Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2025: Dates, Shubh Muhurat, Rituals, And Dos & Don'ts
Ashadha Gupt Navratri 2025: Also known as Varahi or Gayatri Navratri, Ashadha Gupt Navratri will begin on 26th June July 2025 and end on 4th July 2025. This sacred festival is observed during the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Ashadha, which usually falls between June and July. Each day of this Navratri is associated with one of the Dus Mahavidyas, starting from Maa Kali and concluding with Maa Kamala on the tenth day. Unlike the popular Chaitra and Sharad Navratris, this one is observed in secrecy by spiritual seekers and tantriks.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
July 2025 festivals calendar: From Guru Purnima to Hariyali Teej - List of major fasts and festivals in July
July 2025 fast and festivals: The seventh month of the year, July, is packed with several Hindu festivals and fasts that are spiritually meaningful. The sacred month of Sawan begins on 11 July 2025, which is especially important for Lord Shiva's devotees. During this period, devotees observe fasts every Monday, offer prayers, visit temples, and chant mantras to seek blessings. Along with Sawan, other major festivals like Guru Purnima, Hariyali Teej, Devshayani Ekadashi, and Sawan Shivratri also fall in this month. These festivals are celebrated in different parts of India with rituals, fasting, singing of bhajans, and performing poojas. List of July 2025 Festivals and Vrat (Fasting) Complete List of Fasts and Hindu Festivals in July 2025 Here is the detailed calendar of all major festivals and fasts in July 2025: July 6, 2025 – Devshayani Ekadashi and Gauri Vrat Devshayani Ekadashi is observed during the Shukla Paksha of Ashadha month. It is believed that Lord Vishnu goes into a deep sleep on this day. Gauri Vrat is mainly observed by young girls in Gujarat for marital bliss and happiness. July 8, 2025 – Bhaum Pradosh Vrat This fast is observed on a Tuesday and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees fast and perform puja during the twilight period. July 9, 2025 – Ashadh Chomasi Chaudas This is observed during the four holy months and holds importance among followers of Jainism. July 10, 2025 – Kokila Vrat and Guru Purnima Kokila Vrat is observed for good fortune, and Guru Purnima is dedicated to honouring spiritual teachers and gurus. This full moon day holds deep respect in Hindu tradition. July 11, 2025 – Start of Sawan Month The beginning of Sawan, also known as Shravan Maas, is considered highly auspicious. Mondays in this month (known as Sawan Somwar) are particularly important for Lord Shiva worship. July 14, 2025 – First Sawan Somwar (Monday Fasting) The first Monday fast of Sawan begins. Devotees perform Jalabhishek and recite Shiva mantras. July 15, 2025 – Mangala Gauri Vrat This fast is observed by married women for the well-being of their husbands and a happy married life. July 16, 2025 – Karka Sankranti It marks the sun's transition into Cancer (Karka Rashi). This day is good for taking holy dips and doing charity. July 21, 2025 – Second Sawan Somwar Devotees continue their Monday fasts and prayers to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. July 22, 2025 – Second Mangala Gauri Vrat and Sawan Pradosh Vrat This day brings two important fasts – Mangala Gauri Vrat and Pradosh Vrat, both dedicated to divine feminine and masculine energies. July 23, 2025 – Sawan Shivratri This special Shivratri is celebrated in the month of Sawan with great devotion. Temples are decorated, and devotees observe night-long prayers and fasts. July 24, 2025 – Hariyali Amavasya This no-moon day is celebrated with greenery and is considered good for planting trees and performing rituals to honour ancestors. July 27, 2025 – Hariyali Teej Celebrated mostly in North India, especially by women, Hariyali Teej marks the arrival of the monsoon and is associated with Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. July 28, 2025 – Third Sawan Somwar and Vinayak Chaturthi The third Monday fast of Sawan and the Chaturthi dedicated to Lord Ganesha fall on this day. July 29, 2025 – Nag Panchami On this day, snakes are worshipped, as they are considered sacred and closely connected to Lord Shiva. July 30, 2025 – Skanda Shashti Dedicated to Lord Kartikeya (Skanda), this day is observed for victory and the removal of negativity. July 31, 2025 – Tulsidas Jayanti This marks the birth anniversary of the great poet-saint Tulsidas, the author of Ramcharitmanas. The festivals and fasts in July 2025 offer a perfect blend of devotion, rituals, and cultural richness. From observing Sawan Mondays to celebrating Hariyali Teej and Sawan Shivratri, every day in this holy month brings spiritual growth and community bonding. Whether you observe these festivals at home or in temples, the month of July 2025 gives devotees a divine opportunity to connect with their faith. So, mark your calendars and prepare to celebrate a month full of Hindu festivals, sacred fasts, and age-old traditions. (Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.) For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Indian Express
5 hours ago
- Indian Express
UPSC Essays Simplified: ‘If youth knew, if age could' — How to balance idealism with realism in an abstract previous year essay topic like this
Dear UPSC Aspirants, Abstract topics, often referred to as philosophical quotes in essay writing, come with their own set of challenges. Even when you have understood the topic, structuring the essay can take a lot of time. This becomes especially tricky when you are unsure how to balance the arguments and avoid vagueness. There is also pressure to start strong right from the introduction. How do you write an introduction that stands out, a body that keeps the reader engaged, and a conclusion that reflects vision and optimism? How do you ensure smooth transitions between different parts of the essay without losing the core message? Today, we will take up one such topic from previous year UPSC Main Examination (2002). The approach used in the model essay by our expert can be applied to other essays of a similar nature as well. By Pranay Aggarwal There is a tragicomic irony to life: When we are young, we brim with energy but lack wisdom; When we are old, we possess insight but are constrained by the debilitating afflictions of body and mind. But, instead of lament the gap between two of life's most potent forces – vitality and wisdom; what if we could bridge it? Youth is the season of dreams, rebellion, and endless possibilities. It is when one dares to defy odds and dream of building new worlds. Young people prefer not to wait for permission; they act. The youth create start-ups in garages, lead climate protests, volunteer in remote villages, and challenge orthodoxies. But in this very restlessness lies a blind spot – lack of experience. How many dreams collapse under the weight of uncalculated risks? How many youthful missteps could be avoided with the right guidance? If youth is fire, age is light. The elderly possess a wealth of experience, forged in the crucible of failures and successes, heartbreaks and comebacks. They understand nuance and the inevitability of failure. The Indian tradition and Hindu lawgivers have emphasized the role of elders in preserving social order. Even today, it is the aged who often counsel patience, advocate compromise, and remind us that life is not a sprint but a marathon. (FYI: What stands out about this introduction for a UPSC essay? A thought-provoking opening. An abstract topic needs an opening that is engaging right from the beginning. The use of the 'tragicomic irony of life' immediately hooks the reader. The introduction acknowledges the strengths and weaknesses of both youth and age. This logical, balanced approach is expected in UPSC essays and is often rewarding. Also, a smooth transition within the introduction is as important as in the entire essay. From problems to the qualities of youth, and then to age – the introduction briefs the essay's intent, promising a clear structure and flow right from the beginning. The cherry on the cake is the effective use of metaphors and culture that make the essay stand out. Aspirants will note that there is a reflective question in the introduction, 'what if we could bridge it?' This line is an important tool to engage the examiner and makes her curious to read further. What is striking is that it suggests the essay will explore ideas. Now, let's see what goes in the body of the essay. ) When Generations Don't Talk Yet, how often do we see these two forces working at cross purposes? The young rue elders for being 'outdated', while the old dismiss the young as 'naïve'. I remember once ignoring my grandfather's advice during a college project. He warned me about stretching too thin. I, in my enthusiasm, brushed it off. A week later, overwhelmed and behind schedule, I realized the wisdom in his quiet counsel. Perhaps, it is the nature of youth – to learn only after stumbling? Unbridled youth can burn the house down. But disconnected elders can freeze progress, too. We see this globally – youth movements turning aggressive when not heard, and senior leadership failing to grasp digital revolutions. When Old and Young Walk Together History teaches us the power of inter-generational synergy. During India's freedom struggle, we saw the elderly Gandhi guiding a youthful Nehru. One brought moral clarity, the other brought political imagination. In governance, even today, young civil servants are shaped by seasoned mentors, ensuring continuity and innovation coexist. Be it in family or in educational institutions or in politics, the elderly must allow and enable the youth to flourish; while the young must continuously and actively seek the timeless counsel of the elderly. Even in India's start-up ecosystem, the most successful ventures blend youthful founders with wise investors or advisors. Yuva Shakti must flourish with the invaluable Margdarshan provided by the elderly. Here is a quick story. During an internship at a policy think tank, a young intern came up with a pretty radical idea to reform rural employment schemes. A senior analyst listened, smiled, and then gently explained how a similar proposal had failed before because of local resistance. Instead of shutting the idea down, they worked together to refine it. That senior analyst's experience didn't crush the intern's idealism—it actually shaped it. That moment taught the intern something important: wisdom and energy aren't rivals; they're partners. The real task is to institutionalize this wisdom-energy fusion. Families, schools, public service, and civil society must be designed (or redesigned?) as intergenerational spaces. Can we create mentorship programs where retired professionals guide college students? Can Panchayats include youth representatives alongside experienced elders? Institutions must become bridges, not barriers. The Indic tradition offers a template – at least a model worth trying, if not a sure shot answer. The Guru-Shishya parampara was not just about passing on knowledge; it is a sacred transmission of wisdom from the experienced to the eager. More than just a mode of education, it is a way of life where the Guru imparts not only knowledge but also values, discipline, and key life lessons. Rooted in mutual trust, reverence, and lifelong learning; it embodies the personal, spiritual and intellectual bond between teacher and disciple. The holiest of the sacred Hindu texts – the Bhagavad Gita, itself is a conversation between a confused Arjuna and a wise Krishna – youth guided by eternal wisdom. Dharma, or righteous action, is best learned when wisdom speaks and youth listens. ( FYI: How is the body of the essay engaging for a UPSC examiner? An impressive body of the essay must demonstrate maturity, depth, and structure. There should be no attempt to oversimplify. The body avoids one-sidedness and presents both sides clearly. Lucidity is a must, as needed. In such a topic, remaining optimistic and respectful is important. Examples and anecdotes are not just fillers; they are illustrations that make essays memorable and create credibility. Note that formal discussion is mixed with storytelling. Connecting ideas with culture, history, and current scenarios makes the essay relevant to the Indian perspective. After all, you are aiming to serve India. A solution-oriented approach is important because, as a civil servant, UPSC expects you to be both a problem identifier and a problem solver. This should be reflected in the body of the essay as well. Appreciate the intergenerational cooperation along with other progressive elements discussed, rather than just focusing on problems. Remember, engagement is the key. Therefore, storytelling elements help keep the essay lively.) A Vision for India Call it destiny or demographic accident, India is poised to benefit from the synergy of youth and age. With a median age of 28.4 years, India at present is a youthful nation. To put things in perspective, the median age is around 37 years in China and in USA, 45 years in Western Europe, and 49 years in Japan. Our large young population endows us with an energetic workforce and a huge domestic market. India will have more than a billion working-age people by 2030, which will spur economic output and drive consumption. While India boasts of a large and young population, we are also witnessing a surge in the numbers of senior citizens. The 60 years+ aged population is expected to double, from the current around 10% of the population to over 20% by mid-century. As India enters the Amrit Kaal, we must harness both youth and age to build Shreshtha Bharat. Political consensus, a vibrant civil society, and strong democratic traditions already lay a sound foundation. What we need is a people's movement that channels the dreams of the young and the discernment of the old into national transformation. If youth knew and age could, the world would be perfect. If it is anything less than that, together, We – the young and the old, can strive for it. Let young hearts seek counsel, and let old minds stay open. Let the fire of youth be lit by the lamp of wisdom. For when energy meets experience; nations rise, aspirations awaken, and civilizations thrive. (FYI: What makes this conclusion impactful in your UPSC essay paper? A conclusion like this demonstrates vision and optimism, and it connects the theme with values. It must be noted that the conclusion is not merely a summary. In fact, it motivates and mobilizes, maintaining an engaging, active, and mature tone. While data adds credibility, it is the solid interpretation that truly adds value. Also, there is no attempt to overload the conclusion with poetic language or philosophical quotes; the use is just enough to remain impactful. What makes the ending smooth is the natural closure, not a hurried one.) About our Expert: Pranay Aggarwal is an educator and mentor for aspirants preparing for UPSC Civil Services exam. With more than 10 years of experience guiding civil service aspirants, he is acknowledged as an expert on civil service exam preparation, especially on subjects like Social Issues and Sociology. He is the India representative on the Research Committee on Education, Religion and Political Sociology for UNESCO's International Sociological Association and a committee member of Indian Sociological Society and its committee on social movements. He is also the Convenor of Indian Civil Services Association, a think tank of senior bureaucrats. Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. For your queries and suggestions write at Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
News18
13 hours ago
- News18
Panchang, June 29: Tithi, Vrat, Sunday's Shubh And Ashubh Muhurat
Last Updated: Aaj Ka Panchang, June 29, 2025: Check out tithi, auspicious and inauspicious timings, and other details here. AAJ KA PANCHANG, JUNE 29, 2025: The Chaturthi and Panchami Tithis of the Shukla Paksha will take place on Sunday, June 29. Although no significant festivals are scheduled for this day, many still find the Tithi calendar valuable. It helps determine the best and worst timings (muhurats) for carrying out key activities. Following these suggested time slots is believed to improve outcomes and minimise obstacles. On June 29, sunrise is likely to occur at 5:26 AM, with sunset around 7:23 PM. The moon is expected to rise at approximately 9:12 AM and set by 10:37 PM. TITHI, NAKSHATRA AND RASHI DETAILS FOR JUNE 29 Chaturthi Tithi will be in effect until 9:14 AM, after which Panchami Tithi will take over. Ashlesha Nakshatra will remain active until 6:34 AM, followed by the beginning of Magha Nakshatra. The moon will transit through Karka Rashi (Cancer) until 6:34 AM, then move into Simha Rashi (Leo), while the sun will continue its journey through Mithuna Rashi (Gemini). SHUBH MUHURAT FOR JUNE 29 The day's auspicious timings will begin with Brahma Muhurat, observed from 4:06 AM to 4:46 AM, followed by Pratah Sandhya from 4:26 AM to 5:26 AM. Abhijit Muhurat is scheduled between 11:57 AM and 12:53 PM, while Vijaya Muhurat will fall between 2:44 PM and 3:40 PM. In the evening, Godhuli Muhurat will take place from 7:22 PM to 7:42 PM, overlapping with Sayahna Sandhya, which will be active from 7:23 PM to 8:23 PM. The final favourable time of the day will be Nishita Muhurat, lasting from 12:05 AM to 12:45 AM on the early hours of June 30. ASHUBH MUHURAT FOR JUNE 29 The unfavourable periods for the day include Rahu Kalam from 5:38 PM to 7:23 PM, followed by Yamaganda Muhurat between 12:25 PM and 2:09 PM. Gulikai Kalam will take place from 3:54 PM to 5:38 PM, while Dur Muhurat is expected to occur from 5:31 PM to 6:27 PM. First Published:
