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Time of India
22-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Kanpur Temple turtles trade tradition for paneer treats
In a quiet corner of Kanpur, a centuries-old temple has become home to an unexpected spectacle — a group of softshell turtles with an unusual appetite for paneer. Every Wednesday, the pond beside the Panki Dham temple , also known as Panki Nageshwar, comes alive as turtles surface eagerly to feast on cubes of cottage cheese tossed in by visiting devotees, according to a TOI report. Around 150 turtles live in this two-bigha pond, but their fondness for dairy — a rarity in the wild — has turned them into a local curiosity and a subject of interest for conservationists. A surprising switch Temple caretaker Mahant Devi Dayal Pathak, whose family has been managing the temple for over three centuries, said the tradition started when a visiting academic offered paneer to the turtles during a visit. 'They used to eat flour balls offered by devotees, but now they prefer paneer,' he told TOI . 'It's become a part of the temple routine.' While turtles generally don't consume dairy, these softshell turtles seem to have adapted. Their behavior is especially striking given their natural diet, which includes fish, insects, and dead matter. Midweek ritual Wednesdays at the temple draw larger crowds, partly due to a belief that feeding turtles brings blessings from Mercury, the planet associated with this day in Hindu mythology. Live Events For many, it's a spiritual offering. For others, it's a sight worth watching — dozens of turtle heads popping out of the water the moment cheese touches the surface, said TOI . Conservation meets tradition Wildlife experts say this unusual feeding pattern warrants closer study. Dr. Rajeev Chauhan, a conservationist, noted that while the species — Nilssonia gangetica — is generally carnivorous, its digestive system can handle high-protein foods like cheese. 'It's not typical, but it's not entirely harmful either — as long as it's managed responsibly,' he told the news outlet. The turtles are listed under India's highest level of wildlife protection laws, meaning they cannot be captured, harmed, or traded. As such, their growing popularity at the temple has led to increased efforts to safeguard their environment. Temple pond now a turtle refuge Efforts have been made to keep the habitat healthy. A man-made island in the pond provides a space for nesting, and temple staff monitor water quality regularly. Local vendors sell only food approved by conservation bodies, and awareness boards guide visitors on how to feed the turtles without causing harm. 'We take care of their health, make sure the pond stays clean, and add fresh sand to their island during the summer months,' Pathak told the newspaper. 'This isn't just about religion anymore — it's about responsibility.' Future plans in the works The temple authorities are planning new features, including observation decks, educational displays for children, and improved waste disposal systems. They also hope to start research to better understand the turtles' evolving habits. For now, the cheese-hungry turtles remain a beloved sight in Kanpur. Each week, as the faithful arrive with their offerings, the pond turns into a unique blend of devotion and biodiversity — where ancient rituals and modern conservation come together, one paneer cube at a time.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pahalgam attack: Visitors continue to pour in to console family of Shubham
Kanpur: Visitors continue to pour in to console the family of Shubham, who lost his life in the Pahalgam terror strike. The terror attack that claimed Shubham's life deeply affected the local community, drawing continuous support from various quarters. Besides the dignitaries who visited on Friday, local residents and community leaders have been arriving steadily to share the family's grief. Shubham Dwivedi , a city resident who succumbed to terrorist gunfire in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, received full state honours during his final rites on Thursday at the Dyodhi Ghat along the Ganges in Maharajpur. Senior officials attended the ceremony to pay their respects. The stream of visitors continued on Friday, with former union minister and senior BJP leader Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Women's Commission chairperson Babita Chauhan, and Panki Dham mahant Krishna Das Ji Maharaj offering their condolences. Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti strongly denounced the attack, assuring swift govt action against such reprehensible acts. Shubham's father shared that whilst his son safely travelled to 18 countries, he was targeted in his own nation for his Hindu identity, yet remained undaunted. Mahant Krishna Das Ji Maharaj offered solace to the family. Babita Chauhan, listened as the family recounted how Shubham took the initial bullet, enabling others to flee. She also assured them of the govt's firm stance and impending strict measures. Local administration assured the family of complete support and initiated measures to honour Shubham's sacrifice. A proposal has been put forward to name a local street after him, ensuring his memory lives on in the community. District officials are also considering establishing a memorial in his honour.
