GECs
Big Ganga Sets up Safe Changing Rooms for Women During Chhath Puja
MUMBAI: Riding on the success of multiple initiatives, ZEE Entertainment Enterprise Limited’s No. 1 Bhojpuri Channel, Big Ganga introduces a much-needed social initiative – ‘Ek Kadam Swabhiman Ki Aor’ on the occasion of one of the most popular festivals of the region, Chhath Puja. Under the initiative, Big Ganga has installed changing room across Patna Ghat for the women for the duration of the festivities in the region.
During Chhath Puja women perform ‘Aarag’ in a pond or a river and change their apparels post the ritual. Since, the celebration takes place near the Ganga ghats, there are no basic changing facilities available for women. Understanding the predicament women face year-on-year, the channel has stepped forward to install a changing rooms near the ghats to make it a smooth experience for women devotees and their families.
Commenting on the initiative, spokesperson from Big Ganga said, “Chhath Puja is one of the most celebrated festivals in the region with people turning up in millions. With this initiative we aim to provide a clean and a secure space to women devotees so they and their families can focus on performing the ritual as opposed to worrying about the awkwardness post the Chhath Puja. Big Ganga has always been at the forefront of spearheading initiatives that strongly resonate with the masses and truly serve the people in the region.”
BIG Ganga’s ‘Ek Kadam Swabhiman Ki Aor’ initiative is an extension of its core values to continually deliver a quality experience to its audience both through riveting/ entertaining offerings and enthralling on-ground activities.
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
