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Time of India
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Isha Gramotsavam 2025: 50k villagers across six states to prove mettle in traditional sports
New Delhi: Is sport only for the chosen few? No, according to the Isha Foundation. Now returning for its 17th edition in 2025, Isha Gramotsavam — India's largest rural sports festival — is set to reach over 35,000 villages across Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Puducherry, and, for the first time, Odisha. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Organised by Isha Outreach, the registrations, which are free, for this year's event will be entirely online from July 6 to Aug 9. Isha Gramotsavam, launched by Sadhguru in 2004, expects the participation of around 5,000 teams and nearly 50,000 villagers representing 30,000 villages. The month-long tournament will begin on Aug 10 in Mysuru, featuring volleyball and para volleyball events for men and a throwball event for women — played across three levels: cluster, divisional and finals. Alongside, traditional rural games like gilli danda, tyre race and hopscotch will be revived. The grand finale on Sept 21 will be held in front of the 112-ft Adiyogi statue at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore. There's a prize pool of Rs 67 lakh, including Rs 5 lakh each for the top teams in both men's and women's categories. "The Gramotsavam is not for professional players, but for rural people — farmers, fishermen, daily-wage workers, homemakers, schoolchildren," said Swami Pulaka, the event coordinator. "The teams can only consist of players of the same village panchayat to bring communities together and celebrate local pride." Last year, over 43,000 players and 4,800 teams from 162 places participated in the rural sports event. In a heartening shift, over 10,000 women took part — 220 of them aged above 50 years — many of them stepping on a sports field for the first time in their lives. Ayesha from Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, recalled, "Till two years ago, I had never played anything except in my school days. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But then I learnt about this event. The Isha volunteers persuaded not only me but also my cousins and elderly relatives to participate. We began practising after our respective work every day. The family which only met once or twice a year on special occasions started getting together every day." Volunteers too carry unforgettable memories. Neha Gupta, a Delhi-based lawyer and volunteer, shared, "I remember going to this remote village in Tamil Nadu. There I met this woman in her 70s who had never touched a ball in her life. She was very reluctant to play, worried about what people would say. Yet she wanted to experience the thrill at least once. We nudged her and she ventured into the playing field. It was one of those moments when I felt the worth of my contribution. " Pulaka acknowledged the challenges in encouraging women to break social barriers. "The idea is to push through shyness and customs," he explained. "We start indoors, playing around with a ball. Gradually, we move the activity outdoors. Once the hesitancy wears off, there is joy on the faces of the once-reluctant players." The festival has also caught the attention of sporting greats. Cricketers Virender Sehwag and Venkatesh Prasad and Rio Paralympics high jump gold winner Mariyappan Thangavelu have graced the event. In 2018, Isha Gramotsavam was honoured with the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar by the President of India for its contribution to promoting sports. The Gramotsavam continues to redefine what sport means in rural India — not as a privilege for a few, but a celebration that everyone can find joy in.
Time of India
20-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Dreaming of Snakes, Temples, or Water in Sawan 2025? Reduce Rahu-Ketu's Hold, Awaken Shiva Tatva
The month of Sawan is not just a time for fasting, temple visits, or offering milk to the Shivling. It is a deeply spiritual month where our connection with the subtle world becomes stronger. As Lord Shiva blesses the earth with his presence, the veil between the material and spiritual realms becomes thinner. This is also the time when dreams become more vivid, more symbolic, and more meaningful. But not all dreams are peaceful or divine. Some dreams confuse the mind, disturb the sleep, or bring unknown fear. This is where the influence of the shadow planets, Rahu and Ketu, becomes important. These two grahas, though without physical bodies, have powerful effects on our mind, subconscious, and especially on our dreams. Let us understand how Rahu and Ketu influence our dreams during Sawan, and how to protect and purify our sleep through simple, sacred remedies rooted in our dharmic tradition. The Nature of Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu are known as chhaya grahas (shadow planets). They are not visible to the naked eye, yet their presence in one's Kundli can shape the course of destiny. Rahu is associated with illusion, desire, foreign influences, and unending hunger. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is it legal? How to get Internet without paying a subscription? Techno Mag Learn More Undo Ketu is linked to moksha, detachment, past-life karma, and hidden spiritual tendencies. In dream states, Rahu brings illusions, fantasies, and sometimes nightmares. Ketu, on the other hand, brings past-life glimpses, spiritual messages, or silent warnings. Both act powerfully during periods when the mind is relaxed and open, especially during sleep. During the sacred month of Sawan, when energies of Lord Shiva fill the air, these shadow planets become more active. Rahu may disturb the peace of your sleep with unclear symbols, strange visions, or repeated patterns. Ketu may take you to past memories, spiritual guidance, or even faces you have never seen before but feel deeply connected to. Why Sawan Dreams Become More Intense Sawan is ruled by Lord Shiva, the Adiyogi, the eternal ascetic, and the Lord of all three worlds, including the world of dreams. During this month, when the sadhak walks the path of vrat, upvas, japa, and bhakti, the mind becomes sensitive and open. This increased openness makes you more receptive to divine as well as astral influences. Rahu and Ketu, especially if strongly placed or afflicted in your birth chart, may use this openness to bring karmic messages through your dreams. If you are dreaming too much, or waking up with fear, confusion, or emotional heaviness during Sawan, know that the shadow planets may be at work. But fear not, for Mahadev has given us many upaay to stay protected and spiritually aware. Common Rahu-Ketu Influenced Dreams During Sawan Dreaming of snakes biting or coiling around you (Rahu influence) Being chased by unknown people or animals (Rahu) Falling from height or being trapped in water (Ketu) Visiting unknown temples, mountains, or ancient lands (Ketu) Seeing your ancestors or deceased people speaking to you (Ketu) Dreaming of foreign places, crowds, or electronic things (Rahu) Dreams that are confusing, without logic, or repeating again and again (both) Such dreams are not to be feared. They are signs that your inner mind is being stirred by past karmas. Especially during Sawan, these dreams are messages that require pause, prayer, and purification. Remedies to Protect the Mind and Sleep During Sawan If your dreams are disturbing or you feel mentally heavy after waking up, adopt these time-tested remedies. They are simple but powerful when done with shraddha. Keep a bowl of water near your head at night and in the morning, offer it to a plant or pour it outside. This absorbs negative energies from the mind. Light a diya of mustard oil under a Peepal tree every Saturday , especially during Rahu Kaal. Offer a few black sesame seeds as well. Place a small Rudraksha mala under your pillow . It helps calm the mind and protects from negative astral energies. Chant Hanuman Chalisa before sleeping. Hanumanji is the protector from Rahu's illusions. His name keeps the mind stable. Recite the Shiva Panchakshari mantra: 'Om Namah Shivaya' at least 21 times before lying down. It brings Shiva's energy into your mind-space. Burn a small piece of camphor in your room before sleep. Its fragrance purifies subtle energies. Avoid sleeping with your head towards the North. It disturbs natural pranic flow and invites unwanted dream activity. These are not mere rituals. They are ways to invite divine presence into your sleep. Remember, sleep is not unconsciousness. It is another realm where our soul travels. Let Shiva be your protector in this journey. Mantras to Balance Rahu and Ketu During Sawan For those who feel deeply affected by strange dreams or mental fog during Sawan, chanting the specific mantras for Rahu and Ketu can bring great relief. Rahu Beej Mantra : 'Om Bhram Bhreem Bhroum Sah Rahave Namah' Ketu Beej Mantra : 'Om Sram Sreem Sroum Sah Ketave Namah' Chant these mantras 9 or 18 times daily after your evening bath. You can do it while sitting before a diya or in front of a Shiv murti. This creates a subtle shield around your aura and dream body. Offerings to Calm the Shadow Planets On Mondays, offer bilva patra, raw milk, and white flowers to the Shivling. Ask Mahadev to calm the illusions created by Rahu. On Saturdays, donate black cloth, black urad dal, or mustard oil to the poor. This reduces Rahu-Ketu's hold. Offer coconut in flowing water on any Somvar during Sawan to release blocked karmas indicated by Ketu. Feed stray dogs and crows. These are vahanas of shadow energies, and feeding them brings their blessings. Dreams as Messages from Mahadev Even if the dreams feel strange, do not fear them. Sawan is the time when Lord Shiva sends symbolic messages to help you clean your karma. Many saints and seekers have received life-changing visions during this month. Sometimes, Rahu may create fearful symbols, but behind them lies Shiva's deeper message: "Let go of attachments. Face your fears. Surrender your ego." Ketu may take you into ancient lands, spiritual images, or past memories. These are reminders that your soul has travelled much and is now being called to return home. Signs That Your Dreams Are Turning Spiritual You feel peace after waking up, even if the dream was strange. You see Mahadev, temples, Rudraksha, or mountains. You receive guidance or clarity in decision-making after sleep. You remember mantras or bhajans in your dreams. These are signs that the grip of Rahu-Ketu is loosening and Shiva tattva is rising in your heart. In this Sawan, let your nights not be ruled by fear or confusion. Let them become soft grounds for sadhana. Just as we clean our homes and temples, let us also clean our inner world before sleeping. Offer your mind to Shiva. Light a lamp, chant His name, and sleep as if Mahadev Himself is watching over you. Rahu and Ketu are not enemies. They are messengers. But they can trouble those who forget dharma and discipline. During this holy month, their influence can be turned into blessings if we walk the path with purity and prayer. May Mahadev bless your dreams with light, your nights with peace, and your soul with wisdom. Har Har Mahadev. Om Namah Shivaya. Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.
India Today
10-07-2025
- Science
- India Today
Guru Purnima: A commitment to individual evolution
A few years ago, when I was interviewed by an American magazine, one of the questions I was asked was, 'Who is the most significant person in the West to have worked for human consciousness?' Without hesitation, I said, 'Charles Darwin.''But Charles Darwin is a biologist,' they but he was the first person in the West to tell people that it is possible to evolve - to become something more than who you are right The word 'evolution' means something transforming itself into a higher possibility gradually. Charles Darwin told you that you were all monkeys, and then your tail fell away, and you became human – you know the story. When you were a monkey, you did not choose to become a man. Nature just pushed you on. When you are in animal nature, evolution happens anyway – you do not really have to participate in it. But once you become human, once a certain level of consciousness has come, there is no more unconscious evolution for you. Only if you consciously seek it, will it birth of the Yogic SciencesDarwin talked of biological evolution about 200 years ago. Shiva, the Adiyogi or the first Yogi, talked of spiritual evolution more than 15,000 years ago. Guru Purnima signifies one of the greatest moments in the life of humanity. It was on this day that Adiyogi transformed into the Adi Guru, or the first guru. The essence of his teaching is that every atom in this existence – including the sun and the planet – has a consciousness of its own; but what they do not have is a discerning mind. Once consciousness arises with a discerning mind, it is the most powerful possibility. This is what makes human life so Guru Purnima, Adiyogi started the transmission of the Yogic Sciences to the Saptarishis, his first seven disciples, and opened up this phenomenal possibility: that a human being can evolve beyond all limitations set by his physical nature, if willing to we say 'yoga,' we are not talking about twisting your body or holding your breath. We are talking about the very mechanics of life and how to take this piece of creation – you – to its ultimate possibility. This phenomenal dimension of human consciousness, or the possibility of the individual becoming a window to the universal, was unleashed on this long was the actual teaching where Adiyogi propounded everything to the Saptarishis? The numbers are probably more metaphorical than factual. Maybe it took 12 months, or 12 years, or 144 years. We do not know. But everything that can be explored was explored by these seven people. After Adiyogi's transmission was complete, the seven sages set forth to spread the Yogic Sciences throughout the thousands of years, the spine of knowledge that Adiyogi created is still the source of almost everything that you can call spiritual on the planet. Today, nearly 2 billion people around the world are practicing some form of yoga. Over all these years, there was no campaign, papacy, or enforcement. Other teachings and belief systems have been forced upon people. But nobody put a sword to someone's throat and said, 'You must do yoga!' It has lived for over 15 millennia because of its sheer for commitmentadvertisementGuru Purnima is a celebration of the possibility of individual evolution, emancipation, and liberation – mukti. More than just a celebration, it is a commitment that 'we will evolve.' Being a guru is not an exalted position of power, but of commitment and sacrifice. Adiyogi sacrificed his own freedom, blissfulness, and ecstasy, and was committed to transmitting what was happening within him. So many other wonderful beings have committed themselves to this along the way in these thousands of years – do not waste that commitment. It is time that you commit, if not for everyone's wellbeing, at least for your wellbeing, that this must happen. (Ranked amongst the fifty most influential people in India, Sadhguru is a Yogi, mystic, visionary and a New York Times bestselling author. Sadhguru has been conferred the Padma Vibhushan by the Government of India in 2017, the highest annual civilian award, accorded for exceptional and distinguished service. He is also the founder of the world's largest people's movement, Conscious Planet– Save Soil, which has touched over 4 billion people)- Ends(Views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author)Must Watch
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Tribal women becoming taxpayers': Union minister lauds Isha Foundation's role in empowering rural livelihoods
NEW DELHI: Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram praised the Isha Foundation during his visit to the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore, praising its role in transforming the lives of tribal women and contributing to the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "I'm glad that tribal women are now paying income taxes and becoming lakhpatis (millionaires in rupees) thanks to the Isha Foundation," the minister said after interacting with local tribal communities. He added that initiatives like these align with the vision of both Sadhguru and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The minister was referring to the inspiring journey of tribal women from Thanikandi village, who formed the Chellamariyammann self-help group in 2018 under Isha's guidance. Starting with just Rs 200 capital, the women set up small shops near the Adiyogi statue, a popular tourist destination. Over the years, these ventures have grown into businesses generating annual revenues in crores. The women now proudly pay taxes and actively contribute to India's economic development. Oram also expressed admiration for Isha's rural outreach programs, particularly those focused on tribal welfare. "Isha's efforts in rural development, education, health, spirituality, and cultural preservation are commendable. The village I visited today has greatly benefited from Isha's work, and the residents are visibly happy," he said. During his visit, the minister toured key sites at the Isha Yoga Center, including the iconic 112-foot Adiyogi, the sacred Dhyanalinga, Suryakund, and Linga Bhairavi Devi. He also visited Isha Home School, known for its holistic and child-centric approach to education, as well as Sadhguru Gurukulam Samskriti, a traditional residential school modeled on the ancient Bhartiya Gurukulam system.
Time of India
21-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Tamil Nadu: Defence personnel perform Yoga in front of Adiyogi at Coimbatore's Isha Yoga centre
Photo: Isha Yoga COIMBATORE: Defence personnel gathered at the Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore on Saturday to mark International Day of Yoga 2025 with a dedicated yoga session held in front of the iconic Adiyogi statue. The session, attended by around 200 armed forces personnel, was conducted under the guidance of trained yoga instructors from the centre. While speaking to ANI, Jayant, a yoga teacher at Isha Yoga Centre, said, "Today is the International Day of Yoga. It's not new; since its launch, it has been like a wildfire. The world now knows the importance of yoga." — SadhguruJV (@SadhguruJV) Talking about the special event, he added, "Right now, we are in front of Adiyogi. We just had a session for 200 or so armed forces personnel... They have come from nearby bases here, and we just conducted a short yoga session for them." Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh led the 11th International yoga Day celebrations in Udhampur of Jammu and met the army personnel here in Udhampur, praised their efforts in Operation Sindoor . "Your bravery is widely admired across the nation. I salute the valour and courage of the Indian Army," Rajnath Singh said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [Video] getfittoday Undo He gave a clear message that Operation Sindoor was not just a reaction, and it is not over yet. Meanwhile, the Indian Army also organised a yoga session at the world's highest battlefield, in Siachen. Multiple soldiers, veterans, families and children participated in the session. Highlighting the theme of 'Yoga for One Earth, One Health' in a post on X, the Army wrote, "On the 11th International Day of Yoga IDY 2025, Indian Army conducted Yoga sessions from the world's highest battlefield Siachen to all the terrains and climatic conditions through the expanse of the country. IDY2025 witnessed enthusiastic participation from Serving Soldiers, Veterans, Families, Children & Civilians embracing "Yoga as a Way of Life".
