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Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Kanwar Yatra 2025: Date, Significance, Routes and Safety Guidelines
Every year, followers of Lord Shiva perform the sacred journey known as the Kanwar Yatra that begins from the first day of Sawan Month. Sawan month is observed with great reverence. During the month of Sawan, devotees worship Lord Shiva, and those who bring Kanwars are referred to as Kanwariyas. The holy Kanwar Yatra started this year on July 11, 2025. Kanwar Yatra 2025 : Significance According to Hindu Scriptures, Sawan Month is considered as the most pious and sacred month of the year which is dedicated to honor Lord Shiva. During this month, Kanwar Yatra takes place that starts from the first day of Sawan and ends on Shivratri by offering Ganga Jal to Shivalingam. Devotees carry pitchers which are fastened to both sides of a bamboo pole called a kanwar. They start their journey by foot and visit different Ganga Ghats and some devotees even start their journey barefoot to please Lord Shiva and fille their pitchers with Ganga Jal and bring them back their places where they offer Ganga Jal to Shivalingam. Everyone is dressed in saffron color shorts/pants and t-shirts. Government and private NGO's make various arrangements such as food, medical water and other useful things for these devotees who carry Kanwar. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Upto 15% Discount for Salaried Individuals ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Devotees chant mantras and sing Lord Shiva bhajans throughout this Yatra, with the belief that Lord Shiva will fulfill everyone's requests. These are some important Routes: Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri are the most important starting points for the Kanwar Yatra. Worshippers can go from Haridwar to the Pura Mahadeva Temple (there's a mythological connection of Lord Parshuram with this place.) in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, or the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Rishikesh. After taking Ganga Jal from Gaumukh, some devotees proceed to their intended locations. Another holy site is Gangotri, where pilgrims transport water to temples like Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Jharkhand, and Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi. Devotees carry Gangajal from a variety of locations and then proceed to their destination to offer Jalabhishekam to Shiva Lingam. Safety Guidelines for Kanwariyas : To guarantee ease and safety, always take the routes that have been approved by the state authorities. Having the necessary medical supplies and maintaining personal hygiene are crucial due to the large number of people. Devotees should ensure they are physically capable of covering the great distances required for the trip. It is advised to travel in groups, avoid remote locations, and pay special attention to avoid accidents or issues. Devotees should obey driving laws and not obstruct the public. They should avoid putting garbage on the road and bring water bottles and reusable bags. This is recommended in order to reduce the amount of plastic waste. Devotees should be aware of local customs and practices when they travel maintaining decorum and refraining from any misbehavior. As a sign of respect for the sacred journey, dress in clean clothing. Avoiding negative emotions and thoughts is equally crucial. Always place the Kanwar on a stand, branch, or a specifically designed resting spot instead than letting it touch the ground when you need to eat, rest, or use the restroom. Avoid using drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and other intoxicating substances during Kanwar Yatra.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025 Guide: Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi, Fasting Rules, Benefits & Shiva Blessings for Unmarried and Married Devotees
Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025, Fasting Guide: The month of Sawan is considered one of the holiest times in the Hindu calendar, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. Every Monday (Somwar) in this month holds special significance. People, especially women and unmarried girls, observe the Sawan Somwar Vrat to seek Lord Shiva's blessings for a good life partner. Lord Shiva is also worshipped for a happy married life, good health, and spiritual peace. ET Online Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025, Fasting Guide: How to Do Sawan Somwar Vrat – A Simple and Devotional Guide 1. Get Ready the Night Before: Before you sleep on Sunday night, keep your house, especially the area where you will do the puja, clean. You can gather everything you will need in the morning: The ingredients required for Puja are flowers, belpatra, milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar, fruits, incense sticks, a diya (lamp), camphor, and a picture or Shivling of Lord Shiva. 2. Wake Up Early and Take a Bath: Try to wake up during the early morning hours. You should ideally wake up around Brahma Muhurta (4–6 AM). After taking a bath, wear clean (light-coloured) clothes. The ideal colour can be white or yellow. You should get ready for the vrat with a peaceful and positive mind. 3. Take a Sankalp (Vow): Live Events 4. Do Abhishekam (Offer Sacred Bath to Lord Shiva) The most important part of the vrat is offering a 1. First, pour clean water or Ganga Jal to purify the Shivling. 2. Then pour each item of Panchamrit one by one: a) Milk b) Curd c) Honey d) Ghee e) Sugar 3. End again with water or Ganga Jal to complete the abhishek. While doing this, keep chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' or the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. Let your mind stay focused and peaceful. 5. Offer Belpatra and Other Items: Once abhishekam is done, offer belpatra (with three leaves), white flowers, fruits, and incense. You can also offer dhatura, bhang, or sandalwood paste if you have them. You can light the diya and incense sticks and spend a few moments in prayer. 6. Listen to the Vrat Katha (Story) Now, read or listen to the After that, you can also recite Shiva Chalisa, Rudrashtakam, or Lingashtakam if time permits. 7. About Fasting – Choose What Suits You There are three common ways to observe the fast: a) Nirjal Vrat – No food or water all day (only if you're healthy and used to fasting). b) Phalahar Vrat – You can have fruits, water, and milk. c) One-Meal Vrat – Eat only once in the evening. The meal should be satvik (no garlic, onion, or grains). Pick the type that suits your health and capacity. Lord Shiva is not strict. He values your intent and devotion more than rituals. 8. Evening Puja and Breaking the Fast In the evening, before breaking your fast, you should perform a small puja again. Light a lamp (diya), offer flowers or belpatra, and sing a short Shiv Aarti (like "Om Jai Shiv Omkara"). If you're following the one-meal vrat, you can eat after the puja. If you are doing a full-day fast, you may break it after moonrise or at night after prayer. 9. Continue the Vrat (Optional) Many people choose to keep this fast every Monday throughout Sawan. If you feel a connection and have time, you can do that too. It brings peace and joy when done with devotion. Final Thoughts: Sawan Somwar Vrat is not just about skipping meals. It is about tuning into your inner self and letting go of negativity. It can help in connecting with Lord Shiva. Whether you're praying for a life partner or peace in your marriage or simply wishing to be close to Shiva, do this vrat with a clean heart and steady mind. Lord Shiva listens. He always does. Written by: Anand Sagar Pathak of For feedback, write to hello@ Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025 Guide : If you are interested in keeping this vrat, you can follow a step-by-step guide to help you perform it with devotion and you sleep on Sunday night, keep your house, especially the area where you will do the puja, clean. You can gather everything you will need in the morning: The ingredients required for Puja are flowers, belpatra, milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar, fruits, incense sticks, a diya (lamp), camphor, and a picture or Shivling of Lord to wake up during the early morning hours. You should ideally wake up around Brahma Muhurta (4–6 AM). After taking a bath, wear clean (light-coloured) clothes. The ideal colour can be white or yellow. You should get ready for the vrat with a peaceful and positive starting your puja, sit quietly in front of the Shiva idol or Shivling and take a Sankalp. Sankalp is a heartfelt promise to observe this fast with devotion. You should mentally express your wishes or prayers to Lord most important part of the vrat is offering a Panchamrit Abhishek to Lord Shiva. You can do this either at home or at a nearby temple. Here's how:1. First, pour clean water or Ganga Jal to purify the Shivling.2. Then pour each item of Panchamrit one by one:a) Milkb) Curdc) Honeyd) Gheee) Sugar3. End again with water or Ganga Jal to complete the doing this, keep chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' or the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. Let your mind stay focused and abhishekam is done, offer belpatra (with three leaves), white flowers, fruits, and incense. You can also offer dhatura, bhang, or sandalwood paste if you have them. You can light the diya and incense sticks and spend a few moments in read or listen to the Sawan Somwar Vrat Katha. It usually tells the story of a devotee whose faith and devotion pleased Lord Shiva. Hearing this leads to the fulfilment of their wishes. These stories help deepen your understanding and connection to the that, you can also recite Shiva Chalisa, Rudrashtakam, or Lingashtakam if time are three common ways to observe the fast:a) Nirjal Vrat – No food or water all day (only if you're healthy and used to fasting).b) Phalahar Vrat – You can have fruits, water, and milk.c) One-Meal Vrat – Eat only once in the evening. The meal should be satvik (no garlic, onion, or grains).Pick the type that suits your health and capacity. Lord Shiva is not strict. He values your intent and devotion more than the evening, before breaking your fast, you should perform a small puja again. Light a lamp (diya), offer flowers or belpatra, and sing a short Shiv Aarti (like "Om Jai Shiv Omkara").If you're following the one-meal vrat, you can eat after the puja. If you are doing a full-day fast, you may break it after moonrise or at night after people choose to keep this fast every Monday throughout Sawan. If you feel a connection and have time, you can do that too. It brings peace and joy when done with Somwar Vrat is not just about skipping meals. It is about tuning into your inner self and letting go of negativity. It can help in connecting with Lord Shiva. Whether you're praying for a life partner or peace in your marriage or simply wishing to be close to Shiva, do this vrat with a clean heart and steady mind. Lord Shiva listens. He always by: Anand Sagar Pathak of For feedback, write to hello@ Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.
Economic Times
5 days ago
- General
- Economic Times
Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025 Guide: Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi, Fasting Rules, Benefits & Shiva Blessings for Unmarried and Married Devotees
Synopsis Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025, Fasting Guide: The month of Sawan is considered one of the holiest times in the Hindu calendar, especially for devotees of Lord Shiva. Every Monday (Somwar) in this month holds special significance. People, especially women and unmarried girls, observe the Sawan Somwar Vrat to seek Lord Shiva's blessings for a good life partner. Lord Shiva is also worshipped for a happy married life, good health, and spiritual peace. ET Online Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025, Fasting Guide: How to Do Sawan Somwar Vrat – A Simple and Devotional Guide 🌙 Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025 Guide: If you are interested in keeping this vrat, you can follow a step-by-step guide to help you perform it with devotion and clarity. 1. Get Ready the Night Before: Before you sleep on Sunday night, keep your house, especially the area where you will do the puja, clean. You can gather everything you will need in the morning: The ingredients required for Puja are flowers, belpatra, milk, curd, honey, ghee, sugar, fruits, incense sticks, a diya (lamp), camphor, and a picture or Shivling of Lord Shiva. 2. Wake Up Early and Take a Bath: Try to wake up during the early morning hours. You should ideally wake up around Brahma Muhurta (4–6 AM). After taking a bath, wear clean (light-coloured) clothes. The ideal colour can be white or yellow. You should get ready for the vrat with a peaceful and positive mind. 3. Take a Sankalp (Vow): Before starting your puja, sit quietly in front of the Shiva idol or Shivling and take a Sankalp. Sankalp is a heartfelt promise to observe this fast with devotion. You should mentally express your wishes or prayers to Lord Shiva. 4. Do Abhishekam (Offer Sacred Bath to Lord Shiva) The most important part of the vrat is offering a Panchamrit Abhishek to Lord Shiva. You can do this either at home or at a nearby temple. Here's how:1. First, pour clean water or Ganga Jal to purify the Shivling.2. Then pour each item of Panchamrit one by one:a) Milkb) Curdc) Honeyd) Gheee) Sugar3. End again with water or Ganga Jal to complete the doing this, keep chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' or the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. Let your mind stay focused and peaceful. 5. Offer Belpatra and Other Items: Once abhishekam is done, offer belpatra (with three leaves), white flowers, fruits, and incense. You can also offer dhatura, bhang, or sandalwood paste if you have them. You can light the diya and incense sticks and spend a few moments in prayer. 6. Listen to the Vrat Katha (Story) Now, read or listen to the Sawan Somwar Vrat Katha. It usually tells the story of a devotee whose faith and devotion pleased Lord Shiva. Hearing this leads to the fulfilment of their wishes. These stories help deepen your understanding and connection to the that, you can also recite Shiva Chalisa, Rudrashtakam, or Lingashtakam if time permits. 7. About Fasting – Choose What Suits You There are three common ways to observe the fast:a) Nirjal Vrat – No food or water all day (only if you're healthy and used to fasting).b) Phalahar Vrat – You can have fruits, water, and milk.c) One-Meal Vrat – Eat only once in the evening. The meal should be satvik (no garlic, onion, or grains).Pick the type that suits your health and capacity. Lord Shiva is not strict. He values your intent and devotion more than rituals. 8. Evening Puja and Breaking the Fast In the evening, before breaking your fast, you should perform a small puja again. Light a lamp (diya), offer flowers or belpatra, and sing a short Shiv Aarti (like "Om Jai Shiv Omkara").If you're following the one-meal vrat, you can eat after the puja. If you are doing a full-day fast, you may break it after moonrise or at night after prayer. 9. Continue the Vrat (Optional) Many people choose to keep this fast every Monday throughout Sawan. If you feel a connection and have time, you can do that too. It brings peace and joy when done with devotion. Final Thoughts: Sawan Somwar Vrat is not just about skipping meals. It is about tuning into your inner self and letting go of negativity. It can help in connecting with Lord Shiva. Whether you're praying for a life partner or peace in your marriage or simply wishing to be close to Shiva, do this vrat with a clean heart and steady mind. Lord Shiva listens. He always does. Written by: Anand Sagar Pathak of For feedback, write to hello@ Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.
Time of India
5 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Postal dept offers Ganga Jal at doorsteps
Dhanbad: With the auspicious month of Shravan beginning from Friday, devotees who are unable to travel to Sultanganj in Bihar to collect water for offering prayers in Deoghar's Baidyanath Dham can procure it at home. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Dhanbad head post office will provide Ganga Jal, fetched from Gangotri, in packaged bottles of 250 ml to those who requisition for it. Priced at Rs 30 per bottle, the initiative will provide relief to the devotees who cannot travel to Sultanganj for fetching Ganga Jal. "During Shravan, devotees traditionally pour Ganga Jal over Shivling across the temples. Understanding the need of the common people, we decided to make this holy water accessible locally," said senior superintendent of post Uttam Kumar Singh. He added that the service will be available from tomorrow, exclusively at the Dhanbad head post office. In addition to Ganga Jal, the post office also introduced a special plastic-coated envelope for sending Rakhis ahead of Raksha Bandhan. This envelope is designed to protect Rakhis from damage during transit. "Both services—the Ganga Jal and special Rakhi envelope—are parts of our efforts to serve the public better during festive times," Singh said. Devotees have welcomed the initiative. "Ganga Jal is available in the market, but we are unsure about its purity. The post office, being a govt body, gives us that assurance," said Anuradha, a devotee from Hirapur locality of the city. She also praised the Rakhi envelope, calling it a thoughtful gesture by the postal department.
Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
How to Create a Simple Shivling Abhishek Setup at Home
I arranged fresh flowers, fruits, and bilva leaves around the glowing Shivling. The soft light and incense create a peaceful atmosphere. A representation of the formless Supreme, the Shivling holds the power to destroy negativity, ignite transformation, and anchor peace within. Homes that house a Shivling often feel calmer, more protected, and spiritually elevated. For centuries, saints, sages, and everyday devotees have sung praises of the Shivling's miraculous power to heal, transform, and protect. And the best part? You don't need to visit a grand temple to receive these blessings. With the right setup and pure intent, you can bring that same divinity into your home. Let's find out how to create a simple Shivling setup at home - Materials Needed for Your Setup Here's what you'll need for a basic but powerful Shiv Abhishek: ● Shivling (stone, crystal, or metal) ● Ganga jal or purified water ● Milk, honey, ghee ● Bel (bilva) leaves, white flowers ● Sandalwood paste ● Incense sticks and a diya Begin with a pure intention Take a bath, wear clean clothes, and light the diya and incense. Sit quietly for a minute, centre yourself, and begin chanting 'Om Namah Shivay' as you gently pour Ganga Jal over the Shivling. Offerings, One by One Next, offer milk, then honey, followed by ghee. Each time you make an offering, rinse the Shivling with water in between. Place bel leaves, offer flowers, and gently apply sandalwood paste. Seal the Ritual with Gratitude End with a heartfelt aarti. Fold your hands. Thank Lord Shiva for his presence and guidance. Keep the space clean, calm, and spiritually charged. Way to go! The Shivling represents the infinite cycle of life, death, and rebirth, reminding us that every ending is a new beginning. Even a 10-minute Abhishek done with sincerity can shift the energy of your day and your life. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
