FIR Against Rahul Gandhi and Violent Protests Across Uttar Pradesh A significant legal development unfolded in Uttar Pradesh as a First Information Report (FIR) was filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over alleged violations of the Representation of the People Act. The case stems from his remarks during a public event, which authorities claim incited communal tensions. Meanwhile, violent clashes erupted in Varanasi after a group of individuals set fire to posters of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, sparking outrage among local communities. The incident led to a violent confrontation, with police intervening to restore order. In the Lok Sabha, a heated debate unfolded over the Women’s Reservation Bill, with opposition leader Keshav Prasad Maurya criticizing Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav for allegedly exploiting Muslim voters. Maurya accused Yadav of promoting a "false PDA" (Political Democratic Alliance) and urged him to address the concerns of the Muslim community directly. The discussion highlighted deepening political tensions and the role of religious demographics in electoral strategies. In Sambhal, a historic incident occurred when the minaret of a 150-year-old mosque was destroyed, sparking outrage among locals. The attack, allegedly carried out by a group of individuals, led to widespread condemnation and calls for justice. Meanwhile, in Aligarh, a woman was allegedly raped by her lover and a hotel owner after being lured under the pretense of a marriage arrangement. The victim managed to escape and alerted authorities, leading to the filing of an FIR. A tragic incident in Agra saw a woman kill her lover after he allegedly harassed her for weeks. The victim, who had previously sought help from police, took matters into her own hands, resulting in a murder charge against the accused.#uttar_pradesh #rahul_gandhi #keshav_prasad_maurya #akhilesh_yadav #varanasi
PM Modi to Address Women's Convention in Varanasi Ahead of Bengal Polls Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address a women’s convention in Varanasi on April 28, a move aimed at intensifying pressure on the opposition ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. The event, organized by the BJP’s Kashi regional unit, will take place on the eve of the first phase of voting in the state, with over 50,000 women expected to attend. The convention is part of the BJP’s strategy to highlight its commitment to women’s empowerment and counter criticism over the recent defeat of the Constitutional 131st Amendment Bill, which sought to reserve 33% seats for women in expanded Lok Sabha and state assemblies. The BJP has decided to involve women leaders in the event’s preparations, emphasizing its focus on gender equality. A senior BJP official confirmed that the PM’s address will center on the women’s reservation bill, with the audience comprising women from Varanasi city, district units, and neighboring regions. The event coincides with Modi’s first public appearance in West Bengal since the bill’s defeat in Parliament on April 19. During this appearance, Modi accused the Trinamool Congress of “betraying” women, a claim the opposition has rejected, arguing that the BJP introduced the bill to gain political advantage in states like West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Modi’s two-day visit to Varanasi will include an additional event on April 29, during which he is expected to address local BJP workers and reinforce the party’s narrative on women’s empowerment. The BJP has also launched a regional drive to invite women to the convention, showcasing the government’s achievements in this area since 2014.#west_bengal #trinamool_congress #prime_minister_narendra_modi #varanasi #bhartiya_janata_party
Washington Sundar Attends Ganga Aarti in Varanasi Indian cricketer Washington Sundar participated in the Maa Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi, a revered ritual along the Ganges River. The event, held at one of the most sacred ghats in the city, is a daily spiritual ceremony that draws thousands of devotees. Sundar, known for his dynamic batting and leadership on the field, took part in the aarti, which involves offerings of flowers, incense, and prayers to the river goddess. The occasion marked his personal connection to the cultural and religious significance of the Ganges, a symbol of purity and spiritual renewal in Hindu tradition. The Dashashwamedh Ghat, located on the western bank of the Ganges, is historically linked to the Kumbh Mela and is believed to be the site where Lord Brahma performed a yajna (sacrificial ritual). The aarti, typically conducted at dawn or dusk, is accompanied by the rhythmic chanting of hymns and the flickering of oil lamps. Sundar’s attendance at the ceremony highlighted his appreciation for India’s rich spiritual heritage, a theme that has occasionally surfaced in his public statements and social media posts. While the event itself was brief, it underscored the intersection of sports and spirituality in the lives of athletes, many of whom engage in such practices to seek mental clarity and motivation. Sundar’s participation also resonated with fans and followers, who often draw parallels between his on-field performances and his off-field pursuits. The Ganga Aarti, with its serene atmosphere and deep-rooted symbolism, provided a moment of reflection for the cricketer, aligning with his broader commitment to balancing professional success with personal values.#varanasi #washington_sundar #ganga_aarti #dashashwamedh_ghat #ganges_river
SS Rajamouli Creates Miniature Varanasi City for New Film The makers of S.S. Rajamouli’s upcoming film Varanasi have unveiled a series of images showcasing the intricate miniature recreation of the city, which serves as the film’s primary setting. The project, starring Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, features detailed replicas of Varanasi’s iconic ghats, temples, and bustling lanes, capturing the city’s cultural and spiritual essence. The visuals, shared on social media, highlight the effort to authentically represent the historic city, with one image showing a cameraman filming the set’s miniature temples and streets. Directed by Rajamouli, the film is set to premiere on April 7, 2027. The teaser was first unveiled at a grand event in Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad, on November 15 last year, where the title was officially announced. Originally titled Globe Trotter, the film’s name was changed to reflect its focus on the city of Varanasi. The story follows Mahesh Babu’s character, Rudhra, described as a globetrotter and timetrotter, and Prithviraj Sukumaran’s character, Kumbh, as the film explores themes of time and geography. The production began in April 2025, with the film spanning multiple locations, including Kenya, Andhra Pradesh’s Borra Caves, and Antarctica. This ambitious project marks Rajamouli’s first collaboration with Mahesh Babu, Priyanka Chopra, and Prithviraj Sukumaran. Priyanka’s return to Indian cinema after a hiatus since The Sky is Pink (2019) adds significance to the film, which also reunites her with actor Farhan Akhtar. The miniature set’s creation underscores the film’s commitment to visual storytelling, blending historical authenticity with cinematic innovation.#priyanka_chopra #prithviraj_sukumaran #ss_rajamouli #varanasi #mahesh_babu
S.S. Rajamouli's Varanasi: A Global Spectacle in the Making A Rotten Tomatoes intern’s journey across the globe to cover the production of S.S. Rajamouli’s upcoming film, Varanasi, offered a front-row seat to the director’s ambitious vision. The trip, spanning over 8,700 miles and 20 hours of travel, culminated in Hyderabad, India, where the “Globetrotter Announcement Event” drew thousands of fans and global viewers. The event, held at Ramoji Film City, was designed like a living city, featuring a massive 100-by-132-foot LED screen and drone cameras capturing the crowd’s enthusiastic chants of “Jai Babu!” for Mahesh Babu, the film’s star. The atmosphere mirrored a cultural phenomenon, with cast members like Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Prithviraj Sukumaran offering glimpses into the film’s epic scale. The official title, Varanasi, was revealed during the event, signaling Rajamouli’s next major project. The film’s plot remains shrouded in mystery, but details suggest a sweeping narrative spanning thousands of years, from 7200 BCE to 2071. It weaves together global catastrophes, asteroid threats, and a race to save humanity, traveling across continents like Antarctica, Africa, and India. The story blends time travel, mythology, and action, with scenes like a protagonist riding a bull and wielding a trident hinting at its bold, unpredictable nature. Rajamouli’s ambition to push Indian cinema further is evident, following the success of RRR, which reshaped global perceptions of Indian films. Varanasi aims to elevate the medium even more, with Rajamouli emphasizing the goal of taking Indian cinema to an international stage. The film’s production team includes Oscar-winning composer M. M. Keeravani, whose work on RRR highlighted the role of music in Indian storytelling.#prithviraj_sukumaran #priyanka_chopra_jonas #ss_rajamouli #varanasi #ramoji_film_city
वाराणसी में वासंतिक नवरात्र के पंचमी तिथि पर भक्तों ने मां गौरी के विशालाक्षी स्वरूप का पूजन किया। इस अवसर पर भक्तों ने अपने भाव अर्पित किए और शक्ति स्वरूपा भगवती के चरणों में अपनी आसक्ति व्यक्त की। विशालाक्षी मंदिर में भक्तों की भीड़ लगी रही, जहां लोग घंटों कतारबद्ध रहे। बुजुर्ग महिलाओं और पुरुषों के बीच भी भक्तों की भीड़ बढ़ गई। महानाल की 80 वर्षीय सरिता कपूर ने बताया कि घुटनों की तकलीफ के कारण नौ गौरी के मंदिरों तक अब नहीं जा पाती हूं, इसलिए पिछले कुछ वर्षों से दोनों नवरात्र में रोज संकठा देवी के दर्शन को चली आती हूं। इस अवसर पर गंगा किनारे संकठा देवी के मंदि में भी भक्तों की भीड़ लगी रही, जहां बुजुर्गों की भीड़ में महिलाओं की संख्या अधिक रही। विशालाक्षी मंदिर में भक्तों ने अपने भाव अर्पित किए और शक्ति स्वरूपा भगवती के चरणों में अपनी आसक्ति व्यक्त की। इस अवसर पर ज्यादातर बुजुर्ग महिलाएं और पुरुष भी दर्शन के लिए आए। इस अवसर पर भक्तों की भीड़ लगी रही, जहां लोग घंटों कतारबद्ध रहे। विशालाक्षी मंदिर में भक्तों की भीड़ लगी रही, जहां लोग घंटों कतारबद्ध रहे। बुजुर्ग महिलाओं और पुरुषों के बीच भी भक्तों की भीड़ बढ़ गई। इस अवसर पर गंगा किनारे संकठा देवी के मंदिर में भी भक्तों की भीड़ लगी रही, जहां बुजुर्गों की भीड़ में महिलाओं की संख्या अधिक रही।#varanasi #visalaakshi_mandir #sankhatha_deviji_mandir #ganga_kinara #saritha_kapur
UP Iftar Times for 3 March: Ramadan Iftar and Suhoor Schedules for Key Cities The timings for Iftar and Suhoor have been announced for various cities in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Meerut, Bareilly, Muradabad, and Gorakhpur. These times are determined based on geographical differences and vary slightly between Sunni and Shia communities. For example, in Lucknow, the Iftar time for Sunni Muslims is set at 6:10 PM, while Shia Muslims will observe it at 6:20 PM. Suhoor for Sunni Muslims begins at 5:04 AM, and for Shia Muslims at 5:57 AM. In Prayagraj, Iftar for Sunni Muslims is scheduled at 6:10 PM, and for Shia Muslims at 6:17 PM. Suhoor times for the same cities are 4:57 AM and 4:54 AM, respectively. In Varanasi, Sunni Muslims will break their fast at 6:01 PM, while Shia Muslims will do so at 6:31 PM. Suhoor for Sunni Muslims is at 5:02 AM, and for Shia Muslims at 4:37 AM. Kanpur’s Iftar times are set at 6:12 PM for Sunni Muslims and 6:23 PM for Shia Muslims. Suhoor for Sunni Muslims is at 5:09 AM, and for Shia Muslims at 5:00 AM. In Meerut, Iftar for Sunni Muslims is at 6:23 PM, and for Shia Muslims at 6:33 PM. Suhoor times are 5:18 AM and 5:10 AM, respectively. Bareilly’s Iftar timings are 6:18 PM for Sunni Muslims and 6:26 PM for Shia Muslims, with Suhoor at 5:11 AM and 5:03 AM. Muradabad’s Iftar is at 6:19 PM for Sunni Muslims and 6:30 PM for Shia Muslims, while Suhoor is at 5:13 AM and 5:11 AM. Gorakhpur’s Iftar times are 6:04 PM for Sunni Muslims and 6:13 PM for Shia Muslims. Suhoor for Sunni Muslims begins at 4:34 AM, and for Shia Muslims at 5:00 AM. The article also mentions that Ramadan is divided into three phases, with the second phase currently underway. This phase is noted for its significance in the Islamic calendar.#lucknow #kanpur #prayagraj #up #varanasi
