Hidesign unveils flagship store in Pondicherry

Global brand Hidesign has opened a flagship store in Pondicherry. Located at Jawaharlal Nehru Street, the store covers an area of 4,000 sq.ft, making it one of India’s largest concept stores to be set up by a luxury brand.

The company said the new store “aims to curate some of the most significant milestones from Hidesign’s past through museum pieces strewn across the store”. These museum pieces include the first handbag ever designed by Hidesign.



The flagship store reveals the brand’s history through a timeline displayed in the travel section on Level 3 of the store and a collage of its advertisement campaigns showcased on Level 2. Also, aptly displayed on the pillars across the four levels of the store are pictures of the ‘People of Hidesign’ – individuals who have helped build the brand – and the ‘Stores of Hidesign’ across the world.

The store will soon have an in-house café, which will offer wine and cheese platters with local flavours, among other things, the company said.

Founded by Dilip Kapur in 1978, Hidesign is a lifestyle group. Recently, the group extended its concept of lifestyle by opening two luxury boutique hotels – Le Dupleix and Promenade – in Pondicherry.

17th International yoga festival opened on Jan05

The annual yoga festival has entered into a position of importance in the national calendar of tourism events, Lieutenant Governor Iqbal Singh has said.

Declaring open the 17th international yoga festival here on Tuesday, Mr. Singh said that the festival has become synonymous with Puducherry.

Complementing the Tourism Department for devising the concept of yoga festival and popularising the event, the Lieutenant Governor said performance by experts in yoga would help attract more people, especially youngsters to practice yoga.

“I am confident that apart from being a grand event, it would achieve the desired objective of promoting Puducherry as an ideal tourist destination on the map of national and international tourists,” he said.

Pointing out that yoga is “not a religion,” he said it is a way of living that aims at developing a healthy mind in a healthy body.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister V. Vaithilingam said the government was keen on promoting Puducherry on the international tourism map. Responding to a suggestion made by Rajya Sabha Member P. Kannan that yoga should be made compulsory in school curriculum, he said it could be made optional.

Others who attended the inaugural function included Members of the Legislative Assembly K. Lakshminarayan, S.P. Sivakumar and Chairperson of Puducherry Municipality B. Sridevi.

Source

Sania Mirza in Puducherry for a Commercial Shoot

Nowadays many times a day, I'm greatly happy to find our Puducherry in TV commercials or Films. Recently on August 5th Tennis sensation Sania Mirza spotted at Pondicherry for a Commercial Shoot. Below is the quick snap for those who missed to meet her in person.



It's so obvious that Puducherry has become a lucrative place not only for tourist from world wide but also for film industry who are in search of perfect spot for high-end low-budget shoot. Some of the advertisements that I have seen our beautiful city are RamRaj Cottons, Junior Horlicks, Yaaradi Nee Mogin (a film by Dhanush & Nayanthara) and Dishyum Dishyum (a film by Jeeva & Sandhya). Can you list any other TV commercials or Films shot in Puducherry?

Mile Stones of French Architecture

We all are familiar with the fact that our home town is popularly known as “Mini France”. It is because of the architectural design of our town. So it made me curious to search for the reasons that are behind this fact. So here are some interesting facts that make our city unique in the architectural design.
Pondicherry town in its earlier stage of development is said to have followed the pattern of bastide towns (Medival towns of South west France, bulit according to a geometrical plan) in France with a wall around the town and main gates (Madras Gate, Valudavur Gate) leading to the market. The rest of the area was divided into rectangular blocks on the same pattern of Montpazier in Southern France.

Another notable feature of Pondicherry is the “Quai” which is found in many french towns. Most of the french “Quais” are bulit along the rivers flowing through the town. In Pondicherrry, this has been achieved through the town. In Pondicherry, this has been achieved through the formation of two promenades called “Quai de Gingy” and “Quai de Ambour” on the either side of the grand canal both of which were once lined with shady trees.
The Place du Gouvernement in Pondicherry is a brilliant example of french planning squares. Although it cannot be compared to any of the squares in its scale, it still epitomises the basic principles of the classical French squares. Another important characteristic is that all the main public buliding are lined along this square. Thus, these are few of the notable architectural designs of our city and it make the city on par with France.

The Lighthouse Of Pondicherry

In the early days, the red hills about three kilometers north of the town and more than 30 meters above the sea-level, served as a guide to the sea farers approaching to the port of Pondicherry.

The lighthouse situated on the edge of the sea near “Place de Gouvernement” was lighted for the first time on 1st July 1836. The light was placed upon a masonry tower of 21 meters height, being 29 meters above the sea level. The light was visible to a distance of 29 kilometer. On 12th September 1931, the fixed light was replaced by revolving light of 1,000 watts. This light which turns full circle in 36 seconds could be seen form a distance on 28 miles marine.

The lighthouse started giving trouble and went out of order frequently causing a lot of inconvenience to ships and sea traffic. In an attempt to remedy the situation, the Government of India was requested to declare the Pondicherry Lighthouse as a general lighthouse. The administration also came forward to hand over the lighthouse administration to the Department of Lighthouses and Lightships. About the same time, the Government of India was also convinced of the need to replace the old light with a new one.

In 1970, the Department of Lighthouses and Lightships came forward to construct a new lighthouse at an estimated cost of Rs.14.41 lakhs. A site measuring 39 Ares was acquired for the purpose in the Kirapalaiyam village, a little south of the new post office. The Department of Lighthouses and Lightships also agreed to install an MF radio beacon at Pondicherry as an aid to navigate the site adjacent to the land acquired for the construction of the lighthouse. A site measuring 1 Ha was selected for the purpose and acquisition proceedings were initiated.

According to the Madras Almanac and Compendium of Intelligence, vessels which touched Pondicherry during the north-east monsoon were required to anchor in 10 to 11 fathoms of water, keeping the light fromW/1/4N.W.N.W. (The French fathom is equivalent to 5 feet 5 inches). During the SW monsoon vessels were required to anchor in 6 to 8 fathoms with the light house bearing 282 (T) distance 800 to 1,200 meters in 5 to 6 fathoms of water.

A red signal light was first installed on top of a mast at the terminus of the old pier on 22 May 1881 in order to help sea-farers to locate the anchorage and landing spots. A green signal was put up on the same mast. On 28 May 1915 the red light was replaced by an electric bulb which could be seen from a distance of 2.5 kilometer. Whenever the sea was rough, landing operation used to be suspended. The new pier is also provided with a red signal light.

Interesting Facts on Auroville

Auroville, the spiritual city, was the Mother’s greatest vision. This article takes a tour on the interesting facts on the spiritual city. It gives a bird’s eye view on the various stages that the city underwent during its culmination and construction.

The chief architect, Mr. Roger Anger (one of the foremost modern architects of France) put it, “we are building man, not just a city. Auroville wants to be new creation, expressing new consciousness in a new way and by new methods”. He said further, “we are already amid interesting experiments at the socio-economic level. Auroville is not to introduce the worn out labor-employer system. All are collaborators and all will be provided with facilities according to the peculiarity of needs. The residential houses are being financed by individuals, but they have agreed that the houses will belong to the community”.

The UNESCO has passed three resolutions supporting Auroville, unanimously, in 1966, 1968 and the latest being at it’s Paris session held during October-November 1970, wherein it requested the director general to take such steps as may be feasible within the budgetary provisions, to promote the development of Auroville as an important international cultural program.

Then by July 1974, there were about 300 voluntary workers on the Auroville site, representing India, France, USA, UK, Germany, Holland, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Sweden, Belgium, Africa, Mexico, Tunisia, New Zealand and Malaysia.

The Aurovillians live in communities in temporary houses according to their work and inclinations. One of the communities name “aspiration” is about to enlarge in to an advanced colony accommodating 200 inmates. Research is underway to improve the quality of the soil by using organic fertilizer and organic pesticides.

The school in the Auroville is a bold experiment of adventure of ideas. East and west meet here spontaneously; the local children read and play with those of the westerners, in complete ignorance of the so called racial differences. When the Auroville was started, there was no guarantee of the financial support. But the organizers had an undaunted faith in the goodwill of humanity and they knew that help would be forth coming sooner or later. Thus the Spiritual city was infrastructured to make the Mother’s dream true.

Beautiful Botanical Garden and Its Architect

Botanical garden is one of the famous landmarks of Pondicherry. It plays a remarkable role in our history. This post describes some of the important features and also the architect who was responsible for the infrastructure and growth of the beautiful garden.

According to the old maps of Pondicherry drawn in 1705 and later, there were several gardens in and around the town. However it is difficult to say when exactly the present Botanical Garden was furnished. But it was definitely there in 1825 when the Ministere de la marine authorized the administration to promote the cultivation of sugarcane and indigo by utilizing its surplus revenue. The decision taken at 26th June 1827, Jardin du Roi (French name of Botanical Garden), was placed under the care of Belanger, Botaniste Directour, Jardin du Roi. Subsequently it came to be known as Jardin Colonial.

In 1835, Botanist Perrottet (Swiss by birth, but later became a French national) took charge of the garden. In a very short period of 4 ½ years, many new varieties of plants along with tobacco, cotton, sugarcane and mulberry were planted in the garden. The Annuaire of 1842 cites that the garden was provided with the pathways and an elliptical pond. The garden also consisted of plant house in the south west and a circular pond was erected at the center. The botanist brought many plants from the gardens of Calcutta, Ceylon and Madras in the exchange basis. He went to Shevroy hills, in person, and got many new varieties of plants.

He started the cultivation of vanilla plants in the year of 1850. Perrottet also started to develop a silk worm nursery by the year 1853. The catalogue prepared by the botanist in the year 1867 says that the garden housed up to 500 varieties of plants. In 1861, it appears to be two gardens, Jardin Colonial (founded in 1827) and the other one was Jardin de Acclimation (founded in 1861). The second one was developed as fruit and vegetable garden. An artisan well was constructed in the 1879. The garden hosted around 60 new species of plants, 250 species of trees and shrubs along with 200 varieties of herbaceous plants. Thus this article describes some of the historic points regarding the great landmark of our town.

Museums of Pondicherry

Pondicherry has got so much of historical treasures in it. Are you people interested in knowing it? Then this stuff is your cup of tea. Get into this article to know the various museums that are situated at our home town.

The Historical and Archaeological Museum, Pondicherry:
Many excavations were carried out at Arikamedu by Jouveau Dubreuie and Brother Faucheux between 1936 and 1940. Some of their interesting findings like shreds of pottery, baked clay, intaglio, etc. came to be preserved. The historical and archaeological museum as such came to be formed only by the virtue of the governor’s decision of 16th December 1942. This museum was placed under the care of Conservateur de la Bibliotheque. The order for the acceptance of donations and exchange of articles was also passed.


All the matters regarding the transfer and the inclusion of the new items were taken in consultation with Brother Faucheux. To this collection were added some of the findings of R.F.M. Wheeler, the then Director General of Archaeology in India, who carried out further excavations in Arikamedu between April and June 1945. The findings of the Suttukeni were handed over to the administration by 31st march 1958. A 13 member advisory committee was also appointed by February 1976.

Geological Museum, Tattanchavadi:
According to the decision of Government of India, the Geological museum was set up by 28th February 1972 at Tattanchavadi. The museum encloses over 500 specimens which consists of 250 minerals, 200 rocks 10 fossils and 50 industrial products.

Aquarium cum Museum:
The directories of fisheries maintained for some years a fresh water aquarium cum museum within the campus of the Botanical garden. In 1972, the aquarium was transferred to the control of Directorate of Education. It now forms an adjunct of Jawahar Bal Bavan. It will be of interest to note that there are three regional aquarium cum museums attached to the offices of the inspectors of fisheries at Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam.

The Mother and Her Spiritual Guide Sri Aurobindo

Our union territory has got deep roots of spiritualism in its soil. The Aurobindo ashram marks the peak of the spiritualism in the city. The ashram was established by Sri Aurobindo and his most nearest spiritual disciple Mother. This article throws light upon the spiritual relationship between Mother and Sri Aurobindo along with few facts of Mother’s early life.

Mother’s name is Mira Alfassa and she was born in Paris on 21st February 1878. She was a child with a difference. She used to spontaneously meditate while she was very young and was conscious that she had a special mission on the earth. In her vision she used to see a spiritual guide. Herself being a profound genius, she had made a sketch of her spiritual guide. In 1914 when she saw Sri Aurobindo, she at once realized that it is whom she used to see in her vision. Mother spent few years in Algeria, exploring occult truths under the guidance of a couple: Theon, a polish adept and his French wife.

M. Paul Richard, Mother’s husband had visited Pondicherry soon after Sri Aurobindo’s arrival here and had been so deeply moved by him that he spoke to the audience in Japan soon thereafter. In 1914, the Mother, accompanied by her husband, came to Pondicherry and met Sri Aurobindo on 29th march. She at once realized that Sri Aurobindo was her spiritual collaborator. The Mother had to return to France due to exigencies of the First World War, in 1915, on 22 February. For the first time her birthday was celebrated in Pondicherry on the day before her departure i.e on 21 February.

Before she left her body, she launched Arya, a philosophical review. The first issue appeared on Sri Aurobindo’s birthday on 15th August 1914. It had French edition too, which was named as, Revue de la Grande Synthe’se. The French edition could not continue for long due to the First World War. The Arya serialized the major works of Sri Aurobindo and it continued till 1920. Thus, these are the most important facts that mark the start of the spiritual relationship between the Mother and the Aurobindo.

The Destruction of Ousteri Lake

Motor launch on Ousteri Lake

The boat ride was idyllic - the new motor quiet, the winds calm, the lake beautiful. It would have been a perfect day, unless you knew what I now know.

Ousteri (or Oussudu) Lake is the largest lake in Pondicherry, located approximately 12 miles west of the town. For over a decade, environmentalists have tried to get the lake protected as a sanctuary, to no avail. The Bombay Natural History Society, a member of Birdlife International, has designated Ousteri an Important Bird Area (IBA) of India - over 20,000 birds belonging to over 40 species used to reside or winter at Ousteri. The Asian Wetland Bureau declared Ousteri one of 93 significant wetlands in Asia; and many of the birds recorded at Ousteri, including Spot-billed pelicans, Eurasian Spoonbills, Darters, Painted Storks, and Black-headed (or White) Ibis, are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. This lake was one of the largest breeding sites for the Common Coot in South India, and many of the resident birds, such as the Purple Moorhen and Little Grebe, nested amidst floating vegetation present in the lake.

Paddle boat on Ousteri Lake

When boating was first contemplated by the Pondicherry Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC - a Government undertaking) about 10 years ago, professors and students at the Salim Ali School of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, NGOs and concerned citizens protested - nesting birds would be disturbed and may not breed. At that time, the Tourism Department compromised to allow only paddle and row boats in a specified area, cordoned off by buoys. At some point, the buoys were taken out, allowing paddle and row boaters complete access to the lake. And a couple of weeks ago, PTDC began its motorized launch and boat service. For Rs. 50 (approximately US$1.28), you could ride either the launch, which seats 35 passengers and a crew of 5 comfortably, or an eight passenger boat.

The launch takes picnicking passengers (who more often than not, throw their plastic and other wastes into the water) around a small island and skirts the opposite shore for 45 minutes before coming back to dock. Sadly, there were very few birds in sight. A few egrets, a handful of individuals of a couple of species of ducks and some pond herons - all of which scattered at the approach of the launch. Certainly not the thousands of ducks that people who have been coming to the lake for 30 years remember. One resident of the lake, who participates in the two annual surveys of birds (the Salim Ali Bird Count held in November and the waterfowl count for Wetlands International in January), reports that 2 species of waterfowl no longer nest in Ousteri. Large birds are poached, and illegal gill nets cause the deaths of diving birds (particularly Little Grebe or Dabchicks) captured in the nets.

Then there is the pollution: raw sewage runs into the lake, untreated; household and industrial wastes are dumped either near the lake or in the dry lake bed in summer. (Local villagers living near the lake have not used the water in the lake for over a year and a half - they say it is not clean.) And the illegal soil and pebble mining: canyons of red soil have been illegally taken out of the area surrounding the lake to feed the construction of institutions, industries and residential colonies springing up in what was recently agricultural land surrounding the town of Pondicherry.

One of the “weed scrapers”

On top of all this, the lake is shrinking due to siltation, being choked with weeds, and losing its feeder channels due to industrial development in the catchment area. (The launch employs two men to scrape the aquatic weeds off the motor with large sticks, and every once in a while, the boat slowed and motor struggled as weeds overpowered the blades.)

Bird watching tower at Ousteri

Two lone towers that were built for bird watching before the change in tourism policy stand unused on the shore. And the huge sign board that listed the types of birds seen at Ousteri has been taken down.

Post Credit: Yoomilee

Candyman’s Great Bombay Circus ends on June 16

Puducherrians are exposed to a new kind of entertainment by Great Bombay Circus since March 21, 2008. Instead of strolling beside beach and Goubert street, grown ups and little kids gather with great joy in the ticket counter of the circus.

Great Bombay circus, which has 61 years of experience, is staged at AFT ground, Puducherry. This circus troop comprises of 300 circus artists including 30 men and 60 women. Artists from various countries like Russia, China, and other states of India have mesmerized the audience with their outstanding breath taking performances. Especially Chinese candle dance is a treat to eyes apart from a group of animals thrilling kids.

You can watch the performance in 3 shows: Afternoon 1.00 p.m, evening 4.00 p.m and 7.00 p.m. Ticket rating ascend like this Rs. 20, Rs. 50 and Rs. 75. You can also book the tickets by contacting 0413-6501686. If you aren’t been to Candyman Great Bombay Circus until now then you need to rush up with your friends, family members, and kids before June 16, 2008 (last day).

Historical Name behind Ousteri, a Brief Factual Dairy

Ossudu is a village and its importance may be attributed to the lake which is known as Ousteri. As a revenue village its jurisdiction extends up to Poraiyur and Sendanattam.

According to the inscription seen at the Chandramouleeswarar temple at Thiruvakarai, this lake is assigned to the period of Koperunjnga. It is also cited that the king has built the sluices and a canal to bring water to the lake. In the earlier days, the lake was known as “Paraiyan-eri” and “Ozukarai-eri”. In the historic book called as “Karnataka rajakal saritham” it is spelled as “Oosutheri. But according to the diary of Anandaranga pillai it was also called as Soosaretteri, Oosutteri, Pughasoodu-eri and Ushteri.

The Ousteri (or Oussudu or Usteri) lake is situated 11kms west of Pondicherry and now it is becoming the delighted summer resort. The winding water frontage is endowed with the scenic beauty adding color and charm to the entire backdrop of the lake. Ousteri Lake is one of the biggest lake and major supplier of drinking water in those days. Now it is opened for the tourists for boat ride and to watch the birds. During the season, this lake acts as dwelling place for many migrating birds.

35 Crores ZEST Big Beach resort in Puducherry by MHRIL

Despite the fact that Puducherry is a small town, it is needless to say about the ever increasing the numbers of hotels and resorts, both in the host of the town as well as in the outskirts. The geographical and cultural advantages of Puducherry have lured many recreational & hotel businesses.

I was just trying to list few hotels in the Union Territory but I ended with Hotel Mass, Hotel Anandha Inn, Annamalai International, Hotel De L'Orient, Villa Helena, Le Dupleix, Promenade, Soorya International, The Dune Beach Resort, St. James Court Beach Resort, Kailash Beach Resort…..I too thought I have listed all but my crazy little grey cells went on bombarding with new hotels……JAYARAM HOTEL, Hotel Surguru, Hotel Ellora, Hotel Ram International, Yatri Nivas, Sea Side Guest House, Hotel Felix, Calve Heritage Hotel, Banyan Beach Resort, Kailash Beach Resort, Devaki Guest House, Patricia Coloniale Guest House, Hotel Sunway, Hotel Ginger Ginger Puducherry, Aurodhan, Executive Inn, French Guest House, Villa Labourdonnais, Shree Sairam……..pardon me for the killer-length list, I am completely helpless (For God sake, oh I stopped here!). Final one is 35 Crores project Zest Big Beach by Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited which is inaugurated by Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Puducherry, Thiru N.Rangasamy and Union Minister for Tourism, Smt. Ambika Soni.

Mr. Arun Nanda, Chairman, MHRIL said, “As a dominant player in the leisure hospitality business, we offer a variety of holiday destinations to augment holidaying choices for our members. Zest encapsulates our aim of providing unique and innovative holiday experiences to our members. The Zest Big Beach Resort, Puducherry makes short getaways a reality for young urban customers.”

Mr. Ramesh Ramanathan, Managing Director, MHRIL said, “We have always prided ourselves on offering innovative holiday experiences to our members. Our ZEST signature Big Beach Resort is one such offering in this direction and is another feather in our cap. The Big Beach resort has 125 rooms spread over 24 acres along a pristine beach. ZEST resorts are designed to bring unique and differentiated holiday experiences to young urban families. Zest Big Beach, therefore, is cohesive with this philosophy.”

Zest Big Beach, Puducherry is a seaside beach resort located at 16 km from Pondicherry, off Cuddalore road. It is the biggest resort in Pondicherry, spanning a whooping 24 acres with a spectacular beach front and has 83 contemporarily designed rooms. Room facilities include 400 sq. ft area, glass walls, open air shower, LCD TV, etc. Facilities include a swimming pool, a Multicuisine restaurant, a beach shack, a sophisticated gym, a large conference room, and a lounge bar to chill out. Activities at the resort include cycling, beach cricket and barbeque.

Here are the lines from the zest main official site “From being a Roman colony to a French colony and now a charming place that’s a great getaway, Puducherry is the reality to human beings’ dream of paradise. Where else can you taste a French dish served with South Indian chutney? If you thought that Puducherry was all about the serene atmosphere, Auroville and the ashram then you haven’t seen the Bigger Picture yet! Welcome to Zest @ Big Beach,Puducherry. Zest brings you a resort spanning a whooping 24 acres, with a spectacular beach front. A resort that’s first of its kind and the biggest in Puducherry.”

Theatre festival in Alliance Francaise

I have been to Alliance Francaise at many occasions to watch foreign films, cultural events, art exhibition and some times to meet friend’s friend. Alliance Francaise, one of the famous and popular institutes in Pondicherry, is known for its French culture, rocking cultural events, social forum and Art & Artistic exhibitions.

From May 27 to 31, Alliance Française de Pondichéry is arranging a theatre festival by Kalam Association on May 30 and 31 at the auditorium. The program would start at 6.30 p.m on Friday staging a children’s play called “Sooriyan Vandha Kadhai”.

According to the press release of Alliance Francaise, the next day play will be directed by Veli Kangarajan who is figuring out the difficulties of an independent woman in south India.

Though it is a good news that we had an opportunity to watch a drama performance, I missed to see the paintings and sculptures exhibition that held between May 27 to 29 where 40 artists showcased their works.

Puducherry will emerge as a major centre for cruise tourism in near future

On May 27, 2008, Puducherry Union Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni said “Around five million foreign tourists had visited India in 2007 which was a big jump from the 3.92 million tourists during the previous year. Around 400 million domestic tourists had also travelled across different parts of the country during 2007.”

After declaring the Rs 35 crore 'Zest Big Beach-Puducherry' a project of the Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India Limited (MHRIL) at Manapet coastal village she was speaking about the improvement of Puducherry as tourism destination.

"We should work together to make Puducherry as a major destination as was done in respect of Sikkim and Goa and other destinations. In the near future Puducherry would emerge as a centre for cruise tourism. Around 74 heritage sites had been identified in Puducherry and we should look at the best of them for promotion and restoration for the benefit of the people here", she said.

The Auroville International Project and Sri Aurobindo Ashram here were adding to richness, the legacy and also full-fledged projection of Puducherry as a destination.
She also added, "There had been lot of questions and eager enquiries about Auroville in different parts of the world from information seekers as they want to visit Auroville to have a new experiment in India"

“Puducherry will emerge in the near future as a major centre for cruise tourism and efforts to promote this project would be intensified in collaboration with the Union Shipping Ministry”

Feast with Us in Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Puducherry

Where shall we gang and dine this summer month? Here comes another rejoicement to the souls who hang in and around the streets of Puducherry. Puducherrians and the tourists are brimming with joy and wonder. I know you people are a bit confused and also expecting with much eagerness, what's new or special in Pondicherry. Ok now let me break the ice.

The inaugural function of centenary celebrations of the “Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus” in Puducherry opens on May 23rd with the hoisting of a flag. This celebration extends and ends by June 21, 2008. The significant feature of the occasion is the releasing of a special Cover.


The parish priest Rev. Fr. A. Thomas is overwhelmed with joy and shared the growth and history of the age-old church. He said that the church was started in 1908 and the Gothic style of the church was constructed and completed by 1909. This is a very long process as the foundation was said in 1902 and was finished by the year 1909. He also added that flag will be unfurled, when the Holy communion on May 23. Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, evening prayer, benediction and car procession are the various occasion in the Novena.


The Scared Heart Feast is expected to be celebrated on May 30. After the releasing of special cover, the Eucharistic procession would start and a chain of celebrations would continue. Following the Mother Mary’s Feast on May 3, a Parochial Feast will be conducted on June 1st.

There is no such celebrations in Puducherry will end with enjoyment, it extends its warm hands to help others. So, a joint effort of the Parish authorities and the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Science and Research (JIPMER) will conduct of the feast.

The feast is open for all, so come let’s join them and blast out with fun!!!

Heritage Hotel in Puducherry Honored by Relais

Did you ever have an emotion or a thought that you knew was important but that you could not quite put into words? Dilip Kapur is in this mood. Well, I know that you people are wondering why am I talking about this new personality. Yes, it’s really an amazing experience for me to proudly introduce Mr. Dilip Kapur and his achievements to you all.

Puducherry is a peaceful wonder in this world. Our Puducherry is well-known for its Hospitality and Royality that the tourists experience here. This credit is dedicated to the heritage hotels and the resorts for their efforts and love to the visitors. One of the prominent heritage hotels in Puducherry is “Le Dupleix”, and Dilip Kapur is the President of this hotel. Dilip is in high spirits because Le Dupleix has received “Badge of Excellence” from Relais Chateaux, a voluntary association of luxury hotels based in France.

It’s again a diamond-studded crown for Le Dupleix. Year by year, their achievement heads the sky. Last year, the heritage hotel is one of the nominees in the best hotels selection conducted by the Times London. Le Dupleix was selected as one of the 12 best hotels in India last year. “It’s an honor for the quality, ambience and excellence. It’s one of the three hotels recognized by Relais in India”, said Dilip Kapur in the joyous mood.

Relais Chateaux website quotes the beauty and heritage of Le Dupleix,

“Dupleix is one of the oldest and most magnificent French colonial style villas. The remarkable carved pillars and ceilings, commissioned by the Governor and Nawab, Marquis Joseph Francois Dupleix, are an outstanding example of architecture that intelligently combines Indian and French art. Each room has a unique character bathed in the agreeable scent of the omnipresent Burmese teak. As for the cuisine, it features local produce and spices”.

Le Dupleix is not only a heritage, but also a lavish style of architect. The efforts and achievements are still ongoing and they had also signed up with the club of hotels recognized by Relais. Dilip Kapur says that it may increase the services at Dupleix. He also added that, we would send our staffs and chefs to the training organized by Relais team. They would conduct periodic inspections at Dupleix and would lend their supporting hands to enhance the quality of Le Dupliex. ‘Best works yields better result’ is the motto of Le Dupleix, which adds and acquires victories to this heritage hotel.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram Image Galary