Mangaluru, May 20: Congress leaders and party cadre in coastal Karnataka celebrated its government formation in the state after the swearing-in of Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister and D K Shivakumar as Deputy Chief Minister on Saturday.

Congress workers set off crackers and distributed sweets in front of the Congress Bhavan at Mallikatte in Mangaluru. Former minister Abhayachandra Jain, party leaders Naveen D'Souza, Sabitha Misquith, Shahul Hameed, Ibrahim Kodijal, and Shubodaya Alva were among those present.

In Udupi also, party workers expressed their joy by bursting crackers and distributing sweets. Udupi block Congress president Ramesh Kanchan, Krishnamurthi Acharya, Bhasker Rao Kidiyoor and others were present.

A group of lawyers in the city, who are admirers of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, also distributed ice cream to colleagues expressing happiness over the formation of the Congress government in Karnataka.

The swearing-in ceremony took place in Bengaluru exactly a week after the Congress scored a thumping victory in the Assembly polls by winning 135 seats in the 224-member House.

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Prayagraj: In a unique blend of tradition and technology, Deepak Goel from Prayagraj has introduced a 'digital photo snan' service at the Maha Kumbh for Rs 1,100. The service allows people who cannot physically attend the festival to symbolically cleanse their sins.

In a viral social media video, Goel is seen requesting customers to send their photos via WhatsApp. He then prints the images and dips them in the sacred Sangam waters, promising to complete the ritual within 24 hours. This digital innovation offers a convenient alternative for those unable to travel.

Reactions on social media have been mixed. While some users have found humor in the concept, others view it as a mockery of faith. One user quipped, “Should we also send a list of sins to wash off?” while another joked, “What if the photo drowns—will I still survive?”

Despite the controversy, Goel’s service is being seen as a creative, albeit unconventional, way of participating in the centuries-old ritual from afar.