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

Dr Kanike Priyanka, a 28-year-old postgraduate medical student who was critically injured in a hit-and-run incident in Rajamahendravaram, died at KIMS Hospital in Secunderabad on Sunday, August 9. Priyanka, a postgraduate student at GSL Medical College, sustained severe injuries in the incident near Prasad Aditya Mall on August 3. She was travelling as a pillion rider on a two-wheeler with a friend when a car allegedly rammed into their vehicle. Police Detail Alleged Inci

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

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

The alleged donation theft controversy surrounding the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has reopened an old and politically sensitive debate over who should manage some of India’s most prominent temples. As questions are raised about accountability and security at the shrine, attention has once again turned to an episode from more than four decades ago, when a major theft at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi eventually led to a complete change in its admin

A tragic incident occurred on Saturday, 27 June 2026, during a Muharram fire-walking ritual in Ballari district, where a 28-year-old participant lost his life after suffering severe burn injuries. The accident took place during a traditional fire pit event in Kurugodu taluk, leading to shock and grief in the local community.  Ritual event

Marine artist Robert Wyland has filed a federal lawsuit over the removal of his downtown Dallas whale mural, turning a public art dispute into a legal fight tied to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Downtown Dallas Whale Mural Lawsuit Centers on Artist Rights The lawsuit names FIFA, FIFA-related entities, 3PZ Property Company, LLC, and Slate Asset Management as defendants. Wyland alleges that his mural was painted over without notice, consultatio

A heatwave red alert has been issued for parts of Uttar Pradesh today, May 22, 2026, as severe to very severe heat conditions continue to affect several districts. The warning is especially important for residents of Banda, Chitrakoot, Kaushambi, Prayagraj, Fatehpur, Pratapgarh, Mirzapur, Varanasi, Bhadohi and Jaunpur. These districts are expected to face dangerous daytime heat, dry winds and very uncomfortable weather conditions through the afternoon. In many areas, the heat is not

PM Narendra Modi launches new Amrit Bharat Express trains, providing direct rail connectivity between Varanasi–Pune and Ayodhya–Mumbai to boost travel and tourism. Marking a major boost to India’s rail infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, flagged off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, strengthening d

A team of Indian researchers has identified a crucial genetic mechanism that allows pregnancy to begin, marking a major advance in reproductive biology. The study, published in Cell Death Discovery, reveals how two genes work in opposition to regulate the moment an embryo successfully implants into the uterine lining. Scientists from NIRRCH in Mumbai, IISc in Bengaluru and BHU in Varanasi collaborated to investigate why the uterus becomes receptive only for a brief window, and what determines

Karthika Masam 2025 starts on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, and ends on Thursday, November 20, 2025. The important days include Karthika Somavaram dates, Prabodhini Ekadasi, Dwadashi, Karthika Pournami, Utpanna Ekadasi and Karthika Amavasya. The month is considered highly auspicious for Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu worship. Devotees observe fasting, light deepams, perform Karthika Snanam, visit temples and follow Ekadasi and Somavaram vratam during this period. Karth

Navaratri 2025 will be celebrated from September 22 to October 1, with Vijayadashami on October 2. Dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms, Navaratri is one of the most auspicious festivals in India. Every day of Navaratri is marked by a specific goddess, symbolic color, unique alankaram, meaningful pooja, and prasadam offered to devotees. The prasadam, considered as the blessings of the goddess, plays a vital role in connecting faith with food. Be

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent schedule reflects a blend of outreach, infrastructure acceleration, and security-focused reviews across multiple states. In Manipur, during his first visit since ethnic violence began, he met displaced families in Churachandpur, called for reconciliation between hills and valley, and announced projects aimed at restoring normalcy and rebuilding public trust. The launch and foundation-laying of initiatives worth sever

Indian actor Jr NTR, who has earned global attention through his performances in Telugu cinema and his recent Bollywood debut, met United States Consul General Laura Williams in Hyderabad. The meeting highlighted not only his film career but also the growing cultural and creative ties between India and the United States. Williams shared her thoughts publicly, appreciating the actor’s projects filmed in the US and underlining how such ventures contribute to economic and cultural partners

Varalakshmi Vratam 2025 will be celebrated on Friday, August 8, by millions of Hindu women across India and abroad. This sacred festival, observed on the Friday before the full moon in the Shravana month, is considered highly auspicious for seeking the blessings of Goddess Mahalakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu and the deity of wealth, fortune, and well-being. This vratam is especially popular in the southern states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana,

Sravana Masam 2025, one of the most spiritually powerful months in the Hindu calendar, begins on Friday, July 25, 2025, and ends on Saturday, August 23, 2025. It is considered highly sacred for performing various vratams, pujas, and devotional practices. The month is devoted to both Lord Shiva and Goddess Lakshmi, with devotees performing rituals with great faith and discipline. Women, in particular, observe multiple vratams d

On the first Monday of the holy month of Sawan, a deep spiritual energy enveloped the city of Varanasi as lakhs of devotees thronged the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to perform Jalabhishek and offer prayers to Lord Shiva. The sacred city, long revered as one of India’s most prominent pilgrimage destinations, transformed into a vibrant hub of devotion as the month of Shravan began with elaborate spiritual celebrations. The atmosphere was charged with emotion and reverence as th

Four schools from India have been named among the top 10 global finalists for the 2025 World's Best School Prizes, hosted by UK-based T4 Education. These annual awards celebrate schools making extraordinary contributions in education, innovation, health, environment, and community development. This year's Indian finalists represent the states of Haryana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh, each standing out in one of the five prize categories.

Indian-American entrepreneur and Republican politician Vivek Ramaswamy recently took to social media to share a heartfelt message celebrating his 10th wedding anniversary with wife Apoorva. However, what should have been a touching tribute to their love story quickly turned into a target for online hate, as users posted a barrage of racist and anti-immigrant remarks, many of them telling the couple to “go back to India.” In his anniversary post on X , Ramaswamy shared tw

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) president N Chandrababu Naidu kickstarted the party’s annual Mahanadu conclave in Kadapa with a powerful speech outlining the party’s legacy, achievements, and futuristic vision for the state and the nation. Speaking on the first day of the three-day event, Naidu highlighted the TDP's pivotal role in influencing national policy and setting benchmarks in welfare, reforms, and development. Addressing a massive