Devotees decorate tableaux, visit temples to celebrate Janmashtami
2
3
4
5
6
Prayagraj: The Sangam city celebrated Krishna Janmashtami with religious fervour on Saturday night. Locals celebrated Janmashtami at their homes. Grand celebrations were also held at different places, including the ISKCON temple, reserve police lines, police stations, villages, and blocks of the district.
At the Prayagraj reserve police line, thousands of devotees of all age groups thronged the Radha Krishna temple to offer prayers and enjoyed the fair organised on the police lines ground. Heavy police bandobast was made for the devotees.
Devotees continued to throng the temples from early evening hours, and the flow of devotees continued until midnight. Janmashtami was also celebrated with full pomp and show at Fatehpur, Kaushambi, and Pratapgarh reserve police lines.
Scores of devotees on Saturday thronged the city-based prominent Radha and Krishna temples amid the blowing of conch shells and chanting of vedic hymns . Devotees also burst crackers at midnight to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna.
All the temples were decked up with lights and flowers, with deities being offered special traditional and colourful dresses brought from Mathura, Vrindavan, Kolkata, and Rajasthan.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite?
Vitauthority
Learn More
Undo
City markets also witnessed a heavy flow of shoppers until late evening, with buyers remaining busy in last-minute shopping for puja articles and prasad.
Devotees also decorated their temples at home and invited guests to celebrate the day. Religious scholar, Dr Amitabh Gour, said, "Krishna Janmashtami, considered to be the prominent festival of Hindus, was celebrated with full religious fervour across the world.
As Lord Krishna was born on this sacred day, devotees performed special puja, observed fast, and also gathered during the day to worship the deity, and singing bhajans and keertans to celebrate the festival.
"
Many devotees decorated tableaux of Lord Krishna's leela at their respective homes and prepared delicious food dishes, including prasad, on the occasion. Various tableaux depicting scenes from the life of Krishna were also showcased, including scenes of contemporary events.
Elaborate security arrangements were made by the police department in and around the temples of the city to check crowd and traffic rush.
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Haryana defines forests for first time, but will it leave out more of Aravalis than it includes?
Gurgaon: Haryana govt has, for the first time, codified what it considers "forest as per dictionary meaning", laying the foundation for better implementation of environment laws that have been affected by ambiguity about this basic premise. But the state's definition is narrower than the frame of reference directed by the Supreme Court in a 1996 ruling and contains riders that could leave out of the definition's ambit large areas the same environment laws seek to protect. According to a notification issued on Aug 18 by the state's forest, environment and wildlife department, land parcels of at least 5 hectares – equivalent to 10 football fields – in isolation or two hectares of forests adjoining notified forests qualify as 'forest' if have minimum canopy density of 0.4, or 40% of the land in question. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon | Gold Rates Today in Gurgaon | Silver Rates Today in Gurgaon Effectively, this means that small patches of forests, Aravali hillocks with low density vegetation, scrublands, grasslands and community common lands will not be considered as 'forests'. The state's criteria explicitly exclude linear, compact and agro-forestry plantations, and orchards beyond notified forest areas, regardless of their size or density. Examples of linear plantations are roadside green belts, which are just a few metres wide though these can stretch up to several kilometres. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here's what a microbiologist says CNA Read More Undo Compact forests are smaller scale areas with dense greenery. "The Governor of Haryana is pleased to define the expression 'forest as per dictionary meaning" for the state of Haryana as follows: A patch of land shall be deemed to be forest as per dictionary meaning if it fulfils the following conditions: Firstly, it has a minimum area of 5 hectares, if it is in isolation; and a minimum area of two hectares, if it is in contiguity with govt-notified forests. Secondly, it has a canopy density of 0.4 or more. Provided that, all linear/compact/agro-forestry plantations and orchards situated outside the govt-notified forests shall not be treated as forest under the above definition," the notification signed by Anand Mohan Sharan, additional chief secretary (environment, forests and wildlife), read. Haryana's definition, formed nearly six decades after the state came into existence, is narrower than the principle defined by Supreme Court in its landmark ruling in the 1996 TN Godavarman vs Union of India case. The top court had said that forests must be recognised according to the 'dictionary meaning of forest' -- a criterion that means any area with characteristics of forests must be protected under the Forest (Conservation) Act, regardless of the land's status in govt records. This concept, which came to be known as 'deemed forest', widened the scope of FCA and allowed protection of all such green areas from urbanisation and deforestation. Experts on Tuesday said the state's definition would leave out a large chunk of the Aravalis from getting any legal cover. "This definition doesn't even consider the ground realities that are unique to the state. The Aravalis are majorly scrub forest and have a canopy density of 10% to 20%. This definition won't even protect the habitat of Haryana's state bird black francolin and state animal blackbuck because these species live in grasslands... This will only benefit the builder lobby," said MD Sinha, retired conservator of forests, Haryana (South). Others pointed out that Haryana, at just 3.6% of its geographical area, already has the lowest forest cover among all Indian states. "In the last 15 years, Haryana has been developing six-lane roads in every district, which has led to a decrease in strip forests. 90% of strip forests in Haryana are gone. It has just 5 to 7 block forests, and even those are encroached on. Also, the definition is not practical as Haryana has scrub forest. The five-hectare rule won't work because there are no large patches of forest land in the state," said RP Balwan, former conservator of forests, Haryana (South). The exercise to come up with a definition of forests as per dictionary meaning was ordered by SC, which on March 4 directed all states and Union territories to identify forests to prevent the loss of green cover. The court's order came while hearing a clutch of writ petitions that had challenged the central govt's amendments to the Forest (Conservation) Act. Supreme Court cited its 2011 Lafarge judgment (linked to a case on environmental approvals for mining in Meghalaya) and told all states/UTs to form expert committees within a month. Principal chief conservator of forests Vineet Kumar Garg told TOI that the state govt-appointed committees can now begin their work. "The committees will need to survey landscapes, verify canopy cover, apply the five-hectare rule and mark areas for inclusion or exclusion. This process will decide how much of the Aravalis and other open land actually get legal protection under the Forest (Conservation) Act," Garg said. Asked about the narrowed definition than the 'dictionary meaning', Garg said all states were asked to come up with their own definitions. "The expert committee under the chairmanship of the chief secretary carefully analysed the definition of other states. Fifteen other states had already adopted a forest definition, which relies on canopy density of 0.4 or more. Haryana also decided to go with the same. This is for areas outside of (notified) forests. So, this definition will not reduce areas," the PCCF said. Though Haryana is home to 1 lakh hectares of the Aravali hills, more than half of this range (55,000 hectares) in the state has no protection under FCA. Much of this also has to do with the ownership oddity in Haryana, where Aravali land was never given the 'forest' tag by the state. Most of Aravali area is under the ambit of the revenue department instead of the forest department. The only Aravali lands protected in the state are because of court rulings, such as the special sections 4 and 5 of Punjab Land Preservation Act (PLPA), 1990, and the Aravali Notification of 1992. Protecting the Aravalis is critical not just for the state, but most of north-west India. The ancient hill range is the only barrier that stops the Thar desert from expanding towards the plains. It is also home to a rich and unique diversity of flora and fauna, among them endangered species such as leopards, Indian pangolins and white-rumped vultures. Forest analyst Chetan Agarwal, too, bashed the state's definition, saying that the Aravali regions receive less rainfall and the forests have adapted to thorny and dry-deciduous vegetation because of it. "It is a pity that Haryana has blindly followed the lead of states like Goa in choosing a minimum threshold of 40% forest canopy cover to identify an area as a deemed forest. At least in the Aravalli hills, open forest with 10%-40% canopy cover and scrub (0-10% cover) categories should have been treated as forest as per dictionary meaning. This decision opens up the Aravalis to the ravages of urbanisation and mining," he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Hindustan Times
7 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Weekly Chinese Horoscope from August 18-24, 2025
Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020) The week of August 18 brings a fresh start. You may feel stuck waiting whether it's for replies, decisions, or others to figure out their plans. Read your Weekly Chinese Zodiac Horoscope from August 18-24, 2025. This waiting makes you realize that in some ways, you've put your own life on pause. That thought pushes you to take action. Listen to your heart. Notice what activities make you happy and which ones drain your hope. These may be signs from the universe, guiding you toward gratitude and a better path. Also Read Weekly Panchang for August 16-22, 2025: Krishna Janmashtami, Sun Transit Leo, Auspicious Muhuratas This week of August brings you closer to friends and shows you who you can truly rely on. While you're often the dependable one, you may realize it's also okay to lean on others. If you've felt a bit alone, this week helps you see which friendships stand strong, especially with people born under the years of the Rat or Rooster sign. It's also a good time for sharing ideas, making changes, or letting go of a responsibility. This week, you're ready to go on a spiritual journey and connect more deeply with yourself, the universe, and your own power to attract what you desire. This week, you'll want to focus inward, whether that's caring for your heart, strengthening your body, or improving your personal style. It's a great time to set a fitness goal or refresh your look. The universe responds strongly once you make a choice. Set a health goal, get good rest over the weekend, and save your energy. By the weekend, you'll be stepping into something new. The week of August 18 surrounds you with love and attention. Friends, family, and colleagues may turn to you for support, and you'll feel like the center of things. According to Chinese astrologers, your standout days could be August 18–19 and 21–22. Be ready for last-minute invites, especially if you have Sheep, Monkey, Dog, or Pig zodiac signs, as they'll bring extra fun to your week. You're naturally charming and confident, always ready to take the lead. But this week of August 18 teaches you to slow down and enjoy life without needing the spotlight. In your daily routines, you'll realize you have more strength and influence than you thought. This week is about working smarter, doing less yourself and letting others step up. Stay patient and keep a balanced outlook. Matching your feelings with your actions will set you up for long-term success. This week, your faith is renewed in someone or something that once let you down. You may feel reflective, with old memories surfacing—especially about parents or people from your past. Don't let these emotions hold you back from living fully. You're meant to enjoy life, even if your current work makes that hard to see. A Horse or Dog in your life may teach you the value of staying true to yourself and choosing fun over constant work when given the chance. You love to celebrate every moment, but this week likely feels more serious. Work and personal goals may take priority, and you'll want to improve something important in your life. According to experts, on Monday, you might close an old chapter to make space for a new one, perhaps leaving behind a role or rethinking your image. By Thursday, teamwork with a Dog sign could bring progress and understanding. This week highlights your maturity, showing the right people that you're ready for growth and meaningful connections. This week, your faith is renewed in someone or something that once let you down. You may spend time reflecting, with old memories of parents or people from your past coming to mind. Don't let these emotions stop you from enjoying life fully. You're meant to bring joy and lightness, even if your current responsibilities make it feel otherwise. The week of August 18 helps you find a balance between work and fun. Your curious nature leads you to an exciting opportunity worth pursuing. On Tuesday, you may see a clear vision of a dream and figure out how to make it real. You'll find ways to blend it into daily life, no matter your responsibilities. Your mind will be buzzing with fresh ideas, making this week feel inspiring and energizing. This week of August 18 brings chances for change, especially mid-week. Your sharp eye helps you notice what truly matters. On August 20, Simplicity Day encourages you to choose less over excess. It's a perfect time to declutter, release old energy, and welcome the new. Sort through old items, reflect on their value, and maybe even start writing. Set fresh goals and work toward becoming someone you admire and rely on. This week, you may not always agree with others, so be cautious about taking on too much responsibility. Sometimes stepping into leadership means carrying more than your share. Avoid falling into blame or having to defend yourself when it's not your fault. Focus first on what adds value to your life, and only then handle the extra tasks. You might get rewarded for your hard work with two days of deeply healing rest. If there is one thing you love, it is something good to look forward to, and this week, on Friday, August 22, a Balance day in your sign is waiting for you to enjoy. The primary objective for you this week is to make the most of your time until the weekend, which means living life to the fullest. You will want to be hyper-diligent when it comes to your schedule. Plan what you want to do this weekend down to the very last detail on Monday.
Time of India
9 hours ago
- Time of India
Maine schools test new model for inclusive education: Will it be a changemaker?
Across the United States, debates around education increasingly pivot on one essential question: Should schools continue to separate students with disabilities into distinct spaces, or should they commit fully to the promise of shared classrooms? In Maine, where one in five children receives special education services, well above the national average, that question has become especially urgent. What is emerging now is a deliberate attempt to redraw the boundaries of learning itself. Breaking down silos in special education For decades, Maine has struggled to keep pace with national benchmarks on inclusion. In 2022, only 56 percent of its special education students spent most of their school day in general classrooms, ten percentage points lower than the national average, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Despite recent efforts, progress has been incremental. With 21 percent of its student population identified as needing special education, Maine ranks among the highest in the nation, tied with New York and Pennsylvania and second only to Puerto Rico (NCES, 2023). This disproportionate demand has intensified calls for reform, both to improve educational outcomes and to confront rising costs. The pilot: An experiment in collaboration Three elementary schools, Downeast in Bangor, Turner, and Leeds Central, are now at the forefront of a five-year pilot programme designed to dismantle long-standing silos. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Resmed AirSense 11 with flat 20% off ResMed Buy Now Undo Supported by federal funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and in partnership with the University of Maine at Farmington, the initiative focuses on embedding inclusive practices within everyday teaching rather than treating them as separate interventions. The programme's first year emphasises leadership training and audits of existing practices. The following years will expand into professional development around strategies such as Universal Design for Learning (UDL), which builds flexibility into lesson plans so that every student, regardless of ability, can engage meaningfully with the material. Confronting costs and complexities The stakes extend far beyond pedagogy. Special education expenditures in Maine are surging, aggravated by the high cost of sending students to private special-purpose schools, which can charge districts hundreds of dollars a day. The Maine Education Policy Research Institute (MEPRI) has further warned that escalating student behavioral challenges not only strain staff but also drive up special education referrals, compounding costs and worsening teacher shortages. Lawmakers have attempted to ease the financial strain, most recently through bills L.D. 933 and L.D. 71, which sought to expand state funding for special education, but such measures failed to advance. Meanwhile, communities continue to resist rising local tax burdens, intensifying the pressure on school administrators. Reducing barriers, elevating learning The pilot aspires to prove that inclusive practices are not simply an ethical choice but also a practical one. By designing lessons with multiple access points, whether through small group reading, audio learning, or interactive discussions, teachers can reach a broad spectrum of learners without relying on constant one-on-one interventions. This approach may also reduce the number of students formally categorized as needing special education, ensuring that many receive support earlier within the general classroom. At its core lies a simple truth: When schools invest in inclusion, every student stands to gain. The promise and the peril of scale Yet the question remains: Can this small experiment reshape the broader educational landscape? Scaling inclusive practices across a state with entrenched funding challenges and high identification rates will demand political will, community buy-in, and sustainable financial models. Still, the opportunity is historic. If successful, Maine's pilot could become a blueprint for states grappling with similar dilemmas, demonstrating that inclusion strengthens both academic performance and social cohesion. Outlook: Toward a more integrated future What is unfolding in these three schools is not a marginal adjustment to teaching methods, it is an attempt to reimagine education itself. It is about creating learning environments that reflect the communities students inhabit, rather than isolating them in parallel systems. If the pilot succeeds, the quiet changes taking place in Maine's classrooms may one day be remembered as the starting point of a broader shift: A movement toward education without walls, where the measure of a school's success is not how it divides its students, but how it brings them together. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
