Latest news with #Draupadi
News18
a day ago
- Entertainment
- News18
6 Temples In South India Where Draupadi Is Worshipped
1/8 3/8 Melpadi Draupadi Amman Temple, Vellore (Tamil Nadu): The word 'Amman' means 'mother'. In this temple, Draupadi is worshipped like a mother figure. She is celebrated as a goddess of patience and purity. (Image: AI-Generated) Sri Dharmaraja-Draupadi Temple, Bengaluru (Karnataka): Built by Vahnikula Kshatriya kings, this 800-year-old temple is not just dedicated to Draupadi but also the Pandavas. To honour the queen, the Karaga festival is held here; wherein a man carrying a pot on his head must perform several rituals. (Image: AI-Generated) Draupadi Amman Temples, Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu): This Tamil town has not one or two, but several temples dedicated to Draupadi. Year round, festivals are held to honour her legacy. (Image: AI-Generated) 7/8 Draupadi Ratha, Mahabalipuram (Tamil Nadu): This monolithic structure is part of the Pancha Ratha complex. It has been carved from a single granite rock. (Image: AI-Generated)
India Today
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- India Today
Raksha Bandhan 2025: Date, ritual timings, and significance explained
As dawn breaks on a warm August morning, sisters across India prepare their thalis with trembling hands and joyful hearts—tiny lamps flicker beside threads of protection, love, and lifelong promises. Raksha Bandhan isn't just a ritual; it's a feeling. A moment that wraps up shared childhoods, secret jokes, and unspoken support in one sacred 2025, Raksha Bandhan falls on Saturday, August 9, and brings with it the perfect blend of tradition and togetherness. Whether you're in the same city or continents apart, this day is about celebrating the emotional legacy of sibling bonds and doing it at the right time matters just as much as the everything you need to know from the shubh muhurat to why Bhadra time is to be avoided, and how this ancient festival continues to evolve with every BANDHAN THREAD CEREMONY TIMINGS According to Drik Panchang, the most auspicious time for tying Rakhi (Thread Ceremony) in 2025 isThread Ceremony Time: 05:47 am to 01:24 pmDuration: 7 hours and 37 minutesPurnima Tithi Begins at: 02:12 pm on August 8, 2025Purnima Tithi Ends: 01:24 pm on August 9, 2025Bhadra Ends: Before sunrise on 9 AugustThis means that the entire morning period on August 9 is auspicious, and rituals can be performed safely without concern for inauspicious OF TIMING: WHY BHADRA MUST BE AVOIDEDIn Hinduism, Bhadra is considered an inauspicious time (especially during the first half of Purnima Tithi). Rituals performed during Bhadra are believed to bring negative outcomes. Religious scriptures like Vratraj explicitly advise against performing Rakhi rituals during this 2025, Bhadra ends before sunrise, which is ideal, ensuring that the entire thread-tying ceremony can be done during Shubh APARAHNA MUHURAT IS PREFERREDTraditionally, Aparahna Kaal (late afternoon) is the most recommended period for performing the Rakhi ceremony. However, when Bhadra does not overlap with morning hours—as in 2025—the ceremony can safely begin from early case Aparahna is not accessible, Pradosh Kaal (early evening) is the next best option. But for 2025, the morning time is not only permissible but highly RITUALS OF RAKSHA BANDHANRaksha Bandhan is marked by a simple yet emotionally significant set of ritualsSisters prepare a thali with a rakhi, sweets, diya, roli, and receive the rakhi on their right wrist, get a tilak on the forehead, and offer a promise of protection in are exchanged, often followed by a shared meal or many families, even bhabhis (sisters-in-law) receive a rakhi or lumba rakhi, extending the ritual to newer familial AND SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCEThe legend behind Raksha Bandhan spans stories from mythology and historyKrishna and Draupadi: When Krishna hurt his finger, Draupadi tore her saree to bandage him. He vowed to protect Karnavati and Humayun: The queen of Mewar sent a rakhi to the Mughal emperor, asking for tales highlight the protective, emotional, and unifying aspects of the festival, beyond just BANDHAN TODAY: A BOND BEYOND BLOODIn modern times, Rakhi is tied not only by sisters to brothers but alsoTo sisters, bhabhis, and cousinsBetween friends and community members as a token of trust and protectionIn schools, from children to jawans and police officers, to show respectThe festival continues to evolve while staying rooted in Saturday, 9 August 2025Rakhi Thread Ceremony Time: 05:47 am – 01:24 pmBhadra Ends: Before sunrise (safe for rituals)Best Muhurat: Aparahna (late afternoon), though morning is also auspicious in 2025Avoid: Bhadra Kaal, especially Bhadra MukhaFor a heartfelt and timely Raksha Bandhan celebration, aligning rituals with accurate Panchang timings ensures both tradition and spiritual harmony are honoured.- Ends
Indian Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Polyandry in Himachal Pradesh: A closer look at the Hatti community's cultural shift
The recent jodidaran, or jajda — a fraternal polyandrous marriage between one woman and two Hatti brothers in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh — has caused quite a stir, as the country is moving towards uniformity in its legal framework for marriage, divorce, adoption, and inheritance. This uniformity is sought to be imposed on its diverse people through a Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The reality that remote, isolated communities enjoy conjugal choice, whereas urban residents must register their marriages and live-in relationships, should not be lost sight of. As someone who has conducted years of fieldwork in these mountain regions, this case seems to be an aberration. What has astonished me is the zeal with which the marriage, consummated by three educated and well-placed individuals, has been publicised with a widely circulated press release and a wedding photoshoot in the forest. Usually, such practices are kept under wraps and, therefore, there is a need to unpack what is at work here. Polyandrous marriage is referred to in the hills as pandav vivah — most hill people consider the Pandavas as their ancestors. In the Mahabharata, Draupadi was the prize won in an archery contest and was pledged to five brothers. Polyandrous marriage, now surviving in these parts only in the region between the rivers Sutlej and Yamuna, has long been a subject of discussion. Anthropologist D N Majumdar's book, Himalayan Polyandry (1962), and his student Y S Parmar's (long-time chief minister of Himachal Pradesh) popular text Polyandry in the Himalayas, focused on it. Early anthropologists offered various functional explanations for polyandrous marriages that included the scarcity of arable land in the upper reaches, combined with difficulty in dividing property among multiple heirs. These alliances were also a measure of population control since joint families tend to have fewer children, and a practice dictated by the need for a larger pool of labour in a tough terrain where multiple occupations such as agriculture and pastoralism needed to be practised within one family unit. These explanations have been critiqued, justifiably so, because they insist upon ascribing reason to a social practice. In her foreword to Parmar's book, Indira Gandhi wrote, 'Polyandry is a subject of much ill-informed comment. Dr Parmar has rightly pointed out that there is usually some economic reason for a social custom and that without a change in economic motivation, no material and permanent change is possible. By putting it in its proper historical and economic context, the author gives us a deeper understanding of the manner in which societies evolve institutions to enable them to deal with the basic problems of living and surviving. Such comprehension is essential to overcome prejudice and attitudes of condescension.' Though the comment reflects empathy for social realities in difficult terrains, it also belies the thinking amongst the political class ruling from Delhi that the advent of modernity, arriving through scientific, economic and educational progress, would gradually bring about change in social behaviour, integrating these groups into the mainstream. Keeping this linear and simplistic view of modernity in mind, some social groups in the Himalayas — like the Jaunsaris of Uttarakhand — were granted Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in 1967 on the basis of their differentiated social customs, among which polyandry was prominent. This was notwithstanding the fact that these communities were caste Hindu and only marginally diverged from the mainstream. Many years later, as late as 2022-23, the Hattis from neighbouring Himachal Pradesh also managed to acquire tribal status. Mapping the social trajectory of the Jaunsari community yields some interesting insights. But before that, we must understand the social structure in these mountains. The Himalayas, due to their terrain, allow for only small settlements and family units. These settlements, before Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand became states, were ruled by thakurais, jocularly referred to by some scholars as 'very little kingdoms'. Therefore, in these mountain regions, Rajputs — the thakur — are at the pinnacle of the social order. They are the landowners, which, in the present context, translates into being owners of lucrative apple orchards. The ST status is granted to social groups that fulfil certain conditions such as 'primitive' traits, geographical isolation, distinct culture, shyness and economic backwardness. Today, these areas are overrun by tourists, there is road and mobile connectivity, education and apple wealth. While post-Independence, the Jaunsaris were indeed afflicted by poverty and remoteness, for the Hatti, none of the boxes could have been ticked, except the practice of polyandry. Hence the need for its active promotion and foregrounding. While tribal status is granted to promote egalitarianism, in these regions, it has ended up doing exactly the opposite. The privileged Rajputs among these groups, while bearing their tribal status as a badge of honour, have effectively leveraged it towards upward social mobility. Job reservations have helped establish a Rajput politico-social hegemony, a creamy layer that effectively keeps the downtrodden within the Hatti and the Jaunsari — the lower-caste Bhadhoi and the Kolta — from ascending the social ladder. A community like the Jaunsaris, given the status of a tribe as early as 1967, have still not been able to grant lower castes and women access to the shrines of their deities. In fact, the lower-caste bajgis, the drummer-bards of the devi-devtas, who perform enforced ritual duties at temples, and also walk with the deity palanquins in extreme conditions across mountain ridges playing the instruments, still cannot enter the shrines of the deities they worship. The status of women, especially from the lower castes, is even worse. Therefore, being tribal for these groups is a transactional strategy for upward mobility. In that sense, for the Hatti, recent entrants to the tribal 'game', it becomes imperative for the community to publicise polyandrous marriage, in order to emphasise their otherness. While a progressive state in a country as vast as India must allow its citizens a diversity of forms of social living, including choices of conjugality, it must also look back and assess what its social engineering has achieved. The writer is an anthropologist, author and activist based in the Himalayas
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Raksha Bandhan 2025: All you need to know about date, shubh muhurat & celebrations
Raksha Bandhan 2025 Date , Shubh Muhurarat: Raksha Bandhan, often called Rakhi, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated in August. It symbolizes the "bond of protection" where sisters tie a sacred thread (rakhi) on their brothers' wrists. This act signifies their love and prayers for their brothers' well-being, and in return, brothers promise lifelong protection. Origin and Significance The festival's origins are rooted in mythology, with a popular legend citing Lord Krishna and Draupadi. When Krishna was wounded, Draupadi tore a piece of her saree to tie around his finger, a gesture that moved him to vow eternal protection. Beyond family ties, Raksha Bandhan represents universal love and unity, historically extending to soldiers, friends, and neighbors as a gesture of respect and solidarity. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Digital Marketing healthcare Others Data Analytics Technology Operations Management others Leadership Public Policy Project Management Healthcare Management Data Science Degree Finance Artificial Intelligence MCA Data Science CXO Product Management MBA Design Thinking Cybersecurity Skills you'll gain: Digital Marketing Strategy Search Engine Optimization (SEO) & Content Marketing Social Media Marketing & Advertising Data Analytics & Measurement Duration: 24 Weeks Indian School of Business Professional Certificate Programme in Digital Marketing Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Raksha Bandhan 2025 Dates and Muhurat In 2025, Raksha Bandhan will be celebrated on Saturday, August 9th. This date falls on the full moon (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Shravana. The most auspicious time (Shubh Muhurat) to tie the rakhi is from 5:47 AM to 1:24 PM on August 9th. The Aparahna Muhurat runs from approximately 1:41 PM to 2:54 PM. According to Hindu tradition, the Aparahna (late afternoon) is considered the best time for the ritual. If not feasible, the Pradosh period in the evening is also suitable. It's crucial to avoid the Bhadra period, as it's considered inauspicious for sacred work. Bhadra usually occurs during the first half of the Purnima day. The Purnima Tithi begins on August 8th at 2-3 PM and concludes on August 9th at 1:24 PM, making the morning of August 9th an ideal window, after the Bhadra period ends. Live Events Rituals and Celebrations Sisters prepare a "thali" containing essentials like the rakhi, roli (red thread powder), rice grains, sweets, and a diya (lamp). After performing aarti, they apply a tilak to their brothers' foreheads before tying the rakhi. Brothers then reciprocate with gifts and their vow of protection. Regional Celebrations The festival is celebrated with unique regional variations across India: In West Bengal, it's known as Jhulan Purnima, focusing on the worship of Krishna and Radha. Among the Maharashtra Koli community, it coincides with Narali Pournima, a festival celebrating the sea and coconut-harvesting traditions. [With TOI inputs]
Time of India
24-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
When is Raksha Bandhan 2025: On 8th or 9th August; What is the shubh muhurat to tie the rakhi?
Raksha Bandhan, a celebration of the brother-sister bond, will be observed on August 9, 2025. The auspicious time for tying the Rakhi is between 5:47 AM and 1:24 PM, avoiding the Bhadra period. This festival signifies love, protection, and unity, rooted in traditions like the story of Lord Krishna and Draupadi, celebrated differently across India. Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is one of the most important festivals of Hindus that is celebrated in the month of August. On this day, sisters tie rakhi or a sacred thread on the wrists of their brothers and who in turn promise to protect their sisters throughout their lives. As per legend, Draupadi in the Mahabharata was the first one to tie a rakhi to Lord Krishna. Even in today's extremely occupied work life, this ritual remains timeless. It reminds us that amidst daily routines, certain values like those of love, loyalty, and care stand strong. What does 'Raksha Bandhan' mean? The term literally means the 'bond of protection.' As part of the festival, sisters tie a sacred thread or rakhi on their brother's wrist, symbolising their love and prayers for his health. In return, brothers vow lifelong protection to their sisters. Why is Rakshabhandhan celebrated? Beyond family ties, Raksha Bandhan represents universal love and unity. Historically, it even extended to soldiers, friends, or neighbours, whose brothers would promise to protect in a gesture of respect and unity. One popular mythological legend is about Lord Krishna and Draupadi. Krishna, wounded in battle, was comforted by Draupadi when she tore a piece of her saree and tied it around his finger. Moved by her gesture, Krishna vowed to protect her forever, this is considered to be the origin of this festival. When is Raksha Bandhan in 2025? Raksha Bandhan 2025 will be celebrated on Saturday, August 9, according to the Hindu calendar. This day falls on the full moon (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Shravana. When to tie the rakhi: muhurat 2025 This year, the most auspicious time for Shubh Muhurat to tie the rakhi is from 5:47 AM to 1:24 PM on August 9, according to DrikPanchang. The Aparahna Muhurat runs from approximately 1:41 PM to 2:54 PM . According to DrikPanchang, the best time to tie Rakhi on Raksha Bandhan is during the Aparahna, which is the late afternoon, as per Hindu tradition. If the Aparahna timing is not feasible, then the Pradosh period in the evening is also considered a good time to perform the Rakhi rituals. It's important to avoid tying Rakhi during the Bhadra period, as it's considered inauspicious. According to Hindu scriptures like Vratraj, any good or sacred work, including Raksha Bandhan rituals, should not be done during Bhadra. Usually, Bhadra occurs during the first half of the Purnima day, so it's better to wait until Bhadra ends before starting the celebration. In many parts of North India, people traditionally tie Rakhi in the morning, but that timing may fall within the Bhadra period, making it less ideal for the ritual. Full moon timing The Purnima Tithi begins August 8 at 2–3 PM and ends August 9 at 1:24 PM, making the morning of August 9 the ideal window for the ceremony. Rituals and celebration Sisters prepare a thali with essentials like rakhi, roli (red thread powder), rice grains, sweets, and a diya. After performing aarti, they apply a tilak to their brothers' foreheads and tie the rakhi. Brothers reciprocate with gifts and a promise of protection. How is the festival celebrated in various parts of India? In West Bengal, it's known as Jhulan Purnima, where worship of Krishna and Radha takes place. Among the Maharashtra Koli community, it coincides with Narali Pournima, celebrating the sea and coconut-harvesting traditions.
