Tag: Dussehra festival

Delhi Festival Season After 2-year Gap

Delhi: Sales See Rise In Festival Season After 2-year Gap

By LokMarg

With the festive season inching closer and COVID restrictions in abeyance, sales saw a rise as markets in the national capital opened fully after a gap of two years due to the pandemic.

A crowd of people can be seen on the streets of the national capital, especially in markets for shopping for the upcoming festive season which includes festivals like Diwali. Dussehra was celebrated recently.

Chandni Chowk in Delhi is once again a witness to shopkeepers opening their shops without any restrictions and the customers thronging their shops in large numbers to get new clothes.

Expressing their ecstasy over the full-fledged business after a long time, the shopkeepers said that their sales have been boosted by nearly 200 percent compared to during the pandemic.

Speaking to ANI, a local shopkeeper said, “Business is going well with festivals around. Rush increased, sales boosted by almost 200 percent as compared to the pandemic.”

Some of the shopkeepers and wholesalers said that their business is doing well with the regular arrival of customers these days at the shop.

“During the festive season, our business ran very well. Our business was boosted by 200 percent from the pandemic. All going well nowadays. Customers come regularly but a few of them only do bargaining and go. We don’t know the reason. Despite all of that, our sales increased after the pandemic because the number of buyers in the market has increased,” said a shopkeeper.

A customer from Jabalpur said that she was happy with the reopening of markets and had come all the way to Delhi for shopping.

“I heard about Chandi Chowk and today I saw the reason why. I purchased a Lehenga here. The quality is very good. The same quality and brand, if I had purchased from some other place, it would cost nearly Rs 2 lakh, but we purchased it here for only Rs 30,000,” she said.

Another first-time visitor who came from West Bengal’s Murshidabad said that the items are cheap in the market and their quality is satisfactory. (ANI)

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Sonia Gandhi

Sonia Joins Bharat Jodo Yatra In Karnataka’s Mandya

By LokMarg

Congress interim president on Thursday morning joined the party’s ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ in Mandya in Karnataka.

Sonia Gandhi, who had arrived in Mysuru on Monday afternoon, arrived at the starting point of the padayatra, which resumed today on its after a two-day break for Dussehra. The Yatra entered its Karnataka leg on September 30.
The Congress supremo was seen walking in the company of her son and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders.

She had earlier visited the Bheemanakolli Temple in Begur village and offered prayers on October 5.

Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar today said that it was a matter of pride for veteran Sonia Gandhi to walk on the streets.

“After Vijayadashami, there will be Vijaya in Karnataka. We are proud that Sonia Gandhi has come to walk on the streets of Karnataka. We are coming to power in the state, and BJP is on the way to shutting its shop,” said DK Shivakumar.

Day 29 of the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ began with flag hoisting at 5:30 am at Exhibition Grounds, Mysuru, where Bharat Yatris joined in Dasara celebrations.

“The march resumed after an hour’s bus ride to padayatra start point near Mandya. Congress President will join around 800 am,” tweeted senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh this morning.

The Padyatra (march) is covering a distance of 25 km every day. The march was aimed to cover as many as 12 states in five months. It will be in Karnataka for 21 days before moving north.

According to Congress, the ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ is being held to combat the divisive politics of the BJP-led Centre and to awaken the people of the country to the dangers of economic inequalities, social polarisation and political centralisation.

Notably, all the party MPs, leaders and workers along with Rahul Gandhi are staying in containers. Sleeping beds, toilets and ACs are also installed in some of the containers. During the journey, the temperature and environment will differ in many areas. The arrangements have been made keeping in view the intense heat and humidity with the change of places.

The Congress suffered a debacle in the assembly polls held earlier this year and the Yatra is seen as an attempt to rally the party rank and file for the upcoming electoral battles. (ANI)

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The Jhoolewala At Ram Mandir

Aslam, The Jhoolewala At Ram Mandir-Themed Ramlila, Spreads Joys

By LokMarg

Bustling noises of cheers and laughter echo on the grounds of Lav Kush Ramlila as the annual festivities of Dussehra make their way to people’s calendars every year.
Today is Vijayadashami. It is that time of year when Ramlilas, the theatrical enactments of Lord Rama’s life, are performed in various corners of the country, fun fairs are held, crowds swarm to see Ravan effigies burst into flames, and the aroma of traditional sweets fills the air.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the past two years were a blow to small-scale businesses and vendors. But this year’s Navaratri, the nine auspicious nights preceding the Dussehra festival, has returned to the good old charm of festive love and celebrations.

Among many who spread joy is a man who brings smiles to people’s faces with the merry-go-round and giant Ferris Wheels!

Known to have been one of the best in business for four decades, Mohammed Aslam gives the magical touch to Lav Kush Ramlila every year with fun amusement rides.

“I have worked with Luv Kush Ramlila committee since 1992 and plan to keep working with them because I get a lot of respect here,” said Mohammed Aslam as he expressed his gratitude.

Like many business establishments that suffered at the hands of COVID-19, he emphasized how the pandemic played a spoilsport for his business in the past two years as well- “past two years, in fact, were quite stressful in terms of business.” Not just me, my staffers were also distressed due to the lockdown.”

However, a few minutes later, he exuberantly expressed how well the business is picking up and that he is extremely happy to see Ramlila making a comeback this year!

Mohammed Aslam, a resident of the walled city, conducts many fairs across the Hindi heartland but says he is happiest during Ramlila because of the joy and brotherhood the festival binds people with.

Luv Kush Ramlila is held at the iconic Lal Qila (Red Fort) every year and thousands of people gather at the Mughal-era fort to eagerly watch the pages of Ramayana come to life.

Not just that, gorging on fantastic street food delicacies, taking an adrenaline-pumping fun ride, and just soaking in the festive mood with loved ones, make it an exciting place for people from all walks of life—age, gender, and religion no bar. This year’s specialty, however, lies in the beauty of the backdrop of the Ram Lila—a replica of the famous Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Talking about the schedule this year, Ramlila began on September 26 and will culminate with a special appearance of ‘Baahubali’ superstar Prabhas on Wednesday. (ANI)

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BJP's Pankaja Munde On Dussehra Rallies

Our Rally Is Not Political: BJP’s Pankaja Munde On Dussehra Rallies

By LokMarg

Maharashtra BJP leader and former minister Pankaja Munde on Wednesday said that she would like to hear both Shiv Sena factions in their respective Dussehra rallies and extend good wishes to them.

Talking to the media, Pankaja Munde said that her party’s rally is not political but for the common people of society.
Notably, the Dussehra rallies of Eknath Shinde-led Sena and Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena are to be held today at different venues in Maharashtra after a months-long tug of war over the rally. The Bombay High Court ruled in favor of the Thackeray-led Sena faction and allowed them to hold the Dussehra rally at the Shivaji Park on September 23.

The tussle between the Shinde-led faction and former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray-led faction was on for weeks and the decision came only after multiple brawls came to the fore.

“We talk about the subjects on which our supporters and unprivileged people expect from us. Our rally is not a political rally, but I would like to hear both factions. Let’s see on which issues they are going to talk,” Pankaja Munde said.

Pankaja Munde said that our rally is to be held in the crowded district, our rally is not for the political but for the common society.

Pankaja, talking about the real ‘Sena’ said that she would not speak anything about it. “I will not say anything about this as I consider myself too small to comment on it.”

There are three Dussehra rallies to be held in Maharashtra today, one in the Beed district and two in Mumbai.

Earlier on Monday, both the Shiv Sena factions released video trailers of the rally that would be conducted at two different venues in accordance with the court decision. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s led-faction was seen drawing parallels between both groups.

Releasing a video on a social media platform, the group called for people’s presence in numbers at Bombay Kurla Complex. It also mentioned that national issues would be discussed during the gathering and inspirational speeches would be given that would last as an oxygen supply for one whole year. The teaser also stressed party workers and appreciation of their efforts.

Comparing the other side, the video made a veiled attack and showed words that the other section will focus on including betrayal, manhood, etc.

The Uddhav Thackeray-led faction will also hold a Dussehra rally at Shivaji park, Dadar. Their teaser starts with the voice of Uddhav Thackeray quoting Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stating that one should never backstab but if one does then one should not be left alive.

Calling the event historic, the Shiv Sena leader stressed that he has nothing left for himself but only the power that people have given him. He further goes on to call the gathering a full-packed event of his “Thackeray family”, and says that every attendee has Bala Saheb Thackeray in their heart and the bond is unbreakable.

The video ends with excerpts of former CM Thackeray’s interview instructing the attendees on responsible and disciplined behavior during the celebrations at the rally. NCP leaders, on the other hand, aligned with the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction.

“There’ll be 2 Dussehra rallies in Maharashtra. One that will be as per the ideals of Bala Saheb Thackeray is a rally by Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena. Though matter related to real Shiv Sena is pending with ECI, as per NCP, Uddhav Thackeray’s Shiv Sena is real Shiv Sena,” said NCP leader M Tapse.

Earlier Shinde on Sunday said that they will not challenge the Bombay High Court’s decision in the Supreme Court for allowing the Thackeray-led Shiv Sena faction to hold the Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai.

“We respect the Bombay High Court’s decision and will not challenge it in the Supreme Court,” said Shinde. (ANI)

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Delhi Effigy Makers

Delhi Effigy Makers Back In Business After Two Bad Fiscal Years

By LokMarg

Today is Vijayadashami, and the excitement of the festive spirit is at its peak!

Every year, Dussehra is celebrated to commemorate the triumph of good over evil as Lord Rama killed Ravana on this day. The festival is celebrated in full swing across the country, by burning the effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnath.
After a hiatus of a few years, the effigy business is getting back on track.

Earlier, we spoke to a local artisan from Titarpur in New Delhi – Naveen, and he revealed, “People are coming back in huge numbers to book Ravan effigies. Due to Covid, during the past few years, the business was not so good, but things are getting better now and customers are back. But now, the rates of effigies are a bit high as compared to previous times, now it costs Rs 500 per foot. We began the preparation 2 months ahead of the festival and we start the deliveries 2 days before Dussehra.”

“During Covid, Ravan idols were made in fewer numbers, we used to create only small mannequins of 5 feet and 10 feet, for the common people who can burn those effigies on the streets. But this year, the situation is quite different, we are celebrating every festival and the effigy business is also going really well, and the craze among the people for Dussehra is very high and we are flooded with bookings this year. This year we will see a good hike in sales, we have been working day and night for the past two months to create these effigies. We create effigies from 5 feet to 50 feet and the pricing begins from Rs 500 per foot, “Sonu, a local artist said.

On being asked whether the firecracker ban has affected the sales in Delhi or not, Naveen said, “No, it doesn’t matter, we only construct the effigies, it’s the customer’s choice to put firecrackers in it or not, they do it by themselves.” People opt for eco-friendly firecrackers to create less pollution during Dussehra. “

In a conversation with ANI, effigy maker Poonam said, “Yes, we are facing a big loss due to the firecracker ban by the Aam Aadmi Party in Delhi.” Every year, CM Kejriwal puts a ban on firecrackers, during Diwali everyone bursts crackers, but only during Dussehra, he put a ban on them. We don’t put crackers in the effigies, people bring them and put them on their own. But because of the ban, there has been a huge downfall in the number of clients. Mostly, the customers cancel their already booked orders due to the ban. If the government doesn’t want us to do our business, then simply tell us. We don’t want to face loss at the last moment. “

“The number of firecrackers has now been reduced from 500 to 300 by CM Kejriwal. We don’t put crackers in the mannequins, that’s the customer’s call whether to put crackers or not,” Mahendra Karari, Ravan effigy creator told ANI.

Apart from making effigy during the festive season, local vendors indulge in their different businesses for the rest of the year for their source of income.

“Dussehra festival comes once a year, and we have our other source of income as well. I am a driver for the whole year. But during Dussehra, I make Ravan since my childhood in Titarpur, said Naveen.

Karari said, “We work in the hotel line during the whole year, and some of our work in brass bands during the marriage season, and some people work at local sweet shops.”

In some regions, the celebration—also known as Vijayadashami—celebrates Goddess Durga’s triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura. (ANI)

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Dubai’s New Temple To Open Ahead Of Dussehra

By LokMarg

A new Hindu temple constructed in Jebel Ali in Dubai is set to open on Tuesday, one day ahead of the Dussehra festival.

Khaleej Times reported that the temple is an extension of the Sindhi Guru Darbar Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in the UAE.
The temple’s foundation was laid in February 2020, and the inauguration fulfills a decades-long Indian dream of having a place of worship in the area.

The temple, which will be officially open to the public from October 5 — the day of the Dussehra festival, welcomes people of all faiths and has allowed entry to worshippers and other visitors to view the 16 deities and other interior works, reported Gulf News.

Welcoming people from all faiths, the temple has already had its soft opening on September 1, 2022, where thousands of visitors were allowed to get a glimpse of the interiors of the temple built with white marble. It has ornate pillars, Arabic and Hindu geometric designs on the facade, and bells on the ceiling.

The temple management activated the QR-code-based appointment booking system via its website on its soft opening.

From day one, the temple has received many visitors, especially over the weekends. The restricted entry has been regulated through QR-coded appointments for crowd management and to ensure social distancing, the report said.

Most of the deities are installed in the main prayer hall with a large 3D-printed pink lotus unfurling across the central dome.

According to the official temple website, Dubai’s new Hindu temple will be open from 6:30 am to 8 pm.

Visitors who have booked their appointments to visit the temple from Dubai’s official website for October 5, will be allowed entry without being subject to the hourly number restrictions which are currently in place.

Moreover, the temple in Dubai has a whooping capacity to easily accommodate around 1000 to 1200 worshippers on a daily basis.

Located in what is described as the ‘Worship Village’ in Jebel Ali which houses several churches and the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara, the temple has also installed the Guru Granth Sahib, the Holy Book of the Sikhs, in August. (ANI)

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