Latest news with #Gangajal
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
She walked 140 km for his dream: A Meerut girl's soulful journey for her army-aspiring boyfriend.
As the month of June comes to a close and the sacred season of Sawan sets in, the spiritual fervour across North India intensifies with the onset of the annual Kanwar Yatra , which is scheduled to begin on July 11. This revered pilgrimage, devoted to Lord Shiva , sees lakhs of enthusiastic devotees—popularly known as Kanwariyas—undertaking journeys on foot to holy sites like Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri to collect sacred water from the Ganga and offer it to Shivlings back home. Among the many heartwarming stories emerging ahead of this divine journey, one tale from the Saharanpur division of Uttar Pradesh stands out and has deeply moved the public. A Young Woman's Devotion Fuels Her Journey Lakshmi, a young woman from Partapur, a locality near Meerut, has embarked on the Kanwar Yatra for an extraordinarily heartfelt cause. According to News18 , she is undertaking this challenging trek to Haridwar not just as a religious act but with a special intention: to seek divine intervention for her boyfriend, who has been trying hard to join the Indian Army but has not succeeded so far. Lakshmi's boyfriend has reportedly been preparing for military service for the past year. Despite his relentless efforts, he has not yet achieved his dream. Moved by his persistence and inspired by the sacredness of the Sawan season, Lakshmi took it upon herself to pray for his success. She believes that by offering her devotion and the holy Gangajal to Lord Shiva, she may help turn his aspirations into reality. A Spiritual Mission Powered by Friendship and Faith Lakshmi didn't undertake this yatra alone. Accompanied by her close friend Mansi, she journeyed to Haridwar on foot and successfully collected a total of 81 litres of Gangajal. With great care, they are now making their way back to Meerut, carrying the water in decorated vessels. Throughout the journey, the duo has displayed remarkable strength and determination, earning praise and blessings from fellow pilgrims and locals. Support and Admiration from the Community Their return route has become a trail of inspiration. When Lakshmi reached Shiv Chowk in Muzaffarnagar, people gathered to welcome and encourage her. Locals offered refreshments, showered petals, and applauded her dedication, turning her path into a celebration of devotion and love. The outpouring of support has transformed her spiritual mission into a community experience, filled with emotion and hope. An Offering of Faith on Shivratri Lakshmi plans to complete her pilgrimage by offering the Gangajal at the Shivling in her hometown, Partapur, on the occasion of Shivratri. With folded hands and unwavering faith, she will pray for the realisation of her boyfriend's dream to serve in the Indian Army. Her journey has not only highlighted the deep spiritual connection people share with Lord Shiva but also served as a testament to how love, faith, and hope can drive one to take on even the most demanding paths.
Time of India
08-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Gaya Ji reflects the soul of Bihar: Former DM
1 2 3 Gaya Ji, a place of deep spiritual and cultural significance, continues to be a focal point for pilgrims and visitors alike. In an exclusive conversation with TOI's Alok Kumar, former Gaya DM Thyagarajan S M reflects on the importance of the city and its evolving role. Excerpts: Gaya will now be known as 'Gaya Ji'. How significant is this? Whenever I interacted with people visiting from across the country and abroad, I felt a deep sense of reverence among those coming here to perform pinddaan. Almost all devotees refer to the city as 'Gaya Ji', which is among the most ancient cities of Bihar. CM Nitish Kumar, who personally monitors preparations for the fortnight-long annual Pitripaksh, also refers to the city as Gaya Ji. Even groups of devotees from European and African countries who came here for pinddaan described their pilgrimage as visiting 'Gaya Ji'. The city has always been a top priority on the CM's development agenda for the state. It was at his behest that India's largest rubber dam, constructed on the Falgu river near Dev Ghat to the east of the Vishnupad Temple, was earlier named the 'Gaya Ji Dam'. The CM has honoured the sentiments of the pilgrims by officially naming the holy city as 'Gaya Ji'. A record number of around 23 lakh pilgrims visited Gaya Ji during Pitripaksh in 2024. What challenges did the administration face in ensuring their convenience? Under the CM's guidance, multiple facilities are added every year. The Gaya Ji Dam on the Falgu river was completed before Pitripaksh in 2022. He personally dedicated the dam, which is one of his most ambitious projects aimed at ensuring the availability of water in the Falgu throughout the year for pilgrims. The Falgu is an undercurrent river, which used to remain dry except during the rainy season. Given the spiritual importance of Falgu water in Hinduism, the CM's vision is to ensure that at least three feet of water is available in the river year-round for pinddaan rituals. Apart from the Falgu, Gangajal also holds special significance in Hindu rituals. The supply of Gangajal to households in Gaya and Bodh Gaya was implemented in 2022. Packaged Gangajal was also distributed to pilgrims during Pitripaksha 2024. Ensuring proper arrangements for such a large gathering is always a challenge. However, with the support of civil and police administration, we ensured the best possible crowd management. A queue system for entry into the Vishnupad Temple ensured that every pilgrim had the opportunity to have a darshan of Lord Vishnu's footprint in the sanctum sanctorum. To prevent traffic congestion, direct access to Vishnupad Temple from NH-82 was ensured through alternative routes like Sita Path and Vishnu Path. The ghats of the Falgu have been widened. Free accommodation has been provided for the last three years in the tent city at Gandhi Maidan for a large number of pilgrims. As a result, no one has had to spend the night under the open sky. What further development plans are currently under implementation? Ropeway construction is underway at Dhungeshwari, Pretshila and Brahmayoni hills, which are key religious sites for both Buddhists and Hindus. Other milestones in world-class infrastructure include the Mahabodhi Cultural Centre, inaugurated in 2022, and the Mahabodhi Atithi Grih (guest house), completed this year in Bodh Gaya under the Chief Minister's direction. These facilities now meet international standards for conferences and hospitality. Located in prime areas, these centres have drawn interest from many organisations, particularly from Buddhist countries. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Mahabodhi Mahavihara has also been fully solar electrified to promote green energy. Other developments include Jataka paintings on the northern walls of the Mahavihara and world-class tourist amenities have recently been created in Bodh Gaya. One of the most serious problems for the residents of Gaya Ji has historically been the water crisis, especially during summer. Earlier, people had to rely solely on tubewells for drinking water, which led to a depletion of the groundwater level during the summer months in Gaya and Bodh Gaya. However, under the Gangajal supply scheme, the projected population of 2051 has been taken into account. Household pipelines now supply Gangajal in both Gaya and Bodh Gaya. This scheme has improved groundwater levels, as an estimated 80 million cubic metres of underground water is now being saved daily due to the reduced dependence on tubewells.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Kalash Yatra to highlight spirit of Op Sindoor
Varanasi: The colours of Operation Sindoor will be evident during the traditional Kalash Yatra of Nirjala Ekadashi here on Friday. Amidst the waving of national tricolours, water from the Sindh, Jhelum, Chenab and Ravi rivers apart from Sangam will be offered to Lord Vishwanath. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Providing details of the events to be organised on this auspicious occasion, representatives of Suprabhatam, Kashi Mokshadayini Seva Samiti and Shiv Barat Samiti said that Nirjala Ekadashi will be celebrated to honour Operation Sindoor and the valour of the armed forces. Water from the Sindhu, Chenab, Jhelum and Ravi rivers has already reached reached Kashi, they added. A total of 1,008 women will fill their urns with the Gangajal and the water received from these four rivers at Dashaswamedh Ghat at 6.30 am. They will then march towards Kashi Vishwanath Dham via Godowlia and Bansphatak to offer Jalabhishek. To add grandeur to the Kalash Yatra, PAC bands, shehnai, Damru groups, a tableau of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati seated on a large Nandi, specially decorated chariots with distinguished saints and music vehicles will also be part of the religious procession. Participants will keep waving the tricolour flag in the procession. They will also offer Sindoor and the Tricolour to the deity, said the representatives, including Umashankar Agarwal, Deepak Bajaj, Manish Tulsiyan, Dilip Singh, Nidhidev Agarwal, and Rajeev Gupta.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ganga Dussehra wishes 2025: 35+ messages, WhatsApp status, Instagram captions and more
Ganga Dussehra wishes & status: Ganga Dussehra 2025 will be celebrated on Thursday, 5 June. This holy festival falls on the Dashami Tithi of Shukla Paksha in the month of Jyeshtha and is also known as Ganga Avataran Divas, the day when the sacred river Ganga descended from the heavens to Earth. It is believed that Maa Ganga came down through the locks of Lord Shiva, after the deep penance of King Bhagiratha, to free the souls of his ancestors. Let's explore the significance, rituals, and some heartfelt Ganga Dussehra wishes, messages, quotes, WhatsApp statuses, and Instagram captions to share with your loved ones. When is Ganga Dussehra 2025? Ganga Dussehra will be observed on 5 June 2025, which falls on a Thursday. According to the Hindu calendar, it is marked on the 10th day (Dashami) of the Shukla Paksha in Jyeshtha month. Auspicious Bathing Time for Ganga Dussehra The most sacred time to take a holy dip in the Ganga River on this day is between: 5:25 AM to 7:40 AM (IST) This early morning period is considered highly virtuous. If you're unable to visit the river, bathing with Gangajal (Ganga water) at home is also spiritually beneficial and acceptable. Why Ganga Dussehra is Important Ganga Dussehra holds deep religious and spiritual significance. Devotees believe that bathing in the Ganges on this day can wash away sins and bring peace to the soul. Celebrations are widespread across India, especially in Haridwar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Rishikesh, Garhmukteshwar, and Patna, where special melas (fairs) and rituals are organised. How to Worship on Ganga Dussehra If visiting the river Ganga isn't possible, here's how you can perform Ganga Dussehra puja at home: Take a bath with Gangajal or mix it in your regular bathing water. Chant: Om Namo Gangaye Place a picture or idol of Maa Ganga on a red cloth on a stool. Offer puja items like: Flowers, rice (Akshat), sandalwood, diya (lamp), incense, Naivedya (kheer/fruits), betel nut, coconut, sweets, ghee, jaggery, sesame seeds, white cloth, and a pot of clean water. Recite these Ganga Dussehra mantras: Om Namo Gangaye Vishwarupiniye Narayanye Namo Namah Gange Cha Yamunai Chaiva Godavari Saraswati Narmade Sindhu Kaveri Jalesmin Sannidhim Kuru Gangaam Vari Manohari Muraricharanachyutam Tripurarishiraschari Paapahari Punatu Maa Offer tarpan (ancestral offerings) and donate 10 items such as food, water, fruits, ghee, sugar, clothing, salt, oil, Suhaag items, and even gold if possible. Avoid non-vegetarian food, alcohol, onion, garlic, and never donate iron or plastic on this day. Spiritual Rituals to Follow Taking a dip in the river Ganga 5 or 7 times is believed to bring special blessings. Pour Ganga water on a Shivling as part of your prayers. Hasta Nakshatra, which falls on this day in 2025, increases the power of good deeds performed during Ganga Dussehra. Happy Ganga Dussehra Wishes 2025 Here are some warm and meaningful wishes and messages to share with your loved ones on this divine day: May Maa Ganga bless you with peace, purity, and positivity this Ganga Dussehra! On this holy day, let the sacred Ganges wash away all your sins and sorrows. Happy Ganga Dussehra 2025! May this day bring divine energy and happiness to your home. Take a holy dip in devotion, and feel your heart filled with peace. Jai Maa Ganga! Ganga Dussehra reminds us of purity, power, and the blessings of Mother Nature. Wishing you a sacred Ganga Dussehra filled with purity, peace, and spiritual joy. May the river's blessings flow into your life always. May Maa Ganga remove all negativity from your life and replace it with calmness and divine light. Happy Ganga Dussehra 2025! On this pious occasion, may the holy waters of the Ganges cleanse your soul and guide you towards a path of truth and kindness. Let your heart be pure like the Ganga and your thoughts calm like her flowing waters. Wishing you a blessed Ganga Dussehra. As the sacred river Ganga descends, may her blessings uplift your soul and bring you closer to peace and happiness. May the divine river Ganga cleanse your heart of worries and bring peace into your soul. Happy Ganga Dussehra! Heartfelt Ganga Dussehra messages Let the blessings of Maa Ganga bring strength, wisdom, and joy into your life this Ganga Dussehra. On this sacred day, may your prayers be heard, your heart be calm, and your path be pure like the river Ganga. Sending you warm wishes on Ganga Dussehra. May your life flow as smoothly and gracefully as the holy Ganga. As Maa Ganga flows down from the heavens, may she bless your home with harmony and good health. Wishing you a spiritual and meaningful Ganga Dussehra. Let the purity of Ganga guide you always. Celebrate Ganga Dussehra with devotion and peace. May your soul be as pure as the river itself. Let the divine current of Maa Ganga take away your fears, doubts, and sorrows. Happy Ganga Dussehra! May the holy river bless your family with happiness, prosperity, and a life free from obstacles. This Ganga Dussehra, allow your heart to overflow with kindness, just as the Ganges flows with blessings. Ganga Dussehra WhatsApp Status Ideas Update your WhatsApp status with these soul-stirring thoughts: Let Maa Ganga's blessings cleanse your soul – Happy Ganga Dussehra! Purify your mind with devotion and gratitude. #GangaDussehra2025 On this divine day, let's honour the river that gives us life and faith. On this divine day, let Maa Ganga flow through your heart and purify every part of your being. #Blessings #GangaDussehra Let the sacred waters wash away your troubles and fill you with strength. Jai Maa Ganga 🙏 #SpiritualVibes #GangaDussehra2025 Feeling grateful for the holy Ganga and her divine blessings. #GangaDussehra2025 The river flows, the soul glows – Happy Ganga Dussehra 💧✨ On this day of purity, may peace surround you like the river surrounds the land. 🙏 #JaiMaaGanga Start this Ganga Dussehra with a pure heart and positive mind. 🌼 Faith is flowing, blessings are glowing – Happy Ganga Dussehra! Let the waves of devotion wash away your pain. #GangaSnan #DivineVibes Woke up feeling thankful for spiritual blessings. #HolyWaters #GangaDussehra A dip in faith, a step toward peace. Jai Maa Ganga 🌊 #SacredDay May the sacred Ganga refresh your soul today and every day. Purity is not just water deep – it's the peace in your heart. #GangaBlessings Ganga Dussehra Instagram Captions Use these captions to share your celebration moments online: Feeling blessed by the sacred waters of Maa Ganga 🌊✨ #GangaDussehra #DivineVibes Dipped in devotion, rising in peace. 💫 #JaiMaaGanga Celebrating Ganga Dussehra – a day of purity, power, and prayer 🙏 When the Ganga flows, she carries not just water but centuries of faith and healing. #GangaDussehra #DivineEnergy Immersed in the holiness of Ganga – feeling peaceful, grateful, and renewed. 🌊 #GangaSnan #FestivalOfFaith Celebrate this sacred day with a heart full of devotion and a soul open to grace. #JaiGangaMaa #HolyWaters #GangaDussehra2025 Divine waters, peaceful heart. Grateful for this sacred day. 🌊✨ #GangaDussehra2025 Flowing through life like the Ganga – strong, steady, and sacred. #RiverOfFaith Soaked in spiritual energy this Ganga Dussehra 💫 #BlessedMoments #JaiGangaMaa Let the holy waters cleanse your thoughts and renew your soul. 🌿 #SpiritualFlow From the Himalayas to the heart – Maa Ganga flows with grace and glory. #NatureAndFaith The river teaches us to keep flowing, no matter the obstacles. 🌊 #LifeLessons #GangaDussehra Feeling blessed by the sacred flow of Maa Ganga on this divine day. 🙌 #PureHeart This isn't just water, it's centuries of belief. #Heritage #GangaDevotion Peace flows from within when you're connected to something divine. 🌼 #GangaSnan Every drop of the Ganga speaks of grace. Let your life speak of devotion. #JaiMaaGanga Ganga Dussehra is more than just a festival – it is a reminder of our deep spiritual roots and the power of faith and devotion. Whether you take a dip in the holy river or simply chant mantras at home, let your heart be filled with reverence for Maa Ganga. Share these Ganga Dussehra wishes, messages, quotes, WhatsApp status, and Instagram captions with friends and family to spread the joy and spirituality of this sacred day. (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.
Time of India
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Exclusive - Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah's Daya Shankar Pandey reveals how he bagged the role of Inspector Chalu Pandey; says 'TMKOC mere jeevan ka ek bahut hi zaruri ang hai'
Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah , one of the most beloved and longest-running sitcoms on Indian television, has been entertaining viewers of all ages for 17 years. Over time, each character from the show has gained a loyal fanbase, and one such fan-favourite is seasoned actor Daya Shankar Pandey . He became widely recognized for his portrayal of Inspector Chalu Pandey , a role that turned out to be a turning point in his career and won him immense love from the audience. In an exclusive conversation with Times of India TV, Daya Shankar shared how he landed the iconic role. He also opened up about his deep connection with the show's producer, Asit Kumarr Modi , revealing behind-the-scenes details and personal memories that many fans were unaware of. Recalling the time when he was first offered the show, Daya Shankar Pandey shared, "Before I started playing Inspector Chalu Pandey in TMKOC, I was already connected to the show, but not in a big way. I wasn't really part of the creative team. I was just helping as a friend. Since Asit and I have known each other for a long time, I would share ideas with him. Sometimes he used them, sometimes he didn't. At the same time, I was working on the show Shanidev in Baroda. Whenever I got free time, I would give some inputs for TMKOC. It was all going smoothly and in good spirit. Then one day, Asit told me about a new character, Inspector Chalu Pandey, and he offered me the role. I wasn't sure at first. I was focused on Shanidev and didn't feel like switching. But Asit told me, 'An actor should not stick to just one kind of role. This will be something fresh for you.' So I finally agreed." The Gangajal actor recalled the first day of his shooting, "I still remember our first shoot at Filmistan Studio. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Co-Founder of Google Brain, Andrew Ng, Recommends: "These 5 Books Will Turn Your Life Around" Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo We had so much fun filming the scenes, haste khelte pura episode nikal diya humne. When the episode was edited and shown to us, everyone liked it, including Asit. When the episode aired, we got great feedback. That's when Asit told me that my character would now be a permanent part of the show. Since that day, it's been almost 11–12 years, and I'm still happily playing Inspector Chalu Pandey. I enjoy it a lot." For the uninitiated, Inspector Chalu Pandey made his first appearance in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah back in 2010, during a storyline where characters like Jethalal, Sodhi, Iyer, and Nattu Kaka were mistakenly arrested for a car theft case. TMKOC Controversy: What Asit Kumarr Modi Thinks About Palak Sindhwani Will Surprise You
