Latest news with #Ashada
The Hindu
29-07-2025
- General
- The Hindu
July 28, 2025
Snakes are revered, feared, fed and worshipped. Naga Panchami, which falls on the Suklapaksha Panchami of the Ashada month, is widely observed across the country and elsewhere. The Mahabharata narrates the sudden curse that fell on King Parikshit due to a snake and the subsequent events, said Dr. Sudha Seshayyan. Parikshit, Arjuna's grandson was a just ruler. However, his one indiscretion sealed his fate. Exhausted and thirsty after a long, hot chase while hunting, Parikshit entered the ashram of sage Sameeka and asked for water. However, the sage was in deep meditation (turiya) and did not respond. Angered at this, Parikshit picked up a dead snake with the end of his bow, coiled it around Sameeka's neck and left. This infuriated Shringi, Sameeka's son, who cursed Parikshit saying he would die within seven days, after being bitten by the snake Takshaka. Takshaka had his own reasons for killing Parikshit. When the Pandavas built Indraprasatha, they destroyed the Khandava vana, resulting in the death of countless snakes; Takshaka escaped but his family did not; therefore, he was looking forward to avenging their deaths. Janamejaya, the son of Parikshit, was furious over the death of his father and decided to conduct a sarpa yagna. The mantras forced the snakes to the yagna (fire) and all perished of their own volition. Takshaka sought refuge in the cot of Indra, assuming the mantras would not reach there. However, they resonated everywhere. Fearing the power of the mantras, the devas met Manasa, the queen of the serpents, and sought her intervention. She sent her son Astika to the sarpa yagna, who, posing as a refugee, sought protection for him and his family. Janamejaya had to graciously accede. Astika then discoursed on the need for a balance and for stopping endless feuds, and that day is celebrated as Nadivardhini Panchami. This is also the period when Vyasampayana narrated the Mahabharata to Janamejaya, hence a reading of the Mahabharata is efficacious on Naga Panchami. Wrestlers also observe this day, to raise the latent kundalini power.
Hans India
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Ministers offer silk clothes to deity
Hyderabad: State IT and Industries Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu offered silk clothes to the goddess on behalf of the state government at the Sri Akkanna Madanna temple in Haribouli and performed special pujas on Sunday. Speaking on the occasion, he extended greetings to the people and said, 'Happy Ashada Bonala Jatara to everyone! Bonalu is more than just a festival. It embodies the essence of our Telangana way of life. Also, the culture and traditions are handed down through generations. It serves as a testament to our collective resolve, unity, self-respect, existence, and rich history. The word 'Bonam' is not just associated with a festival; it evokes the fragrance of our Telangana soil, the love of Motherm, and our spirit. This celebration, which is passed down through generations, echoes our history in the sound of drums and showcases the devotion embodied in Bonala. All these elements are the lifeblood of our Telangana way of life. He stated that the mother is the source of all creation and the force that sustains the worlds. 'I sincerely pray for her cool blessings to be upon all the people of Telangana. I wish everyone could live a full hundred years filled with happiness, good health, and prosperity. I hope that Telangana may thrive with her grace,' he added. Golkonda Bonalu, Secunderabad Bonalu, and Lal Darwaja Bonalu are excellent examples that not only represent our state but also communicate the essence of Telangana's way of life, village culture, traditions, and the spirit of our people to the entire country and the world. The government has allocated Rs 20 crore to organise the Bonalu festival in the twin cities on a grand scale. These funds were disbursed in cheques to 2,783 temples in the city. This is not just a statement; it is a firm commitment to convey the importance that the people's government, led by CM Revanth Reddy, places on Telangana's culture and traditions. On this occasion, 'I assure you that our government will always support the devotion and beliefs of the people of Telangana while preserving their traditions.' Besides, with the blessings of the goddess, and under the leadership of CM Revanth Reddy, we are working diligently to make Telangana a role model for other states in all fields, especially in the IT and industrial sectors, he said. During the Ashada month Bonalu festival, Gutta Sukhender Reddy, the Chairman of the Telangana Legislative Council, presented silk clothes on behalf of the government to Uppuguda Mahankali Ammavaru in Hyderabad. Gutta Sukhender Reddy was welcomed by the temple priests and committee members and participated in a special pooja program for Amma. Extending greetings to people, he said: 'Happy Ashada month, Bonalu festival to all the people of Telangana. May everyone in the state be prosperous and happy. I wish that this year would bring abundant rains and bountiful crops. Government welfare schemes should be accessible to all citizens. I am pleased that the state government is officially organising the Bonalu festival.' Telangana Dairy Development Corporation Chairman Gutta Amit Reddy, along with local leaders and temple committee Chairman Madhusudhan Goud, participated in the program. State Roads, Buildings, and Cinematography Minister Komati Reddy Venkat Reddy visited the Goddess at the Charminar Bhagyalakshmi Temple along with Hyderabad In-charge Minister Ponnam Prabhakar, offering silk robes to the Goddess on the occasion of the Bonala festival during the Ashadha month in Hyderabad. Extending Bonalu greetings, he said, 'Happy Bonalu festival to the people of Hyderabad and the twin cities. May everyone be blessed with a good dairy harvest. The metro is coming to the Old City in Hyderabad, and development will be achieved under Ammadhyaya. Bonala is a name recognised worldwide. Telangana state and Hyderabad city stand proud in this regard.'
The Hindu
20-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Education vital to achieve empowerment, says Nellore MP
Nellore MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy underscored the need for education of the backward communities to achieve social and political empowerment. He was speaking at an event organised to felicitate meritorious students from Gandla and Telika communities who excelled in the SSC and Intermediate examinations, at Nellore on Sunday. He also presented them with cash prizes. The MP also assured to provide support to the youth hailing from backward communities and setup MSME units. Deputy Mayor Roop Kumar Yadav also acknowledged the need to identify talent among the backward communities. Later, members of Akhila Gandla Telika Kulasthula Sankshema Sangam, led by State president Grosu Subba Rao and honorary president Giddaluru Prabhakar Rao, felicitated Mr. Prabhakar Reddy. Saare offered Mr. Reddy, accompanied by his spouse and Kovur MLA Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy, offered 'Ashada Masa Saare' to Kamakshi Thayi Ammavari temple at Jonnawada, in connection with the onset of the auspicious Ashada month. The duo personally carried the offering and handed it over to the priests, who adorned the sari to the deity, who was decorated in the 'Sakambari Alankaram' on the holy occasion.
Hans India
20-07-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Mehendi Celebrations Enthrall at Government Science Degree College
Nagar kurnool: Mehendi celebrations were held with great enthusiasm on Saturday at the Nellikonda Government Science Degree College, Nagarkurnool. The event witnessed active participation from female students and women faculty members and was organized grandly under the aegis of the Women Empowerment Cell. On this occasion, College Principal Madan Mohan stated, 'Cultural programs like these foster joy and a festive atmosphere among students. They also help strengthen the bond between faculty and students.' Students themselves collected henna leaves from the college premises and artistically adorned their hands with mehendi designs. The event captivated everyone and created a lively ambience. Women Empowerment officials Umadevi and Vanitha shared insights into the cultural and health significance of mehendi, stating, 'Henna helps reduce body heat, boosts immunity, and improves blood circulation. Since ancient times, women have traditionally adorned henna during the Ashada month as a part of customary practice.' They emphasized that continuing such traditions helps cultivate a pleasant and joyful environment among students. The event was attended by AO Mohammad Irfan, senior faculty member Kodandaramulu and others.
Hans India
19-07-2025
- General
- Hans India
Streets of Old City all set to come alive with 2-day Bonalu festivities
Hyderabad: The 400-year-old Sri Akkanna-Madanna Mahankali Mandiram is set to celebrate its 77th annual Bonalu and Mahankali Jathara festival on a grand scale this year. The temple, situated at Hari Bowli in Shalibanda, holds significant historical importance and has been the starting point of the annual Bonalu procession for over seven decades. In anticipation of the Bonalu festivities in the Old City, the Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Mandiram has made comprehensive arrangements for the successful conduct of the festival. Lakshmi, an elephant belonging to Sri Karibasava Swamy Mutt at Horapete in Tumkur, Karnataka, will participate, carrying the Ghatam in the Old City Bonalu Procession. Notably, the elephant recently carried Bibi-ka-Alam in the Moharram procession. Bonalu is celebrated in the month of Ashada, typically falling around July-August. It is primarily a commemoration of the Goddess, to appease her and express gratitude for fulfilled wishes. Alongside Yellamma, other forms of the Goddess such as Maisamma, Pochamma, Peddamma, Dokkalamma, Ankalamma, Poleramma, Maremma, and Nookalamma are worshipped during this period. For this year's celebrations, the temple committee is coordinating all arrangements with the assistance of the Police, GHMC, Endowment Department, Electricity, HMWSSB, R&B, Forest, and other government departments to ensure large-scale festivities and a grand procession, which is scheduled for 21 July. According to the committee, steps have been taken to ensure devotees from the twin cities and neighbouring districts visiting the temple for blessings can have Darshan of Matha without inconvenience. While other arrangements proceeded smoothly, there was initial anxiety among devotees regarding the elephant's participation with the Matha Ghatam in the procession. 'The elephant will participate in the Bonalu procession of Sri Nalla Pochamma Temple, Sabzimandi, on Sunday (20 July) and on Monday (21 July) in the Old City Bonalu Procession of Sri Akkanna Madanna Mahankali Mandiram,' informed SP Kranti Kumar, Temple Committee Organising Secretary. The Bonalu festival commenced earlier this month with MaahaAbhishekam to Sri Mahankali Matha and Kalasha Sthapana, followed by Dwajarohana. It will conclude on 21 July, after the PotharajuSwagatham and Rangam, when the Matha Ghatam will be taken out in a procession on a fully decorated elephant, Lakshmi. The 11-day festival officially ends on 22 July with 'AshthadalaPhadapadmaradhanPavithrosthavam'. Meanwhile, the Simhavahini Sri Mahankali Temple in Lal Darwaza, Old City, has also made all necessary arrangements for the festival. Temple committee member K Venkatesh stated that the temple annually witnesses a large congregation of devotees, and arrangements are in place with the help of various departments. 'These Bonalu festivities witness a congregation of devotees not only from the City, but from across neighbouring states including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and also Tamil Nadu. Hence, we are ensuring all the arrangements are in place,' he said. Venkatesh added, 'The tradition of Lal Darwaza Bonalu celebrations began during the time of Nizam VI Mir Mahboob Ali Khan. This year the celebrations will complete 117 years. History shows that many kings, politicians and ministers offered silk garments and jewellery to the goddess. The tradition of presenting silk robes to the goddess on behalf of the government is being continued.' On Friday, Hyderabad district collector Harichandana, along with other officers, visited the Lal Darwaza temple. They reviewed the security and traffic arrangements being made for the Bonalu festival, which will be held on Sunday. Police officials have coordinated with several other departments, including endowments, revenue, electricity, waterworks, R&B, and GHMC, to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival. A review was conducted on arrangements for law and order, traffic, queue lines for devotees, medical facilities, barricading, media points, electricity, and water supply. All concerned departments were instructed to make appropriate arrangements to prevent any inconvenience to devotees.
