Latest news with #Ekadashi


News18
6 hours ago
- Politics
- News18
Ordered Veg, Got Chicken: Man Sues McDonald's Over Burger Mix-Up At Mumbai Airport
Last Updated: An advocate served a legal notice to McDonald's India for serving non-vegetarian food instead of vegetarian at Mumbai Airport, demanding an apology, Rs 5 lakh, and staff training. An advocate has served a legal notice to McDonald's India after he was served non-vegetarian food despite ordering a vegetarian meal on the auspicious day of Shravan Somvar and Ekadashi — days of strict fasting and vegetarianism in Hindu tradition. The incident took place at the McDonald's outlet at Mumbai Airport's Terminal 1 near Gate No. 9. In a post on X, Ashutosh J Dubey, Head of BJP Maharashtra Social Media Legal and Advisory Department, claimed he had ordered a Veg Mexican Corn Cheese Burger, Medium Coke, and Cheesy Fries. However, he said he got a Mexican Grill Chicken Cheese Burger, which he consumed unknowingly. 'This is not a simple service error. It is a blatant violation of my religious beliefs, and the staff's response — 'Sorry sir, non-veg hi toh tha' — was deeply insensitive," said Advocate Dubey. The advocate has invoked provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, including Section 318(2) (Acts intended to outrage religious feelings), and Section 331(2) (Wounding religious sentiments) Dubey has demanded a formal public apology from McDonald's India, compensation of Rs 5 lakh for mental agony and religious violation and an assurance of religious and dietary sensitivity training for staff. Failing to receive a response within 7 days, Dubey has stated that he will proceed with criminal and consumer legal action against the fast food giant. The issue has also gained traction on social media, where Dubey declared a personal boycott of McDonald's India, calling on the company to be held accountable for its disregard of India's cultural and religious diversity. view comments First Published: July 22, 2025, 17:22 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- Indian Express
Kamika Ekadashi 2025: Know the date, timings, vrat katha, and significance
Kamika Ekadashi 2025: Ekadashi is regarded as one of the significant days in Hinduism. On this day, devotees engage in worship and observe a fast dedicated to Lord Vishnu to receive his blessings. The word 'Kamika' implies 'fulfilling desires'; therefore, Kamika Ekadashi falls on the eleventh day (Ekadashi tithi) of the Krishna Paksha (waning phase of the moon) in the sacred Hindu month of Shravana, which corresponds to July-August, according to the Gregorian calendar. This is the first Ekadashi after Devshayani Ekadashi, and those who worship Lord Vishnu with genuine devotion on this day are blessed with peace, happiness, prosperity, and salvation. Kamika Ekadashi is being observed today, Monday, 21 July 2025. The Ekadashi Tithi commenced at 12:12 PM on the previous day and concludes today at 09:38 AM. Ekadashi Parana, which signifies breaking the fast, is performed after sunrise on the next day of the Ekadashi fast. Parana must be performed throughout Dwadashi Tithi unless Dwadashi ends before sunrise. According to Drik Panchang, the Parana Day Dwadashi ends at 07:05 AM on July 22nd, while the timings for Kamika Ekadashi are from 05:52 AM to 07:05 AM. The significance of the Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha is that Lord Shri Hari is supreme and is effortlessly pleased with his devotees' real devotion when they offer Tulasidala, i.e., Tulasi leaves, which Lord Vishnu values more than diamonds, pearls, gold, and silver. The Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha is associated with Bhishma Pitamaha and Devarshi Narada; at his request, Bhishma Pitamaha describes the meaning of Kamika Ekadashi in this narrative. To read the whole vrat katha of Kamika Ekadashi, follow the link and read it on Jansatta or Drik Panchang. On this auspicious day, devotees should get up early and bathe before sunrise, followed by cleaning their home with Gangajal. This day is ideal for seeking blessings at the Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi temples or home, and offering flowers, panchamrit, bhog (kheer, fruits, and dried fruits), while reciting Vishnu Sahasranama, Vishnu Stotra, Geeta, followed by Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi Aarti.


New Indian Express
2 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
A time for thoughtful gestures
Today is Kamika Ekadashi, extra special because it falls in the holy month of Shravan, which commenced on July 11 and ends on August 9. It is meant to be a time of reflection, spiritual inquiry, and stock-taking of events, relationships, and directions that are important to us. A calendar opportunity provided by tradition to re-evaluate what we want to keep, and think of how we can make small or big changes for our well-being. The belief goes that this Ekadashi is further powered by the preceding Ashadhi Ekadashi on July 6. That's also known as Dev Shayani Ekadashi because it's believed to be the day when Bhagavan Vishnu enters a four-month period of celestial 'sleep' in Yoga Nidra, or yogic 'sleep'. The entire responsibility of keeping the universe going falls on Lord Shiva during this annual occurrence, a period also known as Chaturmaas or 'four months'. It's believed that it's good luck to regularly listen to the Vishnu Sahasra Namam or 'The Thousand Names of Vishnu', a passage from the Mahabharata, during this period. Grandsire Bhishma imparted it to Yudhishthira from his bed of arrows. Or else, read or listen daily to even one verse from the Bhagavad Gita. This is recommended to connect with and channel Mahavishnu's deeply restful and powerful Yoga Nidra energy into our lives, thereby reducing stress. To enhance this step in our personal journey, and in our sakhyam or friendship with God, we are also given a recommendation for Kamika Ekadashi, indeed for the entire month of Shravan. The recommendation is simple yet powerful – donate to those in need, giving whatever you can of food, clothing, water, or monetary assistance. Everything counts, big or little. Even a student or someone on a tight budget can make small but thoughtful gestures to earn merit.


Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
When is Kamika Ekadashi, on July 20 or 21, and why is observing a fast on this day considered equal to performing 1000 yajnas?
Kamika Ekadashi this year will be celebrated on July 21, 2025. It is one of the most important fasts in Hinduism. The Ekadashi tithi will be on July 20, at 12:12 PM and will end on July 21 at 9:38 AM. Since the title will fall on 21 July, Monday, that's when the fast will be kept. The Kamika Ekadashi festival is dedicated to worshipping Lord Vishnu and is celebrated with great enthusiasm all around. It is celebrated during the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) of the Shravan month. According to beliefs, this festival pardons us of all our sins, and that person attains moksha (salvation). Kamika Ekadashi Timing and Muhurat Kamika Ekadashi - Monday, July 21, 2025 Parana Time: 06:06 AM to 07:05 AM, July 22 Dwadashi End Moment - 07:05 AM, On Parana Day Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 12:12 PM on Jul 20, 2025 Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 09:38 AM on Jul 21, 2025 The legend behind Kamika Ekadashi In ancient times, there was a landlord in a village. He fought with a Brahmin and accidentally killed him out of anger. The landlord wanted to repent for his actions, so he went to the Brahmin's funeral but was denied permission by the villagers. The landlord was then cursed with the killing of a Brahmin. Grief-stricken, he went to a sage, who, understanding his plight, advised him to observe the Kamika Ekadashi fast with utmost devotion. As a result of this, all his sins were absolved. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Experts Can't Believe How Well This Nail Pen Works Mullend Learn More Undo What to do on Kamika Ekadashi? The Kamika Ekadashi journey begins with a heart full of devotion and a mind focused on Lord Vishnu. Devotees wake up early during the Brahma Muhurta to take a holy dip and cleanse themselves physically and spiritually. Then they proceed to set up sacred space for worship, often using a clean area in their homes or by visiting a nearby temple. Devotees chant Vishnu Sahasranama (a thousand names of Lord Vishnu) and they also read and listen to Kamika Ekadashi. The fast observed on this day is strict, with some devotees refraining from all food and water, while some only consume milk and fruit. Types of fasting on Ekadashi: Nirjala vrat: This is one of the most difficult forms of vrat, where devotees abstain from both food and water for the entire duration of the fast Phalahar vrat: In this type, devotees consume only fruits, milk, and water Evening ritual Perform aarti in the evening, repeating the morning rituals of offering flowers, lighting diyas and llamps, andeven chanting hymns. Why is this Ekadashi so special? This is not just another event on the calendar; it is believed that fasting on this day is as powerful as performing 1,000 Ashwamedha yajnas (according to popular beliefs)—the kind of ancient ritual only kings could afford to do. Its importance is also mentioned in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana; Lord Krishna told Yudhishthira that just listening to this on Kamika Ekadashi can wash away sins and bring you one step close to attaining salvation


Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Ekadashi in July 2025: When is Kamika Ekadashi? Know date, time, rituals and more
Ekadashi in July 2025: Kamika Ekadashi is an auspicious day observed by Hindus in honour of Lord Vishnu. In July 2025, two significant Ekadashis take place – Devshayani Ekadashi and Kamika Ekadashi. As Devshayani Ekadashi was celebrated on 5 July, let's now focus on Kamika Ekadashi. Here's everything you need to know – from date and timing to rituals and spiritual importance – to observe this sacred fast. When is Kamika Ekadashi in July 2025? Kamika Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha during the Shravan month. In 2025, it will be marked on July 21. According to the Vedic Panchang, the Ekadashi Tithi begins at 2:12 PM on July 20 and ends at 9:38 AM on July 21. Devotees usually begin their fasting at sunrise on July 21, continuing until the next sunrise. The Parana (breaking of the fast) should be done on July 22 between 5:36 AM and 7:05 AM. Key Timings: Spiritual Significance of Kamika Ekadashi Kamika Ekadashi holds great importance in Hinduism for its spiritual power and benefits. It is believed that observing on fast (vrar) on Ekadashi can wash away even serious sins, such as Brahmahatya (killing of a Brahmin) and liberation from the cycle of birth and death (moksha). Fasting on this day is considered as rewarding as performing an Ashwamedha Yagya or going on a pilgrimage to sacred places. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu along with Tulsi Mata, which is said to bring peace of mind, success, and divine blessings. Kamika Ekadashi Rituals: How to Observe the Fast To properly observe Kamika Ekadashi, follow these simple yet meaningful steps: Start your day early with a bath, preferably mixing some Gangajal in the water to purify your body and soul. Clean your puja space, place an idol or image of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna, and decorate it with yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves, and a ghee diya (lamp). Choose either a Nirjala fast (no food or water) or a Phalahar fast (fruits, milk, nuts only). Avoid grains, lentils, onions, and garlic. Offer Panchamrit, fruits, and bhog. Chant Vishnu mantras such as 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' or recite the Vishnu Sahasranama. Read or listen to the Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha. Perform charity by donating food, clothes, or money to the needy. At night, stay awake, sing bhajans, and meditate on Lord Vishnu for divine grace. Why One Should Observe Kamika Ekadashi Kamika Ekadashi comes in the pious month of Shravan (Sawan), making it an ideal time for prayers, spiritual growth, and repentance. According to the Vrat Katha, a man once received forgiveness for a grave mistake simply by observing this fast, proving its power to bring change and redemption. So, mark July 21 2025, in your diary and prepare to honour Lord Vishnu with full devotion. By observing Kamika Ekadashi with faith and discipline, you can invite peace, prosperity, and take a step closer to spiritual freedom. (Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.) For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.