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Frank Gehry, visionary architect behind Walt Disney Concert Hall, dies at 96

Renowned architect Frank Gehry, whose innovative designs reshaped skylines around the world, has died at his home in Santa Monica, according to multiple reports, Deadline said. He was 96. Gehry, a Canadian-American visionary known for pushing the boundaries of modern architecture, transformed public spaces with his bold, sculptural use of steel, glass and wood. According to Deadline, among his most iconic contributions is the Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles, recognised for its gleaming curved stainless-steel exterior that reflects changing light, giving it a dynamic, almost musical presence. The interior, home to the L.A. Philharmonic, is regarded as one of the most acoustically sophisticated performance spaces in the world, featuring Douglas-fir panelling and an oak-finished floor. Internationally, Gehry revolutionised Bilbao, Spain, with the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, widely credited with transforming the industrial city into a global cultural destination. He also designed technology campuses for giants such as Google and Facebook. In New York, Gehry's first full-building project, the IAC Building, completed in 2007 for Barry Diller's internet company, features twisting tower forms and floor-to-ceiling glass that fades from clear to white to soften sunlight. The building has appeared in films including The Other Guys (2010) and Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010). More recently, he designed the Second Century Project for Warner Bros. in Burbank, two LEED-certified commercial towers totalling 800,000 square feet, resembling sculpted blocks of ice stacked atop one another. Gehry's contributions earned him the highest honours in his field, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 1989 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2016. He studied architecture at the University of Southern California and later pursued city planning at Harvard University. 

06 December,2025 03:59 PM IST | Los Angeles | ANI
Morello is on a three-city tour with performances in Gurugram, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Photo Courtesy: Steve Rose

Tom Morello: I've wanted to travel to India my whole life

American guitarist Tom Morello doesn't need an introduction for many rock fans not only around the world but also in India. This is because he is a legend synonymous with some of the most addictive rock riffs and tunes for many Indians who have grown up listening to Rage Against The Machine and Audioslave, among his other bands and solo acts. It’s this fandom that has led the Grammy Award-winning musician to make his way to India this December for the very first time. He explains, "I'm very excited to come to India. It’s really a dream come true. I wanted to travel to India my whole life and to be able to not only travel to India but to play shows for fans there who have been waiting a very, very long time is so exciting."  Morello is on a three-city tour with performances in Gurugram on December 17 at HUDA Gymkhana, Mumbai on December 19 at MMRDA Grounds, and Bengaluru on December 21 at Phoenix Marketcity, Whitefield. The tour is the first in a series of rock music live shows for 'Bandland On Tour', an extension of Bandland, the rock and alternative music festival, helmed by BookMyShow Live in India, coming at a time when there are so many different kinds of music festivals mushrooming in the country. Evolution of rock musicHe adds, "I've been hearing from Rage Against the Machine fans, Audioslave fans, Prophets of Rage fans, even Bruce Springsteen fans, and fans of my solo work in guitar playing, for decades and now to be able to go there and to play Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave music, to play my guitar to the absolute best of my ability for fans who have been waiting so long is really a dream come true." Rock music has evolved a lot since Morello started out over four decades ago but the guitarist isn't thinking about the larger picture at all because he loves spending time in his own zone and growing as an artist. "I pay less attention to how rock music has evolved generally and really only focused on how my music is evolving - from Rage Against The Machine to Audio Slave, the more melodic music of Audio Slave to my solo work which includes folk music working with EDM artists, working with Bruce Springsteen -- it has really been a journey." During this time, Morello says he's made 22 albums, and very much looks forward to playing music from throughout that career when I'm in India.  This very lifelong experiment with music has led him to learn a lot from all the bands and musicians he has played with. He shares, "There's a lot you learn from each group of musicians that you perform with - band chemistry is what makes a band great, each person making a contribution, but the collective outcome is something that none of you could have created alone. So, in Rage Against The Machine, it was the anger, the aggression, the political urgency. With Audio Slave, it was deep poetic lyrics, the melodicism of Chris Cornell's incredible voice matched with an expanded musical palette but also rocking very hard with my solo stuff, as an artist is able to explore purity of artistic vision unblemished by other people's opinions and I greatly enjoyed that as well. So, in some ways, I think I've had the best of both worlds."  Social activism and India visitOver the years, Morello hasn't only been a musician because he has also been very vocal as a social activist about many issues including the more recent Israel-Gaza conflict, but it feels like it's in his nature because of how passionate he is about activism. At a time when people with influence and power aren't vocal for their own reasons, ask him what role musicians play in speaking up about socio-political issues and he is quick to say, "I wouldn't limit it to musicians. I think that each of us has a responsibility to be who we are in what we do. So as a musician, I make albums, I give interviews, I have T-shirt designs, I play shows, and in those things it's important to me to express my opinions. I think it's no less important for a music journalist or a carpenter or a student in whatever it is that they do to not leave behind who they are."  Even as he brings this very energy through his music, a visit here is going to be a lot more, he says. "I'm bringing my family and cannot wait. It’s a place that I've always dreamed of visiting. So I'm looking forward to hearing more Indian music and of course visiting the Taj Mahal which I've seen since I was a tiny child as one of the great wonders of the world. I'm also excited to experience the different cultures and different foods in different parts of India that we're travelling to, and most of all experience what it’s to play in front of fans," he concludes.

06 December,2025 02:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento Pinto
Techno fans can witness him live in 2026 on his two-city India tour. Photo Courtesy: File pic

British DJ Carl Cox will perform in India in January 2026; check all the details

British DJ Carl Cox, a titan whose influence has shaped the sound, scale and spirit of electronic music for over three decades, is all set to perform in India in 2026.  Indians will witness the techno legend take over Delhi-NCR on January 16 and Mumbai on January 17. At a time when there are DJs from all over the world, there's Carl Cox, an artist whose fingerprints are etched into the DNA of modern techno. He was there when acid house shattered 1980s London.  Cox's 1991 debut ‘I Want You’ cracked the UK Top 40 and gave him a Top of the Pops appearance, but Cox never chased mainstream validation. When others pivoted to fluffy house, he retreated to the underground with uncompromising techno, taking you to an element of surprise, not knowing where you're going. It's scary but wonderful at the same time. From sound tracking the birth of acid house in ’80s London to redefining techno on the world stage, his legacy spans historic collaborations and legendary moments - sharing stages with pioneers like The Chemical Brothers, Laurent Garnier, Fatboy Slim, Eric Prydz, Adam Beyer and Nina Kraviz, while inspiring countless artists who shaped the modern electronic movement. The British DJ's legendary releases tell the story: ‘F.A.C.T.’ (1995) became a techno bible, selling 250,000 copies. ‘Two Paintings and a Drum’ (1996) and ‘The Second Sign’ (2005) cemented his movement-builder status. His Intec Records label became an underground institution, relaunched in 2010 as Intec Digital with exclusives from techno's biggest names. His 15-year residency at Space Ibiza (2001–2016) is the most successful club run in the island's history. Starting with six nights, it grew into a cultural phenomenon. His final 15-week season? Every single night was sold out. Carl Cox could have retired but instead, he spent the last decade proving that innovation beats nostalgia. His 2022 Wembley Arena album launch for ‘Electronic Generations’; his fifth studio album, proved that even after 30 years, Cox isn't playing it safe. He headlines the world's biggest stages - Tomorrowland, Ultra, Coachella. His iconic performances span Stonehenge, Cairo's Pyramids, Berlin's Love Parade (1 million people), and Central Park NYC. In 2024, he received DJ Mag's inaugural Outstanding Contribution Award, celebrating 30 consecutive years in their Top 100. Excited for his return, Carl Cox commented, “India has always had a special energy, and every time I’ve played here, the crowd has given me something truly unforgettable. To return in 2026 feels like coming back to a community that lives and breathes the music just as deeply as I do. I can’t wait to bring a set that celebrates where techno has been, where it’s going, and everything we’ve built together on the dancefloor.” Speaking about the tour, Karan Singh, CEO, Sunburn, said Carl Cox is a movement in himself, a pioneer who has shaped electronic music globally. "Every time he steps on stage, it’s not just a performance, it’s an experience that defines the culture of dance music.” For Carl Cox, this tour is both a return and a resonance, a reconnection with a country whose dance music community has grown exponentially, becoming one of the most vibrant audiences in the global circuit. As India cements its place as one of the world’s fastest-growing live music markets, this tour marks another milestone in the live music performances happening here. Tickets for The Tuborg Sunburn Arena ft. Carl Cox India Tour are now live exclusively on BookMyShow.

06 December,2025 01:44 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Fresh from a year of huge festival headline appearances, he will perform across three cities here. Photo Courtesy: Special Arrangement

Global dance icon Tiesto to perform in India after 10 years in 2026

Global dance icon Dutch DJ and music producer Tiesto is set to headline a three-city India tour in January 2026, bringing his iconic sound unmatched energy back to the country. Marking his first India run in nearly a decade, the Tiësto India Tour 2026 aims to deliver a powerful arena experience across Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.  The tour will kick off on January 23 in Mumbai at NSCI Dome, followed by January 24 in Delhi at JLN Grounds, and conclude on January 25 in Kolkata at Aquatica.   Fresh from a year of huge festival headline appearances at Ultra Music Festival, DayTrip, EXIT Festival and Untold Festival, the Grammy-winning DJ and producer continues to sit at the centre of global dance culture. The Dutchman's ability to evolve, reinvent and captivate crowds across generations has kept him at the forefront of the scene.  Tiesto, who is being brought to India by event promoter EVA Live, is preparing a two-hour headline show for India built around high-impact production, cinematic visuals and a setlist spanning classics, global hits and brand-new music. Tiesto states, "I’m beyond thrilled to return to India after 10 years. The country is one of my favourite places to perform and the energy and passion of the fans is just incredible. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata– get ready to party with me because this is going to be unforgettable." Deepak Choudhary, founder and managing director of EVA Live said they are incredibly proud to bring Tiesto back to India because of how his influence is unmatched on the global scale. Tickets will be exclusively available on District by Zomato. An exclusive 3-day presale will run from December 8 from 12 noon till December 15 till 12 noon.  General sales will go live on December 15 from 12.30 pm. Ticket prices range from Rs 999 to Rs 12,999.

06 December,2025 01:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic

UNESCO will meet to examine 'Deepavali' for intangible cultural heritage tag

India's nomination, the "Deepavali" festival, will be examined at a key meeting of the UNESCO in Delhi next week, in pursuance of its inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, according to officials. This is the first time that India will host a session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). The 20th session of the panel will take place from December 8 to 13 at the Red Fort. India currently has 15 elements inscribed on the coveted UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and these include the Kumbh Mela, the Durga Puja in Kolkata, the Garba dance of Gujarat, yoga, the tradition of Vedic chanting and Ramlila -- the traditional performance of the epic Ramayana. "India's nomination, the Deepavali festival, will be considered during the upcoming session of the UNESCO's Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage being hosted in Delhi. The dossier for the nomination was submitted in 2023," a senior official told PTI. New Delhi has sent the nomination for the 2024-25 cycle. According to the UNESCO, the session will examine the nominations submitted by State parties for inscription on the UNESCO ICH lists, review the status of the existing elements and provide international assistance for safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. The session will be chaired by Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of India to the UNESCO Vishal V Sharma. "This is the first time India will host this UNESCO session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, and so it is a matter of great pride," Sharma told PTI earlier. Security is expected to be tightened at and around the Red Fort area, as the meeting will take place nearly a month after a high-intensity car blast near the monument killed 15 people and injured more than two dozen on November 10. A senior official of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had, on November 28, said the 17th-century fort complex will be closed from December 5 to 14 in view of the event. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as the palace fort of his capital Shahjahanabad, the Red Fort complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a centrally-protected monument. Some of the British-era barracks located on the premises of the iconic monument will also be used as part of the mega event, another official said. In 2023, the fort site was the venue for the maiden India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale (IAADB) held from December 9 to 15. It also included seven "especially-curated" thematic exhibitions, which were housed in three British-era barracks located on the premises of the monument. The Ministry of Culture and its autonomous body, the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), are the nodal agencies to host the December meet of the UNESCO. The global event "underscores India's intent to align tangible and intangible heritage and highlight its role in cultural diplomacy under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi", the ministry has said. While there is no official word on it, sources indicated that the opening session is likely to be held on December 7. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was asked about the upcoming session in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. "Over 800 delegates from more than 180 countries, including committee members, UNESCO officials, experts, accredited NGOs and practitioners are likely to participate in this event," he said. The core issues likely to be taken up during the meeting are "assessment of safeguarding reports submitted by States about existing listed elements; requests for international assistance to support safeguarding of ICH; discussion on 'living heritage safeguarding', best practices and innovative safeguarding methodologies; and reporting and future planning for safeguarding of ICH", the minister said. Hosting the meeting offers several "strategic and diplomatic advantages" for India and will strengthen its collaboration with the UNESCO. It will help the country by increasing its "global influence and cultural diplomacy and soft power", providing a platform to showcase its diverse heritage, strengthening international cooperation on cultural preservation and inspiring younger generations to connect with their cultural identity, the government said. The event also provides an opportunity for India to lead discussions on important heritage issues and "solidify its position" as a global leader in cultural diplomacy, the minister said. On the occasion of Diwali, also known as Deepavali, the UNESCO India Office in New Delhi had shared a social media post on the festival of lights and the upcoming meeting. "Light, heritage, and togetherness. This Diwali, the UNESCO family came together to celebrate the spirit of joy and shared traditions that connect us all. As India nominates #Diwali to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity and prepares to host the 20th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of ICH this December, we celebrate how living traditions continue to unite communities and illuminate the world with cultural diversity," it said. The upcoming December session comes a year and a half after New Delhi hosted the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee (WHC) from July 21 to 31, 2024 at the Bharat Mandapam. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

06 December,2025 10:24 AM IST | New Delhi | PTI
This year, the fair will take place from December 5 on Friday to December 14 on Sunday this year.

Mahim Mela 2025: Here are your travel guidelines for the 10-day event this Dec

Mahim Makhdoom Shah Baba Fair, more popularly known as Mahim Mela, is held annually in honour of the holy saint Makhdoom Shah Baba. This year, the fair will take place from December 5, Friday, to December 14, Sunday this year. The 10-day event is expected to draw large crowds, leading to heavy traffic congestion in and around Mahim during evening peak hours.It is also why Mumbaikars are urged to take note of all the changes that will occur during this time thus affecting their travel time, if they are planning to travel by road. The impacted roads are LJ Road, Cadell Road (SVS road), Mahim Station Road, and Mori Road in Mahim West.The impacted timings during the day will be in the evening. Expect traffic and crowd congestion to peak between 5 pm and 1 am.  Here are some travel recommendations:1. Avoid passing through Mahim if you are traveling towards Dadar (South Mumbai) or Bandra (Suburbs) during these timings of the fair.2. Use alternative routes such as the Bandra-Worli Sea Link or outer roads for a smoother and faster commute.3. Those who are heading to major train terminals, airports, or hospitals should plan their journey route accordingly to avoid delays.

04 December,2025 10:37 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic

Pantone Colour of the Year: A look back at the past 5 years

Each year, Pantone’s Colour of the Year reflects where the world stands — socially, culturally, and emotionally. As we look forward to the announcement for 2026, it’s worth revisiting the last five colours and the stories they told. 2025 – Mocha Mousse (PANTONE 17-1230)In 2025, Pantone chose a rich, warm brown inspired by cacao, coffee, and natural earth. Mocha Mousse reflects a yearning for comfort, groundedness, sensual pleasure, and a deeper connection to nature. The “thoughtful indulgence” it represents signals a collective craving for quiet luxury, sustainability, rootedness, and timelessness — perhaps as a response to years of upheaval and digital overload. 2024 – Peach Fuzz (PANTONE 13-1023)Peach Fuzz is a soft, warm peach tone symbolising warmth, compassion, connection, and calm. It suggested a collective desire to reset — to move from bold self-assertion toward softness, care, and togetherness. The shade encouraged valuing comfort, kindness, and emotional wellbeing, both personally and socially. 2023 – Viva Magenta (PANTONE 18-1750)Viva Magenta resonated as a declaration of energy, joy, and fearless self-expression. As the world emerged from the shadow of the pandemic, people sought reconnection, celebration, and renewal. This vivacious shade captured that exuberance — a “life-affirming” hue encouraging confidence, individuality, and embracing the present moment. 2022 – Very Peri (PANTONE 17-3938)Very Peri, a periwinkle-toned violet-blue, was a brand-new shade introduced to represent “a blend of the physical and digital worlds”. As life increasingly integrated remote work, online communities, and virtual connection, Very Peri reflected an evolving reality — with one foot in tangible life and the other in the digital sphere. It signalled creative reinvention, adaptability, and techno-optimism. 2021 – Ultimate Gray (PANTONE 17-5104) and Illuminating (PANTONE 13-0647)In the wake of the global pandemic, Pantone’s dual selection for 2021 captured the essence of resilience and hope. Ultimate Gray — steady, reliable, and grounding — paired with Illuminating, a bright, optimistic yellow, symbolised strength and light after hardship. Together, they expressed a longing for stability and optimism during uncertain times. Pantone introduced the Colour of the Year program in 1999 to engage global design communities and highlight the influence of colour on culture. While Pantone has not yet officially announced the Colour of the Year 2026, industry speculation points to Transformative Teal — a blend of blue and aquatic green. The predicted shade is expected to merge serenity with strength, making it suitable for diverse applications across fashion, interiors, and digital design.

03 December,2025 10:00 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: Ministry of Women and child development

India to launch 100-day Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat awareness initiative

The 100-Day Intensive Awareness Campaign for a Child Marriage Free Bharat will be formally launched tomorrow (4 December 2025) at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, to mark one year of the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign. The Ministry of Women and Child Development had launched the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign on 27 November 2024, and it completed one year on 27 November 2025. As per the release, the launch event tomorrow will be graced by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Annpurna Devi, in the august presence of the Minister of State, Savitri Thakur. As per the release, the programme will feature the National Pledge to End Child Marriage, a specially produced film showcasing inspiring change stories from across the country, and testimonies from frontline champions, celebrating collective progress and strengthening momentum for the next phase of the mission. A live telecast of the event will be available on https://webcast.gov.in/mwcd. The 100-Day Campaign (27 November 2025 - 8 March 2026) As per the release, the campaign follows a structured, three-spell plan designed to energise communities and encourage sustained action: Spell 1 (27 Nov - 31 Dec 2025): Awareness activities in schools, colleges, and universities, including debates, essay competitions, interactive sessions, and pledge ceremonies.Spell 2 (1 - 31 Jan 2026): Engagement with faith leaders, community influencers, and marriage service providers to amplify messages on child rights, safety, and empowerment.Spell 3 (1 Feb - 8 Mar 2026): Mobilisation of Gram Panchayats and Municipal Wards to pass resolutions declaring their jurisdictions child-marriage-free. This national drive will be implemented in close coordination with the Ministries of Health & Family Welfare, Panchayati Raj, Rural Development, and Education, ensuring seamless collaboration and extensive grassroots reach. Through this 100-day campaign, the Ministry calls upon citizens, institutions, and community leaders across the nation to join the movement and reaffirm India's commitment to building a Child Marriage Free Bharat. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

03 December,2025 02:17 PM IST | New Delhi | ANI
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic

UN report warns AI could widen gap between rich and poor nations

Behind the hoopla over the promise of artificial intelligence lay difficult realities, including how such technology might affect people already disadvantaged in a data-driven world. A new report by the United Nations Development Programme notes most of the gains from AI are likely to be reaped by wealthy nations unless steps are taken to use its power to help close gaps in access to basic needs, as well as such advanced know-how. The report released Tuesday likens the situation to the 'Great Divergence' of the industrial revolution, when many Western countries saw rapid modernisation while others fell behind. Questions over how companies and other institutions will use AI are a near universal concern given its potential to change or replace some jobs done by people with computers and robots. But while much of the attention devoted to AI focuses on productivity, competitiveness and growth, the more important question is what it will mean for human lives, the authors note. It's an issue for communities where most people are still struggling to access skills, electric power and internet connectivity, for older people, for people displaced by war, civil conflict and climate disasters. At the same time, such people may be 'invisible' in data that will not take them into account, the report said. 'As a general-purpose technology, AI can lift productivity, spark new industries, and help latecomers catch up,' the report says. Better advice on farming, analysis of X-rays within seconds and faster medical diagnoses, more effective weather forecasts and damage assessments hold promise for rural communities and areas prone to natural disasters. 'AI systems that analyse poverty, health, and disaster risks enable faster, fairer, and more transparent decisions, turning data into continuous learning and public value,' it says. Still, even in wealthy nations like the United States, the potential for data centres to devour too large a share of electricity and water has raised concerns. Ramping up power generation to meet higher demand may hinder progress in limiting the emissions of carbon from burning fossil fuels that contribute to global warming, while also causing health hazards. The technology raises ethical, privacy and cybersecurity concerns: researchers have found hackers using AI to automate portions of cyberattacks. There also is the problem of deepfakes that can misinform or facilitate criminal activity. Asian nations including China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore are well placed to take advantage of AI tools, the report notes, while places like Afghanistan, the Maldives and Myanmar lack skills, reliable power and other resources needed to tap into the computing potential of AI. Inequalities between regions within countries mean some places even in advanced economies are prone to be left behind. About a quarter of the Asia-Pacific region lacks online access, the report says. If such gaps are not closed, many millions may be excluded from the kinds of devices, digital payment systems, digital IDs and education and skills that are required to participate fully in the global economy. They may be "stranded on the wrong side of an AI-driven global economy," it says. Other risks include misinformation and disinformation, surveillance that violates rights to privacy and systems that can act as ¿black boxes,¿ reinforcing biases against minorities or other groups. So transparency and effective regulations are crucial guardrails for ensuring AI is used in fair and accountable ways, it says. "AI is becoming the region's next essential infrastructure, like power, roads, and schools, with faster upsides and sharper risks," the report says, urging governments to invest more in providing digital infrastructure, education and training, fair competition and social protections. 'The goal,' it says, 'is to democratise access to AI so that every country and community can benefit while protecting those most at risk from disruption. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

03 December,2025 12:58 PM IST | Bangkok | AP
Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: File pic

Massive devotee turnout at Arunachaleswarar Temple for Karthigai Deepam festival

Thousands of devotees thronged the Arunachaleswarar Temple from early morning on the 10th day of the Karthigai Deepam festival, as the temple town witnessed heavy footfall for prayers and special rituals. The Maha Deepam is scheduled to be lit at 6 PM atop Annamalai Hill on Wednesday, drawing lakhs of devotees from across Tamil Nadu and abroad to witness the sacred event. Visuals from the temple showed large crowds, police protection, devotees singing Lord Shiva hymns, and organised crowd management ensuring smooth movement for worshippers. Vidya, a devotee, said, "We are so happy to be here in Tiruvannamalai to offer prayers at Arunachaleswarar on this special day. We finished our girivalam and have been waiting in the queue since early morning to receive the blessings of Annamalaiyar. We will also witness the Maha Deepam this evening and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva." Sheela, another devotee, added, "Devotees also noted that the government and temple administration have made necessary preparations to ensure a peaceful and organised darshan for the large number of visitors, still, we request them to allow the devotees to see Arunachaleswarar as early as possible." With the festival being celebrated today, the Thoothukudi city market in Tamil Nadu witnessed brisk activity from the early hours as large quantities of agricultural produce arrived for sale. Essential items for the festival, including banana stems, banana leaves, coconuts, lemons, palm leaves used for making kozhukattai, and Karthigai earthen lamps, were brought in from various parts of the region to meet the heightened demand. Vendors said, "Whenever the Karthigai festival approaches, sales in the Thoothukudi market increase significantly. Even though there has been rain this time." Meanwhile, Tiruvannamalai has also intensified preparations with an extensive security and traffic management plan to handle the massive influx of devotees. The festival, which began on November 24, will continue until December 7, with authorities deploying police personnel, CCTV surveillance, and traffic diversions to ensure safety and smooth darshan for all visitors. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

03 December,2025 12:23 PM IST | Tiruvannamalai | ANI
SulaFest returned in 2025 following a five-year hiatus. Photo Courtesy: File pic

SulaFest returns for its 15th edition in 2026; here's all you need to know

Sula Vineyards is all set to bring back SulaFest for its 15th edition in 2026 after reviving it in 2025. It is set to take place on January 31 and February 1 in Nashik at the vineyards.  Amid the music festival boom, SulaFest 2026 is one of the only vineyard music festivals that brings together live music, fine wines, curated experiences, and vibrant culture in the heart of India’s wine capital. The next edition will feature a power-packed lineup performing against the stunning backdrop of rolling vineyards and surrounding hills. Guests can expect expanded wine experiences, immersive tasting sessions hosted by experts, and a refined culinary journey showcasing curated food, artisanal produce, and global flavours. Enhanced cultural programming and interactive zones will further deepen the festival experience. After its return in 2025 following a five-year hiatus, SulaFest welcomed over 12,000 attendees across two days and featured acclaimed performances by artists such as Divine, Ritviz, Karan Kanchan, and Oaff & Savera, among many more. The festival also showcased exclusive wine experiences, curated wine tastings, grape stomping, and premium wine selections from RĀSĀ, The Source, and  Dindori Reserve range - celebrating wine, food and music.  Speaking on the announcement, Rajeev Samant, CEO, Sula Vineyards, said, “We are crafting an edition that builds on everything our audiences loved while introducing experiences, performances and moments that take the festival to an entirely new level. The 15th edition is very special for us, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the iconic Sulafest — a truly unforgettable celebration.” Further details on the artist lineup, festival highlights, and tickets for SulaFest 2026 will be announced soon on Sula Vineyards’ official platforms.

02 December,2025 02:07 PM IST | Nashik | mid-day online correspondent
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