Latest news with #Diwali
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Leicester Diwali party 'has to stay on the Golden Mile'
A business leader says Leicester's world famous Diwali celebrations "belong" in Belgrave Road, after the city council revealed it was considering other potential locations for this year's rethink has been prompted by crowd safety concerns due to the size of the crowds the festivities bring to the road, known as the "Golden Mile".City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said he had been advised the celebrations had become too big for the Nisha Popat, chair of the Belgrave Business association, said she did not want to see it move, telling the BBC: "That's where it started, that's where the tradition began, and that's where the festival is currently and should continue to be." Leicester's celebration of the festival of light is thought to be one of the biggest outside of possible move of the festival was broached after the city's safety advisory group - which consists of all emergency services - raised Dempster, assistant city mayor for culture, said: "Two years ago, there was a lot of concern around the main stage and what actually was considered to be a near-miss. "Then last year, round Rothley Street, for 40 minutes, people were just not able to move."It was so packed. And of course, what had happened was that after the fireworks ended, everybody wanted to move, and the whole area just got completely jammed."Dempster said the council had met with the Belgrave Business Association, as well as the Hindu Festival Council, to discuss what is "clearly a very emotional issue". Ms Popat said she felt "pretty reassured after the meeting with the council [on Wednesday] that Diwali celebrations, even if different but equally bright, would continue on the Golden Mile"."We're obviously as concerned about the safety of the council as and we want to ensure everybody who comes to Diwali is safe," she said."However, all big events carry a risk and it's about how that risk is managed."Ms Popat said she thinks moving Diwali would have "a huge impact" on both the community and businesses in Belgrave."I think the only option for us as the business association and the community aspect is that Diwali needs to remain in the Golden Mile," she added."It's a festival that's been there for 40 years."When asked if the event was moved away from the Golden Mile, would Ms Popat get behind it, she said: "I don't feel I personally would. And I don't feel the community or the businesses would."Dempster said: "We want Diwali on the Golden Mile, we have to look at what can we do to ensure people's safety. That has to be paramount."She said the possible move was "categorically" not about costs and said it was the council's aim to have Diwali on the Golden Mile, but added the event "has to be safe and we have to work together".Leicester City Council said no decisions had been made and discussions will continue.
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Wait list capped at 25% in long-distance trains
MUMBAI: The Railway Board has capped the number of Wait List (WL) tickets in long-distance trains in an attempt to ease overcrowding on railway platforms across the country. According to the new rule, in force since June 16, the quota has been capped at 25% for each class of coach – Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC and 1AC. Until now, the number of WL tickets was arbitrary, varying between railway zones. Senior railway officials said that on the Central and Western railways, WL tickets used to comprise 20-40% of the total seats available in the trains. Sometimes, their number would go up to 500-700 on a single train. However, the circular issued by the Railway Board earlier this week states, 'It has been decided that the maximum current waiting list limits will be revised to 25% of the redefined capacity of each class available at originating as well as roadside stations. This logic will also be applicable for issuing of waitlisted tickets from remote locations as well as tickets booked under the Tatkal Scheme'. (Examples of 'roadside stations' would be Thane, Kalyan, Andheri or Borivali, from where passengers can board long-distance trains) Explaining how the new quota works, a railway official said that if a 3AC coach has 64-83 berths (depending upon the make of the train), then 25% of tickets would be set aside for WL passengers after this the booking for this coach was complete. Preference will be given to tatkal ticket booking, after which general ticket booking will follow. Also, passengers applying in concessional categories such as physically challenged, women etc, will not be included in the 25% quota. Railway officials say they are yet to assess the impact the new quota will have on revenue. In 2024-25, the Indian Railways earned ₹75,500 crore from passenger revenue, that is, the sale of tickets. 'All these years, there was a fixed percentage for WL tickets. That's why, during peak summer season or the Ganesh festival, the number of WL tickets in Sleeper and/or 3AC coaches was as high as the total capacity of these coaches. This used to cause chaos as WL passengers would travel with passengers with unconfirmed tickets, causing fights and arguments inside long-distance trains. The new quota will give us some control over this. Moreover, passengers would know whether seats are available in a particular train at the time of booking,' said a senior railway official. The new quota has brought some relief to the Railway Protection Force (RPF). 'The pressure on us to keep the crowds in check is immense. With fewer WL tickets being issued, this will make it more manageable,' said an RPF officer. This is one of the primary reasons for overcrowding at CSMT, Dadar and Panvel stations during the annual Ganesh festivals. It also contributed to the stampede at Surat railway station on November 11, 2023, where a massive crowd of passengers, many of whom were migrant workers heading home for Diwali and Chhath Puja, rushed to board a Bihar-bound train. Railway Passenger Associations have welcomed the move. 'This will hopefully ensure a peaceful journey. It will reduce quarrels inside trains, where WL passengers would gang up on valid ticket holders,' said Madhu Kotian, president, Mumbai Rail Pravasi Sangh.
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Time of India
Bloodstain on sleeve opens up case; man, 38, gets life for wife's murder
Chennai: It was a tiny bloodstain on a shirt sleeve, noticed by chance, that cracked open a murder disguised as an afternoon nap. On Diwali day in 2022, K Shankar, 38, thought he had covered his tracks after killing his wife Eashwari and was sneaking out of the village with their young son. But fate had other plans. Vimal Kumar of Periya Kattupakkam in Chengalpet district, on Chennai's outskirts, was riding back to the village farm where he and Eashwari's sister Saraswathi, worked. Near the village outskirts, he spotted Shankar carrying a crying child. As he slowed down out of concern, Vimal noticed something unusual — a fresh bloodstain on Shankar's left sleeve. Shankar, visibly rattled, tried to brush past and leave in a hurry. Vimal didn't press further, but what he saw stayed with him. Minutes later, when Vimal reached the farm and casually mentioned the encounter, Saraswathi froze. Eashwari told her earlier that morning that she would complete her prayers at home and join work soon. But she never arrived. Saraswathi and her husband rushed to Eashwari's rented home. The door was latched from outside. When they broke it open, the fan was still running. Music blared from the TV. Inside the dim bedroom, a body lay near the cot covered with a bedsheet. As they pulled it back, they found Eashwari — strangled with her own sari. Earlier that day, an elderly woman from the same farm had gone to check on Eashwari at Saraswathi's request. Seeing the house shut but the fan and TV still on, she assumed the young mother was unwell and sleeping. What none of them knew was that Shankar had made one of his unannounced visits, and this time, it turned deadly. The couple's four-year marriage was strained by repeated demands for dowry. After months of verbal and physical abuse, Eashwari moved out with her son. But Shankar kept visiting her, often triggering arguments. That Diwali morning, what began as yet another quarrel turned into a murder. Chengalpet police arrested Shankar within hours. During the trial at mahila court, Vimal's testimony — that single stain and strange encounter — became the cornerstone of the prosecution's case. Neighbours corroborated hearing heated arguments around noon. The postmortem confirmed the death was not accident or suicide — it was homicide, marked by strangulation and internal injuries. Judge M Ezhilarasi, citing the brutality of the act and the overwhelming evidence, sentenced Shankar to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of 5,000.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Now, Ladli Behnas will get 1500 from Diwali, says CM
Indore: Chief minister Mohan Yadav on Thursday announced a significant increase in the financial assistance provided under the popular 'Ladli Behna Yojana', stating that beneficiaries will receive Rs 1,500 per month starting from Diwali . This marks an increase from the current Rs 1,250. Additionally, beneficiaries will receive an extra Rs 250 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Speaking to reporters in Indore, CM Yadav also sharply criticised state Congress president Jitu Patwari for his recent claims that the govt was 'stealing' funds borrowed in the name of the scheme for 'political extravagance'. "The state Congress President should be ashamed of using such language. He should engage in politics within limits and choose his words carefully," Yadav stated, adding that "Those who do not understand things make immature statements. " Responding directly to Patwari's allegations of 'political extravagance', Yadav said, "It was the Congress that indulged in (political) extravagance. Records of indulgence bear the names of Congress leaders. They used to plunder the public exchequer when in power. In their regime, even women were dismembered and thrown into furnaces." The CM reiterated the ruling BJP's commitment to eventually provide Rs 3,000 per month to women beneficiaries under the 'Ladli Behna scheme' before the 2028 assembly elections. The scheme, which was launched by the then CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan ahead of 2023 assembly polls, was termed by the experts as a 'game-changer' in gaining popularity and winning the elections.
ITV News
a day ago
- Business
- ITV News
Could this be the last Diwali celebrations on the 'Golden Mile' in Leicester?
The future of the world-famous Diwali celebrations along the "Golden Mile" in Belgrave Road in the Belgrave area of Leicester could be at risk. It brings the South Asian community together to celebrate the festival of light with the wider population and includes a fireworks display, performances of Indian dance, allows people to explore the Sari and jewellery shops and try a range of food. Leicester City Council is considering moving the celebrations to another location over concerns about public safety, due to increasing numbers of people who attend - but no decisions have yet been taken. Meetings have been had between the council, the emergency services and businesses and whilst there is a desire to keep it in the "Golden Mile" it may have to be moved to an alternative venue for this year's celebrations. PROS OF HOLDING THE EVENT ON THE 'GOLDEN MILE': Many of the Sari and jewellery shops are based within the "Golden Mile" which creates a great atmosphere for the event. It's part of the city's tradition and history. The first event back in 1983 ran along Belgrave Road from Dorset Street to Loughborough Road and were switched on by the community's oldest resident. Good for business - several traders want it on the road as they get a lot of people visiting their businesses and shops during the event. Nationally and internationally renowned and brings people to the "Golden Mile". Nisha Popat, chair Belgrave Business Association, said: "Diwali should stay on the Golden Mile. This is where it started forty years ago. "We want everybody to be safe, however, festivals happen all over the country everyday and you go to music festivals where there are huge crowds. Nisha Popat, chair Belgrave Business Association "And given it's different space, but there is a large number of people gathered in a small space. "We want to work closely with the city council to look at how these risks can be mitigated and Diwali can continue on Belgrave Road. "I was quite heartened by the meeting yesterday, there seemed a very strong commitment from the city mayor that he felt the celebration should be on the golden mile." Some of the celebrations can be a disruption for shops. and businesses due to the scale of the event. 'No movement for forty minutes'. Last year the council said people were standing shoulder-to-shoulder in Rothley Street. Where there are particular static events you get build up of people. Fireworks. The council is considering if they should be having fireworks, if they should be having a stage and whether it should be having those events that mean people become stationary or going to a particular mass area rather than enjoying the experience of the Golden Mile and meeting their friends and seeing the lights. Concerns about public safety at the popular event due to increasing crowd numbers. WHAT LEICESTER CITY COUNCIL SAYS A Leicester City Council spokesperson said: 'There have been several meetings over recent months with members of the Diwali safety advisory group and community representatives to discuss concerns about public safety at the popular event due to increasing crowd numbers. 'A further follow-up meeting attended by the city mayor, executive lead for culture and representatives from the emergency services and the community will take place to review options being considered including moving the event to a more suitable location, although no decisions have yet been taken.' Our reporter Rajiv Popat has also spoken to Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for Leicester City Council. She said: "Last year after the fireworks everybody came away from Cossington Park and there was a mass of people, in Rothley Street, shoulder-to-shoulder, no movement for forty minutes. "The year before that we had a similar sort fo event at that time it was where the stage is and that is where the problem lies. "It's where there are particular static events you get a build up of people." Asked about whether the fireworks could be cancelled, Cllr Dempster said: "That is one of the factors that we need to look at. "We need to consider should we be having fireworks, should we be having a stage, should we be having those events that mean people become stationary, people go to a particular area, mass in a particular area rather than enjoying the experience of the Golden Mile and meeting their friends and seeing the lights." HISTORY OF DIWALI IN LEICESTER Every year 40,000 people flock to Belgrave Road in Leicester for the biggest Diwali celebrations outside of India. The colourful festivities take place on two separate days, with the lights switch-on followed by Diwali Day two weeks later. Full road closure are usually in place for the event with nearby junctions with side roads also off-limits. In 1977 Leicester City Council set up the Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre in a former Methodist church on the Belgrave Road. During the following decade, this was to have a significant effect on Diwali celebrations in the city. The first lights went on display in 1983 and by the 1990s the Diwali celebrations had developed a national reputation. The celebrations now reflect a new age, a stronger community and a greater ambition for a festival with an international reputation. WHAT IS DIWALI Diwali celebrates the triumph of good over evil as well as knowledge over ignorance. It also marks a new beginning symbolised by the arrival of a new moon. The festival is significant for various reasons according to the different faiths participating: Hinduism: For Hindus, it marks Rama and his wife Sita's eventual defeat of the evil spirit Ravana and celebrates their triumphant return to their kingdom in Ayodhya after a 14-year exile. The story narrates that oil lamps were lit by passers by to guide them on their way home and to rejoice in their victory. The festival of Diwali also celebrates the day Mother Goddess Durga destroyed a demon called Mahisha. Sikhism: For Sikhs, Diwali marks and celebrates the release of the sixth Guru, Hargobind Singh from a Mughal Empire prison in 1619. Sikhs mark the day as Bandi Chhor Diwas. However, Diwali was celebrated even prior to this. In fact, the foundation stone of the Golden Temple at Amritsar - which is the most holy place in the Sikh world, was laid on Diwali in 1577. Jainism: The founder of Jainism is Lord Mahavira. During Diwali, Jains celebrate the moment he reached a state called Moksha (nirvana, or eternal bliss - and freedom from the cycle of reincarnation). It is said that the earth and the heavens were illuminated with lamps to mark the occasion of Lord Mahavira's enlightenment.
