Panaji, October 20 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with Indian Navy personnel aboard the country’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, describing it as a monumental symbol of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and a testament to India’s growing technological prowess and self-reliance.

As per agency report, the Prime Minister arrived in Goa on Sunday evening and boarded the indigenously built aircraft carrier stationed off the Goan coast. After embarking on INS Vikrant, he proceeded to the flight deck surrounded by MiG-29K fighter jets and witnessed both day and night operations, observing the fighter aircraft taking off and landing on the carrier’s short runway.

The evening also featured a vibrant cultural program by naval officers and sailors, who performed patriotic songs, including a special composition commemorating the Indian Armed Forces’ success in Operation Sindoor. Sources said the Prime Minister was deeply moved by the performance and the spirit of the naval personnel.

On Monday morning, Modi participated in a yoga session on the deck of INS Vikrant, followed by a spectacular display of warships in a steampast and aircraft in a flypast formation. He also addressed the naval officers with an inspiring speech and distributed sweets to mark the festive occasion.

The Prime Minister said that INS Vikrant is not merely a warship but a living example of India’s hard work, innovation, and commitment in the 21st century. He noted that the BrahMos missile has now become a symbol of strength that commands respect globally, with several countries expressing interest in purchasing it.

Expressing his emotions, Modi stated that celebrating Diwali with the armed forces was a special experience, adding that the energy and enthusiasm he witnessed among the naval personnel filled him with immense pride.

India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, was commissioned into the Navy in 2022. Described as a “floating city,” it is the largest warship ever constructed in India and the country’s second operational aircraft carrier after INS Vikramaditya. Prime Minister Modi has maintained the tradition of celebrating Diwali with India’s armed forces since 2014.

New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANSlife) The festival of lights, or Diwali, is a festive occasion to celebrate the victory of good over evil. It is a lovely time of year to spend with loved ones and friends and spread happiness. However, it's also a great opportunity to impart important life skills to your kids.

Megha Chopra, entrepreneur and poet outlines six life lessons in life that one can impart to children on the celebrations of Diwali:

The victory of right over wrong: The victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana serves as a reminder that good always triumphs over evil. The significance of justice, truth, and righteousness in our lives is emphasised by this festival. As we light up our hearts and homes with lights, we also teach our children to choose morality, kindness, and compassion over vice and darkness. Teach them to be a light in the world and to speak out against injustice.

Overcoming ignorance and fear: The victory over ignorance and fear is symbolised by the tale of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya following his defeat of the demon king Ravana. Teach your kids that facing anxieties and overcoming challenges in life requires knowledge and fortitude. Assist them in realising that overcoming their worries and choosing wisely will result in success and personal development.

Value of selflessness: Another chance to instill in your children the value of selflessness is during Diwali. Laxman gave his all without asking for anything in return. Though he wasn't required to, he stayed with Ram. After leaving behind the aristocratic lifestyle and all its perks, Laxman slept for a continuous 14 years. Even though it seems impossible to locate someone similar to him right now, it is not impossible to apply Laxman's qualities in the actual world.

Beauty of Forgiveness: The life of Lord Ram is an example of the great beauty of forgiveness. He endured great hardships, but he was able to forgive everyone who had harmed him, including Ravana. His selfless pardon serves as a symbol of bravery and honesty, showing us that letting go of grudges and anger promotes inner serenity and spiritual development. As Lord Ram did, we can restore relationships, promote peace, and follow the path of righteousness by accepting pardon.

Families' unity and bonding: During Diwali, we may learn a lot from the Ramayana about Sita Mata's everlasting devotion and resilience in the face of hardship. Her unwavering love and support for Lord Rama serve as an example of how important family ties and unity are. Like Sita, Diwali serves as a reminder to value our bonds with one another and support those we love during trying times. Through the promotion of love, compassion, and community, this festival inspires us to fortify the ties that bind our families.

Importance of Self-Reflection: Diwali is a time of self-reflection and reflecting on the past year. This is an excellent opportunity to teach your kids the value of taking time to think back on their choices and actions. Reminding them to constantly want to be the greatest version of themselves and to make wise decisions is also a wonderful idea at this time. And always be open to learning from their mistakes.

New Delhi, Nov 12 (IANSlife) Discover mouth-watering Diwali recipes to celebrate the festival of lightsby Swapnadeep Mukherjee, Executive Chef, The Metropolitan Hotel & Spa.

CHATPATA BABY POTATO

Ingredients                                                  

Baby Potatoes, boiled and peeled Coriander SeedsCumin seedsFennel seeds 1Whole Black PeppercornsDry Red ChilliesAsafoetidaa pinch                                        Oil, as requiredGinger Garlic Paste                                             Tamarind Paste                                                   SugarWater                                                                   Salt, to tasteCoriander Leaves                               

Method:

Heat a heavy bottomed pan; add coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorn and dry red chillies. Roast them for few seconds.Add the roasted dry masala in a mixer and turn them into a coarse powder.Heat oil in a wok/kadhai. Add asafoetida and after few seconds, add ginger garlic paste. Saute it properly for 1 to 2 minutes.Add baby potato and cook them till the colour turns golden brown.Meanwhile, mix tamarind paste and sugar in water and add into the potatoes.Add salt to taste and the roasted dry masala. Mix and cook the ChatpataAloo for 2 more minute and serve hot.Serve Chatpata Baby Potato along with Panchmel Dal, Lauki Raita and Pudina Tawa Paratha for a great Diwali meal.

BAGICHE KI TIKKI       

Ingredients

Mashed Boiled potato                                                          TomatoOnionCapsicumBlack pepper powder                                                          All spice mix powder / Garam masala                                Black salt                                                                            SaltChaat masalaOil 

Method:

Take boiled potato in a bowl. Add tomato, onion, capsicum, black pepper powder, all spice mix powder, black salt, salt, and chaat masala. Mix well.Take a small ball-sized portion of the mixture. Press it with hands and prepare tikkis.Meanwhile, heat a tawa over medium flame. Grease it with oil. Place the tikkion a tawa. Add oil to it. Roast them on a low flame for 2-3 mins.Flip it and cook it on low flame from another side. Likewise, roast all tikkis.Once done take it out on the serving plate, BagichekiTikki is ready to be served.

NAVRATAN KHEER

Ingredient                                                   

White pumpkin (lauki)sabudanamilksugarkhoya (paste)seasonal fruitsPomegranate

Method

Scrape lauki lightly and grate.Soak sabudana in water for about half an hour. Boil the grated pumpkin in at least ½ litre of milk for about 10 mins. When cool, make into a paste.Cook the remaining milk with sugar. Then add lauki paste, soaked sabudana and khoya.Allow it to cook till it reduces to almost half of its volume and reaches a smooth texture. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.Add chopped fruits to the kheer. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.Serve chilled, garnishwith Kabuli anardana.

PANEER DIL KHUSH TIKKA

Ingredient

PaneerYellow chili powderRed chili powderGaram masalaGinger garlic pasteKasurimethiCurdLemon juice

Method:

Cut paneer into heart shape.Take a bowl , mix curd and masala to make a marination pasteMarinate paneer for min two hours.Cook in tandoor or pan grill on gas.Serve with coriander chutney.

LADOO CHOOR BESAN

Ingredient                           

BesanDesi gheePowder cardamomSugarAlmong and pista kernels

Method:

Put besan into a pan and add desi ghee gradually.Stir cook till besan turns light brown.Add sugar and keep aside.Make into round ladoo shape.

PANEER ALOO PAKORA

Ingredient                                 

Potato( mashed)PaneerBesanAjwainSaltGaram masala                               Fresh corianderCheese

Method:

Put mashed potato, masala and cheese in a bowl.Mix well and keep aside.In another bowl mix besan, ajwain and water. Make a batter.Cut the paneer slice in half resembling bread slice.Put potato mashed in between two paneer slices.Dip into batter and fry.Serve with mint chutney.

Chandigarh, Nov 12 (IANS) The Golden Temple complex, where the holiest of Sikh shrines Harmandar Sahib is located, was illuminated on Sunday to mark the Bandi Chhor Diwas and Diwali.

There has been festive spirit at the Golden Temple complex in Punjab’s Amritsar since early morning as tens of thousands of people came there to offer prayers and seek blessings.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann extended warm greetings to the people on the historic Bandi Chhor Diwas, to mark the release from prison of the sixth guru, Guru Hargobind, and 52 other princes with him, in 1619.

The guru and the princes arrived in Amritsar during Diwali festivities. Since then, the Bandi Chhor Diwas and Diwali celebrations coincide at the Golden Temple complex.

Elsewhere in Punjab, gurdwaras and markets wore a festive look. Hundreds of people thronged various markets in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Amritsar and other towns.

The festival spirit for Diwali could also be seen in Chandigarh and towns and cities in Haryana.

In a message, Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit said the festival celebrated by people of various religious and sects, strengthens the sense of unity, goodwill and fraternity among the people of the country.

“The festival inspires us to work for the service of humanity,” he added.

Shimla, Nov 12 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday celebrated Diwali with soldiers in the remote and strategic area Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh, close to the India-China border.

PM Modi shared his pictures with the soldiers on X, "Reached Lepcha in Himachal Pradesh to celebrate Diwali with our brave security forces."

Dressed in olive green, the Prime Minister interacted with soldiers.

Since 2014, PM Modi has been following his tradition of celebrating Diwali with soldiers.

He last celebrated Diwali with soldiers in Himachal Pradesh on October 30, 2016.

Lepcha falls in Lahaul-Spiti district, spread over 13,835 sq km. The climatic conditions in the entire district are harsh as much of the land falls under a cold desert where the mercury drops below minus 20 degrees Celsius during winter.

After assuming the post of Prime Minister, PM Modi has been celebrating the festival of Diwali with the soldiers either on the International Border, or the Line of Actual Control or Line of Control. 

In 2014, PM Modi celebrated Diwali with the soldiers at Siachen Glacier, in 2015 he spent time with soldiers at Amritsar border; in 2016 he celebrated Diwali in Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh and in 2017, he went to Gurez in Jammu and Kashmir.

In 2018, the Prime Minister celebrated Diwali with the Army personnel in Kedarnath in Uttarakhand while in 2019 he went to Rajouri in Jammu, in 2020 he celebrated Diwali in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer; in 2021 he celebrated Diwali in J&K's Nowshera and last year he spent time with Indian Army soldiers in Kargil during Diwali.

Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has decided to provide free travel to women and children up to 15 years of age from November 9 to 18 in city buses and BRTS buses. This decision has been taken in view of the upcoming Diwali festival, when women and children traditionally visit their relatives' houses and go shopping in large numbers.

SMC Standing Committee Chairman Rajan Patel said that the corporation wants to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from its services, especially during festivals. He added that this decision has been taken specifically for the urban people.

Patel said that women and children can take advantage of this facility by showing their identity cards at the bus stops. He also appealed to women and children to use public transport during Diwali to avoid traffic congestion.

The decision has been welcomed by Surat residents, who have thanked SMC for its thoughtfulness.

Surat is aglow with the magic of Diwali. The city is decorated with lights and decorations, and the streets are filled with the sounds of celebration.

Shops are filled with shoppers looking for last-minute gifts and decorations. The city's Ring Road is home to a vibrant textile market that is particularly festive this time of year. The market is decorated with colorful lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere.

Surat is known for its vibrant culture and its love of festivals. Diwali is one of the most important festivals in India, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm in Surat. The city is decorated with lights and decorations, and people come from all over to enjoy the festivities.

This year, Surat is particularly festive. The city has been decorated with more lights and decorations than ever before. The streets are filled with people celebrating, and the air is filled with the sounds of music and laughter.

Diwali is a time for family and friends to come together to celebrate the victory of good over evil. It is a time for joy and happiness. Surat is a city that knows how to celebrate, and this year's Diwali is no exception.

New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Tuesday clarified that the directions issued by it against bursting of firecrackers were not just for Delhi-NCR but for also all states.

The court further directed the state governments to take appropriate steps to control air/noise pollution.

The bench of Justice A.S. Bopanna and Justice M.M. Sundresh was hearing a batch of petitions filed seeking a ban on the sale, purchase and use of firecrackers in India.

This petitioner had filed the plea for the state of Rajasthan seeking orders from the top court to direct implementation of the previous orders.

"There seems to be a perception that your lordship's order applies only to Delhi-NCR, though it is applicable throughout the country," the petitioner told the court.

While hearing the case, Justice Sundresh observed that there was a wrong perception that it was only the duty of the court when it comes to environmental matters

The court said that its earlier order must be taken note of by the state of Rajasthan. And the states must take steps to minimise air pollution, especially during the festival season. The key is to sensitise people, the court said.

In 2018, the apex court imposed a ban on the sale and use of firecrackers and later stated that the restrictions would continue and shall be duly enforced.

Surat : Road and Transport Minister Harsh Sanghvi on Friday resolved the pending issues of Gujarat ST Corporation employees amicably, following an hour-long marathon meeting with union leaders, the Finance Department and the Transport Department.

Addressing a press conference at the Circuit House in Athwalines, Surat, Sanghvi congratulated the employees on the outcome of the meeting and wished them a happy Diwali.

Sanghvi also warned some luxury bus operators who are taking advantage of the helplessness of the people and charging exorbitant fares during Diwali. He said that if the needs of citizens are taken advantage of, action will be taken against those responsible.

Many issues of Gujarat ST Corporation employees had been pending for a long time, prompting them to launch a fresh agitation. The government came into action when the employees, who were deprived of the benefits of the Seventh Pay Commission, started the struggle.

On Thursday, in a meeting between the state government and union leaders of ST Corporation, a proposal was passed that brought happiness to all concerned. On Friday, ST Corporation employees expressed their gratitude to the minister of state and the government by feeding them sweets.

In view of the Diwali festival, Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) will run 2200 additional buses from Surat from November 7 to November 11. This decision has been taken to ensure that people traveling from Surat to Saurashtra, Panchmahal, North Gujarat and Maharashtra do not face any problem. Passengers can book tickets online to avail this service. Additionally, the helpline number of ST Corporation will remain open 24 hours.

The GSRTC will also operate additional buses on the occasion of Diwali to other destinations in Gujarat and neighboring states.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 20: Preity G Zinta – one of the most beloved and recognisable stars of Indian Cinema – is coming to Birmingham in November to mark Diwali. She will be welcomed by Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street and both Andy and Preity are set to preside over a weekend of events on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th November 2023 – in conjunction with the Consulate General of India.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Diwali is a special time for the Indian diaspora and communities right across our region are looking forward to celebrating the Festival of Lights. From the very outset of my time as Mayor, the WMCA has worked closely with local groups and the Consulate General of India to mark this occasion in suitably grand style – with dance, special guests and entertainment. This year, events will be spread across the weekend of Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th November including a star studded gala dinner at Millennium Point with Bollywood star turned self-made businesswoman Preity Zinta and a cultural programme at Birmingham Town Hall. I look forward to seeing local people at the festivities and joining in the celebrations myself.”

Preity G Zinta’s life story has captivated audiences worldwide including across the Subcontinent, Asia & the Middle East. The winner of two Film Fare awards (India’s equivalent of the Oscars), she is perhaps most fondly remembered for her role in the legendary film ‘Veer Zara’ among many others blockbusters. Now based in LA, Preity has achieved considerable success in the world of business – becoming one of the richest self-made Indian females on the planet thanks to her investment interests, production company and co-ownership of the PUNJAB KINGS cricket team in the IPL. A former UN AIDS ambassador and was on the Global Entrepreneurs Council for UN., she has undertaken extensive charity work which she continues to this day.

She is expected to be honoured by some of the city’s leading civic and educational institutions – and will no doubt get a rapturous reception from the hundreds of Indian students enrolled at Birmingham colleges and universities as well as the city and wider region’s substantial diaspora. Preity’s last appearance in the UK was over a decade ago when she spoke to Oxford University students at the Oxford Union Society.

Preity speaking about her forthcoming visits has said ‘I’m very excited to be part of the Diwali celebrations in Birmingham. Looking forward to meeting all the wonderful people there and celebrating the Festival of Light with them.’

Saturday 4th November 

Preity will tour the burgeoning creative district of Digbeth – home to Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight’s Digbeth Loc studios, the Creative Content Hub at The Bond and a host of film & media schools. The intention is to showcase the area’s potential for attracting filmmakers from around the globe – including the multibillion dollar Bollywood film industry and to explore opportunities to forge links and partnerships.  

Drinks & networking reception at Millennium Point

Evening gala dinner at Millennium Point – Dress code – black tie or traditional dress. 

Diwali Dinner with Preity G Zinta at Birmingham’s landmark Millennium Point is expected to attract over 250 guests including business leaders, political dignitaries and special guests from the UK, India and global Indian diaspora with evening speeches & entertainment.

Sunday 5th November

Cultural Programme at Birmingham Town Hall 

A free of charge Community Event open to the public.

Preity G Zinta set to make a guest appearance on stage to light the divas. 

For sponsorship and more information, please email Sukhdeep Nijjar on sukhdeep.nijjar@wmca.org.uk.

For interview opportunities with Preity Zinta please email romi.kanungo@divapartnerships.com or call Romi Kanungo on +447967666686

About Diwali

Diwali is the five-day Festival of Lights, celebrated by millions of Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across the world. For some, it also coincides with harvest and new year celebrations, is a festival of new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. 

The festival usually occurs between October and November, with the date changing each year. This year Diwali takes place over five days with the main day of celebration on Monday 12 November. 

The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word deepavali, meaning “rows of lighted lamps”. Houses, shops and public places are decorated with small oil lamps called diyas, as well as fireworks being used to add more light and excitement to the occasion.  

Each religion marks different historical events and stories.  

Hindus celebrate the return of deities Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after their 14-year exile. They also celebrate the day Mother Goddess Durga destroyed a demon called Mahisha.  

Sikhs particularly celebrate the release from prison of the sixth guru Hargobind Singh in 1619. But Sikhs celebrated the festival before this date. In fact, the foundation stone of the Golden Temple at Amritsar, the most holy place in the Sikh world, was laid on Diwali in 1577.  

The founder of Jainism is Lord Mahavira. During Diwali, Jains celebrate the moment he reached a state called Moksha (nirvana, or eternal bliss). 

About the West Midlands

At the heart of England, is the vibrant and culturally diverse region that is the West Midlands, home to nearly three million people. Nestled in the central part of the country, the West Midlands is a treasure trove of history, innovation, and creativity. From its bustling cities to its tranquil countryside, this region has something to offer everybody. It is a proud diverse community, that makes it the perfect place to celebrate the Festival of Lights, especially with its substantial South Asian diaspora community that makes it so unique. 

Andy Street serves as elected Mayor of the West Midlands, a region that is shy of bringing the community together and putting on a show, demonstrated by the roaring success of the 2022 Commonwealth Games hosted in Birmingham.  

The games brought together different races, genders, ages and faiths to celebrate an historic time for a jubilant city. Tangibly, the legacy of the games lives on as you walk through Birmingham New Street and view “Ozzy” the mechanical bull who was a fan favourite during the games after being introduced during the opening ceremony. However, the legacy of the games is prevalent in so many other ways, including spirit, collectiveness and pride in our region. 

This Diwali celebration is the perfect opportunity to extend this feel-good feeling, as the West Midlands is an openly proud region rife with diversity, we are excited to be able to bring the community together and help ignite the excitement surrounding the Festival of Lights. 

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Surat: The Surat District Magistrate has issued a notification banning the sale, production, or flying of Chinese Tukkal balloons during Diwali celebrations in the district. The notification also prohibits the import or sale of foreign firecrackers.

The notification was issued by Additional District Magistrate YB Jhala in view of the upcoming Diwali festival and to prevent fire accidents, loss of life, and public health.

The notification allows the production and sale of green and Supreme Court approved firecrackers, which have low emissions. However, all other types of firecrackers are banned by the Supreme Court.

Additionally, the notification states that recognized low-emission crackers can be burst only between 8 pm and 10 pm during Diwali.

Hospitals, nursing homes, health centers, educational institutions, courts, and religious places will be considered silent zones, and no crackers of any kind will be allowed to be burst there.

The notification will be implemented in all areas under the jurisdiction of the Surat District Collector.

The District Magistrate has urged people to cooperate with the authorities and follow the rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable Diwali celebration.

New Delhi, Oct 16 (IANS) As India gears up to celebrate the festival of lights next month, Apple retail and online stores in India -- Apple BKC (Mumbai) and Apple Saket (New Delhi) -- have lined up a series of free talks and workshops to spark the creativity of customers this festive season, along with up to Rs 10,000 instant savings on newly-launched products.

On the offer front, the customers in India can get up to Rs 10,000 instant savings on eligible products with HDFC Bank Credit cards.

Instant savings (or cash back) for iPhone 15 series, Apple Watch Series 9 and others is available on the Apple Store Online and Apple retail stores with the purchase of an eligible product with qualifying HDFC Bank Credit Cards and EasyEMI Credit Cards from October 15 till November 14.

However, iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus, and AirPods Pro (2nd generation) will have instant savings applicable between October 15 and November 7.

No-cost EMI is also available with the purchase of an eligible product made using eligible cards on 3- or 6-month tenures from most leading banks. 

Apple trade-in also makes it easy to exchange any eligible smartphone for instant credit towards a new iPhone.

You can personalise new Apple product for free by adding a special message with free engraving. 

Customers can also use a complimentary online personal session to ask questions, dive deeper into key features and personalise their device. 

On the event front, from October 19, Apple BKC is hosting “Light Up Mumbai”, a series of free talks and workshops to spark the creativity of customers this festive season. 

With sessions running from October 19-November 14, customers can sign up and learn from leading artists from the worlds of music, film, design and beyond and get creative on iPhone.

On October 19 evening, people can join rap sensation KING for an intimate conversation at Apple BKC to kick off our Diwali celebrations. He’ll share the stories behind his music and upcoming album ‘New Life’.

On October 26, people can join acclaimed filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane at Apple BKC for the inside scoop on his Bollywood career.

On October 31, customers in India can discover how to find their singing voice using the groundbreaking music-making app NaadSadhana. Its creator Sandeep Ranade will be at Apple BKC to share the thinking behind its collaborative design.