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NDTV
4 hours ago
- General
- NDTV
6 Aloo Recipes To Try During Sawan Somvar Fasting
The month of Sawan holds immense religious significance in Hinduism. It is considered sacred and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Throughout this period, devotees worship Lord Shiva with deep faith and devotion. In temples across India, Lord Shiva is anointed with sacred offerings. It is believed that by worshipping him during this time, heartfelt wishes may be fulfilled. Many devotees observe a fast on every Monday of Sawan, also known as Sawan Somvar, seeking divine blessings. Those fasting follow a satvik diet - one that includes ingredients like sago, milk, curd, fruits, buckwheat flour and potatoes. While the list of ingredients may seem restrictive, it is quite the opposite. A variety of delicious and nutritious dishes can be prepared using just a few elements. Potatoes, especially, are incredibly versatile. Below are six potato-based recipes that are ideal for this Sawan fast. What To Eat During Sawan Somvar Fast? During Sawan Somvar fasting, light, clean, and satvik food is consumed. Devotees avoid grains, lentils, beans, meat, fish, onion and garlic. Instead, ingredients such as sabudana, kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour), singhara atta (water chestnut flour), dairy products, and fresh fruits are used. Regular table salt is replaced with rock salt, or sendha namak, which is considered pure and suitable for fasting. Also Read: Sawan 2025: 6 Traditional Recipes That Are Perfect For The Fasting Season Why Potatoes Are A Fasting Favourite Potatoes are one of the most widely consumed ingredients during fasting for a reason. They are filling, versatile, and adapt well to both savoury and sweet preparations. Whether boiled, fried, mashed or sautéed, potatoes work with almost every fasting-friendly ingredient in the kitchen. From kuttu ki puri to sabudana khichdi, potatoes complement traditional fasting staples without overpowering the flavours. How To Cook With Sendha Namak During Fast During fasts, sendha namak (rock salt) is used instead of regular salt, which is considered non-permissible. This unrefined salt not only keeps the dish pure as per tradition but also enhances the flavour differently. It pairs particularly well with root vegetables like potatoes. When using sendha namak, make sure to taste as you go - it can be more subtle than regular salt. 6 Aloo Recipes Perfect For Sawan Vrat: 1. Vratwale Aloo This simple yet flavourful preparation is a fasting classic. Vratwale Aloo is made with boiled potatoes tempered in minimal spices and cooked in a light gravy. It pairs well with kuttu ki puri and is filling enough to keep you energised throughout the day. Click here for the recipe. 2. Aloo Chaat Potatoes are a staple during fasts and can be turned into many creative dishes. Aloo Chaat is a great option if you enjoy crispy, tangy flavours. Just fry boiled potato chunks, mix with roasted peanuts, and sprinkle a medley of fasting-friendly spices. Click here for the recipe. 3. Aloo Chips Craving a crunchy snack during your fast? Homemade Aloo Chips are your answer. Simply slice potatoes thinly and bake or fry them. Season with sendha namak instead of regular salt for a fasting-friendly twist. Click here for the recipe. 4. Aloo Kadhi If you are fond of kadhi, try this Sawan-friendly version. The fritters in this kadhi are made using boiled potatoes and water chestnut flour, while the kadhi base uses sour curd, curry leaves, and rock salt. It is light, fragrant, and comforting. Click here for the recipe. 5. Khatte Meethe Aloo This dish is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavours. Made with lemon juice, green chillies, and rock salt, Khatte Meethe Aloo is quick to cook and highly satisfying. Ideal for those observing a fast, this one comes together with pantry staples. Click here for the recipe. 6. Aloo Ka Halwa End your Sawan Somvar on a sweet note with this unique halwa. Aloo Ka Halwa is a traditional dessert from Uttar Pradesh, usually prepared during fasts and festivals. Made with mashed potatoes, ghee, sugar, and dry fruits, it is indulgent without being heavy. Click here for the recipe. Can These Recipes Be Made Ahead Of Time? Yes, most of these potato-based fasting recipes can be prepped in advance. For instance, boiled potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days, saving time during your fasting day. Chaats and chips can be assembled or crisped quickly before serving. However, fresh halwa and kadhi are best consumed the same day to retain their texture and flavour. Try These Sawan-Friendly Aloo Dishes This Season Each of these dishes brings something unique to the fasting table. Whether you are looking for something spicy, crunchy or sweet, potatoes deliver. These Sawan 2025 recipes will help you keep your meals diverse and satisfying, without breaking fasting traditions.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Searching for ‘past life': Tokyo man who owned 15 beauty product stores takes part in Kanwar yatra; ‘I've turned my home into a Shiva temple'
DEHRADUN: Among the saffron-clad sadhus heading to Haridwar for the kanwar yatra is Hoshi Takayuki, 41, from Tokyo, who gave up his chain of 15 beauty product stores after embracing Hinduism. A Lord Shiva devotee, Takayuki has built two shrines in the deity's honour; but his spiritual journey began 20 years ago with a trip to Tamil Nadu, where an astrological reading "revealed his past life". It was during this visit that he underwent a session of Nadi astrology, a practice that claims to predict an individual's past, present, and future through palm leaf manuscripts said to be written by sages. Takayuki was told he had lived a past life in the Himalayas and would one day turn to Hindu spirituality for the greater good. After returning to Tokyo, he said he had a dream in which he saw himself in Uttarakhand in a previous life. That dream, he said, deepened his conviction and led him to embrace Hinduism fully. He later handed over his business to followers and devoted himself to spiritual life. Takayuki said he adopted the spiritual name Bala Kumbha Gurumuni, as revealed in a second Nadi astrology reading six years ago. He returned to India this July with 20 of his followers to take part in the ongoing yatra and visit temples across Uttarakhand. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Many Filipinos don't know about this! Read More Undo "I feel deeply attached to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. I believe I spent my past life here and am still searching for my village in the hills," Takayuki told TOI over the phone on Tuesday, en route to Dehradun, where he is running a two-day camp offering food to kanwariyas. "I've turned my Tokyo home into a Shiva temple and recently built another one," he added. Ramesh Sundriyal, a resident of Pauri Garhwal and a business consultant in Japan since 2007, who is accompanying Takayuki said the latter is planning to open an ashram in Uttarakhand soon and has already bought 35 acres of land in Puducherry to build a Shiva temple.
Indian Express
a day ago
- Indian Express
‘Conversion racket': After Saturday's raids, Agra police arrest ‘conversion kingpin' from Delhi
AS PART of an ongoing probe into an illegal religious conversion racket busted two days ago with the arrest of 10 people from six states, the Agra police on Monday arrested a 60-year-old Delhi resident, who they said is a prime accused in the case and had himself converted from Hinduism to Christianity and later to Islam in the 1990s. Police said the accused, Abdul Rehman, was allegedly leading the illegal religious conversion racket with the help of three co-accused who are now on the run. He was arrested from his residence in Delhi on the basis of information provided by the accused who were arrested two days ago and are currently in police custody. 'Abdul Rehman is a close associate of Kaleem Siddiqui, who is serving a life sentence in a case related to illegal religious conversions. Hailing from Firozabad, Rehman converted to Islam after first embracing Christianity,' said Agra Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar. He added that Rehman, whose original name was Mahendra Pal, had moved to Delhi in the 1990s, where he underwent religious conversion. Rehman was one of four persons managing Kaleem Siddiqui's illegal religious conversion racket following Siddiqui's conviction, said Kumar. Police are conducting raids to locate the remaining three accused. Police said the racket members used to refer to Rehman as 'Rehman Chacha' or 'Rehman Uncle.' Police said that during the investigation, it was revealed that Abdul Rehman also used to provide logistical support to members of the illegal religious conversion racket. During a raid at his residence in Delhi, police claimed to have found a girl from Rohtak, Haryana. Upon contacting their Haryana counterparts, it was confirmed that a missing person report had been filed for her there, said the commissioner. Police also claimed to have recovered documents from the house written by convict Kaleem Siddiqui, in which Abdul Rehman's name was mentioned. On Saturday, Agra Police arrested 10 people from six different states, claiming to have exposed another nationwide network allegedly involved in illegal conversion activities. Police said the network was uncovered while investigating the alleged kidnapping of two sisters, aged 33 and 18, from Agra in March this year. As the investigation moved forward, evidence pointed to a group working across several states. Police said the accused were allegedly involved in targeting young girls, especially minors, across different states by using deceptive methods, including love jihad, to convert them to another religion. They are also suspected of promoting radical ideas and receiving money from Canada and other foreign countries. According to police, the group used religious jihad and foreign funding for conversions and spreading radical beliefs, in a manner similar to how ISIS operates. A police officer added that the initial investigation suggests the group may have links to organisations like PFI, SDPI, and some extremist groups in Pakistan.
News18
2 days ago
- Science
- News18
Why CERN, The World's Largest Physics Lab, Has A Statue Of Lord Shiva In Nataraja Pose
The Nataraja statue at CERN is more than a religious figure. It's a symbol of the constant energy, movement, and transformation within the universe For centuries, Lord Shiva has been worshipped as a powerful deity in Hinduism, representing both creation and destruction. From the beginning of life to its end, the concept of Shiva is deeply rooted in the cycle of the universe. While spiritual seekers see him as the ultimate energy, some scientists have also tried to understand this concept through the lens of modern physics. It is no surprise then, that the world's most advanced physics laboratory, CERN in Switzerland, houses a statue of Lord Shiva. This unique blend of faith and science has intrigued many across the world. In 2004, the Government of India gifted a 2-metre-tall bronze statue of Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva, to CERN. The statue was officially unveiled on June 18 that year. For many, the presence of a religious icon in a science laboratory raised eyebrows. But CERN and several physicists offered a profound explanation for this installation. Below the statue is a plaque quoting renowned physicist Fritjof Capra, who explored the parallels between Hindu philosophy and quantum physics in his book The Tao of Physics. He wrote: 'Thousands of years ago, Indian artists created visual images of dancing Shiva in a beautiful series of bronze statues. In our time, physicists have used the most advanced technology to portray the cosmic dance of subatomic particles. The metaphor of the cosmic dance unites ancient mythology and modern physics." The Nataraja statue at CERN is more than a religious figure. It's a symbol of the constant energy, movement, and transformation within the universe. The dance of Shiva represents the never-ending cosmic cycle, creation, preservation, destruction, illusion, and liberation. Fritjof Capra explains that Shiva's cosmic dance mirrors the findings of quantum field theory, where particles are continuously created and destroyed in an energy dance. According to him, 'For modern physics, Shiva's dance is the dance of subatomic matter. It is the natural dance of all existence." Scientists Draw Inspiration from Shiva CERN scientists and scholars have often shared how the statue of Lord Shiva serves as a source of inspiration. One researcher once said that the statue represents the ever-changing nature of the universe. During the day, when the lab is bustling with activity, Shiva's presence blends with the rhythm of life. And in the stillness of the night, it reminds researchers of the deeper truths revealed through their work. The flaming ring (Prabhamandal) around Shiva symbolises the continuous cycle of the universe, where everything is born, exists, and dissolves. Objections and CERN's Response However, not everyone welcomed the installation. Some conservative Christian groups questioned why a Hindu god was placed at a European research institute. These concerns escalated especially after the 2013 discovery of the Higgs boson, nicknamed the 'God Particle'. CERN responded by stating that India is one of its observer nations, and the statue is a symbol of multiculturalism and global collaboration. Scientists from all backgrounds work at CERN, and such symbols help foster a shared space of learning and respect. The Deeper Meaning Behind Shiva's Dance Each element of the Nataraja statue holds symbolic meaning: Creation: The sound of the Damru represents the origin of the universe. Preservation: The raised right hand in Abhaya Mudra signifies protection. Destruction: The fire in Shiva's upper left hand reflects destruction to make way for the new. Ego and Ignorance: The demon Apasmara crushed beneath Shiva's foot symbolises the defeat of ego and ignorance. Liberation: His raised left leg points towards Moksha, the ultimate freedom from the cycle of birth and death. Cosmic Cycle: The ring of fire around the statue captures the eternal rhythm of the cosmos. News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : cern Lord Shiva Nataraja viral news view comments Location : Switzerland First Published: July 21, 2025, 15:23 IST News viral Why CERN, The World's Largest Physics Lab, Has A Statue Of Lord Shiva In Nataraja Pose 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.
NDTV
2 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
'Love Jihad' Accused Says He Is A Victim, Wants To Convert Again
Agra: A man arrested in a large-scale illegal religious conversion racket has said that he is also a victim and that he wants to convert to Hinduism again, sources told NDTV on Monday. Mohammad Ali is among 10 people who were arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Police from six states in the 'love jihad' case last Saturday. The probe began in Agra in March after two sisters -- aged 33 and 18 -- were reported missing. Agra Police Commissioner Deepak Kumar had said preliminary investigations found that the sisters were targeted by a gang involved in ' love jihad ' and radicalisation. "We found clues about their funding originating from the US and Canada," he had said. . @dgpup श्री राजीव कृष्ण महोदय एवं ADG कानून-व्यवस्था उ0प्र0 श्री अमिताभ यश महोदय के निर्देशन में पुलिस आयुक्त, आगरा @DeepakKumarIPS2 के नेतृत्व में आगरा पुलिस द्वारा देश के अलग-अलग 6 राज्यों से धर्मान्तरण कराने वाले संगठित गरोह के 10 अभियुक्तों को गिरफ्तार किया गया है। इसके लिए… — POLICE COMMISSIONERATE AGRA (@agrapolice) July 19, 2025 Ali, a resident of Rajasthan who was Piyush Panwar before converting, has told the police about the conversion network. Lodged in an Agra jail, he broke down during the initial interrogation by the police and said that he wanted to return home, sources said. He also said he wanted to leave Islam and become a Hindu. He said he wants to apologise to his parents, who broke ties with him after he converted to Islam. How Piyush Panwar Became Mohammad Ali The story of Piyush Panwar becoming Mohammad Ali started in 2021, when he first met Shana, a woman from Rajasthan's Tonk. They then fell in love and decided to get married, sources said. Shana, however, put a condition, saying that Piyush will have to accept Islam. Piyush agreed and changed his name to Mohammad Ali in the same year. Shana then rejected him after he was converted. Ali, whose family had cut ties with him, then decided not to convert again and married a Muslim girl from Uttar Pradesh's Bareilly, according to sources. How Mohammad Ali Became Part Of Conversion Racket While trying to convert to Islam, he had come into contact with Mohammad Gaus, a member of the Popular Front of India (PFI), which was banned by the Centre in 2022 for its alleged links with global terrorist organisations. Through Gaus, he met a cleric, Kaleem Siddiqui, in Delhi, who was convicted in a separate conversion case last year. Ali then went to West Bengal for religious education. He stayed in the madrasas in Asansol, Bardhaman and Katwapara for three months. About a year ago, he came in contact with a woman, Ayesha, from Goa on Instagram. Ayesha, who is also among the 10 people arrested by the Uttar Pradesh police, used to record the names of the girls who were converted to Islam. The police have said that Ali is a close associate of Ayesha. Ali, who was arrested in Jaipur, has also told the police that the members of the PFI and the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) are also linked with their network. Besides Ali and Ayesha, the other accused arrested in the case under 'Mission Asmita', an ongoing initiative aimed at dismantling such illegal syndicates, have been identified as Hasan Ali and Osama from Kolkata, Rahman Qureshi from Agra, Abu Talib from Muzaffarnagar (Uttar Pradesh), Abdur Rehman from Dehradun (Uttarakhand), Mohammad Ali and Junaid Qureshi from Rajasthan, and Mustafa from Delhi. "The modus operandi of the gang involved illegal conversion and radicalisation bears a signature of ISIS," the police had said. The arrests come days after another man, Chhangur Baba, alias Jamaluddin, the mastermind of a religious conversion gang, was arrested by Uttar Pradesh Police's Anti-Terrorism Squad.
