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Time of India
23-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Why is Saavan the holiest month and 3 things that one can do to attract positivity even without fasting
Shravan Month is considered as one of the holiest months in the year as per the Hindu calendar. It is the fifth month in the Hindu calendar. But why is this month called Shravan? It is believed that on Poornima or a full moon day or at any time during this month, the Shravan Nakshatra, or star, rules the skies, and hence, this month derives its name from this nakshatra. Devotees offering Patram-pushpam & falam-toyam to Shiva linga in Shravan Maas. The Shravan month is synonymous with auspicious festivals and events. It is the best time to conduct all-important religious ceremonies, as almost all days in this month are auspicious for shubh arambh, i.e., good start. Shravan maas's ruling deity is Lord Shiva. In this month, each Monday is celebrated as Shravan Somvar across all temples with the Dharanatra hanging over the Shiva linga, bathing it with holy water and milk, throughout the day into the night. Devotees offer Bael leaves, flowers, holy water and milk, i.e., Falam-Toyam and Pushpam-Patram, to lord Shiva on every Shravan Somwar. They fast until the sun goes down and the Nandadeep, the Akhand Diya, burns throughout. The significance of Lord Shiva in Shravan (Sawan) Month The Samudra Manthan is a very important episode as per the Puranas. The churning of the milky ocean, i.e., Samudra Manthan, in search of the amrit, took place during the month of Shravan. During the churning, 14 different rubies emerged from the ocean. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 Most Beautiful Women in the World Undo Thirteen rubies were divided among the devas and the asuras; however, Halahal, the 14th ruby, remained untouched, as it was the deadliest poison, which could destroy the whole universe and every living being. Lord Shiva drank the Halahal and stored the poison in his throat. Due to the impact of the poison, his throat turned blue and he came to be called Neelkantha. Such was the impact of the poison that Lord Shiva wore a crescent moon on his head and all the devas started offering water from the holy river Ganges to lord Shiva to reduce the effects of the poison. Both these events took place in the Shravan Maas and therefore, it is considered very auspicious to offer holy Ganga water to Lord Shiva in this month. What are the three things everyone who cannot go to temple or keep fast do for positivity and blessings? If you are unable to fast or visit temples this Sawan due to health, work, or other limitations, don't worry! Chant powerful mantras at home Recite 'om namah shivay' or the 'maha mrityunjay mantra' daily. These mantras are known for their healing energy and vibrations. Even 5-10 minutes of chanting can invite peace and protection into your space Offer milk or water to the shivaling (even at home) Set up a small shivalinga at your home altar. Every saavan monday is possible to pour water or milk over the idol and offer a quiet prayer. You can also offer tulsi, bilva leaves and flowers are available. Live in the spirit of saavan through good karma Avoid negativity Light a diya in the evening. Donate food and help someone in need
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Curtains rise: 200 artistes from 15 drama schools to bring monsoon mosaic of theatre to Bhopali life
B hopal: The state capital is ready to awaken beneath a silken canopy of monsoon grey—its lakes brimmed, their edges shimmering, the air humming with dramatic and poetic promise. Here, at Ravindra Bhavan, the Harihar National Theatre Festival unfurls from July 24–29, accompanied by an immersive seminar (July 25–28) that will draw over 200 students and researchers from more than 15 drama schools across India. Culture minister Dharmendra Singh Lodhi, speaking to media on Tuesday at the Tribal Museum, said, "Rains coax creativity from the soul. Inspired by this elemental muse, the festival invites its audience to witness 'Samudra Manthan', directed by Chittaranjan Tripathi, on opening night, July 24—a cosmic churning of imagination and myth. As showers patter on the rooftops, the next evening brings 'Mohe Piya', under the deft direction of Waman Kendre—an ode to longing and devotion, its verses drifting like water-coloured dreams. By July 26, the festival embraces dual meditations: 'Suvasantak', curated by Padma Shri Puru Dadheech, weaving classical Kathak rhythms into the spirit of 'good ending', and 'Natyopatti' with Sangeeta Gundecha's philosophic tapestry on theatre's sacred birth." The academic core of the festival resonates with the ancient rhythms of Bharata Muni's 'Natyashastra', reaffirming roots that are two millennia deep. Students of Panjab University, Kashi Vishwavidyalaya, DY Patil University, Mansingh Tomar University, Jammu University, Bhartendu Natya academy, Vivekanand University, Rajasthan Univesity, and Mahatma Gandhi Hindi Vishwavidyalaya will participate in the event along with students of MP drama schools. Some of the doyens will guide the workshops and dialogues that anchor youth to venerable tradition while planting seeds of innovation, said director culture, NP Namdeo, who was present at the press meet. He added, "The monsoon theatre arrives on wings of curiosity and reverie: Swapnokalpa Dasgupta, Satish Dave, and Ankit Mishra contribute their unique voices, while 'Sheela', the soulful production led by Sandhya Purecha (chairperson of Sangeet Natak Akademi), promises eloquence in every breath. "Director MP school of drama, Sanjay Shrivastava was also present at the meet. Over six rain-kissed nights, stories will be spun with finesse and spiritual resonance in the form of poetic dramas that reflect season's lush intensity. "And as final bows are taken, festival's essence will be preserved for posterity—documented and archived to guide future scholars towards their own creative monsoons," said Namdeo.
Indian Express
16-07-2025
- Indian Express
Arc of the Kanwar Yatra: From Samudra Manthan to churning forces in society today
For about a fortnight in July, a common sight in North India is groups of men dressed in saffron clothes, atop trucks or on foot, chanting religious slogans like 'Har Har Mahadev' or 'Bol Bam', and carrying decorated slings. These slings, called kanwars, hold containers full of water from the Ganga, which the pilgrims are taking to various Shiva temples. The pilgrims are called kanwariyas and the annual pilgrimage is called the Kanwar Yatra. In recent years, the numbers of kanwariyas have swelled as the government has made better arrangements for their journey. However, this has also created an image of kanwariyas blasting music from their vehicles and getting into scuffles with other passersby. While the idea of pilgrimage in the Hindu religion is ancient, the Kanwar Yatra as seen today is a relatively new phenomenon. What are the religious beliefs behind the Kanwar Yatra, and what socio-economic-cultural forces shaped its present form? We explain. Kanwar Yatra is undertaken in the Hindu month of Shravan, or Saavan. Like many Indian festivals, Kanwar Yatra is also linked to the Samudra Manthan, the cosmic churning of the ocean. When the Devas (gods) and the Asuras (loosely translated as demons) churned the ocean, among the many things to emerge from it was halahal, or poison. The poison was so potent that if allowed to spread, it would have ended all life. Lord Shiva then swallowed the poison, which turned his throat blue and earned him the epithet of Neelkantha (the blue-throated one). To cool his burning throat, Goddess Parvati and others gave him water from the Ganga. Since the Samudra Manthan took place in the month of Shravan, devotees carry pitchers of Ganga water to Shiva temples as an offering in this month. The kanwar should not be put down on the ground at any time during the journey, and so people often travel in groups, carrying the kanwar for each other when needed. Water has to be taken from the Ganga and offered to in the month of Saavan, so the dates for the Kanwar Yatra this year are July 11 to (beginning of Saavan) to July 23 (Saavan Shivratri). Popular sites to collect the Ganga water are Sultanganj in Bihar, Prayagraj, Ayodhya or Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, and Haridwar, Gaumukh and Gangotri in Uttarakhand. The Shiva temples considered of special importance are the 12 Jyotirlingas, the Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand's Deoghar, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Pura Mahadev temple in Baghpat, and the Augharnath Temple in Meerut. 'Some temples are more popular than others, but it is not necessary for a devotee to go to one of these. Ganga water can be offered to Lord Shiva in the local town or village temple. Traditionally, the journey was undertaken on foot. Lord Shiva is an ascetic, so during the Kanwar Yatra, his devotees are supposed to practise the ascetic values of abstention and discipline while undertaking the journey,' Dr Ramesh Kumar Upadhyay, president of the Bhartiya Jyotish Aadhyatm Parishad in Jamshedpur, said. Upadhyay added that along with the Samudra Manthan legend, there is also an astrological reason to worship Shiva in the month of Shravan. 'Saavan, or Shravan, takes its name from the Shravana nakshatra (alignment of stars). Worshipping Lord Shiva in this nakshatra is considered specially auspicious,' he said. Mentions of the Kanwar Yatra as we know it are scant in religious texts and history books, though there are legends of various mythological figures offering Ganga water to Lord Shiva, from the sage Parshuram to Lord Rama to Lanka's king Ravana. Then there is the legend of Shravan Kumar in the Ramayana, who took his parents to pilgrimage in what we understand as a kanwar, but he is not recorded as carrying Ganga water to Shiva. Prof DP Dubey, retired professor of ancient history at the University of Allahabad and General Secretary of the Society of Pilgrimage Studies, said, 'In history books, descriptions of a kanwar yatra as such are difficult to find. Even the British, who were good at documenting, have not described a Kanwar Yatra. A Maharashtrian brahmin, Vishnubhat Godse, wrote a memoir of his travels in central and North India during and after the Revolt of 1857 (Maza Pravas, published much later in 1907). He talks of carrying Ganga water back to his village in Maharashtra to bathe his parents with, and this description, of walking barefoot carrying the Ganga water in a sling, is the closest to Kanwar Yatra as seen today. From my analysis of various local texts and accounts, the Kanwar Yatra appears to have originated in Bihar's Sultanganj in the 1700s. From there, it spread.' However, this spread was slow and steady, and the major uptick seems to have come in the 1980s. Various scholars have written about it, and factors, while difficult to pinpoint, include better connectivity and infrastructure, rise of Hindu identity assertion, popularity and increased accessibility of devotional music in the form of cassettes, and increasing average income in North India. Vikash Singh, Associate Professor of Sociology at New Jersey's Montclair State University, in his book Uprising of the Fools: Pilgrimage as Moral Protest in Contemporary India (2017) about the Kanwar Yatra, has written that many of the kanwariyas are young, not-very-affluent men. 'At the margins of the economy, the religious phenomenon provided an open and freely accessible, yet challenging, stage—a definite and alternative field—for participants to practice and prove their talents, resolve, and moral sincerity…The religious event is also a means to contest the symbolic violence and social inequities of a hierarchical society now dominated by a neoliberal social ethic, as imposing as it is exclusive.' Prof Dubey pointed out that as with most things in India, in the popularity of certain types of religious activities too, caste plays a role. 'An important thing to note about pilgrimages, be it to the Kumbh Mela or the Kanwar Yatra, is that they are a way to break the rigid boundaries of caste. Historically, pilgrims trailed the caravans of traders or even soldiers for security. Pilgrimages create bonds of community that are more inclusive than the generally air-tight pockets of caste. State support also plays a role. With the UP government now literally showering kanwariyas with flowers, the draw is naturally greater,' Dubey said. Yashee is an Assistant Editor with the where she is a member of the Explained team. She is a journalist with over 10 years of experience, starting her career with the Mumbai edition of Hindustan Times. She has also worked with India Today, where she wrote opinion and analysis pieces for DailyO. Her articles break down complex issues for readers with context and insight. Yashee has a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Presidency College, Kolkata, and a postgraduate diploma in journalism from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai, one of the premier media institutes in the countr ... Read More
Economic Times
14-07-2025
- Economic Times
Why Millions Join the Kanwar Yatra 2025: Mythological Roots, Spiritual Power & Sacred Rituals
PTI Kanwar Yatra 2025: The Sacred History of the Kanwar Yatra Tradition - Ancient Shiva devotion through modern mass pilgrimage 🕉️ Kanwar Yatra 2025 Explained: Every year during the monsoon month of Sawan (July–August), millions of saffron-clad devotees embark on a sacred journey on foot, carrying Kanwars. These are bamboo poles with water-filled pots. They carry water from holy rivers like the Ganga to pour over Shiva Lingas in temples across India. This deeply spiritual tradition is known as the Kanwar Yatra. While it appears to be a modern mass movement, its roots stretch deep into Hindu mythology. What You Need to Know: Kanwar Yatra 2025 sees millions carry Ganga water to Shiva temples during Sawan in a sacred act of devotion. sees millions carry Ganga water to Shiva temples during Sawan in a sacred act of devotion. Its roots trace back to Samudra Manthan , symbolising gratitude to Lord Shiva for consuming poison. , symbolising gratitude to Lord Shiva for consuming poison. Once a quiet ritual, it's now a vibrant mass pilgrimage blending faith, discipline, and community spirit. The Mythological Origins of the Kanwar Yatra:The origins of the Kanwar Yatra are closely linked to one of the most famous episodes from Hindu mythology, the Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the ocean. According to legend, during the great churning of the Ocean (Samudra) by the devas and asuras, a deadly poison called Halahala emerged. It was threatening enough to destroy the universe. To save creation, Lord Shiva consumed the poison and held it in his throat. His throat turned blue, earning him the name ease his suffering and cool the poison's effects, the devas and sages began offering holy water from the Ganga River to Lord Shiva. This act of devotion is considered the symbolic origin of the Kanwar Yatra. It is an offering of gratitude and healing to the great lord. Today, the same practice is replicated by millions who carry Ganga water and offer it to Shiva temples. It is believed to bring divine blessings and remove sins. Historical and Cultural Development: The mythological foundation is ancient. However, historical evidence suggests that the Kanwar Yatra, as a widespread public event, became prominent during the medieval period. Devotional saints like Tulsidas and Surdas referred to the practice of carrying water to Shiva temples in their compositions. The pilgrimage was primarily rural and unorganised for centuries. It started with small groups of devotees walking silently to their local Shiva the 20th century, the Kanwar Yatra witnessed a massive surge in participation. Improvements in road networks, religious awareness and community support made it a large-scale event. What was once a quiet act of devotion evolved into a vibrant and collective expression of bhakti (devotion). Today, the largest destinations for Kanwariyas include Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri in Uttarakhand, and Sultanganj in Bihar. From these places, devotees walk long distances, often up to 100-200 kilometres, to reach major Shiva temples like Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Kashi Vishwanath, or Neelkanth Mahadev near Rishikesh. Rituals, Discipline, and Devotion: The Kanwar Yatra is more than a physical challenge. It is a deeply personal spiritual experience. Devotees observe strict disciplines during the journey. Many do the Dak Kanwar, a fast-paced version where water must be poured on the Shiva Linga without the pot touching the ground. Camps, known as Kanwar camps, are set up by volunteers along the routes. Such camps provide free food, medical aid, and rest. Bhajans, chants of 'Bol Bam,' and devotional music fill the air. This turns highways into mobile temples. Despite the crowds, the spirit of service and shared purpose keeps the journey sacred and orderly. A Living Tradition of Devotion: The Kanwar Yatra is not just a pilgrimage. It is a celebration of faith, endurance and community. Its endurance over centuries indicates how spiritual traditions adapt and grow with time. Whether seen as a reenactment of divine myths or a path to inner purification, the Kanwar Yatra is a powerful expression of living devotion to Lord Shiva. Also Read - Devotional Highlights for Sawan Month: Sawan Somwar Vrat 2025 Guide Sawan Month 2025: Spiritual Significance Dreaming of Lord Shiva: Spiritual Meaning Sawan Somwar 2025: Dates, Yogas & Spiritual Benefits of Fasting, Shiva Puja Written by: Anand Sagar Pathak of For feedback, write to hello@ Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.
Time of India
11-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Sawan Month 2025: Spiritual Significance, Samudra Manthan Myth & Lord Shiva as Pashupati – The Compassionate Guardian of All Life
Live Events 🌿: The month of Sawan holds a unique place in Hindu devotion. The month is important for the devotees of Lord Shiva . Known for intense fasting, prayer, and spiritual discipline. It is the time when the divine energy of Shiva is considered to be closest to Earth. But beyond the rituals, this month also connects to Shiva's role as Pashupati. The month signifies Lord Shiva's compassion towards all living beings, including month of Sawan, falling between July and August. It is revered as a sacred time for worshipping Lord Shiva. It is a month rich in mythology and symbolic rituals. The month emits deep spiritual energy. Devotees engage in fasting and meditation. Many Shiva devotees chant the name of Lord Shiva and visit Shiva temples. This is all done to honour Shiva's divine grace and mythological reason behind Sawan's importance is the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean). During this event, the deadly poison Halahala emerged. This poison was threatening to destroy all creation. Lord Shiva, in his supreme compassion, drank the poison. He held it in his throat, which turned blue, earning him the name Neelkanth. This act of sacrifice is believed to have occurred during the month of Sawan. This makes the month of Sawan eternally holy in his observe Sawan Somwars (Mondays in Sawan) with fasting and offerings. The devotees chant mantras like 'Om Namah Shivaya' and the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra. Milk, water, honey, and Bel Patra are offered to the Shivling. This symbolises purification and surrender. These practices help to earn Shiva's blessings for health, protection and spiritual Shiva as a cosmic force, Sawan also honours his form as Pashupati (the Lord of Animals). As rains bring nature to life, forests become lush and rivers flow freely. Animals roam in abundance. Shiva, as the ultimate guardian of all creatures, finds great joy in this harmony. He delights in watching even the smallest insects and animals crawl and walk. They thrive without fear. In this sense, Sawan is not only a spiritual month. It is also a celebration of life in all its aligns with Shiva's ascetic nature, like meditating in the wilderness. Surrounded by snakes, bulls, and wild animals. As Pashupati, he transcends human society. He embraces and protects all life equally. Devotees, too, are reminded to live with humility and compassion. They should show respect for all honours Lord Shiva's compassion and sacrifice. It establishes him as a universal guardian. As Pashupati, he rejoices in natural rhythm and freedom. Devotion in this month purifies the soul and pleases the Lord. It is a sacred time of surrender and divine by: Anand Sagar Pathak of For feedback, write to hello@
