September 21, 2024 marks the auspicious Sankasthi Chaturthi, dedicated to worshipping Lord Ganesha. This day holds immense religious and spiritual significance in Hinduism, as devotees offer prayers and observe fast to seek blessings from Ganesh Ji. This sacred day is celebrated every month on Chaturthi Tithi of Krishna Paksha. Non-Indian devotees can follow proper puja rituals by reciting mantras, offering laddoos and performing aarti to honour Lord Ganesha.
Sankashti Chaturthi: The Significance and Observances
Introduction:
Sankashti Chaturthi is a significant Hindu festival celebrated monthly on the Chaturthi Tithi (fourth day) of the Krishna Paksha (dark fortnight) in the traditional Indian calendar. The festival is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the god of intellect and prosperity.
Significance and Observances:
Devotees of Lord Ganesha observe Sankashti Chaturthi as a day of prayer and fasting. They offer prayers, chant mantras, and offer laddoos and other sweets to the deity. It is believed that those who observe this fast with devotion and sincerity will be blessed with success, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles from their lives.
Specific Observances on September 21, 2024:
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
1. When is Sankashti Chaturthi celebrated? A: It is celebrated monthly on the Chaturthi Tithi of Krishna Paksha.
2. Who is the deity worshipped on Sankashti Chaturthi? A: Lord Ganesha
3. What is the significance of observing Sankashti Chaturthi? A: Devotees believe it brings success, prosperity, and the removal of obstacles.
4. How do people observe Sankashti Chaturthi? A: By fasting, offering prayers, chanting mantras, and offering sweets to Lord Ganesha.
5. What is the auspicious time to worship Lord Ganesha on Sankashti Chaturthi? A: During Ganesha Muhurta, which varies each month.
The safety and security of Indian flights was put at risk this past week as over 70 flights have received bomb threats, with 10 being targeted in India over the weekend. IndiGo Airlines confirmed its awareness of the situation, with one of its flights receiving a threat while en route from Mumbai to Istanbul. The government has been closely monitoring the situation and a suspect responsible for issuing threats to three flights has been arrested.
British-Americans Simon Johnson and James Robinson and Turkish-American Daron Acemoglu have been jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in economics for their groundbreaking work on the role of political and economic institutions in a nation's prosperity. Their research debunks traditional notions that attribute economic success to geography or culture, highlighting the significance of inclusive institutions in fostering sustained growth. Bangladesh's journey from being one of the poorest nations to a thriving economy is a prime example of the impact of strong institutions. The Nobel laureates' work serves as a reminder of the importance of building inclusive institutions for long-term development.
South Korean intelligence has reported that North Korea has sent 12,000 troops, including special forces, to assist Russia in its war against Ukraine. This development could escalate the conflict and further strain relations between North Korea and the West. However, experts question the effectiveness of North Korea's involvement due to their outdated equipment and lack of battle experience. The move may also indicate a closer alliance between North Korea and Russia, as they signed a defense pact earlier this year in the midst of heightened tensions with the US and South Korea.
Canadian diplomats have left the country as the fallout over the US indictment connecting two separatists' deaths to a plot in Delhi escalates. The Canadian High Commissioner has denounced India's response and emphasized the need for accountability to improve relations going forward. The onus is now on India to collaborate on finding a resolution to the ongoing issue.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has issued a grave warning to South Korea, referring to them as a "foreign and hostile country" and vowing to use physical force to protect North Korea's sovereignty. This comes just days after Pyongyang demolished roads and railways that once symbolized reconciliation between the two Koreas. The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim Jong Un issued this warning during an inspection of the Korean People's Army headquarters on Thursday.
Amidst rising tensions between Canada and India, Canadian diplomats depart from India following a US indictment linking the deaths of two separatists to a plot from New Delhi. The Canadian High Commissioner has spoken out against the Indian response and emphasized the need for accountability in order to improve the strained relationship between the two countries. It is now up to India to take steps towards finding a resolution and strengthening their relationship with Canada.
Pankaj Oswal, a Swiss industrialist, has filed an urgent appeal with the United Nations alleging the illegal detention of his daughter, Vasundhara Oswal, in Uganda. The 26-year-old was seized by twenty armed men at her father's extra-neutral alcohol plant, with no identification or warrant provided. Vasundhara's social media posts detail the inhumane conditions she was subjected to during her detainment, along with claims of corporate jealousy and extortion by a 68-year-old man. The family has also claimed that Vasundhara was denied access to proper food, water, and legal counsel.
As countries gather for COP29, India is taking the lead in championing for global unity in addressing the issue of climate change. Experts from various nations, including France and Azerbaijan, have weighed in on the importance of climate action, finance gaps, and building trust among nations. India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has also urged for urgent action on climate change, highlighting the impact it has on cotton farmers in the country and the need for funding for renewable energy. Meanwhile, trade restrictions and India's reliance on coal have also been key topics of discussion at the conference.
The US federal prosecutors have indicted Indian intelligence official Vikash Yadav and charged him with "murder-for-hire and money laundering" for allegedly trying to kill pro-Khalistan separatist figure Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. According to the allegations, Yadav communicated with Nikhil Gupta between May and June 2023 to arrange the assassination, offering to pay $100,000 to a hitman through a confidential source introduced by Gupta. However, the US statement also notes that the charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.