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New Indian Express
6 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Divine wedding solemnised as part of Sital Sasthi, celebration in Sambalpur
SAMBALPUR: Thousands of people from across western Odisha converged at Sambalpur as the divine marriage of Lord Shiva with his consort Goddess Parvati was solemnised as part of the ongoing Sital Sasthi celebrations on Saturday.' While rituals of the week-long festival began on May 27, the ritualistic wedding was solemnised as per the Vedic rituals in small hours of Saturday. The city streets bustled with excitement as the temples were adorned for the festive occasion. The significance of the festival is that people perform the role of parents of Goddess Parvati and offer her hands to Lord Shiva. This year, Revenue and Disaster Management minister Suresh Pujari and his wife have taken on the responsibility as the parents of Parvati from Jhaduapada Sasthi Committee. In a magnificent procession, Lord Shiva departed from the city's temples and proceeded to the residence of the Parvati. The procession included local deities, senior residents of the area, and thousands of artists. 'The preparation for Sital Sasthi festival starts from the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya with 'Thala Utha' which marks the collection of funds for the festival. The festival begins with various rituals including Patrapendi (engagement) followed by Niuta (invitation) before the sacred marriage takes place,' said member of Mudipada Sita Sasthi Yatra committee, Jagadish Panda.
New Indian Express
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Sambalpur's Sital Sasthi celebrations life-support for dying folk dance, music forms
SAMBALPUR: Every year, just ahead of the onset of monsoon, the streets of Sambalpur come alive with celebration of Sital Sasthi, marking the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. But beyond the rituals, the festival turns into a grand stage where forgotten folk arts are reborn, and generations-old dance forms get the spotlight. The festivities span over a week, transforming the streets of Sambalpur into a lively canvas of cultural expression. One of the most remarkable aspects of Sital Sasthi is its dedication to preserving and promoting folk art. Various folk dance forms, such as Gourbari, Kalas dance, Paika Akhada, Pashu Nrutya, Baja Salia, Chaiti Ghoda, Samparda, Parva dance, which were fading into oblivion, find a rejuvenated presence during the festival. These traditional dances are performed by local artistes, adding to the festival's festive fervour. While the divine marriage took place on the night of May 31, the carnival will begin on the night of June 1 and end the next day. Artistes will perform at the carnival which marks the homecoming of the deities after the marriage. Historian Deepak Panda said the Utkaliya Brahmin invited by Baliyar Singh, the fifth king of the Chouhan dynasty, introduced the tradition of Sital Sasthi to Sambalpur in 1679. The divine wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati was first celebrated at the Someswar Baba temple in Balibandha, initially as a ritualistic event. Over time, more devotees expressed interest in organising the festival. 'By the late 1700s, during Jayant Singh's reign, the Balunkeswar Shiva temple was established and the Jhadua Brahmins began parallel celebrations. To make processions more vibrant, organisers helped by local Gountias started inviting folk artistes, often driven by a spirit of competition,' he said.
South Wales Guardian
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Guardian
Billie Piper revealed as new Doctor Who after Ncuti Gatwa
In an epic two-part finale, viewers saw the Doctor face fellow Time Lady the Rani in an extraordinary battle to save the world. Gatwa's 15th Doctor made the ultimate sacrifice to save the life of one little girl. Following this, his regeneration was revealed, with former show star Billie Piper now taking on the mantle. 🔥 SPOILERS! 🔥 Watch the moment we said goodbye to the Fifteenth Doctor and hello to... #DoctorWho Piper is most notably known for playing Rose Tyler, companion to both the Ninth and Tenth Doctors, played by Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant respectively. She replaces Ncuti Gatwa after just his second season as the titular Time Lord. His portrayal of the Doctor won Gatwa a Best Actor award at the BAFTA Cymru Awards in 2024, as well as nominations for a BAFTA Scotland Audience Award for Favourite Scot on Screen, and Best Actor in a Drama Series at The Critics Choice Television Awards in the US in 2025. Piper, 42, is the second woman to take on the role as the Time Lord after Jodie Whittaker portrayed the 13th doctor. Teasing the reason for Piper's return to the popular BBC show, Doctor Who TV said: "But just how and why she is back remains to be seen…" On her return, Billie said: 'It's no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that TARDIS one more time was just something I couldn't refuse, but who, how, why and when, you'll just have to wait and see.' Billie Piper is the new Doctor Who (Image: BBC Studios/Bad Wolf/James Pardon/PA Wire) Showrunner Russell T Davies added: 'Billie once changed the whole of television, back in 2005, and now she's done it again! It's an honour and a hoot to welcome her back to the TARDIS, but quite how and why and who is a story yet to be told. After 62 years, the Doctor's adventures are only just beginning!' In a statement released by the BBC, Ncuti Gatwa said: 'You know when you get cast, at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it. 'This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe. Recommended reading: 'The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show and I can't thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in, and making this such a touching experience. 'I've loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. 'I'll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.'
Hans India
a day ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Ab goli ka jawab gole se milega: PM Modi warns Pak again; hails 'Operation Sindoor'
Bhopal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again issued a warning to Pakistan, declaring that any act of aggression would be met with an even greater response. "Ab goli ka jawab gole se milega (now we will respond to bullets with shells)", he asserted on Saturday. He described 'Operation Sindoor' as a symbol of India's indomitable spirit, a testament to the nation's courage and commitment to defending its sovereignty. Speaking at the 'Women Empowerment Maha Sammelan' in Bhopal, held to mark the 300th birth anniversary of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, he reflected upon the heroic legacy of the revered ruler. PM Modi reiterated that terrorists had dared to challenge the strength of Indian women, a move that led to their downfall, along with those who supported them. He emphasised that 'Sindoor' has long stood as an emblem of feminine power in Indian tradition, signifying strength, devotion, and sacred duty. Citing an example from Hindu mythology, PM Modi said, even in the lore of Lord Hanuman, his devotion to Lord Rama is intertwined with the symbolism of 'Sindoor', marking a bond of faith and unwavering commitment. Referring to the recent acts of terror in Pahalgam, PM Modi said that they were not just an attack on innocent lives but an assault on India's cultural fabric and unity. He pointed out that the aggressors had sought to fracture the spirit of the people and dared to challenge the indomitable force of women's strength, a mistake that proved to be their downfall. Highlighting the success of 'Operation Sindoor', PM Modi described it as the most formidable and triumphant mission in India's history against terrorism. He praised the armed forces for advancing deep into enemy territory, dismantling their hideouts, and burying them beneath the weight of justice. This operation, he said, delivered a powerful message to the world that 'India will no longer tolerate proxy wars waged through terrorism.' Those who seek to threaten India's sovereignty will find no refuge, as the forces of justice will strike at the very heart of hostility, eliminating not only the perpetrators but also those who enable and support them. 'The cost of aiding such atrocities,' he declared, 'would be severe, and the response to every act of aggression would be absolute.' Extolling virtues of Ahilyabai Holkar, PM Modi emphasised that her name evokes deep reverence. PM Modi recalled her pioneering stance on social reform, highlighting that in an era when discussions about women's rights were rare, Ahilyabai boldly advocated for women's property rights and the right of widows to remarry. She championed these causes with conviction, defying tradition and challenging societal norms that sought to limit women's autonomy. Furthermore, she established a contingent of women warriors in the Malwa army, recognising female strength and capability at a time when such ideas were revolutionary. PM Modi remarked that the world, particularly the West, often criticises India's treatment of women while overlooking its long history of female leadership and valour. He pointed out that Ahilyabai's vision extended beyond her own kingdom. She took strategic measures to form women's security squads in villages, reinforcing their role as protectors of their communities. Her legacy, he said, is not just one of governance but of nation-building, embodying the power of women in shaping India's future. Offering his respects, he expressed hope that her blessings continue to guide the nation forward.
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Krishna Janmashtami 2025: When is Janmashtami? Know Date and Significance
Janmashtami holds a great religious immense importance among Hindus. This festival is observed by all Krishna devotees across the globe. The day marks the birth anniversary of Shri Krishna, who was born on this auspicious day. Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada. Lord Krishna was born during auspicious Nakshatra of Rohini that holds special meaning. This will be 5252nd birth anniversary of Lord Krishna. This year, Krishna Janmashtami will be celebrated on two consecutive days, August 15 and 16, 2025. Janmashtami 2025: Date and Time Ashtami Tithi Begins - August 15, 2025 - 11:49 PM Ashtami Tithi Ends - August 16, 2025 - 09:34 PM Rohini Nakshatra Begins - August 17, 2025 - 04:38 AM Rohini Nakshatra Ends - August 18, 2025 - 03:17 AM Nishita Puja Time - August 16, 2025 - 12:03 AM to 12:46 AM Parana Time - August 16, 2025 - after 09:34 PM Parana Day Ashtami Tithi - 09:34 PM Mid Night Moment - August 16, 2025 - 12:25 AM Chandrodaya Moment - 10:45 PM Krishna Dashami Mid Night Moment - August 16, 2025 - 12:25 AM Chandrodaya Moment - 10:45 PM Krishna Dashami Janmashtami Festival: Significance The festival of Krishna Janmashtami holds an immense importance in Hindu Religion. It is celebrated with great splendor throughout the nation. Lord Krishna, regarded as the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is greatly revered by all Krishna devotees. He was born to Devaki Mata and Vasudeva. Despite facing dire circumstances, Mother Devaki gave birth to Lord Krishna at midnight while they were imprisoned by the demon Kansa. Kansa, who was Lord Krishna's maternal uncle, was killed by him. Krishna Janmashtami: Puja Rituals 1. Devotees rise early in the morning and take a bath. 2. They clean their homes and the puja area, adorning it with flowers, balloons, and lights. 3. Devotees give bath to Laddoo Gopal ji and adorn him with new clothes, jewellery, peacock feathers. 4. They apply chandan tilak and present flowers, a variety of sweets, and panchamrit. 5. On this sacred day, devotees sing bhajans and recite verses from the Bhagavad Gita. 6. They dedicate the entire day to Lord Krishna and chant various mantras. 7. People commemorate this day with immense joy and celebration. Mantra 1. Om Kleem Krishnaye Namah..!! 2. Om Namo Bhagvate Vasudevaye..!!
