both established and emerging artists.
Bombay high court questioned the denial of motherhood rights to a pregnant woman with a borderline intellectual disability. Her father's petition to terminate the pregnancy was contested by the woman herself. The court noted her consent and the medical report indicating no foetal anomalies, emphasizing the law doesn't bar individuals with lower-than-average intelligence from parenthood.
Two vehicles with identical number plates were found near the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Colaba. Traffic police took both cars for investigation. One car's registration number was altered by Prasad Kadam after he failed to repay a car loan. The legitimate owner, Sakir Ali, reported the discrepancy.
A stampede occurred at the Maha Kumbh during the 'Amrit Snan' on 'Mauni Amavasya,' attended by an estimated 10 crore devotees. Several individuals got injured and were taken to a central hospital. Officials confirmed some fatalities but ensured the situation was under control.
OYO faced backlash for an ad tagline suggesting 'Bhagwan har jagah hain, or OYO bhi', deemed offensive. This led to '#BoycottOYO' trending on social media. The company clarified the ad aimed to promote religious tourism in India. OYO emphasized its respect for all faiths and announced plans to expand its presence at pilgrimage destinations.
Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj, at Mahakumbh's Yuva Kumbh event, emphasized the importance of harmony between saints and the tribal society for Sanatan culture. Various dignitaries highlighted preserving tribal identity and countering anti-social forces. The event called for youth to lead and represent their community, showcasing the integration of traditional practices and values.
The Delhi assembly will consider a resolution proposed by deputy speaker and BJP MLA Mohan Singh Bisht to rename the Mustafabad constituency to Shiv Vihar. The AAP has opposes the proposal, urging the government to focus on development rather than name changes.
Sikh leaders in post-Independence India, including Jagjit Singh Dallewal, have used hunger strikes as a form of protest with varying success. While Dallewal demands legal MSP, previous fasting leaders like Master Tara Singh, Sant Fateh Singh, and Darshan Singh Pheruman also undertook similar protests for state-related issues with mixed results.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar received historical artefacts and documents related to Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa's Phoenix Settlement Trust-Gandhi Development Trust. These items will be housed at the National Gandhi Museum in New Delhi, preserving Gandhi's legacy and his contributions to non-violent resistance against racial injustice.