Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

<keyword id="19895282" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mumbai" source="keywords">Mumbai</keyword>, As many as 86 per cent of Internet users enjoy OTT (Over The Top) audio and video services, more than half of them from the hinterlands, making it the top use-case for Internet in the country, according to an industry report. The rise of digital entertainment services have been bolstered by the rise of smart TV, smart speakers, firesticks, chromecasts, growing at 58 per cent from 2021 to 2023 as more people are accessing video content over Internet-only devices (208 million) than conventional linear TV (181 million), said a report by the <keyword id="20749434" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="internet-and-mobile-association" source="keywords">Internet and Mobile Association</keyword> and the marketing data and analytics company <keyword id="20200137" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kantar" source="keywords">Kantar</keyword>. The report also finds that rural users are driving all these use-cases, accounting for more than 50 percent of the user base. The report, based on the inputs from over 90,000 households across all the states and Union Territories, barring <keyword id="20039270" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="lakshadweep" source="keywords">Lakshadweep</keyword>, was released at the ongoing India Digital Summit 2024. The second and third most popular use-cases of the Internet are communications with 621 million users, and social media with 575 million users. There were over 823 million active Internet users in the country as of 2023, meaning more than 55 per cent of people in the country have used the Internet last year, which is a modest 8 per cent growth over the previous year. At 442 million, rural users are in a majority, accounting for over 53 per cent of the total user base. From a gender perspective, the male-female ratio of Internet users rose from 71:29 in 2015 to 54:46 in 2023, which is almost at par with the overall sex ratio of the addressable population in the country, says the report. However, the report finds that net adoption growth rate has been decelerating with rural market, which has been driving Internet growth rates for the past many years, slowing down by 11 per cent in 2023 over 2022, pulling down the overall growth rate to 8 per cent. The report further said 57 per cent users prefer to access content in their local languages, with Tamil, Telegu, and <keyword id="19901815" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="malayalam" source="keywords">Malayalam</keyword> having the strongest language preference for content. States with the lowest Internet user base have the fastest growth rates now with Jharkhand (46 per cent penetration) and Bihar (37 per cent penetration) showing above average growth rates of 12 per cent and 17 per cent, respectively.

Most Internet users avail of OTT services; 53% of them from rural areas: Report

Survival drama "<keyword id="18932982" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="2018-Everyone-is-a-Hero" source="Orion">2018-Everyone is a Hero</keyword>", based on the Kerala floods that year, is <keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword>'s official entry to the Academy Awards 2024, the Film Federation of India announced here on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference, Girish Kasaravalli, noted filmmaker and chairperson of the selection committee, said the 16-member jury unanimously selected the Malayalam film to represent the country. Kasaravalli, a renowned voice in Kannada cinema, said they had a lengthy discussion before choosing "<keyword id="6355580" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="2018" source="Orion">2018</keyword>" to represent India at the 2024 Academy Awards. "It was a pan-Indian selection. And we were happy that we were 16 members and we watched 22 films in one week's time. It was a difficult decision because there were so many good films and we had to analyse to find out which film had better merit. Finally, we decided on '2018 - Everyone is a Hero'," the filmmaker said. According to Kasaravalli, the Jude Anthany Joseph-directed film highlights "Indian ethos, situation and people". "It's a film that talks about a calamity that Kerala faced in 2018. It not only represents India but also the calamity that's happening around the world. The film also excels cinematically and technically," he said. "Such messages are linked to climate change and the so called development," he added. Lead star <keyword id="1721478" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="tovino-thomas" source="Orion">Tovino Thomas</keyword>, who is currently in Amsterdam for the Septimius Awards where he won the best Asian Actor trophy for "2018", said it was time for celebration for the team. "I was very happy last night and woke up even happier to this exciting news as our film '2018' has been selected as India's official entry (to <keyword id="6376611" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="oscars" source="Orion">Oscars</keyword>). We worked in extreme conditions but it's all paying off. This movie is now getting international acclaim. It's great," Thomas told PTI over phone from Amsterdam. "I'm not with the team to celebrate this moment. But this definitely calls for a celebration," he added. <keyword id="26993" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="joseph" source="Orion">Joseph</keyword> said the announcement came as a happy surprise. "It was such a happiness that our film is going for the Oscars as the country's official entry," he added. <keyword id="1546264" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="ravi-kottarakara" source="Orion">Ravi Kottarakara</keyword>, FFI president, said as many as 22 titles including Hindi films "The Kerala Story", "Rocky Aur Rani Kii <keyword id="5323802" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="prem-kahaani" source="Orion">Prem Kahaani</keyword>", "Gadar 2", "Zwigato", "The Vaccine War", "Mrs Chatterjee Vs Norway" as well as "Balagam" (Telugu), "Vaalvi" (Marathi), "Baaplyok" (Marathi) and "August 16, 1947" (Tamil) were also in the running. But the jury unanimously chose "2018". "2018" also stars Tanvi Ram, <keyword id="789766" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="kunchako-boban" source="Orion">Kunchako Boban</keyword> and <keyword id="3252579" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="aparna-balamurali" source="Orion">Aparna Balamurali</keyword>. In June, the makers claimed that the film had crossed over Rs 200 crore at the box office to become the highest grossing film in Malayalam cinema. FFI, an autonomous body of producers, exhibitors, studio owners and distributors, decides India's official entry to the Oscars for the best international feature category. Last year, "RRR" and "The Elephant Whisperers", the two Indian films which won the best original song and best documentary short, were sent to the Oscars directly by the makers, but India's official entry in the international film category, Gujarati film "Chhello Show"(Last Film Show), failed to make the cut in the final five nominations. The last Indian film that made it to the final five was the Aamir Khan-led "Lagaan" in 2001. The 96th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 10, 2024 in Los Angeles. SEE ALSO:<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/bajaj-pulsar-n150-vs-yamaha-fz-s-v3-bikes-comparison-of-price-and-features/slidelist/103985134.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/webstories/bajaj-pulsar-n150-vs-yamaha-fz-s-v3-bikes-comparison-of-price-and-features/slidelist/103985134.cms" target="_blank">Bajaj Pulsar N150 vs Yamaha FZ-S V3 – The bike to consider under ₹1.25 lakh</a><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/bentley-flying-spur-hybrid-hits-indian-roads-in-bid-to-go-greener/slidelist/103979187.cms" target="_blank"></a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/bentley-flying-spur-hybrid-hits-indian-roads-in-bid-to-go-greener/slidelist/103979187.cms" target="_blank">Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid hits Indian roads in bid to go greener</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/pixel-8-launch-on-oct-4-from-camera-to-design-specifications-what-we-know-so-far/articleshow/103924696.cms">Pixel 8 launch on Oct 4 – From camera to design specifications, what we know so far</a>

Malayalam survival drama '2018:Everyone is a Hero' is India's official entry to Oscars

Legendary Malayalam actor Innocent – School dropout, cancer survivor, politician & more

<ul><li>Lecturer-turned-filmmaker Unnikrishnan B. believes a film today needs to be “extra special” to draw the audience to the theatres. </li><li>As per Unnikrishan, <keyword id="25099" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="malayalam" source="Orion">Malayalam</keyword> cinema is much ahead of other languages in terms of quality of content, but not the size of the business. </li><li>His last film Christopher was a vigilante action drama that opened to positive reviews.</li></ul>The aftermath of the lockdowns has redefined the fundamentals of the business of cinema. While Shah Rukh Khan-starrer <keyword id="12756474" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="pathaan" source="Orion">Pathaan</keyword> may have broken box office records on its way to a blockbuster status, a Malayalam film with a tenth of the former’s collections is also a superhit now – all thanks to the dynamics of the OTT (over-the-top) ecosystem, says an ace Malayalam film director. The advent of a host of OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+Hotstar etc and the pandemic-induced changes in the way cinema is consumed has brought on a fundamental change in the business of cinema, says Unnikrishan Bhaskaran, in an exclusive conversation with Business Insider India. As a writer-director, Unnikrishnan has been a part of the industry for over two decades and has over ten films under his belt. He debuted in the industry as a writer with the drama Jalamarmaram (1999) - that won him his first Kerala State Film Award for Best Screenplay. He ventured into direction with Smart City in 2006 and went on to direct films like Madampi (2008), Pramani (2010), Grandmaster (2012), and the latest, Aaraattu (2022) and Christopher (2023), among others. While acknowledging that the collections of Pathaan are “mind-boggling” and no other film has succeeded in bringing people to theatres in large numbers after the pandemic, Unnikrishnan insists the way to declare a film a hit or flop has changed. Since its release on January 25, 2023, Pathaan has <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/entertainment/news/indian-films-that-grossed-1000-crore-worldwide/slidelist/98144028.cms">grossed </a>over ₹1,000 crore in worldwide collections - only the fifth Indian film to do so in cinematic history. “In Malayalam, when you say a film is a superhit, it usually collects over ₹10-₹12 crore. But now if your film collects ₹5-₹6 crore from theatrical runs, you should regard it as a hit because there’s another vertical (OTT) or source of revenue that compensates for the lack of theatre revenue,” says Unnikrishnan . His latest film, the vigilante crime-drama Christopher starring Mammootty released on February 9 in theatres and opened to positive reviews - <a href="https://www.boxofficebusiness.in/2023/02/christopher-day-1-box-office-collection-worldwide.html">reportedly </a>raking in ₹11 crore in worldwide collections in 10 days of its release. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Malayalam cinema: quality over quantity" comment="subhead2" text="Malayalam cinema: quality over quantity">Malayalam cinema: quality over quantity</cmsannotation> According to Unnikrishnan, Malayalam cinema has high-quality content that is better than most other languages, but it’s a small industry, lacking the strength to compete with bigger industries like Tamil or Telugu language cinema. “If you take commercial figures as a yardstick, we’re (Malayalam cinema) far behind - because our films only release on 200-300 screens whereas a Vijay (a Tamil star), Rajni (Rajnikant), or Kamal Haasan film releases in over 1,000 screens. Volume-wise it can’t be compared to other languages but if you take content quality as a benchmark, we’re much much ahead,” shared Unnikrishnan. Indeed, from thrillers like the Drishyam series to feminist dramas like The Great Indian Kitchen and family dramas like Kumbalangi Nights, Malayalam cinema has long been pushing the bar with original and engaging content. As Unnikrishnan puts it, despite the constraints, “when it comes to content and innovative stuff, every language in cinema looks at Malayalam with awe.” <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Only ‘extra special’ films can draw in the crowds" comment="subhead2" text="Only ‘extra special’ films can draw in the crowds">Only ‘extra special’ films can draw in the crowds</cmsannotation> Malayalam cinema may deliver high-quality content - but it can’t always pull crowds into theatres, because content alone doesn’t attract audiences, especially after the pandemic. Unnikrishnan believes that only “extra special” films can now draw the crowds to theatres – because the rise of OTT during the pandemic led to the end of “average-run” movies. Average-run movies are typically movies that enjoy a limited run in theatres but the collections are not low enough for them to be categorised as box-office flops. “There’s no middle path now - either you watch in theatres, or when it comes to OTT. There was something called an average-run film before Covid - that’s no longer there. The majority of the audience stays away from theatres because it’s a habitual thing - they’re so used to watching it in the cosy atmosphere of their homes,” remarks Unnikrishnan, who has dabbled in both films and the television industry. The lecturer-turned-filmmaker has written and directed three award-winning films back to back – the 2003 telefilm Antharangal, the 2004 Asianet television drama Black and White and the 2005 film Annum Mazhayayirunnu. He also directed the crime drama Villain (2017)- the country's first movie entirely shot in 8K quality. In a career spanning over two decades, Unnikrishnan has seen various trends emerge, from remakes to content driven by OTT platforms. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Remakes: No longer an easy business" comment="subhead2" text="Remakes: No longer an easy business">Remakes: No longer an easy business</cmsannotation> As per Unnikrishnan , OTT hasn’t just ended the average-run movies but also the remake industry by providing movies with subtitles and dubbed versions of movies. “Remake market is now very difficult because when OTT platforms buy your content, you’re forced to dub it in all regional languages. For instance, Christopher is dubbed into Tamil and Hindi. (Now) an idea should be so fascinating that you take it up and really rework it to give a totally different film - that’s what they did with Lucifer when they remade it in Telugu,” added Unnikrishnan. Lucifer, released in 2019, is a Malayalam crime thriller and the highest-grossing Malayalam film ever - <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/mohanlal-s-lucifer-storms-into-rs-200-crore-club-first-for-malayalam-cinema/story-vTm7JXaAdz0FWFTllE4n2I.html">earning over ₹200 crore</a>. Its Telugu remake was released in October 2022, titled Godfather - it <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/godfather-box-office-collection-day-5-megastar-chiranjeevi-nayanthara-100-crore-2282883-2022-10-09">entered the ₹100-crore club in just three days</a>. Ajay Devgn-starrer Drishyam 2 also <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/box-office/drishyam-2-box-office-collection-day-29-ajay-devgns-film-continues-to-mint-money-despite-competition-from-avatar-the-way-of-water/articleshow/96295871.cms">raked in over ₹200 crore in collections</a>. It’s the official remake of the Malayalam thriller of the same name, starring <keyword id="29511" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="mohan-lal" source="Orion">Mohan Lal</keyword>. As per Unnikrishnan, the success of the Hindi language Drishyam was largely due to how the movie was adapted, and also because the original release on OTT was available in only one language. Meanwhile, despite delivering one of the biggest hits of 2022 (Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2) Kartik Aaryan- starrer Shehzada failed to draw the crowds. Shehzada is the official remake of the 2020 Telugu film Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="“The OTT euphoria is transitory”" comment="subhead2" text="“The OTT euphoria is transitory”">“The OTT euphoria is transitory”</cmsannotation> Clearly, OTT has changed the way we view cinema. But, even though the pandemic led to the rise in the popularity of OTT platforms, Unnikrishnan believes “OTT euphoria is transitory”, engineered by the pandemic. “When the pandemic happened, the theatres closed and we had no options - we were all glued to OTT platforms. And they (OTT) also had to constantly give you content. So people had the illusion that good cinema finally found its platform,” said Unnikrishnan. He believes that once the theatres opened after the pandemic, OTT platforms predictably changed their policy - with films releasing in theatres before coming on to OTT. “During the pandemic, many brilliant films premiered on OTT and everyone took notice of it. For instance, Drishyam 1 was a huge theatrical success but its sequel had an equally brilliant run when it (was) released on OTT. But if Jeethu and Mohanlal ( Jeethu Joseph was the director and Mohanlal was the lead actor of Drishyam) come up with a third part, definitely the OTT will insist for it to be released in theatres first,” said Unnikrishnan.

We need to change the way we define hits, says ace Malayalam director Unnikrishnan B.

South Indian <keyword id="1076" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="superstar" source="Orion">Superstar</keyword> <keyword id="14509" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="rajinikanth" source="Orion">Rajinikanth</keyword> has issued a public notice on the infringement of rights, and warned of legal action against those who commercially exploit the actor's name, image, voice, etc., without taking his consent. His advocate S. Elambharathi issued a public notice warning civil and criminal proceedings against those who infringe upon the actor's personality, including his voice, image, name, and other unique behaviour of his. The notice issued on Saturday stated that only the actor has the control over the commercial utilization of his personality, name, voice, image, etc. The notice also said that several mediums, platforms, product manufacturers were misappropriating his name, image, voice, caricature image, and artistic image, and AI-generated images to create confusion among the public and to entice them to buy certain products or to access the medium through which the actor's manners were misused. The notice said, "His charisma and nature as an actor and human being has earned him the title of 'Superstar' called by millions and millions of his fans across the world. The sheer proportion of his fan base and his respect across the film industry is unmatched and indisputable. Any damage to his reputation or personal life would entail a great loss to our client." It is to be noted that Rajinikanth is presently shooting for the big-budget movie, '<keyword id="696816" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="jailor" source="Orion">Jailor</keyword>' in which <keyword id="25099" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="malayalam" source="Orion">Malayalam</keyword> superstar Mohanlal is playing a cameo role.

Rajinikanth issues public notice on infringement of rights, warns legal action

"<keyword id="1835032" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="drishyam" source="Orion">Drishyam</keyword> 2", fronted by <keyword id="6354714" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="ajay-devgn" source="Orion">Ajay Devgn</keyword>, has raised more than Rs 150 crore at the domestic box office, the makers said on Friday. Production banner Panorama Studios shared the latest box office figures of the suspense thriller movie, which opened to positive reviews upon its release on November 18. "Sach aur jhooth ke drishya audience ko pasand aa rahe hain! 2nd Tuesday Net India collection - 5.15 cr, Net Grand total - 154.48 cr," the company posted on its official Twitter page. The movie is a sequel to <keyword id="243805" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="devgn" source="Orion">Devgn</keyword>'s 2015 crime thriller "Drishyam", which was the Hindi remake of the Mohanlal-starrer <keyword id="25099" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="malayalam" source="Orion">Malayalam</keyword> movie of the same name. The sequel to the Malayalam film released in February 2021. "Drishyam 2" also features actors Shriya Saran, Tabu, Rajat Kapoor, Ishita Dutta and Akshaye Khanna. The film is produced by <keyword id="24468" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="bhushan-kumar" source="Orion">Bhushan Kumar</keyword>, Kumar Mangat Pathak, Abhishek Pathak and Krishan Kumar. It is presented by Viacom18 Studios, T-Series and Panorama Studios. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/burma-burma-a-burmese-restaurant-chain-raises-over-2-million-in-seed-funding/articleshow/95878243.cms">Burma Burma, a Burmese restaurant chain, raises over $2 million in seed funding</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ndtv-scrip-hits-upper-circuit-after-prannoy-and-radhika-roy-resign/articleshow/95878524.cms">NDTV scrip hits upper circuit after Prannoy and Radhika Roy resign</a>

Ajay Devgn's Drishyam 2 crosses Rs 150 crore mark

<ul><li>The company said it is delivering more than 150,000 orders a month via the regional language versions of the <keyword id="830092" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="zomato" source="Orion">Zomato</keyword> app.</li><li>Bengali, Gujarati, <keyword id="6354291" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kannada" source="Orion">Kannada</keyword>, <keyword id="15618134" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="malayalam-punjabi-marathi-tamil-and-telugu" source="Orion">Malayalam, Punjabi, Marathi, Tamil and Telugu</keyword> is also being to place order on Zomato. </li><li>Zomato currently delivers food in more than 1,000 cities.</li></ul> Online food delivery platform Zomato on Friday announced it is now available in <keyword id="6357660" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="hindi" source="Orion">Hindi</keyword> and other widely spoken regional languages including Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Marathi, <keyword id="6356629" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="tamil" source="Orion">Tamil</keyword> and Telugu. The company said it is delivering more than 150,000 orders a month via the regional language versions of the Zomato app. "Hindi and Tamil contribute to 54 per cent and 11 per cent of these orders currently, respectively, and the rest are growing rapidly," said the company. Zomato currently delivers food in more than 1,000 cities. "While we are grateful for the positive sentiment, we recognise that we're just getting started. We will continuously work on improving the quality of our regional app to make them more accurate and contextual," said the food aggregator. The online food delivery platform consolidated net loss decreased to Rs 251 crore for the September quarter, against Rs 430 crore in net loss in the same quarter last year. The revenue went up to Rs 1,661 crore against Rs 1,024 crore in the year-ago period, a significant 62.2 per cent jump, the company had said in a statement. "This is the first quarter where we have crossed the billion dollar annualised revenue mark (at $1.05 billion)," said Zomato. Blinkit's Gross Order Value (GOV) grew 26 per cent quarter-on-quarter to Rs 14.82 billion while the revenue grew 44 per cent quarter-on-quarter. "Adjusted EBITDA loss in quick commerce reduced to Rs 2.59 billion from Rs 3.26 billion in the previous quarter (Q1FY23)," the company said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/forex-kitty-grows-for-2nd-consecutive-week-rises-2-54-bn-to-547-25-bn/articleshow/95767390.cms">Forex kitty grows for 2nd consecutive week; rises $2.54 bn to $547.25 bn</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/indian-trade-unions-to-join-global-protests-against-amazon-india/articleshow/95765696.cms">Indian trade unions to join global protests against Amazon India</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/ecommerce/news/black-friday-the-sales-scams-and-myths/articleshow/95764746.cms">Black Friday: The sales, scams and myths</a>

Zomato goes desi, now available in Hindi and 8 other regional languages

<ul><li>Number of Advertisers &amp; Brands in August’21 higher than the previous two years.</li><li>BFSI, E-Commerce &amp; Corporate Brand Image register exponential growth.</li></ul>Indian marketers and brands continue to place their trust in television once again as India kickstarted its <keyword id="36208" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="festive-season" source="Orion">festive season</keyword> for 2021. As per BARC India’s THINK report - August ’21 Ad Volume Analysis, August 2021 recorded the highest <keyword id="9064221" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ad-volumes" source="Orion">Ad Volumes</keyword> on TV since the second lockdown in April 2021 with 158 mn seconds. August 2021 saw 17% growth as compared to May 2021, 25% vs June 2021 and 9% vs July 2021. With 2803 active advertisers and 4415 active brands in the same month, there is a 23% growth over August 2019 and 19% growth over August 2020. “As we kickstarted India’s festive season with Onam, we have seen growth in Ad Volumes in <keyword id="2368104" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="malayalam-channels" source="Orion">Malayalam channels</keyword> for August 2021 compared to previous weeks and also compared to previous years. The number of advertisers and brands turning to television continued to increase with August 2021 recording the highest number of active brands and advertisers for the year. We continue to see a strong upward trend in the e-commerce category and a new category, Corporate and Brand Image, joining the Top 10 sectors. Bhojpuri language channels are recording strong growth with Ad Volumes being almost at par with Punjabi and Marathi language channels” said Aaditya Pathak, Head of Client Partnership &amp; Revenue, BARC India. Ad Volumes of the Top 10 advertisers grew by 29% while the next 40 saw 19% growth and the remainder, 22% growth in August 2021, versus the same period for 2019. FMCG continued to dominate with the highest share with 92.9 mn seconds of Ad Volumes and has grown by 22% over August 2019. With 4.4. mn seconds of Ad Volumes for Corporate and Brand Image, the sector witnessed a staggering growth of 570% over August 2019 where it had recorded 0.7 mn seconds. E-commerce and BFSI sectors grew by 109% and 110% in August 2021 versus August 2019. FMCG, E-commerce, Building, Industrial &amp; Land Materials/Equipments, Corporate and Brand Image and Auto, are the top 5 sectors to dominate by share. Ad volumes for Bhojpuri language channels grew by 113% in August 2021, recording the highest growth across languages over August 2019 followed by Punjabi with 47%, Marathi with 32% and Hindi and Tamil at 28% each. Hindi language channels however continue to dominate share with 49 mn seconds followed by Tamil and Telugu with 17 mn seconds and 13 mn seconds. Onam Week 2021 recorded 2.23 mn seconds of Ad Volumes, 13% higher than 2019. Ad Volumes during Onam Week 2021 for Malayalam Channels also increased by 22% compared to the previous 4 weeks, reaffirming a strong start to the festive season.

August 2021 witnessed the highest number of active advertisers and brands for 2021: BARC

(Eds: Adding details) New Delhi, Nov 25 () Malayalam feature "<keyword id="86993" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="jallikattu">Jallikattu</keyword>", directed by Lijo Jose Pellissery, has been selected as India's <keyword id="2158723" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="official-entry">official entry</keyword> for the <keyword id="10331246" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="international-feature-film-category">International Feature Film category</keyword> at the 93rd Academy Awards, the Film Federation of India (FFI) announced on Thursday. "Jallikattu", which was unanimously chosen from 27 entries across Hindi, Marathi and other languages, is about a tribe of men coming together to stop a bull that has run amok in their village. "There were a total of 27 films that had entered the race from Hindi, Malayalam and Marathi. The film which has been nominated by the jury to represent India at <keyword id="6376611" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="oscars">Oscars</keyword> is Malayalam film 'Jallikattu'. "It is a film that really brings out the raw problems which are there in human beings, that is we are worse than animals," filmmaker Rahul Rawail, Chairman, Jury Board, Film Federation of India, told reporters in an online press conference. The film, which derives its name from the popular-yet-controversial bull-taming event from the South, is based on a short story by Hareesh. It features actors Antony Varghese, Chemban Vinod Jose, Sabumon Abdusamad and Santhy Balachandran. Among the films that were considered by the jury included titles such as "Chhapaak", "Shakuntala Devi", "Chhalaang", "Gulabo Sitabo", "Eeb Allay Ooo!", "The Sky is Pink", "Bulbbul and internationally-celebrated feature "The Disciple". Calling Pellissery a "very competent director", known for several critically acclaimed films like "Angamaly Diaries" and "Ea Ma Yau", Rawail said "Jallikattu" is a production that country should be proud of. "The whole film talks about an animal that has run amok in a butcher's shop... The film has been depicted wonderfully and it has been shot very well. The emotion that comes out really moved all of us to have it selected," the chairman said. "Jallikattu" had its premiere on September 2019 at the Toronto International Film Festival and received widespread critical acclaim. The movie was particularly praised for Pellissery's spectacular directing effort, ably supported by Girish Gangadharan's cinematography and Renganaath Ravee's wild sound design work. Pellissery also won the best director trophy at the 50th International Film Festival of India last year. In 2019, Zoya Akhtar's "Gully Boy", starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt, was India's entry to the Oscars. RDS RB RB

Malayalam film 'Jallikattu' is India's official Oscar entry in international feature film category

Mumbai, June 22 2020: The curated streaming service MUBI has announced that it will be bringing over 200 new Indian films, including titles from acclaimed experimental director Amit Dutta to its <keyword id="7908455" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="MUBI-India">MUBI INDIA</keyword> channel starting next month. Partnerships with local distributors including AP International, FilmKaravan, GoQuest, Matra Publications, NFDC, Niv Arts, Shemaroo and Vista India will expand MUBI INDIA’s line-up of new and classic regional cinema to show more films in Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali, Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati and other languages to truly represent the diversity of filmmaker talent across India. A collaboration with one of India’s most prolific directors, Amit Dutta, will see the filmmaker’s acclaimed library of films start showing on MUBI in July. His award-winning work has previously been screened at festivals and cultural organisations worldwide, but has never been made widely available, making MUBI the first-ever platform to show his films online. The intoxicating NAINSUKH (2010) will start showing on July 18, followed by the world premiere of his latest film WITTGENSTEIN PLAYS CHESS WITH MARCEL DUCHAMP OR HOW NOT TO DO PHILOSOPHY (2020) on July 19. Additional selections include SAATVIN SAIR (2013), MUSEUM OF IMAGINATION (2012), and CHITRASHALA (2015). Other upcoming highlights will include a collection of Tamil films from AP International including, VAAZHKAI (A.V. Meiyappan, 1949), POKKIRI RAJA (S. P. Muthuraman,1982), ALAIPAYUTHEY (Mani Ratnam, 2000) and BOW BOW (S Pradeep Kilikar, 2019), as well as Malayalam films ADAMINTE MAKAN ABU (Salim Ahamed, 2011), and CITY OF GOD (Lijo Jose Pellissery, 2011). MUBI will also show Kabir Singh Chowdhry's MEHSAMPUR (2018) next month, and Shazia Iqbal's acclaimed short film BEBAAK (2019) in August. Sanal Kumar Sasidharan’s S DURGA (2017) from Niv Arts will also be coming to MUBI soon, along with three other features from the director including his debut film ORAALPPOKKAM (2014). Other highlights hand-picked by MUBI’s curators include PAKEEZAH (Kamal Amrohi, 1972) and AAKROSH (Govind Nihalani, 1980) from Shemaroo’s library, CELLULOID MAN (Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, 2012) from Vista India, AAKALER SANDHANE (Mrinal Sen, 1980) from GoQuest and MISS LOVELY (Ashim Ahluwalia, 2012) and I.D (Kamal K. M, 2012) from FilmKaravan. Svetlana Naudiyal, Director of Content for MUBI INDIA said: “One of our key goals is to consistently put a spotlight on the diversity of Indian Cinema—the multitude of narratives, forms, and languages. Showing Amit Dutta’s ingenious work on MUBI is a dream for us, and we’re incredibly excited to begin a special dedicated to his films next month. We are also thrilled to take a significant step in language diversity on MUBI INDIA with our upcoming long-term focus on Tamil and Malayalam cinema.” Recent highlights on MUBI INDIA include KUSH (Shubhashish Bhutiani, 2013), SIVAPURANAM (Arun Karthick, 2016) and GAMAK GHAR (Achal Mishra, 2019), which was the top viewed title on the film channel for five weeks running. In addition to working directly with many other independent filmmakers and studios, MUBI has previously signed deals with other major distribution partners in India including Sony Pictures Television India, Impact Films, PVR Pictures, and Ultra Media. MUBI also partnered with PVR Cinemas to launch its cinema-going initiative MUBI GO in India in November 2019. For further information please contact: press@mubi.com About MUBI MUBI is a curated streaming service. An ever-changing collection of hand-picked films. From new directors to award-winners. From everywhere on earth. Beautiful, interesting, incredible movies — a new one, every single day. Always chosen by us. MUBI is available to watch in 190 countries, and the films we pick are guided by local cultures and cinema. We are the world’s biggest community of film-lovers, with over 10 million members around the globe. You can stream or download all our movies, anytime. On any screen or device, anywhere. And you’ll never see a single ad on MUBI. Ever. Subscription plans are INR 499 a month or INR 4,788 for 12 months. MUBI is available on the web, Amazon Fire TV, Hisense, LG, Sony and Samsung Smart TVs, as well as on mobile devices including iPad, iPhone and Android. MUBI has offices in London, New York, Kuala Lumpur, and Mumbai. Disclaimer: Business Insider India and Mubi India both are partners in Times Bridge in India.

MUBI unveils huge selection of local language cinema coming to MUBI INDIA, including films in Tamil, Malayalam and Bengali

<ul><li>This is the first time a transsexual couple tied the knot, legally, in the Southern Indian State of <keyword id="28504" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kerala">Kerala</keyword>. </li><li>The couple tied the knot on Thursday under the country’s Special Marriages Act passed in 2014. </li><li>Kerala was the first to draw up a transgender policy in 2015.</li></ul> Weddings are always a happy occasion but <keyword id="27843" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="ishan">Ishan</keyword> and <keyword id="6363428" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Surya">Surya</keyword>’s wedding was particularly special because it marked the first time a transsexual couple tied the knot, legally, in the Southern Indian State of Kerala. Surya, 31, decked in a bright red saree, tied the knot with Ishan, 34 on Thursday under the country’s Special Marriages Act. This first-of-its-kind wedding was celebrated with much fanfare and was attended by many dignitaries, including some influential politicians. P <keyword id="7835" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rani">Rani</keyword>, a transgender activist, told the <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/kerala/kerala-s-maiden-trans-sexual-wedding-aims-to-show-the-path-ahead/story-CN5fixAbL6jwW07G9H55hM.html" data-type="tilCustomLink">Hindustan Times</a>, “Some years ago, we couldn’t have imagined such a function in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram.” She added, “Things are slowly changing and we have started getting some acceptance in the <keyword id="20980" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="society">society</keyword>. We hope this marriage will set the ball rolling.” In 2014, Surya, the bride, underwent sex change surgery and became a woman after which her family ousted her. Her husband, Ishan, being a Muslim, met with a similar, if not worse fate, when he underwent sex change surgery in 2015 to become a man. However, both families accepted their decision and were a part of the wedding celebrations that had over 1000 guests. The couple met each other while working at an NGO for the welfare of transsexuals. Ishan is a businessman and Surya is a well-known <keyword id="1925624" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Malayalam-TV">Malayalam TV</keyword> artiste and activist. Both the bride and groom are members of the government-appointed transgender justice board. “It is just the beginning. We will be a role model for others. We will show the world trans-sexual people can also lead a decent life like others. Society’s attitude is slowly changing,” the bride told the <keyword id="6518498" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="hindustan-times">Hindustan Times</keyword>. After the Indian Supreme Court decided to recognise "Third Gender" in 2014, the state of Kerala was the first to draw up a transgender policy, in 2015. This policy is aimed at upholding the transgender community's freedom from discrimination and right to equality.

A thousand people attended this transgender wedding in India

<keyword id="351195" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vanitha">Vanitha</keyword>, which is one of the most popular <keyword id="3502283" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Women-magazines">women magazines</keyword> in <keyword id="28504" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kerala">Kerala</keyword>, did something that has broken all the stereotypes about the state. 
 In its latest edition, the <keyword id="2191039" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Malayalam-magazine">Malayalam magazine</keyword> featured a <keyword id="6358953" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Transgender">transgender</keyword> on its <keyword id="27529" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cover-page">cover page</keyword>. Deepthi, who belongs to Guruvayoor, is the cover girl for the magazine, who in an interview narrated her sufferings and transformation when she came out to public. 
 
People in Kerala termed this as a significant shift and also became a popular thread on Reddit. 
 
On Reddit, people hailed the decision of the magazine, claiming this move in a conservative society will genuinely the address the concerns of the third gender. 
 
(Photo: Twitter)

This South Indian magazine's just broken all stereotypes and it's getting hailed on social media

<keyword id="234892" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mastek-Ltd-">Mastek Ltd.</keyword> saw trades of 20.77 lakh shares versus 1-week average of 89,60 shares, up 23 times. Stock up 20 percent to 216 rupees. <keyword id="403920" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Harrisons-Malayalam-Ltd-">Harrisons Malayalam Ltd.</keyword> saw trades of 10.68 lakh shares versus 1-week average of 89,350 shares, up 12 times. Stock jumped 11.5 percent to 62 rupees. <keyword id="89428" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Transport-Corporation">Transport Corporation</keyword> of India saw trades of 5.06 lakh shares versus 1-week average off 57,320 shares. Up 8.8 times. Stock up 8.3 percent to 307 rupees <keyword id="80005" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tata-Elxsi">Tata Elxsi</keyword> saw trades of 40.5 lakh shares versus 1-week average of 6.01 lakh shares, up 6.7 times. Stock surged 20 percent to 2,141 rupees. 
	 
	(Image credits: Indiatimes)

Mastek Ltd. stocks jumped 20 percent

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

You Searched For "malayalam" and got 14 results

Most Internet users avail of OTT services; 53% of them from rural areas: Report

PTI

Malayalam survival drama '2018:Everyone is a Hero' is India's official entry to Oscars

PTI

Legendary Malayalam actor Innocent – School dropout, cancer survivor, politician & more

Srishti Magan

We need to change the way we define hits, says ace Malayalam director Unnikrishnan B.

Srishti Magan

Rajinikanth issues public notice on infringement of rights, warns legal action

IANS

Ajay Devgn's Drishyam 2 crosses Rs 150 crore mark

PTI

Zomato goes desi, now available in Hindi and 8 other regional languages

IANS

August 2021 witnessed the highest number of active advertisers and brands for 2021: BARC

BI India Partner

Malayalam film 'Jallikattu' is India's official Oscar entry in international feature film category

PTI

MUBI unveils huge selection of local language cinema coming to MUBI INDIA, including films in Tamil, Malayalam and Bengali

BI India Bureau

A thousand people attended this transgender wedding in India

Kavita Majumdar

This South Indian magazine's just broken all stereotypes and it's getting hailed on social media

Akanksha Jain

Mastek Ltd. stocks jumped 20 percent

Shailendra Bhatnagar

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

Sanghamitra Mandal

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides