Latest news with #RadhaKrishna
NDTV
4 days ago
- NDTV
Visiting Mathura, Vrindavan This Janmashtami? 7 Street Foods Not To Miss There
Janmashtami is a popular Hindu festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in many parts of India. However, the Janmashtami celebrations in Mathura and Vrindavan have a different charm, which is perhaps why devotees of Shri Krishna travel there to celebrate his birthday. The idols of Radha Krishna in the Banke Bihari Temple of Mathura and the Prem Mandir of Vrindavan are specially decorated for this occasion. Their stories and childhood leelas are narrated to devotees. Young children dress up as Shri Krishna and Radha to perform these leelas. Bhajan and kirtan are organised in the temples. The grandeur of Mathura and Vrindavan attracts devotees of Shri Krishna during Janmashtami. If you are also planning to visit Mathura and Vrindavan for Janmashtami, then you should know that apart from the temples, these cities are known for their delicious popular dishes. Your trip would be incomplete without trying them. The street food and dishes available here are famous all over the world, so you should definitely taste them too. Here are some of the delicious dishes available in Mathura and Vrindavan. 7 Street Foods To Try In Mathura-Vrindavan During Janmashtami 2025: Kachori Aloo ki Sabzi Kachori Aloo ki Sabzi is a popular street food combination in Vrindavan. Crispy, deep-fried kachori stuffed with a spicy urad dal filling is served with a spicy potato sabzi. To enhance the flavour, a sour green chutney is added on top, which doubles its taste. In Vrindavan, it is usually eaten for breakfast in the morning. Khasta Bedai Bedai is another local dish that attracts tourists. This crunchy bedai is different from kachori. A spicy urad dal filling is stuffed inside wheat flour dough, rolled like a puri, fried in oil and served with black potato sabzi. Tomatoes are not used in this potato sabzi. In Agra, it is eaten with pumpkin sabzi. Samosa You should not miss the delicious samosas available in Vrindavan. Crispy and golden on the outside, they are prepared with a spicy potato filling on the inside. Garlic and onion are not used in these samosas, yet you will find them very flavourful. The street vendors here serve them with tamarind chutney. Aloo Tikki In Mathura and Vrindavan, you will find street vendors on every corner, and you will never forget the taste of the Aloo Tikki available here. The tikki, prepared with boiled potatoes and mild spices, is fried until crispy and then served with hot chole. Peda The pedas of Mathura and Vrindavan are very famous. The pedas here are made from homemade milk and ghee. Ghee comes from the cow shelters of local people, which they use to make the pedas. You can find Mathura Peda, Dudh Peda and Vrindavan Peda in many varieties in shops. These are offered as prasad in the temple, and people who visit buy them. Rabri Rabri is a milk dessert found in every sweet shop in Vrindavan. To make this creamy rabri, milk is cooked with saffron, sugar, and cardamom flavour until it thickens. Here, the confectioners serve rabri in earthen pots, garnished with dried fruits. Lassi The taste of the lassi available in the streets of Vrindavan is very amazing. You will feel refreshed after drinking a glass of lassi. In the summer season, you get many other varieties here apart from the classic lassi. So this Janmashtami, do not forget to visit Mathura and Vrindavan and enjoy these delicious street foods.
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Making every moment spiritual: How devotion can uplift daily life
From household chores to office routines, small spiritual practices can bring calm, purpose and joy into everyday moments. In a world that's always on the move, finding time to pause and connect inwardly can feel like a luxury. Yet, many spiritual thinkers have shown us that devotion doesn't require dramatic life changes; it can begin right where we are. Whether you're preparing a meal, sitting at your desk, or waiting in traffic, a moment of spiritual reflection can turn the ordinary into something meaningful. Simple acts, like chanting quietly in your mind, listening to devotional music or visualising a beloved divine figure, can infuse daily life with purpose. These practices aren't about escaping routine, but enriching it. They help us stay grounded, reduce anxiety, and bring a sense of quiet joy. What's heartening is that this approach works for everyone, irrespective of age, profession or stage of life. With small, consistent steps, devotion can become a quiet companion on one's journey. It is this very idea, of integrating spirituality into everyday life, that formed the cornerstone of the teachings of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj. Revered as a profound spiritual philosopher, his approach was both inclusive and practical. In 1957, he was honoured with the title Jagadguruttam by the Kashi Vidvat Parishat - a recognition of his ability to synthesise spiritual knowledge for the modern seeker. He reconciled all apparent contradictions in the teachings of previous Jagadgurus and offered a path that is both practical and invaluable for Bhakti seekers. Known as the 'samanvaywadi' Jagadguru, his central teaching, that the ultimate goal of human life is to attain the divine love of Radha Krishna, transcends age, gender and occupation. For homemakers: Finding devotion in daily chores Housewives often bear the emotional and physical burden of managing households. Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj preached the concept of karmayoga, performing every task with the mind lovingly attached to the Divine. Even while cooking or cleaning, simply chanting mentally or visualising Radha Krishna can turn the ordinary into a sacred offering. For students: Balancing growth with grounding Students today face high expectations and constant distractions. Maharaj Ji encouraged them to choose shreya (spiritual good) over preya (momentary pleasures). Practices like listening to kirtans during breaks or spending a few minutes in silent remembrance before studies can boost focus and reduce stress, he teaches. For professionals: Cultivating calm through work Busy professionals often feel they must choose between career and inner growth. Maharaj Ji offered a path of integration: keep doing your job well, without expectation, and dedicate your actions to the Divine. Keeping a devotional image at your desk, chanting mentally during commutes, or offering your day's work in prayer helps infuse your career with calm and clarity, he explains. For seniors: Embracing a life of remembrance With fewer responsibilities, elderly individuals are uniquely placed to deepen their spiritual journey. Maharaj Ji emphasised smaran bhakti , mentally recalling the names and pastimes of the Divine. Even without physical exertion, heartfelt remembrance can bring fulfilment and peace. For renunciates or Karma Sanyasis: Going beyond appearances For those who have chosen a life of detachment, Maharaj Ji reminded that true renunciation lies in surrendering the mind. Outer symbols mean little without inner humility and focused remembrance. Through practices like Roopdhyan meditation (visualisation of the Divine form), and sincere devotion under the guidance of a realised Guru, even the subtle ego can be dissolved. A Path Rooted in Love and Simplicity Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj's teachings offer more than philosophy; they offer a way of life. His central tenet was profound yet straightforward: keep your mind connected to the Divine, regardless of your worldly duties. In doing so, every moment, mundane or monumental, becomes a step closer to inner joy and spiritual growth. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content. The views/suggestions/opinions expressed in the article are the sole responsibility of the experts and the brand concerned.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
TGRERA orders sandstone infra to refund buyer, pay Rs 9 lakh penalty for unregistered project
AI Image HYDERABAD: The TGRERAordered Sandstone Infra (India) to repay the full sum received from homebuyer Pinnoji Radha Krishna and to pay a penalty of Rs 9 lakh for failing to register its Medchal layout. In an order dated July 16, the firm was declared a defaulter. It stated that developer had marketed plots without the mandatory project registration. Radha Krishna lodged a complaint with RERA stating that on May 18, 2019, Sandstone Infra's managing director had agreed to sell him a 167 sq yd plot for Rs 38 lakh. The buyer paid three instalments on the understanding that the next payment would follow the developer's receipt of development charge approval and HMDA layout permission. "To date, the respondent has neither obtained DC letter nor secured the HMDA permission," the complainant said. TGRERA directed the company to refund all sums. You Can Also Check: Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad
Hans India
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘Junior' pre-release event held; all set for release
All eyes are on Junior, a vibrant romantic drama starring debutant Kireeti Reddy and dancing sensation Sreeleela, which is all set to hit theatres tomorrow, July 18, 2025, in both Kannada and Telugu languages. Directed by Radha Krishna, the film has been creating steady buzz, especially with its impressive cast and high production values. The grand pre-release event held yesterday was graced by legendary filmmaker SS Rajamouli, further elevating the excitement. Speaking on the occasion, lead actor Kireeti Reddy, son of mining baron Gali Janardhan Reddy, expressed heartfelt gratitude to producer Sai Korrapati. 'I'll always be thankful to Sai Korrapati garu for trusting me. I sincerely hope this film brings 1% success for me and 99% for him,' Kireeti said with humility. He also lauded the contributions of director Radha Krishna and co-star Genelia Deshmukh, who makes her return to the silver screen after 13 years in what he described as a 'rare and unique' role. Thanking veteran cinematographer Senthil for his support, Kireeti also praised the musical team led by Devi Sri Prasad and lyricist Kalyan. The young actor highlighted a special action sequence choreographed by Peter Hein and Venkat Master, claiming it to be 'a first in Indian cinema.' He concluded with a powerful statement: 'We've worked hard for three years. This film isn't just about me. Many newcomers and technicians have poured their hearts into it. I hope the audience supports us. Jai NTR!' The film also stars Genelia Deshmukh, Rao Ramesh, Sudharani, and V Ravichandran in pivotal roles. Produced by Rajani Korrapati under the banner of Vaaraahi Chalana Chitram, Junior promises youthful charm, romance, and high-octane entertainment.
Indian Express
17-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Indian Express
From ghevar, karondas, to hari choodiyaan: Celebrating saawan with food, festivals, folk art, and traditions
As the mango season fades, the saawan showers ease the parched earth and bring relief from the summer's heat. Vendors bid farewell to the last of the Langda mangoes and begin stocking their carts with fresh black jamuns, pears, and apples. Vegetable sellers stock their carts with monsoon produce like the white and pink karondas – sour berries that fruit during this time – alongside tender green bhuttas, junglee karelas (kakodas), and sweet nimbolis that fall from neem trees after the rains. The lush greens of saawan have long inspired celebration through tradition and festivity. Fields and landscapes are awash with freshly bathed greenery, while bustling markets echo the season's colours as flower vendors begin selling freshly harvested pink oleander, rose, and the sacred lotus for prayers. Streets fill with bangle stalls, mehendi artists, and halwais making ghiya barfi and ghevar. Shops and boutiques display green suits, hari choodiyaan (green bangles), red dupattas, and cosmetics that make up solah shringaar to mark the arrival of Hariyali Teej at this time. Rakhis – designer threads, chocolate rakhis, rakhi thali sets – line the shelves along with hampers of besan laddoos, many of which will make their way around the world. This seasonal abundance also marks worship of primarily Shiva, Parvati, and, in some parts, Krishna. Devotees offer bel leaves, dhatura, and aak flowers during 'saawan somvaar,' all of which naturally bloom at this time. The fragrance of mogra hangs in the air; rooftops and balconies are draped in madhumalti. Aparajita, lilies, and nine o'clock flowers bloom in vivid hues. Pomegranate trees burst into resplendent red and orange flowers, while kaner trees draw bees to their yellow and white blossoms. In ponds and lakes, the lotus rises, connecting nature, divinity, and abundance. This is also the time when lush green Neem trees serve as anchors for jhoolas (swings), where women and children sway in joy. These swings are central to Jhulan Purnima, a festival dedicated to Radha and Krishna's playful bond. Decorated with leaves, ropes and bright seasonal flowers, jhoolas represent joy, love, and the life-affirming rhythm of the rains. In regions where Jhulan Purnima is observed, women sing saawan ke geet. Bansuri (flute) sellers appear on the roadside, often selling Krishna costumes and accessories, signalling the approach of Janmashtami. The Saawan jhoola has found visual expression in folk art across India. Madhubani paintings capture women on swings, Radha-Krishna on ornate jhoolas. Similarly, many forms of Indian art has long captured the spirit of Saawan and the spirit of the monsoon through the eternal tales of Radha Krishna. From the Bhagavata Purana to Gita Govinda, scriptures have inspired such artistic depictions. Pahari miniatures from the Basohli, Guler, and Kangra schools, as well as Baramasa and Ragamala miniatures from Rajasthan, depict various themes that celebrate the essence of Radha Krishna and the different aspects of the monsoon season. Pichwai paintings from Nathdwara show Krishna amidst Kamal Talai, lotus-filled ponds in bloom. Phad paintings, Thanjavur art, Kalighat paintings, Madhubani and Gond art, all echo the themes of Saawan – swings, dancing peacocks, blooming trees, festive moments. Odisha's Pattachitra tradition, particularly around Lord Jagannath, is also rich in Saawan symbolism. Language itself seems to change during Saawan, with words like barkha, bahaar, varsha, megha, and malhaar woven into daily conversations. The monsoon finds its rhythm in music and popular culture. Shubha Mudgal's 1999 classic Ab ke saawan aise barse captured the season's mood in a contemporary pop idiom. Earlier, Badal paani barsaye from the 1997 film Saaz added to the canon. In classical Hindustani music, Raag Miya Malhaar is steeped in the sound and soul of the rains. Folk traditions like Kajri and Saawani songs explore themes of love, longing, and nature. Bollywood continues to revisit Saawan through generations: Saawan ka mahina (1967), Bole re papihara (1971), Rim jhim gire saawan (1979), Morni baagan mein (1991), Barso re megha (2006), each a reflection of how the season lives on in sound. Saawan also arrives with culinary signatures. As soon as the first showers fall, mithai shops begin stocking ghevar, a disc-shaped dessert topped with cream, saffron, dry fruits, silver leaf, and rose petals. Associated with Teej, Rakhi, and Saawan festivities, it's especially popular in Rajasthan and Braj Bhoomi. Newer versions – like chocolate ghevar – now cater to modern tastes. Even during the COVID-19 lockdown, ghevar sales continued steadily due to its deep cultural link to the season. Other Saawan sweets include lauki ki barfi, whose green colour echoes the landscape, and malpua – a deep-fried dessert soaked in syrup, sometimes garnished with almonds and saffron. These are often offered as prasad alongside traditional kheer and phirni served during bhandaras. A spiced green dhaniya panjiri is specially made for Janmashtami, which arrives after Saawan, this year. Saawan celebrates nature's abundance and speaks in the language of everyday ecology, rooted in seasonal produce. Its essence has been timelessly preserved and celebrated through art, music, literature, and culture.
