photogallery.malayalam.samayam.comInteresting photogallery from Malayalam Samayam en-us2015 Times Internet Limited.http://syndication.indiatimes.com/http://images.photogallery.indiatimes.com/photo.cms?msid=48053890http://photogallery.malayalam.samayam.comSun, 29 Jun 2025 21:39:24 +0530http://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/111515540.cmsMumbai, 2nd July 2024: The Ambani family, known for their philanthropic values, initiated the wedding festivities for Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant with a 'Samuh Vivah' (Mass Wedding) for over 50 underprivileged couples from Palghar, about 100km from Mumbai. The event, held at Reliance Corporate Park, was attended by nearly 800 guests, including the couples' families. Upholding the principle' Manav seva hi Madhav seva' – 'Service to humanity is service to God,' the Ambanis have a tradition of starting significant family occasions with acts of service, a tradition that was once again upheld on this joyous occasion. Smt. Nita Ambani, Shri Mukesh Ambani, and their family extended heartfelt wishes to the couple. Each couple received gold ornaments, including Mangalsutra, wedding rings, nose rings, and silver ornaments like toe rings and anklets. Brides were gifted a cheque of Rs. 1.01 Lakh as 'streedhan.' Additionally, couples received household items for a year, including 36 essential items, appliances, and bedding. The event was not just about the wedding, but also a celebration of Indian culture. The grand dinner and the traditional Tarpa Dance by the Warli Tribe added a layer of cultural richness to the event. The Ambani family's initiative celebrated the couples' unions and highlighted their commitment to social welfare, sharing joy and seeking blessings from the larger community.Fri, 05 Jul 2024 17:05:27 +0530http://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/110094085.cmsDespite the string of soggy weekends in the San Francisco Bay Area in April, the last Sunday of the month saw Basant springing out in colourful confetti at the gracious home of Trishla Jain and Satyan Gajwani. It was a veritable joy factory as West Coast’s best and brightest of all ages gathered to celebrate Holi, in essence and spirit, with nach-gaana, mazaa-masti and, of course, the chatpata chaat delights that go with it. Spanning three generations and staying true to the beliefs held dear by the hosts, the 350 invitees had something unique in common. They were united by the quality of their hearts rather than the conventional totems of Silicon Valley suitability. As Aditya Agarwal, their friend and founder of South Park Commons, put it, “There are quite a few Holi events in the Bay Area, but it’s hard to capture the real essence of Holi as it is celebrated in India. Trishla and Satyan do it better than anyone else.” Reimagining the choreographed chaos of the family’s epic annual New Delhi Holi parties in the heart of Silicon Valley had its challenges and charm. But they pulled it off, for the third time, with panache. Amid fun, flowers and multi-hued confetti galore, the eclectic gathering saw legends and young turks, power-listers and thought leaders bonding over desi beats and treats while artsy DIY crafts kept the kids in the Holi spirit too. As Aarthi Belani, M&A partner, Baker McKenzie, pointed out, “Designer Ingrid Fetell Lee talks about how colour, in a very primal way, is a sign of life, of energy and abundance. And how we also respond to round objects – probably because sharp angles are more likely to signal danger. So we are hard wired to feel joy upon seeing an abundance of confetti.” Needless to add, even days after the party, she is finding confetti on herself. On that joyful, gloriously sunny Sunday afternoon, the DJ kept the grownups jiving to and singing along classic Bollywood numbers, as well as hits from Michael Jackson to Ed Sheeran. The children decorated fresh potted marigolds, applied hot press stickers to pencil bags and bucket hats, decorated Holi cookies with rainbow icing, and created jewellery with dried flowers, acrylic moulds and resin. Guests were served thaals of lip-smacking street food and pakoras just like at the Holi parties thrown by the Jain family back in the day in New Delhi. But the biggest hit was the shaved-ice truck serving supercool spring drizzles ranging from passionfruit to cotton candy. Colour, confetti, chaat, chuski, it was a helluva fun party at Trishla and Satyan’s, the most joyful start ever to spring in the Bay Area for sure. Kashmira Love, Montessori expert and master teacher, observed that the spring celebration had “a positive energy that we need so badly right now." She added: "The high vibrations are what parents and children need to make the world a happier and better place.” No wonder one guest commented, confetti-on-cheek, “Holi and Diwali are so much better than Christmas. Should I write to Santa and let him know?”Tue, 14 May 2024 00:41:42 +0530http://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/108872718.cmsDeciding the winner: 8 participants, 3 rounds, 3 topicsFri, 29 Mar 2024 14:05:28 +0530http://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/104010888.cmsGanesh Chaturthi is a ten-day festival celebrated with great enthusiasm across India, especially in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka. The festival, dedicated to Lord Ganesh, who is known as the remover of obstacles and the god of new beginnings, is ending on September 28 this year. Families and communities bring home an idol of Lord Ganesh and worship it for the entire duration of the festival, or sometimes just for part of it. The culmination of the festival is marked by immersing the idol in water, a ritual called Ganesh Visarjan. This day of farewell is also known as Anant Chaturdashi. Regardless of the different regional customs, the essence of the festival remains the same. During the Visarjan, devotees say goodbye to their beloved deity, asking him to return soon the next year. Traditional sweets like modak and motichoor laddu are also made and distributed during the festival as prasad, or offerings. Overall, the festival is a blend of devotion, cultural traditions, and familial togetherness.Thu, 28 Sep 2023 13:28:37 +0530AFPhttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/103802965.cmsGanesh Chaturthi is being celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour across the nation to honour Lord Ganesha, son of Lord Shiva and Parvati. The 10-day festival started on Tuesday, ushering in a wave of excitement and devotion that has captivated hearts across India. Social media platforms are abuzz with pictures and videos showcasing the artistry of theme-based pandals, each one distinguished by its unique and creative designs. One of the most sought-after themes this year is Chandrayaan-3, India’s successful mission to the moon. Some other unique pandals included chocolate Ganesha, eco-friendly Ganpati Bappa and several others. The pandals have become the centre of attraction for visitors, especially for children. Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated every year with great fervour, with thousands of devotees thronging temples and pandals for the darshan of the Lord Ganesha. The festival ends with elaborate immersion processions on Anant Chaturdashi, 10 days from the start of Ganesh Chaturthi. Wed, 20 Sep 2023 12:28:29 +0530BCCLhttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/103460450.cmsMany Hindus around the world celebrated Krishna Janmashtami, the birthday of the Hindu god Krishna. This year, Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated for two consecutive days i.e. September 06 and 07, 2023. The birth celebrations occur on the eighth day after the full moon in the month of Bhadrapada, or during August-September; in some parts of southern India the celebrations are held during the fifth lunar month of Shravana, which is in July-August. In Sanskrit, Krishna means “dark” or “black,” and like the deity Vishnu with whom he is associated, Krishna is often depicted as dark-skinned. He is identified as the eighth avatar, or incarnation, of the deity Vishnu in many texts, while other sources identify Krishna as the highest divine being. He is especially loved for his divine attributes of compassion, protection and friendship. The observance of Krishna Janmashtami has moved far beyond its place of origin in Krishna’s homeland of Vrindavan, in north-central India, where Krishna is said to have been raised. Today, in the global community of about 1.2 billion Hindus, Krishna Janmashtami is considered an important holiday among all lineages and traditions. On the first day of the celebration of Krishna Janmashtami, activities culminate in a “Krishna puja,” a devotional form of worship using a form or an image, such as an idol of Krishna. After midnight, statues of Krishna are bathed in milk and water, dressed in new clothes and venerated in homes and temples. Devotees enjoy a celebratory meal after breaking the daylong fast. In addition to fasting during the holiday, Krishna’s devotees sing songs called “bhajans,” or “kirtans,” dedicated to Krishna, reenact episodes from mythology about his life, known as “Krishna Lilas,” and perform folk dances, or “garbhas.” In northern India, Krishna Janmashtami is followed the next day by a raucous and spirited event called “Dahi Handi,” loosely translated as “curds in an earthen pot.” Young men and boys imitate the childish pranks of “Makhan Chor,” an epithet given to Krishna in his beloved form during his childhood as a “butter thief.” Folklore is full of stories about Krishna and his childhood friends stealing sweetened butter from the village gopis, or cow herdesses. To engage in the reenactment, a pot of sweetened butter and curds is suspended in midair, while teenage boys dressed as cowherds form human pyramids, climbing on each other’s backs to reach and break the pot, sharing the sweet yogurt within. Janmashtami is being celebrated across the country with full fervour. Several lord Krishna temples were decked up to celebrate the occasion with religious fervour, pomp and fanfare. The temples were decorated with lights as well as flowers.Thu, 07 Sep 2023 12:35:59 +0530BCCLhttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/103250424.cmsBasking in sunshine for its concluding day, this year's Notting Hill Carnival witnessed an explosion of colour, jubilant smiles, and spirited dancing, particularly during Saturday's Children’s Day Parade that meandered through W10. Described by organisers as "the planet's most exceptional community-led event," the children’s parade was hailed as a pure delight, showcasing the younger generation proudly taking up the carnival's legacy in their intricately designed costumes. A poignant moment unfolded at 3pm when a 72-second silence was observed, honouring the 72 lives lost in the 2017 Grenfell Tower tragedy, located nearby in North Kensington. As the weekend festivities continue, over two million individuals are expected to participate, commemorating two significant milestones in its history. This year marks 75 years since the Empire Windrush docked, symbolising the beginning of post-war Caribbean migration to Britain, and 50 years since the introduction of sound systems to the parade, a technological enhancement that revolutionised the event's auditory experience. As Europe’s largest street celebration, the Notting Hill Carnival remains an instrumental platform for honouring and rejoicing in Caribbean culture and history.Thu, 31 Aug 2023 17:56:45 +0530Reutershttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/102179604.cmsA Muslim pilgrim prays during a visit to Mount Al-Noor, where Muslims believe Prophet Mohammad received the first words of the Koran through Gabriel in the Hira cave in the holy city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia.Fri, 28 Jul 2023 14:55:34 +0530Reutershttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/102075663.cmsPeople wear ‘Star Wars’ costumes as they attend Comic-Con International in San Diego, California, US on July 21, 2023. Mon, 24 Jul 2023 14:21:02 +0530Reutershttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/102021270.cmsFans of Barbie have a unique opportunity to rent the Malibu DreamHouse of the iconic doll, available on the homestays portal. Not only will they experience the fabulous life of Barbie, but they can also choose to stay in Ken's room for two separate overnight stays. The recent renovation of the DreamHouse highlights the signature Barbie pink aesthetic. Guests are invited to delve into Ken's extensive wardrobe, engage in line dancing on the alfresco disco deck, and join a friendly "beach off" contest near the infinity pool. Visitors will also receive an exclusive set of yellow-and-pink Impala skates and surfboards, souvenirs from "the Kendom". "Everyone has dreams, and Barbie's lucky to have a house full of them. But now, it's my turn, and I can't wait to welcome guests in this unique - one could even say, one-of-a-Ken – residence," Ken stated in a press release. The date of July 21 was selected to celebrate the release of Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" movie, featuring stars like Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrara, Kate McKinnon, Issa Rae, Rhea Perlman and Will Ferrell.Fri, 28 Jul 2023 09:26:26 +0530Reutershttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/100120264.cmsRussian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu drives an Aurus cabriolet during a military parade on Victory Day, which marks the 78th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in Red Square in central Moscow, Russia.Wed, 10 May 2023 10:20:18 +0530Reutershttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/99490110.cmsIn a spectacular display of cultural pride and unity, over 11,300 dancers and drummers came together to perform the traditional Bihu dance, breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest Bihu dance ever performed. The event was held in the northeastern Indian state of Assam, where the Bihu festival is a cherished annual celebration of the region's rich cultural heritage. The performance, which took place on April 13th, 2023, featured dancers of all ages and backgrounds, dressed in vibrant traditional attire, moving to the beat of the dhol, taal, and other percussion instruments. The energy and enthusiasm of the performers were infectious, as they expertly executed the intricate footwork and hand movements that are characteristic of the Bihu dance. The event was organized by the Assam government, which had been planning it for several months. The goal was not only to set a new world record but also to showcase the unique cultural identity of the state and promote tourism. The event was a resounding success, drawing a large crowd of spectators and receiving widespread media coverage. After the performance, representatives from the Guinness World Records presented a certificate to the organizers, officially recognizing the achievement. The previous record for the largest Bihu dance was set in 2018, with 6,688 participants. Speaking at the event, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed his pride and joy at the success of the event, saying that it was a testament to the resilience and cultural richness of the people of Assam. He also thanked all the participants for their hard work and dedication in making the event a success. The record-breaking Bihu dance has brought much-needed attention to the region and its unique cultural heritage. It is hoped that this will lead to more people taking an interest in the traditions and customs of Assam, helping to preserve them for future generations. Fri, 14 Apr 2023 15:14:14 +0530APhttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/98324570.cmsWomen hit revellers with sticks as a traditional practice during the Lathmar Holi celebrations, the Hindu spring festival of colours, in Barsana village of Uttar Pradesh. Wed, 01 Mar 2023 10:23:31 +0530AFPhttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/98140829.cmsBianca Monteiro, Drum Queen of Portela samba school, performs during the second night of the carnival parade at the Sambadrome, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:55:07 +0530Reutershttp://photogallery.indiatimes.com/articleshow/98084386.cmsMembers of the team of orange throwers "I Tuchini del Borghetto" partake on February 19, 2023 in the traditional Battle of the Oranges event as part of the Carnival of Ivrea, near Turin. Mon, 20 Feb 2023 12:30:48 +0530AFP