Man Arrested for Rape of 9-Year-Old Girl A 52-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping a nine-year-old girl at his flour mill on the outskirts of Nagpur on March 19. The incident occurred when the minor, who is the daughter of a 28-year-old woman, was playing with a friend. School was closed for the Gudi Padwa holiday, and as the girl and her friend returned home, the accused, identified as Sura Rode, allegedly lured her with money and took her to his flour mill. There, he reportedly raped the child. The girl’s mother immediately filed a complaint at the Pardi police station. Based on the report, Police Sub-Inspector Sachin Jadhav registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Rode under sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (Pocso) Act and the Bombay Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (BNS). Pardi police swiftly launched an investigation and arrested Rode. The case highlights the vulnerability of children in such incidents and the importance of prompt legal action. Authorities have emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of laws to protect minors from sexual violence. The arrest of Rode has provided some closure to the victim’s family, though the emotional and psychological impact on the child remains a critical concern. The incident has also sparked discussions about the safety of children in rural and semi-urban areas, where such crimes often go unreported or face delays in prosecution. Local officials have pledged to review existing mechanisms to ensure faster response times and better support for victims. Legal experts have noted that cases under the Pocso Act carry severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines, to deter perpetrators. However, the challenge lies in ensuring that these laws are not only enacted but also enforced rigorously.#gudi_padwa #sura_rode #pardi_police_station #sachin_jadhav #pocso_act
Marathi New Year Celebrated with Processions and Religious Gatherings Across State The first day of the traditional Marathi New Year, known as Gudi Padwa, was marked by vibrant processions and religious ceremonies in cities across Maharashtra. Residents engaged in the celebrations by displaying the Gudi, a symbolic flag, and participating in community events. The festivities included processions in Mumbai, Thane, Nagpur, and other regions, accompanied by traditional music ensembles. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis joined a procession in Nagpur, where a collective recitation of the Ramraksha Stotra took place. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Fadnavis highlighted the cultural significance of the festival and encouraged citizens to embrace positive resolutions for the new year. He emphasized the importance of collective efforts in driving national progress. In Thane, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde participated in a procession that began at the Kopineshwar Temple. The event attracted MLAs Sanjay Kelkar and Niranjan Davkhare, along with MP Naresh Maske. Citizens lined the streets to witness the procession, which featured performances by Dhol and Tasha troupes and Lezim dancers. In Dombivli, a unique procession showcased women riding motorcycles and bicycles, all dressed in traditional attire and displaying the Gudi on their vehicles. At the Tuljabhavani Temple, the Gudi was hoisted on the temple spire after the morning Aarti. A worship ceremony was conducted by the chief priests, while the Vitthal-Rukmini Temple was adorned with floral decorations. Devotees across the state visited temples, as the day is regarded as one of the three-and-a-half auspicious moments in the Hindu calendar.#devendra_fadnavis #gudi_padwa #marathi_new_year #eknath_shinde #tuljabhavani_temple
All-Woman Bike Rally Ushers Gudi Padwa Festivity In City Traditional rituals, cultural showcases, and community-led programs across several localities in Nagpur will mark the beginning of Gudi Padwa, the Maharashtrian New Year, and Ugadi, the Telugu and Kannada New Year, on Thursday. Gudi Padwa, which heralds the start of the Chaitra Navratri festivities, will see citizens hoisting the Gudi—a symbolic arrangement of a bamboo stick draped in silk cloth, adorned with neem leaves, mango twigs, and an inverted pot. This emblem represents victory, prosperity, and new beginnings. Markets in areas like Mahal, Sitabuldi, and Dharampeth saw increased foot traffic as shoppers purchased rangoli, garlands, traditional attire, and decorative items ahead of the festival. The Nav Varsha Swagat Samiti (Itwari Division) organized a “Women’s Bike Rally” on the eve of Gudi Padwa for the 18th consecutive year. The event began at Agyaram Devi Mandir and concluded at Shri Poddareshwar Ram Mandir, traversing routes such as Ganeshpeth, Tilak Putla, Chhatraparti Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, Kelibagh Road, Badkas Chowk, Gandhibagh, and Agrasen Chowk. Women participated on Bullets, motorcycles, and scooters, dressed in traditional attire like paithanis. Many also wore fetas and safas, adding cultural vibrancy to the procession. One participant painted herself in peacock blue to portray Lord Krishna, drawing admiration from onlookers. The rally blended celebration with cultural expression, enhancing the festive spirit across the city. Students from Shri Chhatrapati High School and Junior College performed a lathi-kathi (a traditional martial arts) demonstration during the event. Cultural organizations and mandals planned shobha yatras and performances to commemorate the occasion.#gudi_padwa #nav_varsha_swagat_samiti #agyaram_devimandir #shri_poddareshwar_ram_mandir #shri_chhatrapati_high_school
Stock Market Holidays 2026: Will Trading On BSE, NSE Closed Next Week For Ugadi, Chaitra Navratri, Gudi Padwa, Ramadan? In the coming week, several festivals will be observed across India, including Ugadi, Chaitra Navratri, Gudi Padwa, and Eid-al-Fitr. While many states will declare public holidays or bank holidays, the closure of stock exchanges on BSE and NSE will differ from general holidays. In March 2026, the exchanges have announced three specific trading holidays for festivals: March 3rd for Holi, March 26th for Ram Navami, and March 31st for Mahavir Jayanti. Trading will remain open on other festivals such as Ugadi, Chaitra Navratri, Gudi Padwa, and Eid-al-Fitr, which are scheduled from March 19th to March 21st. Ugadi, celebrated on March 19th, marks the beginning of the new year in states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka. It holds cultural significance as a time for renewal and hope. Chaitra Navratri, also starting on March 19th, is a nine-day festival dedicated to goddess Durga and her nine forms, symbolizing the transition into the new year for many Hindus. Gudi Padwa, observed on the same date, is the traditional new year for Marathi Hindus in Maharashtra and globally, celebrated on the first day of the Chaitra month. Eid-al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is expected to fall on March 20th or 21st, with Islamic Relief Org UK predicting the festival will begin on March 21st, contingent on moon sightings. The stock market outlook for the week highlights ongoing challenges. Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit, noted that risk sentiment remains weak due to the Middle East conflict, which keeps crude oil prices near $100 per barrel.#eid_al_fitr #chaitra_navratri #gudi_padwa #mahavir_jayanti #ugadi
Stock Market Holiday: BSE and NSE Remain Open During Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid-ul-Fitr Indian stock markets will stay open during a series of festivals in March 2026, including Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, and Eid-ul-Fitr, as these dates do not appear on the official trading holiday calendar of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) or the National Stock Exchange (NSE). The exchanges have confirmed that trading will continue across all segments—equities, derivatives, currency, and commodities—on these days. The BSE and NSE holiday calendar for March 2026 does not include Ugadi, which falls on March 19, or Gudi Padwa, observed on March 20. Eid-ul-Fitr, celebrated on March 21, coincides with a Saturday, meaning markets will remain closed due to the weekend rather than the festival itself. The exchanges have designated three official trading holidays for the month: March 3 for Holi, March 26 for Ram Navami, and March 31 for Mahavir Jayanti. These are the only full-day closures, aside from regular weekend holidays. Ugadi, marking the New Year in southern states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, is a significant cultural event. However, the stock market calendar does not recognize it as a holiday. Similarly, Gudi Padwa, a traditional festival in Maharashtra, and Eid-ul-Fitr, observed by Muslims across India, do not trigger trading shutdowns. The article emphasizes that while these festivals are widely celebrated, market operations follow a pre-defined schedule, and not all public or regional holidays result in trading pauses. Investors and traders are advised to consult the official exchange calendar to avoid confusion and plan trades effectively. The article highlights that the latter half of March will feature multiple cultural and religious observances, but market activities will remain uninterrupted.#eid_ul_fitr #bse #nse #gudi_padwa #ugadi
