As President Murmu extends warm greetings to the people of India and abroad on various festivals including Vaisakhi, Vishu, Bishub, Bahag Bihu, Poila Boishakh, Vaishakhadi, and Puthandu, she highlights the importance of these cultural expressions in promoting unity, harmony, and brotherhood. She also acknowledges the hard work of farmers and wishes for prosperity and peace for everyone. The celebration of these festivals is a reminder of our diverse cultural heritage and the significance of social harmony.
Baisakhi: A Celebration of Harvest and New Beginnings
Baisakhi, also known as Vaisakhi, is a significant festival celebrated in North India and by the Sikh community worldwide. It marks the beginning of the harvest season and the Sikh New Year.
Background:
Baisakhi has its roots in ancient times when it was celebrated as a harvest festival by farmers. The Sikh community later adopted it as their New Year's Day in 1699 when Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa, the Sikh warrior brotherhood.
Celebrations:
Baisakhi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor. The day begins with prayers in gurdwaras (Sikh temples). Farmers offer their first produce to the deity, seeking blessings for a bountiful harvest.
Traditional dances, such as the bhangra and gidda, are performed to celebrate the occasion. People also gather for festive parades and fairs.
Significance:
Cultural Heritage: Baisakhi is a showcase of India's rich cultural and religious diversity. It symbolizes the unity and harmony among different communities.
Agricultural Importance: The festival holds great significance for farmers, as it marks the start of the harvest season and prayers for a successful crop.
Sikhism: For Sikhs, Baisakhi is a sacred day that commemorates the birth of the Khalsa and the establishment of the Sikh faith.
Top 5 FAQs:
1. When is Baisakhi celebrated? Ans: April 13 or 14 every year.
2. Is Baisakhi a national holiday? Ans: Yes, it is a national holiday in India.
3. What are the traditional dances performed on Baisakhi? Ans: Bhangra and gidda.
4. What is the significance of the Khalsa flag (Nishan Sahib)? Ans: The Khalsa flag represents the Sikh warrior spirit and is raised during Baisakhi celebrations.
5. What is the current President of India's message for Baisakhi? Ans: President Murmu extended warm greetings to the people of India and abroad, highlighting the importance of these cultural expressions in promoting unity, harmony, and brotherhood.
Enjoy your daily dose of news and entertainment with the January 13, 2025 e-Paper, featuring books of the week, reviews, excerpts, new titles, features, and news and reviews from the world of cinema and streaming. Stay informed with "Data Point" as it decodes the headlines with facts, figures, and numbers, and also get expert advice on health and wellness with "Health Matters." Additionally, "The View from India" provides a unique perspective on world affairs, "Science for All" makes science accessible and fun, "Karnataka Today" brings you the top news highlights from the state, and "Today's Cache" keeps you updated with the top 5 technology stories of the day.
CEOs of major tech companies, including Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, will be present at Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday. There has been backlash from the public, as these CEOs have shown support for Trump despite his controversial policies. Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi urges for advancements in weather surveillance technology to improve forecast accuracy and reduce casualties in India.
As per astrological calculations, Makar Sankranti, the festival of the Sun's transition into Capricorn, will be observed on a different date in the future. The gradual delay in the Sun's movement has caused a shift in the date of the festival, and it is predicted that it will continue to move forward in the coming years. Experts share insights on the festival's history and the possible significance of its shifting date. Disclaimer: Consultation with an expert is recommended before implementing any information or belief presented.
The 2025 Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is off to an auspicious start with the first 'Amrit Snan' being led by renowned spiritual leader, Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya. As millions of pilgrims continue to gather for this sacred event, the seers claim that this year's Kumbh Mela is even more special as it aligns with cosmic and celestial events that occur once every 144 years. The Maha Kumbh is not just a religious gathering, but also a cultural and spiritual extravaganza with various rituals and activities planned throughout the festival.
At the 350-year-old shrine of Hazrat Sayed Jamal Saha Baba in Patara, Balasore, Hindus and Muslims came together to celebrate Makar Sankranti and the shrine's annual Urs. The shrine has been hosting an annual Makar Mela, which symbolizes the unity between the two communities. The celebrations brought people from both communities together and spread a message of communal harmony and brotherhood.
On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti in 2025, thousands of devotees across India braved the cold weather to gather at various holy sites on the banks of the Ganga and Yamuna. From Kolkata's Babughat to Varanasi's Ganga ghats and Haridwar's Har Ki Pauri, devotees took holy dips and offered prayers, while in Prayagraj, the first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced. This festival, marking the Sun's transition into Capricorn, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and faith in God, inspiring people to face the cold weather for a chance at spiritual merit.
As Makar Sankranti approaches, people across India gear up to celebrate the joyous harvest festival in unique ways. From taking a dip in holy rivers to flying kites and preparing traditional sweets, every community adds their own special touch to the festivities. To capture the essence of this auspicious day, we've compiled a collection of heartfelt wishes, inspiring quotes, and cheerful messages that can be shared with loved ones to spread joy and positivity. So let's come together and celebrate the richness of our culture and traditions on this special day.
With a strong academic background in aerospace engineering, Masani Gorakh, also known as IIT Baba, has captured the attention of the media at the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela. After leaving behind a career in science, he became a monk and has dedicated his life to understanding himself and the divine. In an exclusive interview with News18, he shared his journey and how spirituality helped him understand the true meaning of life.
Pongal, a four-day harvest celebration primarily observed in Tamil Nadu, is a colorful tradition that honors the sun god and gives thanks for the bountiful harvest. This year, on January 14th, families and communities gather to paint homes, participate in festivities such as cattle racing and bonfires, and indulge in traditional dishes like sakkarai pongal. As we approach this joyous occasion, let's take a closer look at the history and customs of Pongal, along with some heartfelt wishes and greetings to share with loved ones.
The International Kite and Sweet Festival in Hyderabad kicked off with 40 international kite flyers and 60 enthusiasts from different Indian states showcasing traditional and modern kite designs. Families and expert flyers like Guilherme Linares from Italy and Henry Luong Dung from Vietnam were delighted by the cultural dances and Indian sweets at the festival. Attendees also got a taste of international sweets and cultural exhibits, making it a vibrant and diverse celebration.