Heavy rains and winds have devastated banana plantations in Kerala, causing a severe shortage of banana leaves ahead of the Onam festival. Consequently, Kerala is now 90% dependent on Tamil Nadu regions like Mettupalayam and Trichy for its supply. This surge in demand has pushed the price of a single banana leaf to 10 rupees in Tamil Nadu. While districts like Idukki and Wayanad carry out banana cultivation, the monsoon damage has wiped out remaining stocks, benefiting Tamil Nadu farmers who cultivate Njalipoovan specifically for leaves. https://www.sathyamonline.com/news/news-keralam/56788-kottayam-news-12254789

The holy month of Shravan 2026 has commenced in Gujarat, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Key dates for Shravan Mondays are August 17, 24, 31, and September 7. Devotees can start significant fasts like Sol Somvar, Mangla Gauri, and Pradosh Vrat during this period. According to religious beliefs, performing rituals like Jalabhishek and Rudrabhishek brings peace, prosperity, and removes obstacles in marriage and career. The month is considered highly auspicious for spiritual growth and fulfilling desires. https://www.gujaratijagran.com/astrology/shravan-2026-vrat-list-and-benefits-solah-somvar-mangala-gauri-pradosh-vrat-1969800

The Nitya Annadanam scheme at Simhachalam Appanna Temple has successfully completed 37 years and entered its 38th year. Started in 1989 with a small donation of Rs 50,000, the scheme now has deposits worth Rs 43.21 crore. On average, 3,000 to 5,500 devotees are fed daily. The temple spends Rs 41 per plate of meal. Special privileges and darshan facilities are provided to donors contributing over Rs 1 lakh. Last year alone, the interest from deposits generated Rs 2.14 crore in revenue for the food distribution program. https://www.etvbharat.com/te/offbeat/simhachalam-appanna-temple-annadanam-free-food-distribution-donations-for-annadana-apn26081301255

A major accident occurred in Thalassery, Kerala, when two private limited-stop buses collided head-on at Punnol Pettippalam. Around 73 people, including the drivers of both buses, sustained injuries. The accident happened on Wednesday at 12:45 PM when a speeding bus named 'Lion' attempted to overtake another vehicle and crashed into an oncoming bus named 'Emperor'. Four passengers are in critical condition and have been shifted to advanced medical facilities. Local police and residents conducted rescue operations, and a case has been registered for reckless driving. https://www.sathyamonline.com/news/bus-accident-12254348

A miraculous event occurred in Mela Urudaiyarpuram village, Tirunelveli, where the deities of Sri Mariamman and Kaliamman temples reportedly opened their eyes. The temple, which houses 100-year-old swayambhu idols, has not seen a major festival for over 16 years. As news of this divine occurrence spread, large crowds from neighboring areas like Thatchanallur and Anandapuram gathered to witness the sight, creating a buzz in the locality. https://www.dinamani.com/religion/religion-news/2026/Aug/11/mariyamman-and-kaliyamman-appeared-with-eyes-open-in-nellai

Devaswom Minister K. Muraleedharan has written to the Home Minister requesting a comprehensive probe into the Sabarimala ghee irregularities. He demanded a special team to investigate matters outside the current Vigilance probe. The minister alleged a high-level conspiracy in awarding contracts to a blacklisted company, following shocking findings by the Vigilance SP and Secretary. Currently, a special Vigilance team is investigating the matter as per High Court directions. https://www.sirajlive.com/sabarimala-ghee-scam-devaswom-minister-demands-investigation.html

Hyderabad MLA T Raja Singh visited the historic Chausath Yogini Temple in Jabalpur. He performed rituals and emphasized that protecting Hindu temples is a collective social responsibility. Welcomed by Hindu Seva Parishad members, he urged the youth to preserve cultural heritage and promote Sanatan culture for future generations. https://www.naidunia.com/madhya-pradesh/jabalpur-hyderabads-hindu-mla-t-raja-singh-visited-the-chausath-yogini-temple-in-jabalpur-and-stated-that-the-preservation-of-heritage-sites-is-a-collective-responsibility-8457079

The Travancore Devaswom Board has granted permission for film shooting at Sabarimala for an upcoming Mohanlal movie directed by Tarun Moorthy. The permission comes with strict conditions, ensuring that the sanctity and rituals of the temple are not compromised. The crew must submit the script to the board for review before filming begins. This follows a long hiatus since the 1986 controversy involving a Tamil film shoot and a recent unauthorized filming attempt during the Makaravilakku season. https://malayalam.news18.com/news/kerala/mohanlal-movie-secures-sabarimala-shooting-permission-with-strict-conditions-srr-ws-l-785034.html

The Parsi community celebrates Pateti and Navroz with great enthusiasm. Pateti marks the last day of the year for introspection and repentance, while Navroz signifies the Parsi New Year 2026. This article provides over 35 Marathi wishes, quotes, and messages to share with loved ones. It highlights traditional customs like visiting Fire Temples, preparing 'Ravo', and decorating homes to welcome a year of prosperity and happiness. https://marathi.timesnownews.com/lifestyle/happy-parsi-new-year-2026-wishes-in-marathi-heartfelt-navroz-pateti-messages-article-155606068

A heated debate broke out in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly between members of TVK, DMK, and Congress over the NEET exemption resolution. The discussion focused on the history of NEET's introduction in India. DMK and Congress members clarified that while the bill was introduced during the UPA regime, former CM Karunanidhi's strong opposition ensured Tamil Nadu was exempted during his and Jayalalithaa's tenures. TVK members urged parties to avoid politics and focus on student welfare, citing recent student suicides. https://www.tv9tamilnews.com/tamil-nadu/tamilnadu-assembly-neet-resolution-debate-tvk-congress-and-dmk-clash-over-neet-history-97534.html