Asianet Newsable

World Idli Day 2026: Meet Eniyavan, The Chennai Man Who Turned A Simple Idli Into A Global Celebration

Divya Danu — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 15:35:50 +0530

March 30 is celebrated as World Idli Day, a special day dedicated to one of India's most loved breakfast dishes. The day was first celebrated in 2015 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. What makes it even more interesting is the story of the man behind it - M Eniyavan. His journey is not just about food, but also about hard work, creativity and never giving up.

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A post shared by Eniyavanidly (@eniyavanidly)

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A post shared by Eniyavanidly (@eniyavanidly)

A simple meeting that changed everything

Eniyavan’s life took a turning point in an unexpected way. Years ago, when he was working as an auto-rickshaw driver, he once picked up a passenger carrying a large container of idli batter. Her name was Chandra, and she supplied idlis to local eateries. Watching her work gave him a new idea. He realised that the idli business could be started by anyone with simple resources.

This moment inspired him to try something new, according to an article published in Indian Express.

Also Read: Valmiki Became 'Sultan' To Escape Law, But After 21 Years On The Run, Police Finally Catch Up

From struggle to starting his own business

Eniyavan came to Chennai in 1997 at the age of 27, hoping to build a better life and escape poverty. He tried different small jobs before becoming an auto driver. Inspired by Chandra, he decided to start making and selling idlis from his home in RK Nagar.

However, his journey was not easy. On the very first day of his business, heavy rains flooded his house. The water entered his kitchen, damaged his idli steamer and spoiled the batter.

Despite this setback, he did not give up. He repaired his equipment over the next 20 days and restarted his work with determination.

Adding creativity to a simple dish

What made Eniyavan stand out was his creativity. He did not want idli to remain just a basic breakfast item. The idea of innovation started at home. When his daughter asked for pizza, he created an idli version of it by adding vegetables and spices to the batter. She loved it.

This encouraged him to try more ideas. He made chocolate idlis, pudina (mint) idlis and even beetroot idlis to make food more interesting for his children. He also experimented with ingredients. For example, he used tender coconut water instead of plain water while preparing the batter, making the idlis both tasty and healthy.

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A post shared by Eniyavanidly (@eniyavanidly)

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A post shared by Eniyavanidly (@eniyavanidly)

Taking idli to a bigger stage

His passion kept growing. In 2012, his catering company designed special heart-shaped idli plates on February 14. Later, he organised a unique event where he displayed 1,000 different varieties of idlis at Vivekananda Vidyalaya Junior College.

The event attracted around 14,000 people and received wide attention. Many were surprised to see how a simple idli could be turned into so many forms.

This event became a major step in promoting idli on a larger scale.

Also Read: 'It Was My First Accident': Jaipur Woman Says Sorry After Damaging Motorcycle in Viral Video (WATCH)

How world idli day was born

Impressed by his efforts, Rajamani, president of Samayal Sangam, declared March 30 as World Idli Day. The first celebration took place in 2015 in Chennai. Since then, the day has been observed every year, with people celebrating the taste and comfort of idlis.

Eniyavan believes idli is not just food, but an emotion. He says it is so soft and comforting that even babies who refuse milk can be fed mashed idlis.

A life changed by passion

Eniyavan’s life has changed completely over the years. From struggling to survive, he now travels, stays in good hotels and is invited to speak at colleges. He has also built a better life for his family and educated his children.

Looking ahead, he plans to expand his business further by opening hotels across Chennai. His goal is to make idli recognised not just as a breakfast item, but as a global food.

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A story that inspires

Eniyavan’s journey shows how a simple idea and strong determination can change a person’s life. From a chance meeting to creating a global food day, his story continues to inspire many.

On World Idli Day, his journey reminds us that even the simplest things can achieve great success.

Why Spain Fined Airbnb €64 Million: Illegal Ads and a Worsening Housing Crisis

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 21:34:23 +0530

Spain's leftist government said Monday it had fined Airbnb more than 64 million euros ($75 million), notably for advertising banned rental properties, at a time the country faces a housing crisis.

The fine is final, the consumer affairs ministry said in a statement, adding the US holiday-rental giant must "correct the violations by deleting illegal content".

The ministry said 65,122 adverts on Airbnb breached consumer rules, including the promotion of properties without a licence or those whose licence number did not match with data in registers.

The fine is equivalent to six times the illegal profit made by Airbnb between the time the company was warned about the offending adverts and when they were taken down, the ministry added.

Airbnb to challenge the fine in court

A company spokesperson said Airbnb would challenge the fine in court, "confident that the ministry of consumer affairs' actions are contrary to applicable regulations in Spain".

Airbnb was "closely collaborating" with the housing ministry to implement a new registration system, with more than 70,000 listings adding a registration number since January and remaining available for booking, the spokesperson added.

A tourism boom has driven the buoyant Spanish economy, which is predicted to grow at more than double the eurozone average in 2025.

The world's second most-visited country hosted a record 94 million foreign tourists in 2024 and is on course to surpass that figure this year.

But the bonanza has fuelled local concern in tourist hotspots such as Barcelona about increasingly scarce and unaffordable housing, a top priority for the minority coalition government.

Residents complain that landlords convert residential properties into short-term rentals and say tourism is changing the fabric of their neighbourhoods.

"There are thousands of families who are living on the edge due to housing, while a few get rich with business models that expel people from their homes," far-left consumer rights minister Pablo Bustinduy said in the ministry statement.

"We'll prove it as many times as necessary: no company, no matter how big or powerful, is above the law. Even less so when it comes to housing," he added on social network Bluesky.

In June, the consumer rights ministry also ordered online accommodation giant Booking.com to take down more than 4,000 illegal adverts.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed)

'They Steal Your Heart': Tourist's India Video Goes Viral on Social Media

Asianet Newsable English — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 16:16:50 +0530

New Delhi: India welcomes lakhs of foreign tourists every day. Visitors come to explore the country’s natural beauty, ancient monuments, historical places, and famous temples. Over the past ten years, many tourists have started capturing these experiences on their phones and sharing them on social media. For some, travel content has even become a full-time profession.

Recently, a foreign woman’s video about India has gone viral, but not for the reason many first expected.

A viral reel with a surprising message

A foreign tourist named Jenny, who visited India with her partner Adam, shared a reel with the caption “Be careful with Indians.” At first glance, the message seems like a warning. However, the video carries a warm and positive meaning.

Jenny explains that people should be careful because Indians “steal your heart” with their kindness and warmth. The reel has touched millions online and shows smiling Indians of all ages, including children, happily waving at her.

Video crosses 1.3 million views

The reel shared by Jenny and Adam has received more than 1.3 million views and hundreds of comments. Many social media users praised India and its people in the comment section.

One user wrote, “India is not just a country, it is a beautiful world within the world.” Another comment said, “Indians are humble and very protective of tourists.” Some users also highlighted that people in southern India treat tourists with great care and respect, like family members.

‘Atithi Devo Bhava’ reflected in daily life

India is known for its belief in ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’, which means the guest is God. This idea is deeply rooted in Indian culture. Even when people do not share a common language, locals often communicate politely and try their best to help visitors.

Many foreign tourists who experience this hospitality later share their stories online. These positive experiences are one of the main reasons why tourism in India continues to grow.

What Jenny shows in her viral video

In her viral reel, Jenny includes several small but meaningful moments from her trip. The video shows people greeting her with smiles, children waving happily, and locals welcoming her warmly.

She has also shared other videos from her journey across India. These clips show hotel staff offering kind service, people greeting her with ‘namaste’ on the beach, friendly chats with auto drivers, and relaxed conversations with fellow travellers.

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This is not the first time a foreign tourist’s video about India has gone viral. Earlier, another foreign woman shared a reel from in front of the Taj Mahal in Agra, where she was dressed like an Indian bride in a red lehenga.

She captioned her video “Don’t come to India”, but later explained that India’s culture, beauty, and warmth make visitors fall so deeply in love that they do not want to leave.

Social media shaping India’s global image

Such videos play a big role in shaping how the world sees India today. Through short reels and posts, tourists share real moments from their journeys. These honest experiences often show India as a place filled with warmth, colour, culture, and kind people.

For many viewers around the world, these videos act as an invitation to explore India themselves.

Most Expensive Things Owned By Cristiano Ronaldo: From $57M Private Jet To $18M NYC Apartment

Vaishnav Akash — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 13:12:43 +0530

Explore Cristiano Ronaldo’s lavish empire with 7 standout assets, from private jets to luxury mansions.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s empire begins in the skies. His Bombardier Global Express private jet, valued at $57 million, is more than just a mode of transport. It represents his ability to move seamlessly between continents, balancing football commitments with business ventures. The jet’s luxury interiors and long‑range capability make it a symbol of his global reach and unmatched lifestyle.

Ronaldo’s move to Saudi Arabia was not just about football. His $41.3 million equity stake in Al Nassr highlights his business acumen. Beyond his record‑breaking contract, this investment ties him directly to the club’s growth and future. It’s a strategic play that ensures his influence extends off the pitch, cementing his role as both athlete and entrepreneur.

In New York City, Ronaldo owns a luxurious $18 million apartment in Trump Tower. Situated in one of Manhattan’s most iconic addresses, the property reflects his taste for exclusivity. With panoramic views and high‑end amenities, the apartment underscores his global footprint, showing that his empire stretches far beyond Europe and the Middle East.

When Ronaldo wants to escape the spotlight, he heads to the sea aboard his $11 million Azimut Grande yacht. Sleek and stylish, the vessel offers expansive decks, lavish cabins, and ultimate privacy. It’s a floating palace that allows him to unwind with family and friends, embodying the luxurious leisure side of his empire.

Back home in Portugal, Ronaldo invested in a $7.9 million penthouse in Lisbon. This property is one of the most expensive in the city, boasting modern design and breathtaking views. It reflects his deep connection to his roots while showcasing his ability to elevate local real estate markets. The penthouse is both sentimental and strategic.

Ronaldo’s garage is legendary, and the crown jewel is his $2.15 million Bugatti Chiron. Known for speed and precision, the car mirrors his own playing style. With only a limited number produced worldwide, owning a Chiron places him in an elite circle of collectors. It’s not just a car; it’s a statement of power and exclusivity.

On his wrist, Ronaldo wears a $1.5 million Frank Muller watch. Adorned with diamonds and crafted with precision, the timepiece is a symbol of his taste for rare luxury. It complements his image as a global icon, proving that even the smallest details in his lifestyle are carefully curated to reflect success and status.

In Madrid’s exclusive La Finca neighborhood, Ronaldo owns a $6 million mansion. With sprawling gardens, a state‑of‑the‑art gym, and custom interiors, the property reflects his years at Real Madrid. It remains a cornerstone of his empire, blending personal history with enduring luxury.

Ronaldo’s time in England left its mark with a $6.3 million mansion in Cheshire. The property features modern architecture, expansive living spaces, and privacy that suits his lifestyle. It’s a reminder of his Premier League days and a lasting asset in his diverse portfolio.

From Politics To Devotion: Tej Pratap Yadav's New Shiva-Focused Social Media Move

Divya Danu — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 17:06:23 +0530

Tej Pratap Yadav has launched a new Instagram page where he shares videos showing devotion to Lord Shiva. He speaks about spirituality, ego and life’s temporary nature. Known earlier as Krishna devotee, his posts show a shift towards Shiva bhakti.

Tej Pratap Yadav, the elder son of Lalu Prasad Yadav and a former minister in Bihar, is once again in the news. This time, it is not for politics but for his spiritual side. He has created a new Instagram page named 'santtejpratapyadav' and has been sharing posts on devotion and spirituality.

On this new page, he has posted videos where he appears dressed in saffron clothes, showing himself as a devotee of Lord Shiva. The videos have quickly caught public attention and sparked discussion online.

Videos show strong Shiva devotion

In the videos shared on his new page, Tej Pratap is seen talking about the importance of Lord Shiva and spiritual life. In one video, he explains how “bhasma” (ash) is very dear to Lord Shiva. He says that everything in life is temporary and will one day turn to ash.

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