Sunday, 23 February 2025
Maha Shivratri 2025 Vrat: 5 Foods You Can Eat During the Fast – Check List
Saturday, 22 February 2025
Randeep Hooda Remembers 'Highway' On Its 11th Anniversary: "Mahabir Still Lingers Within Me"
Video Of Man Offering "Digital Photo Snan" Service At Maha Kumbh Goes Viral https://ift.tt/TJXLxAz As the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 witnesses millions of devotees taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, an unusual service has emerged for those unable to attend in person. In a video going viral online, a man is offering a "digital photo snan" (holy dip) service, wherein he collects photographs sent via WhatsApp and immerses them in the sacred waters on behalf of devotees. For a fee of Rs 1,100, the man claims to purify the souls of the remote devotees by immersing a photocopy of their picture in the sacred waters. In the video, the man identifies himself as Deepak Goyal and reveals that he is based in Prayagraj. He explains his "startup" business, telling people to send their photos on WhatsApp, the printouts of which will then be dipped in the holy water within 24 hours of the transaction. The video was shared on Instagram by user Akash Banerjee. "Next Level AI Idea Next Unicorn Company Spotted," the caption of the post read. Watch the video below: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Akash Banerjee (@akashbanerjee.in) Since being shared, the video has taken the internet by storm. It has accumulated more than 124,000 likes and over 4.3 million views. The video elicited a range of reactions from the internet. While some criticised the man, saying he was taking advantage of people's innocence and devotion, others jokingly praised the idea, calling him a real entrepreneur. "China have DeepSeek, so what we have DeepSnaan," one user wrote. "The fact that this is not satire or comedy," commented another. "Now that is called 'DIGITAL INDIA'," wrote a third user. "I am not lying... just a week earlier I was thinking someone can start a business like this," jokingly remarked another. "Billion dollar idea," quipped one user. One user commented, "Unemployment has reached a new level and so is start up ventures ... innovation." "Don't hate on him, he's simply cashing out an opportunity. I'd have done the same," said another. Also Read | Man Fired For Taking Leaves During Notice Period, Viral Post Sparks Discussion Notably, the Maha Kumbh Mela, believed to be the world's largest religious festival, kicked off in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on January 13 and is set to conclude on Wednesday, February 26. This sacred Hindu event unites millions of followers who partake in sacred rituals, the most significant being the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam - the confluence of the three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati. Till now, this grand event has witnessed participation from several dignitaries, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Governors from various states, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Chief Ministers of other states, the King of Bhutan, foreign diplomats, leading industrialists, and renowned film personalities, all of whom have taken a holy dip in the Sangam. https://ift.tt/iq2GvEL February 22, 2025 at 09:18AM NDTV News-Offbeat https://www.ndtv.com
As the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 witnesses millions of devotees taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam, an unusual service has emerged for those unable to attend in person. In a video going viral online, a man is offering a "digital photo snan" (holy dip) service, wherein he collects photographs sent via WhatsApp and immerses them in the sacred waters on behalf of devotees. For a fee of Rs 1,100, the man claims to purify the souls of the remote devotees by immersing a photocopy of their picture in the sacred waters.
In the video, the man identifies himself as Deepak Goyal and reveals that he is based in Prayagraj. He explains his "startup" business, telling people to send their photos on WhatsApp, the printouts of which will then be dipped in the holy water within 24 hours of the transaction.
The video was shared on Instagram by user Akash Banerjee. "Next Level AI Idea Next Unicorn Company Spotted," the caption of the post read.
Watch the video below:
Since being shared, the video has taken the internet by storm. It has accumulated more than 124,000 likes and over 4.3 million views. The video elicited a range of reactions from the internet. While some criticised the man, saying he was taking advantage of people's innocence and devotion, others jokingly praised the idea, calling him a real entrepreneur.
"China have DeepSeek, so what we have DeepSnaan," one user wrote. "The fact that this is not satire or comedy," commented another.
"Now that is called 'DIGITAL INDIA'," wrote a third user. "I am not lying... just a week earlier I was thinking someone can start a business like this," jokingly remarked another.
"Billion dollar idea," quipped one user.
One user commented, "Unemployment has reached a new level and so is start up ventures ... innovation."
"Don't hate on him, he's simply cashing out an opportunity. I'd have done the same," said another.
Also Read | Man Fired For Taking Leaves During Notice Period, Viral Post Sparks Discussion
Notably, the Maha Kumbh Mela, believed to be the world's largest religious festival, kicked off in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on January 13 and is set to conclude on Wednesday, February 26. This sacred Hindu event unites millions of followers who partake in sacred rituals, the most significant being the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam - the confluence of the three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati.
Till now, this grand event has witnessed participation from several dignitaries, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Governors from various states, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Chief Ministers of other states, the King of Bhutan, foreign diplomats, leading industrialists, and renowned film personalities, all of whom have taken a holy dip in the Sangam.
https://ift.tt/iq2GvEL February 22, 2025 at 09:18AM NDTV News-Offbeat https://www.ndtv.comAadar Jain Wedding: Kapoor Clan Shines, Alia Bhatt And Ranbir Kapoor Steal The Spotlight
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Aadar Jain And Alekha Advani's Mehendi Night Saw Jaya Bachchan, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt And Other B-Towners In Attendance
Maha Shivratri 2025: Auspicious Time And How To Perform Puja https://ift.tt/6nQPSRU Maha Shivratri, celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva, is part of a rich tradition and involves several sacred rituals to deepen the spiritual connection between devotees and the divine. It is generally observed in February or March, based on the correct tithi in the Hindu calendar - the fourteenth (Chaturdashi) day of the dark half of the lunar month of Phalguna or Magha. This year, that day falls on February 26, 2025. Maha Shivratri has immense spiritual significance and is celebrated in many states nationwide. Also Read| Maha Shivratri 2025: History, Significance, Fasting Rules And Other Details In 2025, Maha Shivratri will be observed on Wednesday, February 26, with the Nishita Kaal Puja (midnight worship) taking place from 12:09 AM to 12:59 AM on February 27. Maha Shivratri Auspicious Timings Nishita Kaal Puja Time - 12:37 AM to 01:29 AM, Feb 27 On 27th Feb, Shivaratri Parana Time - 07:36 AM, Feb 27 Ratri First Prahar Puja Time - 06:30 PM to 09:46 PM Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time - 09:46 PM to 01:03 AM, Feb 27 Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time - 01:03 AM to 04:20 AM, Feb 27 Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time - 04:20 AM to 07:36 AM, Feb 27 Chaturdashi Tithi Begins - 06:38 AM on Feb 26, 2025 Chaturdashi Tithi Ends - 04:24 AM on Feb 27, 2025 Rituals The rituals of Mahashivratri involve decorating the Shiva Linga with flowers and bael leaves. Devotees observe a day-long fast and offer bhaang, fruits, honey, ghee, sweets and milk to Lord Shiva. They take a bath early in the morning before visiting the temple to seek blessings from the deity. On the evening of Mahashivratri, people gather at the temple and worship the Shiva Linga. Devotees light lamps and spend the entire night at the temple. In many temples across India, spectacular processions of Lord Shiva and Parvati are taken out on a palanquin at night. A light sattvik meal is usually consumed on Mahashivratri to end the fast. The prasad could consist of non-cereal foods, fruits and sweets. https://ift.tt/ARsSfwk February 20, 2025 at 08:08AM NDTV News-Offbeat https://www.ndtv.com
Maha Shivratri, celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva, is part of a rich tradition and involves several sacred rituals to deepen the spiritual connection between devotees and the divine. It is generally observed in February or March, based on the correct tithi in the Hindu calendar - the fourteenth (Chaturdashi) day of the dark half of the lunar month of Phalguna or Magha. This year, that day falls on February 26, 2025. Maha Shivratri has immense spiritual significance and is celebrated in many states nationwide.
Also Read| Maha Shivratri 2025: History, Significance, Fasting Rules And Other Details
In 2025, Maha Shivratri will be observed on Wednesday, February 26, with the Nishita Kaal Puja (midnight worship) taking place from 12:09 AM to 12:59 AM on February 27.
Maha Shivratri Auspicious Timings
- Nishita Kaal Puja Time - 12:37 AM to 01:29 AM, Feb 27
- On 27th Feb, Shivaratri Parana Time - 07:36 AM, Feb 27
- Ratri First Prahar Puja Time - 06:30 PM to 09:46 PM
- Ratri Second Prahar Puja Time - 09:46 PM to 01:03 AM, Feb 27
- Ratri Third Prahar Puja Time - 01:03 AM to 04:20 AM, Feb 27
- Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja Time - 04:20 AM to 07:36 AM, Feb 27
- Chaturdashi Tithi Begins - 06:38 AM on Feb 26, 2025
- Chaturdashi Tithi Ends - 04:24 AM on Feb 27, 2025
Rituals
The rituals of Mahashivratri involve decorating the Shiva Linga with flowers and bael leaves. Devotees observe a day-long fast and offer bhaang, fruits, honey, ghee, sweets and milk to Lord Shiva. They take a bath early in the morning before visiting the temple to seek blessings from the deity.
On the evening of Mahashivratri, people gather at the temple and worship the Shiva Linga. Devotees light lamps and spend the entire night at the temple. In many temples across India, spectacular processions of Lord Shiva and Parvati are taken out on a palanquin at night.
A light sattvik meal is usually consumed on Mahashivratri to end the fast. The prasad could consist of non-cereal foods, fruits and sweets.
https://ift.tt/ARsSfwk February 20, 2025 at 08:08AM NDTV News-Offbeat https://www.ndtv.comMaha Shivratri: History, Significance, Fasting Rules And Other Details https://ift.tt/CfnyvN7 Maha Shivratri, one of the largest and most revered festivals in Hinduism, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the third god of the Hindi trinity. Maha Shivratri is also called "the great night of Shiva" and comes just before the arrival of the Spring season. Grand festivities and celebrations mark the day across the country. People show their devotion to Lord Shiva by chanting prayers and mantras, fasting, meditating, and singing songs all night. At dawn, they take a bath and visit temples with offerings like milk and flowers to seek Lord Shiva's blessings. This year, Maha Shivratri will be observed on Wednesday, February 26, with the Nishita Kaal Puja (midnight worship) taking place from 12:09 am to 12:59 am on February 27. Maha Shivratri history Maha Shivratri symbolises the triumph over darkness and ignorance, encouraging spiritual awakening and self-reflection. According to one legend, Maha Shivratri was the day when Lord Shiva drank poisonous negativity to protect the world. Another legend says that it is the night when Lord Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction, while some believe that this is the night when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married. Maha Shivratri significance The festival serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the cyclical nature of existence, encouraging devotees to embrace change, release attachments, and seek inner transformation. The festival also holds deep spiritual significance for yogis and seekers on the path of self-realisation, as it is believed that on this night, the energy centres within the body, known as 'chakras', align with the cosmic energy, facilitating spiritual awakening and enlightenment. Maha Shivratri rituals The rituals of Mahashivratri involve decorating the Shiva Linga with flowers and bael leaves. Devotees observe a day-long fast and offer bhaang, fruits, honey, ghee, sweets and milk to Lord Shiva. They take a bath early in the morning before visiting the temple to seek blessings from the deity. On the evening of Mahashivratri, people gather at the temple and worship the Shiva Linga. Devotees light lamps and spend the entire night at the temple. In many temples across India, spectacular processions of Lord Shiva and Parvati are taken out on a palanquin at night. A light sattvik meal is usually consumed on Mahashivratri to end the fast. The prasad could consist of non-cereal foods, fruits and sweets. Maha Shivratri fasting rules On Maha Shivratri, devotees adhere to strict fasting rules, abstaining from consuming any kind of food, and even water. Some may choose to observe a partial fast by consuming fruits, milk, and nuts, while others opt for a complete fast lasting for the entire day and night. The fast is traditionally broken on the following day, after sunrise, with the consumption of a simple meal consisting of fruits, milk and other vegetarian delicacies. Devotees offer prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva before partaking of the first meal, which is considered sacred and blessed. https://ift.tt/NDQU0HX February 20, 2025 at 06:49AM NDTV News-Offbeat https://www.ndtv.com
Maha Shivratri, one of the largest and most revered festivals in Hinduism, is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the third god of the Hindi trinity. Maha Shivratri is also called "the great night of Shiva" and comes just before the arrival of the Spring season. Grand festivities and celebrations mark the day across the country. People show their devotion to Lord Shiva by chanting prayers and mantras, fasting, meditating, and singing songs all night. At dawn, they take a bath and visit temples with offerings like milk and flowers to seek Lord Shiva's blessings.
This year, Maha Shivratri will be observed on Wednesday, February 26, with the Nishita Kaal Puja (midnight worship) taking place from 12:09 am to 12:59 am on February 27.
Maha Shivratri history
Maha Shivratri symbolises the triumph over darkness and ignorance, encouraging spiritual awakening and self-reflection. According to one legend, Maha Shivratri was the day when Lord Shiva drank poisonous negativity to protect the world. Another legend says that it is the night when Lord Shiva performs the heavenly dance of creation, preservation and destruction, while some believe that this is the night when Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati got married.
Maha Shivratri significance
The festival serves as a reminder of the impermanence of life and the cyclical nature of existence, encouraging devotees to embrace change, release attachments, and seek inner transformation.
The festival also holds deep spiritual significance for yogis and seekers on the path of self-realisation, as it is believed that on this night, the energy centres within the body, known as 'chakras', align with the cosmic energy, facilitating spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
Maha Shivratri rituals
The rituals of Mahashivratri involve decorating the Shiva Linga with flowers and bael leaves. Devotees observe a day-long fast and offer bhaang, fruits, honey, ghee, sweets and milk to Lord Shiva. They take a bath early in the morning before visiting the temple to seek blessings from the deity.
On the evening of Mahashivratri, people gather at the temple and worship the Shiva Linga. Devotees light lamps and spend the entire night at the temple. In many temples across India, spectacular processions of Lord Shiva and Parvati are taken out on a palanquin at night.
A light sattvik meal is usually consumed on Mahashivratri to end the fast. The prasad could consist of non-cereal foods, fruits and sweets.
Maha Shivratri fasting rules
On Maha Shivratri, devotees adhere to strict fasting rules, abstaining from consuming any kind of food, and even water. Some may choose to observe a partial fast by consuming fruits, milk, and nuts, while others opt for a complete fast lasting for the entire day and night.
The fast is traditionally broken on the following day, after sunrise, with the consumption of a simple meal consisting of fruits, milk and other vegetarian delicacies. Devotees offer prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva before partaking of the first meal, which is considered sacred and blessed.
https://ift.tt/NDQU0HX February 20, 2025 at 06:49AM NDTV News-Offbeat https://www.ndtv.comWednesday, 19 February 2025
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti: Date, History, Significance And Quotes https://ift.tt/Q93BNVD Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated annually on February 19 to mark the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji, one of the bravest and most progressive rulers of India. Chhatrapati Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha Empire. A great military administrator and tactician, Chhatrapati Shivaji fought and won several wars against the Mughals. He was crowned as the "Chhatrapati (Emperor)" in 1674. His bravery and quotes on life continue to inspire us. People across the nation, especially in Maharashtra, observe his birth anniversary as Shivaji Jayanti. This year marks the 395th birth anniversary of the Maratha King. History, significance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti is observed twice a year because according to the Hindu Calendar, Shivaji was born on the 3rd day of Phalgun while as per the Gregorian calendar, the birth date of Shivaji Maharaj is 19 February. Shivaji is regarded as the greatest warrior king of the Maratha empire. He is remembered for his ability to preserve ancient Hindu political traditions and court conventions. He promoted Marathi and Sanskrit instead of Persian in his court and administration. Known for being a master strategist, Chhatrapati Shivaji also won several wars against the Mughals and carved out the Maratha empire. In 1674, he was formally crowned as the 'Chhatrapati' or emperor. Millions of people are still inspired by Shivaji Maharaj's ideas of bravery, honesty and self-governance, which makes his birth anniversary a momentous time for contemplating his life and values. Facts about Chhatrapati Shivaji Shivaji was devoted to his mother Jijabai, who was a deeply religious and courageous woman. He was interested in religious teachings and regularly sought the company of Hindu saints. Contrary to popular belief, Shivaji was not named after Lord Shiva - he was named after a regional Goddess Shivai. Chhatrapati Shivaji was called the 'Mountain Rat' and was widely known for his guerrilla warfare tactics. Shivaji was known for engaging in both alliances and warfare with the Mughal rulers. Inspiring quotes by Chhatrapati Shivaji Do not think of the enemy as weak, but do not also overestimate their strength. Never bend your head always hold it high. Even if there were a sword in the hands of everyone, it is willpower that establishes a government. Freedom is a boon, which everyone has the right to receive. No need to learn from your own fault. We can learn a lot from others' mistakes. https://ift.tt/ks18PbD February 19, 2025 at 09:45AM NDTV News-Offbeat https://www.ndtv.com
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti is celebrated annually on February 19 to mark the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji, one of the bravest and most progressive rulers of India. Chhatrapati Shivaji was the founder of the Maratha Empire. A great military administrator and tactician, Chhatrapati Shivaji fought and won several wars against the Mughals. He was crowned as the "Chhatrapati (Emperor)" in 1674. His bravery and quotes on life continue to inspire us. People across the nation, especially in Maharashtra, observe his birth anniversary as Shivaji Jayanti. This year marks the 395th birth anniversary of the Maratha King.
History, significance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti
Chhatrapati Shivaji Jayanti is observed twice a year because according to the Hindu Calendar, Shivaji was born on the 3rd day of Phalgun while as per the Gregorian calendar, the birth date of Shivaji Maharaj is 19 February.
Shivaji is regarded as the greatest warrior king of the Maratha empire. He is remembered for his ability to preserve ancient Hindu political traditions and court conventions. He promoted Marathi and Sanskrit instead of Persian in his court and administration.
Known for being a master strategist, Chhatrapati Shivaji also won several wars against the Mughals and carved out the Maratha empire. In 1674, he was formally crowned as the 'Chhatrapati' or emperor.
Millions of people are still inspired by Shivaji Maharaj's ideas of bravery, honesty and self-governance, which makes his birth anniversary a momentous time for contemplating his life and values.
Facts about Chhatrapati Shivaji
Shivaji was devoted to his mother Jijabai, who was a deeply religious and courageous woman.
He was interested in religious teachings and regularly sought the company of Hindu saints.
Contrary to popular belief, Shivaji was not named after Lord Shiva - he was named after a regional Goddess Shivai.
Chhatrapati Shivaji was called the 'Mountain Rat' and was widely known for his guerrilla warfare tactics.
Shivaji was known for engaging in both alliances and warfare with the Mughal rulers.
Inspiring quotes by Chhatrapati Shivaji
Do not think of the enemy as weak, but do not also overestimate their strength.
Never bend your head always hold it high.
Even if there were a sword in the hands of everyone, it is willpower that establishes a government.
Freedom is a boon, which everyone has the right to receive.
No need to learn from your own fault. We can learn a lot from others' mistakes.
https://ift.tt/ks18PbD February 19, 2025 at 09:45AM NDTV News-Offbeat https://www.ndtv.com