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WATCH | ‘Foamy Yamuna’ Becomes Symbol of Devotion During Chhath Puja In Kalindi Kunj Ghat

November 5, 2024, 12:03 pm

Devotees in Delhi came together at Kalindi Kunj Ghat to observe the “Nahaye-Khaye” rituals, marking the beginning of Chhath Puja. Despite pollution creating thick foam on the river’s surface, the faithful continued their prayers, showing dedication to the annual festival. Chhath Puja, a celebration of the Sun God and river waters, holds deep significance for devotees who traditionally gather along riverbanks for rituals. This year, the foamy waters have raised concerns about pollution, yet the spirit of the festival remains undeterred. Authorities are on alert, managing crowds and monitoring environmental safety at key ghats.

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As festive season is on its peak, another startling incident happened in past, bringing attention once again to the severe pollution plaguing the Yamuna River. In a video shared widely on social media by Indian Tech & Infra, a television reporter is seen bathing himself in thick layers of white froth while on a boat ride in the Yamuna. The foam, a byproduct of untreated industrial and domestic waste mixing with river water, covered the surface in a toxic sheet, creating a surreal and unsettling scene as the reporter navigated through it.

The video has sparked concerns about the health hazards posed by such extreme pollution, especially during festive rituals that involve the river. With air quality already at alarming levels, the toxic foam in the Yamuna highlights the dual environmental crisis Delhi faces. As people prepare for Chhath Puja and other celebrations, the impact of this pollution on public health has become a pressing issue. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for environmental reforms to address the city’s ongoing battle with both air and water contamination.

Devotees Drink AC Water Mistaking It For ‘Charan Amrit’ At Banke Bihari Temple | WATCH

November 4, 2024, 12:30 pm

Devotees recently gathered at the Banke Bihari Temple in Mathura Vrindavan to drink water dripping from an elephant sculpture, mistakenly believing it to be ‘Charan Amrit,’ or holy water from Lord Krishna’s feet.

Misunderstanding at the Temple

Viral footage from the famous Banke Bihari Mandir shows numerous devotees eagerly consuming water that drips from an elephant sculpture integrated into the temple’s architecture. While some used cups to collect the liquid, others cupped their hands to catch the drops they believed were sacred.

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Serious education is needed 100%

People are drinking AC water, thinking it is ‘Charanamrit’ from the feet of God !! pic.twitter.com/bYJTwbvnNK

— ZORO (@BroominsKaBaap) November 3, 2024

According to a report from Jagran, the water that the devotees mistook for Charan Amrit was actually air conditioning discharge running from elephant-shaped tubes.

In the video captured at the Uttar Pradesh temple, a bystander is heard informing devotees that the water they were drinking was, in fact, AC water. However, many temple-goers continued to line up for the water or splash it on themselves, disregarding the warning.

Social Media Reactions

The video has garnered significant attention online, amassing 2.8 million views on X alone. Viewers reacted with surprise at the devotees’ gullibility and lamented the absence of scientific reasoning.

“A mind without scientific temper is the birthplace of myths, superstition, hate, division. It’s a threat to democracy and promotes herd mentality,” commented one user on X.

“Why does nobody stop for a second and even think about what’s happening here? Such a herd mentality,” another user remarked.

The video also prompted a caution from The Liver Doc, who warned followers against drinking AC water, stating, “Cooling and air conditioning systems are breeding grounds for many types of infections including fungus, some really hellish.”

The incident drew comparisons to a 2012 event involving a Weeping crucifix in Mumbai, where water appeared to flow from the feet of a crucified Jesus statue. Many devotees flocked to the site, believing it to be a miracle, until it was later revealed that the water was the result of a faulty sewage system.

Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Devotees Flock To Temples In Nationwide Celebrations | Watch

September 7, 2024, 12:05 pm

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across India to honor Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati.

This year, the festival spans ten days, starting on September 6 and concluding on September 17. During this period, devotees bring Lord Ganesha idols into their homes, offer prayers and sweets, and seek blessings. The festival culminates with a grand public procession on Anant Chaturdashi, where the idols are immersed (Ganesh Visarjan) in rivers or the sea.

Iconic Temples

On Saturday, devotees gathered at various temples across different cities to offer prayers. The Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai, known for its grandeur and the unwavering faith of its visitors, saw a significant turnout. Located in Putalabai Chawl and celebrated at the Lalbaug Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal, this iconic pandal continues to attract large crowds.

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#WATCH | Maharashtra: Devotees throng and offer prayers at Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai on the occasion of #GaneshChaturthi pic.twitter.com/ri7OZAQBf0

— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024

Watch:

VIDEO | People throng Lalbaugcha Raja, Mumbai’s most famous Ganesh idol, for darshan on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.#GaneshChaturthi2024 #Ganeshotsav #LalbaugchaRaja2024

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/DLYPYrwyrJ

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 7, 2024

Also See: Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Must-Visit Ganesh Temples Across India

In Nagpur, morning ‘aarti’ and prayers were performed with devotion at the Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi, marking the start of the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities.

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#WATCH | Maharashtra: Morning ‘aarti’ and prayers being performed at the Shri Ganesh Mandir Tekdi in Nagpur, on #GaneshChaturthi festival. pic.twitter.com/jnWyQhPXVj

— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024

Similarly, at the Vastrapur Na Mahaganpati Temple in Ahmedabad, morning rituals were conducted to celebrate Ganeshotsav.

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#WATCH | Gujarat: Morning ‘aarti’ and prayers being performed at the Vastrapur Na Mahaganpati Temple in Ahmedabad on #GaneshChaturthi festival. pic.twitter.com/uv2XLgPsUk

— ANI (@ANI) September 7, 2024

The Shri Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, known for its historical significance and as a major pilgrimage site, held morning ‘aarti’ and prayers for the festival. Thousands of devotees gather here annually to seek blessings.

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#WATCH Maharashtra: Morning ‘aarti’ and prayers being performed at the Shri Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai on #GaneshChaturthi festival. pic.twitter.com/uZIFQijy6h

— ANI (@ANI) September 6, 2024

Also Read: Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: 5 places To Witness The Biggest Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations Across India

In Pune, people flocked to the Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple, celebrated for its grand idol and vibrant festivities. The temple, a renowned pilgrimage site, witnessed large numbers of devotees participating in religious ceremonies.

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VIDEO | Maharashtra: People throng Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati temple in Pune on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.#GaneshChaturthi2024

(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/4ATRmPYX4w

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 7, 2024

Eco-Friendly Celebrations and Appeals

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, in a statement on the eve of the festival, urged people to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi in an eco-friendly manner. He extended his greetings and expressed hope that the elephant-headed lord would bless everyone. Shinde emphasized that Maharashtra’s rich heritage and culture are on full display during this festival and called on people to preserve its legacy.

Also Read: Bombay High Court Orders Maharashtra to Ban Plaster of Paris Ganesh Idols for Cleaner Ganpati Visarjan

Ganeshotsav in Mumbai: Public Celebrations

In Mumbai, more than 2,500 Ganesh mandals and countless households will be celebrating the ten-day festival. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation reported receiving 3,358 applications from Ganesh mandals, which are groups that celebrate the festival in public places. As of Friday, permission had been granted to 2,635 mandals to set up pandals, while around 300 applications were still pending approval.

Security Measures in Pune

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar assured the public on Friday that all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and peaceful Ganeshotsav in the city. He mentioned that 22 police help centers have been established, along with heavy security arrangements, including traffic regulations and crowd management. A total of 7,000 police officers and personnel, including SRPF and QRT teams, have been deployed to handle any situation that may arise during the festival.

Devotees Flock to ISKCON Temples Across India to Celebrate Shri Krishna Janmashtami

August 26, 2024, 9:54 am

Devotees across the country flocked to ISKCON temples on Monday to celebrate Shri Krishna Janmashtami, offering prayers to Lord Krishna. Vrajendra Nandan Das, ISKCON National Communications Director and Vice President of the East of Kailash temple, announced that the ‘Maha Arti’ would take place at midnight.

At the ISKCON Temple in East of Kailash, thousands of devotees gathered to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birthday with great enthusiasm and devotion. Special aartis were also performed at ISKCON temples in Dwarka and Chowpatty, as well as at the Shri Lakshmi Narayan Temple, also known as the Birla Temple, in the morning.

Vrajendra Nandan Das shared that ISKCON is celebrating Shri Krishna Janmashtami globally. He mentioned, “As soon as the doors of ISKCON Delhi opened today at 4:30 pm, thousands of devotees thronged the temple to catch a glimpse of the deity. The ‘Maha Abhishek’ will begin at 9:30 pm, followed by the offering of ‘Chhappan Bhog’ to Lord Krishna at 11 pm. The ‘Maha Arti’ will be held at midnight. We expect more than 500,000 devotees to offer their prayers today.”

He urged devotees to follow the teachings of Lord Krishna and the Bhagavad Gita for prosperity and progress. “The youth of today should stay away from drugs and refrain from consuming non-vegetarian food. People should engage in activities that bring happiness to others around the world,” he added.

In Mathura, the Shri Krishna Janmasthan temple held a morning aarti to mark the occasion. Women devotees expressed their joy by chanting songs dedicated to Lord Krishna. Speaking on the security arrangements for Krishna Janmashtami at Mathura’s Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Mathura Superintendent (Security) Bajrang Bali Chaurasia stated that over 2,000 security personnel have been deployed in the area. He mentioned that drones are being used to enhance safety measures.

In an interview, Chaurasia detailed the security setup: “More than 2,000 security personnel have been deployed, and the entire region has been divided into three zones, each supervised by an additional SP. Proper parking arrangements have been made, and Gate No. 3 is the designated entry point for devotees. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also be visiting. Teams from the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), commandos, and fire services are also on duty, and drones are being used to ensure security and safety.”

The sound of bells, mridangs, and conch shells echoed through the Radha Krishna campus temples on Monday. In Ahmedabad, large numbers of devotees gathered at ISKCON Temple to celebrate Shri Krishna Janmashtami.

Krishna Janmashtami, celebrated on August 26 this year, is observed nationwide with fasting, and decorating temples and homes with flowers, diyas, and lights. The festival is particularly grand in Mathura and Vrindavan, where it is believed that Krishna spent his childhood and youth.

Unique Bhopal Temple Where Devotees Offer Slippers and Shoes to Goddess

July 11, 2024, 3:23 pm

In most temples, you have to remove your slippers and shoes before entering. But in Bhopal, there’s a unique temple where devotees actually offer slippers and shoes to the Goddess. This may sound strange, but it’s true.

The Devi Maa Temple, also known as Jijabai Mata Mandir or Pahadi Wali Mata Mandir, is located on a hill on Kolar Road in Banjari. The idol of Goddess Siddhidatri is installed here, and she is worshipped as a daughter. Devotees bring new slippers and sandals as gifts for her. Even those living abroad send new footwear for the Goddess.

To reach the temple, you need to climb about 125 steps. The temple was established more than 25 years ago, and the tradition of offering footwear has continued since then. According to the temple priest, Om Prakash, he performed the marriage ritual of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati before the temple was built. He claims to have done the Kanyadaan ritual for Goddess Parvati, treating her as his daughter. The idol of Goddess Siddhidatri is installed as a child avatar, and devotees offer her everything they would give to a child, including glasses, watches, and umbrellas.

When the temple priest feels the Goddess is unhappy, he changes her clothes two or three times a day. In the past 25 years, more than 1.5 million clothes, slippers, and other items have been offered to Mata Rani. During Navratri, the temple sees a huge crowd of devotees.

This unique temple in Bhopal shows a different way of worship and devotion, where the Goddess is loved and treated like a daughter.

Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: Devotees Gather In Large Numbers, Watch

July 7, 2024, 7:54 am

With great excitement, Ahmedabad hosts the start of the Jagannath Rath Yatra. There are lots of devotees present. The much anticipated yearly Jagannath Rath Yatra, an important Indian belief and celebration, is all set.

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#WATCH | Gujarat: Jagannath Rath Yatra begins in Ahmedabad with much fanfare. Devotees gather in large numbers. pic.twitter.com/b8L3osn9Mq

— ANI (@ANI) July 7, 2024

Preparations and Rituals

Preparations for the Rath Yatra start several months in advance. The construction of the chariots is a complex process involving skilled artisans and craftsmen. Three chariots are built each year, one for each deity: Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra. The chariot of Lord Jagannath, called Nandighosa, is the largest, followed by Taladhwaja for Lord Balabhadra and Darpadalana for Devi Subhadra.

Approximately 14 days before the Rath Yatra, a series of important rituals are performed. One of the most notable is the Snana Yatra, where the deities are bathed with 108 pots of water. This ritual is believed to cause the deities to fall ill due to the excess water, leading to a period of isolation known as Anasara, during which devotees are unable to see them.

Historical Roots and Rituals of Rath Yatra

The Rath Yatra in Puri is a revered festival with roots tracing back to ancient times, as mentioned in the Puranas. The enormous chariots used in the Rath Yatra are meticulously crafted, a process that takes months. These chariots, adorned with intricate sculpting and carving, serve as the vehicles for three deities during the festival.

The Rath Yatra reenacts the journey of Lord Jagannath, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna, to his maternal aunt’s home, Gundicha Mandir.

Easter celebrations across India, churches overflow with prayers

March 31, 2024, 10:57 am

Easter is being celebrated nationwide, with congregations gathering at churches to offer prayers on this sacred occasion. This holiday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which takes place after his crucifixion on Good Friday.

Devotees came together at Sacred Hearts Cathedral in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, to offer Easter Sunday prayers. Similarly, Easter prayers were conducted at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Delhi, where the cathedral was adorned with lights, and worshippers lit candles and prayed.

Midnight prayers were observed at Velankanni Church in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu. In Thiruvananthapuram, devotees gathered at St. Joseph’s Latin Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral Palayam to offer their prayers on Easter Sunday. St. Teresa’s Church in Kolkata also held prayers to mark the occasion.

In Panaji, Goa, worshippers gathered at Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church to celebrate Easter. In Mumbai, prayers were offered at St. Michael’s Church in anticipation of Easter Sunday.

While many associate Easter with chocolate eggs, lambs, and bunnies, these are folk traditions. The true significance of the day lies in celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, Easter marks the third day after Jesus’ crucifixion, symbolizing his resurrection from the dead.

Char Dham attracts over 20 lakh devotees, says Uttarakhand govt

June 4, 2023, 3:27 pm

According to authorities on Sunday, the ongoing Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand has witnessed over 20 lakh devotees visiting the Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri shrines, with registrations from over 40 lakh pilgrims for the Yatra.

According to the government, a maximum of 7.13 lakh devotees have visited Baba KedarNath since the yatra started on 17 May, 2023.

Earlier, Uttarakhand Police said the number of pilgrims who went on the Char Dham Yatra had crossed 15 lakh as of 27 May.

These included 3,12,422 from Gangotri, 2,82,857 from Yamunotri, 5,37,065 from Kedarnath, 4,39,782 from Badrinath, and 8,551 from Hemkund Sahib, as per the government officials statements.

The Char Dham Yatra began on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya on 22 April.

Doors of Kedarnath Dham open to devotees

April 25, 2023, 6:55 am

The gates of Kedarnath Dham were opened to devotees on Tuesday morning to the sounds of shloka (Hindu ritual) chanting and enthusiastic drumming.
The residence of Lord Shiva was adorned with 20 quintals of flowers before to the opening of one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the nation. However, due to severe snowfall on the pilgrimage route and a weather warning from the Met department, the Uttarakhand government has suspended accepting registration requests from travellers for the Kedarnath Dham Yatra.

The Kedarnath Dham route experienced a lot of snow, according to an alert from the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
An official statement predicts that Kedarghati’s weather will continue to be unfavourable this week. “For the upcoming week, Kedarghati’s weather is predicted to be terrible. The state government has halted the registration of visits to Kedarnath Dham following a warning from the meteorological department. The administration has faced challenges as a result of Kedarnath’s significant snowfall, according to the statement.
The Meteorological Department’s warning and the three to four feet of snow that have fallen on the Kedarnath walking route and Dham have caused the registration of pilgrims for the pilgrimage to be suspended, it continued.

Meanwhile, the first batch of devotees left Haridwar for the Char Dham Yatra on Saturday.
The Yatra began from Yamunotri Dham on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya.

Amarnath Yatra 2023 to commence from July 1; registration begins today

April 17, 2023, 1:08 pm

According to the officials, registration for the 62-day Shri Amarnathji Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir started on Monday.The Union Territory government announced that the Yatra will start on July 1 of this year and end on August 31, 2023.

Both the Pahalgam track in the Anantnag district and the Baltal track in the Ganderbal district have begun accepting registrations. Both offline and online registration are now open.The offline registration can be done in 542 bank branches across the country including 316 branches of Punjab National Bank, 90 branches of J-K, 37 branches of Yes Bank and 99 branches of SBI Bank, the officials said.

Meanwhile, this year a new feature in registration is Aadhar-based registration in which a thumb scan of Pilgrim will be taken for registration.As per the guidelines, individuals aged between 13-70 can register themselves for Amarnathji Yatra 2023 and for all pilgrimage health certificate is a must. Women with a pregnancy of 6 weeks or more are not allowed to undertake the yatra.

On March 14, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, while announcing the dates for the holy pilgrimage, said that the administration is committed to ensuring a smooth and hassle-free pilgrimage.