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Mumbai, April 1: Devotees across India are preparing to celebrate Hanuman Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, on Thursday, April 2. This significant Hindu festival, also known as Hanuman Janmotsav, is observed annually on the Purnima Tithi (full moon day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Chaitra. Regarded as a symbol of strength, devotion, and perseverance, Lord Hanuman is worshipped by millions who seek his protection and blessings for courage and fearlessness. While the festival falls on April 2, the religious observation is tied to the lunar calendar. According to the Chaitra Purnima schedule, the Purnima Tithi is set to begin at 7:06 AM on April 1, 2026, and will conclude at 7:41 AM on April 2. Most temples and households will observe the primary celebrations and major rituals on the morning of April 2 to align with the sunrise timings and the concluding hours of the Tithi. 'Ramayana': FIRST Look of Ranbir Kapoor As Lord Rama To Be Unveiled on Hanuman Jayanti 2026, Makers Confirm (View Post). Hanuman Jayanti commemorates the birth of Hanuman to his mother Anjani and father Kesari during the Treta Yuga. Believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, he is often referred to as "Rudra Avtar" or "Pawan Putra" (the son of the wind). The deity holds a unique place in Indian culture, particularly for those involved in physical sports, wrestling, and martial arts, who view him as a patron and spiritual guide. Mythology highlights his childhood as being filled with extraordinary divine abilities, most notably the tale of him attempting to swallow the sun, mistaken for a fruit, which showcased his immense power from a young age. Celebrations typically begin early in the morning with devotees taking a holy bath, followed by prayers. Many observe a fast and visit temples dedicated to the Lord, which are often decorated with flowers and lights for the occasion. Common rituals include: While the Chaitra Purnima celebration is most common in North India, various regions observe the deity's birth at different times of the year based on local calendars. However, the April celebration remains one of the most widely recognised national events, bringing together diverse communities through shared hymns and public processions. In addition to spiritual activities, the festival increasingly sees a digital footprint, with many using the occasion to share traditional mantras such as "Om Ham Hanumate Namah" and "Om Anjani Sutaye Namah" across social platforms.
The annual 'Kartheeka Brahmotsavams' began at the temple of Goddess Sri Padmavati Ammavaru at Tiruchanur here on November 28 (Thursday). Priests hoisted the 'Dhwajapatam', the sacred flag bearing the imprint of the divine elephant (the celestial carrier of Goddess Padmavati), atop the temple flag post as part of the 'Dhwajarohanam' ceremony, which signalled the formal launch of the nine-day fete. Under the guidance of the 'Pancharatra Agama' adviser Manikantha Swamy, the officiating priest (Kankana Bhattar), K. Srinivasacharyulu, and priest Babu Swamy conducted the rituals. Executive Office ...Read More >
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 >
A temple locked since 1978 communal riots in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has been reopened by authorities during an anti-encroachment drive. The Bhasma Shankar temple, containing idols of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling, was rediscovered during an electricity theft inspection. This follows recent violence and heightened tensions in the area, including a mosque survey dispute and loudspeaker fine.The Sambhal administration here on Saturday uncovered and reopened a temple, which is said to have been closed ...Read More >
PRAYAGRAJ, India (AP) -- Millions of Hindu devotees, mystics and holy men and women from all across India flocked to the northern city of Prayagraj on Monday to kickstart the Maha Kumbh festival, which is being touted as the world's largest religious gathering. Over about the next six weeks, Hindu pilgrims will gather at the confluence of three sacred rivers -- the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati -- where they will take part in elaborate rituals, hoping to begin a journey to achieve Hindu philosophy's ultimate goal: the release from the cycle of rebirth. Here's what to know abo ...Read More >
Guwahati, Jun 5 (PTI) The Assam Congress on Thursday demanded a CBI inquiry into alleged illegal stone mining in Karbi Anglong district in violation of a Supreme Court order. Addressing a press conference here, former Rajya Sabha member Ripun Bora also alleged that Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council Chief Executive Member Tuliram Ronghang was allowing illegal activities in the district in nexus with Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. "Large-scale illegal stone mining is taking place in the hills of Karbi Anglong in violation of the Supreme Court order. The SC had banned mining in and around K ...Read More >
Ed Sheeran, Shah Rukh Khan, and Arijit Singh unite for a song?: Fans worldwide have been enthralled by British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran's recent trip to India, particularly because of his encounters with Bollywood's Shah Rukh Khan and Arijit Singh. Sheeran posted some sweet moments of friendship on Instagram, including Shah Rukh Khan jokingly repeating the hook of Sheeran's upcoming song "Sapphire," and a calm coffee conversation with Arijit Singh on a barge. Sheeran immersed himself in Indi ...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 >
NEW DELHI: BJP leader Amit Malviya on Tuesday accused Rahul Gandhi of being "so arrogant that he did not even greet the President" during the 75th Constitution Day event held in Parliament. This comes as the grand old party has often voiced its criticism against the saffron party for not inviting President Droupadi Murmu at the inauguration ceremony of the new Parliament building last year and Ram Temple consecration this year. "Rahul Gandhi is so arrogant that he did not even greet the President. Just because she comes from the tribal community, is a woman and Rahul Gandhi is the prince of ...Read More >
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Assembly on Tuesday witnessed a noisy scene as Opposition BJD and Congress members held protests inside the House over alleged non-payment of salaries to around 60,000 women supporting staffers under the 'Mission Shakti' scheme. Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP government of "conspiring to stop" salaries of the 'Mission Shakti' staff. As soon as the Question Hour began, the BJD and Congress members trooped to the well of the House and demanded immediate release of salaries of around 60,000 women supporting staff working under the 'Mission Shakti' sch ...Read More >
Khargone (MP), Dec 11 (PTI) Spiritual leader Sant Siyaram Baba passed away on Wednesday at 94 following a brief illness at his ashram on the banks of the Narmada river in Madhya Pradesh, an official said. Siyaram Baba breathed his last around 6.10 am in his ashram in Bhattyan village, said Khargone district Superintendent of Police Dharmaraj Meena. Condolences poured in from various quarters. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, former CM Digvijaya Singh, and ex-Union minister Arun Yadav among others expressed grief over the death of the Hindu seer, a revered figure in the Nimar region ...Read More >
Hyderabad, Feb 10 (VOICE) Telangana's Minister for Industry and Information Technology D. Sridhar Babu has strongly condemned the attack on Chilkur Balaji Temple head priest C. S. Rangarajan and made it clear that the government will not tolerate anarchic elements hijacking Hinduism to spread hate and terror.Terming the attack on the chief priest and administrator of the temple as a heinous act, he said that the government would deal with such evil acts with an iron fist. "Although the main accused is in police custody, this isn't just a crime -- it's an attack on our values and faith! Using ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], November 26 (ANI): Responding on the arrest and denial of bail of Chinmoy Krishna Das the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday urged Bangladeshi government to ensure the safety and security of Hindus. "We have noted with deep concern the arrest and denial of bail to Shri Chinmoy Krishna Das, who is also the spokesperson of the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote", the statement said. "This incident follows the multiple attacks on Hindus and other minorities by extremist elements in Bangladesh. There are several documented cases of arson and looting of minorities' ho ...Read More >
BUDAUN: A court hearing a plea of a Hindu outfit, which had sought permission to worship at Jama Masjid Shamsi here claiming it was a temple, on Tuesday asked the Muslim side to complete their arguments by December 10. Arguing his case, the lawyer for Shamsi Shahi Jama Masjid Intezamia Committee and Waqf Board Asrar Ahmed questioned the locus standi of the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha to file the petition in the matter. Urging the court to dismiss the plea, the counsel submitted that the mosque is about 850 years old. He stated that there is "no existence of a temple" there and worship by Hin ...Read More >
The Supreme Court halted new temple-mosque legal battles. The court will review the 1991 law impacting religious site status. This law froze the status of religious sites as of August 15, 1947. Several cases, including Gyanvapi and Shahi Idgah, challenge this law. The law's validity is being questioned. The court's decision impacts ongoing and future disputes.In its ruling on the keenly-watched Place of Worship Act case, the Supreme Court said on December 12 that no new Mandir-Masjid suits are to ...Read More >
Karthigai Deepam 2024 is set for December 13, with rituals honoring Lord Shiva and spreading spiritual light. The lighting of lamps symbolizes victory over darkness and ignorance. Karthigai Deepam, one of the most cherished festivals in Tamil Nadu, is a vibrant celebration of light, spirituality, and devotion. In 2024, the festival will be observed on Friday, December 13, a day marked by the lighting of countless earthen lamps (deepam) to signify the triumph of light over darkness and good over ...Read More >
New Delhi, December 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the government is committed to providing every facility to the devotees visiting Prayagraj for Maha Kumbh. Ahead of his visit to Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday, PM Modi said that he will take stock of the works related to the Maha Kumbh and also inaugurate and launch multiple development projects. PM Modi Prayagraj Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi To Arrive in Prayagraj Today To Launch Development Projects Worth Around INR 5,500 Crore. "Along with making the Maha Kumbh of faith divine and grand, we are committed to providi ...Read More >
Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the naval dockyard for the commissioning ceremony of three naval vessels -- two warships INS Surat and INS Nilgiri, and the submarine INS Vaghsheer -- on Wednesday. The event will take place between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm. According to a defence spokesperson, thies commissioning represents a crucial advancement towards fulfilling the national ambition to emerge as a global force in defence production and maritime security. Later, Modi will be at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai at 3.30 pm. Officials said that as part of his initiative to streng ...Read More >
Ayodhya: A new spiritual milestone was achieved in Ayodhya on Thursday with the grand Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of the Ram Darbar at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath participated in the sacred rituals as the chief guest, underscoring the occasion's spiritual and cultural significance. The Ram Darbar, installed on the first floor above the sanctum of Ram Lalla, features intricately carved idols of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughan, and Hanuman. This event follows 498 days after the historic consecration of Ram Lalla on January 2 ...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 >
New Delhi [India], November 28 (ANI): India has expressed its concern over the escalating incidents of violence against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh and desecration, and damage to their places of worship, and has also called on the interim government there to ensure the safety of minorities. In a response to question asked by RJD MP AD Singh, Minister of State for Ministry of External Affairs, Kirit Vardhan Singh in a written reply to Rajya Sabha, stated that the "primary responsibility" for the protection of life and liberty of all citizens of Bangladesh, including minorities, "rests with ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], December 3 (ANI): National award-winning actor, Rishab Shetty, is all set to star in one of the most ambitious historical dramas in recent years, titled 'The Pride Of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.' The film, a grand retelling of the life of one of India's greatest warrior kings, will showcase the legendary rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a revered figure who reshaped Indian history and fought to protect his kingdom from Mughal invaders. The movie promises to be a visual spectacle, featuring groundbreaking action sequences, stunning VFX, and a powerfu ...Read More >
New Delhi, December 5: Uttar Pradesh's Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh expressed confidence that Mahakumbh 2025 will play a pivotal role in showcasing India's rich cultural heritage and Sanatan traditions globally. Speaking on the progress of preparations, he told IANS, "The arrangements for Mahakumbh are progressing in full swing. We are committed to welcoming all devotees, irrespective of their origin -- whether from different states of India or other countries. We aim to host them with unmatched arrangements that combine magnificence, divinity, and cultural vibrancy." "This gran ...Read More >
Kottayam (Kerala), Dec 12 (PTI) The historic struggle for equality that took place in Vaikom a century ago, popularly known as the Vaikom Satyagraha, was not a movement confined to Kerala but marked the starting point for various other struggles for social justice, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said on Thursday. In his address at Vaikom in this district after inaugurating the renovated Thanthai Periyar Memorial and Periyar Library, Stalin said that while impressive strides have been made in areas of social justice and economy in 100 years, a lot more has to be achieved. Stalin inaugur ...Read More >
Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], June 5 (ANI): Pointing out the developmental works done by the Centre and his administration in Ayodhya, where Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is located, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said that earlier bullets were fired on people coming to the city, but now people visiting the temple were welcomed with a shower of flowers. The Chief Minister was apparently referring to the police firing on karsevaks during the Ram Janmabhoomi protest in 1990. Also Read | World Environment Day 2025: Italian Deputy PM Antonio Tajani Lauds PM Narendra Modi's ...Read More >
All over the world, there are certain temples so powerful and energetic, that just being around them gives the most overwhelming feelings of positivity, protection, and love. Visiting these temples feels like the Gods and Goddesses themselves are holding us in their arms, protecting and shielding us from harm. And some of these temples are Shaktipeeths. They are dedicated to the divine feminine energy of Mata Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva, and wherever the parts of her body fell, those places became Shaktipeeths, the houses of energy. Here we mention the 6 most powerful Shaktipeeth from all ...Read More >
Mumbai: Actor Ravi Dubey, known for his versatility, has officially confirmed his role as Lakshman in the highly anticipated Ramayana. Speaking to Connect Cine, Ravi shared his excitement about joining the star-studded cast and praised his co-star Ranbir Kapoor, who is playing Lord Ram in the film. Ravi expressed his gratitude for being a part of this epic project, saying, "I am playing Lakshman in the film. I finally have the permission from the makers to reveal this. I didn't talk about it all this while because I didn't want to give irresponsible statements and spoil Namit (Malhotra) and N ...Read More >
Bhopal: The Gita recitation programme by the Madhya Pradesh government has found a place in the Guinness World Records. "More than 7,200 'acharyas' and 'vatuks' collectively recited the third chapter 'Karma Yoga' on Wednesday, making a record," a statement issued by the government said. The event was parallely organised at Bhopal's Lal Parade Ground and Ujjain to mark the sacred occasion of Gita Jayanti. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that the collective recitation of the Gita by thousands of Acharyas in Bhopal and Ujjain has been registered in the 'Guinness Book of World Records'. He con ...Read More >
MUMBAI/LUCKNOW: Backing the call for a uniform civil code in India, Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath quoted on Sunday a recent statement by Allahabad HC judge Shekhar Kumar Yadav at an event in Mumbai to assert that "majority sentiments are respected globally". Speaking at a the World Hindu Economic Forum-2024 event in Mumbai, the CM attacked the Congress-headed opposition, saying that by the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code the difference between majority and minority communities needs ...Read More >
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 3 (ANI): Monday kick-started on an exciting note for the fans of actor Prabhas as his first look as 'Rudra' was unveiled in the morning. The poster features him in the guise of a hermit, his matted hair flowing wildly, his forehead smeared with sacred chandan, gripping a crescent moon staff that hints at divine power and celestial energy. Sharing his look from the film, Prabhas on social media wrote, " (Om symbol) The Divine Guardian 'Rudra' (Om symbol) Unveiling my look as 'Rudra'. The embodiment of strength and wisdom as the unwavering protector in #K ...Read More >
BHUBANESWAR/PURI: In a massive incentive, the Law department has approved Rs 2.25 crore for Daitapati servitors of the Shree Jagannath Temple if they ensure a smooth Rath Yatra. A proposal in this regard was sent by the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) recently. In a letter to the Srimandir chief administrator, the department informed that the government has approved Rs 2.25 crore as a 'special reward' for Daita servitors for disciplined conduct during the annual festival of the Trinity. The money will be paid from the SJTA funds and replenished with the allotment of funds as spe ...Read More >