Jyeshtha Kalashtami 2025: Date, timings, significance, and rituals
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Muslims greet kanwariyas with refreshments on temple route
Ranchi: As saffron-clad pilgrims marched toward temples on the second Monday of the holy month of Shravan , their journey was made smoother by Muslim volunteers who offered them water, medicines, and refreshments along the route. This annual tradition, now embraced by both communities, is a powerful symbol of unity amidst religious diversity. Volunteers set up stalls at Ranchi's Karbala Chowk, offering water, tea, refreshments, and basic medical aid to tired pilgrims. Aquilur Rahman, general secretary of the Ranchi Central Muharram Committee, said, "Religion teaches us compassion. We are not just helping Shiva devotees but nurturing our shared heritage of peace. We have been doing this for the past 10 years during Shravan. The kanwariyas accept whatever we can provide with utmost gratitude." A volunteer at the camp, Parvez Alam, said, "Acts like these bridge gaps and foster understanding. Our initiative exemplifies that the communities are in arms both in times of celebration and crisis. We will set up camps on the remaining two Mondays as well. We pray for everyone's well-being." What stood out was the mutual respect between the communities. Many kanwariyas, surprised yet deeply touched, folded their hands in gratitude and blessed the volunteers. "It's beautiful to see people from different faiths standing together. This is the real India," said a devotee, Vrijesh Pathak. The initiative also received accolades from several senior administrative officials present at the camp, including Ranchi (City) SP Ajit Kumar, (city) DSP K B Raman, DSP and OC of Lower Bazar PS, Dayanand Kumar.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Sawan Shivratri 2025: Puja shubh muhurat, special upay, and significance
Image Credit : Canva One of the most spiritually charged festivals celebrating Lord Shiva is Sawan Shivratri, a festival that falls on the sacred month of Shravan (Sawan). The sacred festival is observed with a special fanfare and spirit by devotees all over India, and more so in the northern states. It is of great importance because it marks the marriage of gods, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, as it also celebrates the defeat of evil and that Shiva is the lord of asceticism and powers. According to legends, Lord Shiva imbibed the poison that emerged during the churning of the cosmic ocean (Samudra Manthan) to save the world, and Sawan is celebrated as a time when prayers and rituals dedicated to him have special potency. Date and puja shubh muhurat 2025 Image Credit : Canva In 2025, Sawan Shivratri will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 23. The key timings for rituals are as follows: Chaturdashi Tithi begins : 4:39 AM, July 23, 2025 Chaturdashi Tithi ends : 2:28 AM, July 24, 2025 Shivratri Parana Time (Fasting ends) : 5:38 AM, July 24, 2025 Shivratri night puja (four prahars) First prahar : 7:17 PM – 9:53 PM (July 23) Second prahar : 9:53 PM – 12:28 AM (July 24) Third prahar : 12:28 AM – 3:03 AM (July 24) Fourth prahar : 3:03 AM – 5:38 AM (July 24) Rituals typically include the Jalabhishek (bathing the Shivling with holy water), offering bilva leaves, white flowers, milk, honey, and praying throughout the night with sacred mantras such as "Om Namah Shivaya." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Puja vidhi (rituals) and special upay Fasting : On this day, devotees observe a strict fast, sometimes consuming only water or fruits, dedicating their minds to Lord Shiva. Abhishek : The Shivling is bathed with water, milk, ghee, curd, and honey, followed by an offering of bilva leaves, essential for gaining Shiva's blessings. Chanting mantras : Powerful mantras like 'Om Namah Shivaya' and Maha Mrityunjaya are recited for spiritual energy and protection. Night vigil (jagran) : Many devotees stay awake all night, singing bhajans and reading the Shiv Puran or stories related to Lord Shiva, especially during the four 'prahars' (quarters) of the night. Special upay : To remove obstacles and fulfil wishes, it is considered very auspicious to donate milk, offer food to Brahmins, and help the needy on this day. Some also write 'Ram' on 108 bilva leaves and offer them to Shiva for special blessings. Significance Image Credit : Canva Sawan Shivratri 2025 comes under the influence of strong planetary, hence it is more powerful for specific zodiac signs, such as Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn and Aquarius. It is considered that on this night, worship of Shiva, peace, prosperity and spiritual upliftment and elimination of negative energies is achieved. Sawan Shivratri is rather a festival of belief, purification, and inner revival, still. Be it fasting and night prayers, special upay or whatever the devotee might practice, it is all assumed to transform the distance between the devotee and the deity, a distance which attracts the blessings of Mahadev in every aspect and area of life.
India.com
5 hours ago
- India.com
7 Street Names In Varanasi Are So Weird, Even Google Maps Gets Confused
People frequently visit Varanasi because it is among the world's most enduringly inhabited cities where history meets spirituality and cultural richness. The ancient city exists on the sacred Ganges River banks where it has maintained its position in history as a center for scholars, traders and pilgrims and travelers for centuries. History in this ancient city manifests through various stories which have developed over millennia because its complex passages carry long-established tales of heritage. Numerous winding pathways and busy roads in Varanasi hide certain unique street names that make people wonder. The unique names Varanasi uses for its streets not only provide the city with charm but additionally share interesting legends which come from myths and traditional elements. 1. Monkey Street (Markat Nibash Lane) The well-known odd street name of Varanasi is Monkey Street positioned in the vicinity of Assi Ghat. History shows that a vast monkey populace maintained a prominent presence in this urban sector so this area received its present name. People in the area hold that the monkeys are sacred because they share a connection with Hanuman who serves as the Hindu deity of monkeys because of his power and devout character. Historical human settlement development brought the monkeys to become essential participants in local community activities in this area. The dwindling monkey population has preserved the distinctive name of this street as its signature element. Both tourists and locals use the road as a dual-purpose attraction since they visit the historical location along with the remaining neighborhood monkeys which show curiosity to humans. 2. Khoon Ka Rohta (The Blood Road) You will find this scary yet compelling street name written as Khoon Ka Rohta which means 'The Blood Road.' During the medieval era this city street within Varanasi's old district acquired its sinister name after it reportedly served as a place for capital punishment executions. The public records of Varanasi indicate that the authorities executed criminals and enemies of the state along this road which resulted in bloodshed. History notwithstanding Khoon Ka Rohta exists today as a business center which features numerous street vendors who sell multiple products including spices alongside textiles. This remarkable urban renewal projects how Varanasi residents have risen above their challenges. 3. Gali Chooriwale (Thieves' Alley) The historical reputation of Gali Chooriwale was known to house numerous thieves alongside pickpockets. Criminals exploited Dashashwamedh Ghat surroundings through the dark and crowded Gali Chooriwale due to its meager lighting. Before the modern era many visitors to the ghats became victims of street robbers who pretended to be ordinary passersby. Today Gali Chooriwale operates with a new reputation through shops which sell religious objects and cultural memorabilia as well as quick snacks for visitors. Rich citizens showcase their appreciation for law enforcement as they explain the process of cleansing the region into a secure space for visitors. 4. Pandey Haveli Ki Gali (Pandey Mansion Lane) The famous Pandey family built their magnificent haveli that established Pandey Haveli Ki Gali as a name for this street. The mansion from Mughal times accommodated inhabitants together with cultural activities as a dual purpose establishment. The architectural masterpiece of the haveli stands out because it showcases intricate carvings and courtyards and magnificent frescoes from past era glory. Despite some architectural deterioration the street stands as a historical monument to the noble past of Varanasi by offering traditional Indian architectural beauty for visitors to appreciate. 5. Nagwa Road (Snake Path) The area that became Nagwa Road received its name because many snakes resided there before. The symbolic value of snakes in Hindu mythology through the serpent deity Nagas brought residents in this area to show respect instead of exhibiting fear toward snakes. Historical records indicate snake charmers used to practice their enchantments with cobras throughout this road while entertaining the locals. Snake charming stands banned from existence today but visitors continue visiting Nagwa Road seeking to experience its historically important ties to snakes. 6. Bhairav Galli (Bhairava Lane) The sacred Bhairav Galli stands dedicated to Bhairava which represents the terrifying aspect of Lord Shiva thus holding deep spiritual value. People who walk through this lane require visiting the nearby temple to worship Bhairava because local belief states it will protect them from negative events. Lady Luck grants formidable obstacles to those who show disrespect to the sacred deity. The street sees numerous pilgrims especially during Mahashivratri who come to obtain divine protection as well as blessings. The combined effects of moving oil-lamp light and perfumed incense smoke produce a powerful magical sensation inside Bhairav Galli. 7. Mochi Bagh (Cobbler's Garden) Mochi Bagh served as the traditional residence of mochis who manufactured leather shoes and handbags for their living. This community supplied soldiers in Varanasi with footwear when British colonial rule was still in force. The neighborhood of Mochi Bagh maintains no resemblance to traditional gardens despite its title because it contains workshops and markets throughout its urban landscape. Although the origin faded into history the name Mochi Bagh now recognizes the exceptional craftsmanship of the neighborhood's original artisans. Final Thoughts Street names in Varanasi are historical markers which contain deep symbols of both religious and cultural development. Every place name in Varanasi delivers historical information about either divine occurrences or social relationships or occupational origins. A walk through these streets grants visitors access to the heart of the city by showing where everyday life connects with exceptional experiences while ancient history reveals itself through every turn. Visitors to Varanasi who walk through the one-of-a-kind lane names experience an exciting journey that reveals the eternal essence of the city.
