Tag: #india

#faith

Vailankanni’s Annual Feast Begins: A Spiritual Journey for Thousands of Devotees from Goa and Beyond

Tanisha Cardozo

The annual feast of Our Lady of Good Health in Vailankanni, Tamil Nadu, has begun, marking the start of 10 days of devotion, prayer, and celebration. This sacred event, which attracts thousands of faithful devotees from across India and the world, is especially significant for the many pilgrims who journey from Goa each year.

The festivities began with the traditional flag-hoisting ceremony, signaling the commencement of the religious celebrations. For the next nine days, the grounds of the Basilica will be filled with Novena prayers and Holy Masses as devotees come to seek blessings, express their gratitude, and strengthen their faith. Each year, pilgrims from all walks of life undertake this sacred journey, some traveling in large groups by packed trains, bound for Tamil Nadu. Among these are hundreds of devoted pilgrims from Goa, some of whom make this trip as part of a longstanding family tradition.

For Maria Fernandes, a pilgrim from Margao, the Vailankanni feast is more than just a religious event. “Coming to Vailankanni every year fills my heart with peace,” she says. “It’s not just about seeking blessings; it’s about feeling connected to Our Lady and sharing this faith with thousands of others.”

The Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health, often referred to as the “Lourdes of the East,” is renowned not only for its stunning architecture but also for the countless miracles reported by devotees. It has become a beacon of hope for those seeking healing, comfort, and divine intercession. The shrine is visited by pilgrims with a variety of petitions and thanksgiving offerings, each one seeking to deepen their connection with the divine.

The celebrations will culminate on September 8, with the Feast of the Nativity of Mary—one of the most significant days in the Marian liturgical calendar. On this day, special Holy Masses and solemn processions will take place, drawing even larger crowds to the Basilica. The streets of Vailankanni will come alive with prayers, hymns, and cultural programs, creating an atmosphere of devotion, unity, and joy.

Local authorities, along with church organizers, have made elaborate arrangements to accommodate the massive influx of devotees, ensuring smooth transportation, safety, and accommodation throughout the feast period. For the pilgrims, this annual journey is not just about visiting a holy place but about renewing their faith, seeking blessings for their loved ones, and experiencing a deep sense of community.

As the feast continues until September 8, the Basilica of Vailankanni remains a powerful symbol of unwavering faith, drawing people together in prayer and gratitude. Vailankanni’s place as one of Asia’s most revered Marian shrines is firmly established, and the celebrations this year only reinforce its enduring spiritual significance.

Fit & Fabulous

 Shantnu & Nikhil Debut All-Women’s Couture Showcase at Moscow Fashion Week 2025

Tanisha Cardozo

In a groundbreaking moment for Indian fashion, Shantnu & Nikhil made their debut at Moscow Fashion Week on September 1, 2025, presenting Armouré—their first-ever all-women’s couture collection. Known globally for revolutionizing Indian menswear couture, the designer duo now turns their attention to the modern woman with a fierce, unapologetically powerful showcase that blends Indian craftsmanship with red carpet glamour.

With over 25 years of owning their creative narrative, Shantnu & Nikhil have built a couture language rooted in India’s cultural legacy yet boldly contemporary. Their debut in Moscow—long seen as a cultural crossroads—marks not just an international showcase, but a global statement of intent. “Moscow represents a cultural crossroad, steeped in imperial legacy yet brimming with contemporary appetite for couture,” shared the designers. “Our debut here is more than a showcase; it is a statement of intent. Through this collection, we explore the paradox of the modern woman: sensual yet armoured, intimate yet resistant.“

The collection, titled Armouré, draws from the sensuality of 1930s fashion—an era when silhouettes oscillated between sculptural architecture and draped softness. With shimmering hand-applied embellishments, pearl-studded embroideries, metallic brocade, and cascading crystals, each piece evokes strength with elegance. The colour palette is as bold as its message—dominion reds, midnight blacks, liquid silvers, and opulent pearl tones.

Crafted for women who command attention on their own terms, Armouré lives at the intersection of glamour and power. From sculpted bodices to fluid capes, every design speaks to the layered identity of today’s woman—resilient, sensual, and self-possessed.

Shantnu & Nikhil also credit the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) for making this milestone possible. “The FDCI has played a pivotal role in shaping this cultural bridge between India and Russia, with Chairman Sunil Sethi championing the presence of Indian fashion and craftsmanship to a global audience,” the designers acknowledged.

Denis Alipov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to India, lauded the collaboration: “Their debut at Moscow Fashion Week marks a significant milestone in strengthening cultural ties between Russia and India. Through fashion, this collaboration celebrates national identity, craftsmanship, and the dynamic evolution of design, fostering dialogue within the global fashion community.“

Moscow Fashion Week, culminating on September 2, 2025, is also hosting the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, uniting industry leaders and innovators from over 65 countries to explore the future of fashion, sustainability, and global design conversations. Within this dynamic space, Armouré not only puts Indian couture on the map—it declares its power and place in the modern world.

National

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Arrives in India to a Grand Hero’s Welcome in Lucknow

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Indian Astronaut and test pilot Shubhanshu Shukla was welcomed in grandeur upon his return to India, following his successful space mission with the Axiom-4 crew. The streets of Lucknow came alive with celebrations as citizens gathered in large numbers to express their pride and admiration for the astronaut’s remarkable journey. The 39-year-old pilot, who represented India aboard the international space mission, received widespread love and praise, echoing through the heart of his hometown.

Shukla’s mission, launched on June 25, 2025, marked a historic moment for Indian spaceflight. Aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft named Grace, launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the Axiom-4 mission took off in collaboration with Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX. Alongside Shukla, the crew included Commander Peggy Whitson from the USA, and Mission Specialists Sławosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. This mission represented the first government-sponsored human spaceflight in over four decades for India, Poland, and Hungary.

Spanning approximately 18 days, the mission concluded with the spacecraft’s undocking on July 14, 2025. During their time aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the crew conducted over 60 groundbreaking scientific studies, exploring areas such as crop growth in space, the behavior of cyanobacteria in microgravity, and the physiological changes experienced by the human body during extended space travel. These experiments were not only critical for future space exploration but also contributed to expanding our understanding of human adaptation to space environments.

The return of Shubhanshu Shukla is more than a celebration of individual achievement—it is a symbol of India’s growing presence in international space endeavors. With the success of the Axiom-4 mission, India takes a proud step forward in global scientific advancement, and Shukla stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scientists and explorers across the nation.

As the city of Lucknow echoed with cheers, banners, and patriotic pride, it was clear that Shukla’s return marked a historic chapter not only in India’s space journey but also in the hearts of millions who look up to the stars with dreams of discovery.

Automobiles

India Accelerates Towards Green Mobility: PM Modi Flags Off Suzuki’s First Made-in-India EV for Global Markets

Tanisha Cardozo

India took a bold stride towards becoming a global hub for green mobility as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two landmark initiatives at the Suzuki Motor Plant in Hansalpur, Gujarat. The event marked a transformative moment in India’s green energy journey, reinforcing the government’s push for Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

At the center of this historic day was the launch of Suzuki’s first global strategic Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)—the e-VITARA—which will now be manufactured in India and exported to over 100 countries, including advanced markets like Europe and Japan. This development officially positions India as Suzuki’s global production hub for electric vehicles.

In a parallel breakthrough, PM Modi also launched domestic production of hybrid battery electrodes at the TDS Lithium-Ion Battery plant, a joint venture between Toshiba, Denso, and Suzuki. This step signifies a crucial shift in India’s EV supply chain dynamics, ensuring that over 80% of the battery value is now manufactured within the country.

PM Modi highlighted that what began over a decade ago, when land was first allotted to Maruti Suzuki in Gujarat, has now matured into a global export powerhouse. He emphasized that the new EV initiatives reflect both India’s engineering capacity and its growing importance in global value chains. He praised the late Osamu Suzuki’s vision and the expansion of India-Japan cooperation in manufacturing and innovation.

Acknowledging the broader significance of the developments, the Prime Minister noted that India is now exporting cars—and electric vehicles—back to Japan, a testament to India’s rising capabilities and global trust in its manufacturing standards. He stressed that companies like Suzuki are not just foreign investors, but brand ambassadors of India’s industrial transformation.

Further emphasizing clean mobility, PM Modi announced plans for hybrid ambulances, developed within just six months by Maruti Suzuki, as part of the ₹11,000 crore PM E-DRIVE scheme. These vehicles are set to modernize emergency services while aligning with India’s clean energy goals.

The Prime Minister also reaffirmed India’s dedication to building a strong domestic EV ecosystem. Until recently, India imported nearly all its EV batteries, but now, with the local production of hybrid battery components, the nation is moving quickly toward self-reliance. PM Modi noted that initiatives like the National Critical Mineral Mission, which will launch over 1,200 exploration campaigns, aim to secure rare earth minerals essential for EVs and semiconductors.

PM Modi credited sustained reforms over the past decade for the dramatic growth in manufacturing—electronics production has grown by 500%, mobile phone output by 2,700%, and defence production by over 200%. He emphasized that the focus on plug-and-play infrastructure, logistics parks, and PLI schemes have transformed India into a competitive industrial destination.

Highlighting the depth of India-Japan ties, PM Modi shared how Japan played a key role in the early editions of the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, and how personal efforts were made to ensure comfort and cultural integration for Japanese investors—from golf courses to cuisine. He announced that he would be visiting Japan next week, further reinforcing the strength of the bilateral relationship.

The Prime Minister concluded by calling on Indian states to compete in attracting global investors through reform-driven, pro-development policies. He expressed confidence that the initiatives launched today will lay the foundation for a developed India by 2047, with Japan continuing to be one of the country’s most trusted partners on that journey.

Also present at the ceremony were Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Japan’s Ambassador to India H.E. Mr. Ono Keiichi, and senior executives from Suzuki Motor Corporation.

National

India Approves Bid to Host 2030 Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad

Tanisha Cardozo

India has officially entered the race to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, with Ahmedabad named as the proposed host city. On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the bid, describing Ahmedabad as the “ideal” venue due to its world-class sporting infrastructure, advanced training facilities, and deep-rooted sporting culture.

The decision follows the Indian Olympic Association’s nod earlier this month, after an ‘Expression of Interest’ was submitted in March. The bid will be formally submitted before the August 31 deadline, with the final decision to be made at the Commonwealth Sport General Assembly in Glasgow this November. With Canada exiting the race due to financial constraints, India’s prospects appear brighter.

Ahmedabad boasts the Narendra Modi Stadium—the largest stadium in the world—which recently hosted the 2023 ICC World Cup Final. The under-construction Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave is also set to play a crucial role, offering an aquatics centre, a football stadium, and multi-sport indoor arenas. The Games are seen as a stepping stone toward India’s larger ambition of hosting the 2036 Olympics, with Ahmedabad again seen as a frontrunner.

Beyond showcasing India’s sporting excellence, the bid has been positioned as a catalyst for economic growth. Hosting the CWG is expected to boost tourism, generate local jobs, and promote sports as a viable career path. The government also anticipates large-scale employment opportunities across event management, media, broadcasting, logistics, and more.

India last hosted the Commonwealth Games in 2010. If successful, the 2030 edition will not only include all major disciplines but also bring back medal-heavy sports like shooting and wrestling—disciplines removed from the upcoming 2026 Games in Glasgow. The Indian Olympic Association also aims to promote traditional sports such as kabaddi and kho kho, making the event a culturally rich and competitive showcase.

As the nation awaits the final decision, the bid stands as a testament to India’s rising influence in global sports and its readiness to deliver events on an international scale.