Surat — The joyous occasion of Janmashtami was marred by tragedy during a Matki Phod event in Surat this Thursday. Three individuals, including a 10-year-old boy, sustained serious injuries after falling from significant heights during the event held across Pandesara, Godadara, and Navagam regions. The victims were immediately rushed to the hospital with the assistance of the emergency services dialed through 108.

Pandesara resident, Ketan Bhai recounted the harrowing incident involving his 10-year-old son, Ansh. Belonging to a humble family living in Jai Mahadev Nagar, Ansh had attended the Matki Phod event with friends at Pandesara Road No. 140. While attempting to break a pot elevated at a height of 10 feet as part of a human pyramid, young Ansh lost his balance and fell, potentially fracturing his hand. He is currently receiving treatment.

In a separate incident, 22-year-old Ankit Rambabu Chaudhary from Godadara Vrindavan Society endured a head injury. Sunilbhai Patel, Chaudhary's cousin, informed that Chaudhary works at a printing press and resides with his younger brother while their parents are in Bihar. The accident occurred while Chaudhary was trying to break a pot near his home. The fall necessitated immediate medical attention, resulting in stitches to his head.

Similarly, 20-year-old Jayesh Santosh Dodis experienced a fracture during the festivities. Residing in Navagam, Dodis is employed as a laborer in the textile market. Living with his nuclear and extended family, Dodis partook in a pot-breaking activity nearby his residence. Post the fall, it was discovered through medical examination and X-rays that his arm had sustained a fracture, leading to his hospitalization at Civil Hospital.

As the injured individuals recuperate, the incidents serve as a poignant reminder to exercise caution during celebratory events. The community is rallying behind the affected families, hoping for a speedy recovery for all the victims. While the Janmashtami celebrations bring joy and a spirit of community to the Surat region, it is essential to prioritize safety to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.

New Delhi (India), September 7: As the festival season in India approaches with Janmashtami just around the corner, dietary guidelines become increasingly important. Festive periods in India bring specific food restrictions into play, such as the consumption of Satvik food, strict adherence to vegetarian meals, and observing dietary restrictions during fasting. These celebrations are also known for their rich variety of traditional dishes, particularly during Janmashtami and other festivities. Earlier, travellers often missed out on enjoying these traditional dishes while on the move, resorting to homemade cold meals or snacks due to their unavailability. However, Zoop has transformed the experience for train passengers during Janmashtami allowing them to savour their preferred hot meals while on the go.

Zoop, a certified Online Food Aggregator under the IRCTC e-catering project, is dedicated to enhancing the dining experience for train travellers by offering exciting food options. It ensures passengers receive their preferred meals conveniently at their train seats. Zoop also recognizes the importance of festivals like Janmashtami and through collaboration with 2500+ FSSAI approved top restaurants at more than 160 train stations and on 5000+ trains across India, guarantees a satisfying dining experience during festive travel, catering to passengers’ culinary preferences and dietary needs.

Zoop’s Janmashtami Food Choices

Train passengers can now fully enjoy the special Janmashtami cuisine while maintaining their fasting traditions thanks to Zoop. This service offers an extensive menu catering to a variety of preferences, including Satvik dishes without onions and garlic, purely vegetarian meals, and options for devotees observing fasting rituals with simple fruit, vegetable, and dairy-based meals. Additionally, Zoop provides a delightful selection of traditional Janmashtami snacks and sweets, such as: Meva ke ladoo, Makhana Paag, Kheer, Dhaniya Panjiri, Makhan Mishri, Chakli in North India, Murukku from Andhra, Seedai and Verkadalai Urundai from Tamil Nadu, and Gopal kala from Maharashtra. Accessing these options is made easy through Zoop’s official website, App, WhatsApp, Instagram, and Google Chat.

How to Order Janmashtami Special Food on Train through Zoop:

1. Open Zoop via their website, app, or WhatsApp 7042062070 for assistance.

2. Enter details – PNR number, train name/number, or station name.

3. Discover diverse restaurants and food choices, then make your choice.

4. Choose the payment option and confirm the order.

5. The food is all set to arrive at your train seat. Enjoy!

“Zoop is committed to enhancing train journeys during festive occasions by catering to the unique tastes and dietary preferences of train travellers. Beyond merely offering meals, Zoop has established a broad network of restaurants to ensure that the Janmashtami celebration on the train is not only delightful but also nourishing. We provide a wide range of traditional and specialised meal choices, streamline the ordering process for user convenience, and place a strong emphasis on ensuring dining satisfaction while travelling by train,” says Puneet Sharma, Founder, Zoop.

Zoop’s Food Ordering Services and Payment Options

Zoop offers several online food ordering services, including pre-booked meals for upcoming train journeys and on-board delivery. Additionally, with multiple payment options such as:

– Online payments using credit/debit cards, net-banking, UPI, and Zoop wallet.

– Cash on delivery.

– And the newly introduced “Pay At Delivery.”

Zoop provides a wide range of food options and round-the-clock services to enhance the festive experience in India. Moreover, its multilingual platform allows train passengers to order meals in Hindi, English, or Hinglish, tailored to their dietary preferences, making Janmashtami travel truly memorable. Order food from Zoop to make your festive train travel truly unforgettable!

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As the city of Surat prepares for grand Janmashtami celebrations tomorrow, pre-Janmashtami events were hosted today in several schools, including those run by the Surat Shiksha Samiti. The atmosphere in these educational institutions was akin to the holy town of Gokul, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, as students arrived dressed in various characters associated with the Hindu deity.

Gokul Atmosphere in Schools

Maharana Pratap Primary School in the Varachha area was a hub of activity and excitement today. Students from grades 1 to 4 came dressed as Krishna, Balram, Nandbaba, Sudama, Radha, and other figures from the Krishna lore. Amidst the modern trappings of education, these characters became the center of attraction and filled the school with festive joy. A Matki Phod (pot-breaking) program was also organized, and students joined in with enthusiastic chants, celebrating the occasion in a traditional manner.

Art and Drama Competitions

Dhumraketu Primary School on Rander Road went a step further by organizing painting and coloring competitions, as well as a pot decoration contest. Students drew pictures of Lord Krishna and creatively decorated pots, adding to the festive aura. Theatrical stagings were also held to deepen the understanding of the significance of Krishna Janmashtami. Students dressed as Radha and Krishna sang hymns, contributing to an atmosphere full of devotion and excitement.

More Than Just Private Schools

While pre-Janmashtami celebrations are a common practice in private schools, this year, schools under the Surat Municipal Primary Education Committee joined the festivities with equal, if not greater, enthusiasm. Teachers and students participated in various activities, taking the celebrations to a new high.

As the city gears up for the main Janmashtami celebrations tomorrow, schools have set a high bar for community involvement and festive spirit. With tomorrow being a school holiday, the focus will shift to temples and homes where Janmashtami will be celebrated with great pomp and grandeur.

This series of pre-Janmashtami events in schools not only enriches the cultural fabric of the community but also educates the younger generation about the importance and traditions of the festival. As Surat, along with the rest of the world where Hindus reside, prepares for the main Krishna Janmotsav, the spirit of the festival seems to have already taken root in its educational institutions.

The festival of Janmashtami, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, is observed with great enthusiasm all over India. The custom of breaking the Dahi Handi (a clay pot filled with yogurt) remains a highlight of the festivities, particularly in Mumbai. This year, the city of Surat in Gujarat is also preparing to host a grand Dahi Handi event, aiming to make it the largest in the state.

Multiple Heights, Multiple Rewards

The Dahi Handi event will take place at the Sanjaynagar circle in Limbayat. A total of 22 groups have been selected to participate; 11 of them will attempt to break Dahi Handis while the remaining 11 will offer salutations. Three Dahi Handis of varying heights—35, 30, and 25 feet—will be set up for the event.

Cash Prizes for Successful Breakers

Youth for Gujarat President Jignesh Patil announced that this year’s Janmashtami celebrations will be grander than ever. "The first team to break the 35-foot Dahi Handi will be awarded Rs 1.51 lakh, the second prize for the 30-foot Dahi Handi is Rs 1.25 lakh, and the third prize for the 25-foot Dahi Handi is Rs 1.11 lakh," he stated.

Open Invitation to the Public

Patil appealed to the public to join the celebrations. "We are inviting everyone to be a part of this grand event. There are no charges, and it's completely free," he said. Preparations are in full swing, with an emphasis on making the event a memorable one for all attendees. The Limbayat area, which is home to a large number of Maharashtrian families, is particularly buzzing with excitement for the upcoming Dahi Handi program.

The event aims not only to celebrate the religious occasion but also to engage the community in festive activities, fostering a sense of unity and excitement among residents. With cash rewards and a towering Dahi Handi, the stage is set for an unforgettable Janmashtami celebration in Surat.

Rajkot, Saurashtra—With just days to go before Janmashtami, one of India's most awaited festivals, Rajkot is bustling with preparations for its grandest folk fair, the Rasrang Janmashtami Lok Mela. The event is set to take place from September 5 to 9 at the city's Race Course Ground, and it promises an upgraded experience for all attendees.

New Attractions and Expanded Offerings

This year's Lok Mela will boast a diverse range of activities and attractions, featuring 44 large and 48 small mechanized rides sourced from various states. Additionally, the fairgrounds will host a total of 355 dedicated stalls and plots, including 178 toy stalls, 14 food courts, 37 general food stalls, 16 ice cream stalls, and even a specialized tea corner. An entertainment dome is also in place, where renowned artists will perform each day of the festival.

Safety and Security Given Top Priority

With an expected turnout of around 10 lakh people from Rajkot and the surrounding regions of Saurashtra, safety and security measures have been significantly amped up. A security force comprising 1,300 police personnel—including three Deputy Commissioners of Police, 10 Assistant Commissioners, 28 Police Inspectors, 81 Sub-Inspectors, 1,067 constables, and 77 State Reserve Police Force jawans—will be deployed across the fairgrounds. A team of 100 private security personnel and a whopping Rs 4 crore insurance coverage further fortify the safety net.

Enhanced Communication and Logistics

To maintain law and order, an advanced main control room will be operational in three 8-hour shifts, overseen by the district collector's office. Previously reliant on mobile phones, the control room staff will now use walkie-talkies for more efficient communication. A total of 30 walkie-talkie sets will be available to ensure seamless communication between the four control centers spread across the fairgrounds.

Daily Ride Inspections Introduced

In light of safety concerns arising from ride-related accidents in other fairs, the organizers are mandating daily fitness certificates for all rides. While the Lok Mela has fortunately not witnessed any serious incidents in the past, this new precaution aims to keep attendees safe.

Amenities for Convenience

The Lok Mela is also taking into account the convenience of attendees, providing public toilets at four locations and 17 parking facilities across the event grounds.

As the countdown to the Rasrang Janmashtami Lok Mela continues, the city is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the event is both spectacular and safe for all who attend.