Chamundeshwari Temple prepares for Ashadha Fridays, Vardhanthi
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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Gentle giant, bold stamp: MP postal release marks World Elephant Day
Bhopal: A hushed reverence filled the air this Tuesday in Bhopal, as the Madhya Pradesh Postal Department unveiled a special cancellation dedicated to elephants—an embodiment of wisdom, divine reminder of Lord Ganesh and among nature's most exquisitely intelligent beings. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In Hindu tradition, Lord Ganesh—his elephant head a profoundly symbolic conduit for memory, ingenuity, and serenity. Metaphorically echoing Ganesh's insight, elephants demonstrate astonishing intellect in the natural world. They recognise their own reflections, use tools, exhibit deep empathy, and even appear to address one another by unique names in their calls. Chief postmaster general, MP, Vineet Mathur said, "Elephants are an important part of our eco-system and postal department has always associated itself with important issues, and causes. Hence a cancellation dedicated to elephants was released on Tuesday by director, postal services, MP, Pawan Kumar Dalmia." These elegant imprints are now available to collectors at GPO Bhopal and in cities including Jabalpur and Indore. Beyond mere artistry, the stamp is a call to compassion. "Through such releases, we want to connect with the youngsters. Not many know that it is the female elephants who lead their herds and take care of the feeding, security and other important decisions. So in a subtle way, we are also giving the message of female empowerment," Mathur said—highlighting the quiet strength of matriarchs. This elegant stamp is more than paper—it is a quiet ode to elephants' majestic intelligence, their empathetic hearts, and their sacred bond with human culture, said Mathur. Dispelling notions of postal obsolescence, he said, "The fact is that we have all the modern amenities including netbanking, UPI etc. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now and deposit base of Rs 60,000 cr in MP post offices alone, which is much more than many banks' deposit put together in the state." From astronomy to marine life, the postal department leverages philately as a canvas for discovery. "Right from astronomy to flora, fauna, cultures, nuclear science, astrophysics, history and marine life, it's a deep drive for the youth," he added.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Celebrate Ganesha puja in eco-friendly way: Additional DC
Mysuru: Additional deputy commissioner P Shivaraju urged devotees to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in an eco-friendly and harmonious way. Presiding over a meeting on the Ganesha festival held at the deputy commissioner's office, he highlighted the importance of using eco-friendly clay Ganesh idols to avoid environmental harm. He warned that idols made of plaster of paris (PoP) and painted with colours release toxic chemicals into waterbodies like lakes, wells, and streams when immersed, which is harmful to aquatic life and humans. Local authorities should designate specific locations in lakes and riverbeds for idol immersion. Facilities should be set up for collecting waste, including flowers used in worship, he added. Committees setting up public Gauri and Ganesha idols must obtain mandatory permission from the municipal corporation, town council, city or village panchayat, and the police department. Authorities should impose conditions in permission letters to avoid using banned plastic decorations and flex materials, Shivaraju said. The use of loudspeakers during the celebration is prohibited between 10pm and 6am. Traditional Gauri-Ganesha idols worshipped at home should be immersed at home, he suggested. Public Gauri-Ganesha idols should be immersed in designated ponds or mobile immersion tanks provided by Mysuru City Corporation and municipal bodies and the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Shivaraju added. Separate flowers, fruits before immersion: Shivaraju During the immersion of natural, clay Ganesh idols, waste generated from worship materials (like flowers, fruits, banana stems, mango leaf decorations, etc.) should be separated and handed over to the garbage collector. Strict legal action will be taken against those who transport, sell, or install idols made of PoP or heavy metal-mixed chemicals in violation of the rules. 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.
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Celebrate Krishna Janmashtami with these 7 sacred bhog offering recipes
Krishna Janmashtami , celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, is a festival full of devotion, joy, and special rituals. A key part of this celebration is preparing bhog, sacred food offerings made with pure, traditional ingredients to honour Krishna. These dishes are not only delicious but also carry deep spiritual meaning, symbolising love and gratitude. From creamy butter treats to sweet rice puddings and refreshing snacks, each recipe reflects Krishna's favourite flavours and customs. Making and offering these divine recipes during Janmashtami is believed to invite blessings of health, happiness, and prosperity for devotees and their families. Divine Krishna Janmashtami bhog ideas: 7 recipes to honour Lord Krishna Makhan Mishri Butter, known as makhan, was Lord Krishna's favourite food, which earned him the nickname 'Makhan-Chor' (Butter Thief). The combination of fresh butter and rock sugar (mishri) is a classic offering that symbolizes purity and sweetness. On Janmashtami, devotees prepare this simple yet divine dish to honor Krishna's love for butter. Ingredients: Full-fat milk or fresh cream Rock sugar (mishri) How to prepare : Churn full-fat milk or fresh cream to extract fresh butter. Once the butter is ready, mix in the rock sugar gently. This creamy and sweet mixture is then offered to Lord Krishna as bhog, and after the offering, it is shared as prasad with family and friends. Panchamrit Panchamrit is a sacred concoction made by blending five pure ingredients: milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar. This mixture is considered holy and is commonly used in Hindu rituals. The five elements combine to create a nourishing and auspicious drink that is perfect for Janmashtami celebrations. Ingredients: Milk – 1 cup Curd (yogurt) – 1 cup Honey – 2 tablespoons Ghee – 1 tablespoon Sugar – 1 tablespoon How to prepare : In a bowl, combine milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar. Stir well until all ingredients blend smoothly. This sweet, creamy nectar is then offered to Krishna during the prayers. Sabudana Khichdi (Sago Pearl Delight) Sabudana khichdi is a light, nutritious dish made from sago pearls. It is widely enjoyed during fasts, including those observed on Janmashtami. This dish provides energy without feeling heavy, making it an ideal offering and festive meal. Ingredients: Sabudana (sago pearls) – 1 cup Peanuts – 2 tablespoons Boiled and cubed potatoes – 2 medium Green chilies (finely chopped) – 2 Cumin seeds – 1 tablespoon Ghee – for frying Salt – to taste How to prepare : Rinse sabudana thoroughly and soak it for 4-5 hours or overnight to soften. Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, green chilies, and peanuts, and fry until golden. Add the boiled potatoes and sauté for a few minutes. Then add the soaked sabudana and cook until the pearls turn translucent. Season with salt, and the dish is ready to be offered to Krishna. Malpua (Sweet Pancakes) Malpua is a delicious dessert made of deep-fried pancakes soaked in sugar syrup. The combination of crispy edges and soft interiors soaked in sweetness makes it a favourite during festivals like Janmashtami. Ingredients: All-purpose flour – 1 cup Semolina – ½ cup Milk – ½ cup Sugar – ¼ cup Fennel seeds – ¼ teaspoon Ghee – for frying Sugar syrup (prepared by boiling sugar and water) How to prepare : Mix the flour, semolina, milk, sugar, and fennel seeds into a smooth batter. Heat ghee in a pan and pour ladlefuls of batter to make small pancakes. Fry them until golden brown on both sides. Soak the fried malpuas in warm sugar syrup for a few minutes, then offer them to Krishna. Gopalkala (Krishna's Favourite) Gopalkala is a refreshing and wholesome dish made with beaten rice (poha), yogurt, cucumber, and spices. It is traditionally offered to Krishna as bhog and is known for its light yet satisfying taste. Ingredients: Poha (beaten rice) – 1 cup Yogurt – ½ cup Cucumber (finely chopped) – 1 Grated coconut – 1 tablespoon Green chili (finely chopped) – 1 Cumin seeds – 1 tablespoon Ghee – 1 tablespoon Salt – to taste How to prepare : Rinse the poha and drain excess water. Mix it with yogurt, chopped cucumber, green chili, and grated coconut. Heat ghee in a pan and fry cumin seeds until they splutter, then pour this over the poha mixture. Add salt and mix well before offering the dish. Kheer (Rice Pudding) Kheer is a traditional, creamy rice pudding flavoured with cardamom and garnished with nuts and raisins. It is a staple during many Indian festivals and is loved for its rich, comforting taste. Ingredients : Basmati rice – 1 cup Full-fat milk – 1 litre Sugar – ½ cup Cardamom powder – ¼ teaspoon Chopped almonds, cashews, and raisins for garnish How to prepare : Soak the rice for 30 minutes. Boil the milk in a pan, then add the soaked rice. Simmer gently on low heat until the rice is fully cooked and the mixture thickens. Stir in sugar and cardamom powder until dissolved. Garnish with chopped nuts and raisins before offering. Mohan bhog (Sweetened Semolina) Mohan Bhog is a traditional semolina-based sweet that's named after Lord Krishna (Mohan). It's a rich dessert that perfectly fits the festive spirit of Janmashtami. Ingredients: Semolina (sooji) – 1 cup Ghee – ½ cup Sugar – 1 cup Water – 2 cups Saffron strands – a pinch Chopped nuts for garnish How to prepare : Roast the semolina in ghee until golden brown. In a separate pan, boil water with sugar and saffron until the sugar dissolves. Slowly add this syrup to the roasted semolina while stirring to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens and the ghee separates. Garnish with chopped nuts before offering to Krishna. The cultural significance of bhog offering on Krishna Janmashtami The cultural essence of bhog offering during Krishna Janmashtami goes beyond just preparing food; it is a profound expression of devotion and reverence towards Lord Krishna. Bhog represents the purest form of love and gratitude, symbolising the devotee's surrender and connection to the divine. Traditionally made with ingredients considered sacred and wholesome, these offerings reflect the values of purity, simplicity, and spiritual abundance in Hindu culture. The ritual of preparing and presenting bhog fosters a sense of community, mindfulness, and celebration, uniting families and devotees in a shared act of worship that honours Krishna's life and teachings. These recipes are more than just food; they are an expression of love and devotion to Lord Krishna. Each dish combines simplicity with traditional flavours, making your Janmashtami celebrations truly special. Offering these bhogs is believed to bring blessings of health, happiness, and prosperity to your home. If you wish to master these recipes and many more, consider learning from professional chefs at reputed cooking institutes. May your Krishna Janmashtami be filled with joy, devotion, and the divine grace of Lord Krishna! Also Read: Dairy foods that support heart health and reduce the risk of 6 cancers: Study
