Heavy bandobast at Charminar November 14, 2012 13:12
In wake of disturbances in the old city recently, tight security has been beefed up in and around Charminar and Bhagya Lakshmi temple, which is adjacent to the edifice. Notably, a large number of devotees were said to have thronged Bhagya Lakshmi temple and sought blessings of Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of fortune and wealth) on Wednesday morning. It may be noted that taking blessings of Sri Maha Lakshmi on the night of Diwali and next day of Diwali is said to bring in lots of fortune. In fact, the legend has it that Lord Vishnu grants a boon to Goddess Lakshmi stating that whosoever worships her on first amavasya (no moon day) of karthik maas (lunar calendar), they would be blessed with wealth and luck. Therefore, people make it a point to pray Goddess Lakshmi on Diwali and its next day. (AW Phani)
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MIM withdraws support: Owaisi says, Jagan his friend November 12, 2012 17:46
A team of MIM MLAs are going to meet Governor ESL Narasimhan and present their request in writing about their decision of withdrawing from the UPA Government and their support to Congress in the state. Chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy has convened an emergency meeting this evening with the available minister. CM is likely to discuss whether there would be any threat to the government in the wake of MIM withdrawing its support. It is known that there are currently MIM MLAs. The observers said that it would make no difference to the ruling Congress if MIM backs out. However, they said chief minister should ensure that none of Congress party leaders plan to jump to other parties. In case eight or more than eight persons jump out of Congress, then government would definitely be at stake, they added. Jagan my friend: Owaisi While the recent stand policies of the state seemed to have irked MIM, the observers said that Jagan could be the key player or master mind behind this entire plot. It is known that Owaisi met Jaganmohan Reddy at Chanchalguda jail earlier during presidential elections. In fact, Owaisi today said YSRC president was his new friend. He even stressed that he has respect on judiciary. Now that Owaisi withdrew his support and said Jagan was his friend, the observers said that MIM is most likely to team up with YSRC in the forth coming general elections. Tense at MIM party office: The moment Owaisi made a statement on withdrawal of its support, tense atmosphere prevailed at the party office in Hyderabad. Miscreants tried to create tense atmosphere by allegedly damaging the public and private property near the party office. What Congress says: Congress leader Mukesh Goud has said that talks were underway with MIM to ensure that they withdraw their recognition. He said Congress,MIM alliance has been there for quite sometime and it would not be proper to move out of the party for a small reason. Another Congress leader V Hanumantha Rao has said that no political party other than Congress gave due importance to MIM. He said whatever MIM demanded, Congress used to facilitate the same within hours and termed the withdrawal as unfortunate. No threat to Congress: Jagga Reddy Congress legislator Jagga Reddy has said that Congress government would be in no problem with the withdrawal of support from MIM. He asked MIM to withdraw its resignation. It may be noted that Congress currently has 155 MLAs in the assembly including the merged 17 MLAs of PRP and three Congress MLAs who tendered resignation to the party. The government would collapse only if number of legislators in the assembly of the ruling party (including supporters if any) are below 147. Therefore, there's no threat to the government. Anyway, one has to keep their fingers crossed to know the political developments in the state. (AW Phani)
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Lenovo rolls out smart phones into Hyd market November 08, 2012 17:54
Laptop major Lenovo, which has entered into the Indian smart phone market recently, has launched its five mobile variants in Hyderabad on Friday. These mobile phones run on Android operating system and the prices ranges between Rs.6,500 and Rs. 29,000. The company officials have said that there would are much more features on this phone, which would make the users awestruck. It is known that Lenovo recently introduced these phones to Mumbaikars. As per the reports, people were fascinated with these new phones. Moreover, to anyone who has been obsessed with Lenovo brand and also look forward to purchase a smart phone without shelling out much, the basic model of Lenovo would be ideal to him. Tech experts are of the opinion that Samsung is ruling the Indian smart phone and tablet market and therefore it might not just be a cakewalk for Lenovo to make masses shift their focus from Samsung to this brand. Anyway, lets wait and watch whether Lenovo can be successful in establishing its name in Indian smart phone market. (AW Phani)
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Chiranjeevi in London, launches campaign to boost Indian tourism November 07, 2012 14:04
The union tourism minister Dr K Chiranjeevi has announced a new campaign to promote tourism in India. Named as 'Find What You Seek,' this unique campaign focuses on the important destinations in India so that foreign tourism enthusiasts can get the information on their favourite place of in India. Mr Chiranjeevi started this campaign in London at the World Travel Mart on Tuesday. Addressing the media, Chiranjeevi said that India is a nation, which has something to offer for everyone. He has even said that Indians would feel proud to say that India is an incredible destination with range of products. You will find what you are seeking, highlighted Chiranjeevi. It is known that Chiranjeevi for the first time visited London on official tour. The observers said that Chiranjeevi started this campaign was something worth hailing without a doubt. They even maintained that Indian tourism would reach its zenith during Chiranjeevi's tenure as the tourism minister. (AW Phani)
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Hyderabadi's caught with Rs 3-crore narcotics November 03, 2012 15:30
At Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, there was high drama as two individuals who tried to smuggle Rs 3 crore worth narcotic drugs out of the nation. They were however caught carrying the drugs in their baggage by the custom officials. Avinash and Rocky, the accused were taken into custody by the officials after they were identified to have the illicit drugs in their possession. At a baggage check-in the duo were caught as they were trying to board a Malaysian Airlines Flight to Kuala Lumpur, on Friday night. The seiezed drugs were sent to labs for testing the drugs. It is estimated that the drugs may be worth over Rs 3 crore if sold in the international market. (AW- Anil)
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AP formation day: CM takes part in celebrations, TJAC chairman arrested November 01, 2012 10:44
Chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy took part in the formation of Andhra Pradesh celebrations at NTR stadium in Hyderabad. He has hoisted the National Flag. Tight security arrangements have been made in the wake of Telangana Joint Action Committee terming this day as Telangana betrayal day. Addressing the gathering, chief minister Kiran Kumar has said that Indiramma Baata programme was started in order to bring government schemes close to the public. Further he said Indiramma Baata was completed in nine districts so far. To make a point, CM said over 15 lakh poor people were benefited by Arogya Sri health scheme. He has also said that Rs. 480 crore was allotted for the welfare of minorities in the state by the government. CM even said that the prime motive of the government was to save and safeguard farmers in the state. JAC chairman arrested: Telangana Joint Action Committee chairman, Prof Kodandaram has been house arrested at his residence in Tarnaka of Hyderabad. Kodandaram has alleged lashed out at the ruling Congress alleging that emergency rule was going on in the state. It may be recalled that Andhra Pradesh was formed on November 1, 1956 when the Centre merged Andhra State with the erstwhile Hyderabad State. (AW Phani)
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Security beefed up in city October 31, 2012 15:55
In the wake of TRS banning November 1, the formation day of Andhra Pradesh, tight security has been beefed up at NTR stadium in Hyderabad. The Hyderabad police commissioner Anurag Sharma has said that there would be no permission for anyone to protest at Indira Park in the city starting from Wednesday afternoon. Further, he personally visited NTR stadium and supervised the arrangements there for formation day celebrations. Andhra Pradesh chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy is going to take part in the formation day celebrations and therefore police is ensuring that no untoward incident takes place. On the other hand, Danam Nagender in Hyderabad has said that he would take part in the formation day celebrations and found fault with TRS chief K Chandrashekara Rao for giving out such call. He has made it clear that the government would not function based on the direction given by KCR. Also, he asked KCR to recall about those incidents wherein he took part in state formation day celebrations when he was the minister. (AW Phani)
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Crack down on film tints October 26, 2012 12:15
Are you going to visit Hyderabad in your four-wheeler? If yes then make sure that your car glasses don't have dark film tints or any other stickers. Otherwise, you might end up paying penalty. Acting on the orders of the Supreme Court, the Hyderabad traffic police cracked whip on the motorists in the city who used black tints on the windshields and side glasses. On the first day on Thursday, at least 3,400 challans were issued out of which more than 40 were government vehicles. This crackdown was started after two weeks of awareness programmed by the traffic police. Additional Commissioner of Police (traffic), CV Anand said court made it clear that none is authorized to use tinted glasses except those who are on Z and Z Plus security. Many streets in and around LB stadium were bustled with motorists who thronged to car décor shops to remove the tinted glasses. (AWP)
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FB to launch new office in Hyd October 19, 2012 12:59
Social networking major Facebook is all set to launch its new office in Hyderabad. This piece of information was shared by Facebook India director (online operations), Kirthiga Reddy. So far, Hyderabad has become a home to many multiple national companies. With the launch of Facebook's office, Pearl City came under limelight in 2010. This also provided good number of employment to people in India. Now, Facebook has plans to launch another office in Hyderabad. If another office is launched in Hyderabad, then it would undoubtedly be a boom to the city. This decision of Facebook India to launch new office in Hyderabad proves that there's no threat to the brand image of the city in the wake of the news that recent agitations were damaging the image of the city. (AW Phani)
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TTD Brahmotsavams celebrations: Day 4 October 18, 2012 11:14
Tirumala Tirupati Devastanams (TTD) is surging with devotees influx owing to the annual Navarathri Brahmotsavams celebrated in the hill top shrine of Shri Balaji. Today being the fourth day of the nine day celebrations. The Lord Venkateswara being the boon giver takes ride on Kalpa Vruksha to bless his devotees with their sought after and wishful desires for which they vow to serve and worship him whole-heartedly. Kalpa Vruksha started well at 9am, is seva underway till 11 am. The evenings are more festive and the celebrations are more jubilant with the Unjal seva between 7pm to 8pm which shall be followed by the precession of the Lord with his consorts on the 'Sarva Bhupala Vahanam'. The night shall culminate with the Navarathri special that shall be between 11 pm to mid night. Popular stories trace the origin of this celebration to Brahma, the creator God, who first conducted this festival to Sri Balaji at Tirupati. Hence, this utsava bears his name as “Brahmotsavam,” which means “Brahma’s Utsavam.” Well as a chronicle to the ongoing festivals Wishesh would like to refresh the memories of our readers by giving a gist as to what happened the last three days to four days at the shrine. As a prelude to the annual Navarathri Brahmotsavams, On Sunday the temple performed ‘Ankurarpanam’ festival. In connection with the festival Ekantha Thirumanjanam was conducted to Lord Viswaksena, the commander-in-chief of the army of Lord’s domain and to the ‘parivara devathas’ inside the main temple followed by a series of special rituals. On the first day, Monday the Lord was taken out on a procession of ‘Golden Tiruchi’ in the morning. It was the Unjal Seva (swing festival) for the Lord in the evening. Later the day ended with the Lord Malayappa Swamy along with his two divine consorts mounted atop the golden Pedda Sesha Vahanam being taken out in a procession in the temple streets. On the second day, Tuesday, the Lord was taken out in a procession on Vaasuki (Serpent God) as his vehicle. Later the day ended with the Lord being taken out in a procession on Hamsa (Swan) Vahanam. Wishesh brings out a special focus on this utsavam for the benefit of our readership. Keep watching this page on a regular basis to know what happens on the divine hills during these Brahmotsavams. On the third day, Wednesday, the Lord was taken out in a procession on his Simhavahanam seva, in the morning. Evenings started with the usual Unjal Seva followed by the precession of the Lord with his consorts on the 'Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam' (Pearl or Oyster). OM NARAYANA NAMAHA... (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
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TTD Brahmotsavams celebrations: Day 3 October 17, 2012 12:16
Tirumala Tirupati Devastanams (TTD)has spruced up the temple hilltop in the most pompous way to welcome devotees who are sure to surge in numbers. The annual Navarathri Brahmotsavams are underway in the temple at Tirumala. Today being the third day of celebrations, on the hilltop shrine, the momentum started well at 9am, with the Simhavahanam seva. This seva underway in the shrine is to end at 11 am. The evenings are to be more festive and the celebrations are to be more jubilant with the Unjal seva between 7pm to 8pm which shall be followed by the precession of the Lord with his consorts on the 'Muthyapu Pandiri Vahanam' (Pearl or Oyster). Popular stories trace the origin of this celebration to Brahma, the creator God, who first conducted this festival to Sri Balaji at Tirupati. Hence, this utsava bears his name as "Brahmotsavam," which means" “Brahma’s Utsavam." As a prelude to the annual Navarathri Brahmotsavams, On Sunday the temple performed 'Ankurarpanam' festival. In connection with the festival Ekantha Thirumanjanam was conducted to Lord Viswaksena, the commander-in-chief of the army of Lord’s domain and to the 'parivara devathas' inside the main temple followed by a series of special rituals. On the first day on Monday the Lord was taken out on a procession of ‘Golden Tiruchi’ in the morning. It was the Unjal Seva (swing festival) for the Lord in the evening. Later the day ended with the Lord Malayappa Swamy along with his two divine consorts mounted atop the golden Pedda Sesha Vahanam being taken out in a procession in the temple streets. On the second day on Tuesday, the Lord was taken out in a procession on Vaasuki (Serpent God) as his vehicle. Later the day ended with the Lord being taken out in a procession on Hamsa (Swan) Vahanam. Wishesh brings out a special focus on this utsavam for the benefit of our readership. Keep watching this page on a regular basis to know what happens on the divine hills during these Brahmotsavams. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
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TTD Brahmotsavams celebrations: Day 2 October 16, 2012 18:29
It is pompous time again on the seven hills which is the abode of Lord Venkateswara and his consorts. Around Navarathri the temple town celebrates Brahmotsavams that is the most sought after time for the devotees. Thousands throng the temple to have a glimpse of the Lord who takes a stride, in the evenings, in his special vehicle meant for the day, in the Mada Streets of the Temple. It is a cynosure that is sure to drive one into ecstasy moments. Popular stories trace the origin of this celebration to Brahma, the creator God, who first conducted this festival to Sri Balaji at Tirupati. Hence, this utsava bears his name as "Brahmotsavam," which means "Brahma’s Utsavam." As a prelude to the annual Navarathri ritual, the temple performed ‘Ankurarpanam’ festival on Sunday. In connection with the festival Ekantha Thirumanjanam was conducted to Lord Viswaksena, the commander-in-chief of the army of Lord’s domain and to the ‘parivara devathas’ inside the main temple followed by a series of special rituals. Later the Lord and his consorts were taken out on a procession. After the conclusion of the procession the temple priests ceremoniously sowed the 'Navadhanyams' in the earthen pots for germination corroborating with the religious event. On Monday the first day of Brahmotsavams started off on a pompous note. The Lord was taken out on a procession of ‘Golden Tiruchi’ in the morning. It was the Unjal Seva (swing festival) for the Lord in the evening that was witnessed by several thousands of devotees. The day ended with the Lord Malayappa Swamy along with his two divine consorts mounted atop the golden Pedda Sesha Vahanam being taken out in a procession in the temple streets. On Tuesday the festivities continued with the same fervor and devotion. Traditionally in the morning the Lord was taken out in a procession on Vaasuki (Serpent God) as his vehicle. In Bhagawad Gita Lord Sri Krishna says, 'He is Vaasuki among the serpents.' Chinna Sesha Vahanam will be five headed. In the evening the Lord shall be taken out in a procession on Hamsa (Swan) as his vehicle. Hamsa or swan means ‘pure’. Hamsa is believed to have a high intellectual capability and can distinguish good from bad. Wishesh brings out a special focus on this utsavam for the benefit of our readership. Keep watching this page on a regular basis to know what happens on the divine hills during these Brahmotsavams. (With inputs from internet-AW AarKay)
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