Rakhi Hand Guide: Which Wrist Should You Tie Rakhi On? Raksha Bandhan celebrates the bond of love, care and support between siblings, but one practical question often comes up before the ceremony: which hand should the Rakhi be tied on? This Rakhi hand guide explains the traditional right wrist custom, why the right hand has ritual significance, how Lumba Rakhi differs and when using the left wrist is perfectly reasonable.

Rakhi Thali Decoration at Home: Items, Ideas and Easy Steps Easy Rakhi thali decoration at home can make the Raksha Bandhan ceremony feel more personal without requiring expensive craft supplies. A traditional Rakhi puja plate usually brings together the rakhi, roli, akshat, diya and sweets, while flowers, fabric and simple handmade details add festive character. Items

Bhai Dooj vs Raksha Bandhan Differences: Rituals and Meaning Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj celebrate the bond between brothers and sisters, but they are not the same festival. Bhai Dooj vs Raksha Bandhan differences can be seen in their rites, dates, myths, meaning and customs. One centers on tying a rakhi, while the other is marked by a sacred tilak and prayers for a brother’s well-being. Rites

Onam 2026 date guide explains the Date, Kerala celebrations, traditional Customs, famous Sadya and cultural Meaning of one of India's most colourful harvest festivals. Onam brings Malayali families together through Pookalam decorations, traditional attire, festive meals, music, dance and celebrations honouring King Mahabali. Date The main day of Onam in 2026 is Thiruvonam, which falls on Wednes

Varalakshmi Vratam is a Hindu observance dedicated to Goddess Varalakshmi, a form of Lakshmi associated with prosperity, auspiciousness and family well-being. Observed especially in South India, the vratam brings together Lakshmi worship, Kalasha puja, traditional offerings and prayers for the welfare of the household. Varalakshmi Vratam meaning and significa

Guru Purnima 2026 will be celebrated across India on Wednesday, July 29, to honour teachers, spiritual masters and mentors. The festival falls on Ashadha Purnima and is associated with Maharishi Veda Vyasa, the Adiyogi tradition and India’s ancient guru-shishya relationship. Guru Purnima 2026 date and time in India Guru Purnima will be celebrated in India on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The f

Ekadashi Calendar 2026 Ekadashi is observed twice in most lunar months and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The supplied 2026 calendar begins with Papmochani Ekadashi in March and ends with Mokshada or Vaikuntha Ekadashi in December. Each fast falls in either Krishna Paksha or Shukla Paksha and follows a defined Tithi window.

Dates: Yogini Ekadashi was observed on Friday, July 10, 2026, while Devshayani Ekadashi falls on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Ekadashi in July 2026 Dates and Timings July 2026 includes two major Ekadashi observances dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Yogini Ekadashi falls during the Krishna Paksha of the Ashadha month, while Devshayani Ekadashi is observed during Ashadha Shukla Paksha. Yogini Ekadashi 2026 timings:

Amarnath and Vaishno Devi Yatras were suspended from July 19 after an IMD weather advisory warned of widespread rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities halted pilgrim movement as a precaution and will resume the journeys only after reviewing weather and route safety. Amarnath Yatra Suspended on Both Routes Authorities temporarily suspended the Shri Amarnathji Yatra from July 19 following the Jam

Ashada Masam 2026 begins on July 15 and ends with Amavasya on August 12. The Telugu lunar month is known as Shunya Masam, yet it remains spiritually important for Bonalu, Rath Yatra, Gupt Navratri, Toli Ekadashi, Chaturmasya and Guru Purnima festivals. Ashada Masam is the fourth month in the traditional Telugu lunar calendar and holds an important place in Hindu religious customs. Although many families avoid weddings, housewarming ceremonies and other auspicious ev

Varahi Navratri is a sacred period dedicated to Maa Varahi, the protective warrior form of Divine Shakti. This guide explains the 2026 dates, Varahi vrat vidhan, nine forms, fasting practices, Satvik food, mantra worship and traditionally believed benefits. Varahi Navratri 2026 dates and significance Varahi Navratri, also called Ashadha Gupt Navratri, begins on July 15, 2026. The main Navratri observance contin

The Amarnath Cave story connects Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, the Amar Katha and a mysterious pair of immortal pigeons. Here is the traditional account behind the sacred Himalayan cave and its naturally forming ice Shiva Lingam. Deep in the Indian Himalayas, Amarnath Cave is revered as the place where Lord Shiva is believed to have revealed the secret of immortality to Goddess Parvati. The sacred cave in Jammu and Kashmir is a

TTD has suspended VIP break darshan on select days from July 14 to September 23 for major temple rituals and festivals, including Brahmotsavams. TTD suspends VIP break darshan on key festival days The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has announced the suspension of VIP break darshan on several important ritual and festival days between July 14 and September 23, 2026, at the Sri Venkateswara temple in Tirumala. The restrictions are being introduced to facil

A rare handwritten copy of the Sikh sacred scripture linked to Punjab’s royal-era history has been identified in long-held academic archives in Scotland. The document, preserved for decades without public attention, is believed to date back roughly three centuries and is associated with collections once connected to Sikh aristocratic custodianship during the pre-colonial and colonial transition period. From forgotten record to verified heritage object Researchers examining archival holdings in Edinburgh traced the manuscript during a wider study of South Asian religious texts preserved in British institutions. Initial catalog entries did not clearly reflect its significance, but further examination confirmed it as a complete or near-complete handwritten version of the revered Sikh scripture. This reassessment changed its status from overlooked archival material to a culturally significant heritage object. Careful restoration and preservation process Specialist conservators in Scotland undertook detailed restoration work to stabilize the fragile pages and ink. Centuries of storage had weakened the manuscript, making handling risky. Preservation efforts focused on ensuring structural stability while maintaining original integrity, allowing the text to be viewed without causing further deterioration. The process took an extended period due to the delicate condition of the material. Journey across continents and historical custody Historical records suggest the manuscript left Punjab during a turbulent period when royal and religious collections were dispersed under colonial administration. Over time, it entered institutional custody in Britain, eventually becoming part of academic archives. Its journey reflects a broader pattern of cultural objects from South Asia being relocated and stored in European collections, often with limited documentation of their origins. Public darshan at Glasgow gurdwara The restored manuscript has now been placed for controlled public viewing at a Sikh place of worship in Glasgow. Devotees are being allowed to observe the scripture under strict preservation guidelines that balance respect for religious practice with conservation requirements. The arrangement enables spiritual engagement while ensuring the artifact remains protected. Community response and cultural significance Members of the Sikh community in Scotland have described the display as emotionally meaningful, viewing it as a reconnection with historical identity and heritage. The presence of the manuscript has also sparked interest among researchers and visitors, highlighting the importance of rediscovering and reassessing archival collections that may hold significant cultural and religious value.

What Does Muharram Mean? The word "Muharram" comes from the Arabic term "Al-Muharram," which means "forbidden" or "sacred." The month derives its name from the prohibition of warfare and bloodshed during this sacred period. Islam recognizes four sacred months in the lunar calendar: Muharram Rajab Dhul Qa'dah Dhul Hijjah These months are considered especially holy, and Muslims are encour

Maa Kamakhya Temple and Ambubachi Mela Observance Maa Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam, is one of the most revered Shakti Peeths in India and is globally known for the Ambubachi Mela. The event symbolizes the annual ritual associated with the Goddess Kamakhya and represents fertility, feminine power, and natural cycles. During this time, the temple follows a strict

Mutalik Objects To KS Bhagawan’s Lord Rama Statement In Karnataka Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Mutalik has criticised writer KS Bhagawan over a recent statement linked to Lord Rama. Mutalik said Bhagawan should avoid making remarks that may affect religious sentiments and disturb public harmony. He said statements that undermine the faith of devotees should not be made in the name of public debate. Mutalik also argued that such comments go against the sp

Genomic analysis of the Shroud of Turin, a 4.4‑meter linen cloth long associated with Jesus Christ, has revealed that nearly 40% of the human dna traces on the fabric correspond to indian lineage dna. Researchers at the University of Padova in Italy conducted advanced environmental dna (eDNA) tests on dust and linen fibers from the relic. The scientists detected genetic markers linked to the Indian subcontinent, as well as botanical dna traces, including co

What is Telangana Formation Day? Telangana Formation Day is celebrated annually on June 2 to mark the official creation of Telangana as India’s 29th state in 2014. The day honors decades of struggle for separate statehood, paying tribute to the sacrifices of activists, students, and citizens who fought for governance, development, and recognition of Telangana’s unique identity. Key Poi

Bakrid, also known as Eid al-Adha, will be celebrated on May 28, 2026 in India, following moon sighting confirmations in different states. The festival commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion, highlighting his willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God. Observed worldwide, Bakrid emphasizes faith, charity, and community unity, and is considered one of the two major Islamic festivals. Key Points: Bakrid 2026 falls on May