Srinagar, Oct. 26 : Besrakh, the traditional sweet crispy dish of Kashmir valley, is a highly demanded item here. Today, it has its lovers around the world. This snack for all times commands a good demand through out the year.

There are several families who have been preparing it for generations to meet the market demand.

"Kashmiris like Besrakh and relish this crispy snack at any time of the year. It is also used for the purpose of gift to one''s in-laws and during marriages. The sweet is distributed to neighbours. Everyone likes it," said Ashiq Ahmed, local

Guwahati, Oct. 26 : A visit to the Umananda Temple at Peacock Island near Guwahati offers a chance to see the endangered Golden langurs (Trachypithecus Geei), a rare species of primates. They have taken shelter in the compound here.

Built by an Ahom king in 1594, the temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. It is today visited by scores of such tourists who come here particularly for these rare monkeys and enjoy spending time with them.

At this temple, the Hindu gods and goddesses are engraved on the rock walls. These sculptures represent the craftsmanship of the Assamese artisans.

Pune, Oct 26 : Around 65,000 earthen lamps were lighted up on the occasion of ''Deepotsav'' to herald Diwali, the festival of lights by hundreds of women at the Shaniwarwada Palace here.

The women worked meticulously, as they lighted up these traditional lamps popularly called ''Diyas'', to create fascinating designs and patterns.

Hyderabad, Oct 26 : An environmental activist in Hyderabad has come out with a novel idea to support a ban on smoking in public places. He has prepared a motorbike shaped like a cigar by scrap.

M. K. Sudhakar is already registered in the Guinness Book of World Records for making the largest tricycle in the world.

To make people break the habit of smoking, he literally hacked the cigar-shaped motorbike into pieces in full public view.