Latest news with #Gokulashtami
The Print
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Print
Mumbai is seeing a big fat family drama. Priya in, Rani out & saas-bahu saga rules
Maybe the popular Bambaiya slang, ' bhandaa phodna (breaking the pot)', comes from this festival. The phrase defies easy translation, but when someone is accused of breaking someone else's bhaanda , watch out! There's big trouble ahead. It's a street festival like no other, with wildly cheering crowds encouraging daredevil Govindas to climb higher and higher until they reach the handi (earthen pot), and break it to claim the prize money. All eyes will be on which political party indulges in the 'mine is bigger than yours' game. I'm referring to the size of the handi and the prize money, of course. Mumbai is getting ready to kickstart the festival season with Janmashtami, celebrated on the eighth day of the Krishna Paksha in Shravan Maas. This year, Gokulashtami falls on 16 August, and our agile Govindas are busy rehearsing for the annual ritual—the gravity-defying human pyramids. Of 'bhandaas' & bahus Lots of gigantic bhandaas are being broken in Delhi right now. Let's call it the latest high–profile 'saas-bahu society saga' in overdrive. On paper, it is being presented as a corporate battle. At the centre of the drama is grieving matriarch Rani Kapur, attempting to reclaim her rights to an empire established by her late husband, Surinder Kapur, after the death of her only son, Sunjay (53). The family bhaanda was dramatically broken by Rani recently, when she issued a statement—her first after the tragedy—challenging the veracity of the information around Sunjay's untimely death on 12 June during a polo fixture in Windsor. She labelled the hasty findings 'highly suspicious'. The heartbreaking news of Sunjay's passing caused ripples across the country. The freaky bee story sounded beyond bizarre. Who dies like this? Allegedly, an errant bee had flown straight into Sunjay's wide–open mouth and got stuck in his windpipe, choking him to death. Why would a seasoned, competent polo player (captain of his team), keep his mouth wide open during a high-velocity chukker, while riding a galloping pony? Hours after the terrible news broke, a sneaked video surfaced, showing paramedics administering CPR as Sunjay lay lifeless on the ground. Quick question: Was the bee found? There was a post-mortem, right? A high-profile death of a billionaire celebrity under unusual circumstances inevitably generates controversy. Wild stories did the rounds inside swanky salons across continents. Despite rumours, the Kapur clan was united in grief. Or, so it appeared to the watching world that followed the Delhi funeral coverage on 19 June. Sunjay's three wives (just two present at the funeral) were not warring, the loyalists insisted. Everyone agreed the sad occasion was conducted with dignity and restraint. The blended parivaar participated in the funeral rites together—they were all there to stand by one another, particularly to support an emotionally shattered Rani, through her darkest hour. 'So civilised,' social media chorused. Phut! The bhaanda broke. Things turned ugly. Also read: Maharashtra's language war reaches West Bengal. Actor Prosenjit Chatterjee is the first victim 'Cherchez la femme' How did Mumbai see this debacle? The way it sees most things: 'Who gets the money?' Mumbai, the city of dhanda (business), gets to the point very quickly. Cuts to the chase. Nobody wastes a minute on emotions. So it was when the news first broke. 'Oh… Sunjay Kapur… that Delhi dude. Wasn't he married to Lolo?'' Identifying actor Karisma Kapoor in a familiar way as 'Lolo' to establish a bond that does not exist, but sounds like it does. 'How much will she get? Are the kids mentioned in his will?' The sad story became all about money and the millions she was likely to inherit. Then came the funeral in Delhi. 'Surely Bebo (Kareena Kapoor, to you) and Saif will attend?' They did. Sunjay's widow, former model and bizwoman Priya Sachdev Kapur, barely figured in Mumbai media's breathless coverage. The story quickly died once the cremation was over and Lolo-Bebo-Saif jetted back to Mumbai. Till another bhaanda broke last week. Rani struck back. Her narrative has found several sympathisers—mainly affluent senior citizens who have erroneously, foolishly, trustingly signed over their wealth and power to their children during their own lifetime. Rani's letter to shareholders and the Sona Comstar board was made public by senior advocate Vaibhav Gaggar. In Mumbai, inevitable comparisons to industrialist Vijaypat Singhania's sorry tale did the rounds—there were far too many parallels. Both individuals were former Chairpersons of their respective empires and had handed over the company on a platter to an offspring. Like Rani, Vijaypat too expressed anguish and deep disappointment when he discovered he had voluntarily given up a fortune. 'I was made to sign documents under coercion,' Rani said, echoing Vijaypat's lament. While social circles in Delhi speculate and take sides, so far, the odds favour the widow over the mother, purely on technical grounds. The centre stage has been smoothly grabbed by Priya Sachdev in the tumultuous Rs 30,000 crore succession battle. Despite Rani's strident protestations, the AGM happened on 25 July. And Priya waltzed into the boardroom, leaving Rani out in the cold. 'Cherchez la femme,' the French say. When there's trouble, 'Look for the woman'. In this case, who is going to cherchez which femme? 'Leave it to the courts to decide,' is the considered view from Malabar Hill. Like there is any other choice. Unless there are more bhandaas still left to be broken. Shobhaa De is an author, columnist, social commentator, and opinion-shaper. She has written 20 books. She tweets @DeShobhaa. Views are personal. (Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Krishna Janmashtami 2025 date: Is Gokulashtami on August 15 or 16? Know exact date, shubh muhurat, wishes and more
Krishna Janmashtami 2025: Krishna Janmashtami, also known as Gokulashtami, Shrikrishna Jayanti, and Krishnasthami, is one of the most important festivals in Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism). It is celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, who is considered the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. As per religious beliefs, Lord Krishna was born at midnight on the Ashtami tithi (eighth day of the waning moon) during the Rohini Nakshatra in the month of Bhadrapada. That's why this day is joyfully celebrated every year as Krishna Janmotsav. Confusion Over Janmashtami 2025 Date Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on Ashtami ithi, or the 8th day of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. This year, there is a bit of confusion around the exact Janmashtami 2025 date. The reason is that the Ashtami tithi begins on the night of 15 August and ends before noon on 16 August. So, people are wondering whether Janmashtami should be celebrated on 15 August or according to the Udaya Tithi (sunrise rule) on 16 August 2025. Let's clear up the details below. When is Krishna Janmashtami in 2025? In 2025, the 5252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna will be observed on: Date: Saturday, 16 August 2025 Puja Muhurat (Auspicious Time): From 12:04 AM to 12:47 AM (midnight) Moonrise Timing: 11:32 PM Ashtami Begins: 15 August 2025 at 11:49 PM Ashtami Ends: 16 August 2025 at 9:34 PM Rohini Nakshatra Begins: 17 August 2025 at 4:38 AM Rohini Nakshatra Ends: 18 August 2025 at 3:17 AM Janmashtami Vrat Time 2025: Fasting Details On Janmashtami, many devotees observe a strict fast from sunrise until midnight, the believed time of Krishna's birth. Some break the fast the next morning after sunrise, while others wait until the Ashtami tithi or Rohini nakshatra ends. During this fast, only fruits and light satvik meals (known as phalahaari) are consumed. Spiritual Significance of Krishna Janmashtami In Hinduism, fasting on Shri Krishna Janmashtami is believed to carry great spiritual merit. It is said that observing this fast helps in cleansing one's sins and brings peace and prosperity into life. It is also considered a path towards moksha (spiritual liberation). With Lord Krishna's blessings, devotees believe their lives are filled with joy, success, and divine protection. Why is Chappan Bhog Prepared for Lord Krishna on Gokulashtami? Chappan Bhog, which means "56 food items", is offered to Lord Krishna on Gokulashtami (also known as Krishna Janmashtami) as a mark of devotion and love. The reason behind preparing Chappan Bhog comes from a popular story from Krishna's childhood. According to legends, when Krishna lived in Vrindavan, he would eat eight meals a day. But one day, to protect the people of Vrindavan from heavy rains caused by Lord Indra, Krishna lifted the Govardhan Hill on his little finger. He held it up like an umbrella for seven days without eating anything, as he was busy keeping everyone safe. After the storm passed, the villagers felt thankful and emotional. To express their gratitude and to make up for the missed meals, they prepared 56 different types of dishes—8 meals a day for 7 days (8×7 = 56)—and offered them to Krishna. This special offering became known as Chappan Bhog. Even today, devotees prepare Chappan Bhog on Gokulashtami as a traditional offering to honour Krishna's sacrifice and show their love. The bhog usually includes sweets, snacks, fruits, and dairy items—Krishna's favourites! Krishna Janmashtami: Powerful mantras 1. Krishnaye Vasudveaye Haraye Parmatmane Pranatah Kleshnashaye Govindaye Namo Namah 2. OM Shri Krishnah Sharanam Mamah 3. OM Krishnaya Namah 4. Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare Happy Krishna Janmashtami wishes & messages 2025 to share on WhatsApp Wishing you and your family a joyful Krishna Janmashtami! May Lord Krishna's divine presence fill your life with peace, love, and happiness. May He guide you on the path of truth and bless your home with endless grace. On this holy day of Krishna Janmashtami, may Lord Krishna shower His blessings upon you and your loved ones. May your heart be filled with devotion, and your life be blessed with joy, prosperity, and strength. Happy Krishna Janmashtami! May the sweet melodies of Lord Krishna's flute bring peace to your soul. Let His wisdom and teachings inspire you to walk the path of goodness and live a life full of love and harmony. As we celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna, may your heart be filled with devotion and your mind be calm with His divine grace. Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Krishna Janmashtami! On this sacred occasion, may Lord Krishna remove all the darkness from your life and fill it with light, faith, and hope. Let His blessings lead you towards a life full of truth and righteousness. May the blessings of Kanha always be with you. This Janmashtami, let us celebrate His birth by spreading kindness, love, and devotion. Wishing you and your family a spiritually uplifting day! Happy Janmashtami! Let us welcome little Krishna into our hearts with love and pure devotion. May He bless your life with success, good health, and a never-ending sense of joy. As Lord Krishna was born to spread love and wisdom, may your life be enriched with the same. Celebrate Krishna Janmashtami by remembering His divine acts and following His noble path. May Lord Krishna's blessings bring peace to your heart, strength to your soul, and success to your life. Wishing you a very happy and devotional Krishna Janmashtami! On this divine night, may the sound of Krishna's flute fill your home with happiness and devotion. May He always stay by your side and protect you through all of life's challenges. (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.
News18
18-07-2025
- Sport
- News18
Ahead Of Dahi Handi Festival, Maharashtra Extends Insurance Cover To 1.5 Lakh 'Govindas'
The move comes after the Dahi Handi Coordination Committee, led by Minister Ashish Shelar met the Chief Minister to press for enhanced safety measures for Govindas. In a major relief for thousands of 'Govindas' who risk injuries while forming human pyramids during the Dahi Handi festival, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the state's Sports Department to expand insurance cover to 1.5 lakh participants. The move comes after the Dahi Handi Coordination Committee, led by Minister Ashish Shelar met the Chief Minister to press for enhanced safety measures for Govindas. The delegation highlighted the growing popularity of Dahi Handi ever since the Maharashtra government granted it the status of an adventure sport. While the sport's recognition has boosted participation, it has also increased the risk of injuries during the formation of tall human pyramids. Over the past two years, the state government has provided insurance cover to about 75,000 Govindas. However, given the surge in the number of groups and young participants, the committee urged the Chief Minister to double the coverage to 1.5 lakh Govindas this year to ensure adequate safety and financial protection in case of accidents. Chief Minister Fadnavis responded positively to the demand and instructed the Sports Department to take prompt action to extend the insurance cover. Speaking with the media, Minister Ashish Shelar thanked the Chief Minister for his proactive approach and assured Govinda groups that their safety remains a top priority for the government. 'Dahi Handi is an integral part of Maharashtra's cultural fabric. Thousands of youngsters come together each year with great enthusiasm to celebrate Lord Krishna's birth. But their safety must be paramount. We thank Chief Minister Fadnavis for understanding this and taking swift steps to safeguard our Govindas," said Shelar. The delegation that met the Chief Minister included Maharashtra State Dahi Handi Govinda Association President Shri Krishna Padelkar, Geeta Jhagde, and other senior office bearers. Dahi Handi is celebrated across Maharashtra on Gokulashtami or Janamashtami and is known for its spectacular human pyramids, where teams of Govindas climb atop each other to break an earthen pot hung high above the ground. With the enhanced insurance coverage, the government hopes to encourage more groups to celebrate the festival while ensuring that young Govindas and their families have some financial protection against unforeseen accidents. view comments First Published: July 18, 2025, 12:55 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
India Today
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Three fine books to read this week
(NOTE: This article was originally published in the India Today issue dated July 7, 2025)The Diamond-Eencrusted Rat Trap: Writings From Bombay by Adil JussawallaSpeaking Tiger | Rs 499 | 160 pages advertisement There are many things that The Diamond-Encrusted Rat Trap does not do. It does not tell a comprehensive story of Mumbai. It does not pretend to capture the soul of the city, or even to understand its moods and slim and occasionally eccentric volume—made up of a collection of Adil Jussawalla's prose pieces about Bombay-Mumbai—does something else altogether. It records the fleeting moments that add both beauty and horror to our city. In it, we encounter a city that 'smells of the powder on the carrom board' and reverberates with the 'sledgehammers of demolition crews'. Where life often involves moving through a 'box within box above box out of box inside box'.'The pieces gathered here do not attempt to understand Mumbai-Bombay...,' writes Jerry Pinto in his Introduction. 'They are a way of giving witness to the bigness and the strangeness of the city. His city is built of chance encounters, of laughing liftmen, of departed friends and other ghosts.' Jussawalla has shared a complex relationship with Mumbai. He left Bombay for London in 1957, seeking somewhere grander than the grey, peeling city of his birth. Thirteen years later, he returned to this place of stray dogs and Gokulashtami pot-breakers. After which he stayed on to write poetry, edit newspapers and magazines and observe his city by the writes about the annual exodus when the city's cobblers and fruit sellers and Mafco stall assistants pack up and leave for their 'native places'; about the change of light after men on a scaffolding hang up a jute curtain outside his window; about the drummers who are part of the Ganpati processions and who seem to 'erupt out of the earth just to take part in the celebrations, and to sink back into the earth once the celebrations are over'.This is like a lucky dip: you never know what you will come up with. Some pieces can feel dated and random. But others remain fresh, funny and a reminder that some things—like the disappearing waiters of posh clubs or the 'De daan, de daan' cry after an eclipse—are here to stay.—Shabnam MinwallaA Stranger In Three Worlds by Aubrey MenenSpeaking Tiger | Rs 499 | 280 pages Aubrey Menen was born in England in 1912 to an Irish mother and an Indian father, a doctor—and brought up as an Englishman. The mixed upbringing makes him a stranger in three cultures, or the very opposite—an insider-outsider, which lends a unique flavour to hiswriting: a sage-like perspicacity and playful literary acuity mark every sentence. This edition is a two-in-one boombox—Dead Man in the Silver Market (1953) and Space Within the Heart (1970)—that jolts the reader autobiographical essays here are classics of the genre. In 'My Grandmother and the Dirty English', we meet his maternal grandmother who considers herself superior to the British in all aspects: bathing ritual, food habits, even furniture: 'she disliked chairs and thought them vulgar.' In 'The Dead Man in the Silver Market', the author witnesses an Indian protester being shot dead in Chandni Chowk; later, he dines with a soldier—'from an industrial slum near Liverpool'—who 'had been in the party that had done the shooting.'In the second book, Menen reads the Upanishads after the death of his parents. The titular space within the heart, the void inside the onion, is 'only an empty space to be used as a post for observation'. Menen writes about sex and the spirit, the Gita, Rigveda, Descartes and the Bloomsbury set with wicked humour and in tone-perfect prose. The writing voice is involved yet maintains an arm's distance—it's both participant and observer. 'The best way to stop thinking about yourself is to talk about yourself, and that is why so many people do you know yourself for what you are—or what the world has made of you—you prefer to shut up about it.'advertisement—Palash Krishna MehrotraUnmyth: Works and Worlds of Mithu Sen, Edited by Irina AristarkhovaMapin | Rs 3,500 | 364 pages Is it possible for an artist monograph to feel like a live art performance? Capturing the essence of Mithu Sen's work— installations, moving images, sculptures, word art, performances, and drawings—over two decades, Unmyth: Works and Worlds of Mithu Sen is as untameable as her practice also in line with Sen's ethos behind 'Unlanguage,' a creation where she uses nonsensical phrases and incorrect syntax as an act of dismantling the conventional rules of language. The first comprehensive study of the artist's wide-ranging oeuvre, Unmyth is thoughtfully edited by scholar-writer Irina Aristarkhova and innovatively designed by Anusha Yadav. Along with being an archive, the intention is to underline the individuality of Sen's practice, which provokes us to envision new worlds built around negotiating ideas of lingual anarchy, mything, 'un'mything and postmything, radical hospitality, 'un'taboo sexuality, and 'un'monolith identity. It is what Sen describes as 'a testament to 25 years of love and playbour (play + labour).'advertisementThere are QR codes inserted within the book which when scanned reveal work that unfolds in real book also features contributions from curators, academics, and critics who have engaged with Sen's work over the years. Yet, the book's breathless centrepiece is the 'Fictional Interview' by Sen herself. The questions asked resemble some of the inquiries posed at her practice over the years. But in form and scope, they replicate the playful provocation that makes Mithu Sen truly singular.—Poulomi DasSubscribe to India Today Magazine- Ends
Hans India
13-06-2025
- General
- Hans India
Village youth restore 14th century Venugopalaswamy Temple
Chamarajnagar: More than 50 youths of the village have given a new look to the Sri Venugopalaswamy temple in Haradanahalli village of the taluk, which has a historical background and dates back to the 14th century. The youth of the village, who have formed an association named Sri Vinayaka Bhakta Mandali, have taken up the task of renovating the temple under the association. Despite repeated requests to the concerned departments, including the Archaeological Department, to renovate the dilapidated temple, it was of no use. Therefore, the youths came together and took up the task. As the temple belongs to Muzrai Department, it falls under C Grade category and there are no funds provided from the government for its maintenance. So Madusudhan HN, police constable and a team of kids along with the help of the elders from the village have rejuvenated and protected the Venugopal Swamy temple which is more than 700 years old and has its own history. 'The entire temple is built of stones. Many religious programs were held in the temple, which attracts attention with its attractive art and architecture. As days passed, the temple started to fall into disrepair. Tall plants grew in the premises and became the abode of lizards, snakes and scorpions. The Muzrai and the Archaeological Department did not take up the cleanliness work. That is why we took up the renovation five years ago,' said one of the board members. 'The tuition programme took shape when Madhusudhan and a group of youngsters decided to restore an ancient temple and its kalyani (stepped tank) in their village. As the villagers supported their efforts, they took the initiative a step further and started free tuition classes to support students from government schools. We started keeping Ganesha idol in 2012 for Ganesh Chaturti, from that moment I decided to conduct classes for these kids. As i was into NCC and NSS, I always had the urge to serve public', says Madusudhan. Special Puja Special Pujas are held for Sankranti, Ugadi and Gokulashtami. There is a procedure to build a cradle on Vaikuntha Ekadashi and keep the festival idol from 6 am to 6 pm. It has been 9 years since our youth wing board came into existence. Every year we install Ganapati here. We organize pujas and programs,' he said. So far Rs 22 lakhs have been spent on the renovation of the temple. This has been financially supported by villagers and people from all communities. He says that many more development works need to be done. Since the temple premises are now clean, children are given free homework in the hall. Interested teachers and children come. 'Donors are providing tiles for the temple, stones for the floor, cement, etc. The renovation work is also being done with the help of their finances and the villagers. The government has removed the cement laid last year for a year. Therefore, whenever we get time, we get small works done by the board,' he said. 'The youth used to do Shramadaan for two hours from 6 in the morning. We used to work with them. As a result, the temple is beautiful today. Such work should be done in all villages,' says Mahadev of the village. 'There are many people in our team, including teachers, police officer, and self-employed people. Everyone takes responsibility and works,' said teacher R Chandru. Location details of temple The temple is located 6 km from the district headquarters. It is located near Haradanahalli on the Satyamangala Road. The sanctum sanctorum, Sukhanasi pillars and the installed walls, octagonal corners are attractive. There is a beautiful art painting of Lord Venkatesha inside. The wooden door of Sukhanasi has the name of Chikkadevaraja Wodeyar. The temple was expanded during his time. It is built with materials brought from Shaiva temples. The idol in the sanctum sanctorum is in the Hoysala style. It is said that a treasure was found in the area four years ago when Muslims were digging behind the temple. Since then, the Muzrai department has instructed that wedding programmes should not be held in this temple, according to the villagers. Dakshinabhimukha Anjaneya: There is a rare south-facing Abhaya Anjaneya temple outside the temple. More than 100 devotees come every Thursday and Saturday. Also, more devotees and tourists also visit on special puja days.
