After hosting an impressive 47 lakh devotees this season, the Badrinath Nagar Panchayat initiated a comprehensive cleaning drive to restore the sacred shrine and its surroundings to their pristine condition ahead of the winter closure. A dedicated team of 50 'Paryavaran Mitra' conducted the cleanup, collecting 1.5 tonnes of waste from key areas such as Brahm Kapal, Astha Path, Tapt Kund, Main Bazaar, and Mana village. This effort underscored the commitment of local authorities to maintaining the sanctity and cleanliness of the revered Char Dham pilgrimage site. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, a consistent advocate for cleanliness at Char Dham shrines, praised the initiative. Highlighting the importance of sustainable waste management, the municipality reported earnings of Rs 8 lakh from the disposal of 110 tonnes of inorganic waste collected during the Yatra season. The post-season cleanup at Badrinath Dham exemplifies the adage "Cleanliness is next to godliness," blending devotion with environmental responsibility. Earlier, on Monday, November 18, the sacred thrones of Uddhav, Kuber, and Shankaracharya began their winter journey from Badrinath Dham to their designated locations. According to temple officials, the palanquins, accompanied by the tunes of an army band and rights holders, departed for their winter sojourn. They halted at Pandukeshwar for the night, where Uddhav Ji and Kuber Ji will remain in the Yogadhyan Temple for winter worship, allowing devotees to offer prayers to Lord Badri Vishal during the off-season. The throne of Shankaracharya Ji has been placed in the Narsingh Temple at Joshimath, while Narad Ji will perform worship in Badrinath Dham, adhering to the scriptures that dictate six months of worship by humans and six months by gods. Meanwhile, the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, in collaboration with the District Police Administration, reported a record-breaking influx of pilgrims during the 2024 Yatra season. Badrinath Dham welcomed 14,35,341 visitors from May 12 to November 17, including 11,170 on the final day. Kedarnath Dham received 16,52,076 pilgrims between May 10 and November 3, with 1,26,393 traveling by helicopter. Additionally, 1,83,722 pilgrims visited Shri Hemkunt Sahib and Lokpal Tirtha Shri Laxman Mandir before their gates closed on October 10. Temple authorities and local administration lauded these numbers as a testament to the successful management of the Yatra. "These figures for the year 2024 have been released by the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee with the cooperation of the District Police Administration," the official statement read.
21 November,2024 01:32 PM IST | Badrinath (Uttarakhand) | ANIImagine being surrounded by enthusiastic sports fans, watching your favourite individual or team play live, with the sounds of cheers echoing everyone’s love for the game. More and more Indians are seeking this thrilling experience, opting for stadiums instead of screens. Sports enthusiasts are not hesitating to travel to another city or country to engage more actively with what some people call a ‘once in a lifetime experience’ of witnessing a game live. Why? Simply because of their love and passion for the sport and the team which has either defined their childhood or played an important role in their lives. Harsh Jagtap, a Bangalore-based creative professional, is one such sports enthusiast. He shares, “I went to Manchester to watch the team I supported since I was 8 years old. It was the best experience of my life, watching my favourite team win the match.” Ask him why he chose to travel to another country for something he could have easily witnessed from the comfort of his home, and he is quick to say, “The connection with your boyhood team is very different, and as a true fan and supporter since a very young age, it has always been a dream to watch my team play live in the stadium. The atmosphere is electrifying, which you don’t get sitting at home.” Harshit Agarwal, an ardent cricket follower backs this sentiment. He says, “I watched an ODI Cricket World Cup match live in Chennai in November 2023. Watching a match at home is nothing compared to the atmosphere at a stadium. The excitement, loud cheers and just the energy make the experience amazing.” While some fans prefer a specific sport to watch live, others don’t mind travelling for different games. Sarah*, a Mumbai-based writer, reveals, “Last year, I had the opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka for the Asia Cup, and I’ve since visited several Indian cities to attend major cricket, football and hockey events. This includes the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy and the ODI World Cup, among many others. My travels have taken me to cities like Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Dharamsala, and New Delhi, where I have had the privilege of experiencing the excitement of live sports in different parts of India.” Also Read: Planning to attend Coldplay Ahmedabad concert? Here are 5 places to visit in the city Sharing the experience of live sports that enthusiasts place far above the experience of watching matches on screen, she says, “I truly believe, as a fan, watching a sporting event live offers an entirely different experience that cannot be replicated on screen. The palpable energy of the crowd, the intense atmosphere in the stadium and the thrill of witnessing key moments in real time are all part of the magic. There is a unique sense of connection to the event, the players, and fellow fans that television simply cannot provide. To put it simply, watching them live is about immersing myself in the moment, and creating memories beyond what a screen can offer." This travel trend, called sports tourism, is expected to prevail in 2025. According to the Travel Trends 2025 Report by Skyscanner, 54 per cent of Indians between the age group of 25-34 (and 53 per cent of all Indians) plan to travel either domestically or internationally to see a sporting event next year. Whether it's cricket, football, F1 or other global tournaments, sports tourism is hitting an all-time high, with nearly two-thirds (63 per cent) of Indians planning to soak in the experience for entertainment purposes and 59 per cent of fans wanting to travel for the excitement of live sports. For half (50 per cent) of Indian fans, a chance to see their favourite sporting celebrities in action is a motivator to witness these grand spectacles in person. Mohit Joshi, Travel and Destinations Expert at Skyscanner, says, “Indian sports enthusiasts are gearing up for a thrilling year of travel in 2025. Travellers are leaning towards switching their couches for a seat in the stadium. We are seeing a lot of positive data in terms of sports-related travel, with people keen to support their favourite teams with fellow fans.” Which sports are people willing to travel for? Cricket and football are popular options among sports enthusiasts here. Formula 1 is gradually rising the ranks as its popularity grows among Indian audiences. People are also willing to travel for other sports like tennis and hockey. Jagtap shares, “I would happily travel to watch football, tennis and chess live. I have even developed a new interest in watching F1.” Sarah reveals, “I would be more than willing to travel for cricket, hockey, football and athletics. Each of these offers a distinct atmosphere and excitement that makes attending a live event truly special. Cricket, with its rich traditions and intense fan base, offers an unparalleled sense of community, especially during high-stakes matches like the World Cup or even the IPL. Hockey, known for its fast pace and physicality, creates an electric atmosphere in stadiums. Athletics, with the drama of individual plus team performance, is a sight best witnessed live, especially during major events like the Olympics or World Championships or CWG. Football, with its global appeal and passionate crowds, offers an intense 90 minutes that’s best experienced in person.” Sports and tourism While fans are travelling to other cities and countries to watch sports events, they are also planning their trips in ways that allow them to explore the destination beyond the event. For Agarwal, this is a choice depending on the situation. He says, “I’ve done both: planned a trip to also visit tourist places in that area, and visited just for the match. It all depends on the destination, time constraints, etc.” “While attending a live match in another city, I do try to plan my trip to explore other tourist attractions, but this largely depends on my hectic work schedule. If time allows, I enjoy making the most of the opportunity to discover the local culture, adding to the overall experience. However, my primary focus remains on the game itself, as it's the main reason for the trip,” Sarah concludes. India is often regarded as a country of sports lovers, especially cricket. As global broadcasting, increased marketing and behind-the-scenes series and events bring other sports closer to Indian audiences, their keen interest and drive to feel closer to these games is giving rise to sports tourism. *Name changed or only first name used Also Read: What is sleep tourism? Decoding this wellness and travel trend
20 November,2024 11:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainOver 86 lakh pilgrims have paid obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine atop Trikuta Hills of Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district so far this year, a senior official of the shrine board said. The official added that the inflow of pilgrims is expected to increase further as the year draws to a close, with the figure likely to surpass 95 lakh by the end of December. "Till yesterday, this year, 86 lakh pilgrims visited the cave shrine and paid obeisance," Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Anshul Garg, said. He said that the number of pilgrims visiting Mata Vaishno Devi has been rising each year. "Last year, the yatra set a new record of 95 lakh, surpassing a significant milestone in 2023. It is expected to pick up further in the coming days," he said. As per the monthly figures, a total of 616,609 devotees visited Mata Vaishno Devi in January this year, followed by 432,925 in February, 861,517 in March, 955,575 in April, 1,164,301 in May, 1,115,719 in June, 765,726 in July, 573,730 in August, 678,484 in September, and 874,657 in October. The daily pilgrim count averaged between 14,000 and 18,000, in the latter half of October, due to the festive season, officials said. Also Read: Ayodhya, Varanasi, Amarnath Yatra: What’s fuelling the rise of spiritual tourism in India? Following Diwali and other festivals, daily pilgrim counts have increased again, currently ranging between 28,000 and 38,000, they said. From 13.95 lakh in 1986, when the shrine board took over the affairs of the shrine for better management, there has been a steady increase in pilgrim footfall with each passing year, touching an all-time high of 1.04 crore in 2012, against 1.01 crore the previous year (2011). The shrine has, in recent years, seen a few additions in terms of facilities, including a skywalk at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, a Durga Bhavan, new community kitchen and railway registration centres. The skywalk and a remodelled Parvati Bhavan were inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu. Moreover, the shrine's base camp in Katra now boasts a state-of-the-art call centre, which operates round-the-clock and manages nearly 2,500 calls every day from pilgrims across the world. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
18 November,2024 04:03 PM IST | Jammu and Kashmir | PTIThe famous Pompeii archaeological park recently introduced a daily limit of 20,000 visitors, the latest Italian tourist hotspot to take action against overcrowding. The "experimental" scheme will see visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage Site required to buy named tickets which, in the summer, will be divided into morning and afternoon slots. Gabriel Zuchtriegel, the director of Pompeii, told AFP the measure was designed to better manage crowd numbers, leading to a more "sustainable" growth. "The idea is not to close Pompeii but to expand Pompeii and better manage the flow," he said at the launch of the scheme at the historic site near Naples in southern Italy. Last year more than four million people visited Pompeii, an ancient Roman city buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted nearly 2,000 years ago -- the vast majority during the summer months. Organisers expect this year's numbers to be even higher. Some 3.84 million people visited between January and October -- including a peak of more than 36,000 on one Sunday when entry was free. Zuchtriegel said the numbers caused concerns about visitor and staff safety and about the protection of the unique site, where many of the buildings -- and even some bodies of the estimated 3,000 victims -- were perfectly preserved after the eruption. "We want to guarantee all visitors a high-quality experience. It must never be mass tourism," he said. Between April 1 and October 31, a maximum of 15,000 visitors will be allowed in from 9:00am to 12:00pm, and 5,000 from 12:00pm to 5:30pm. Tourism worldwide has surged since the Covid-19 pandemic but the numbers of people flocking to top sites has sparked warnings about potential damage to irreplaceable buildings or monuments, and protests by local communities under pressure. Also Read: To travel or not? Decoding the overtourism and irresponsible tourism catastrophe Italy is the fourth most popular tourist destination in the world, welcoming 57.2 million foreign tourists last year who spent $55.9 billion, according to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Earlier this year, locals in Barcelona staged a protest against overtourism, asking tourists to “go back”. Similar protests were also seen in Spain’s Canary Islands. To combat overtourism, many popular destinations have imposed certain restrictions like charging an entry fee, limiting visitor numbers, etc. The city of Venice earlier this year introduced a five-euro entry fee for day trippers during peak periods, in a bid to entice tourists to visit during quieter periods. Walking the newly renovated "Path of Love" on the Cinque Terre, where at high season human traffic jams form along the trails between the region's colourful coastal villages, also requires a ticket. Earlier this year, Mount Fuji in Japan had also imposed an entre fee for all climbers to limit tourism. (With inputs from AFP)
18 November,2024 01:09 PM IST | Pompeii | mid-day online correspondentAirAsia will operate an international flight from Port Blair in Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia on Saturday, officials said. Presently no international airlines operate from Port Blair's Veer Savarkar International Airport. Speaking to PTI, Chief Airport and Customer Experience Officer, AirAsia, Kesavan Sivanandam said, "It is a significant milestone because it will be the first-ever international flight from Port Blair. Our motto is not only looking at commercial viability but also connecting people. I would like to thank the local administration for all their support." Tour operators in Andaman feel that the commencement of AirAsia flights to Malaysia will be a big game changer in the tourism sector in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Southeast Asia. "I would like to convey my sincere thanks and congratulations to AirAsia for taking this initiative to extend air connectivity from Andaman and Nicobar Islands to South East Asia. The Airports Authority of India has invested a lot in strengthening both ground and air navigation infrastructure to boost the air connectivity of the region," Airport Director, Port Bliar, Devender Yadav said. "Tourism is the backbone of the economy of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and airports are one of the major enablers to boost tourism in the region. The collaborative and sustained efforts from all stakeholders will take civil aviation in the union territory to new heights," he said. Also Read: Interesting facts to undisclosed tips, a first-time traveller’s guide to Andaman and Nicobar Islands This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 November,2024 11:18 AM IST | Port Blair | PTIAs several Indian fans were left disappointed after missing out on Coldplay Mumbai concert tickets, the British rock band recently announced another show at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The band will perform on January 25, 2024 in what is being claimed as their biggest show ever. If you are planning to attend the concert, you can expand your itinerary to explore various cultural, architectural and natural treasures Ahmedabad has to offer. (Fun fact: Old Ahmedabad is also India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City!) Here are five must-visit places in the city. Sabarmati Ashram and River Front Sabarmati Ashram, the residence of Mahatma Gandhi and wife Kasturba Gandhi, is one o fthe most popular tourist attraction in the city. The famous Dandi March commenced from this place; hence it offers valuable insights from history. The ashram is located alongside the tranquil Sabarmati river, and hence is also a good place to enjoy nature. Sabarmati River Front is a promenade featuring cycling tracks, gardens, etc., and is a good place to enjoy the sunset or just take a walk along the river. Swaminarayan Temple Located in the Kalupur area of Ahmedabad, this grand wood-carved temple is the first temple of the Hindu Swaminarayan sect and was constructed on the instructions of the founder of the sect. It features colourful and opulent carvings. Hutheesing Jain Temple Built in 1848, this temple is dedicated to the 15th Jain Tirthankara, Shri Dharmanath. The marble architectural wonder is located outside Dilli Darwaza, and features a sprawling courtyard and a dome-shaped mandapa supported by ornate pillars. Adalaj Stepwell Located near Ahmedabad, this 15th century stepwell boasts Indo-Islamic fusion architecture. The five-storey structure is supported by pillars featuring intricate carvings. It is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Gujarat. Auto World Vintage Car Museum A paradise for all car lovers, this museum in Ahmedabad features an extensive private collection of vintage automobiles, some of which hold a special place in history. The collection, housed at Dastan, a 2200-acre estate. Other must-visit destinations include Jama Masjid, Jhulta Minar, Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition Centre, Calico Textile Museum, etc. Apart from this, Ahmedabad is known for its textiles and food, so one can explore different shopping destinations and culinary delights. Also Read: Coldplay Ahmedabad concert tickets to go live today: Here’s how you can protect yourself from scams
16 November,2024 10:38 AM IST | Ahmedabad | mid-day online correspondentThe grand Dev Deepawali of Kashi will be celebrated on Friday and all the 84 ghats will be illuminated with 17 lakh diyas (earthen lamps). This time the diyas decorating the ghats will be dedicated to women empowerment, and tributes will also be paid to the iconic late industrialist Ratan Tata on the ghats of Kashi. Apart from this, laser shows and fireworks will also be organised at Ganga Dwar and Chet Singh Ghat. Elaborate arrangements have also been made for the world famous Ganga Aarti at the Dashashwamedh Ghat. The city of Varanasi is expecting lakhs of tourists to throng to the holy town for witnessing the auspicious festival. Dev Deepawali is observed annually on the 15th lunar day of the Kartik month in the Hindu calendar, along with Kartik Purnima. The day is celebrated to mark the victory of Lord Shiva over demon Tripurasur. This year the Kartik Purnima has fallen on November 15 so Dev Deepawali of Kashi will be celebrated today. The Dev Deepawali is expected to draw 20 per cent more tourists this time, as compared to last year and hotels and boats have also witnessed unprecedented demand. Hotels, homestays as well as boats in the city have already been booked, ahead of Dev Deepawali and as per official estimates, about 10 lakh tourists are expected to visit the city this time. Priyank Dev Singh, Secretary of Varanasi Hotel Association said that this time the number of tourists on Dev Deepawali has increased significantly, compared to last year. Most of the tourists are staying in home stays and guest houses. "Booking for Dev Deepawali starts from June itself. There is a lot of enthusiasm among the people about it and the tourists coming here are also going to Ayodhya. Apart from this, tourism is also being promoted by the government," he said. Boatman Makalu Sahni said that every year he makes necessary preparations for Dev Deepawali. During this time, he takes care of passengers’ facilities. “This time, there is a lot of enthusiasm among people and most of the boats have also been booked in advance,” Sahni said. Also Read: Diwali 2024: Ayodhya sets two Guinness World Records as 25 lakh diyas illuminate banks of Saryu River This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
15 November,2024 11:01 AM IST | Varanasi | IANSSome of the most unforgettable memories of travel are centered around the people they meet. It could be a fellow traveller they bump into or a polite local who shares stories and suggestions over a warm cup of coffee. This surprise is often magnified when it comes to international travel because not only are we strangers in an alien land, but there are very real cultural differences at play, including linguistic barriers. While travel can be extremely joyous, it comes with uncertainty. No matter which country or continent we may be in, many of us have had to seek or rely on assistance from those around us. You might even recall an instance when a stranger might have helped you while reading this. On World Kindness Day, we asked female travellers to share their stories of experiencing kindness and compassion during their international journeys. In a increasingly divided world, it is encouraging to learn of acts of generosity and reinforces that kindness knows no borders. Travel has made me firmly believe that the goodness in the world outweighs the bad A psychology student, and travel content creator, Reha Adani has had the pleasure of crossing paths with many kind souls—especially while travelling solo. “I am very passionate about being able to experience things in life and emotions in the extreme of forms, and travel has made me firmly believe that the goodness in the world outweighs the bad. While it’s tough to recall every single time someone has been kind, gone out of their way to help me, or just been there for me, there’s one experience I’ve had in Nepal, that has stayed with me,” she shares. Adani visited Nepal earlier this year as a solo traveller and ventured to the quaint village of Panauti. “To make my way safely back to Kathmandu (32 km from the village), I was quoted a hefty price of Rs 5000. Three local men, in their late 50s, who I addressed as uncles, had also spent the night at a homestay in this village. We struck up a conversation during dinner, during which they offered me a lift to Kathmandu the next day,” the Mumbai resident recollects. Being a solo female traveller, was enough cause to make Adani sceptical and initially hesitant. “While caution is paramount, my instincts urged me to trust their genuine warmth and the homestay owner's vouching. The journey that followed was not just a mere transfer, but a heartwarming experience. They ensured my comfort, offering food and friendly conversation. Upon reaching Kathmandu, they went the extra mile by booking a cab from the highway to my hostel. When I offered them some money for fuel and just bringing me back safely - they completely denied it and refused to take a single penny! Their singular objective was to ensure my safety. Such selfless kindness in a foreign land, a stark contrast to the opportunistic cab drivers, was a heartwarming reminder of humanity's inherent goodness,” she reminisces warmly. The kindness of strangers left a lasting impression, reminding us of the power of human connection Nikita Sah and Shwetha Vashist are full-time product marketers and travel enthusiasts. The two latched onto each other in college, and have set themselves the ambitious goal of travelling to all seven continents and all 195+ countries in the world. “It started as a love for exploring places and cultures and grew into this goal of visiting every country in the world. That goal has taken us to places like Lesotho, Taiwan, and Kazakhstan—places we might never have thought to explore. Some of our best experiences have come from these unexpected destinations, often pushing us out of our comfort zones. Each country feels like a new chapter with its own unique lessons, and we’re just students of this big, beautiful world. The number isn’t the point; we’ll go as far as we can, but with the right mindset,” reveals Sah. Drawn to the allure of diverse lands, Sah and Vashisht made their way to Africa in 2023, on a visit to South Africa that initially sparked concern among their families. "When we announced our trip to South Africa, friends and family expressed concern. The seemingly high crime rates did the country’s reputation no favours as our loved ones thought of our impending journey to be a tad bit risky. Looking back, the warmth we experienced left us with memories that still make us smile,” recalls Sah. After a long day of driving along the mesmerising South African landscape, the duo lost track of time and ended up in a sleepy town way past local dinnertime. “We arrived late in a small town, only to find everything closed. Desperate for food, we called a nearby pizzeria, hoping for a miracle. The owners, moved by our predicament, graciously agreed to stay open for us. As we shared pizza and stories, we felt a sense of camaraderie with these newfound friends,” says Sah. The surge of gratitude stemming from their unexpected gesture, a hot meal and engaging conversation breathed new life into the weary travellers. “This encounter was one of many that revealed the heart of South Africa—a country not only blessed with stunning landscapes but also with a spirit of hospitality. The kindness of strangers left a lasting impression, reminding us of the power of human connection," Sah remembers longingly. Help out the next person in need Seema Vishnoi Agarwal (63) visited Paris last summer with her daughter. With an enviable desire for exploration, one of her biggest desires is to see as much of India as possible, but she also makes time to accompany her daughter on her Western voyages. While the former teacher of philosophy enjoyed a sunset cruise on the Seine, a classical concert in Sainte Chapelle, and a leisurely stroll in the buzzing streets of Montmartre, one of her favourite memories is of visiting the majestic Palace of Versailles. Situated about 25 km from the French capital, Versailles is arguably the most famous palace in the country. “Sometimes when you’re in front of famous landmarks, they fail to match your lofty expectations, but the Hall of Mirrors was awe-inspiring in every sense. The exquisite gardens of Versailles are truly endless. You can spend a whole day walking, but there will remain a lot to see,” she tells us animatedly.The mother and daughter duo—along with hundreds of others, ended up staying till the palace closed. Needless to say, it was a task to find a cab to make their way back to Paris. Agarwal shares, “It was getting late and my daughter tried all the apps—but even after 20 to 30 minutes of waiting—we were stranded. A couple of ladies who had somehow managed to get a cab saw us hassled, and offered to let us join them. I remember wondering, this doesn’t really happen—we were complete strangers. Conveying our gratitude, we joined them on a 45-minute ride and exchanged travel stories and laughter. When we reached our destination, the Canadians refused to let me pay. We tried, after all, it was an expensive ride: 45 euros (4100 INR). Our insistence was turned down. Give it forward. Help out the next person in need, one of them had told us with the conviction of a traveller who trusts in the softness of the world.”The act in itself might seem commonplace to many, but Agarwal says that the fellow traveller’s faith in the goodness of strangers is what truly moved her. “My daughter had previously told me about the kind strangers she had encountered while travelling alone, but this was the first time I experienced what she refers to as the ‘kindness of the road’. We thanked them, said our goodbyes, and silently resolved to continually pass it on,” she fondly recalls. I wondered how small the world truly is Born and bred in Mumbai, Parita Rege has made her way to 17 countries and has no plans of slowing down. A visit to Canada this year left a lasting impression on her heart. “I had heard about the apparent rudeness of the French-speaking locals in the province of Quebec. That one needed to apologise for speaking in English and not knowing French at the start of a conversation. This turned out to not be true at all,” shares Rega. While she and her husband were trying to figure out public transportation at a bustling station in Montreal, Alex, a French Canadian came to their rescue. “Most North American cities allow you to pay via your credit or debit card to use their public transport, but we didn’t know that a different kind of transportation card was needed in Montreal. Amid the confusion, we reached out to a passerby, who was happy to help us with all the necessary information. He patiently guided us through the ticket purchasing process, and even waited in the queue to secure our tickets,” recalls the 32-year-old. While waiting, the helpful stranger revealed that he was married to a Gujarati woman much like Rega. “I wondered how small the world truly is. We were luckily on the same train, and since he was getting off earlier, he made sure to tell us which station we needed to get off at,” she tells us. As their paths diverged, Rega couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude. During that trip, she had experienced the kindness of strangers, many times, and Alex's simple act of help had not only eased her travel woes but also left a lasting impression on her heart. Also Read: The intriguing world of collecting souvenirs – what’s their allure?
14 November,2024 02:50 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalFull-service airline Vistara will operate its last flights today as it will be merged with the Air India Group on Tuesday. National carrier Air India has announced that flights operated by Vistara will start using the flight code 'AI2' after the merger of the two airlines. After the merger, Singapore Airlines will have a 25.1 per cent stake in Tata Group-owned Air India. In 2015, Vistara was set up as a JV with Singapore Airlines' 49 per cent stake. Despite the integration on November 12, the Vistara experience will "remain the same", said the Tata Group-owned airline. The merger involves Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, and Air India. Currently, Air India uses the airline code 'AI' while Vistara uses ‘UK.’ According to the company, both the airlines have been working hard for over a year to ensure that the merger of the legal and regulated entities is seamless for both customers and staff. “Though the legal entities and Air Operator Certificates will become one on 12 November, the Vistara experience will remain. Vistara aircraft, crew and service will continue to operate as before, but with AI2XXX flight numbers bookable via airindia.com," said an Air India spokesperson in a statement. In parallel, Air India’s narrow-body fleet will continue to be upgraded with new aircraft being delivered, legacy aircraft being refitted with entirely new interiors and Vistara’s catering now also extended to Air India. “We look forward to drawing upon the proud legacies and best practices of both airlines as we form a new airline group of which India can be proud,” the spokesperson added. In July this year, Air India said it had completed harmonising operating procedures across key functions for the four Tata Group airlines as a crucial step towards the merger. Vistara, a joint venture between Tata Group (51 per cent) and Singapore Airlines (49 per cent), is being merged into Air India to create a single full-service carrier. Singapore Airlines has stated that it will invest Rs 3,194.5 crore in Air India following the anticipated merger of Vistara with the Tata Group owned airline. Vistara was set up in 2015 as a joint venture with Singapore Airlines holding a 49 per cent stake in the Indian carrier and the Tata Group owning a majority 51 per cent share. Singapore Airlines will own a 25.1 per cent stake in Air India At the same time, Air India's subsidiaries, AIX Connect (formerly Air Asia) and Air India Express, have merged to form a single low-budget airline. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
11 November,2024 12:15 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSMajuli, India’s biggest district island situated amidst the Brahmaputra river in Assam and the land of Satras (Vaishnavite monasteries), is preparing for one of its most celebrated annual events, the Raas Mahotsav, which will be held from November 15 to 17. This festival, which is centred around the divine life of Lord Krishna, has been celebrated for over 150 years, making it a deeply rooted tradition in the cultural heritage of Assam. About Raas in Majuli This year, the historic Dakhinpat Satra will mark 185 years of celebrating Raas. Nani Gopal Deba Goshwami, Satradhikar, Dakhinpat Satra, told ANI, "As soon as we hear the word "Raas," we automatically visualise Lord Krishna dancing with the Gopis. The Raas originated in Goloka and later came to Vrindavan. Later, through the play "Keli Gopal," Mahapurush Srimanta Shankar Deva introduced the Raas into the Neo-Vaishnavite religion. Dakhinpat Satra's 10th Satradhikar, Vasudev Prabhu, included a play depicting the life of Lord Krishna from his birth to the death of Arishtasura. This tradition has continued, and we have now reached 185 years.”He informed that the play is divided into three chapters. "It begins with Sri Krishna's birth, then shows Krishna in Vrindavan, and finally depicts Krishna's Leela with the Gopis, ending with the death of Arishtasura. The performance takes 10 hours to complete. Raas Puja is central to Dakhinpat Satra. We take Mahaprabhu out on a "Dola" and place him in an imaginary Vrindavan. The drama is performed the following night, accompanied by simultaneous rituals."On the third day, Indra Abhishek is performed with dance, with performers characterised as apsaras. "The actors are from our Vaishnavite monasteries, and Vaishnavite monks also participate in the play. We conduct this Puja with the utmost purity and devotion, expecting more than 10,000 people to attend. Not a single word of our drama has changed; it is performed exactly as it was 185 years ago. However, there have been some exterior changes, such as electric lights now replacing menthol lamps." Local practices Locally created masks representing various mythological figures are one of the major features of the festival. Samuguri Satra's famed mask artists, who craft detailed masks for Raas performances, are hard at work, bringing to life characters from the epic tales. The tradition of mask-making in Majuli has evolved to also include commercial purposes, allowing these artists to support their craft beyond the festival.Mask artist Padmashree Hemachandra Goshwami told ANI, "Raas is a very important festival in Majuli. Masks play a significant role in Raas, bringing characters like King Kansa, demon courtiers, Asuras, animals, and other demon characters to life in the Raas Leela performances. Certain characters, like Aghashoor, Bokashoor, Dhenukashoor, and Kalia Naag, cannot be portrayed with a human face, making these masks essential to the festival. We expect a large number of visitors this year."He further said that during Raas, everything is performed from singing to dancing. "Raas has two main parts: one depicting Lord Krishna in Vrindavan and the other focusing on Lord Krishna with the Gopis. Masks are crucial for both parts, and our schedule has become very busy as the festival approaches. The masks worn for demon and rakshasa characters are priced around 3,500 rupees, while masks for animals or birds, like Bokashoor and Aghashoor, are more expensive, ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 rupees. There are two main types of masks used: face masks and beak masks," he added. Tourism and security measures Majuli's Raas Mahotsav is expected to attract approximately 50,000 domestic and international tourists, with the district administration preparing for a substantial increase in visitors that will nearly double the island's usual population of 200,000. In response, security measures have been heightened, with additional forces being deployed from outside Majuli to ensure the safety and smooth flow of the festival activities.Deputy Commissioner, Majuli Ratul Chandra Pathak informed, "We are making thorough preparations for the upcoming Raas Festival, which will take place on November 15th, 16th, and 17th. Every year, we welcome a large number of tourists, both foreign and domestic, and this year we expect around 50,000 visitors from outside. This time, Raas and Paal Nam will coincide, adding to the festival's significance."He said that comprehensive security measures have been arranged across all major entry points, including Nimati Ghat, Kamala Bari Ghat and Afalamukh Ghat, which are key locations for tourist arrivals."Within Majuli, we are also putting in place all necessary arrangements, especially for toilets and other facilities, to ensure a comfortable experience for visitors. A total of 65 Satras are preparing for Raas this year in Majuli. With Majuli's population of around 200,000, each of the 65 Raas centres will have approximately 300 to 400 people actively participating in the festivities. Additionally, security forces from outside Majuli are being deployed to support local arrangements and ensure safety throughout the event," he added. About Majuli The river island of Majuli, located approximately 2.5 km away from mainland Assam, constitutes the largest mid river delta system in the world. The nearest airport and railway station are at Jorhat. One can take a ferry from there to reach the island. Majuli is the abode of Assamese neo-Vaishnavite culture and home to many tribes and famous cultural festivals like Raas Mahotsav, Falgu Utsav, Porag Utsav, Paal Naam festival, Ali Ai Ligang festival, etc. (With inputs from ANI) Also Read: A tour through Navratri and Dussehra celebrations across India
09 November,2024 01:17 PM IST | Assam | mid-day online correspondentMatheran is a quaint hill station near Mumbai, nestled in the Karjat district of Maharashtra. It is a vehicle-free zone, known for its serenity and untouched beauty. One of the most sought-after experiences of travelling from Mumbai to this getaway is the enchanting Neral-Matheran toy train journey. Meandering through the dense forests of the Western Ghats, the train takes tourists through picturesque landscapes. The Neral-Matheran train services, operated by the Central Railway, were paused on June 8, 2024, due to the monsoon season. It resumed operations on November 6, 2024, after almost five months and we embarked on a journey on this narrow-gauge train. Boarding the train at Neral station, we were welcomed by rustic interiors and a cosy seating space. Throughout the journey, the scenic beauty on both sides kept the passengers engaged. From dense forests to mini waterfalls, from magnificent boulders to stunning valley views, the journey away from the sight and sound of any vehicle and city bustle served as a refreshing change. The train travelled through several curves and bends, bringing both ends of the train in sight as we looked outside. It also passed through a short tunnel, famously called the ‘One Kiss Tunnel’. On the course of the journey, the train stopped at three stations – Jummapatti, Water Pipe and Aman Lodge – where we were greeted with eager locals shooting visuals of the toy train on their phones and people selling snacks, fruits, etc., to the tourists. With small and narrow footpaths, these stations had an old-world charm. One of the highlights of the ride was the famous Kadyavarcha Ganpati, a huge rock-cut idol of Lord Ganesha, which was visible from the train. As we reached Aman Lodge, vehicles came in sight. No automobile is allowed beyond this beyond. The tourists either walk, take a horse ride or board the toy train from here to reach Matheran. We continued our journey in the toy train and as Matheran came into view and we approached the station, a barrage of tourists came in sight, all waiting eagerly to buy tickets or board the train back to Mumbai. The two and half hours spent to cover the distance of 20 km from Neral to Matheran seemed worth it as nature came close and chaos left the space. If you too are eager to embark on this journey, here’s all you need to know about it. History and interesting facts The Neral-Matheran toy train has a rich history. It began operations in 1907 and has undergone several infrastructural upgrades since then. The train covers a height of approximately 750 m from Neral to Matheran. The sharpest curvature on this route is approximately 120 degrees. There are three major level crossing gates along the route i.e., places where the rail line crosses a road. The Matheran Light Railway (MLR) is on UNESCO tentative list for Mountain Railways of India. Infrastructural upgrades Due to various challenges that come with running a train in the hills, the toy train line has had to undergo several infrastructural upgrades. Many changes have been made since the past year, especially in the past five months when the services were paused. Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Central Railway, reveals, “All the steel sleepers on this railway line have been replaced by concrete ones. Approximately 1340 concrete sleepers have been laid per km. In total, more than 26,000 sleepers have been changed.” “Apart from that, this was a 50 pounds rail from the British era. We have changed it to 67.3 pounds rail. From Neral to Aman Lodge, ballast has been added in a different way to ensure stability of the track. Also, previously, these used to be unwelded rails. Now there is welding after every 9 m,” he adds. Other infrastructural upgrades include attempts to reduce curvatures by changing the alignment wherever possible and building side drains to minimise the risk of flowing water. Timings, tickets and more Two trains run on Neral-Matheran route daily in both directions. Neral to Matheran The first train departs from Neral at 8:50 AM and reaches Matheran by 11:30 AM. The second train departs from Neral at 10:25 and reaches Matheran by 1:05 PM. Matheran to Neral The first train departs from Matheran at 2:45 PM and reaches Neral by 5:30 PM. The second train departs from Matheran at 4 PM and reaches Neral by 6:40 PM. Apart from this, six shuttles run between Aman Lodge and Matheran daily in both directions. On weekends, there are 8 shuttles available between the two stations. The train consists of six coaches, including three second-class, one first-class coach and two second-class-cum-luggage vans. Ticket prices One can buy tickets offline at Neral, Aman Lodge or Matheran stations. Here are the prices: First class: Rs. 300 (Rs. 180 for children) Second class: Rs. 75 (Rs. 45 for children) Toy train and tourism The toy train service has significantly impacted tourism in Matheran. Not only does the toy train provide a convenient mode of transportation but also a memorable experience. “The toy train carries approximately 600 people everyday from Neral to Matheran and almost the same amount of people from Aman Lodge to Matheran. Approximately 1200 tourists travel from this train on a daily basis,” informs the CR CPRO. Gayathri, who travelled in the toy train on its first day after resuming, says, “It has been a wonderful experience. We had to wait in line for the tickets but the ride was superb. The scenery on both sides was pleasant and Kadyavarcha Ganpati was the highlight. I have been to Matheran before by road but I feel this is a better journey in terms of experience, especially for the kids.” “I felt so close to nature. There were no cars around. It was a fun experience,” says another traveller. Also Read: The intriguing world of collecting souvenirs – what’s their allure?
08 November,2024 06:41 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainADVERTISEMENT
