Latest news with #Shravan
Time of India
2 hours ago
- General
- Time of India
Ekadashi in July 2025: When is Kamika Ekadashi? Know date, time, rituals and more
Ekadashi in July 2025: Kamika Ekadashi is an auspicious day observed by Hindus in honour of Lord Vishnu. In July 2025, two significant Ekadashis take place – Devshayani Ekadashi and Kamika Ekadashi. As Devshayani Ekadashi was celebrated on 5 July, let's now focus on Kamika Ekadashi. Here's everything you need to know – from date and timing to rituals and spiritual importance – to observe this sacred fast. When is Kamika Ekadashi in July 2025? Kamika Ekadashi is observed on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha during the Shravan month. In 2025, it will be marked on July 21. According to the Vedic Panchang, the Ekadashi Tithi begins at 2:12 PM on July 20 and ends at 9:38 AM on July 21. Devotees usually begin their fasting at sunrise on July 21, continuing until the next sunrise. The Parana (breaking of the fast) should be done on July 22 between 5:36 AM and 7:05 AM. Key Timings: Spiritual Significance of Kamika Ekadashi Kamika Ekadashi holds great importance in Hinduism for its spiritual power and benefits. It is believed that observing on fast (vrar) on Ekadashi can wash away even serious sins, such as Brahmahatya (killing of a Brahmin) and liberation from the cycle of birth and death (moksha). Fasting on this day is considered as rewarding as performing an Ashwamedha Yagya or going on a pilgrimage to sacred places. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu along with Tulsi Mata, which is said to bring peace of mind, success, and divine blessings. Kamika Ekadashi Rituals: How to Observe the Fast To properly observe Kamika Ekadashi, follow these simple yet meaningful steps: Start your day early with a bath, preferably mixing some Gangajal in the water to purify your body and soul. Clean your puja space, place an idol or image of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna, and decorate it with yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves, and a ghee diya (lamp). Choose either a Nirjala fast (no food or water) or a Phalahar fast (fruits, milk, nuts only). Avoid grains, lentils, onions, and garlic. Offer Panchamrit, fruits, and bhog. Chant Vishnu mantras such as 'Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya' or recite the Vishnu Sahasranama. Read or listen to the Kamika Ekadashi Vrat Katha. Perform charity by donating food, clothes, or money to the needy. At night, stay awake, sing bhajans, and meditate on Lord Vishnu for divine grace. Why One Should Observe Kamika Ekadashi Kamika Ekadashi comes in the pious month of Shravan (Sawan), making it an ideal time for prayers, spiritual growth, and repentance. According to the Vrat Katha, a man once received forgiveness for a grave mistake simply by observing this fast, proving its power to bring change and redemption. So, mark July 21 2025, in your diary and prepare to honour Lord Vishnu with full devotion. By observing Kamika Ekadashi with faith and discipline, you can invite peace, prosperity, and take a step closer to spiritual freedom. (Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.) For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
India.com
6 hours ago
- Politics
- India.com
Lalan Singh's Mutton Feast During Sawan Sparks Political Row In Bihar
JDU veteran leader and Union Minister Lalan Singh has come under opposition fire after organizing a mutton feast during the month of Sawan, drawing sharp reactions from Congress, which has targeted the Centre and Bihar government by invoking Sanatan Dharma. Sharing the video of this mutton party, Congress wrote, "Modi-Nitish's mutton party in the month of Sawan! Dharma ke contractors, drown yourself," as reported by Zee Bihar-Jharkhand. There has been no response from RJD yet, and the BJP and JDU are completely silent on the controversy. #BreakingNews #LalanSingh #Politics #Sawan | @theanupamajha @Chandans_live — Zee News (@ZeeNews) July 17, 2025 The mutton party was organized by Lalan Singh on Wednesday (July 16), after he had held a rally on the occasion of laying the foundation stone for road and bridge construction projects worth Rs 472 crore in Suryagarha, Lakhisarai. Thousands of people participated in the mutton feast. Announcing the feast, Lalan Singh said that the food was ready and described it as a good meal. "There is also an arrangement for Sawan—Sawan food is available, and there is also an arrangement for those who are not observing Sawan," Zee Bihar-Jharkhand reported, quoting Lalan Singh. Politics over mutton is not a new thing in Bihar. Last year, in the month of Sawan, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav cooked mutton and fed it to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, which created a lot of controversy. Apart from this, during the Lok Sabha elections, a video of RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav eating fish during Navratri went viral. However, at that time NDA leaders attacked it, calling it an anti-Sanatan act. Sawan, also called Shravan, is a holy month in the Hindu calendar, considered extremely auspicious for the worship of Lord Shiva. During this time, it is customary for many Hindus to abstain from non-vegetarian food.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Want Shiva's blessings? Try these 6 rare night rituals to attract miracles
The month of Shravan is not an ordinary time. It's when Lord Shiva is believed to descend to Earth, ready to remove obstacles, bless devotees, and shift destinies. But while everyone's busy with early morning pujas, few know that the real magic often happens after sunset. Here are six rare Shravan night rituals that are spiritual powerhouses of unlocking the Lord Shiva's blessings - The Milk-Til Offering Pick any Monday night of Shravan. Mix a bit of raw milk with a pinch of black sesame seeds, and pour it over the Shivling. Say your deepest wish out loud. This ritual is known to reduce Rahu-related problems in your life and clear major success blocks. The Ghee Lamp Ritual Try this ritual if you are struggling with finances. Visit a Lord Shiva temple on a Monday night and light a desi ghee diya facing the Shivling. It helps you attract wealth and calm financial turbulence. The Silent Chant In the quiet of the night, chant 'Om Namah Shivaya' 108 times. You can also pair it with the Shiva Chalisa. This simple practice clears negativity, overthinking, and emotional clutter. The Sacred Leaves & Flowers Every day during the month of Shravan, offer bilva leaves, dhatura, and aak flowers on the Shivling. These offerings aren't just symbolic: they're Lord Shiva's favorites. If offered with pure intention, the practice can open divine doors. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Discover Why These Off-Plan Dubai Apartments Sell Fast? Binghatti Developers FZE Read More Undo The Soaked Barley Trick Soak barley in milk overnight. Then, feed it to the birds at sunrise. It's an old but trusted way to win over enemies and attract prosperity. The Midnight Rudrabhishek If you can stay up till Nishita Kaal (midnight), perform a Rudrabhishek on Shravan Shivratri. It's believed to dissolve deep-rooted sorrows and lead the soul toward moksha. If you try even one of these rituals, don't be surprised if life starts shifting in the best way! Discover everything about astrology at Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces . Read your detailed Horoscope Today and Horoscope Tomorrow here.
Hans India
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Kanwar Yatra: When governance becomes management of religious events
It looks like the Yogi Adityanath regime in Uttar Pradesh and large sections of the Sangh Parivar equate governance with the management of religious events. First it was Mahakumbh and now it is Kanwar Yatra. Incidentally, it is not just the government machinery, but life itself finds itself enmeshed in the intricacies of pilgrimages. The Kanwar Yatra, a deeply revered Hindu pilgrimage undertaken in the month of Shravan, draws lakhs of devotees, known as Kanwariyas, walk long distances to fetch water from the Ganga and offer it to Lord Shiva in temples. Over time, this event has evolved from a humble spiritual exercise into a massive and heavily orchestrated religious procession, drawing extensive state support. In UP, as in other BJP-ruled states like Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Delhi, the Kanwar Yatra transforms the civic and administrative landscape for several weeks each year. It is no different this year. As the yatra gains momentum, several districts in UP have taken the extreme step of shutting down schools temporarily. The ostensible reason is to safeguard students amid overwhelming road congestion, traffic diversions, and the general chaos that accompanies the event. District administrations have also rerouted traffic, deployed thousands of police personnel, and put civic services on high alert. Roads are reserved for Kanwariyas, while ordinary citizens face long detours and disruptions to daily life. Worse still, educational institutions being closed for religious reasons sets a problematic precedent. It sends a clear message: spiritual events, when they reach a certain magnitude, can override secular responsibilities like education. Students, particularly from rural and lower-income families who rely heavily on government schools, are the silent victims. Their academic calendar, already fragile due to Covid-related disruptions in recent years, is being tampered with for reasons that are no way related to education. This normalisation of such disruptions reflects a misplaced priority. Thankfully, the Supreme Court has taken cognisance of petitions challenging another controversial move by the state government: a directive mandating eateries and dhabas along the Kanwar route to display QR codes with ownership information. Ostensibly framed as a security measure, critics argue that this directive opens the door to surveillance and possible targeting of minority-run establishments. There is a growing perception that such policies are less about public safety and more about religious profiling, under the guise of administrative diligence. The apex court has rightly sought an explanation from the Uttar Pradesh government on the legality and intent behind this decision. What is alarming is how all stakeholders—administrators, judges, law enforcement—are sucked into the vortex of this religious exercise, willingly or otherwise. From district magistrates to police commissioners, from municipal workers to teachers, almost every arm of governance is redirected to facilitate a pilgrimage. This is not just an expression of religious accommodation but an institutional surrender to spectacle. Governance is becoming indistinguishable from the management of festivals. This must stop. There is nothing wrong with supporting religious events in a secular and diverse democracy like India. It is entirely reasonable for the state to ensure safety, hygiene, and traffic regulation during such events. However, when religious festivities start dictating the tempo and tenor of governance, it becomes problematic. When students are denied education so that roads can be cleared for devotees, when businesses are monitored in the name of religious security, when hospitals, fire services, and administrative offices and that is when one should take such initiative with a pinch of salt.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Local mushroom demand soars in city markets
1 2 Ranchi: As the holy month of Shravan unfolds, markets across Ranchi are witnessing a surge in demand for indigenous mushrooms, particularly Rugda, also known as Futka and Khukdi. These forest delicacies, cherished for their meaty texture and rich flavour, have become sought-after vegetarian alternatives during this period of religious observance. Khukdi, known for its distinctive taste, is currently retailing between Rs 1,600 to Rs 1,800 per kg, while Rugda is priced between Rs 800 and Rs 1,000 per kg in city markets. The spike in prices is attributed to their seasonal availability and the increased demand during Shravan, when many abstain from non-vegetarian food. Rugda, found mainly in villages surrounding Sal trees, has become a natural means of livelihood for villagers. Rugda has been a staple in the tribal diet since ancient times. Its preparation involves meticulous cleaning to remove soil, followed by cooking with local spices, resulting in a dish that resonates with the earthy flavours of the region. Vendors report brisk sales, with some selling up to 30 - 40 kilograms daily. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo The mushrooms' popularity extends beyond local markets, attracting interest from neighbouring states. They said excessive rainfall has proved to be beneficial for the production of Rugda this year. Shiela Devi, a vendor at the Kutchery Chowk in Ranchi, said, "Since the start of the holy month of Shravan, the demand has increased like always. Rugda was sold at Rs 500-600 per kg, but now it has increased by at least Rs 200. We bring the Rugda and Khukdi from Khunti, Simdega, Bundu and Silli areas where it is found in abundance. It has allowed us to earn some quick bucks." The vendor expected as Shravan progresses, the demand for these forest mushrooms will remain high, facilitating a good business for them. The steep price doesn't seem to discourage buyers, as the mushrooms are available only for a limited period, mainly during the Shravan and Bhado months when many Hindu households observe a vegetarian diet. A buyer at a city market, Brijesh Kumar, said, "We wait all year for this season. Even if it's expensive, the taste and freshness of these mushrooms make it worth every rupee. Also, as we do not consume non-vegetarian food during Shravan, easily available Rugda and Khukdi become the perfect alternatives during this season."
