On 2nd May 2025 at precisely 7:00 AM the gates for Kedarnath Dham were opened for devotees which marks the start of Char Dham Yatra for the year 2025. The highly anticipated opening drew thousands of pilgrims, who came to witness the Vedic pujas early in the morning on that day.
A Sacred and Majestic Opening Ceremony
The day started with a strong feeling of worship as more than 15,000 pilgrims rushed to Kedarnath. Many had arrived as early as 3:00 AM, eager to witness the opening of the temple. By 5:00 AM, the air was filled with the chants of “Har Har Mahadev,” as anticipation reached its peak. The religious songs sung by a military band added to the atmosphere, signaling that the temple was opening once again.
Traditional Rituals and Ceremonial Processions
The opening ceremony started with the auspicious arrival of the Panchmukhi palanquin, a symbol of Kedarnath’s idol, representing divine supremacy. Bhimashankar Linga Rawal Bhimashankar, the head priest, along with Chief Priest Bagesh Ling, performed the kula sathak rituals to confirm the temple’s dome will remain spiritually active for the forthcoming months. He added that the process of the Dev Chhadi — divine staffs that temples used to bear during the processions before 1964 — also chanted before the sanctum.
At exactly 7:00am the doors of the temple were opened with a serpent shaped key which has always been used, signifying the merging of the physical and spiritual world. As the gates were slowly opened, the ground was resonating with the chanting, and the temple reverberated with a divine presence, sharing its spiritual aura with the entire valley of Kedarnath.
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Grace the Opening
The ceremony was graced by the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and his wife, who spent time with the other guests. The CM offered a holy garland of cloves to Lord Kedarnath, adding greater significance to the occasion. District Collector Dr. Saurabh Gaharwar and SP Akshay Prahlad Konde, from the local police, were present in the large congregation of devotees and participated in the sacred moment.
The Start of Char Dham Yatra 2025
The opening of Kedarnath marked the beginning of the Char Dham Yatra, one of India’s most revered pilgrimages. Every year, lakhs of devotees journey to these high-altitude shrines, seeking blessings from the divine. The Char Dham Yatra includes visits to Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, each offering unique spiritual experiences.
Set at a height of 3,583 meters, Kedarnath is well known for its association with lord shiva, who is considered to reside there in jyotirlinga form. The temple’s awe-inspiring location between the Meru-Sumeru mountain ranges makes it one of the holiest sites in Hinduism.
Spiritual Significance and Rituals
Following the temple’s opening, the rituals continued with the revival of After the temple was opened, rituals continued with the revival of the Lord Kedarnath Idol by Chief Priest Bagesh Ling. The Shodashopachara Pooja and Aarti was performed in reverence to Lord Shiva setting the spiritual sentiment for the next six months. At 8:30 AM, the temple was officially opened for public darshan, with devotees eagerly entering the sanctum to seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
A Six-Month Pilgrimage Begins
The opening of the doors for Kedarnath signifies that the temple will be open for darshan for the next six months.The peak pilgrimage months are anticipated to bring in hundreds of devotees who intend to receive blessings and feel the spiritual impact of the temple. The Kedarnath Dham is expected to continue playing a pivotal role in India’s spiritual landscape as the Char Dham Yatra 2025 unfolds.
Throughout the Char Dham Yatra, Kedarnath will continue to shine as a source of hope for travelers from all over looking for a shift in their spiritual state.
WAVES 2025 Summit begins today in mumbai. The four-day mega international event is inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit 2025 is India’s boldest endeavor in the entertainment sector. It features “Bridging Creators, Bridging Countries” and has more than 10 Thousand attendees from different countries.
This year’s WAVES Summit places India on the world entertainment map. With over 1,000 creators and 300+ companies, the summit boasts global influence. In addition, more than 90 countries take part in the sessions, performances, and master classes. The summit integrates unmatched energy with technology, storytelling, and creativity.
Star Power Shines Bright at WAVES 2025
Bollywood and global stars gather under one roof. Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Karan Johar headline today’s guests. Additionally, tech superstars from Netflix, Ted Sarandos, and YouTube CEO Neal Mohan are also set to attend the event. Other attendees include Rajinikanth and AR Rahman.
WAVES 2025 Day 1: Powerful Cultural Kickoff
The summit opens with a musical invocation by MM Keeravaani and a 30-member orchestra. Actor Sharad Kelkar then narrates “Sutradhar Reinvented,” celebrating India’s cinematic legacy. By evening, classical legends like Vishwa Mohan Bhatt and Shreya Ghoshal perform alongside global icons KING and Alan Walker.
Day 2 to Day 4: Celebrating India’s Cultural Brilliance
Day 2 showcases India’s dance diversity, from Bhangra to Chhau. Maharashtra folk art is showcased through “Maharashtra ki Lokdhara” in the evening. Day 3 features “Anadi: The Eternal Spirit of Bharat” with 600 performers. As WAVES concludes on Day 4, the Create in India Challenge grand finale captivates audiences with the thrilling integration of EDM, bands, and classical fusions.
WAVES Summit 2025 Ticketing Options
There are different categories for tickets to WAVES Summit 2025.
Business Visitor Pass: Full access May 1-4 for ₹3000.
Public Pass: Zone ticket for public areas on May 3 and 4 for ₹99.
Student Pass: Free for students on May 3 and 4.
Media Pass: This is for registered members of the press only.
Exhibitor Pass: No charge with Booth sponsored packages (1 per 3 sqm booth).
Keynote Themes: Innovation, Collaboration, and Growth
A range of speakers address digital content, social media advertising, and storytelling with an outlook to the forthcoming years. There are a total of 42 plenary sessions and 32 master classes during the summit. AVGC-XR, broadcasting, infotainment and the next stage of growth is in discussion among the leaders. Moreover, FICCI and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting curate key insights for industry transformation.
Mukesh Ambani Headlines with Global Vision
Mukesh Ambani’s keynote sets the tone for India’s entertainment ambitions. He presents “Building the Next Global Entertainment Revolution from India.” Post the merger of Jio with Hotstar and the acquisition of HBO, Ambani focuses on the evolution of storytelling in India.
A Platform for Startups and Creators
WAVES 2025 fosters emerging talent and digital innovation with more than 350 startups. Creators, producers, and tekkies unite across various sectors. From breakout sessions to panel sessions, the spirit of collaboration takes center stage. In addition, “Create in India” takes homegrown talent in all shapes and sizes.
Conversations are dominated by digital disruption, ranging from OTT services to AI in film production. Technologies converge to form WAVES 2025, the juncture between entertainment and IT. CEOs around the globe discuss methods to strengthen the reach of the content and audience engagement. Audiences try to understand how tech changes cinema, music and media.
WAVES 2025 Venue: Jio World Convention Centre Glows
The Jio World Convention Centre is the venue for the summit in grandeur. Its spacious design has room for exhibits, interactive spaces, and conference halls. Guests walk through installations and tech pavilions throughout the venue. Every corner of the venue reflects India’s growing cultural and creative prowess.
With government support, India positions itself as a production, innovation, and distribution powerhouse.
From Local Art to Global Screens
The folk and tribal cultures are showcased in large-scale performance at the summit. It also caters to streaming, gaming, as well as virtual production. WAVES showcases the range of India’s storytelling traditions, from ancient to modern and futuristic.
WAVES 2025 serves national and global interests alike. While patrons appreciate the musical and theatrical prowess on stage, businesses join networks for strategic partnerships. It combines cultural diplomacy as well, granting Indian narratives a place on the world stage.
India’s Storytelling Future Begins at WAVES Summit 2025
The summit goes beyond magnificent sights; it fosters intent and vision. With Roots in Indian society and culture, WAVES aims at planting global seeds of influence. For the first time, creativity, commerce, and culture are blended together into one.
WAVES Summit 2025 is more than a festival; it is a catalyst for change. With performances by top artists, insightful talks, and international togetherness, it symbolizes a new age. While the country is at the forefront of narrative weaving and creative ideas, the global audience is all eyes and ears.
Chittara is an art form practised by different communities, particularly the Deevaru community in Karnataka. An indigenous folk art, it is a reflection of the culture and heritage of the region. CFRIA – Center for Revival of Indigenous Art, is a Bengaluru non-profit working to popularise Chittara. In their quest, the organization is set to present Deevara Chittara, a coffee-table book that documents this folk art. The book launch scheduled for 10th May 2025 is a step towards understanding, appreciating and preserving this unique art form.
What is Chittara?
Image: Smitha Tumuluru
Chittara are intricate drawings which for generations have been painted on walls to mark auspicious rituals and ceremonies. It is practised by several communities in the Maleandu region of Karnataka. However, the agrarian Deevaru community is highly regarded for their refinement in the art. Usually, 2-3 feet in height, the geometric patterns of the Chittara paintings are not only artistically brilliant but also mathematically inclined. The precision of ratios and proportions to create patterns and motifs inspired by the physical and cultural environment of the community is remarkable. Interestingly, the women of the Deevaru community are the main artists behind Chittara. Using eco-friendly and natural materials, the women have over the years expanded the scope of this folk art. From walls alone, it has now transitioned to paper and different products, including baskets, coasters, accessories and more.
Deevara Chittara
Image: Smitha Tumuluru
Deevara Chittara documents Chittara art as practised by the Deevaru community. It is the very first book documenting this art form and aims to be a valuable and comprehensive resource essential for the cultural preservation of Chittara. The book, combining images and texts, touches upon the various aspects of the art form, such as the use of natural materials, symbolism, role of women, social customs and more. It also sheds light on the culture of the community, their livelihood, attire, eco-friendly handicrafts etc. Moreover, the book creatively incorporates folk songs, riddles and proverbs, which are also made available online.
The book was pre-launched at the Kala Dhwani, a folk festival organized by Bharati Vidya Bhavan and Infosys Foundation, and also at the Karnataka Literature Festival at Vidhana Soudha. It is expected to be ready for distribution by mid-May. Pre-bookings can be done here.
CFRIA – Center for Revival of Indigenous Art
Image: Smitha Tumuluru
CFRIA is committed to preserving and reviving Indigenous arts in India. Over the last 20 years, it has worked extensively on Chittara, carving out a special space for this art form in the world. Geetha Bhat, the founder of CFRIA along with her team, has successfully engaged with the Deevaru community, conducting several showcase events, workshops etc. at cultural and educational institutions. The organisation has helped install Chittara murals at museums, offices, homes, commercial spaces, institutions and also at public spaces in Japan and France.
Besides Deevara Chittara, CFRIA also archives the art form through audio-video resources. It promotes Chittara through several outreach initiatives, such as exhibitions, experiential workshops, lecture demonstrations and more.
Deevara Chittara showcases Karnataka’s unique cultural landscape and celebrates the local art and heritage. It also makes for a perfect and mindful gift for visiting clients, senior officials, corporate leaders etc. Most importantly, collecting a copy of this enlightening book is a great way to encourage the artists, preserve the art form and applaud the efforts of CFRIA.
Lord Ganesha is a popular Hindu deity, revered as the god of wisdom, prosperity, and success and remover of obstacles or difficulties. Because of this, Hindus worship him before any significant endeavour they undertake, such as business, marriage, etc. “Ashtavinayaka Yatra” refers to a pilgrimage covering eight “Swayambhu Ganapati” temples of Maharashtra. In Sanskrit, “Ashtavinayaka” means “eight Ganesha”, and these eight temples have distinct idols of Ganesha. Out of these 8 temples covered in “Ashtavinayak Tirtha Yatra”, 5 are in the Pune District, 2 are in the Raigad District, and 1 is in the Ahmednagar District. These temples have their different interesting legends and distinct historical significance. The Darshan Yatra of these temples is known as “Ashtavinayak Tirtha Yatra,” and you visit these eight distinct idols of Ganesha as per a pre-ascertained sequence. It is believed that you have to start as well as end your Yatra from the Mayureshwar temple at Morgaon. As per scriptures, the pilgrim starts from Morgaon, then Siddhatek, Pali, Mahad, Thevur, Lenyandri, Ozar, Ranjangaon, and at last again visits the Mayureshwar temple to complete your Ashtavinayak Yatra.
The Moreshwar or Mayureshwar temple is considered the most important temple and the first temple to be visited during the Ashtavinayaka yatra. The Mayureshwar Temple, locally known as Moreshwar, means “land of peacocks,” and is situated along the Karha River in the Morgaon village. It is believed that Ganesha is shown as riding a peacock, in the form of Mayureshwar, to slay the demon Sindhu at this spot. The temple is situated at the centre of the Moregaon village, built from black stone, and has a massive 50-foot wall from all sides and four impressive minarets. Usually Nandi, (Shiva’s bull) is seen in Shiva temples, but here you find Nandi at the entrance. The idol has its trunk turned to the left, and Riddhi and Siddhi are accompanying him.
Siddhivinayak Temple is situated on the banks of Bhīma River, in a small village called Siddhatek, off the Pune-Sholapur highway at a distance of about 200 km from Pune. As per the mythology, Sage Bhrushandi and Vyas had performed penance and attained Siddhi here. This second of the Ashtavinayaka temples is north-facing and situated upon a small hillock, built by the Peshwas. The unique thing about this temple is that it is the only Ganesha idol out of the eight, with the trunk turned to the right, and is considered to be extremely auspicious among the devotees. Here, the idol is 3 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide, with Riddhi and Siddhi sitting on one thigh.
Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali (Raigad district)
Shri Ballaleshwar Temple of Pali is situated in the Raigad District and is approximately 110 km from Pune. This Temple is situated between the historical Sanrasgad Fort and River Amba. The legend of this temple is quite interesting, and it is believed that Lord Ganesha, pleased with the utmost devotion, and saved his ardent devotee, a little boy called “Ballal”. Ballal requested Lord Ganesha to stay with him at Pali. Ganesha agreed and disappeared into a large stone, and promising the little boy to stay there forever. Thus, the temple’s name remains as Ballaleshwar or Ballal Vinayak after the name of his disciple. The original Temple was a wooden temple, which was renovated in 1760 into a new stone temple. This temple is east facing, and the specialty of this temple is that during sunrise, the rays of the sun fall directly on the Ganesh Idol. The inner sanctum is 15 feet high, and the outer one is 12 feet high and has eight beautifully carved pillars that depict the eight directions. The striking idol’s trunk pointed towards the left. Here, the 3 foot high Ballaleshwar Ganesha is very attractive and different, resembling a mountain, with diamonds embedded in the eyes and navel. An
interesting feature is that usually, modak is offered as Prasad to lord Ganesh, but at Ballaleshwar, besan ladu is offered as Prasad instead of modak.
Varadavinayak Temple, Mahad near Khopoli, (Raigad district)
Varadavinayak Temple is located in Mahad village near Khopoli, 3 kilometres off the Pune-Mumbai highway. “Varadavinayak” means one who blesses all wishes. It is believed that Varadavinayak fulfills all the desires of his devotees. The Ganesha idol of the temple is east-facing seated on a rock throne with his trunk turned to the left. It is said that an oil lamp has been kept burning all the time inside the temple since 1892. The Murti (idol) was found in a nearby pond by a devotee called Dhondu Pudkar in 1690 AD, and the temple was constructed in 1725 AD by Subhedar Ramji Mahadev Bivalkar.
Chintamani Temple, Theur (Pune district)
The Ganesha temple of the “Ashtavinayaka” pilgrimage located at Theur is known as “Chintamani,” and it is 22 km from Pune, off the Pune Sholapur highway. Many legends related to Indra, Kapilmuni, Brahma, and King Nal, which are attached to this place, depict the reason behind the name “Chintamani Vinayaka”. Devotees believed that “Chintaamani” drove away all difficulties and worries and brought peace of mind to his devotees. This temple has a north entrance, which is relatively smaller as compared to the temple complex, and the outer wall is made of wood. This temple was built by the Peshwas. The Chintamani Ganesha icon faces east and has its trunk turned to the left. Though the main shrine is Ganesha, you will find the temples of Mahadeva, Vishnu-Lakshmi, and Hanuman inside the complex.
Girijatmaj Temple Lenyadri, (Pune district)
The Girijatmaj temple is located at the Lenyadri Mountain in a Cave, which is 94 km from Pune on the Pune-Nasik highway. The interesting part is that the temple stands amidst a cave complex of 18 caves of Buddhist origin, known as Ganesh-leni and Lenyadri with, 307 steps. Among the ‘ashtavinayakas’ reference of Lenyadri is given in the ‘Ganesha Purana’ as Lekhanparvat. The Girijatmaj temple has a wide hall that is 53 feet long, 51 feet wide, and 7 feet high. The idol is carved on the cave wall, facing north with its trunk positioned to the left. The uniqueness of this idol is devotees have to see the main deity from the rear end of the temple. Though the temple is situated in the eighth cave, it receives sufficient sunlight and is naturally lighted during the day.
VighnaharTemple, Ozar (Pune district)
The Ganesha Idol here is called Shri Vighneshwar Vinayak or Vighnahar, which means remover of all obstacles. The temple is located in Ozar, off the Pune-Nasik highway on the banks of river Kukadi. The temple has a spacious stone courtyard. Here, the Ganesha idol is facing towards the east, the trunk is positioned to the left, and Riddhi and Siddhi are placed on both sides of the idol. Precious stones like rubies studded in the eyes and a diamond on the forehead.
Mahaganapati Temple Ranjangaon, (Pune district)
The Mahaganapati Temple is located in Ranjangaon, 51 kilometres from Pune, on the Pune-Ahmednagar highway. The Mahaganapati temple at Ranjangaon is considered one of the most powerful representations of Lord Ganesh. As per the legend, it is believed that Lord Shiva worshipped his son Ganesha here before proceeding to fight with the demon Tripurasura. In the Mahaganapati temple, the idol faces to the east with his trunk pointing to the left and is seated cross-legged on a lotus with his consorts, Riddhi and Siddhi. The temple is built in such a manner that, during ‘dakshinayan’ (southward movement of the Sun), the rays of the sun fall directly on the deity. The magnificent main gate is guarded by the statues of Jay and Vijay.
Points to Remember
These temples are associated with mythology and divinity.
To witness the mesmerizing moment, try to visit the Shree Ballaleshwar at Pali, in the early morning when the sun rays fall directly on the idol.
Shree Girijatmaj temple On the Lenyadri Pravat is a pollution-free area with stunning scenic beauty
Be careful while climbing the steps (307) at the Girijatmaj temple, as some of the steps toward the top are steep and also be careful about the monkeys.
Try to visit Girijatmaj Temple during the morning hours so that you can easily climb the steps while enjoying the cool breeze otherwise, the stone becomes hot.
Palkhi are available here in Girijatmaj temple for senior citizens (they charge INR 1500)
In the Varadavinayak temple, you are allowed to pay your homage to the idol.
Accommodations are available (dharamsala, budget hotels, homestay) near the temple town.
Plan your Yatra during the off-season to avoid crowds, and you can bargain for accommodation (peak season October to January).
For navigation, have proper maps/GPS device and mobile charger/power bank.
If visiting during summer, carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat/cap.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many kilometres is the Ashtavinayak Yatra?
The total distance for the Ashtavinayak Yatra is approximately 750 kilometres from Pune and 950 kilometres from Mumbai.
What is the correct order of Ashtavinayak?
The correct order of the Ashtavinayak temples is as follows: Morgaon (Mayureshwar), Siddhatek (Siddhivinayak), Pali (Ballaleshwar), Mahad (Varadvinayak), Theur (Chintamani), Lenyadri (Girijatmaj), Ozar (Vighnahar), and Ranjangaon (Mahaganapati).
How many days are required for Ashtavinayak Darshan?
Two/three days are required. We completed it within two days.
First day: (started at 6.30 am from Pune and came back to Pune 10 pm): Morgaon (Mayureshwar), Siddhatek (Siddhivinayak), Pali (Ballaleshwar), Mahad (VaradVinayak).
Second day 🙁 started around 6 am from Pune and came back 8 pm) Theur (Chintamani), Lenyadri (Girijatmaj), Ozar (Vighnahar), and Ranjangaon (Mahaganapati), Morgaon (Mayureshwar).
Which Ashtavinayak is nearest to Pune?
The Chintamani Temple of Theur is only 22 kilometres from Pune.
Experience a spiritual journey that connect you with the divine essence of Lord Ganesha. No doubt you will witness the spiritual energy of each temple, and the scenic routes, the rich cultural heritage associated with these sacred places makes your journey divine and memorable.
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates, known for its stability, growth, and sound investment conditions. This has been due to the effort placed in the sectors such as the real estate sector, which has boosted the economy significantly. The statistics reveal increased transactional activities, returns, and interests in the domestic and foreign markets. The increasing physical infrastructure, high yields, and favourable government policies attract investors. Nowadays, there are many types of Investment, so exploring the market and looking for potential investment opportunities is crucial. This article will guide investors on the trends, areas, and regulations within Abu Dhabi’s real estate market.
Abu Dhabi’s Property Market: A Growing Investment Hub
It is noteworthat the real estate market of Abu Dhabi has demonstrated rather stable trends in recent years. Higher activity in the off-plan and the ready property sectors is an evident sign of investors’ confidence. Key governmental changes and long-term visa possibilities are additional factors that contribute to the expansion.
Prime Areas to Consider for Real Estate Investment
The place of a property is very significant in determining the return on Investment. There are several districts in Abu Dhabi that are known to have high rental returns as well as capital growth. These are the categories that suit everyone, from the low-end to the high-end market segment.
Affordable Apartments
Al Reef has provided relatively affordable housing with high rental returns of up to 8.86%.
Al Ghadeer Suburban has good demand and 8.20% yields.
Masdar City is the city that attract buyers who interested in living a sustainable life in smart city. Popular for eco-conscious investors.
Luxury Apartments
Al Reem Island is famous among luxury lovers due to its Waterfront views and premium amenities. Yields can reach 7.22%.
Al Raha Beach is one of the luxurious sites containing many high net worth individuals. Close to schools and business hubs.
Yas Island is associated with entertainment and retail facilities. There has been an improvement in property values, which have risen by up to 8%.
Villas
Al Reef Villas is one of the most demanded and inexpensive types of accommodation with a tendency to raise prices for up to 6%.
The location of Khalifa City is strategic since it is close to the airport. Prices have grown by 5.65%.
Yas Island & Saadiyat Island’s luxury villas are close to cultural establishments and entertainment centres. ROI up to 6.50%.
Surge in Off-Plan Property Investments
It is evident that off-plan properties in Abu Dhabi are gradually getting popular. They are cheaper than other houses that are built without any preconstruction and they also have manageable payment terms.
Royal Park, Masdar City has the ability to offer affordable housing that is sustainable and suitable for a wide client demographic.
City of Lights, Al Reem Island, provides the best opportunity in luxury design and location advantage.
A residential complex with a focus on families, the Bloom Living, Al Shamkha has several green zones and infrastructure for communities.
Saadiyat Lagoons is a residential development that offers luxurious villas for the affluent residents in a quiet area close to the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
These developments make it possible for early investors to be in a position to reap from future price increase in the stocks.
What’s Driving the Market?
The following are some of the reasons as to why the momentum of the real estate in Abu Dhabi is in a good position.
1. Government Reforms
The ownership of land by foreign investors has also been allowed since the passing of the law in 2004, but only in specific regions. Holders of residence permits that allow for long-term residency, such as the Golden Visa, lead to more Investment.
2. Strong Infrastructure Development
Road network, medical facilities, educational institutions, and recreation facilities make life more comfortable. Areas like Yas and Saadiyat Islands benefit from new cultural and recreational projects.
3. Economic Diversification
Apart from oil, the focus is on tourism, technology, as well as renewable sources of energy. It serves the purpose of supporting the demand for employment and housing.
4. International Investment
Its is important to note that the market is gradually increasingly being dominated by foreign investors. This is because it offers tax exemptions and residency incentives that make Abu Dhabi a hub of business across the globe. The increasing number of firms, such as Sotheby’s Abu Dhabi, indicates the increasing market for affluent property services.
Role of Policies and Regulations in Property Investment
Legal reforms and investor protections define current trends. Foreigners can buy property freely in some areas of the country that are categorized as special zones of Investment. Policies regarding lending institutions, the rights of tenets, and property have also become much clearer.
It therefore becomes essential to be update with such information as a way of making informed decisions. This is because when a government has simplified its procedures, investors are in a better position to understand what they are getting into and this will make them trust the government.
How Infrastructure Expansion is Reshaping the Market
The new projects going on in Abu Dhabi today are changing the face of the city. Developed transport systems, better health facilities, and recreation centres enhance the attractiveness of the outskirts. Saadiyat and Yas Islands are some of the examples of places that have become the best areas to own property because of such development.
These zones have also reflected in the similar manner in terms of the general property values and the demands. They also remain open ended in less central locations, which implies that infrastructure extension still creates value in those parts of the industry as well.
Market Trends to Watch
Thus, it is safe to conclude that the real estate market of Abu Dhabi is in the process of formation of new trends.
Luxury Segment Growth
Some of the popular locations at the moment include Al Maryah and Saadiyat Island, where many are interested in luxury homes. These properties interest clients with high-end market demands for safe and stable investments, social status, and capital appreciation.
Green and Smart Buildings
Sustainability is a major focus. Among new trends, it is possible to single out the construction of environmentally friendly buildings with smart home systems. According to research, the buyers and tenants are in search of properties that are environmentally friendly.
Rising Global Demand
Foreign consumers are also contributing significantly. It is expected that the global demand will rise in Europe, China, and India. The Golden Visa and stable economy indicate that Abu Dhabi is a good place to invest in property in the long term.
Final Thoughts
Undoubtedly the real estate sector of Abu Dhabi provides a good prospect for Investment. The high rental yields, a stable economy, and strong infrastructure supported the sustained increase in growth. If an investor approaches careful research and timing successfully, the Abu Dhabi property market does offer good returns and added value.
Legends are priceless. You do not have them being born and changing the course of history in every generation. They are rare and their impact and influence remains for centuries to come. India has been blessed to have several stalwarts come together in a span of a few years. The Independence Movement itself resulted in the recognition of some of the greatest personalities and people of the country. The list is long and illustrious and one name that shines bright is that of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. 14th April, his birthday is celebrated as Ambedkar Jayanti and has been officially declared as a public holiday.
Education and Academics
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born on 14th April 1891 in Mhow in Madhya Pradesh. He belonged to the Dalit (Mahar) caste and was the 14th born to his parents. The Mahars were at that time deemed to be untouchables, ranked low in the caste system of the country. As a child, Ambedkar witnessed the discrimination on a daily basis. He could not touch drinking water or its vessel due to his status in society. He had to sit on a gunny bag in class which he would take home with him every day and back. However, none of this stopped him from forging and charting his own path.
Out of all his siblings, Ambedkar alone went on to high school. In 1897, his family moved to Mumbai. Ambedkar was the only untouchable student in his class at Elphinstone High School. He was married at 15 in a marriage arranged by his parents.
He continued to move ahead, passing his examinations and getting admission into Elphinstone College. It is believed that he was first from his entire caste that made it to college. His achievement was celebrated by the community and on this occasion he was given ‘Buddha’ , a biography written by Dada Keluskar.
In 1912 he graduated with a degree in political science and economics and was ready to take up a job. He was awarded the Baroda State Scholarship in 1913 that provided him with the opportunity to do his post graduation at Columbia University in New York. In 1916, he went to the London School of Economic and he excelled academically, completing his PhD in economics in 1927. Also, in 1916, he enrolled at Gray’s Inn for the Bar Course.
During his academic years, he published several papers, thesis and articles. Some of these included, ‘Castes in India- Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development’, ‘The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India,’ and ‘The Problem of the Rupee.’
The Fight against Discrimination
Since Ambedkar studied on the scholarship provided by the Princely State of Baroda, he had to render his services to the state. He was appointed as the Defence or Military Secretary but he continued to face humiliation and discrimination due to his caste status. In 1918, he became a professor in a college in Mumbai, but here too his colleagues objected to sharing the water jug with him.
The continued discrimination led Ambedkar to propose and advocate reservations and a separate electorate for untouchables, other castes and religions. In 1920, he started Mooknayak, a weekly publication that tried to make people see and understand the ills of social discrimination and its evils.
His efforts did not go in vain. One example was when Shahu IV, ruler of Kohlapur, upon hearing his speech decided to dine with the leader. This became a major social and political incident that defied and challenged the orders of the caste system in India.
Ambedkar also established the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha or Outcastes Welfare Association in 1923. The association aimed to better the lives of the downtrodden castes and classes. Later in 1927, he marched the Mahad March which is considered as one of the landmark and early walks of protests that started the anti-caste movement. In 1930, the Temple Entry Movement sought to allow all castes to enter temples. This movement undertaken at the Kalaram Temple in Nasik is another watershed historical event that championed the cause of equal human rights and justice.
Ambedkar also openly condemned Manusmriti, a classical Hindu text that justified the caste system and untouchability. In 1927, on 25th December he led hundreds to burn copies of the text. Since that day, 25th December is celebrated as Manusmriti Dahan Din by Dalits and supporters of Ambedkar.
Officially, the Poona Pact signed in 1932 is another significant moment and documentation that sealed the thought process of reservations in India. Mahatma Gandhi opposed the idea of a separate electorate for particular castes and untouchables. B.R Ambedkar and Gandhi reached an agreement that decided to not have separate electorates, but to have reservations for the Depressed Classes. The Depressed Classes, as known during the British period, came to be known as the Scheduled Castes of India. The Poona Pact was signed by Ambedkar on the behalf of the Depressed Classes and by Gandhi, Madan Mohan Malaviya who represented the Hindus.
The Poona Pact paved the way for other reservation related policies that came about after Independence. It was an important agreement, since it stopped the division of the country on the lines of caste, but also acknowledged affirmative action for the repressed.
The Indian Constitution
In 1947, India gained Independence. PM Jawaharlal Nehru, made Dr. B.R Ambedkar the Law Minister and also appointed him as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee. The Drafting Committee drafted the Indian Constitution, which is the sacred and fundamental bible for all citizens of the country.
The draft was completed by 1949 and the Constitution was adopted in 1950 with a few amendments. Dr. Ambedkar ensured that the spirit of equality and social justice prevailed in the very fabric of the Constitution. He also advocated for the rights of socially downtrodden and women. Fondly known as the ‘architect of the Indian Constitution,’ he laid down appropriate checks and balances for the legislature, executive and judiciary branches. His expertise in economics, law, politics and social norms, became the founding ideas on which the Constitution rests today.
Legacy
Dr. Ambedkar was always interested in Buddhism and he finally converted to the religion in 1956. However, it was in the same year that he passed away due to a prolonged illness. Several texts, papers, handwritten documents were found after his death which were publically made available over the years. Some of these include, the Children of India’s Ghetto, Untouchables and Waiting for a Visa. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 1990.
The legacy of Dr. Ambedkar is, of course, etched in the policies of the country. His role in drafting the Constitution, economic and political discussions and fighting for the rights of the untouchables are some of his contributions on which the nation stands on its feet today. The affirmative actions of reservations are largely attributed to his efforts. His views as an intellect are respected across party lines. In the field of education and justice he remains a legend.
Dr. Ambedkar was voted as the ‘Greatest Indian’ in a poll by CNN IBN and History TV18 in 2012. Amartya Sen calls him ‘father of my economics.’ But the overarching achievements and contributions of Ambedkar are a result of his many smaller struggles. Facing discrimination first hand, did not deter him from charting his own course in life. Instead, it pushed and inspired him to fight for the cause, a consistent ally in all his views, speeches and papers. A highly educated intellect, he did not forget his roots and championed for its respect. The real lesson that Ambedkar taught thousands that came and will come after him, is that challenges and injustices should not waver from self learning and elevation. His greatest legacy is his exemplary life, and that in spite of all the struggles, he emerged as a leading figure in a nation that also boasted of notable stalwarts during his time. In the midst of the Mahatma, Nehru, Sardar Patel and freedom fighters, such as Bhagat Singh and Netaji, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s legacy shines equally bright.
On Ambedkar Jayanti, it is poignant to remember a leader, whose message remained – ‘Educate, agitate, organise!’
In 1919, on the day of Baisakhi, a large crowd gathered to peacefully demonstrate at Jallianwala Bagh, located in Amritsar. People assembled in Jallianwala Bagh to show their dissent concerning the Rowlatt Act, which was passed by the British Government to tighten its grip over the “ordinary” Indians.
General Reginald Dyer and the British Indians saw this protest as a huge disruption to the peace and stability in the region. Dyer went to Jallianwala Bagh with a unit of British Indian Army soldiers and instructed them to open fire on the peaceful protesters without any prior indication. Also, while giving this command, he directed his men to seal the sole exit entirely. As a result, there was mass carnage as hundreds of people perished while the rest were forced to escape over the walls or leap into the well to survive.
The precise figure of the fatalities is not known, though it roughly ranges between 379 to 1,000 deaths and over 1,200 injured. The incident is regarded by many people as a turning point in India’s struggle for freedom. It caused uproar throughout India and internationally, which further intensified the demand for Indian independence from British rule. This led to widespread protests, and this time, for once, Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs united.
Dyer came under heavy scrutiny for his actions from both India and Britain, which was not common for surgical strikes in India. He was eventually axed and placed in forced retirement. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre is a vivid reminder of British colonial subjugation and policies and one of the many confronts that depicts India’s freedom struggle.
History of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
The year 1919 marks an alarming and life changing moment as a peaceful get together at the Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar, Punjab, transformed into one of the numerous dark histories in India’s colonial book. The people had come to commemorate one of the most significant festivities in Punjab, Baisakhi, while there was a need to protest alongside the arrest of the national and world known leaders Dr. Satyapal and Dr. Saifuddin Kitchlew, who were detained for no reason under the recent Rowlatt act.
Same day, Brigadier General Reginald Dyer was tasked with restricting the public from Amritsar for any public gatherings. Notably, this order was not effectively communicated, especially for villagers who were coming to the city. The order was likely in place for many pilgrim-style festivals and many who were visiting Amritsar for Dussehra. The ban was completely unacknowledged as thousands of people were coming together at the Jalliahwala Bagh, a public garden enclosed by walls that is over 10 feet tall, and only a handful of entry points, almost all of which are permanently closed.
Around 5:30 PM, General Dyer, together with 50 soldiers which included Gurkha and Baluchi contingents, marched to the Bagh where he set them at the central gate. Dyer also brought with him 2 armored units with machine guns, but these had to stay behind because the back alleys leading to Bagh were too narrow for cars.
As blockading was underway, Dyer commanded his soldiers to directly assault the crowd in front of them with gunfire without any other instructions. For almost 10 minutes, thousands of rounds of ammunition were showered on what the troops claimed to be the densely populated assembly marketed as a gathering. Around 1200 civilians were estimated to be at the gathering, with British officials claiming and the rest of all fatalities being credited to desensitized Indian estimators and unlicensed records.
While panicking, a great number of people tried to escape but soldiers had blocked all the exits. Some even tried to leap into a well located inside the Bagh in order to avoid the gunfire—afterwards, 120 corpses were retrieved from that well. Later, Dyer defended his actions by claiming that his intention was to “make a wide impression” and set an example.
To add to the chaos, families were unable to aid the wounded or tend to the deceased because a curfew was set earlier than usual. Without proper medical assistance, numerous victims succumbed to their injuries within the next day.
The entire world, along with India, was shaken to the core by the massacre at Jallianwala Bagh. This event drastically altered the public perception towards British rule and significantly accelerated India’s struggle for freedom.
Impact of Jallianwala Bagh Massacre
The Indian massacre’s Affects had an enormous impact on both India and the world. The Jallianwala Bagh massacre also had a few globalization effects as well.
Triggers: As a result of the Jallianwala bagh massacre, there was major outrage across the globe. It led to reintegration of the Indians along with support from the other parts of the world.
World understood violence of Britain: The Jallianwala bagh massacre had gained a lot of presence around the world. Newspapers and political leaders around the world openly criticized British rule. Because of this incident, Britain lost a lot of faith from their citizens and became anti-britainism as well.
Indian National Congress: The INC also known as ‘Indian National Congress’, the primary political party associated with the Indian independence struggle, also turned their attention toward the incident, as they condemned it, alongside issuing a resolution stating that Britain needs to withdraw their rule from India. This initiated the rise of civil disobedience which turned out to be one of the most effective tactics for the Indian independence movement.
Martial Law: In response to the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, the British government restricted basic freedoms and civil liberties in Punjab, which led to widespread oppression and arrest of political dissidents. This action further intensified the Indian grievances and hatred towards the British.
Impact on Reginald Dyer: The brigadier general was Dyer’s prior rank and he was already under heavy attack for ordering fire on the peaceful gathering. Reginald Dyer, the general who ordered the shooting, also came under severe criticism. He was ultimately compelled to leave the army and, like many others, forced to face the consequences of his actions at the so-called ‘massacre’ by the British government.
On the whole, the memories associated with the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre were deeply troubling, not only for the Indian people and their dreams of a free sovereign state in Great Britain but the British attempts at Empire Building also came under heavy scrutiny. The Opposing nature of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre can still be felt in contemporary India, where a powerful vision of military and societal control is associated with the tragic consequences of an atrocity inspired by peace.
Remembering the Sacrifices
The consequences of the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre do not only last for a single person but for generations, having witnessed the powerful notions behind the massacre. Following the 1919 massacre, the Indian Congress had established a trust to fuel the tale of loss India had witnessed in order to remain one.
On April 13, 1961, Jallianwala Bagh Memorial was inaugurated by President Rajendra Prasad along with national leaders. The memorial is now engraved with a flame of remembrance that honors all the victims of the incident.
The people who built the memorial strived to showcase the story of the massacre, words that cannot be described. The bullet marks on the walls continue to remain untouched. The well, that many tried to jump into as a means of escaping the gunfire, is preserved and protected as a part of the memorial. Along with the dome of the memorial, these symbols create a living testament of grief and unsurrendered courage.
The Formation of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee
The event certainly changed the social and political landscape in profound ways. Immediately after, the Sikh community was shocked by the honor given to Dyer’s massacre by the Sikh clergy of Harmandir Sahib. The clergy bestowed Dyer with Saropa, a mark of religious honor for slaying Sikhs. This heavily controversial act went on to fuel protests among students and Sikhs across the country.
On 12 October 1920, there was a student and faculty meeting at Amritsar Khalsa College where the attendees attempted to voice their grievances and sought for reforms. This movement resulted in the forming of the Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) on November 15, 1920, with the purpose of minimizing British interference and regaining control over the Sikh shrines. This marked the start of the Sikh reform movement and the broader Indian freedom struggle.
Queen Elizabeth II’s Visit and the Mixed Reception
Even the royal family of Britain was struck by the Jallianwala Bagh incident. Queen Elizabeth II, during her state visit to India in October 1997, made remarks about the incident at a state banquet on 13 October:
“It is no secret that there have been some difficult episodes in our past. Jallianwala Bagh which I shall visit tomorrow, is a distressing example. We all know history cannot be rewritten, we must learn from sadness while we build on the gladness.”
Some parts of India appreciated her sentiment, while others felt like she didn’t apologize. Indian prime minister I.K. Gujral commented on the incident saying we have to understand she did not witness the event.
Queen Elizabeth visited Jallianwala Bagh on October 14, 1997 and observed a moment of silence for 30 seconds. Her dress for the occasion was saffron pink, a color important to both Sikhs and Hindus, and she also took off her shoes in respect of the site. Elizabeth, however, did not escape enormous controversy with her visit. Off Amritsar, a group of protestors waved black flags and yelled, “Queen, go back!”
The disrespect surrounding the event also included Prince Philip reading a plaque that read around 2000 souls were martyred and commenting, “That’s a bit exaggerated… it must include the wounded.” Explaining this statement later claimed it was based on something General Dyer’s son once told him during his Navy days.
The anger towards the British was further fueled with remarks from journalist Praveen Swami who featured in Frontline and blasted the lack of compassion shown by Philip. Claiming the statement made after the visit suggested that the royal family did not care for the death of the 379 people was in some manner appalling to the royal conscience.
This statement is a reminder to us all about the absolute horror the massacre caused which is why it is not optional to remember it.
Conclusion
The sad Jallianwala Bagh Massacre still stands as one of the most phonetically painful sentences in India’s colonial history. It wasn’t merely an act of violence, but rather a striking moment that harshly shook the spirit of an entire country.
The Amritsar soil still resonates with the echoes of that misfortunate, ill-fated day and serves as a reminder to the price of freedom. The blood soaked walls, grief-stricken well, and the undying flame act as symbolic and stern attestors alongside the solemn witnesses.
Not only out of gratitude for history, but for humanity too, these sacrifices need to be remembered. They do not partake in honoring the past, instead imbue its lessons with the present to pave way for the future. The Jallianwala Bagh tragedy is one that is unbearable in pain, on stands of resilience and boundless unity.
FAQs on Jallianwala Bagh:
What happened at Jallianwala Bagh on April 13, 1919?
General Reginald Dyer ordered his soldiers to open fire on the gently peaceful crowd of thousands in Amritsar’s Jallianwala Bagh, which led to the death of several hundred people while thousands were injured.
Why were people gathered at Jallianwala Bagh?
People assembled to celebrate the Baisakhi Festival and to oppose the Rowlatt Act.
How many people suffered casualties during the massacre?
The British government records indicate 379 casualties, while Indian accounts suggest the number may exceed 1,000 with countless others sustaining injuries.
How did the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre affect the freedom struggle of India?
The event served as a unifying force for all Indians irrespective of religion or region and catalyzed a violent explosion of uprisings against the British.
Does the Jallianwala Bagh site still receive tourists and visitors today?
Yes, it is now a national memorial that preserves bullet wounds along with a flame of sacrifice and a museum that attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Few Lines about Jallianwala Bagh
Jallianwala Bagh is a public park located in Amritsar, Punjab, the site for the mass killing on April 13, 1919.
Women and children along with other people gathered to peacefully protest against British rule and participate in the Baisakhi celebrations.
General Reginald Dyer instructed his soldiers to seal the exits and fire at the unprotected civilians in the area.
The shooting lasted for around 10 minutes resulting in the death of hundreds while injuring more than a thousand civilians.
People tried to shelter themselves from the bullets by jumping into a well which became symbolic of the tragedy.
The massacre astounded the entire country and marked a significant milestone in the fight for India’s freedom.
At present, Jallianwala Bagh stands as a memorial that highlights the bravery and sacrifices made by the fighters of India’s freedom struggle.
Wedding planning isn’t just about finding the right venue and mailing out invites — it’s creating a vibe, an experience, an entire aesthetic that screams you. Sounds easy in theory, but with social media flooding us with picture-perfect wedding inspo, it’s all too easy to feel both inspired and overwhelmed at the same time.
That’s where a lookbook comes in. Consider your wedding lookbook the ultimate guideline to the aesthetics of your big day. It keeps you (and your vendors) on task and makes sure that your theme doesn’t devolve into a confusing mash-up of ideas that don’t quite blend.
Whether you’re collaborating with a planner or going full DIY, use this guide to curate your lookbook and fine-tune your aesthetics with confidence and style.
Gather & Organize Your Visual Inspiration
Before you go crazy pinning and screenshotting everything, take a moment to breathe. Your wedding lookbook needs to be cohesive, not just a random collection of pretty pictures. The first step is to gather images that inspire you.
Once you have a good stash of inspo, it’s time to organise it. This can be done in several ways, but one of the simplest methods is to convert images to PDF format so that all of your inspiration is contained in one neatly formatted document. This allows for easy sharing with a planner, florist, or stylist without losing quality.
Most importantly, with everything in its place, you’ll be able to see your theme manifesting itself in a clearer way. Organise your lookbook by section — decor, attire, stationery, florals, etc. – so you’ll be able to see how everything comes together.
These are images that truly reflect your style — not just what’s in vogue at the moment.
Consider color palettes, floral arrangements, table settings, mood lighting, attire, and even small details such as calligraphy styles or candle types. It’s often the tiny details that tie everything together.
Define Your Core Aesthetic & Color Palette
Once you have a collection of inspo, step back and really reflect on what you’re drawn to. Are you swaying toward soft, romantic pastels? Bold, moody jewel tones? A minimalist neutral palette?
Your color scheme will form the foundation of your aesthetic, influencing everything from the bridesmaid dresses to the table linens and floral decor.
Choose three to five core colours, then a few complementary accent shades to create harmony. If you aren’t sure, use tools like Canva or Adobe Color to experiment with colors that go nicely together.
Your color palette should reflect the kind of atmosphere you want to set — warm, inviting, fresh, airy, dark, dramatic. Keep in mind that consistency is key; mixing too many clashing colors can make your aesthetic feel chaotic rather than intentional.
Match Your Theme with the Right Textures & Materials
A wedding isn’t just about what people see — it’s equally about what they feel. The fabrics, florals and decor elements you select will reinforce your theme, and make it more immersive.
For example, if you’re looking to achieve a rustic aesthetic, consider the addition of some wooden tables, burlap runners, dried flowers and soft linen napkins.
If you’re hosting a destination wedding and really want to hone in on the travel aspect, you could incorporate vintage suitcases as decor, use postcard-style invitations, or have a world map seating chart.
The idea is to design an experience for the senses that aligns with the vision for your wedding.
Choose Key Statement Pieces
Not every single thing about your wedding needs to be themed — sometimes less is more. Rather than trying to make every single detail match, find a few statement pieces that define your aesthetic and then go with the flow for the rest of it.
This might be an extravagant floral archway, an unusual wedding cake, bold signage, or even your wedding gown. Whatever your dream wedding budget can afford.
These key elements will draw attention and create the most impact, making your theme instantly recognisable without overwhelming the space.
When selecting statement pieces, consider what best embodies each of you as a couple. Are you both into music? A custom vinyl record guestbook might be a fun detail. Love cooking?
An acrylic recipe card of your favourite dish to cook together could be a nice touch as a wedding favour. Whatever it is, pick details that feel personal — that’s what makes an aesthetic yours.
Think Beyond Just the Visuals
A truly immersive wedding aesthetic is not just about how things look — it’s how it feels, how it sounds and even how it smells. Yes, scent is a powerful memory trigger, and incorporating it into your wedding can make the experience even more special.
Some great ideas would be to craft a custom scent as a couple and incorporate it with the help of diffusers, candles or fresh florals that fit your theme. A light coconut or citrus scent might be perfect if you’re having a summer beach wedding.
A winter wedding? Cinnamon, pine or warm vanilla can be a deliciously divine choice. AI tools like Scentcraft are an amazing way to explore new scents based on your own personal input.
Even the food and drink can be part of your aesthetic. A boho-themed wedding may call for artisanal grazing tables, while a black-tie affair would be more suited to multiple plated courses and a champagne tower.
Every detail should contribute to the overall feel of your wedding.
Create a Mood Board for Vendors and Guests
Once you settle on your wedding aesthetic, the next step is communication. Your vendors — florists, decorators, caterers — rely on a cohesive vision to make your vision a reality. This is where a mood board can be super helpful.
A well-crafted mood board should include your colour palette, decor elements, attire inspiration, and even typography styles for signage and invitations. This ensures all your vendors are on the same page.
If you want to go one step further, consider If you wish to go above and beyond, consider creating a digital version with clickable links for specific items to make it easier for vendors to source what you need. You can have everything from the running schedule down to the gorgeous earrings you need styled all at everyone’s fingertips.
And don’t forget about your guests! If there’s a particular dress code or aesthetic you’d like them to adhere to, make sure to state it clearly on your invites and/or wedding website.
You could even send out a quick email a few weeks before the event to refresh your guests’ memories. A simple “We’re going for chic garden party vibes — think florals, pastels, and soft linen!” can help guests dress appropriately while enhancing the overall aesthetic.
Bring Your Wedding Style to Life
Your wedding aesthetic isn’t just a theme — it’s a whole experience. Curating a lookbook enables you to hone in on your vision, stay organised, and communicate your ideas effectively so everything comes together seamlessly on the big day.
By keeping your inspo structured, defining your core aesthetic, focusing on statement pieces, and thinking beyond just visuals, you’ll create a wedding that feels cohesive, intentional, and — most importantly — uniquely you.
So, get out there and start planning your dream wedding aesthetic, one easy step at a time!
Can objects be philosophical? Ever imagined your house tiles reflecting hues of life? Imagine stepping into a house with intricate details and vibrant colours on its floors and cultural stories bound within it. This is how Athangudi, a typical Chettinad village in the Sivaganga district,Tamil Nadu, India, looks with its rich and colourful 19th-century tile-making heritage preserved generationally among its village folks.
While Chettinad, much like the rest of India, has many diverse cultural artefacts, such as the tales of Aranmula Kannadi, Kanchipuram sarees, and the Seven Pagodas, the Athangudi tiles stand out for their dynamic natural colours, ornate designs, and most importantly, their sustainable & ecologically friendly manufacturing process that ensures minimal environmental impact across its lifespan and usage.
These tiles are popularly known as ‘Pookal’ (flower stone). Interestingly, the tiles are hand-crafted by artisans sourced from village communities, and the soil-colour recipe used for the manufacturing is safeguarded as a community secret. Thus, in the modern era of hands-free, assembly line manufacturing, Athangudi tiles stand out for their sustainable production and natural temperature inversion properties – keeping cool in summers and providing warmth in winters.
Athangudi tiles
Athangudi Tiles
Athangudi tiles are not mere manufacturing marvels but also cultural masterpieces that are products of Indo-European cultural fusion – having been influenced by otherwise distant architectures of European nations – as material testaments to India’s ancient civilisational connection with diverse regions of the world. It is believed that similar to many social practices in India, Chettinad’s architecture, including Athangudi tiles a cultural import introduced by the French during their longstanding colonial rule in the region – later evolved as a product of time and space with the local artisan’s creative handiwork. Today, it is said that the modern versions suggest a late but strong British influence – evident in the prominence of Blue, Red, and White colours, in addition to the yellow, orange, black, beige and brown added over time to suit the emerging needs of newer clients.
Interestingly, the original natives of the Chettinad region, known as Nagarathars (Chettiars), have been historically famous for trading with Europe and East Asia for centuries. Unsurprisingly, the colours used in Chettinad architecture are highly influenced by the cultures of Italy and France. It is believed that it was the French colonial architects who originally introduced the concept of naturally coloured tiles to the Chettinad region, which was further developed and later modified in terms of its design by the local artisans to create what we today know as ‘Athangudi Tiles’. Therefore, even though Chettinad tiles are considered historically native to the area, the old residents say that they are merely products of foreign influence in the region – in other words, a material adaptation of different cultures that were altered to meet the needs of the people in modern times.
How are the tiles made?
The soil used for the making is from the Chettinad region, which has a rich iron content that gives a natural reddish hue to the soil. It also has fine particles with binding properties, which help sustain the tiles for a longer period. The soil collection is mainly from the riverbanks or dry ponds of the Chettinad region. The first filtration stage involves manually removing rocks, stones and heavy particles from the soil. A second filtration phase happens with wet filtration, i.e., washing. The soil is washed in water to remove excessive materials that cannot be blended in the tile-making process, and the residues can be filtered using layered washers. The soil is then allowed to dry out in the sun and sieved using another filter that separates the impurities from the soil. Notwithstanding, the tiles are arguably still handmade, following the traditional way of making them. The filtration process helps improve the sustainability of the tiles, control porosity and enhance durability.
To begin with, a stencil with the intended shape is placed on a glass the same size as the tiles. The use of glass gives a glossy finish to the tiles, which is one of the techniques to maintain the vibrancy of colours. While much of the actual process is shrouded within the group of people who are involved in the production, there have been intermittent leaks owing to rising research interest in the process as well as increasing debates of ‘inauthenticity’ in terms of the ingredients and the recipe of Athangudi tile-making due to cost-cutting measures such as the use of synthetic colours in recent times. A mix of sand and cement, along with the colours, is poured over through the stencil, and a metal piece is attached around the glass to cast the pattern into an intended shape. Once it is set, the tiles are polished using sand to remove excess cement.
The Designing
A variant of moulds is curated with metals for the desired patterns placed inside a glass, which acts as the base for the tiles and enhances glossiness.
Mixing Colours
A mixture of cement and naturally processed oxides brings intricate patterns to the tiles. It is carefully mixed and poured into the metal moulds to bring the exact patterns that they desire. Multiple colours can be used based on the complexity of the patterns.
Layering
Once the colours are set into the mould, a mix of dry cement and sand is poured to set the layers. To strengthen the tiles and layers, a coarser cement is poured at the end to press the layers together.
Pressing and Drying
The tiles are pressed using a manual hydraulic press, which compacts the layers together. Later, the tiles are removed from the mould, kept in water for 7-10 days to set, and then sundried.
Polishing
The dried tiles are subjected to polish either using coconut oil or any mild polish to enhance the sheen.
The Athangudi tiles are known for their climate adaptability, mainly in tropical and humid areas like Tamil Nadu and nearby regions. It has thermal regulation properties, as the tiles are naturally cool surfaces and absorb low heat, which does not require air conditioning at high temperatures. The tiles do not crack easily in varied temperatures as they resist expansion and contraction.
The tiles are sustainable in nature as they require minimal energy use as there is no burning and drying using any machines, unlike ceramic tiles. The raw materials are locally sourced and made using minimal and natural colours that do not leave carbon footprints. The tiles stay longer when compared to other tiles, which reduces money and energy wastage.
Stages of Athangudi tile making
Stages of Athangudi tile making
This process is followed by immersing the tiles in water for three days as a setting period. Once it is removed from the water, a drying period of 24 hours is given, and the tile is then ready.
Tile Curing Process
Tile curing process
Athangudi tiles are laid differently from the regular tiles. The laying is mostly done by masons from the Karaikudi region who are experienced and trained. The edges are not polished like usual, and the trained masons are only levelled up during the laying process. 100 sq.ft tiles can be laid in one day, and polishing takes 2-3 days. This process is done manually without the help of any kind of machine; rice husk/dust is used for the polishing. The tiles, if polished properly, will reflect like a mirror. It is suggested that aid be taken from trained masons to level the tiles efficiently because unprofessional work can cause a mess in the laying process.
Tiles after laying process
Indian Knowledge System
The Athangudi tile-making can be a perfect example of how the Indian Knowledge System integrates interdisciplinary fields like sciences, education, sustainable education and community-driven initiatives. It adapts to modern educational and preservation methods while leaving traces of ancient times to make it a valuable part of the Indian knowledge system.
Conclusion
The Chettinad tiles are globally demanding due to their varied patterns, vibrant colours, and sustainability. The tiles are being exported to countries like Malaysia, Mauritius, Singapore, Sri Lanka and are expanding to other international markets. The Federation of Chettinad Athangudi Heritage Flooring Tiles Manufacturing Association is trying to obtain a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for the tiles to promote and protect the authenticity of tiles to global markets. Thus, as is evident, each Athangudi tile is a unique, non-repetitive masterpiece of human labour that cannot be replicated by automation of machines – with creative geographical patterns inspired by nature’s asymmetry – surviving as an intergenerational breadwinner for Chettinad residents since ancient times.
The project team is as follows:
Project Investigators:
Dr. Balakrishnan C – Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science, Christ University, Bangalore
Dr. Biju K C – Professor, Department of Media Studies, Christ University, Bangalore
Dr. Anitha Suseelan – Professor & Head, School of Architecture, Christ University, Bangalore
Authors
Twinkle Sara Joseph, Research Scholar, Department of Media Studies, Christ University, Bangalore
Dr. Balakrishnan C – Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science, Christ University, Bangalore
Dr. Biju K C – Professor, Department of Media Studies, Christ University, Bangalore
Dr. Anitha Suseelan – Professor & Head, School of Architecture, Christ University, Bangalore
Ajith Paul – Research assistant, Department of Computer Science, Christ University, Bangalore’
Are you planning to study or work in Germany and have already applied for a visa? If so, tracking your Germany visa status is one of the most crucial steps after submitting your application. Whether you’re a student eager to join a German university or a job seeker looking forward to opportunities in Europe’s economic powerhouse, knowing your visa status helps you stay informed and prepared.
In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about checking your Germany visa status as a student or job seeker from India — including where and how to track it, processing timelines, and what each status means.
Why Germany is a Top Destination for Students and Job Seekers
Germany has gained global recognition for its top-tier education system, tuition-free public universities, and a robust economy that offers ample job opportunities, especially in engineering, IT, healthcare, and research.
For Indian students and professionals, Germany offers:
High-quality education with international degrees
Strong demand for skilled labor in STEM fields
Opportunities for permanent residence
Multicultural cities and a high standard of living
But before beginning this exciting journey, your first major hurdle is obtaining the right visa — and staying on top of your Germany visa status.
Types of Germany Visas for Students and Job Seekers
Before tracking your status, you need to know what visa you’ve applied for:
Student Visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken): For those admitted to a recognized German university or preparatory course.
Job Seeker Visa: For professionals looking to find employment in Germany. It is usually valid for 6 months.
Student Applicant Visa: For those still applying to universities and planning to appear for entrance exams or interviews.
All these visa types fall under the category of long-term (D-type) national visas, which are handled by the German consulate or embassy in your region.
How to Apply for a Germany Student or Job Seeker Visa from India
Here’s a quick recap of the general steps:
Fill in the visa application form via the VIDEX portal.
Book an appointment at your nearest VFS Global center or German mission.
Submit documents and attend the interview at the consulate/VFS.
Pay the visa fee.
Wait for visa processing and track your Germany visa status.
Once your application is submitted, the most anxious part begins — the wait.
How to Check Germany Visa Status from India
After submitting your documents at the VFS or German consulate, you can track your Germany visa status in the following ways:
1. Through VFS Global
If you submitted your application through VFS Global, follow these steps:
Enter your Reference Number (from the receipt) and Date of Birth.
Click on Submit to view the current status.
You will see updates like “Application received at consulate,” “Under process,” or “Processed.”
2. Via Email or SMS Updates
During your application process, if you opted for SMS/email alerts, you will get regular updates about your Germany visa status.
3. Contacting the German Consulate
If there’s a delay or you haven’t received any update in more than 8 weeks, you may email the German mission you applied to. Include your application number and full name.
Germany Visa Processing Time for Students and Job Seekers
The processing time can vary based on your location, application volume, and completeness of your documents:
Visa Type
Average Processing Time
Student Visa
6 to 12 weeks
Job Seeker Visa
4 to 10 weeks
Note: During peak academic season (June to October), the waiting time may extend.
Common Germany Visa Status Updates and What They Mean
Here’s a quick breakdown of what common status updates mean:
“Application received” – Your documents have reached the embassy/consulate.
“Under process” – Your visa application is being reviewed.
“Ready for collection” – Your passport is ready, and you can collect it from VFS.
“Dispatched” – Your passport has been sent via courier to your address.
“Refused” – Unfortunately, your visa was not approved.
What to Do If Your Visa Is Delayed or Rejected
If Delayed:
Wait patiently until the official processing timeline is over.
Avoid sending multiple emails unless necessary.
Contact the VFS or consulate after 10–12 weeks if no update is available.
If Rejected:
Understand the reason for rejection from the rejection letter.
You can appeal the decision with additional documents.
Alternatively, you can reapply with improved supporting evidence.
Avoid forged documents: It will lead to immediate rejection and possibly a ban.
Follow biometric & photo guidelines: Incorrect biometrics or photo can delay the application.
Apply well in advance: Don’t wait till the last minute—apply at least 12 weeks before your planned travel date.
Final Thoughts
Tracking your Germany visa status is not just about staying informed — it’s about being ready. Whether you’re preparing for your first semester in Berlin or searching for a job in Munich, staying on top of your visa status ensures a smooth start to your German adventure.
Remember, the process may seem daunting, but with the right preparation, patience, and follow-up, your dream of studying or working in Germany can become a reality.
FAQs
How long does it take to get a Germany student visa from India? A. On average, 6–12 weeks depending on application load and documentation.
Can I check my Germany visa status without a VFS reference number? A. No, the reference number is required to track the application through VFS.
Q. Will I get notified when my Germany visa is approved? A. Yes, you will receive an SMS or email update once your passport is ready for pickup or dispatch.
