Guru Purnima 2025: Date And Significance
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
5 minutes ago
- The Hindu
The multifaceted heritage walks of Delhi
Sisterhood bonding In a world where women are often bogged down by their household chores, Manisha Kalra is helping them retrieve their hobbies, learn about history and culture through walks and, also network for jobs Her 'City Girls Who Walk Delhi' (CGWWD) offers a perfect weekend getaway for women together discover heritage spots in the city or bond over an art workshop. In 2023, Manisha stumbled upon City Girls Who Walk (CGWW) based out of New York and it prompted her to start a similar group in Delhi. CGWW-Delhi members meet every weekend to revive what it feels like to sit with your 'girl gang' and chat. Manisha shifts from being a marketing manager on weekdays to the community leader of CGWWD on weekends. Walking communities are thriving post-pandemic because people crave connection and a sense of belonging besides support through like-minded individuals, she says. The CGWWD walk club came into existence in March 2023to provide a safe space to the city's women to learn and grow together. 'We have members from 18 years to 50 years and they all mingle and interact while walking around Lodhi Garden, Sunder Nursery or any other heritage monuments,' says Manisha. Each weekend, the members are motivated to join the walk and also the club for different activities such as yoga, zumba, painting or even a fun walk in sari and sneakers to Purana Quila. Last June during peak summer we were about to cancel a walk but 100 women turned up; they said it was a respite from daily chores, says Manisha. That is when she realised the importance of helping women to regain their identities. Workshop fee ₹400 to ₹600; Contact on Instagram @citygirlswhowalkdelhi When past whispers pride The monuments and historical sites in the city hold tumultuous stories, some lost and some still spoken aloud. Batool Ali speaks of a third kind of storiesthat reveal the history of the city's queer community. The Delhi Queer Heritage Walk is led by trans-woman Batool Ali, whose perspective about heritage walks changed after participating in one in 2012. 'It was a wow moment but it frustrated me because during a three-hour walk, only one historical figure was mentioned,' she says. Batool Ali dived into archives and four years ago introduced a walk through Meena Bazar and the monuments of Old Delhi from a perspective less known to many. Applying the queer lens, she takes participants every weekend to the shrine of Saint Sarmad Kashani, right in front of the Jama Masjid. It is mentioned in a 17th Century book Dabistan-I-Mazahib that saint Sarmad Kashani fell in love with a Hindu boy in Sindh and both travelled together across the region. She speaks about Darga Quli Khan of Hyderabad who chronicled the reign of the 13th Emperor of Delhi Muhammed Shah 'Rangeela'. He described how the artists and performers were patronised and speaks about a 16-year-old trans feminine dancer performing in the market square. The dancer would woo a crowd of soldiers and there would be people waiting to watch her dance for hours. At the entrance of the Red fort, is one of the three Sunheri masjids built in the 18th century by Javed Khan, an eunuch who held the rank of Daroga, under Mohamed Shah Rangila. Javed Khan, had gained the title of Nawab Bahadur and held considerable power in the Mughal court until he was assassinated by Nawab Safdarjung. Batool cites this as an example of how trans and queer people were not discriminated during Mughal rule but later the queer space and culture was destroyed by Victorian morality. Batool is working on a book which she says is going to be a roadmap on the iconic queer monuments that are left abandoned. It will also touch upon the living history of the queer community. 'I want to make it mainstream,' she says. Contact dilliqueerheritagewalks@ A timeless echo On a monsoon day ideal for tea and fritters, a group of individuals start their morning at the Humayun's tomb complex drawn in by the quiet green and grandeur. Some come for their love for history, few come to partake in a walk while the rest are e simply in search of stories. Jayati Talapatra and Ajit Velankar launched Dilli Meri Jaan (DMJ) five years ago to help people reconnect with nature and develop a deeper appreciation for the city's quiet beauty. While history is a major constituent, the Dilli Meri Jaan walks are incomplete without talking about the native birds and the trees planted as part of the restoration process of the Humayun's tomb. As conversations shift from the vibrant stones and the buttressed walls of Isa Khan's tomb to the tragic tale of Humayun's 15-year exile, the group is serendipitously drawn to the calls of ibis, koel, green barbets and sometimes dancing peacocks. Discussion on the Maulsari trees (bakul), saptaparna leaves and how the Europeans brought Vilayati Kikar with them but while they left, the species never did – enriches the walk with history, memory and ecology. 'Ecology binds people across regions without conforming to political boundaries', saysJayati, explaining how the trees are contemporaries of the monuments and add depth to history and legacy of the patrons. Alka Saigal, a retired chartered accountant from NTPC recollects the tale of her father who came from Pakistan as a kid. Humayun's tomb gave shelter to displaced families during the tumultuous era of partition, including hers. Muhammad Saarim Naeem, a sustainability professional and a regular participant in the walks, says, 'I value the moments; we sit in silence, aligned with beauty of nature.' The DMJ walks are also conducted in Sanjay Van, Sunder Nursery, Safdarjung Tomb. 'It is an opportunity to immerse into the serene and simple surroundings,' says regular walker Shivam, an engineer at NTPC. Only on weekends; Entry fee ₹300 (free for students); Call 9899799335
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Can't deny entry into temple on basis of caste, says HC
Chennai: Asserting that caste-based discrimination cannot be permitted in a country governed by the rule of law, Madras high court has ordered legal action against anyone who prevents others' entry into a temple based on caste. Justice N Anand Venkatesh, passing orders on a plea that flagged prevention of people from Scheduled Castes into Ayyanar temple in Pudukudi village, Udayarpalayam taluk, Ariyalur, said: "Caste and community are the creations of human beings and god is always considered to be neutral. That apart, preventing persons from offering prayers on the basis that they belong to scheduled caste communities, is an affront to the dignity of persons who are discriminated against based on their caste. " "If a temple is permitted to be visited by the public, it assumes the character of a public temple. In such an event, irrespective of the caste or community of the devotees, they must be permitted to offer their prayers to god," said the judge. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai This can never be permitted in a country, which is governed by the rule of law. That apart, Section 3 of the Tamil Nadu Temple Entry Authorisation Act, 1947, makes it abundantly clear that notwithstanding any law, custom or usage to the contrary, every Hindu irrespective of the caste or sect to which he belongs to, shall be entitled to enter any Hindu temple and offer worship therein, Justice Anand Venkatesh said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo If they are restricted entry, it will amount to an actionable wrong and the person concerned can be sued or prosecuted there for. This act came into force after a long struggle by many leaders, who wanted to ensure that persons are not prevented from entering the temples based on their caste, he said. The judge added that the Act was brought into force as a policy taken by the Tamil Nadu govt to remove the disabilities imposed on certain classes of Hindus against entry into Hindu temples in the state. The issue pertains to a plea moved by Venkatesan. He submitted that recently idols installed by people belonging to the scheduled caste at Ayyanar temple located in Pudukudi village, Udayarpalayam taluk, Ariyalur were vandalised by a certain group of dominant caste members. He further alleged that members of the scheduled castes were only being allowed to view the deity from behind a large iron gate installed in the temple. Therefore, he wanted the court to direct the authorities to allow members belonging to scheduled castes to enter the temple and worship the deity and to permit them to participate in the temple car festival scheduled from July 16 to 31. Recording the submissions, Justice Anand Venkatesh said, "…there shall be a direction to the district SP and RDO to ensure that all classes of Hindus are permitted to enter the temple and participate in the festival." If anyone prevents them from participating, action shall be taken in accordance with law. It shall be ensured that no law and order problem is created, the court concluded.
News18
7 hours ago
- News18
Panchang Today 18 July 2025: Ashwini Nakshatra And Auspicious Timings
Panchang July 18, 2025: Ashwini Nakshatra and Dhriti Yoga favor new ventures, health efforts, and courage. Avoid Rahu Kaal and act during Abhijeet Muhurat for best results. Aaj Ka Panchang, July 18, 2025: Today is Friday, and the date is Krishna Paksha Navami, which is considered important for goddess worship and mental strength. Today's Nakshatra is Ashwini, which symbolizes new beginnings, enthusiasm, and speed. This nakshatra is considered auspicious for health improvement, medical work, and travel. Karan Taitil and Yoga Dhriti, which will be effective till 03:57:43 AM, will increase self-confidence and courage. Today, the Moon is transiting in Aries, which strengthens enthusiasm, competitive spirit, and decision-making ability. Sunrise will be at 06:06:02 AM and sunset at 07:27:53 PM, while moonrise will be at 12:36:03 AM and moonset at 01:05:31 PM. According to the season, the last phase of summer (moving towards the beginning of the rainy season) is still going on. According to the Hindu calendar, today falls under Shak Samvat 1947 and Vikram Samvat 2082, in which Ashadha month is going on according to Amamant method and Shravan month is going on according to Purnimant method. In terms of auspicious times, Abhijeet Muhurta will be from 12:20 PM to 01:12 PM – this time is especially favorable for new work, fasting, worship, or inauguration. On the other hand, inauspicious Muhurta will be Rahu Kaal from 11:06 AM to 12:46 PM, Yamaganda Kaal from 04:07 PM to 05:47 PM, and Gulik Kaal from 07:46 AM to 09:26 AM – avoid starting any new or important work during these times. Overall, today is a day full of new beginnings, confidence, and energy. If you are planning a big decision or a new project, then go ahead, keeping in mind the auspicious time. Also, avoid anger or haste, so that you can get the full benefit of the day. Aaj Ka Panchang, July 18, 2025 Sun & Moon Calculations Hindu Month & Year Inauspicious Timings (Ashubh Muhurat) Auspicious Timings (Shubh Muhurat) Abhijit: 12:20:00 PM to 01:12:00 PM. (The author Chirag Daruwalla is the son of Astrologer Bejan Daruwalla). First Published: July 18, 2025, 05:00 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.
