Makara Sankranti is one of the most auspicious and widely celebrated festivals in India. Observed every year in mid-January, the festival marks the transition of the Sun into Makara Rashi (Capricorn), beginning the Sun’s northward journey known as Uttarayana. In 2026, Makara Sankranti will be celebrated on Thursday January 15 across most parts of India. Unlike many Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makara Sankranti is based on the solar calendar

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, denounced the lynching of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das, who was beaten to death in Mymensingh after being accused of making derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad. The government said there is no place for violence in a New Bangladesh and assured that those responsible for the killing will face strict legal action. The attack took place on Thursday night in Dubalia Para, where residents allegedly confronted Dipu before fata

Why elders repeat themselves Elders often repeat the same stories not because they forget they’ve told them before, but because those moments remain deeply etched in their memories. The events they narrate may have shaped their identity, values, or relationships, and retelling them is their way of reliving those precious experiences. For them, these stories are not just words but emotional anchors

In a country like India, where food and craftsmanship are more than just skills—they are inherited traditions—there’s a growing debate about whether artificial intelligence (AI) is preserving or dismantling these cherished practices. From voice-assisted cooking apps to AI-driven design tools for embroidery and sculpture, technology is entering kitchens and artisan workshops at an unprecedented pace. But is it a boon or a threat? Let’s start with cooking—an

A recent rath yatra procession held in Toronto has sparked diplomatic concern after a video surfaced online allegedly showing eggs thrown at the religious gathering. The incident, which occurred during the annual chariot procession dedicated to Lord Jagannath, has prompted India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to issue a formal response, describing the act as “regrettable” and urging Canadian authorities to take appropriate action against those involved.

Chaturmasya: A Sacred Four-Month Period of Devotion, Discipline and Diet in Hinduism Chaturmasya, derived from the Sanskrit words “chatur” (four) and “masya” (month), is a sacred period of spiritual retreat and disciplined living in Hinduism. Spanning four months during the Indian monsoon, Chaturmasya begins on Shayani Ekadashi in Ashadha (June–July) and ends on Prabodhini Ekadashi in Kartika (October–November). This period is mar

Mother’s Day is more than just an annual celebration it is a heartfelt opportunity to honor the strength, grace, and unconditional love that defines motherhood. In Indian culture, where tradition and emotion often go hand-in-hand, gifting a saree becomes a gesture of lasting meaning. A saree is not merely a piece of clothing; it is a living expression of heritage, emotion, and timeless beauty. Whether worn during festivals, religious rituals, or family gatherings, the saree tells the st

Every year, the world takes a special moment to celebrate the selfless love, dedication, and sacrifices of mothers and motherly figures through Mother’s Day. Though mothers deserve to be cherished every day, this occasion offers an opportunity to show appreciation for their efforts in nurturing families and building lives. From grandmothers and guardians to foster moms and nannies, this day is for all those who take on the role of a mother. In a world driven by schedules and deadlines,

Akshaya Tritiya 2025, one of the most revered and spiritually significant days in the Hindu calendar, will be celebrated this year on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Observed annually on the third tithi of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Vaisakha, the day is also known as Akti or Akha Teej. It is marked by a strong belief that any good deed performed on this day—be it charity, religious rituals, or financial investments like buying gol

Ugadi, also spelled as Yugadi, marks the beginning of the New Year as per the Luni-Solar calendar. It is one of the most significant festivals celebrated in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. The festival not only signals the onset of a new year but is also observed as a harvest festival, celebrating abundance, renewal, and spiritual prosperity. In 2025, Ugadi falls on March 30. According to Hindu Panchang, the Prati

Holika Dahan, also known as Holika Deepak or Chhoti Holi, is a revered Hindu festival celebrated on the eve of Holi. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil, symbolized by the burning of an effigy representing the mythical demoness Holika. It is observed on the full moon night of the Phalgun month as per the Hindu calendar. This year, Holika Dahan falls on Thursday, March 13, 2025, with the auspicious Holika Dahan Muhurta scheduled between 11:26 PM and 12:31 AM (March 14).

Masan Holi is one of Varanasi's most intriguing and spiritually significant festivals, celebrated in a way that deeply connects to the city's profound devotion to Lord Shiva. Unlike traditional Holi celebrations filled with vibrant colors and gulal, Masan Holi is played using pyre ashes — a symbolic practice believed to offer blessings, prosperity, and the grace of Lord Shiva.   When is Masan Holi 2025 Celebrated? In 2025, Masan

Mumbai, India – February 21, 2025: India’s Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 has become the largest congregation in human history for a religious, cultural, and social event, attracting more than 550 million devotees in just six weeks. Hosted in the northern city of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, this grand Hindu festival has surpassed all previous records, making it one of the most significant religious gatherings ever witnessed.The Kumbh Mela, held every 12 years, carries deep spiritual meaning f

 The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Board, under the leadership of Chairman B.R. Naidu, has initiated a major personnel overhaul by transferring 18 non-Hindu employees. This action follows concerns raised by Hindu devotees about the promotion of non-Hindu activities, such as the availability of non-vegetarian food, alcohol, and drugs on the sacred Tirumala Hills, which some employees allegedly abetted.The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with many devotees expressing satisfact

As the New Year 2025 approaches, many cultures around the world celebrate with traditional foods believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and happiness for the year ahead. From lentils to fish, these foods symbolize various aspects of wealth, health, and good fortune. Whether you're looking to add a bit of cultural flavor to your celebrations or simply want to try something new, here are some popular New Year's foods from across the globe that are said to bring good luck. 8

The question of where Santa Claus lives has sparked a variety of claims from countries across the globe. Finland, for instance, touts Korvatunturi in Lapland as Santa's home, drawing tourists to the region. Denmark points to Greenland, Sweden suggests Mora, and all these locations are close to the North Pole, contributing to the myth of a snowy Santa home. However, this image of Santa as a jolly man with reindeer and a sleigh was not always so cheerful. Historically, European fo

Bangladesh summoned India's High Commissioner to Dhaka after the closure of its visa and consular services in Tripura, India, due to a security incident involving a protest in Agartala. The protest, which occurred against the arrest of Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das, led to about 50 people entering the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission's premises. The Bangladeshi government expressed concerns over the lack of local police action to contain the situation, which left mission staff fe

Sheikh Hasina, the ousted prime minister of Bangladesh, has strongly condemned the arrest of a Hindu priest and the violence in the country that followed. She demanded the immediate release of the arrested Hindu priest, describing the action as unjust. Hasina also spoke out about the death of a lawyer in Chittagong, who was killed during clashes related to the protest over the priest’s arrest. She condemned the rise in religious and communal violence, pointing out that temples, mosques,

On Tuesday, India condemned the arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a prominent Hindu priest and leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in Bangladesh, calling for the protection of religious minorities in the country. Chandan Kumar Dhar, also known as Chinmoy Krishna Das, was arrested on Monday afternoon at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. A Dh