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India.com
15 hours ago
- India.com
5 Locations To Enjoy The Beauty Of Monsoon Season In Varanasi
Many consider Varanasi to be among the most ancient cities that humans have occupied without interruption throughout history because this spiritual destination lies on the banks of the Ganges River in India. The sacred city of Kashi also known as Benares places on the banks of Ganges River becomes a sight to behold specifically during monsoon season. Monsoon season activates the ancient sites throughout Varanasi as well as its temples and lakes while duplicating an alluring environment that welcomes both residents and visitors. Seven elements make the monsoon season in Varanasi purely enchanting for visitors. 1. The Revitalized Ghats Along the Ganges The sacred stepping path known as Varanasi ghats becomes more lively after the onset of monsoon season near the Ganges River. Extraordinary awe comes from the heightened river flow that occurs when precipitation fills the watercourse alongside its enhanced water currents. Boat rides and religious practices take place at these ghats where people gather as the atmosphere combines heavy skies with green landscapes. During rainy weather the ghats of Dashashwamedh Ghat and Assi Ghat and Manikarnika Ghat show their most beautiful side because of the glistening effects of sporadic raindrops. The eternal beauty of the evening Ganga Aarti becomes more enchanting for observers when they see how candlelight glimmers across the water touched by rain. 2. Lush Greenery and Blooming Nature During monsoon season Varanasi receives new energy from its surrounding environment. The tempestuous summer heat ends in monsoon's cooling breezes which turn the surroundings into vivid green oases. The alluring bloom of trees by the riverbanks and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) campus provides sufficient sun protection. The greenery of the city stands out distinctively against the building architecture's warm ochre colors which attracts photographers to this location. Nature enthusiasts get to witness an extraordinary natural beauty at this time. 3. A Spiritual Experience Amidst Rainfall Since ancient times Varanasi has served as the essential spiritual center of India which draws many thousands of worshippers to its sacred shrines annually. The city reaches its most divine state of being during the rainy season. During monsoon the three religious sites of Kashi Vishwanath together with Durga Mandir and Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple experience more visitors because devotees believe rainfall helps them acquire both blessings and spiritual purification. The liturgy from street bells together with rainfall sounds create a profound atmosphere that promotes meditation. 4. The Ganges brings spirited boating opportunities during its swelled state A boat journey along the Ganges remains an absolutely essential experience when visiting Varanasi. Boating rides through the monsoon period provide a distinctive experience because the river runs at full speed and carries increased water volume. An extraordinary chance presents itself when you row through peaceful water waves that showcase city views beneath cloudy skies. Migrant birds from all over land in the region making this period an ideal time to explore them while appreciating their natural beauty. 5. Culinary Delights Perfect for Rainy Days During the Varanasi monsoon period the city provides an enjoyable experience for visitors because of its attractive food culture. The combination of hot chai tea with kachoris and samosas and jalebis serves as the ideal rainy day meal found throughout this local area. Damp weather cannot stop street vendors from providing typical snacks which offer warmth to visitors at the ghats. During the season the city offers fresh jamuns and mangoes which bring delightful sweetness. One must not skip tasting Varanasi's food culture when visiting during the rainy season. 6. Cultural Festivals and Celebrations Varanasi celebrates multiple cultural festivals which take place during its monsoon season thereby creating an active ambiance throughout the city. Festivals and traditions such as Teej, Raksha Bandhan as well as Janmashtami are major observances celebrated during this time. The festivals possess beautiful ceremonial movements along with musical performances and dance presentations and ceremonial proceedings. Seasonal customs of local residents who wear traditional clothing along with festival celebrations lift Varanasi's spirit to heights greater than any other period. Conclusion Varanasi uses the monsoon season to honor a perfect blend of natural elements with cultural traditions and spiritual presence. When the rains engulf the urban landscape they expose previously hidden treasures including the restored ghats together with blooming plants and intensified spiritual energy. During this period Varanasi reveals its extraordinary self beyond the boundaries of its everyday pleasantness. Attention-seeking travelers who desire peace alongside adventure seekers along with individuals who want to explore Indian heritage must visit Varanasi during the rainy season for an unforgettable experience. Traverse this magnificent ancient city through raindrops by packing some bags together with an umbrella for enchanting experiences.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Weapons made in U.P. will haunt enemy for long: Dhankhar
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Sunday said the Indian defence forces had proved to the world that the new India is prepared to answer any threat. He also said defence products manufactured in Uttar Pradesh will haunt the enemy for a long time as these demolished hideouts of terrorist outfits. Dhankhar was speaking as the chief guest at an event to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar in Agra. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath and Haryana governor Bandaru Dattatreya were present on the occasion. Union minister of state and Agra MP Prof SP Singh Baghel welcomed the guests. The vice president praised Ahilyabai Holkar for her governance and commitment to women empowerment as well as her contribution to renovation of temples damaged by invaders. Ahilyabai Holkar, who ruled Malwa (Indore) when it was part of the Maratha empire in the 18th century, was well known for her social welfare and humanitarian work. 'This day of the birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar is not only historic, but also an occasion for us to follow the philosophy of life that Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar showed. We need to express commitment to follow her principles because she was not only a good ruler, but also a representative of the high values of Indian heritage, a custodian of religion and culture,' the vice president said. 'She revived countless temples, including the Somnath Temple in Gujarat, Kashi Vishwanath, Omkareshwar, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Bheema Shankar and Rameshwaram. After demolition by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, Ahilyabai Holkar revived the Kashi Vishwanath temple 100 years later. The ghats and beautification of the present-day Kashi is the outcome of efforts by chief minister Yogi Adityanath under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,' he added. He praised the Uttar Pradesh chief minister as a far-sighted leader who believes in work. 'Yogi Adityanath is following Ahilyabai Holkar in UP and history will remember him in the same way for his work,' the vice president said. 'Our armed forces gave a befitting reply to the cowardly attack on innocent tourists in Pahalgam and defence products manufactured in Uttar Pradesh will haunt the enemy for long as they demolished destinations of terrorist outfits of Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Tayyeba within Pakistani territory. Brahmos taught them a lesson and our army proved to the world that it is a new India committed to ending terrorism and replying suitably to any threats posed to it,' the vice president said. 'Present-day Uttar Pradesh has been transformed into Uttam Pradesh and the rule of law prevails here unlike its image in the past. For us, the nation is foremost and nationalism is our religion. U.P. is now the centre of cultural heritage and it began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi opting for Varanasi as his constituency in 2014 and chief minister Yogi Adityanath took it forward. The recently held Mahakumbh proved it beyond doubt to the world,' Dhankhar said. 'I come from a farmer family and am proud to be so because Ahilyabai Holkar too was from a farmer family. The nation is progressing because farmers are committed to its growth. Holkar established high standards of women empowerment and created a unit of women soldiers. Present-day India, too, is a symbol of women empowerment in different arenas, including the armed forces, and now women are to get reservation in the Lok Sabha and the Vidhan Sabha too,' he said. The vice president's wife Dr Sudesh Dhankar, Maharashtra Legislative Council chairman Prof Ramshankar Rao Shinde, former Goa deputy CM Chandrakant Babu Kavlekar, MP PK Parthsarthi and Bastipati Nagaraju were also present.
United News of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
'Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar's birth anniversary not historical event, but philosophy of life for all': Dhankar
Agra (UP), Jun 1 (UNI) Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar said on Sunday that the birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar is not a date or a historical event, but a philosophy of life for everyone. Addressing a seminar organised under the Tercentenary Year Smriti Abhiyan-2025 of Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, organised at GIC Ground, Pachkuiyan, the Vice President said, "We will have to take a pledge that we will follow her ideals. Lokmata was the representative of India's great tradition in difficult times, where religion-culture and governance flow in the same stream. So many temples including Somnath Gujarat, Kashi Vishwanath, Mahakaleshwar, Omkareshwar, Badrinath, Kedarnath, Bhimashankar, Rameshwaram Gokarna were revived by her hands. Veerangana Ahilyabai Holkar is an inspiration for us." He said that creation and preservation of culture is very important. "When invader Aurangzeb brutally attacked Kashi Vishwanath, 100 years later Ahilyabai Holkar showed foresight and built a temple of Kashi Vishwanath," he said. Discussing the current scenario, Dhankar said that the entire country is overwhelmed by the miraculous change that has come there. "One feels happy to see the picturesque ghats there. This work has been done by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath under the leadership of PM Modi," he said. He said that Yogi Adityanath is a visionary and believes in work. "In December 2021, he unveiled the statue of Adi Shankaracharya and Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar at Kashi Vishwanath. The work done by Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar was done by Yogi Adityanath. He transformed UP," he said. He said, "After Kashi Vishwanath and Ayodhya, work will also be done in Mathura. The coming generations will remember the work of Yogi in the same way as we remember Lokmata today. The Vice President said, "let us take a pledge that like Lokmata Ahilyabai, we will also consider duty as religion and will advance rights through service. Like the creation of law, Ahilyabai's thinking has also come in Yogi Adityanath," he said. Recalling the valour of the Indian Army, he said that on April 22, the enemies showed cowardice in Pahalgam, they were answered. Congratulating the Indian Army for the success of Operation Sindoor, the Vice President said that due to the valour of the army, the enemy had to chew iron grams. "The army gave a message to the world that India has changed. India will end terrorism, we will completely destroy anyone who tries to harm us," he said. Addressing CM Yogi, he said, "how great the military production on your land is, it will keep echoing in the ears of the enemy. "The Brahmos manufactured here destroyed them by entering the hideouts of Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba," he said. Dhankar said that Yogi Adityanath has completely changed the image of UP during his tenure. "Today UP means good governance and rule of law. Development is not possible without the rule of law. UP has now become Uttam Pradesh," he said. He further said, "we are Indians, Indianness is our identity and nationalism is our religion. Nation is supreme. Whatever we do for the nation is less," he said. The Vice President said, "My head is held high with pride because Ahilyabai Holkar also belonged to a farmer family. She was a lover of justice. She set very high standards for women empowerment. She formed a contingent of women in her army. Women empowerment is at its peak in today's India. There is reservation for women in Parliament and Legislative Assemblies as well. Ahilyabai Holkar did a lot for the farmers. Farmers are determined, so India will develop," he said. He said that today's UP has become a wonderful example of cultural heritage. "Miraculous work beyond imagination has been done here. It started in 2014, when Narendra Modi chose Kashi as his political area. It gained momentum in 2017, when Yogi became the CM. Yogi has the pride of running the largest province continuously for so many years. The world was surprised to see the organisation of Maha Kumbh. The message of India's culture went all over the world," he said. Programme coordinator Union Minister and Agra MP Prof S P Singh Baghel welcomed the guests. Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya, Vice President's wife Dr Sudesh Dhankhar, Maharashtra Legislative Council Chairman Prof Ramshankarrao Shinde, former Deputy Chief Minister of Goa Chandrakant Babu Kavlekar, MP V K Parthasarathy, Bastipati Nagaraju were present in the programme. UNI AB SS
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini urges citizens to follow Ahilyabai Holkar's legacy to realise PM Modi's vision of a developed India
1 2 Kurukshetra: Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday called on citizens to emulate the values of Ahilyabai Holkar by championing girls' education, gender equality, and social service — aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047. Addressing a state-level event in Pipli, Kurukshetra, marking the 300th birth anniversary of the iconic Maratha queen, Saini described Ahilyabai as a symbol of woman power who shattered social barriers in an era that denied women education and autonomy. To honour her legacy, the CM announced the construction of a museum dedicated to Ahilyabai on a 2-acre site to educate youth about her life and contributions. He also pledged the creation of a ceremonial gateway in her name, to be located in a city or village with input from the Pal-Gaderia community. In support of community development, Saini committed ₹31 lakh from his discretionary fund for the Pal-Gaderia Dharamshala in Kurukshetra. State ministers and MPs, including Krishan Lal Panwar and Naveen Jindal, each pledged ₹11 lakh toward the initiative. Saini highlighted Ahilyabai's historic role in rebuilding major Hindu pilgrimage sites, including Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, Mathura, Ayodhya, Badrinath, and Rameshwaram. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elgin: If You Were Born Between 1940-1975 You Could Be Eligible For This Life Cover Reassured Get Quote Undo He noted that her statue was unveiled at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple by PM Modi in 2019. He also praised the leadership of Indian women in present-day security operations, referencing the recent Operation Sindoor and acknowledging the contributions of defence officers Vyomika Singh and Sophia Qureshi. Reaffirming his government's commitment to inclusive development, Saini spotlighted welfare programs under the 'Haryana Ek, Haryanvi Ek' banner. These include free monthly food rations to 49 lakh below-poverty-line families, over 15 lakh free LPG connections under the Ujjwala Yojana, and subsidised ₹500 gas cylinders. Healthcare efforts through the Ayushman Bharat-Chirayu scheme have enabled over 20 lakh patients — including senior citizens — to receive up to ₹5 lakh in free treatment. The Dayalu Yojana provides similar financial aid to low-income families in cases of death or disability. To support backward communities, the state has established a dedicated commission, increased the reservation quota to 27% in education and government jobs, and raised the creamy layer income cap from ₹6 lakh to ₹8 lakh. For girls, free schooling up to Year 12, scholarships, and waived university fees are in place. Marking World No Tobacco Day, Saini concluded with a public call to reject addiction and embrace health, values, and service. "Let us pledge today to root out substance abuse and build a stronger society," he said. MSID:: 121537738 413 |
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
CM Nayab Singh Saini urges citizens to follow Ahilyabai Holkar's legacy to realize PM Modi's vision of a developed India
Kurukshetra: Haryana Chief Minister (CM) Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday called upon citizens to follow in the footsteps of Ahilyabai Holkar, pledging to serve society and ensure education and equal rights for girls, in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a developed India by 2047. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking at a grand state-level celebration of the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar at Pipli in Kurukshetra, CM Saini said the revered queen was not just a ruler but a living embodiment of woman power who broke social barriers during an era when women were denied education and independence. To commemorate her legacy, the Chief Minister announced the construction of a museum dedicated to Ahilyabai on a two-acre land parcel, where youth can learn about her life and contributions. Additionally, a gateway in her name will be built in a city or village, with the consensus of the Pal-Gaderia community. CM Saini also pledged Rs 31 lakh from his discretionary fund for the Pal-Gaderia Dharamshala in Kurukshetra. Cabinet ministers and MPs, including Krishan Lal Panwar and Naveen Jindal, also pledged Rs 11 lakh each for the cause. Highlighting Ahilyabai Holkar's nation-building efforts, Saini noted her contribution to the reconstruction of major pilgrimage sites including Kashi Vishwanath, Somnath, Mathura, Ayodhya, Badrinath, and Rameshwaram. In recognition of her work, her statue was unveiled at Kashi Vishwanath Temple by in 2019. Saini praised the valor and leadership of Indian women in contemporary times, citing the recent Operation Sindoor where Indian Armed Forces, under PM Modi's command, destroyed terrorist hideouts in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. He lauded the vital roles played by officers Vyomika Singh and Sophia Qureshi. The Chief Minister reiterated the state government's commitment to equitable development under the 'Haryana Ek-Haryanvi Ek' initiative. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He highlighted welfare schemes such as free monthly food rations to 49 lakh BPL families, over 15 lakh free LPG connections under Ujjwala Yojana, and affordable gas cylinders at Rs 500. Healthcare initiatives under the Ayushman Bharat-Chirayu scheme were also emphasized, providing free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh to over 20 lakh patients, including senior citizens. Through the Dayalu Yojana, Rs 5 lakh financial aid is offered in cases of death or disability for low-income families. To uplift backward classes, the state has formed a dedicated commission, extended 27% reservation in education and jobs, and raised the creamy layer income limit from Rs 6 to Rs 8 lakh. Educational incentives include free schooling up to Class 12, scholarships, and waived university fees for girls. Marking World No Tobacco Day, CM Saini urged citizens to reject addiction and commit to health, service, and values. 'Let us pledge today to root out substance abuse and work toward a healthier society,' he concluded.
