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Raksha Bandhan is one of the most loved festivals in India. It celebrates the special bond between brothers and sisters. On this day, sisters tie a rakhi on their brother’s wrist and pray for his safety and success. Brothers give gifts in return and promise to protect their sisters always. This year, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Friday, August 8, 2025. This festival is observed on the Shravan Purnima, which is the full moon day of the Shravan month as per the Hindu calendar. It is believed that this day strengthens the emotional bond between siblings. Shubh Muhurat According to Drik Panchang, in 2025, the Purnima tithi will begin on August 8 at 02:12 PM and end on August 9 at 1:24 PM. According to Hindu beliefs, the rakhi should be tied during a shubh muhurat, especially in the afternoon hours, and it is best to avoid Bhadra Kaal, which is considered inauspicious. Raksha Bandhan is not just limited to biological siblings. Today, people also tie rakhis to cousins, close...
Delhi-Dehradun Expressway: Since the announcement to connect Delhi and Dehradun, people have been excited. The expressway is also known as the Delhi–Saharanpur–Dehradun expressway. Many are interested in its potential benefits. About 80 per cent of the work on the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway is complete, with the last 20 per cent expected to be finished soon. A 3.5-kilometre expressway from Daat Kali to Asharodi is now open to traffic. This section is part of a larger 31.6-kilometre project to improve travel between Delhi and Dehradun. All six lanes in this section are now in use, replacing the old three-lane setup. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) announced that the 212-km-long, six-lane Delhi-Dehradun Greenfield Access Controlled Expressway has been built for Rs 12,000 crore. About Delhi-Dehradun Expressway NHAI is currently building the Delhi-Dehradun Expressway (NH 72A). The project began in 2021 and aims to connect Delhi and Dehradun with a 210-kilometre...
Har har Mahadev! The chant is an emotion and brings one closer to Lord Shiva. He is worshipped in many forms – as a peaceful yogi, a powerful destroyer and also a kind protector. When one sees his image, it is full of symbols and each one has a deep meaning. These adornments help us understand his qualities and the messages he gives to the world. In temples and pictures, Lord Shiva is shown with many unique symbols like a trishul, a snake (Vasuki Naga) around his neck, a moon on his head or the holy River Ganga flowing from his hair. Each symbol carries spiritual meaning, guiding us on how to live, think, and understand the cycle of life and death. Shiva’s symbols reflect his powers, his wisdom and his role in the universe. Let’s look at some important symbols of Lord Shiva and what they mean. Lord Shiva’s Symbols and Their Meanings Trishul (Trident) The trishul has three sharp points and the three points represent creation, protection and destruction. Shiva is the god who...
On the sacred third Monday (Somwar) of the Sawan month, Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple witnessed thousands of devotees gathering before sunrise to attend the spiritually powerful Bhasma Arti. Held in the early hours of the day, this unique ritual is performed only at the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. The Arti began around 4 am, with the Shiva Lingam being bathed in panchamrita — a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee and sugar. Then came the main ritual: applying bhasma, or sacred ash, on the Lingam, symbolising the cycle of life and death. Devotees chanted “Har Har Mahadev” as priests performed the Aarti with conch shells and drums echoing across the temple. The energy was electric, yet deeply spiritual. For many, attending the Bhasma Aarti on this special day is a dream come true. It is believed to bring peace, blessings, and liberation from past sins. The Third Somwar Bhasma Aarti was not just a ritual — it was an unforgettable divine experience.
Delhi-Mumbai Expressway: With many expressways being developed in India, most of which are part of the Bharatmala Project, one expressway that has garnered significant attention since its announcement is the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. This expressway, which is expected to be fully operational by 2026, has been in the news for all the right reasons. One of the longest expressways in India, it stands out for its exceptional features and serves as a wildlife corridor. The government of India has invested crores in building high-class roads, enabling people to enjoy long, hassle-free journeys. The Delhi-Mumbai Expressway is planned under the Bharatmala Pariyojana. This expressway is also called the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. This partially open expressway will connect the national capital, Delhi, to the financial capital of India, Mumbai. About the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway Union Minister Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone for the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway project on March 8, 2019....
Hariyali Teej is a beautiful festival that celebrates love and the beauty of nature. The festival takes place during the monsoon season, when everything around turns green and fresh. In many parts of North India, particularly in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, the day is marked by joy and tradition. On this day, women wear green clothes, apply mehendi (heena) on their hands and also participate in traditional songs and swings. Women visit their parents ' homes and celebrate together with friends and family. Temples are decorated with flowers and devotees offer prayers to Goddess Parvati. It is a festival that brings happiness to hearts and spreads the message of love and devotion. Hariyali Teej is also a time to celebrate a spiritually significant festival. But do you know the history of Hariyali Teej? Let us find out in this article. What is Hariyali Teej? Before we delve into history, let us first understand what Hariyali Teej is. Hariyali Teej is an ancient Hindu festival....
Among the many unique rituals in Hindu worship, the offering of bhasma, or sacred ash, to Lord Shiva stands out for its profound symbolic depth. Unlike flowers, fruits or sweets offered to other deities, Lord Shiva is adorned with ashes. But why ash? The answer lies in both mythology and spiritual philosophy, where Lord Shiva is seen not just as a god but as the essence of destruction, transformation and detachment. What is Bhasma? Bhasma, also known as vibhuti, is produced by burning dried wood or cow dung during specific Vedic rituals. It is not just physical ash; it is sanctified and purified through mantras and rituals, representing the ultimate reality: everything in this world eventually turns to ash. Why is Bhasma Associated with Lord Shiva? Lord Shiva is often described as Digambara — one who wears the sky —and Bhasma Bhushita, one who smears his body with ash. This image itself speaks of his renunciation, his freedom from material possessions, and his closeness to...
With the arrival of the holy month of Sawan, devotees throng Lord Shiva temples across India. The very name “Shiva” evokes a deep sense of divinity. He is worshipped in the symbolic form of a Shivling in countless temples across the country. Many devotees undertake pilgrimages to some of the most sacred shrines during this time. While Shivlings can be found in almost every temple and almost in every household, there are certain temples believed to be places where Lord Shiva himself appeared, or where the Shivling holds special spiritual significance. In this sacred month of Shravan (also known as Sawan), let us explore 11 of the most famous Lord Shiva temples that devotees must visit. Lord Shiva Temples in India Kedarnath Temple Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Amarnath Tungnath Mahadev Temple Kashi Vishwanath Baidyanath Somnath Ramanthaswamy Mallikarjuna Trimbakeshwar Temple Omkareshwar Temple Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand Kedarnath is one of the famous temples dedicated to Lord Shiva...
Every ritual or act of worship is considered incomplete without offering something to the deity. Different Gods and Goddesses are believed to have their own preferred offerings. As the holy month of Sawan continues, let’s focus on Lord Shiva and his most beloved offering — the Bel Patra. It is said that Lord Shiva can be pleased even with a single Bel Patra, if offered with true devotion. Read on to learn why this sacred leaf holds such special significance for Mahadev. What is Bel Patra? Bel patra, also called bilva patra in Sanskrit, is a type of plant. "Bilva" means the bel tree and "patra" means leaf. Bel patra includes the bel fruit, which has a hard shell and a slightly tangy taste. People in different regions of India have various names and pronunciations for bel patra. This plant holds cultural, social and medicinal value. Why do we offer bel patra to Lord Shiva? When worshipping Lord Shiva, the bel patra is one of the most important offerings. It is believed that bel...
New Delhi: Today, July 21, is the second Sawan Somwar. Sawan began on July 11 and will end on August 9. During this month, devotees observe a fast every Sawan Somwat to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. It is believed that worshipping Lord Shiva and performing Jalabhishek on Monday of this holy month, in Brahma Muhurat, is considered lucky. On the second Sawan Somwar, many auspicious yogas will also be formed, including Sarvath Siddhi Yoga and Amrit Siddhi Yoga. On the occasion of the second Sawan Monday, a Bhasma Arti was performed in the morning at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The doors of the temple were opened at 2.30 am. A sea of devotees could be seen at the Mahakaleshwar Temple.
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