“Faith, Freedom, and Unity: The Story Behind Public Ganesha Chaturthi”



G.S. Gopal Raaj, Editor, City Today News, stated,“The celebration of Ganesha Chaturthi in public spaces carries both historic and cultural significance. Until the late 19th century, the festival was largely confined to homes. It was in 1893 that Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak gave the festival a new identity by bringing it into the public domain. His vision was not merely religious—it was a social and political movement aimed at uniting people beyond caste and community lines, fostering nationalism, and strengthening the fight against British colonial rule.

What Tilak initiated as a medium of social unity has now blossomed into one of the most celebrated festivals across India. Today, Ganesha Chaturthi is observed with grandeur, artistic expression, music, cultural programmes, and acts of community service. Beyond its devotional aspect, it stands as a symbol of togetherness, resilience, and cultural pride. This continuity of tradition reflects how festivals can serve not only spiritual needs but also shape the collective identity of society.”

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Sri Krishna Janmashtami Celebrated with Special Krishnaarghya Puja at Jayanagar Raghavendra Mutt

Bengaluru: Sri Krishna Janmashtami was observed with devotion and grandeur at the Nanjanagudu Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Jayanagar 5th Block.

Under the leadership of senior administrator Sri R.K. Vadheendra Acharya, a golden cradle was adorned to depict Gokula, and an idol of baby Krishna was ceremoniously placed. At 11:55 p.m., priests conducted the special Sri Krishnaarghya ritual, accompanied by traditional lullabies. A wide variety of offerings, including chakkuli and unde, were prepared and presented as naivedya.

The celebration concluded with a grand Maha Mangalarati, according to Sri Nandakishore Acharya. Devotees and staff members participated in large numbers, seeking the blessings of Sri Hari, Vayu, and Guru.

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354th Aradhana Saptarathrotsava of Sri Raghavendra Swamiji Concludes at Jayanagar Rayara Mata

Bengaluru: The 354th Aradhana Saptarathrotsava of Sri Raghavendra Swamiji concluded on August 14 at the Nanjangudu Sri Raghavendra Swamiji Mata, Jayanagar 5th Block. The celebrations were held from August 8 to 14 under the guidance of His Holiness Sri Sri Subudhendra Teertha Swamiji and led by the Matha’s senior administrator, Sri R.K. Vadindracharya.

The festival commenced on August 8 with the inauguration by Sri Sri Vishwaprasanna Teertha Swamiji, Pejawar Mathadhipathi, who also delivered a three-day discourse on Srimad Ramayana prior to the start of the Aradhana.

Week-long Rituals and Cultural Programmes
Daily special pujas were conducted in the mornings, while the grand Rajabeedi Utsava marked the concluding day. Each evening featured cultural performances:

Aug 8: Dasavani by Sri Jayateerth Tasgaon and troupe

Aug 9: Saxophone recital by Kum. Divyashree Ranganathan and troupe

Aug 10: Dasa Tarangini by Smt. Deepa Kasaravalli and troupe

Aug 11: Dasa Jhenkara by Smt. Ramamani Guruprasad and troupe

Aug 12: Dasalahari by Dr. Raichur Sheshagiridas and troupe

Aug 14: Bharatanatyam presentation titled Bhakti by students of Prabhat Art International, choreographed by Smt. Shakuntala Raghavendra Prabhat.


The Bharatanatyam featured performances by students Sheetal, Shilpa, Surabhi, Kashika, Mahati, Samhitha, Harshala, Aishwarya, Mridula, Deeksha, Ananya, Payal, Tanya, Sunishti, Swapnanthi, Vedhika, Pratyusha, Shashwati, Sharanya, Samnvitha, Bruhathi, Manya, Shreya, Saniha, Vaishnavi, Suparna, and Siri.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri Nandakishore Acharya said the week-long celebrations concluded in a deeply devotional and vibrant atmosphere.

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Apollo Hospitals Seshadripuram Celebrates a Decade of Medical Excellence

Bengaluru, 14 August 2025 – Apollo Hospitals Seshadripuram marked its 10th anniversary with “Samarpanam” – a celebration of ten years of advanced, accessible healthcare – in the presence of Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., along with senior officials and distinguished guests.

Established in August 2015, the superspeciality hospital has grown into one of Bengaluru’s most trusted healthcare destinations, treating more than 1,000 outpatients daily and performing thousands of complex surgeries each year. Since 2017, it has also led several pioneering transplant procedures in India, cementing its position as a leader in organ transplantation in Karnataka.

Dr. Sangita Reddy said, “Apollo Hospitals has always aimed to combine clinical excellence with a strong commitment to community service. The decade-long journey of our Seshadripuram unit embodies this mission. By expanding access to advanced treatments and fostering trust with our patients, we have significantly contributed to Bengaluru’s healthcare ecosystem. As the city continues to grow as a medical hub, Apollo remains dedicated to raising standards in quality, innovation, and compassionate care.”

Specialised in cardiology, neurosciences, orthopedics, gastroenterology, and kidney transplantation, Apollo Seshadripuram was also the first in India to introduce the Moses 2.0 Laser for treating prostate enlargement and kidney stones in high-risk patients.

Vice President Uday Davda remarked, “Reaching this milestone is not only a moment of pride but also a promise to the future. We have consistently worked to make advanced medical care more accessible while handling some of the most challenging cases. With a new tower planned to meet increasing demand, we will continue to uphold the trust our patients place in us.”

The anniversary event featured cultural performances by staff, patients, and members of the local community. Moving forward, the hospital aims to expand its specialised care offerings, adopt AI-powered diagnostics, and further enhance its transplant and emergency services.

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Puravankara Celebrates 50 Years with Special ‘My Stamp’ Issued by India Post

Bengaluru, August 13, 2025: Puravankara Limited (NSE: PURVA | BSE: 532891), one of India’s most respected real estate developers, marked its 50th anniversary today with the launch of a customised ‘My Stamp’ by the Department of Posts, Government of India. The release commemorates the company’s five-decade legacy of delivering high-quality homes built on trust, transparency, and timely delivery since 1975.

Founded in Mumbai in 1975, Puravankara later established its headquarters in Bengaluru and has since expanded operations to nine cities nationwide. The Golden Jubilee stamp, featuring the milestone years 1975–2025, combines bold, modern design elements with silhouettes of iconic buildings from Mumbai and Bengaluru — honouring the cities central to the company’s journey and growth.

Speaking at the launch, Sri K. Prakash, Chief Postmaster General, Karnataka Postal Circle, said, “Stamps are not only miniature pieces of art but also powerful storytellers of history, achievements, and culture. Through ‘My Stamp’, India Post recognises the contributions of companies shaping India’s future.”

Ravi Puravankara, Founder and Chairman of Puravankara Limited, called the occasion “a moment of pride and reflection,” crediting the company’s success to the dedication of employees, partners, and customers. He reaffirmed Puravankara’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and creating spaces where people can fulfil their dreams.

Amanda Puravankara, Additional Director, said the stamp represents “the values we have upheld for five decades — customer focus, quality, and lasting relationships,” while pledging to embrace technology, green practices, and design excellence in the years ahead.

The stamp was unveiled by Mr. K. Prakash in the presence of senior India Post officials, Puravankara’s leadership team, and long-standing partners who have been part of the company’s 50-year journey.

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