Raipur, CGNews: Various religious functions will be held to mark the ‘Mandalapooja’ till December 27 and also on January 14, of ‘Makrasankranti’ by Shree Narayana Sandesh Samiti, Raipur. Common kitchen has been organised on all Saturdays until January 14, 2008. On Decemeber 27, at 4.00 am, ‘Ganapathi homam’ (Ganapati pooja) would be organised followed by ‘Nerakattil’ by the devotees (Swamis).

50 devotees of Shankar Nagar Raipur would walk bare foot for Ayyappa Darshanam after climbing the eighteen holy steps on Dec 27.

The Sabarimala Ayyappa temple preaches the principle of Tat Tvam Asi . The temple is unique in all India, in that there is no distinction of caste or religion in determining who can enter it. Non-Hindus are equally welcome. Every year according to the government statistics, at least 5 crore devotees come to visit Ayyappan in Sabarimala and it provides ten thousand crores of rupees to the state.

A strong liking for sweets is a common factor of all Hindu Gods and Ayyappa is no exception. Appam and Aravana (Payasam made of rice, ghee and jaggery) are the prasadams of the Lord. There is an interesting story behind these prasadams also. The Raja of Pandalam admitted Ayyappa to a famous Kalari (gymnasium where traditional martial arts of Kalaripayattu is taught) at Cheerappanchira in Cherthala in Alappuzha district. The young daughter, Leela, of Kalari Panicker fell in love with Ayyappa. But Ayyappa was so involved in his studies that he didn't notice the girl's infatuation. It’s also believed that she later became Maalikapurathamma who was dejected when Lord Ayyappa refused her marriage proposal, after offering her a seat in Saram kuthi near Sabari Mala Devasthanam.

Raipur, CGnews: Chhattisgarh incharge and secreatary Bharatiya Janta Party Dharmendra Pradhan on addressing to party legislatures at Akatam Parishar (BJP Office) said congress govt in central has infringe upon the powers of this mineral rich state in case of mining lease allocation. UPA govt is not impartial in nature.

On addressing to the mediapersons Dharmendra Pradhan state incharge said that the UPA Government is proposing to give direct mining licence without getting and asking the concerned states. Manmohan government is trying to reduce legitimative power of the state. He alleged the central government regarding policies in Tribal Land Rights Act and stepmothely attitude toward the states farmers. Chief Minister Dr. Raman Singh and State President BJP Vishnudev Sai were also presents during that occassion.