Swedish weddings: 5 traditions to know

By Anujj Trehaan | Sep 19, 2025, 02:22 PM

**What’s the Story?**

Swedish weddings are a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity, making them unique and memorable. From centuries-old customs to contemporary touches, these ceremonies reflect Sweden’s rich cultural heritage. If you’re planning a wedding or simply curious about Swedish traditions, here’s a look at five fascinating practices that make Swedish weddings special. Each tradition offers insight into the values and beliefs cherished in Swedish culture.

### 1. The Bridal Crown Tradition

The bridal crown is a significant part of Swedish wedding traditions. Traditionally, brides wore crowns made of gold or silver, symbolizing purity and commitment. Today, many brides still incorporate this tradition by wearing floral crowns or tiaras during their ceremonies.

The crown represents the bride’s transition into marriage and is often passed down through generations as a cherished family heirloom.

### 2. The Wedding Dance

A lively wedding dance is an integral part of Swedish nuptials, where guests join in traditional folk dances. These dances are not just a source of entertainment but also a way to bring everyone together, irrespective of age or background.

The couple often leads the dance, symbolizing their unity and inviting everyone to celebrate their love with joy and enthusiasm.

### 3. The Cake Pull Tradition

The cake pull is a fun tradition where guests pull ribbons attached to small charms hidden inside the wedding cake. Each charm carries a different meaning, such as love or luck, and the guest who pulls it gets to keep it as a token of good fortune for the future.

This playful activity adds an element of excitement to the celebration while engaging attendees in an interactive way.

### 4. The Flower Girl Tradition

Having a flower girl is a common practice in Swedish weddings. Young girls walk down the aisle before the bride, scattering petals. This sweet custom symbolizes innocence and purity, adding to the ceremony’s beauty.

The flower girl often wears a white dress similar to the bride’s, making it a charming and heartwarming part of the wedding.

### 5. The Toast Tradition

Toasting is an important part of Swedish wedding receptions, where guests raise glasses filled with sparkling cider or non-alcoholic beverages in honor of the couple’s future happiness.

Toasts are usually given by family members first before inviting friends to share their well-wishes as well. This tradition encourages heartfelt expressions of love and support from everyone present at this joyous occasion.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/swedish-weddings-5-traditions-to-know/story

When in Bangkok, visit these local markets

**When in Bangkok, Visit These Local Markets**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 19, 2025, 01:28 PM*

Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, is famous for its lively local markets. These markets offer an authentic taste of the city’s culture and daily life. From fresh produce to handcrafted items, each market has its own unique offerings. Exploring these vibrant places is an exhilarating experience for anyone looking to discover Bangkok’s true essence.

Here are some must-visit local markets that showcase everyday life in this dynamic city:

### 1. Chatuchak Weekend Market: A Shopper’s Paradise

Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest markets in the world. Spanning over 35 acres, it features more than 15,000 stalls selling everything from clothes and home décor to antiques. Drawing over 200,000 visitors every weekend, it’s a lively and bustling destination.

The market is divided into sections based on product categories, making shopping easier. Here, you can find almost anything at affordable prices, making it a must-visit for shoppers.

### 2. Or Tor Kor Market: Fresh Produce Hub

Or Tor Kor Market is renowned for its high-quality fresh produce and local delicacies. Unlike many other markets, it boasts an organized layout and a cleaner environment.

This market is famous for its wide selection of fruits, vegetables, and Thai snacks. There is also a section offering ready-to-eat meals and desserts. Whether you want to savor authentic Thai flavors or stock up on fresh ingredients, Or Tor Kor is the place to go.

### 3. Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin: Vintage Treasure Trove

Talad Rot Fai Srinakarin is a vibrant vintage night market known for its retro collectibles and unique finds. You’ll discover vintage clothing, antique furniture, vinyl records, and quirky souvenirs spanning different eras.

In addition to shopping, the market offers live music performances and delicious street food stalls, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for evening exploration.

### 4. Khlong Toei Market: Authentic Local Experience

Khlong Toei Market is one of Bangkok’s largest wet markets, offering a truly authentic local shopping experience. It is a popular spot among locals who come here to buy fresh produce such as fruits, vegetables, seafood, and meat at reasonable prices.

The market opens early in the morning and becomes especially busy by noon, making it the ideal place to shop for daily groceries like a local.

### 5. Sampeng Lane: Narrow Alleyway Delights

Sampeng Lane is a bustling narrow alley in Yaowarat (Chinatown), known for wholesale goods at affordable prices. The busy lane is lined with shops selling textiles, accessories, electronics, and much more.

Catering to both retailers and individual shoppers, Sampeng Lane is perfect if you’re looking for variety without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or a cultural enthusiast, visiting these markets will give you an unforgettable glimpse into Bangkok’s vibrant local life. Don’t miss out on exploring these dynamic hubs on your next visit to the city!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/when-in-bangkok-visit-these-local-markets/story

How to master assertive communication

Assertive communication is an essential skill that enables you to express your thoughts and needs clearly and respectfully.

By mastering this form of communication, you can enhance your personal and professional relationships, ensuring that your voice is heard without disregarding others. Developing assertiveness helps you build confidence, set healthy boundaries, and resolve conflicts effectively.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/this-is-how-you-can-master-assertive-communication/story

5 lessons on unlikely friendships from ‘Community’

**5 Lessons on Unlikely Friendships from *Community***

*By Vinita Jain | Sep 19, 2025, 02:21 PM*

**What’s the story?**

*Community* is a sitcom that beautifully showcases the complexities of human relationships, especially the unexpected friendships that form in the most unlikely of circumstances. Set in a community college, the show explores how diverse personalities come together to create bonds that are both hilarious and heartwarming.

Here are five valuable lessons from *Community* on how these unlikely friendships develop and what they teach us about understanding each other.

### 1. The Power of Shared Experiences

In *Community*, shared experiences form the foundation of many friendships. The characters often find themselves in bizarre and challenging situations that bring them closer together. These moments create a strong sense of camaraderie and understanding, transcending their different backgrounds. Through these shared experiences, characters not only bond but also experience significant personal growth.

### 2. Embrace Differences for Growth

One of the most important lessons from *Community* is the value of embracing differences. The diverse cast features characters with varying backgrounds, personalities, and beliefs. By accepting these differences, they learn from one another and evolve as individuals. This acceptance fosters an environment where creativity flourishes and fresh perspectives are welcomed.

### 3. Humor as a Bonding Tool

Humor plays a crucial role in connecting the characters of *Community*. It acts as a bridge, linking people who might otherwise never have crossed paths. The witty banter and comedic situations allow the group to let their guards down and form authentic connections. In this way, humor becomes an essential tool for breaking the ice and building lasting relationships.

### 4. Support Systems in Unlikely Places

Within *Community*, support systems often emerge in unexpected ways. Despite their differences, the characters develop a strong support network within their study group. This network provides emotional support and encouragement during tough times, proving that unlikely friendships can serve as reliable safety nets when you need them most.

### 5. Growth Through Connection

Ultimately, *Community* teaches us that human connection—no matter how unlikely—is a powerful catalyst for growth. By opening themselves up to others and nurturing relationships that defy expectations, the characters find strength, laughter, and understanding that enrich their lives.

*Community* reminds us that friendship doesn’t always look the way we expect. It grows in shared struggles, differences embraced, laughter shared, and support given—making the unlikely, unforgettable.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/what-community-teaches-about-unlikely-friendships/story

‘Jolly LLB 3’ reviews: What netizens said about Akshay-Arshad’s film

**Jolly LLB 3 Reviews: What Netizens Are Saying About Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi’s Film**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 19, 2025, 01:23 PM*

The much-anticipated courtroom drama *Jolly LLB 3*, starring Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, has finally hit theaters. Directed by Subhash Kapoor, the film sees both actors reprising their popular roles from the previous installments in the series.

### Franchise Continuation: Warsi and Kumar Return as ‘Jolly’ in the New Sequel

*Jolly LLB 3* is the third installment in the *Jolly LLB* franchise, following *Jolly LLB* (2013) and *Jolly LLB 2* (2017). In this sequel, Akshay Kumar reprises his role as Jagdwishwar “Jolly” Mishra, while Arshad Warsi returns as Jagdish “Jolly” Tyagi.

The plot centers around a land-grabbing case involving a political heavyweight, inspired by the 2011 land acquisition protests in Uttar Pradesh. The film blends legal drama with social issues, delivering a powerful narrative.

### Positive Reception: Engaging Screenplay and Strong Performances Win Hearts

Netizens have responded positively to *Jolly LLB 3*, praising its engaging screenplay and impactful writing. On social media, audience reactions highlight the film’s balance of comedy, emotion, and courtroom intensity.

One user on X (formerly Twitter) shared,
*”What a performance by Akshay Kumar & Arshad Warsi. Great comedy with great screenplay and an emotional message.”*

Another fan commented,
*”Watched #JollyLLB3. What an intense courtroom scene. This movie is dedicated to farmers and their fight for justice. Masterpiece.”*

Others praised it as,
*”#JollyLLB3 is awesome. From start to finish, it’s full of laughter, thoughtful social message, and great courtroom drama.”*

### Pre-Release Controversy: Satire Sparks Debate but Courts Clear the Film

Before its release, *Jolly LLB 3* faced controversy over allegations that its promotional material and the song *Bhai Vakeel Hai* mocked the judiciary. Petitions were filed challenging the film’s content.

However, both the Bombay and Allahabad High Courts dismissed these petitions, ruling that the satire presented in the film does not undermine the dignity of the judiciary.

Following minor edits, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) cleared the film with a U/A certificate and a 16+ advisory.

For an in-depth review of *Jolly LLB 3*, read [our full review here].
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/akshay-kumar-arshad-warsi-s-jolly-llb-3-twitter-review/story

Is ‘Saiyaara’s Aneet Padda in ‘Shakti Shalini’? Maddock Films clarifies

**Is ‘Saiyaara’s Aneet Padda in ‘Shakti Shalini’? Maddock Films Clarifies**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 19, 2025, 01:49 PM*

After making a grand entry into Bollywood with the blockbuster film *Saiyaara*, actor Aneet Padda has been the subject of reports suggesting that she is set to take on a new challenge. Rumors circulated that Padda has been roped in for the next installment of Dinesh Vijan’s horror-comedy universe, titled *Shakti Shalini*. According to Pinkvilla, the actor had even completed her look test for the film.

However, Maddock Films has now issued a clarification regarding these reports.

### Maddock Films Issues Clarification

In an official statement, Maddock Films said,
*”While we truly value the excitement around our horror-comedy universe, we want to make it absolutely clear that any reports regarding the casting of the upcoming chapters, including *Shakti Shalini* and *Maha Munjya*, are purely speculative. We urge the media to avoid misinformation and to wait for official announcements from us.”*

### The Casting Buzz

Earlier, an insider close to the project revealed to Pinkvilla that Dinesh Vijan was keen on infusing fresh energy into his horror-comedy universe. The source highlighted that Vijan was impressed by Padda’s performance in *Saiyaara* and had been in discussions with her for *Shakti Shalini* for the last two months.

> “Aneet Padda has been in discussions for *Shakti Shalini* as Dinesh Vijan was on the lookout to bring new energy to his universe. He loved Aneet’s work in *Saiyaara* and decided to build the next chapter around her,” the insider shared.

### Production Details and Direction

*Shakti Shalini* is expected to go on floors by the end of 2025. While the director’s name remains undisclosed, it is reported that Dinesh Vijan is interested in roping in Aditya Sarpotdar, known for *Munjya*, to helm the project. The final decision on the director is expected within the next fortnight.

### Background on ‘Shakti Shalini’ and the Horror-Comedy Universe

Initially, *Shakti Shalini* was announced with Kiara Advani in the lead role. However, she is no longer attached to the project for undisclosed reasons.

*Shakti Shalini* is expected to follow Vijan’s upcoming horror-comedy *Thama*, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. Additionally, *Chamunda*, another film in the universe featuring Alia Bhatt in the lead, is slated to go on floors in May 2026 after Bhatt wraps up *Love and War* directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

Stay tuned for official updates from Maddock Films regarding the casting and production of *Shakti Shalini*.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/saiyaara-s-aneet-padda-to-join-horror-comedy-universe/story

‘Jolly LLB 3’ reviews: What netizens said about Akshay-Arshad’s film

**Jolly LLB 3 Reviews: What Netizens Are Saying About Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi’s Latest Film**
*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 19, 2025, 01:23 PM*

The much-anticipated courtroom drama *Jolly LLB 3*, starring Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, has finally hit theaters. Directed by Subhash Kapoor, the film marks the return of both actors reprising their iconic roles from the beloved series.

### Franchise Continuation: Warsi and Kumar Return as ‘Jolly’

*Jolly LLB 3* is the third installment following *Jolly LLB* (2013) and *Jolly LLB 2* (2017). In this sequel, Akshay Kumar reprises his role as Jagdwishwar “Jolly” Mishra, while Arshad Warsi returns as Jagdish “Jolly” Tyagi. The film’s plot centers on a high-stakes land-grabbing case involving a political heavyweight, inspired by the 2011 land acquisition protests in Uttar Pradesh.

### Positive Reception from Netizens

The film has been met with a wave of positive responses online. On social media platform X (formerly Twitter), viewers have praised the film’s engaging screenplay and powerful storytelling.

One user commented, “What a performance by Akshay Kumar & Arshad Warsi. Great comedy with great screenplay and an emotional message.”

Another shared, “Watched #JollyLLB3 — what an intense courtroom scene. This movie is dedicated to farmers. It’s about their fight for justice. Masterpiece.”

A devoted fan wrote, “#JollyLLB3 is awesome. From start to finish, it’s full of laughter, thoughtful social messages, and fantastic courtroom drama.”

### Pre-Release Controversy

Before its release, *Jolly LLB 3* faced controversy regarding claims that it mocked the judiciary through its promotional material and the song *Bhai Vakeel Hai*. However, petitions filed in the Bombay and Allahabad High Courts were dismissed. Both courts ruled that satire does not undermine the dignity of the judiciary.

Following this, the film was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with a U/A certificate accompanied by a “16+ advisory,” after minor edits were made.

For a detailed critique, [read our full review here](#).
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/akshay-kumar-arshad-warsi-s-jolly-llb-3-twitter-review/story

Is ‘Saiyaara’s Aneet Padda in ‘Shakti Shalini’? Maddock Films clarifies

**Is ‘Saiyaara’ Star Aneet Padda Cast in ‘Shakti Shalini’? Maddock Films Sets the Record Straight**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | September 19, 2025 | 01:49 PM*

After her impressive Bollywood debut in the blockbuster film *Saiyaara*, reports began circulating about actor Aneet Padda taking on a new role in the next installment of Dinesh Vijan’s horror-comedy universe, titled *Shakti Shalini*. Rumors suggested that Padda had already completed her look test for the movie, sparking excitement among fans and industry watchers alike.

### Maddock Films Issues a Clarification

However, Maddock Films has now stepped forward to clarify these reports. The production house released an official statement addressing the speculation:

> “While we truly value the excitement around our horror-comedy universe, we want to make it absolutely clear that any reports regarding the casting of the upcoming chapters, including *Shakti Shalini* and *Maha Munjya*, are purely speculative. We urge the media to avoid misinformation and to wait for official announcements from us.”

This statement serves to remind everyone that no casting decisions have been formally announced yet.

### Insider Insights on Casting

Despite the official denial, an insider close to the project had previously told Pinkvilla that Dinesh Vijan was very impressed by Aneet Padda’s performance in *Saiyaara* and was keen on injecting new energy into his horror-comedy universe.

>A source revealed, “Aneet Padda has been in discussions for *Shakti Shalini* for the last two months as Dinesh Vijan was on the lookout to infuse his universe with fresh talent. He loved Aneet’s work in *Saiyaara* and decided to base the next chapter of the horror-comedy universe around her.”

### Production Plans and Direction

*Shakti Shalini* is reportedly slated to go on floors by the end of 2025. While the director’s name remains under wraps for now, Dinesh Vijan is reportedly interested in roping in Aditya Sarpotdar—known for *Munjya*—to direct the project. The final decision on the director is expected within the next two weeks.

### Changes in Lead Cast

Earlier announcements for *Shakti Shalini* had named actor Kiara Advani as the lead. However, she is no longer attached to the film, with reasons for her exit remaining unclear.

### Looking Ahead in the Horror-Comedy Universe

*Shakti Shalini* is expected to follow Vijan’s upcoming horror-comedy *Thama*, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Rashmika Mandanna. Additionally, another installment titled *Chamunda*, featuring Alia Bhatt in the lead role, is set to begin production in May 2026, after Bhatt completes Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s *Love and War*.

As the horror-comedy universe continues to expand, fans eagerly await official announcements regarding casting and production details. Stay tuned for more updates.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/saiyaara-s-aneet-padda-to-join-horror-comedy-universe/story

Rajnath Singh: India showed retaliation strength in Operation Sindoor

The Defence Minister recently interacted with a group of 1965 war veterans, reflecting on India’s military resilience and determination.

“We launched Operation Sindoor and showed the enemy just how strong our retaliation can be. The coordination and courage with which our team worked have proven that victory is no longer an exception for us. Victory has become our habit. And we must always maintain this habit,” Singh said.

Addressing the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Defence Minister expressed the government’s resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice. “Whenever that incident comes to our mind, our hearts become heavy. What happened there shook all of us to the core. But that incident could not break our morale. Our Prime Minister has taken this resolve that this time the terrorists will be taught such a lesson that they would never have even imagined,” he added.

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 people dead, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan. These strikes triggered four days of intense clashes, which ended with an understanding to stop military actions on May 10.

Singh also reflected on India’s challenges since Independence, stating, “India as a nation has not been very fortunate in matters concerning its neighbours since Independence. Challenges of one kind or another have always come before us. But this is the specialty of us Indians — that we do not sit back accepting these challenges as fate. We work hard and shape our own destiny, creating our own future.”

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content at its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/rajnath-singh-india-showed-retaliation-strength-in-operation-sindoor-23594800

How long does it take to beat Dying Light: The Beast?

Open world games are notorious for their potential to run long, but while *Dying Light: The Beast* is an open world game, it takes a blessedly reasonable amount of time to beat. There’s plenty of side and hidden content you can explore to extend your playtime, but here’s a breakdown of how long it takes to beat *Dying Light: The Beast*.

### How Long Does It Take to Beat *Dying Light: The Beast*?

My playthrough for the review, on the medium difficulty setting, took about 25 hours. This included a fair amount of exploration and side content, but not nearly all of it. You’ll want to complete at least some side missions to level up, as there are three soft level gates during the story. One gate is near the mid-point, and the other two are closer to the end.

I call them soft gates because you can challenge the missions without reaching the required level, but enemies will be harder to beat and take more damage. If you’re too far behind, every fight can become a slog, significantly increasing the time spent on the game’s combat challenges.

If you decide to speedrun the main story campaign and focus solely on it, expect your playtime to be in the 12-15 hour range. That’s a conservative estimate, as you’ll likely lose time due to tough required fights.

On the other hand, a completionist playthrough of *Dying Light: The Beast* could easily clock in at 40-50 hours. This includes fully revealing the map, completing all side quests and world activities, finishing the main story, and finding all hidden items such as the Legendary Weapons.

### Summary: Estimated Playtimes for *Dying Light: The Beast*

– **Main story only:** 12-15 hours
– **Main story, some exploration, and side content:** 20-25 hours
– **Completionist (100%):** 40-50 hours+

Whether you’re looking to experience the core story or dive deep into everything the game has to offer, *Dying Light: The Beast* provides a flexible and engaging open-world experience that fits a variety of playstyles.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146020/how-long-to-beat-dying-light-the-beast