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We can say that it’s probably the first time a western ¬style quick service restaurant (QSR) is converting to a Navratri menu on such a large scale. Domino's Pizza will turn half of its outlets all¬ <keyword id="17818" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="vegetarian">vegetarian</keyword> during the auspicious nine¬ day Navratri festive period starting early next month in an unprecedented move to draw more customers as the Indian unit of the US pizza giant seeks to recover from its slowest same ¬store sales growth in almost two years. Starting October 1 for nine days, about 500 Domino's stores across north and central India and parts of the west will stop serving non ¬vegetarian food. 
 Food outlets and QSRs typically see dwindling sales during the Navratri period, which ends 21 days before <keyword id="188" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Diwali">Diwali</keyword>. In the past, too, Domino's has served vegetarian food during this festive period, but only at select stores and not for delivery orders. "Consumption of non¬ vegetarian food reduces significantly during this time. This move is an acknowledgement that though we are a global brand, we are conscious about consumer needs. It's about making a statement to consumers," Domino's <keyword id="3644838" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="pizza-india">Pizza India</keyword> President Dev Amritesh told ET. With many people abstaining from meat, wheat, garlic, onions and processed foods, the Navratri menu will include pizza bases made of singhara atta (water chestnut flour), saabudana crispies and dumplings and cheese and sauces with only rock salt. The pizza chain will not use garlic and onion and will do away with grains that aren't consumed during the period. "Pizza being a very versatile product, we have been able to create this menu," Amritesh said. Turning all ¬vegetarian for such a large number of stores was a huge initiative involving logistical challenges and aligning with suppliers, he said. With 1,062 restaurants in 248 cities, Domino's leads the organised pizza market with a more than 70% share. 
 
By turning vegetarian, Domino's is hoping to attract more orders and boost sales growth, which had been slowing with consumers cutting back on discretionary spending.

Domino’s turn vegetarian for Navratri festival

If you have been planning for your dream home for quite some time, this might be the right time to decide. Thanks to the unsold inventory, the <keyword id="6354553" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="real-estate">real estate</keyword> firms are raining offers to lure buyers with freebies in terms of payment schemes, no <keyword id="6357050" type="COMPANY" weightage="60" keywordseo="EMI">EMI</keyword> till possession, assured return and buy back policy. As reported by the Economic Times, an overflow of unsold properties amounting from 55% to 60% present in Delhi NCR has put the real estate firms in a bummer. 
 
For instance, Orabella, a multi studio apartment project of MMR group has offered schemes with 12 % assured return per annum till possession on payment of 90%. Schemes of 11% assured return on 50% payment and buy back scheme of 28% return after 2 years on 40% payment are few buyer magnets the companies are using strategically. 
 
Some deals offered in this festive season are quite lucrative for the ones willing to invest. Commenting on the Navratra freebies, KushagrAnsal, Director, Ansal Housing told the financial daily, "The demand for real estate has been on a rise recently with the positive sentiments floating in the market due to decreasing inflation.” 
 
Keeping no stones unturned to make the most sale this season, Unnati Fortune is offering fortunes like gold coins to 51 early birds booking homes. Their recent carnival on home buying ‘Ghar Paisa Gaadi’ was organized to woo buyers with luxury cars and easy payments scheme. 
 
(Image: India Times)

It’s a good time to buy a house in Noida. Know why

The year 2014 is just two days old, marking the beginning of yet another <keyword id="89477" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gregorian-calendar">Gregorian calendar</keyword> year. But revellers who painted the town red and want more party time need not lose heart. Officially, the year has taken off on January 1, but the regional variants of the New Year’s Day still prevail in a country like India – home to a colourful mélange of cultures and traditions. So we are yet to experience a spate of <keyword id="471694" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="New-Year-festivities">New Year festivities</keyword>, celebrated from <keyword id="6354495" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="kashmir">Kashmir</keyword> to Kanyakumari, from the <keyword id="53478" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="North-East">north-east</keyword> to the western coast. 
 Interestingly, both the Gregorian calendar (introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582) and the previous <keyword id="89476" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Julian-calendar">Julian calendar</keyword> (first implemented by Julius Caesar in 46 BC) kick off on the same day – January 1. The Romans originally dedicated the first day of the year to Janus, the god of gates, doors and beginnings, and January, the first month of the year, was named after him. Later on, most nations in Western Europe officially started the New Year from January 1. The UK was a late adopter, though, and observed New Year’s Day on <keyword id="47282" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="march">March</keyword> 25, popularly known as Lady Day since it celebrated Virgin Mary and the Feast of the Annunciation. This practice stayed in England up to 1752. 
 Closer home, we have many time-reckoning systems but the most significant among them is the <keyword id="1998432" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sakabda">Sakabda</keyword> or the <keyword id="1998433" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Saka-calendar">Saka calendar</keyword>. It was introduced in 78 AD, most probably by the Kushan ruler Kanishka, and was even used in other countries such as Kampuchea and Indonesia. Another one is the popular <keyword id="1998435" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bangabda">Bangabda</keyword> or the <keyword id="1282409" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bengali-calendar">Bengali Calendar</keyword>, a <keyword id="1998436" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Solar-calendar">solar calendar</keyword> started by Mughal emperor <keyword id="6363995" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Akbar">Akbar</keyword> in 1584 AD. Then there is the <keyword id="1998437" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hijri-New-Year">Hijri New Year</keyword>, also known as the <keyword id="1926173" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Islamic-new-year">Islamic New Year</keyword>, which started in 610 AD when <keyword id="6358086" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Prophet-Muhammad">Prophet Muhammad</keyword> migrated from Mecca to <keyword id="89362" type="CITY" weightage="80" keywordseo="Medina">Medina</keyword>. 
 With so many calendars around and so many regional New Year’s Days to celebrate, it’s time to soak in the traditional rituals once more, mostly observed during the months of <keyword id="368788" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chaitra">Chaitra</keyword> and <keyword id="1998439" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Baishakh">Baishakh</keyword> (March-April). Here’s a quick look at the key events. 
 
 
 
<keyword id="4349969" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Navreh">Navreh</keyword> – Kashmir: Let us start with Navreh, the New Year’s Day in the <keyword id="911185" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lunar-calendar">lunar calendar</keyword> and observed on the <keyword id="1998440" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Shukla-Pratipada">Shukla Pratipada</keyword> (first day of the waxing moon) in the month of Chaitra (March-April). It is the <keyword id="1998441" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Oldest-New-Year-celebration">oldest New Year celebration</keyword>, and finds mention in historical works such as Nilamat Purana, <keyword id="1998443" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kalhana">Kalhana</keyword>’s <keyword id="1998442" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajtarangini">Rajtarangini</keyword> and Persian scholar <keyword id="1792427" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="80" keywordseo="Al-Biruni">Al-Biruni</keyword>’s writing. Each household prepares the ‘<keyword id="1998444" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Holi-thali">holi thali</keyword>’ with great care, containing food, flower and other essentials, and it is viewed at the dawn of Navreh while family members pray for <keyword id="6383453" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Wealth">wealth</keyword>, knowledge and <keyword id="23119" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="good-luck">good luck</keyword>. From this day, <keyword id="1998445" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nav-Durga-Puja">Nav Durga Puja</keyword> or <keyword id="31525" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Navratra">Navratra</keyword> also begins in Kashmir and continues for 9 days. 
 
<keyword id="1296432" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chaitti">Chaitti</keyword> – <keyword id="6358126" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Himachal-Pradesh">Himachal Pradesh</keyword>: In this hill state, the New Year’s Day is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra according to the <keyword id="1998446" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vikrami-calendar">Vikrami calendar</keyword> and festivals such as <keyword id="48284" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="navratri">Navratri</keyword> and <keyword id="1998448" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ralli-Puja">Ralli Puja</keyword> are held throughout the month in honour of Goddess Durga/Bhagwati. The month-long Ralli Puja ends in the marriage of Lord Shiva and the goddess as spinsters seek blessings of the divine duo for a spouse like Lord Shiva. 
 
<keyword id="42862" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ugadi">Ugadi</keyword> – <keyword id="37102" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Andhra-Pradesh">Andhra Pradesh</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="6354780" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Karnataka">Karnataka</keyword>: It is celebrated on the same day as Navreh, in the month of Chaitra, and marks the beginning of the South Indian lunar year. People of these southern states believe that Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe on this auspicious day. Houses are decorated with mango leaves and <keyword id="202308" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rangoli">rangoli</keyword> designs; Panchanga or the <keyword id="1998452" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Religious-almanac">religious almanac</keyword> is recited and puja offerings are made for a prosperous New Year. Ugadi <keyword id="758269" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="pachadi">pachadi</keyword>, the traditional dish of six flavours made of <keyword id="6441002" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="neem">neem</keyword>, <keyword id="137842" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="jaggery">jaggery</keyword> &amp; banana, salt, green chilli/pepper, tamarind juice and unripe mango, is also relished on this occasion to acknowledge six different aspects of life. 
 
<keyword id="608876" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gudhi-Padva">Gudhi Padva</keyword> – <keyword id="13126" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maharashtra">Maharashtra</keyword> &amp; <keyword id="826" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goa">Goa</keyword>: Observed on the same day as Navreh and Ugadi (Chaitra Shukla Pratipada), the New Year festivities in these states celebrate the bounty of Nature. Houses are decked up with rangoli and colourful gudhi – a bright-hued, embellished silk banner tied to a decorated <keyword id="1808323" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="bamboo-pole">bamboo pole</keyword> and an upside down brass/silver pot fitted on the top. A day after Gudhi Padva, <keyword id="127745" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cheti-Chand">Cheti Chand</keyword> or the <keyword id="610532" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sindhi-New-Year">Sindhi New Year</keyword> is observed to celebrate the birth anniversary of <keyword id="1998458" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ishtadeva-Uderolal">Ishtadeva Uderolal</keyword> or <keyword id="987886" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jhulelal">Jhulelal</keyword>, the patron saint of the Sindhis. Lord Varuna, the water god, is also worshipped on this day, followed by <keyword id="6771793" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="feasting">feasting</keyword> and <keyword id="240265" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="devotional-music">devotional music</keyword>. 
 
Varuda Pirappu/Puthandu – <keyword id="20154" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="tamil-nadu">Tamil Nadu</keyword>: Held in mid-April, the <keyword id="6407830" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tamil-New-Year">Tamil New Year</keyword>’s Day is celebrated on the first day of Chithirai, which is the first month of the traditional <keyword id="525554" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tamil-calendar">Tamil calendar</keyword>. Just like Navreh, the day begins with <keyword id="1998464" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Auspicious-sighting">auspicious sighting</keyword> or <keyword id="1009356" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="kanni">Kanni</keyword>, as people <keyword id="1873" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Worship">worship</keyword> <keyword id="13726" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="rice">rice</keyword> &amp; farm products, <keyword id="119992" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="precious-metals">precious metals</keyword> and <keyword id="1246513" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-clothes">new clothes</keyword>. Ritualistic patterns called kolams are drawn; traditional lamps or kuthu vilakkus are lighted and placed in the centre, and brass bowls known as niraikudums are filled with water to usher in <keyword id="73094" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="prosperity">prosperity</keyword> and <keyword id="800742" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="fulfillment">fulfillment</keyword>. It is followed by the <keyword id="1998469" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Almanac-worship">almanac worship</keyword> called <keyword id="1998471" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Panchanga-Puja">Panchanga Puja</keyword>. And the festive meal features pachadi, fruits and payasam or dessert. 
 
<keyword id="345699" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vishu">Vishu</keyword> – <keyword id="28504" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kerala">Kerala</keyword>: Vishu is the <keyword id="1010370" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Malayalam-New-Year">Malayalam New Year</keyword>’s Day, observed in Kerala on the first day of the Malayalam month of Medam. As in other South Indian states, auspicious sighting and other rituals are observed as part of the celebration; <keyword id="51941" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="firecrackers">firecrackers</keyword> are burst and an elaborate <keyword id="1998461" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Festive-lunch">festive lunch</keyword> called <keyword id="1998473" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sadya">sadya</keyword> is served. 
 
 
 
<keyword id="1334751" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Poila-Baishakh">Poila Baishakh</keyword> – <keyword id="6357783" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="West-Bengal">West Bengal</keyword>: The Bengali New Year’s Day is celebrated in the month of Baishakh (mostly on <keyword id="6364510" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="april">April</keyword> 14). Also known as <keyword id="989326" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Naba-Barsha">Naba Barsha</keyword>, <keyword id="27928" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lord-Ganesha">Lord Ganesha</keyword> and <keyword id="462664" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goddess-Lakshmi">Goddess Lakshmi</keyword>, deities of wealth, are worshipped on this day while businesses open fresh ledgers known as <keyword id="1998474" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Haal-Khata">Haal Khata</keyword>. Feasting, festivities and <keyword id="6409104" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="cultural-programmes">cultural programmes</keyword> are the main attractions here. <keyword id="1998475" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maithili-New-Year">Maithili New Year</keyword> <keyword id="1998426" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Juri-Sheetal">Juri Sheetal</keyword> is also celebrated on this day. 
 
<keyword id="1998425" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maha-Vishuva-Sankranti">Maha Vishuva Sankranti</keyword> – <keyword id="6357961" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Odisha">Odisha</keyword>: In neighbouring Odisha, the New Year’s Day is also known as <keyword id="1998476" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pana-Sankranit">Pana Sankranit</keyword> or <keyword id="1998424" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Jala-Sankranti">Jala Sankranti</keyword> or <keyword id="1998427" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mesha-Sankranti">Mesha Sankranti</keyword> that marks the beginning of a year in the solar calendar. Traditionally held on the first day of Baishakh (mid-April), a sweet drink called <keyword id="1998477" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Pana">Pana</keyword> is made using fruits, card, milk, water and sugar/jaggery and bestowed as <keyword id="1998478" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Puja-offering">puja offering</keyword>. People also drink Pana and water is offered to all, even to birds and animals, for a month. Throughout this period, <keyword id="1998479" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goddess-Hingula">Goddess Hingula</keyword> is worshipped for driving the evil away. Devotees often keep fast and perform penances as part of the rituals. 
 
Rongali/Bohag Bihu – <keyword id="6354915" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Assam">Assam</keyword>: Held in the month of Baishakh (mid-April), this weeklong colourful and vibrant festival not only marks the beginning of a year in the solar calendar, but also heralds the new agricultural season. As in all other states, pujas are offered to ensure a prosperous year ahead; <keyword id="974604" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="festive-food">festive food</keyword> such as pitha and laru is made and shared, and young people get together to choose their life partners. Fairs are held; games are played, and the traditional <keyword id="1998481" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bihu-songs">Bihu songs</keyword> &amp; dances make it the perfect season for jollity and merriment. 
 
<keyword id="1998480" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cheiraoba">Cheiraoba</keyword> – <keyword id="6359754" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Manipur">Manipur</keyword>: Moving further north-east, one gets to celebrate the Manipuri New Year Sajibu Cheiraoba in the month of April. Puja offerings, delicious food and festivities mark this occasion as well. In addition, locals climb the nearest hill tops, thus aspiring to rise to great heights in real life. 
 
Baisakhi/Vaisakhi – <keyword id="6354953" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjab">Punjab</keyword>: Traditionally a <keyword id="404010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="harvest-festival">harvest festival</keyword>, the <keyword id="1011009" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Punjabi-New-Year">Punjabi New Year</keyword>’s Day is held on April 13/14 (the first day of the second month of the year, according to the Nanakshahi Calendar). It is a significant day for the <keyword id="81001" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sikh-community">Sikh community</keyword> as well since they celebrate the day in honor of the 10th guru, <keyword id="138545" type="PERSON" weightage="80" keywordseo="Guru-Gobind-Singh">Guru Gobind Singh</keyword>, who did away with the <keyword id="6434481" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Caste-System">caste system</keyword>. Otherwise, fun, food and <keyword id="1998485" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Country-dances">country dances</keyword> like <keyword id="6920" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhangra">Bhangra</keyword> and <keyword id="465865" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="giddha">Giddha</keyword>, keeping time with the beats of dhols and drums, mark this occasion. 
 
<keyword id="585610" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bestu-Varas">Bestu Varas</keyword> – <keyword id="6354766" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gujarat">Gujarat</keyword>: In certain parts of northern and western India, Diwali heralds the New Year and Gujarat is one of them. Bestu Varas is held a day after the Festival of Lights, in the month of <keyword id="6376330" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kartik">Kartik</keyword> (October-November) and houses are splendidly decked up with <keyword id="5823" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Flowers">flowers</keyword>, rangoli and torans (door hangings). Pujas are offered; New Year <keyword id="54214" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fireworks">fireworks</keyword> are everywhere and gifts are generously exchanged. And one must not forget the festive food either, especially the delectable and traditional snacks of Gujarat such as <keyword id="107294" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="farsan">farsan</keyword>. 
 
Images: Wikipedia

New Year Festivities
Not Over Yet; Here Is How India
Celebrates

New Delhi, <keyword id="6357252" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Hero-MotoCorp" source="Orion">Hero MotoCorp</keyword> on Thursday said it recorded highest-ever sales in a festive season by retailing more than 14 lakh two-wheeler units in the 32-day period this year. The country's largest two-wheeler maker achieved the sales mark between the first day of the Navratras and Bhai Dooj on November 15. Riding on robust demand across rural markets as well as steady retail off-take in key urban centres, the company registered a 19 per cent growth over the previous year, and surpassed its previous highest retail of 12.7 lakh units which was recorded in the festive period of 2019, Hero MotoCorp said in a statement. "Our strong portfolio of brands, scale of distribution and new launches done this year have helped in driving this growth across geographies," Hero MotoCorp CEO Niranjan Gupta said. The festive season is a clear testimony that rural is coming back to growth, which augurs well for the country in general and the two-wheeler industry in particular, he added. Hero MotoCorp Chief Business Officer (India Business Unit) Ranjivjit Singh said the record retail number was achieved due to the strong customer traction across markets, with good double-digit growth in the Central, North, South and East zones. The robust customer demand in the rural markets, in addition to the very positive sentiments in key urban centres, drove this record retail sales, he added. "With this robust retail sales, our post-festive channel inventory has now come down to its lowest level in more than three years. This has set us on a steady growth path for the rest of the fiscal year," Singh noted.

Hero MotoCorp logs highest-ever retail sales of over 14 lakh units in festive season

New Delhi, The Indian Railways plans to reintroduce the Ramayana Circuit tours in March this year during Navratras with five air conditioned (AC) coaches, which will cover places associated with Lord Ram as mentioned in the epic Ramayana, after its successful run last year. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) said that the Ramayana Express will run this year during the Navratras from March 28. The IRCTC in a statement said that the special train will have 10 coaches which include five sleeper class non-AC coaches and five AC 3 tier coaches. Last year, the national transporter had run Ramayana Express with only sleeper class coaches which was a huge success and the response of the general public was so tremendous that all the available seats were booked in merely seven days' time. "Considering the previous response IRCTC Ltd has decided to launch this unique product in which some AC 3 tier coaches have also been added in addition to Sleeper class coaches," the IRCTC said. According to the IRCTC, the special train will start its journey from Delhi on March 28 and passengers can board this train from Safdarjung, <keyword id="44991" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ghaziabad">Ghaziabad</keyword>, Moradabad, Bareily and Lucknow stations. The train covers important destinations connected with the life of Lord Ram in India and Sri Lanka. While the Indian leg will be covered by train, the Sri Lankan tour will be undertaken by flight from Chennai. The IRCTC said that in the 16 night-17 day tour, tourists will be visiting the places associated with Lord Ram also known as 'Ramayana Circuit of India'. "Major places covered in this journey are Ram Janmabhoomi and Hanuman Garhi at Ayodhya, Bharat <keyword id="47393" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mandir">Mandir</keyword> at Nandigram, Sita Mata Mandir at Sitamarhi (Bihar), and Janakpur (Nepal), <keyword id="491219" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tulsi-Manas">Tulsi Manas</keyword> Mandir and Sankat Mochan Mandir at Varanasi, <keyword id="7442403" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="sita-samahit-sthal">Sita Samahit Sthal</keyword> at Sitamarhi (UP), Triveni Sangam , Hanuman Mandir and Bharadwaj Ashram at Prayag, Shringi Rishi Mandir at <keyword id="122671" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shringverpur">Shringverpur</keyword> , Ramghat and Sati Anusuiya Mandir at Chitrakoot, Panchvati at Nasik, Anjanadri Hill and Hanuman Janm Sthal at Hampi &amp; Jyotirlinga Shiva Mandir at Rameshwaram," it said. In Sri Lanka, they will visit Sita Mata Mandir, Ashok Vatika, Vibhishana Temple and Shiva Temple at Munneshwaram-Munnavari among other sites. According to IRCTC, the Indian leg of the journey in the sleeper class will cost Rs 16,065 per person whereas for the AC class Rs 26,775 per person will be charged. And those going to Sri Lanka will have to pay Rs 37,800 per person with only 40 limited seats. The passengers willing to travel to Sri Lanka will be required to de-board the Ramayana Express on 15th day at Chennai on April 11 and from there they will be taken by flight to Colombo. According to IRCTC, there are 360 berths in sleeper class and 330 berths in AC 3 tier class. Considering Navratra period, all the food to be served to the travellers will be cooked without onions and garlic.

These trains will take you to all the places that Lord Ram visited

Bank holidays calendar for March 2020

Shimla, Apr 20 () Himachal Pradesh has borne a loss of Rs 410 crore in the last 30 days due to the lockdown clamped to contain the spread of COVID-19, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said on Monday. Talking to mediapersons here, the chief minister accompanied by chief secretary Anil Khachi and director general of police Sita Ram Mardi said the loss in revenue will be compensated and the state government's topmost priority was to save lives.The state earned a mere Rs 40 crore in the last 30 days against the average monthly earnings of Rs 450 crore. So, the state exchequer had to bear a loss of Rs 410 crore, he said. The state's private sector including the tourism industry also suffered a huge loss due to the lockdown but our topmost priority is to save the lives of the people of Himachal Pradesh, he said. Thakur said the state government had to take some unpleasant decisions like closing educational institutions, temples during navratras and banning entry of tourists as there was no other option to check the spread of coronavirus in the state. These harsh steps have yielded positive results, however, the state's COVID-19 tally witnessed a spike due to Nizamuddin Markaz returnees, he said. As many as 25 of total 39 cases tested positive in the state are of either either those who attended the Tablighi Jamat congregation in Delhi or their contacts, he added.After the state government issued a stern warning to the Jamatis, several of them and their contacts came forward for testing, he said further.Meanwhile, Khachi said 77 per cent of the total cases in the hill-state are asymptomatic. Out of 39 COVID-19 positive cases, 36 are males and 3 females, while the average age of the patients is 38, he said. The chief secretary said that the state has a stock of 4,500 personal protection equipment (PPE), 15,000 N 95 masks and 64 ventilators. Efforts are on to procure more PPEs to increase the stock upto 50,000 PPEs, he added. "We have got 5,000 rapid testing kits from Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) so far against our demand of 30,000 kits," he said. Besides, the state has a 855 hospital beds including 53 in the intensive care units (ICUs) for confirmed COVID-19 patients, he said, adding that 9000 beds for institutional quarantine were available as well. DJI RHL

COVID-19: HP has suffered Rs 410 cr revenue loss due to lockdown, says CM

<keyword id="48284" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="navratri" source="Orion">Navratri</keyword> is a vibrant and colorful festival celebrated in Hindu households and temples. Navratri commences on the first day of the waxing phase of the lunar month after Amavasya and concludes on the tenth day of Vijayadashami. Navratri has a deep spiritual significance symbolizing the victory of the good over evil. Goddess Durga fought with the demonic forces and defeated them during the course of the nine days, which came to be celebrated as Navratri. Each day of Navratri is dedicated to the nine different avatars of Maa Durga. Navratri brings about a sense of revival in people's lives, filling them with new hopes and faith in divine protection. Here are a few select messages and quotes to be shared with your friends and contacts for Navratri. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Navratri 2023 wishes and messages" comment="subhead" text="Navratri 2023 wishes and messages"><keyword id="16900213" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Navratri-2023-wishes-and-messages" source="Orion">Navratri 2023 wishes and messages</keyword></cmsannotation> <ul><li>Navratri, the festival of nine days and nine nights, comes as a resurrecting event to kindle our spirits and imbibe new confidence in us. May this festival lead us from ignorance to wisdom and from darkness to light.</li><li>May Maa Durga bestow upon you and your family nine forms of blessings- Fame, Name, Wealth, Prosperity, Happiness, Education, Health, Power, and Commitment. Happy Navratri!</li><li>May this Navratri fill your life with the colours of happiness and prosperity. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Navratri.</li><li>Wishing you the energy of Maa Durga, the prosperity of Ma Lakshmi, and the wisdom of Ma Saraswati. Wishing you a warm and blessed Navratri. Have a blessed Navratri!</li><li>A new day is here again; perfect and untainted; Make the best of it, spreading joy and unconditional love. Happy Navratri!</li><li>May you have the best of times, celebrations, and success in life this year. Best wishes for a joyous Navratri, filled with lots of joy, happiness, and peace.</li><li>May the auspicious days of Vasant Navratri manifest energy (shakti), wealth (Lakshmi), and knowledge (gyaan) into your life. Happy Navratras!</li><li>Ma Durga has come to grace us with her presence; let us worship her with happiness and spirit, cherish her blessings, and celebrate with our loved ones. I wish you all a Happy Navratri!</li><li>May the nine avatars of Maa Durga bless you with nine qualities – power, happiness, humanity, peace, knowledge, devotion, name, fame, and health.</li><li>May Goddess Durga rid you of all the problems in life. This Navratri onwards, may there only be happiness in your life. Wishing you a happy Navratri.</li><li>May this Navratri brings love, peace, prosperity, humanity, harmony to your life, and your loved ones. Happy Navratri!</li><li>May goddess shower you with a lot of blessings and good health and wealth. May you enjoy every bit of this festival. Happy Navratri!</li><li>May the generous goddess Maa Durga brighten your life with countless blessings. I hope your prayers bring happiness and prosperity. Happy Chaitra Navratri 2020 to you!</li><li>Have an auspicious Navratri. May all your prayers on the nine days and nine nights of Navratri bring you good health, good luck, fame, and fortune. Wishing you a very Happy Navratri.</li><li>May the hues, beauty, bliss, and happiness of Navratri stay with you forever. May Maa Durga fulfill all your desires. Happy Shardiya Navratri 2020!</li><li>May these nine holy days of NavDurga Puja enlighten the lives of you and your family. May you all receive the blessings of Devi Durga this Navratri. Happy Navratri!</li><li>Navratri is here! It’s time to welcome Devi Durga at our doorstep and worship her with all the love and devotion. Let us pray that this Navratri, Maa Durga bestows us with her divine blessings. Shubh Navratri to you and your family!</li><li>Time has come to welcome the nine Shaktis in our lives and seek their blessings for a happy and prosperous life. Wishing you and your family a Happy Navratri.</li><li>Let us bow our heads and offer prayers to nine Goddesses who promise to protect and bless us. Happy Navratri and warm wishes on Durga Pooja.</li></ul>

Navratri 2023 wishes, messages and quotes

Telecom operators have requested the <keyword id="44734" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Government">Indian government</keyword> to defer the auction dates of India’s biggest-ever <keyword id="6462365" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="spectrum-auction">spectrum auction</keyword> due to this age-old belief. 
 
As per the Hindu tradition, the community does not start anything auspicious or new during shraddhs, a fortnight before Hindu festival of Navratras-which are due to commence on October 1. 
 
"We have received a request from the telecom players to delay the auctions by a few days, till at least the beginning of the navratras, and we are considering this," telecom secretary J S Deepak told TOI, adding “My personal view is that if the operators find it comfortable to have auctions during the navratras, then we may look into it. 
 
The companies want to be safe and not launch or bid anything during shraddhs. 
 
The government is set to sell a record 2,354 MHz of mobile airwaves across seven bands.

Biggest-ever spectrum auctions are not happening before October due to this ‘divine’ reason

Wooed by heavy discounts and combo offers, consumers are expected to splurge about USD 8 billion (Rs 52,000 crore) during this season, beginning with Navratras, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali and Christmas, said an <keyword id="6355988" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Assocham">ASSOCHAM</keyword> study. 
 
The merchandise being sold aggressively through online platforms include mobile phones, electronics, designer furniture, home decorations, clothes, accessories, jewellery, and footwear. 
 
Online shopping marts are going aggressive about marketing their merchandise, expecting to rake in 40-45 per cent more in sales during this festive season as compared to last year. 
 
According to the chamber, consumers spent Rs 30,000 crore in last year's festive season. 
 "The customer is connected 24x7 through smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices which is leading to a gradual evolution of <keyword id="35621" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="e-commerce">e-commerce</keyword> into mobile commerce..Also, there is an issue of convenience which also leads to impulsive buying," Assocham Secretary General D S Rawat said. 
 
The study said there would be increase in revenue generated through e-commerce as compared to last year with all branded apparel, accessories, jewellery, gifts, footwear being available at cheaper rates and delivered at the doorstep. 
 
"As the economy is not in pink of health, the e-commerce sales, at least in big cities, would be at the cost of brick and mortar bazaars, especially with regard to products like mobile phones, fashion wears etc," it added. 
 
Assocham said online shopping pattern has been changing in tier-I and tier-II towns, where broadband Internet connectivity has already penetrated. 
 "The most popular among e-commerce websites -- <keyword id="541988" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="SnapDeal">Snapdeal</keyword>, Myntra, <keyword id="6354742" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Flipkart">Flipkart</keyword>, Amazon, Jabong etc -- have been doling out massive price cuts or discounts on purchase of popular brands of apparels, footwear, electronic goods, coinciding with the upcoming festive month," it said. 
 
One of the driving factors for the online shopping is the age profile of the consumers who are young (between 15-35 years), it added. 
 
(Image credits: Indiatimes)

E-commerce to gain $8 billion from consumers this season!

There is at least one sector that is expecting to rake in the moolah during this Diwali! And there are no prices for guessing that it is the eCommerce. With <keyword id="6354742" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Flipkart">Flipkart</keyword>’s week long Big Billion Day and <keyword id="541988" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="SnapDeal">Snapdeal</keyword>’s Dil ki Deal locking horns to woo more online shoppers, the online retail industry is expected to clock in at least 45% more sales in this festive year. 
	 
	“Being wooed by heavy discounts and combo offers, the consumers are expected to splurge about Rs 52,000 crore during this season, beginning with Navratras, Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali and Christmas,” said DS Rawat, general secretary of ASSOCHAM. 
	 
	While it isn’t a rocket science to understand that online shopping has gone up substantially over the past few years, interestingly, the shopping experience has definitely shifted from desktop to mobiles. 
	 
	“The customer is connected 24x7 through their smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices, which has led to a gradual evolution of e-commerce into mobile commerce. Also, there is an issue of convenience which also leads to impulsive buying,” added Rawat. 
	 
	According to market estimates, brands are expected to register a whopping five-fold increase in revenues over last year through online retail. Rawat noted that around 55% of consumers spend on buying cloths and goods in India between September and December during the festival season that includes Dussehra, Diwali and Christmas. 
	 
	“The merchandise being sold aggressively through online platforms include mobile phones, electronics, designer furniture, home decorations, clothes, accessories, jewellery, footwear etc. The big brands are in tie up with popular e-commerce retailers and hard selling through full page advertisements, internet and television,” he averred. 
	 
	It should be noted that in the last few years, online retail stores have been clocking in higher sales than their offline counterpart. While the traffic on these websites have been surging, footfalls in popular malls have gone down massively. 
	 Popular online stores such as Snapdeal, <keyword id="319719" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Myntra">Myntra</keyword>, Flipkart, <keyword id="6388367" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jabong">Jabong</keyword> and <keyword id="18635" type="CITY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Amazon">Amazon</keyword> have doled out massive discounts and schemes on products, which has attracted a large number of consumers to these websites. 
	 
	Abhinav Choudhary, cofounder of Smartprix.com, a price comparison website noted that his website had seen over 40% growth in traffic for price comparison of products available on Flipkart, Amazon and Snapdeal on day one of this festival season. While this is a whopping 300% increase in traffic on the first of the festival season over last year for the website, etailers such as Amazon, Flipkart and Snapdeal recorded a massive 200% increase in the traffic. 
	 
	Image Credit: Indiatimes.com

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