On April 17, the ninth and final day of Chaitra Navratri, the ninth form of Goddess, Maa Siddhidatri, will be worshipped. This auspicious day marks the end of Navratri and the breaking of the fast. To celebrate, it is traditional to worship Maa Gauri or Siddhidatri in the morning, offer her favorite items, and invite nine girls for a feast.
Chaitra Shukla Pratipada: The Auspicious Start of Navratri
Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, also known as the first day of Chaitra Navratri, holds immense religious significance in Hinduism. It marks the beginning of a nine-day festival dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga, the embodiment of strength and power.
Background and Significance:
Chaitra Navratri falls in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April) and coincides with the spring season. It is believed that Goddess Durga descended on Earth on this day to vanquish the demon Mahishasura. During Navratri, devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and offer prayers to different forms of Durga.
Traditions and Customs:
On Chaitra Shukla Pratipada, devotees typically:
Nine Forms of Durga:
Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific form of Goddess Durga:
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What is the significance of fasting during Navratri? Fasting is a way to cleanse the body and mind, focusing on spiritual growth and devotion to Goddess Durga.
2. What foods should be avoided during the fast? Meat, fish, eggs, onion, garlic, and other forbidden foods are typically avoided during the fast.
3. How do people celebrate the end of Navratri? On the ninth day (Vijayadashami), people break the fast, offer prayers to Goddess Siddhidatri, and distribute prasad (food offerings) to family and friends.
4. What is the story behind Chaitra Navratri? According to legend, Goddess Durga emerged from the foreheads of Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to defeat the demon Mahishasura.
5. Do people offer animal sacrifices during Navratri? Animal sacrifices are not encouraged or recommended during Navratri. Most devotees offer flowers, fruits, and other vegetarian offerings to the Goddess.
In 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted the First Lady of the United States, Jill Biden, a 7.5-carat diamond valued at USD 20,000. This gift surpassed all other presents received by the Biden family from foreign leaders, and was retained for official use in the White House East Wing. Other notable gifts received by the Bidens included a brooch and photo album from Egyptian leaders, and high-value items like a commemorative album and statue from South Korea and Mongolia respectively.
The recent outbreak of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China has caused concern among international agencies, leading to heightened surveillance and close monitoring of respiratory infections by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). As the number of cases continue to rise, experts stress the need for early detection and prevention measures to control the spread of the virus. According to Dr Arjun Dang, CEO of Dr Dangs Lab, PCR testing is the most effective way to diagnose HMPV, and simple precautions like hand-washing and avoiding contact with sick individuals can help reduce its spread.
Bourbon Street in New Orleans, a popular nightlife spot, has reopened after being closed for investigation since a deadly attack on New Year's Day. The attack, which killed 14 people and injured dozens, was carried out by a lone gunman, Shamsud-Din Jabbar. The incident is now being investigated for any potential links to the recent explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. A minute's silence was held in honor of the victims at a postponed Sugar Bowl game, where the diverse group of victims, including an aspiring nurse and a father of two, were remembered.
President Biden vows to relentlessly pursue ISIS and other terrorist organizations following a terrorist attack in New Orleans where a car was rammed into a crowd during New Year's celebrations, leaving 15 dead and 35 injured. The attacker, identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, supported terrorist organizations in videos posted hours before the attack and an ISIS flag was found in his vehicle. Additionally, authorities are investigating a possible connection between this attack and a Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas, where one person was killed and seven others were injured. Both vehicles used in the incidents were rented from the same car rental site, Turo.
The city of New Orleans is reeling after a deadly terror attack on Bourbon Street during New Year's celebrations. The perpetrator, identified as 42-year-old Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar, proclaimed his allegiance to ISIS before being killed in a shoot-out with police. While investigators initially believed Jabbar had accomplices, the FBI now believes he acted alone. There is also a possible link to the Tesla Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, but no concrete connection has been found yet.
US authorities have identified the driver responsible for the New Orleans attack as US Army veteran Shamsud-Din Jabbar, who was killed in a shootout with police. President Biden has stated that the attack was inspired by the Islamic State group and an IS flag was found in the truck. The identities of the victims, which include a former Princeton University football star, are still being established. Authorities are also investigating a potential connection to the explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. Despite widespread celebrations among Islamic State supporters online, some are urging caution until an official claim of responsibility is made.
A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the entrance of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, resulting in the death of one person and several injuries. The Clark County Fire Department responded to the incident and reported that two individuals were taken to the hospital. Authorities are currently working to recover the body and have advised the public to avoid the area.
Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay paid tribute to late Indian PM Manmohan Singh, who passed away last week at the age of 92. Tobgay visited the Indian Embassy in Thimpu and signed the condolence book, thanking Singh for his unwavering support and personal friendship. Singh, who is considered as the architect of Indian economic reform, played a crucial role in the successful launch of the 11th Five Year Plan for Bhutan during his tenure. Despite their political differences, Singh's support and cooperation were instrumental in the plan's swift implementation.
Chinmoy Krishna Das, a Hindu monk and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilit Sanatan Jagran Jote, has been denied bail in a high-profile sedition case by a Bangladesh court. The monk's lawyers plan to appeal to the High Court, highlighting allegations of a false and fabricated case and arguing that Das, suffering from health issues, is being unjustly detained. Previous hearings were hindered by procedural lapses and concerns over security for one of Das' lawyers.
On the first day of 2025, a terrorist attack in New Orleans shook the nation as a pickup truck intentionally plowed into a crowd on Bourbon Street at 3:15 am, killing 15 people and injuring over 30 others. The suspect, identified as Shamsud Din Jabbar, was later killed in a gunfight with police. The FBI is currently investigating potential accomplices and affiliations, and US President Joe Biden has addressed the nation, assuring that all resources are being utilized to keep the American people safe and investigating any possible connections to a separate Tesla Cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas.