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NDTV
19 hours 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.
NDTV
5 days ago
- General
- NDTV
When Is Janmashtami 2025? Prepare These 5 Traditional Recipes For The Occasion
Janmashtami is a major Hindu festival celebrated with deep devotion across India. While the entire country marks the occasion with enthusiasm, the spirit in Mathura and Vrindavan - believed to be associated with the birth and childhood of Lord Krishna - is unlike anywhere else. Also known as Gokul Ashtami, this day is observed as the birth anniversary of Shri Krishna, considered to be the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Many devotees fast on this day, with the belief that it fulfils wishes and brings peace. Temples are adorned with colourful decorations and the air is filled with devotional kirtans and bhajans. Janmashtami 2025 Date And Timings According to the Hindu lunisolar calendar, Janmashtami is observed every year on the Ashtami Tithi of Krishna Paksha in the month of Shravan or Bhadrapada. This year, the festival falls on 16 August 2025. Ashtami Tithi Begins: 11:49 PM on 15 August 2025 Ashtami Tithi Ends: 09:34 PM on 16 August 2025 Rohini Nakshatra Begins: 04:38 AM on 17 August 2025 Rohini Nakshatra Ends: 03:17 AM on 18 August 2025 (Source: About Drik Panchang Drik Panchang is an online Hindu almanac that offers detailed information on festivals, planetary positions, and auspicious timings. It is widely used for determining the right time for rituals, horoscope matching, and important life events. How Is Janmashtami Celebrated In India? Janmashtami is celebrated with unmatched joy and fervour. Devotees begin the day with a ritual bath, followed by temple visits or prayers at home. Houses are cleaned and beautifully decorated with lights, flowers, and traditional decor. Small idols of Kanha ji (another name for Krishna) are bathed, dressed in new clothes, and adorned with jewellery. Fasting is also an important part of the day's rituals. In many households, an elaborate Chhappan Bhog is prepared - an offering of 56 sweet and savoury dishes presented to Lord Krishna. While the menu may vary based on personal or regional preferences, one dish that features in nearly every bhog thali is Makhan Mishri - a nod to Krishna's love for butter and sugar. Why Do People Fast On Janmashtami? Rituals And Their Meaning Fasting during Janmashtami is not just a personal offering-it is seen as an act of devotion that purifies the mind and strengthens one's spiritual focus. Many devotees observe nirjal vrat, a full-day fast without food or water, while others follow a phalahar vrat, where they eat only fruits and fasting-friendly dishes. The fast is typically broken at midnight, believed to be the time of Krishna's birth. In different parts of India, Janmashtami rituals take on their own flavour. In Maharashtra, the Dahi Handi tradition is popular, where groups of young boys form human pyramids to break a pot of curd hung high above the ground-paying homage to Krishna's love for butter. In North India, homes are decorated with swings, miniature cradles, and jhankis (tableaus) depicting episodes from Krishna's life. Across the country, the night is marked with bhajans, aarti, and devotional storytelling sessions. What To Eat During Janmashtami Fast: Ingredients You Can Use If you are fasting this Janmashtami, there is still plenty you can cook and eat while keeping the vrat rules in mind. Ingredients used during Janmashtami fasts tend to be sattvik (pure) and light on the stomach, yet nourishing enough to sustain you through the day. Here is a quick list of ingredients that are commonly allowed: Fruits such as banana, papaya, apple, pomegranate Dairy including milk, curd, ghee, white butter, paneer Vrat flours like buckwheat flour (kuttu atta), water chestnut flour (singhara atta), amaranth (rajgira atta) Sabudana (sago), commonly used for khichdi, vadas and kheer Natural sweeteners like mishri, jaggery or honey Spices such as rock salt (sendha namak), black pepper, cumin, and cardamom Many of the bhog dishes prepared for Lord Krishna are made using these very ingredients, blending fasting customs with festive cooking. From creamy kheer to dhaniya panjiri, the focus is on simple flavours rooted in tradition. Bhog Recipes To Make For Janmashtami 2025 Apart from Makhan Mishri, there are several festive recipes that can be prepared at home as part of your Janmashtami celebrations. These traditional dishes are easy to make and perfect for the bhog thali. Kheer A staple for most Indian festivals, kheer is a creamy rice pudding made with milk, sugar, cardamom, saffron, and dry fruits. For a richer version, you may add a spoonful of cream during the final simmer. This classic dessert is always a hit during Janmashtami. [ Click here for the recipe ] Dhaniya Panjiri Dhaniya panjiri holds a special place in Krishna Janmashtami bhog. Made using roasted coriander seeds, powdered sugar, and dry fruits, this dish is not only festive but also nourishing. It is commonly offered during fasting. [ Click here for the recipe ] Besan Ladoo Soft, aromatic and indulgent, besan ladoos are a festive favourite. Made using roasted gram flour, ghee, sugar, and cardamom, they are both easy to prepare and loved by devotees of all ages. [ Click here for the recipe ] Mathura Peda Bring the flavour of Mathura home this Janmashtami with Mathura peda. This traditional sweet is made using milk, ghee, cardamom, and either sugar or bhoora (unrefined sugar). It requires minimal ingredients and offers maximum nostalgia. [ Click here for the recipe ] Nariyal Barfi Nariyal barfi or coconut fudge is often prepared for Indian festivals. All you need is desiccated coconut, khoya, ghee, almonds, and pistachios. The result is a rich, dense sweet that is perfect for your bhog platter. Try these delicious recipes at home on the occasion of Janmashtami 2025 and add a traditional touch to your celebrations.
News18
30-07-2025
- General
- News18
August School Holidays 2025: How Many Days Will Schools Remain Closed This Month?
Last Updated: August School Holidays 2025: From celebrating sibling bonds to honoring national pride, August 2025 promises a refreshing break that coincides with cultural festivities. August School Holidays 2025: In August, schools across India will have several significant holidays for occasions such as Raksha Bandhan, Independence Day, Janmashtami, and Ganesh Chaturthi. These holidays offer students a chance to plan a long vacation where they can relax, enjoy, and spend quality time with their families. From celebrating sibling bonds to honoring national pride, August 2025 promises a refreshing break that coincides with cultural festivities. August 2025 will be an exciting month for school students in India. With festive breaks and national holidays, schools will be closed on multiple occasions, giving students time to unwind. Here's a table listing the major holidays. Raksha Bandhan Break — August 9-10 Raksha Bandhan falls on Saturday, August 9, and with Sunday following, many schools might offer a two-day holiday or even a three-day break in certain states. On this day, the state government has declared a public holiday in all government and government-affiliated offices. There will be a holiday not just in schools, and colleges, but also government offices, banks etc. On this occasion, sisters will tie Rakhi on the wrists of their brothers and the brothers will promise to protect them throughout their lives. Independence Day and Janmashtami — August 15-17 Janmashtami festival is celebrated as the birthday of Lord Shri Krishna. According to religious beliefs, by worshiping Lord Shri Krishna on this special day, a person gets happiness, prosperity and wealth. Ganesh Chaturthi — August 2 Ganesh Chaturthi is on Wednesday, August 27, providing a midweek holiday. It is often combined with the adjacent weekends for an extended break. Saturdays and Sundays Apart from these, every school or institute has its own rules regarding Saturday and Sunday holidays. Some schools are closed every Saturday, while some are closed on the second or last Saturday. Some schools have half-day classes on Saturdays. Most schools are closed on Sundays. There are five Saturdays in August 2025 (2, 9, 16, 23 and 30) and five Sundays (3, 10, 17, 24, and 31). view comments First Published: July 30, 2025, 15:57 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.
India Gazette
01-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Listening to Shrimad Bhagwat Katha shows us path of inner peace: Uttarakhand CM Dhami
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [India], July 1 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami virtually addressed the Shrimad Bhagwat Saptaah Gyan Yagna-Shrimad Bhagwat Katha organised by Jagdish Swaroop Vidyanand Ashram Trust at Bhimgoda, Haridwar, from his residence. Addressing the event, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that both the congregation of saints and Hari Katha are rare and both are obtained only by good fortune. 'Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran is not an ordinary text but is the embodiment of the divine words of Shri Krishna himself. In this, an excellent description of the four purusharthas of devotion, knowledge, detachment and religion is found,' he said. CM Dhami said that in today's era, when man is mentally and spiritually disturbed in the race of materialism, at such a time, listening to the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha shows us the path of inner peace, solutions and self-realisation. 'Today, under the leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the flag of our Sanatan culture is flying all over the world. Today, whether it is the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya, the reconstruction of Badrinath and Kedarnath Dhams, the expansion of the corridor of Baba Vishwanath or the construction of Mahakal Lok, our religious heritage is being preserved and nurtured, which is neither past nor future,' he said. The Chief Minister said that under the guidance of the Prime Minister, our government is also continuously working towards the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. He added that on one hand, the government is doing much work for the beautification of the temple areas of Kedarkhand and Manaskhand and at the same time, efforts are also being made towards the revival of Yamunatirth Sthal in Haripur Kalsi. Along with the Haridwar Rishikesh Corridor, work is also being done towards the construction of the Sharda Corridor. 'We have also established the 'Centre for Hindu Studies' in Doon University for in-depth study of Indian culture, philosophy and history. Our government is fully committed to preserving the cultural values and demography of Devbhoomi Uttarakhand,' the Chief Minister added. The Chief Minister also said that we have taken strict action against hateful mindsets like land jihad, love jihad and spit jihad in the state. Along with this, we have also implemented a strict anti-conversion law in the state. 'Under the leadership of the respected Prime Minister, to end the inequalities prevailing in the society and to ensure equal rights and justice for all, we have also done the bold work of implementing the 'Uniform Civil Code' law for the first time in the country,' he stated. (ANI)
India.com
24-06-2025
- India.com
5 Underrated Hill Stations Close To Ahmedabad For Your Next Getaway
Ahmedabad is a cultural and economical center of Gujarat and offers a great deal of markets and architecture to explore. The place is also quite famous for its unique history. What most people miss is the fact that there are some beautiful hilltops situated a few hours away from Ahmedabad. These spots are not only underrated, but also astonishingly picturesque, quiet, and serve as a magnificent getaway for all the nature enthusiasts out there. This article will highlight seven of these hill stations along with their natural beauty that are located close to Ahmedabad. 1. Pavagadh: A Fusion of Nature and History Around 150 kilometers from Ahmedabad lies the Pavanged, a great spot for history enthusiasts and nature lovers since it combines both quite beautifully. For instance, the hill station offers a dinosaur's Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, or as some may call it, the Mount Etna of India which is said to contain civilizations from the 7th century. One can hike along the Pavanged hill till the 800 meter elevation Kalika Mata Temple is reached, which has a beautiful, breathtaking site of the surrounding area. On your way up, dip yourself in greenery, marvelous panoramic views, and ancient structures. 2. Champaner: capitalus oblitus Pavagadh is in the vicinity of Champaner, one of the places which people traveling seem to overlook. Champaner was the capital of Gujarat during the reign of Sultan Mahmud Begada, and today, it features atheistic mosques, flamboyant tombstones and treasurable palaces from the 15th century. The cool climate, surreal views and delightful surroundings of Champaner makes it a great summer place to visit, away from the incessant heat of Ahmedabad. While you are there, pay a visit to the jama masjid which is considered as one of the best examples of Indo-Islamic structures built in India. Nature and history enthusiasts will take pleasure in Champaner due to the soothing nature of the site and all the treasures it has to offer. 3. Saputara: gujarat sopes selly Particularly, 250 kilometers from Ahmedabad lies Saputara, Gujarat's only recognized hill station. Saputara, which translates to 'the abode of serpents' is famously nestled in the Western Ghats. Everything about this destination is picturesque, the place has forests, waterfalls, and a set of roads that lead to viewpoints such as Sunset Point and Gira Falls. People looking for an adventure will not be disappointed, you can boat on Saputara Lake, go zip-lining, and even hike into the tribal villages nearby. Due to its very pleasant weather, the hill station provides a comforting break from the heat of summer in Ahmedabad. 4. Dakor: A Place for Pilgrimage Dakor is not a hill station but has a calming spirituality and is elevated from the rest of the region which makes it worth visiting. It is situated around 90 kilometers from Ahmedabad and is known for its Ranchhodrai Temple that is dedicated to Shri Krishna. Pilgrims from different parts of India gather here on the festival of Sharad Purnima. But, even during non-festival periods, the place is charming and quiet. The town is surrounded by hills and has agricultural fields which create a soothing environment fit for meditation. 5. Ambaji: Combining Religion and Nature Ambaji is known for its Amba Mata temple which makes it a must-visit site for those who follow Hinduism. The town is one of the Shakti Peethas and is situated at about 200 kilometers from Ahmedabad. It is located on the Arasur hills, which makes it viewable from the surrounding mountains and valleys. Also, the Gabbar hill trek is nearby and is greatly appreciated by adventure lovers who want to mix devotion with exercise. Ambaji has something in store for everyone whether they are looking for religion infused sightseeing or peace. Final Thoughts Ahmedabad has much to offer, yet a visit to nearby hill stations opens up a new aspect of the beauty of Gujarat as one gets to experience nature's creativity, deep rooted culture, and history. Each of the destinations boasts something unique ranging from the spiritual heights of Pavagadh and Ambaji to the lush greenery of Saputara and Idar. If you are a history lover, adventure seeker, or simply looking to destress, these lesser-known hill stations near Ahmedabad are certain to impress you. So, grab your suitcase and step into the car as you embark on the journey of exploring the unexplored parts of Gujarat. .
