Latest news with #RakhiPurnima
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Rakhis, sweets for BSF jawans guarding borders
1 2 Silchar: The 171 Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF) celebrated Raksha Bandhan at its Masimpur campus near here on Saturday in association with the Lions Club of Silchar Central and Brahmakumaris Sisters. A total of 26 sisters tied rakhis to 150 brave Seema Praharis, expressing gratitude for their role in safeguarding the nation's borders. Meanwhile, Bharat Vikas Parishad's Sribhumi branch organised a Raksha Bandhan programme at the 16 Bn BSF camp. Women members of the organisation tied rakhis to BSF jawans, wished them good health, and handed over packets of sweets. BSF personnel posted in border areas come from far-off places, staying away from parents, spouses, children, and relatives in the line of duty to protect the country and its people. "Through this gesture, we wanted to make them feel like family and convey a message of brotherhood," said officials of Bharat Vikas Parishad. Inspector Vijay Kumar, Company Commander of the Mahishashan BOP in Sribhumi, said the initiative made them feel at home despite being posted in a different state. "After being welcomed as brothers on Rakhi Purnima, it doesn't feel like we are away from our own homes," he added. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Commuters walk to stations, bear brunt of Nabanna march
1 2 Kolkata/Howrah: Daily commuters and those wishing to visit family members in Howrah for Rakhi faced severe trouble throughout Saturday. A large section of central and south Kolkata was virtually shut to citizens for the Nabanna Abhijan. Among the worst affected were those heading to Howrah Station to board trains as well as those travelling for work in the Burrabazar-Posta area. The virtual absence of public transport only added to their woes. Those who had trains to catch from Shalimar or Santragachi stations also faced difficulties. Near the Howrah Bridge approach, three huge barricades greeted commuters. Those trying to reach the station had to queue up and wait for their turn — one at a time — to walk across the bridge. At Fairlie Place, where barricades were put up by 11 am, restricting entry towards Howrah Bridge, several commuters were seen paying anything between Rs 20 and Rs 50 for van rides towards Posta, leading to a major jam. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata "The police made us get down from bus and asked us to walk. Since it was humid, I decided to take a van ride to Nandaram Market," said Sabita Santra, who came from Baruipur. At Hastings and Prinsep Ghat, irate commuters were seen engaging in heated exchanges with cops, questioning why thousands should suffer on the day of Rakhi for a protest programme. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tummy Tuck Treatments That Might Surprise You! Tummy Tuck Surgery | Search Ads Undo The Kolkata Police helpline was flooded with calls seeking alternative routes to reach Howrah. This prompted both Kolkata and Bengal Police to issue an advisory post noon. "Those intending to travel towards Howrah for celebrating Rakhi Purnima/Raksha Bandhan may avail Nivedita Setu, in view of the ongoing curbs on Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu," it stated. "I promised my sister that I would reach Shibpur by noon. Now the police are saying all roads to Howrah are shut. Worse, they are unable to guide us on the route we should take. I cannot imagine that a city that celebrates all festivals did not consider commute difficulties on the day of Rakhi," said Manoj Gupta, a trader from Salt Lake. Howrah's divisional railway manager (DRM) Vishal Kapoor, though, said, "Train passengers are using the metro and launches to commute. Due to the holiday, number of passengers is fewer. I visited the station, and the situation was normal." With launch services reduced to skeletal, the metro once again became the saviour. "Metro was packed in the morning considering it was a Saturday, but it was the only mode that ensured I reached the office on time," said Sayak Banerjee, a Behala resident. Since morning, there was a noticeable crowd at Howrah and Howrah Maidan metro stations. Thousands of passengers were seen standing in long queues at ticket counters, and the trains were also crowded. Passengers reported significant inconvenience due to the crowded platforms. Passengers heading to Shalimar station had to either use the launch service or travel by metro to Howrah Maidan and then walk the rest of the distance to Shalimar station. Asim Biswas, a resident of Beckbagan, said, "Walking with luggage was very difficult. There are barricades everywhere. However, cops allowed us to travel when we showed our tickets." Titu Saha of City Suburban Bus Service union said that most buses to Howrah, Babughat, and Esplanade stopped services after just one trip in the morning. The barricades around Hastings, as well as Red Road and Park Street, led to slow movement of traffic across the city. It took over 75 minutes for commuters to reach Kidderpore from Mominpore. Similarly, crossing the MG Road stretch took over 30 minutes between Sealdah and Burrabazar. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
News18
4 days ago
- General
- News18
School Holidays: Telangana, AP Schools To Remain Closed For 5 Days, Check Details
School Holidays: Since Rakhi Purnima falls on August 9, which is a Saturday, schools will have a holiday. August 10 is a Sunday, resulting in two consecutive holidays. August marks the beginning of the festive season in India, offering students short breaks. Schools in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh will remain close for a total of five days this month. Since Rakhi Purnima falls on August 9, which is a Saturday, schools will have a holiday. August 10 is a Sunday, resulting in two consecutive holidays. After attending school for four more days, there is another holiday on August 15 for Independence Day. Subsequently, Krishnashtami falls on August 16, which is a Saturday, and August 17 is a Sunday, providing a total of five holidays. Sri Krishna Janmashtami or Krishna Ashtami, is a major festival in India for Hindu devotees, celebrated in Shravan (August) to mark the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. This occasion brings families and communities together through spiritual and cultural activities. In North India, devotees often fast rigorously, abstaining from food and water, and break the fast at midnight, believed to be Krishna's birth time, while chanting Krishna's name continuously. In South India, devotees start the day before sunrise, bathe, and wear yellow or saffron clothes. Homes are cleaned and decorated with flower arches, torans, and rangolis, and the puja room is adorned with Krishna idols or pictures, turmeric, vermillion, and basil garlands. Meanwhile, Independence Day in India is observed annually on August 15. This day marks the historic event in 1947 when India gained freedom from British colonial rule after nearly two centuries of subjugation. The struggle for independence was characterised by a long and arduous campaign involving numerous freedom fighters and leaders who employed a variety of methods, from non-violent protests and civil disobedience, led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi, to revolutionary activities orchestrated by groups like the Indian National Army. On the other hand, schools in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Uttarakhand are closed today, August 8 due to heavy rains and possible floods in many districts. The Indian Meteorological Department had issued red and orange alerts for many areas, warning of conditions like heavy rain, lightning and waterlogging. Due to this decision, lakhs of students from primary to intermediate were instructed to stay at home. view comments First Published: August 08, 2025, 12:52 IST 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.
News18
6 days ago
- General
- News18
Raksha Bandhan 2025 Celebrations: Did You Know These Unique Traditions Across India?
Published By : Raksha Bandhan Celebrations 2025: From Rajasthan's Lumba Rakhi to Tamil Nadu's Avani Avittam, explore how Rakhi reflects India's cultural richness through regional traditions. Raksha Bandhan Celebrations 2025: Raksha Bandhan, a joyous celebration of sibling love, is surely a reflection of India's diverse traditions. This year, Rakhi falls on August 9, 2025, marking the full moon day of the Shravan month. Beyond the core ritual of sisters tying rakhi threads on their brothers' wrists, symbolising love and protection, different regions add their unique twists. Let's explore 5 Raksha Bandhan traditions from across India that showcase the country's rich cultural and traditions. Lumba Rakhi in Rajasthan In Rajasthan, the Marwari and Rajput communities practice the unique tradition of tying Lumba Rakhi, a colourful, ornate rakhi designed specifically for sisters-in-law (bhabhis). These rakhis are larger, often adorned with beads, mirrors, and embroidery, reflecting the state's rich handicraft heritage. The custom stems from the belief that the sister-in-law plays a vital role in the family's well-being. The celebration seamlessly blends familial love with spiritual renewal as sisters tie rakhis afterwards, highlighting Tamil Nadu's unique cultural and religious harmony. Rakhi Purnima in Odisha In Odisha, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as Rakhi Purnima, where the full moon day's spiritual significance is woven into the festivities. Beyond the traditional sibling bond, the festival takes on a broader meaning with the worship of Lord Jagannath in many households. Families seek divine protection by offering prayers and tying rakhis to deities. What's unique to Odisha is the exchange of rakhis among cousins and close friends, extending the celebration beyond biological ties. Pavitropana in Gujarat Pavitropana, Gujarat's unique variation of Raksha Bandhan, extends beyond sibling bonds. Devotees visit temples, especially those dedicated to Lord Krishna, to tie rakhis on idols in hopes of receiving divine blessings. The tradition showcases intricately crafted rakhis made from vibrant, coloured cotton threads. Gujarati families celebrate with special dishes such as shrikhand and puri, and the festival is marked by community gatherings and fairs. Jhulan Yatra in West Bengal In West Bengal, Raksha Bandhan is celebrated as Jhulan Yatra, a joyous celebration of Radha and Krishna's divine love. As sisters tie rakhis to brothers, families adorn swings (jhulans) with flowers and worship idols of the beloved deities. The festival transcends sibling ties, with threads being tied on friends and community members, symbolising universal brotherhood. The streets resonate with cultural performances and devotional songs, making Raksha Bandhan even more special. view comments Location : Mumbai, India, India First Published: August 06, 2025, 08:00 IST News lifestyle Raksha Bandhan 2025 Celebrations: Did You Know These Unique Traditions Across India? 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.
The Hindu
31-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Odisha govt to distribute third instalment of Subhadra scheme on August 9
Odisha government will release the third instalment of ₹5,000 financial assistance under the Subhadra Yojana to over 1 crore women beneficiaries on August 9 in Koraput district, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday (July 31, 2025). Subhadra Yojana, an ambitious women welfare scheme of the BJP government, was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his birthday on September 17, 2024. The scheme is designed to provide eligible women aged between 21 and 60 years with ₹50,000 over five years, from 2024-25 to 2028-29. Each beneficiary will receive Rs 10,000 annually in two instalments of ₹5,000 each — one on Rakhi Purnima and the other on International Women's Day (March 8). This year, the Rakhi Purnima will be celebrated on August 9. Speaking to reporters, Ms. Parida said the women, who turned 21 years old recently, will be allowed to apply for the scheme after August 9. Nearly two lakh beneficiaries, who had received the first instalment, were later found ineligible due to having purchased five acres of land, vehicle or filed IT returns, Ms. Parida said. "Our officials will conduct field-level inspection of these rejected beneficiaries. Those found eligible will receive the instalments in one go," she added. Ms. Parida said women filing zero income tax returns and those with an annual income of less than ₹2.5 lakh will be eligible to avail the benefits under the scheme. The Deputy Chief Minister further informed that 93,000 women, who reached the age of 60 years, have been excluded from the beneficiary list. The list of excluded women has been sent to the department concerned for their inclusion in the social security scheme (old age pension), Ms. Parida said.
