shri mata vaishno devi shrine

National archery coach Kuldeep Vedwan received a five-year rigorous imprisonment sentence and a Rs 15,000 fine for molesting a minor archer during a 2023 youth championship. The incident occurred in her hotel room at the SAI Sonipat centre. Vedwan allegedly attempted sexual assault, resisted by the athlete, and later pressured her to remain silent, promising career advancement.

A young girl's distress at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station was swiftly addressed by ticket-checker Dinesh Kumar. His empathetic intervention and quick alert to authorities led to her safe reunion with anxious parents within minutes. This incident highlights the crucial role of vigilance and compassion in ensuring passenger safety amidst crowded public spaces.

An investigation at the Vaishno Devi Temple revealed that a significant portion of silver offerings are mixed with toxic cadmium, not pure silver. This discovery has raised concerns about the value of donations and, more importantly, the health risks posed to workers handling the contaminated metal during melting processes.

A new 20-coach Vande Bharat Express now connects Jammu and Srinagar directly, significantly cutting travel time to five hours. This direct rail link, a first for the two cities, will operate six days a week starting May 2.

As pilgrim traffic surges in the Himalayas, faith, fragile mountains and unchecked growth are on a collision course

Akshara Aiyar, a dedicated disciple of Priya Venkataraman, captivated audiences with her Bharatanatyam Arangetram at Triveni Kala Sangam. Showcasing a decade of rigorous training, Akshara presented a repertoire of traditional pieces, including a powerful Swarajathi and an energetic Tillana. The esteemed live orchestra enhanced the evening, celebrating the rich Guru-Shishya tradition.

A landslide on the Kedarnath Yatra route caused disruptions, requiring overnight restoration efforts. Helicopter services to the sacred shrine have been repeatedly suspended due to unpredictable weather, impacting pilgrim movement. Despite a slight overall dip in Char Dham Yatra footfall, Kedarnath saw an increase, with authorities managing health, safety, and crowd control amid concerns over high-altitude pilgrimage challenges.

The Jammu-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, a 20-coach semi-high-speed train, commenced operations on May 2, 2026, marking a historic connection between the two cities. This new service significantly reduces travel time to under five hours, offering a reliable, all-weather alternative to road travel and boosting regional tourism and economic growth.

The second Bada Mangal, observed on May 12, 2026, is a highly auspicious day dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This day, coinciding with Telugu Hanuman Jayanti, holds significant religious importance as it commemorates Lord Rama's encounter with Hanuman. Devotees perform various puja rituals, chant mantras, and offer specific items to seek blessings.

Court orders his remand in police custody till May 18

A prestigious PM-Shri school in Koderma faces a severe water crisis, impacting education and hygiene. Female students are particularly affected, often sent home due to unusable toilets. Despite its upgrade, the school's borewell is barely functional, and the urban water supply has failed, forcing reliance on neighbours for basic needs and mid-day meal preparation.

Summer offers a perfect opportunity for spiritual journeys to sacred sites across India. Destinations like Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Vaishno Devi provide serene atmospheres. Haridwar and Rishikesh, on the banks of the Ganga river, are also ideal for cleansing and inner peace. These locations offer a chance to disconnect from daily stress and find tranquility.

Ganga Dussehra marks the descent of Maa Ganga, celebrated with devotion and practical decisions in North Indian homes. Families engage in rituals like snan, puja, and daan, adapting traditions based on proximity to the river and personal customs. The festival emphasizes purification, ancestor remembrance, and ethical conduct, reflecting a blend of scriptural memory and household practice.