Goa celebrates Ram Navami, devotees gather for special prayers in temples
Panaji (PTI): Devotees thronged temples across Goa on Thursday to celebrate Ram Navami, marking the birth of Lord Ram with special prayers, bhajans and festive rituals.
Goa Governor Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju extended greetings to the people, appealing to them to work together in promoting peace, harmony, and prosperity in society.
Hundreds of devotees gathered from early morning at the Shree Ramnath Temple in Ponda taluka, South Goa, which was decorated with colourful flowers and lights.
People attended the special puja conducted by priests and participated in traditional rituals.
At Shri Ram Devasthan Temple at Colvale in North Goa, devotees took part in the recitation of Ramayana, bhajan sessions and distribution of prasad.
Special prayers were also held at Shree Damodar Temple, located at Comba locality in Margao, South Goa.
The Goa governor in his message to the people said, "This sacred festival marks the birth of Lord Shri Ram, who symbolises righteousness, virtue, compassion, and ideal leadership. Lord Rama is also revered as 'Maryada Purushottam'."
The life of Lord Ram continues to inspire people to embody the values of truth, justice, humility, and devotion in their daily lives, he noted.
"On this joyous occasion, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of dharma and work together to promote peace, harmony, and prosperity in our society. May this festival bring happiness, good health, and well-being to all, and guide us on the path of righteousness," he added.
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Udhayanidhi accuses BJP of not releasing funds for TN
Gobichettipalayam (PTI): Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Saturday charged the BJP government at the Centre with not releasing funds to the state and accused it of "snatching" TN's rights.
Addressing a poll rally at Gobichettipalayam in the western Erode district, the DMK youth wing chief claimed the Centre has not released funds to the tune of Rs 3,000 crore for education.
"They (union government) have snatched all our rights," he charged.
With regard to the Centre's proposal for delimitation, he said chief minister M K Stalin was the first person in the country to raise the voice against the union government's move. He claimed that it was a "huge victory" for the INDIA alliance, as the bill was defeated for lack of majority after the opposition voted against it in the Lok Sabha.
Listing out various welfare measures implemented by the DMK government, he said the existing "Kalaignar Magalir Urimai Thogai" (monthly financial assistance for women) will be doubled to Rs 2,000 if DMK was voted to power again.
The deputy chief minister charged that the BJP and AIADMK have tried to stall it by moving the court. "At present more than 1.3 crore women have benefited from the scheme", he said.
"Similarly, the breakfast scheme for the government school students will be extended till Class VIII", he said adding "more than 35 lakh college students across the state will be getting free laptops once the DMK government is formed".
Udhayanidhi also pointed out at the "Illatharasi" poll promise, providing Rs 8,000 worth of coupons to non-income tax paying women where they could buy or replace any household appliances of their choice.
Elections to 234 Assembly seats in Tamil Nadu will be held on April 23 and the results declared on May 4 following counting of polled votes.
