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Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Vaikasi Visakam 2025: Date, Time, Rituals and Significance
Vaikasi Visakam 2025: One of the most significant festivals honoring Lord Murugan is Vaikasi Visakam. During a certain Nakshatra known as Visakam, devotees observe fast and worship Lord Murugan on this day, which is regarded as one of the most auspicious. This day is observed to honor Lord Murugan's birth anniversary. According to the Tamil calendar, it will be celebrated during the month of Vaikasi. This year, Vaikasi Visakam will be celebrated on June 9, 2025 . Vaikasi Visakam 2025: Date and Time Visakam Nakshathram Begins - June 8, 2025 - 12:42 PM Visakam Nakshathram Ends - June 9, 2025 - 03:31 PM Vaikasi Visakam 2025: Significance According to the Hindu scriptures, Vaikasi Visakam is one of the most significant day. This day holds an immense importance in Hindu religion. This festival is mainly celebrated in the states of South India. It is believed that Lord Murugan, also called Kartikeya, the lord of courage, wealth and wisdom was born on this auspicious day. He is regarded as the primary deity of ancient Tamils and is the eldest son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. As per the legends, during the full moon or Purnima Tithi, Lord Murugan was born under the Vishakha or Visakam Nakshatra. He is revered as a renowned warrior and a representation of bravery and intelligence. Lord Murugan is known as the commander of all All the deities. The six-faced Lord Kartikeya is always shown riding a peacock. It is also believed that Lord Kartikeya was born to defeat the demon Tarkasura and created righteousness in the universe. All gods and his followers, who worship him with sincerity and dedication are protected by him. He gives protection to his devotees from black magic, tantra, and evil eye. Vaikasi Visakam 2025: How it is celebrated? This day is observed with great magnificence, especially in South India, when worshippers visit temples to pray to Lord Kartikeya and decorate their homes with flowers and rangoli. The day represents the victory of good over evil and is devoted to worship Lord Murugan. One of the most well-known temples connected to Lord Kartikeya is Subramanyam, which attracts the devotees, who visit there to offer their prayers to Lord Murugan by presenting coconuts and sweets as well as perform abhishekam with panchamrit. In order to seek his blessings, some devotees perform yajna and hawan, chanting Vedic mantras in honor of Kartikeya Bhagwan. They maintain celibacy and remain sattvik whole day. In the evening, they eat sattvik food to break their fast.
NDTV
27-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Shivraj Chouhan's Padyatra Blends Farmers, Family, And Political Future
In 1991, a young Shivraj Singh Chouhan walked barefoot through the eight assembly segments of Vidisha, earning the nickname "Paav-Paav Wale Bhaiya." Today, 34 years later, the same Shivraj Chouhan - now the Union Agriculture Minister and a six-time MP - is once again on foot, retracing his old political path through the same constituency. But this time, the mission is bigger: Viksit Bharat Sankalp Padyatra. The yatra is aimed at communicating with farmers, empowering women, and perhaps also securing his place in the evolving landscape of BJP politics. A Familiar Route, A New Role The 66-year-old former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister is covering 20-25 km on foot every day, reaching every part of his parliamentary constituency. The yatra, to be held 2-3 days a week, combines political outreach with policy implementation. This time, the focus is on the transformation from Lakhpati Didi to Crorepati Didi - a nod to women's economic empowerment under government schemes. "When this spirit awakens in every village - to build a Viksit Bharat through cleanliness, water conservation, employment and civic responsibility - that's when true change will come. You can see the flood of people gathered here. The purpose is to meet people, know their condition and understand the impact of Central schemes," said Shivraj Singh Chouhan during a stop on his padyatra. Scientists In the Fields, Not Just Speeches Unlike traditional political yatras, this one brings agricultural scientists directly into fields and village chaupals. As part of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, starting 29 May, 2,170 teams of 3-4 scientists each will fan out across more than 700 districts. They will study agroclimatic conditions, soil nutrition, climate change effects, and pest patterns, offering real-time, tailored advice to over 1.5 crore farmers. From seeds to fertilizers, the aim is clear - connecting lab to land. "Even today scientists and farmers are on the road. This is part of a large-scale effort to translate research into field practice - newer seeds, climate-resilient farming, cost-effective production. All of this is going to boost Kharif and Rabi output," said the Agriculture Minister. More Than a Yatra: A Family Moment, A Political Statement This padyatra isn't just about public engagement - it's a carefully choreographed message. Shivraj is joined by his wife Sadhana, son Kartikeya, and daughter-in-law Amanat. The presence of Kartikeya, in particular, has raised eyebrows. From campaigning in Budhni to social media activism during elections, Kartikeya has been steadily stepping into the public world. Many believe this padyatra could be laying the groundwork for a generational handover in Madhya Pradesh politics. "Everyone here is family. My brother made this garland by hand. There's no one else, just family," said Shivraj Chouhan, brushing off speculation but hinting at continuity. Two Models, One State On the same day as Shivraj Chouhan's padyatra in Vidisha, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav hosted an Agriculture-Industry Conclave in Narsinghpur - showcasing a more corporatised vision of farming. While the Union Agriculture Minister interacts with farmers in fields, Mohan Yadav is positioning agriculture as an industry-ready sector through partnerships and investment. "Agriculture-based industries, modern equipment, organic farming, horticulture, dairy, fisheries - more than 11 ministries are working together to transform rural Madhya Pradesh," said the Chief Minister. No Show From Party Brass Conspicuously absent during the padyatra's launch were BJP state president VD Sharma and organisational general secretary Hitanand Sharma. Political watchers are divided - is this a mere scheduling issue or indicative of distance between Shivraj Chouhan and the current state leadership? "This is Shivraj's personal yatra, not the organisation's. MPs and MLAs often travel through their constituencies without the party machinery in tow. It doesn't always mean there's friction," said senior analyst Girija Shankar. Congress Targets Shivraj In His Own Backyard Sensing an opportunity, the Congress has launched a Gaon Gaon Sangathan Abhiyan in Shivraj Chouhan's stronghold of Vidisha. State Congress Chief Jeetu Patwari is leading the charge, accusing the former chief minister of ignoring farmers' distress. "Farmers are in pain - no payment for crops, moong not procured, onions being dumped at Rs 1 per kg. And he's doing padyatra to mislead people. I've been seeking time to meet him for 37 weeks. I'll continue for 100 weeks if needed," said Mr Patwari. From Roads Of Vidisha To The Corridors Of Delhi In 1991, Shivraj, who became an MP for the first time, made his mark by walking on these very roads. 34 years later, the same roads once again, but now, in the new role of the country's Agriculture Minister. This journey is away from politics but no one can ignore Shivraj Chouhan and BJP's next strategy. In such a situation, when NDTV asked him if this journey is for the next national president of BJP - because his name is also among the contenders - Shivraj Chouhan said: "Whatever work the party has given me, I am only doing that, I will do only that. I am a party worker. Whatever work the party has given me for the farmers, I am trying to do it better under the leadership of the Prime Minister. This is my religion, my life, my main mantra. Whatever work the party assigns me, will do that only. Farming is in my mind, farmers are in my every breath." Not Just A Walk - A Signal? Experts believe Mr Chouhan's padyatra is more than just a walk - it's a political signal. While he strengthens ground connect in Sehore and Vidisha, speculation is rife about his next possible role within the party's top brass. In politics, as in padyatras, every step counts - and Shivraj Singh Chouhan seems to know exactly where he's walking.
