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Hyderabad: As the sun rose over water bodies across Hyderabad on Monday, devotees from northern India gathered on their banks to perform the final rituals of the Chhath Puja, offering prayers to the rising Sun in the traditional 'Usha Arghya' ceremony. The thanksgiving rituals, marking the conclusion of the four-day festival, were observed with great devotion and enthusiasm. Before sunrise, devotees took a holy dip in the water and waited patiently for the first rays of the sun, which are believed to bring divine blessings. Large numbers of people from Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh -- settled in various parts of the city -- participated in the celebrations with family and friends. Devotees broke their fast after completing the rituals. The most awaited part of the celebration, however, was the traditional sweet 'Thekua', prepared in every home for the occasion. "This sweet is considered mahaprasad and is my favourite," said Madhuri Ojah, a BCom student. "Every year, I share Thekua with my friends here in Hyderabad. They've developed a fondness for it too -- it's now part of their Chhath celebration as well." Mousumi Sharma, who has lived in Hyderabad since 1994, said she learned to make Thekua from her mother-in-law. "This traditional sweet is dear to everyone in our family." Describing the recipe, she explained, "The ingredients are simple -- wheat flour, jaggery and pure ghee. While preparing the dough, we add plenty of ghee and a little water. The oval-shaped pieces are then pressed with decorative designs and fried slowly on a low flame until they turn golden brown." Chhath Puja, dedicated to the Sun God and his consort Usha, is one of the most significant festivals for people from Bihar and adjoining states. It symbolises gratitude for life-sustaining sunlight and is known for its strict fasting, purity and discipline. Even away from their native states, Hyderabad's north Indian community continues to uphold the tradition with equal fervour, turning local lakes and tanks into scenes of faith, festivity and colour.
Filmmaker Jayan K Cherian; stills from his latest film 'Rhythm of Dammam', on the Siddi Community of Yellapur in Uttara Kannada (north Karnataka). The stunningly shot and evocative Rhythm of Dammam, in Siddi Bhasha, is the first fictional feature ever to be made on the Indian Siddi community that traces its ancestry to Africa. In the film, the pre-teen Jayaram, who lives in Karnataka's Yellapura, is afflicted by his dead grandfather's visions, as his impoverished family fights over supposed buried treasure. But Jayaram is a chosen one, the visitations will lead him to discover his community's ...Read More >
Nagpur: The city is preparing for Muharram with Ashura, 10th day of the Islamic month, set to be observed on Sunday by Shia and Sunni Muslims.The Dawoodi Bohra community solemnly observed Ashura, the 10th day of Moharram, on Saturday to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS), the beloved grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), who laid down his life in the historic battle of Karbala upholding values of justice, truth and righteousness, as per their calendar. Each group commemorates the day with distinct rituals, reflecting their spiritual tradition and devotion.For the Shia community, Ashu ...Read More >
New Delhi, Aug 28 (PTI) India's gains from importing discounted Russian oil are estimated to be just USD 2.5 billion per annum, significantly lower than the previously speculated range of USD 10-25 billion, a research report said on Thursday. Stopping Russian oil imports would force India, the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer, to rely on limited alternatives, potentially driving global crude prices up to USD 100 per barrel amid rising demand and tight supply. "Benefit from Russian oil imports is way less than exaggerated media numbers," brokerage CLSA said in a report. While ...Read More >
HYDERABAD: After four days of relentless downpours, Telangana is expected to have a brief respite on Monday, with no rainfall alerts issued. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) placed the state under a yellow alert for thunderstorms. IMD data showed that Papannapet in Medak district received the heaviest 24-hour rainfall at 10.6 cm, followed by Manoor in Sangareddy with 9.28 cm and Nallabelly in Warangal at 9.15 cm. The statewide average rainfall for the day stood at 7.3 mm, notably higher than the normal 4.3 mm. Warangal's Sangem recorded the day's highest maximum temperature ...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 >
Bank holidays in India vary from one region to another. They differ from one state to the next and are often influenced by local festivities, religious events, and regional festivals. Many people in India are unsure about bank holidays. Reserve Bank of India states banks are closed on the second and fourth SaturdaysWith a busy work schedule, many individuals push their bank related work to Saturday to visit the branch and finish transactions. However, it is always confusing to know if this Saturd ...Read More >
Mumbai: To accommodate the heavy festive rush during Puja, Diwali, and Chhath festivals, the Central Railway announced a series of special trains between Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and Danapur. The move aims to ensure smoother travel for thousands of passengers heading to their hometowns in North India during the festive season. According to an official release from the Mumbai Division of Central Railway, Train No. 01047 CSMT-Danapur Special will operate on October 18, 22, 26 and 30, 2025. The special train is designed to manage the surge of passengers travelling hom ...Read More >
New Delhi, Oct 23 (PTI) The government is making preparations on a war footing to organise Chhath Puja at more than 1,300 ghats across the city, with special arrangements along the Yamuna river, Delhi minister Kapil Mishra said on Thursday. Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena and Culture Minister Mishra inspected the Vasudev Ghat and reviewed the ongoing preparations, according to an official statement. They directed officials to ensure that arrangements related to cleanliness, lighting, security and traffic management are completed in time so that devotees do not face any inconvenience, it said. ...Read More >
New Delhi: Haryana released additional water into the Yamuna's main channel from the Hathnikund Barrage, days before Chhath Puja, data from Central Water Commission (CWC) shows.The higher flow is expected to improve the water quality and ensure adequate flow for the festival, some experts said. An official, however, said that the move was for rejuvenating the river, "not just for Chhath Puja. It's also to maintain the river's flow and keep it clean." CWC data shows that since 5 pm on Tuesday, no water was diverted into the Eastern and Western Yamuna Canals, which typically draw a major share o ...Read More >
December 2024 Festivals: December 2024 will be a month full of Hindu celebrations. Key dates include Vinayaka Chaturthi, Gita Jayanti, Karthigai Deepam, and Saphala Ekadashi. The month also features important vrats like Rohini Vrat and Pradosh Vrat. World AIDS Day and the shortest day of the year also fall in December. The article lists dates for these and other events.December 2024 is packed with significant Hindu festivals, offering a blend of spiritual observances, rituals, and community celebrations. The month begins with notable events like Ishti and Vinayaka Chaturthi and continues with ...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, Oct 22 (SocialNews.XYZ) Govardhan Puja, a festival deeply rooted in Indian tradition and spirituality, was celebrated across the country on Wednesday with immense fervour and unwavering faith. From the vibrant heartlands of Rajasthan to Uttar Pradesh, the spirit of devotion united millions in celebration. In Rajasthan's Bundi, the festival coincided with the second day of the grand Deepotsav. Homes glowed not just with lamps but with faith, as families worshipped Govardhan, symbolising the mountain lifted by Lord Krishna to protect the people of Vrindavan from the wrath of Indra, t ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], October 24 (ANI): Ahead of the Chhath festival, a woman from Bihar mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a Chhath song, prompting a heartwarming response from the Prime Minister himself. Taking to X on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "The great festival of Chhath, dedicated to nature and culture, is approaching. Devotees across the country, including in Bihar, have already immersed themselves in the preparations for it with full devotion." Also Read | Terror Module Busted: ISIS-Inspired Module Busted in Delhi, 2 Operatives Trained in 'Fidayeen Attack' Nabbe ...Read More >
Jammu- Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday reviewed the ongoing restoration work of the historic Mubarak Mandi complex, which was the power centre of the Dogra kings in Jammu, and stressed on enhancing its heritage appeal. The Mubarak Mandi Complex is one of Jammu's most significant architectural heritage sites and is envisioned as a comprehensive cultural centre, housing museums, conference venues and heritage hospitality services. Accompanied by Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani and MLA Yudhvir Sethi during the visit, the chief minister was briefed in detail on the multi-phas ...Read More >
The festival of Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, will be celebrated on Thursday, October 2, 2025, across the country. The clarification comes after confusion over whether the festival falls on October 1 or October 2 this year. According to the Hindu Panchang, the Dashami tithi begins on October 1 at 7:01 PM and ends on October 2 at 7:10 PM. Since the major portion of the tithi and the auspicious timings fall on October 2, the festival will be observed that day. As per astrologers, the Vij ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], September 29 (ANI): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday said that the national capital will witness a grand Chhath Puja this year and arrangements will be done at banks on both sides of the Yamuna river. She said focus will be given on cleanliness of the ghats. "To ensure that the Chhath Puja festival is historic, this year, we will make a detailed plan and preparations for it. Arrangements for the Chhath puja will be done at banks on both sides of the river. Focus will be laid on cleanliness at the ghats. Delhi will witness a grand Chhath Puja this year." Prime Mi ...Read More >
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced October 27 as a government holiday for the Chhath festival. The holiday falls on a Monday, marking the most significant day of the four-day celebration. Devotees will offer prayers to the setting Sun. The festival honors nature, the Sun God, and Chhathi Maiya. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday announced that October 27 will be a government holiday on the occassion of Chhath festival, said a statement from the CMO. The chief minister explained ...Read More >
Patna: The dates for the Bihar Assembly elections have created a new challenge for the political parties in the fray. The Election Commission (EC) has scheduled the first phase of voting on November 6 and the second on November 11. However, for the millions of migrant voters of Bihar, the dates for Chhath Puja -- Bihar's most important festival -- clashes with these dates. The employers of these migrant workers expect them to return to their workplaces immediately after the festival, which runs from October 25 to October 28. But the first phase of voting is nine days later, while the second p ...Read More >
Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 11 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday performed holy rituals on the first day of the holy month of 'Sawan', at the Gorakhnath Temple. The Chief Minister also performed 'Rudrabhishek' and 'Havan' at the temple to mark this occasion. Also Read | Stocks To Buy or Sell Today, July 11, 2025: TCS, Hindustan Unilever, and Birla Corporation Among Shares That May Remain in Spotlight on Friday. Chief Minister Adityanath is also the mahant (head priest) of the Gorakhnath Math. Meanwhile, devotees queued up in large numbers outside the ...Read More >
Kanpur: With the auspicious month of Shrawan commencing on Friday and the first Shrawan Somwar (Monday) falling on July 14, all major Shiva temples in Kanpur have begun extensive preparations to ensure smooth observance of the rituals and effective crowd management. Temples are not only being decked with decorations but are also coordinating with district authorities to implement effective crowd control measures. Decorations are underway, and temple authorities are working in coordination with th ...Read More >
Jammu, Jul 18 (PTI) Senior officials of the Jammu and Kashmir government reviewed the arrangements for the smooth conduct of the 13-day-long Budha Amarnath pilgrimage in Poonch district that will begin on July 28. Deputy Inspector General of Police Tejinder Singh reviewed security in Poonch and stressed ensuring the safety of the devotees. "The first batch will depart from the Bhagwati Nagar basecamp in Jammu on July 28, moving towards the Mandi tehsil in Poonch in a regulated convoy amid full security arrangements," a spokesperson said. Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar and Inspec ...Read More >
Agartala, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said on Saturday that the state's traditional 'Ker Puja' is a symbol of faith and unity, and it reflects the rich cultural heritage of the state. "On this occasion of the Ker Puja, I had the opportunity to take blessings near Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala," the Chief Minister told the media after observing the century-old puja from outside the notified areas of the puja ground. As per the customs of the 'Ker Puja', no outsiders are allowed to enter the notified areas of Ker Puja, held in Agartala, different parts of Tripura, ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: In a rare yet culturally rooted event, two brothers from Himachal Pradesh's Hatti tribe have married the same woman, reviving an age-old tradition of polyandry. The ceremony took place in Shillai village of Sirmaur district's Trans-Giri area, with hundreds attending the three-day celebration that began on July 12.The bride, Sunita Chauhan from Kunhat village, married Pradeep and Kapil Negi in accordance with the tribal custom known as "Jodidara", which is recognised under Himachal Pradesh's revenue laws. "I made this decision without any pressure. I respect the bond we have formed," ...Read More >
Kerala Lottery Result SAMRUDHI SM 12 Results Live: The first winner of today's lottery game- SAMRUDHI SM 12 lottery- takes home Rs 1 crore as a cash prize. The Kerala lottery is one of the most trusted games in the country. Kerala Lottery Result Sunday 20-07-2025: The Kerala lottery is back with another fun game- that may lead you to win Rs 1 crore! The results for today's Kerala lottery games- SAMRUDHI SM 12 Sunday- are announced. The Kerala lottery results are announced here, so people with tickets for today's game can stay in touch with this live blog. Samrudhi Lottery Series: MN, MO, MP, ...Read More >
Agartala, July 19 (SocialNews.XYZ) The centuries-old 'Ker Puja' was held in Tripura on Saturday amid several customary restrictions. As per the customs of the 'Ker Puja', death, birth or even recreation are prohibited in the notified areas of the Puja ground. Also held in a few other northeastern states, as well as in the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh, this annual festival organised by the indigenous tribal population consisting of intricate, time-honoured rituals is aimed at the well-being of people and for warding off evil spirits. Though the 31-hour-long rituals and preparatory wor ...Read More >
Shillong, Jul 19 (PTI) Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has said the state government will press for the retransfer of block I and II from Assam's Karbi Anglong district, asserting that the long-pending boundary issue remains a top priority. Tynsong, who also chairs the regional committee on the matter, said the government is awaiting a response from his Assam counterpart to schedule a joint inspection of the disputed areas. Also Read | Prayagraj Road Accident: Speeding Car Runs Over Women Sleeping Under Flyover in Uttar Pradesh, 1 Dead, 2 Injured. Before the creation of Meg ...Read More >
NEW DELHI: Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav on Saturday criticised the Rekha Gupta-led BJP government in the city over the worsening pollution levels in the Yamuna River, calling it a "grave concern". Referring to the July pollution report by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), Yadav said that pollution levels in the Yamuna have worsened since March. This, he said, clearly exposes the BJP's hollow promises on cleaning the river. He alleged that the government has only made tall claims about cleaning the Yamuna after assuming power in Delhi but has taken no concrete action. I ...Read More >
Lucknow: Umar Ansari, the younger son of gangster-turned-politician late Mukhtar Ansari, was arrested by Ghazipur police from Darul Shafa area of Lucknow late Sunday night.The arrest was made following the registration of a criminal case against him for forgery in Ghazipur. He was taken into custody and transported to Ghazipur for further proceedings.Umar Ansari was booked for allegedly attempting to fraudulently reclaim a property that had been confiscated under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act. The property was earlier seized under Section 14(1) of the ...Read More >
Varanasi: Making the Chhath Puja more special this year, the Varanasi division of the North Eastern Railway has used its announcement system to play the famous Chhath songs at more than 15 railway stations in the division, connecting the passengers with Bihar's culture.Varanasi division NER spokesperson, Ashok Kumar, said that during Chhath Puja, lakhs of people return to their homes in Bihar and various parts of North India. This year Indian Railways took the responsibility of getting passengers to their home cities through more than 12,000 special trains and thousands of regular trains and s ...Read More >