No entry in Saptashrungi temple sanctum

Nashik: Starting next month, devotees visiting the famous hilltop temple of Saptashrungi goddess in Nashik district will not be allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum, except during puja and aarti, its trust has said. Shree Saptashrung Nivasini Devi Trust, which manages the popular pilgrimage site, took this decision “to maintain the sanctity” of the temple. The temple is popularly known as one of the “three and half Shakti Peethas” of Maharashtra. IANS

Noted cartoonist Vikas Sabnis passes away

Mumbai: Veteran cartoonist Vikas Sabnis died here on Friday following a brief illness. He was 69. Sabnis is survived by his wife and son. Born on July 12, 1950, Sabnis idolised cartoonists RK Laxman and Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, who later hand-picked him for the job. In a career spanning 50 years, Sabnis made poignant comments on the socio-political developments through his cartoons. PTI

Harivarasanam award for musician Ilaiyaraja

Thiruvananthapuram: Renowned Musician Ilaiyaraja has been selected for this year’s Harivarasanam award. The award, comprising a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, citation and a plaque, will be presented at a function at Sabarimala Sannidhanam next month. Tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran announced the award on Friday. The award has been instituted by the state government and is being given from 2012 onwards. PTI