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Warangal: A dispute over determining the accurate date for the celebration of Saddula Bathukamma, which culminates the nine-day Bathukamma festival, drove a wedge between the twin cities of Warangal and Hanamkonda, which were always considered to be the one and the same. Saddula Bathukamma is traditionally celebrated on Durga Ashtami -- the eighth lunar day from Mahalaya Amavasya. However, as Ashtami falls on two days -- beginning in the evening of September 29 (Monday) and ending on September 30 (Tuesday) evening, two major celebrated temples in Warangal and Hanamkonda have made contradictory assessments, confusing people in the historic cities. According to Bhadrakali Sheshu Sharma of the Bhadrakali Temple in Warangal, Saddula Bathukamma should be celebrated on Tuesday, September 30, as only the tithi at sunrise is taken into consideration to determine the date of festivals. However, Gangu Upendra Sharma, the chief priest of the Thousand Pillar Temple, insisted Bathukamma festival must be celebrated strictly for nine days. As Mahalaya Amavasya was on September 21, he maintained that the ninth day will be on Monday, September 29 and this would be the day when Saddula Bathukamma must be celebrated. Supporting Upendra Sharma's view, astrologer Uppala Ramesh Sharma added that as Bathukammas are traditionally immersed in the evening, the festival should be celebrated on Monday, as Ashtami begins in September 29 evening. Due to contradictory interpretrations, Hanamkonda residents are preparing to celebrate on Monday at the historic Padmakshi Temple, while people in Warangal will celebrate the grande finale on Tuesday at Rangleela Maidan in Ursu Gutta. The state government's official directive asking all departments to prepare for Saddula Bathukamma on Tuesday, September 30, has further complicated matters as women will have to choose between the tradition and the official order. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Nampally Saritha Rani, a home maker, said, "Even my Brahmin friends are divided. Some are celebrating on Monday, believing goddess Gouramma should not be immersed on Tuesday. Others insist Tuesday is fine, since Mangala Gouri Vratham also falls on a Tuesday."
NEW DELHI: Axiom-4 crew members, including Shubhanshu Shukla, were welcomed with hugs and drinks as they stepped into the International Space Station on Thursday. The newly launched spacecraft -- the fifth in the Dragon series and named Grace -- successfully completed a soft docking with the International Space Station at 4.01pm while orbiting above the North Atlantic Ocean."At 6:31 am EDT (4:01 IST) on Thursday, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the International Space Station for the fourth private astronaut mission to the orbiting laboratory, Axiom Mission 4," the National Aeronautics ...Read More >
Digha (West Bengal) [India], June 26 (ANI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited Lord Jagannath temple in Digha in West Bengal on Thursday, ahead of Jagannath Rath Yatra scheduled to start on June 27. CM Mamata Banerjee said, "Lord Jagannath temple has become a major place of pilgrimage. The Rath Yatra will be held on a 1 km route from 9 am to 4 pm tomorrow. The aarti will be performed at 2.30 pm. Our ministerial team has arrived here for this." Also Read | 'Dreamer and Disciplined': School Teachers Recall Fond Memories of Shubhanshu Shukla As Astronaut Becomes First Indian To ...Read More >
Puri (Odisha) [India], June 27 (ANI): An Odissi dancer set to perform at the commencement of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri on Friday described the performance as a form of 'seva' (service) to Lord Jagannath. While speaking to ANI, the dancer said, 'This is a form of 'seva'. I will be performing before Lord Jagannath today. The experience of this service, of performing before Lord Jagannath, is something different.' Describing their attire, the dancer said, 'This is Lord Krishna's form. Devotees get to witness the Lord in this form and express their devotion.' Another Odissi dancer ...Read More >
Angul (Odisha), June 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) The sacred festival of Rath Yatra was celebrated with great devotion and traditional splendor at Jagannath Temple in Dev Bhumi, Jindal Nagar, Angul, drawing thousands of devotees to witness the divine journey of the Chaturdha Murti -- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshan. The day commenced with Mangala Arati at the Anasara Bedi, followed by a series of age-old rituals like Mailam and Tadapa Lagi. Devotees thronged the temple premises from early morning, immersing themselves in spiritual chants and devotional hymns. The highlig ...Read More >
Puri (Odisha) [India], June 29 (ANI): Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Sunday said that three people died and at least six people sustained injuries near the Gundicha Temple during the ongoing Lord Jagannath Rath Yathra in Puri.. Speaking to ANI over the phone, Odisha Minister Harichandan said, "It is an unfortunate incident. We are taking note of that. I spoke with the CM this morning. We are taking stringent action. DGP has been sent to the spot. Also Read | Telangana Shocker: Woman Assaulted, Stripped and Tonsured Over Affair With Married Man in Hanumakonda; Case Registered. ...Read More >
IMAGE: India are scheduled to tour Bangladesh for a white-ball series in August. Photograph: Screengrab/X The India tour of Bangladesh, which was scheduled to be held in August, is likely to be cancelled because of the situation prevailing in the country over the last few months, sources in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said. India is supposed to play a three-match ODI series from August 17, which will then be followed by a three-match T20I series, which will begin from August 26. Speaking about the India tour of Bangladesh, a BCCI source told ANI, "India tour of Banglade ...Read More >
Telangana has launched a weekend tour package connecting Hyderabad, Warangal, and the UNESCO-recognized Ramappa Temple. Departing from Hyderabad every Saturday and Sunday, the tour offers a full-day exploration of spiritual and historical landmarks, including Bhadrakali Temple, Padmakshi Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple, and the stunning Ramappa Temple. Priced at ₹2,800 for adults and ₹2,240 for children, this affordable package showcases Telangana's rich heritage. The 13th-century Ramappa Temple, known for its architectural innovation and intricate carvings, is a masterpiece of Kakatiya craftsm ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar has written a strongly worded letter to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, criticising General Education Minister V Sivankutty for walking out of a function held at Raj Bhavan on June 19. The Governor described the incident as a breach of protocol and an insult to the constitutional office. The letter, dated June 26, refers to an awards ceremony for the Bharat Scouts and Guides, where Sivankutty -- who also serves as President of the Association's Kerala chapter -- objected to the presence of a garlanded portrait of Bharat Mata on the stage, ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): The India tour of Bangladesh, which was scheduled to take place in August, is likely to be cancelled because of the situation prevailing in the country over the last few months, as per sources in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Also Read | Who Is The Current WWE Universal Champion? Does The Title Still Exist?. India is supposed to play a three-match ODI series from August 17, which will then be followed by a three-match T20I series, which will begin from August 26. Speaking about the India tour of Bangladesh, a BCCI source told ANI, "India ...Read More >
Puri: Lord Jagannath and His Siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra were adorned with 208 kg gold ornaments during the 'Suna Besha' ritual on chariots Sunday, an integral part of the annual Rath Yatra festival in Puri. The devotees can have 'darshan' of the deities from 6.30 pm to 11 pm, said the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA). According to temple sources, the deities adorn around 30 different designs of ornaments which include gold, diamond, silver and other precious metals. "Initially, around 138 designs of ornaments were used during the era of King Kapilendra Deb in 146 ...Read More >
Ahmedabad, July 14 (PTI) The Gujarat High Court on Monday directed a man, facing contempt of court for attending a virtual court hearing while relieving himself on a toilet seat, to deposit Rs 1 lakh with the court's registry after observing that he was ready to tender an unconditional apology. The incident occurred on June 20 when Justice Nirzar S Desai was hearing a case. A video of the man soon went viral, prompting the high court to initiate suo motu contempt proceedings. On Monday, the division bench of Justices AS Supehia and RT Vachhani directed the man, identified as Samad Abdul Rehm ...Read More >
Digha (West Bengal) [India], June 27 (ANI): The first-ever Rath Yatra at the Lord Jagannath temple in Digha is set to begin soon on a 1 km route on Friday. ISKCON Kolkata Vice President Radharamn Das said the festival is inspired by the Puri Rath Yatra and added that West Bengal Chief Minister will join the event at 2 pm. Also Read | Shillong Teer Results Today, June 27 2025: Winning Numbers, Result Chart for Shillong Morning Teer, Shillong Night Teer, Khanapara Teer, Juwai Teer and Jowai Ladrymbai. Speaking to ANI, Radharamn Das said, "Digha Jagannath Yatra is inspired by Puri Rath Yatra. ...Read More >
Mumbai, June 27 (SocialNews.XYZ) Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana joins names such as Kamal Haasan, Ariana Grande, and Jeremy Strong at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences this year. Ayushmann along with names such as Kamal Haasan Naomi Ackie, Gillian Anderson, Branford Marsalis, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Graham, Jodie Comer and Jason Momoa are among 534 individuals who were invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences on June 26. "We are thrilled to invite this esteemed class of artists, technologists, and professionals to join the Academy," said Ac ...Read More >
Srinagar- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said foreign countries were told clearly during the post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic outreach that in case of a fresh provocation, India would repeat its action. Speaking at a discussion at the Ahmedabad Management Association, Tharoor said Indian delegations which visited foreign countries in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor managed to convey that India acted with restraint and responsibility. "In other places, we actually were able to get some very high-placed people to say not only that they respected and supported India's right of self- ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], July 14 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday praised the Bharat Vikas Parishad (BVP) for its significant contributions to India's development, saying the organization has brought about a substantial change in the lives of millions of people. Addressing the 63rd Foundation Day program of BVP, Shah emphasised the organization's role in bridging the gap between those who want to serve and those who need service. '....When the centenary of India's independence will be celebrated, Bharat Vikas Parishad will continue to contribute to India's development with more enthu ...Read More >
JAMMU, July 15: Over 13,400 pilgrims drawn from different parts of country today performed darshan at Himalayan cave situated at the height of 3880 metres in South Kashmir district of Anantnag from twin tracks of Baltal and Nunwan-Pahalgam. Officials said that 13,490 yatris paid obeisance at holy cave by this evening. They said with this, the total number of pilgrims who visited cave shrine in last 13 days has touched 2,34,001. The 13,490 pilgrims included 9096 males, 3546 females, 199 children, 67 Sadhus, 14 Sadhvis and 568 security personnel. Officials said that there is heavy rush and hu ...Read More >
School Holidays: Students in Telangana are in for a treat with a string of upcoming holidays. As schools resume after summer, breaks become scarce, but a welcome exception is just around the corner. Schools across the state will enjoy a stretch of holidays from July 19 to 21: * July 19 (Saturday): Most schools will operate for only half a day, while some are closed. * July 20 (Sunday): Weekend holiday. * July 21 (Monday): Official public holiday for the Bonalu festival. Many students are lik ...Read More >
Puri (Odisha) [India], June 27 (ANI): Preparations for the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra, set to commence on Friday in Puri, are in their final stages, with elaborate arrangements in place for the grand festival. District Magistrate Siddharth Swain and Superintendent of Police Vineet Agarwal provided updates on the planning underway to ensure a smooth and secure event. Also Read | Rahul Gandhi's Demand for Digital Voter List of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections and Vidhan Sabha Polls Legally Untenable, Say Experts. Officials stated that elaborate security arrangements have been made for the Yatra. Pu ...Read More >
Ranchi, Jun 27 (PTI) Lord Jagannath's chariot along with goddess Subhadra and Lord Balbhadra are set to roll out on Friday evening on way to their annual nine-day sojourn to Mausi Bari in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi amid tight security. The chariots of the deities will start rolling around 4.30 pm from Jagannath temple in Dhurwa with traditional rituals. Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren extended their wishes on the occasion of Rath Yatra. "Heartfelt greetings to all devotees on the sacred occasion of Rath Yatra. May Lord Jagannath bless this auspicious ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 27 (ANI): The Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs will hold a meeting on Friday. During the meeting, the committee will record evidence of experts/non-official witnesses in connection with the examination of the subject 'Future of India-Bangladesh Relationship'. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has been the chairperson of the Committee of the External Affairs since September 2024. India has strongly condemned the demolition of a Durga temple in Dhaka, criticising the role of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in allowing the destruction and projectin ...Read More >
VIJAYAWADA: The State government on Friday accorded approvals to a slew of industries. Among those are Krishnapatnam Power Corporation Limited (KPCL), which is set to establish a 350 MW Solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Thamminapatnam and Mommidi villages of SPSR Nellore district with a Rs 1,225 crore investment, creating 575 jobs. Furthermore, the government also waived off a Rs 54 crore extension of time fee, contingent on project completion within two years as per the Andhra Pradesh Integrated Clean Energy Policy-2024. The government also allocated 22.80 acres at MPSEZ in N ...Read More >
Puri, Jul 4 (PTI) Thousands of devotees lined up in front of Shree Gundicha Temple here on Friday for 'Sandhya Darshan' on the auspicious occasion of 'Navami Tithi', the last day to offer obeisance to the sibling deities -- Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath -- at their birthplace before 'Bahuda Yatra.' Bahuda Yatra, scheduled for Saturday, marks the return journey of the deities to their original abode after the nine-day annual sojourn that began with Rath Yatra on June 27. DGP YB Khurania and top officials of the state administration supervised the proceedings to ensure a smo ...Read More >
Hyderabad: The celestial Kalyanotsavam of Sri Renuka Yellamma Ammavaru at Balkampet was grandly held on Tuesday. The Kalyanam was held at 11.55 am. The Endowments Minister Konda Surekha offered silk clothes to the goddesses. Kalyanam is orgainsed on the first Tuesday of Ashada Masam. The devotees were lined up before the temple from 5 am on Tuesday. The temple authorities organised queue lines and VIP entries. A large number of devotees and Shiva Sattulu thronged to the temple premises to witness the wedding. The rush was so huge that it took five hours for the devotees to have darshan. The ...Read More >
Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), Jul 7 (PTI) AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami launched his state-wide campaign for the 2026 Assembly election from Tamil Nadu's Mettupalayam on Monday. The former Chief Minister, who would tour all the 234 Assembly constituencies in the state, reiterated that the Athikadavu-Avinashi irrigation project would be further expanded and implemented to benefit all farmers. Interacting with farmers and weavers at Thekkampatti after commencing his campaign, Palaniswami said, "We reaffirm our commitment that ours will be a farmers' friendly government." Earlier, ...Read More >
Hyderabad: Telangana chief minister A Revanth Reddy on Sunday, July 13, offered prayers at the Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad on the occasion of Bonalu. Reddy presented a silk cloth to Goddess Mahankali, he received a a 'purnakhumbham' welcome from the priests and vedic scholars at the temple. Endowments minister Konda Surekha, Backward Classes Welfare minister Ponnam Prabhakar, Revenue minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, SC, ST and Minorities Welfare department Adluri Laxman Kumar, and senior officials were also present on the occasion. Surekha offered 'bonam' to the goddess. The festivit ...Read More >
Guwahati: The sacred doors of Kamakhya temple's sanctum sanctorum reopened for devotees at 5.00am on Thursday, marking the conclusion of the annual Ambubachi Mahayog. Approximately 20,000 devotees had gathered in the early hours to offer prayers to Maa Kamakhya after the four-day long religious congregation.The Ambubachi Mahayog, which celebrates the annual menstruation cycle of goddess Kamakhya, traditionally draws lakhs of pilgrims from across India and beyond. However, this year witnessed a notable decline in the number of visitors due to newly implemented night-time entry restrictions.The ...Read More >
HYDERABAD: The historic Golconda Fort came alive with colour, devotion and festive fervour as the annual Bonalu celebrations kicked off on a grand note on Thursday. The month-long festivities began with traditional prayers to Goddess Jagadambika at the Sri Jagadamba Mahankali temple atop the fort. The first Bonam -- a traditional offering of rice, jaggery, curd and neem leaves carried in decorated brass or earthen pots -- was brought in a massive procession from Langar Houz Crossroads, accompanied by beats of drums, chants and the rhythmic dance of 'Potharajus' wielding whips. Women dressed ...Read More >
Puri, Jun 27 (PTI) The 'Pahandi' ritual in which Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath are being carried in a procession from the 12th-century temple to their respective chariots for the Rath Yatra started on Friday. Though the Pahandi ritual was earlier scheduled to begin at 9.30 am, it started one hour late and the ritual will continue for three hours. In the Pahandi the trinity - Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Jagannath - are being carried in a procession to their respective chariots parked in front of the Lion's Gate for journey to Shree Gundicha Temple, about 2.6 ki ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 29 (SocialNews.XYZ) India has witnessed a series of tragic religious stampedes in 2025, which raised significant concerns about crowd management and public safety at large religious gatherings. From Jagannath Yatra in Odisha to the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh, and stampedes in Delhi and Goa, many have lost their lives and thousands have been injured, indicating a series of security and crowd management lapses at such crucial religious gatherings. The latest tragedy occurred on Sunday during the Jagannath Yatra in Puri, Odisha. As thousands of devotees gathered near the Gundic ...Read More >
Mumbai: Senior BJP leader Ravindra Chavan is all set to become the next Maharashtra BJP chief as he filed his nomination for the post of party's state president on Monday. Mr. Chavan presented the nomination forms to Union Minister Kiran Rijiju, who has been appointed as a central observer for the elections by the BJP. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and outgoing party chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule were present on this occasion. With no other nomination being filed for the post, Mr. Chavan is certain to become the next state president of Maharashtra BJP, said party leaders. The ...Read More >