As the auspicious Chhath Puja begins, let’s delve into its rich mythological roots that trace back to the times of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. According to ancient stories, this festival holds deep significance for Lord Rama and Mata Sita, as well as Draupadi from the Mahabharata. The festival is celebrated with great devotion not just in India, but also in foreign countries, making it a unifying celebration for people of all religions.
India is known for its vibrant culture and diverse landscapes, but there are many hidden gems that often go unnoticed. From the ancient Elephanta Island in Mumbai to the majestic Hathi Parvat in Uttarakhand, these islands offer a unique blend of history, nature, and adventure. Udaipur's Hathi Pol and Etawah's Lion Safari provide a glimpse into India's royal past, while the Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Daroji and Umananda Island in Assam showcase the country's rich wildlife. If you're looking for a tranquil escape, head to Andaman and Nicobar Island and soak in the serene beauty and diverse bird population.
The ancient city of Dwarka, once the capital of Krishna's kingdom, has captured the imagination of historians, archaeologists, and pilgrims due to its mysterious submergence in the Arabian Sea. Excavations and underwater explorations have unearthed fascinating artifacts, structures, and evidence of a cultural succession that dates back approximately 2000 years. The city's significance as a historic port and its religious and archaeological importance continue to attract visitors from all over the world.
Noted author Gurcharan Das recently presented a thought-provoking lecture on the Mahabharata at Apparao Galleries, Nungambakkam. Drawing contemporary parallels, Das discussed the concept of dharma and its various interpretations, using characters like Yudhisthira and Karna. He also addressed the moral dilemma faced by these characters, making the audience think about the idea of being 'good' in today's world.
Ganesh Chaturthi, a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, is observed for 10 days. This is because of the story behind the festival, where it is believed that Ganesha wrote the Mahabharata continuously for 10 days and had to bathe in the Saraswati River to clean the dust and grime accumulated on his body. Another belief is that Ganesha travels on Earth during these 10 days, giving his devotees a chance to welcome him into their homes. The final day, Anant Chaturdashi, symbolizes the immersion of Ganesha's idol, where devotees bid farewell, seeking his blessings for his return next year.
The game of dice in the Mahabharata is a crucial moment in the epic, with Duryodhana's scheming and Gandhari's wise counsel to her husband Dhritarashtra. Gandhari's warnings against agreeing to another game of dice highlights the dangers of provoking conflicts and blindly supporting one's children, reinforcing the importance of following dharma. However, Dhritarashtra's attachment to his son ultimately leads to disastrous consequences for the Kuru clan.
After facing backlash for his caste remarks in Lok Sabha, BJP MP Anurag Thakur shared a video of Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav asking journalists about their caste. This comes as an attempt to put SP supremo in the spotlight for his own delibrate attempts to inquire about caste. Meanwhile, Thakur's fiery speech in response to Rahul Gandhi's comments on Mahabharata and Chakravyuh is drawing praise from PM Narendra Modi and others. However, this has caused uproar in the opposition ranks resulting in protests and a potential privilege motion against the BJP MP.
In a fiery speech during a discussion on the Union Budget, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi likened PM Narendra Modi and his government to the mythical Chakravyuh from the Mahabharata, trapping the country and its people in a web of monopoly, corruption, and political dominance. He slammed the budget and accused it of favoring big businesses and ignoring the plight of farmers, youth, and small businesses. Gandhi's scathing attack on the government received backlash from Speaker Om Birla, but he continued to criticize the internship program announced in the budget, calling it a mere band-aid on a broken system.
In a heated discussion regarding the Union Budget 2024, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi mentioned the ancient battle formation of Chakravyuha to illustrate how the current government is failing to address issues such as unemployment and paper leaks. Drawing parallels between the famous Mahabharata story and the current political climate, Gandhi criticized the concentration of power in the hands of a select few individuals, undermining the democratic structure of the country. He also highlighted the budget's focus on strengthening this "Chakravyuha" by aiding big businesses, while neglecting the needs of youth, farmers, and small businesses.
The recently released film "Kalki 2898 AD" has taken viewers by surprise with its unexpected twist - the protagonist, Bhairava, is revealed to actually be Karna, a key character from the epic Mahabharata. This revelation comes during a thrilling fight scene between Karna and Arjuna in the film, leaving audiences in awe of Prabhas' stellar performance. With this revelation, a possible sequel in the works, and an already successful opening day at the box office, "Kalki 2898 AD" is certainly a must-watch for audiences.