Happy New Year 2025

Tag: Dates

  • Holi 2025 Full Calendar With Dates of Choti Holi, Holika Dahan and Dhuleti: Know Shubh Muhurat, Rituals and Celebrations Across India

    Holi 2025 Full Calendar With Dates of Choti Holi, Holika Dahan and Dhuleti: Know Shubh Muhurat, Rituals and Celebrations Across India

    Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, is one of the most anticipated Hindu celebrations, marking the arrival of spring, a time of renewal, prosperity, and joy. This vibrant festival celebrates not only the season’s beauty but also the victory of good over evil and the enduring spirit of community. Holi is deeply rooted in ancient mythology, such as the story of Prahlad and Holika, symbolizing faith and the triumph of goodness. Additionally, it honours the divine love between Radha and Krishna, highlighting devotion through playfulness and joy. Below, find the full calendar of Holi 2025 with dates of Choti Holi, Holika Dahan, Dhuleti, Shubh Muhurat, rituals and celebrations across India. Hindu Festivals Calendar 2025: Know the Dates of Holi, Chaitra Navratri, Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Other Major Festivals in India. 

    The joyous festival of Holi transcends religious and social boundaries, bringing together people from all walks of life. It encourages forgiveness, community bonding, and celebration, creating an atmosphere of shared happiness. Holi is a reflection of the colourful nature of Indian life, a time when individuals come together with open hearts and celebrate with enthusiasm.

    Holi 2025 Date and Shubh Muhurat

    Holi 2025 will be observed with great festivities, aligning with the full moon day (Purnima) in the Hindu month of Phalguna. The specific dates for the two-day celebration are March 13 and March 14, 2025. The timings for the celebrations are based on the auspicious lunar calendar, adding an extra layer of tradition and significance to the festival. Purnima 2025 Calendar: Know Full Moon Dates, Poornima Significance and Fasting Rituals for the Auspicious Observance. 

    Holika Dahan (Chhoti Holi): Thursday, March 13, 2025

    • Start: 6:57 PM

    • End: 10:22 PM

    The Holika Dahan ceremony symbolises the burning away of evil, with people lighting bonfires to mark the occasion.

    Holi (Dhuleti): Friday, March 14, 2025

    • Start: 11:26 PM (on March 13)

    • End: 12:27 AM (on March 14)

    The second day, also called Dhuleti or Rangwali Holi, is celebrated with joy and excitement as people throw colours at one another, dance, sing, and indulge in festive foods.

    What Is Dhuleti (Rangwali Holi)?

    In some parts of India, particularly in Gujarat and Maharashtra, Holi is also referred to as Dhuleti. Celebrated on the day after the main festival, this day is dedicated to playing with vibrant colours. People cover themselves in coloured powders, dance to lively music, and share sweet treats, creating a festive and communal atmosphere that symbolizes the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil.

    Celebrating Holi Across India

    While Holi is celebrated widely across the country, it takes on unique traditions depending on the region:

    North India (Mathura and Vrindavan):

    The birthplace of Lord Krishna, these cities host some of the most energetic and famous Holi celebrations. One of the most well-known events is Lathmar Holi, where women playfully strike men with sticks, embodying the lively spirit of the festival.

    West India (Rajasthan and Gujarat):

    In Rajasthan, Holi celebrations include royal processions and traditional folk dances, while Gujarat is known for its matki phod ritual, where men form human pyramids to break pots filled with buttermilk.

    East India (West Bengal and Odisha):

    In West Bengal, Holi is celebrated as Dol Jatra, where idols of Radha and Krishna are swung on decorated swings, and people engage in singing, dancing, and playing with colours.

    South India (Karnataka and Tamil Nadu):

    While Holi is not as widely celebrated in the South, it is still observed by some communities with traditional music, dance, and the exchange of sweets. The focus here is often more on religious rituals and temple worship.

    Holi remains a festival of unity, harmony, and joy, transcending cultural and regional differences to bring people together in celebration of the colourful beauty of life.

    (Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on beliefs and legends only. Before applying any information in real life, consult the concerned expert.)

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2025 02:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Gazetted Holidays 2025 Full Calendar: Check Public and Bank Holiday Dates for Central and Government Office in India

    Gazetted Holidays 2025 Full Calendar: Check Public and Bank Holiday Dates for Central and Government Office in India

    The Central Government of India has officially published the list of gazetted holidays for the year 2025, offering clarity on when government offices across the country will remain closed. This annual list serves as a vital reference for public offices, private companies, and individuals to plan their schedules for the upcoming year. Gazetted holidays are official holidays that all government institutions are required to observe. These holidays commemorate significant national, cultural, or religious events and are observed nationwide. On the other hand, restricted holidays are optional, allowing employees to choose based on personal preference, religious significance, or cultural importance. The availability and observance of restricted holidays may differ depending on the region or the specific organization’s policy. Hindu Festivals Calendar 2025: Know the Dates of Holi, Chaitra Navratri, Durga Puja, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali and Other Major Festivals in India. 

    Gazetted Holidays 2025 Full Calendar

    Here is the official list of gazetted holidays for Central Government Offices in India for 2025:

    • Republic Day:  26-January, Sunday

    • Maha Shivaratri: 26 February, Wednesday

    • Holi: 14 March, Friday

    • Id-ul-Fitr: 31 March, Monday

    • Mahavir Jayanti: 10 April, Thursday

    • Good Friday: 18 April, Friday

    • Buddha Purnima: 12 May, Monday

    • Id-ul-Zuha (Bakrid): 7 June, Saturday

    • Muharram: 6 July, Sunday

    • Independence Day: 15 August Friday

    • Janmashtami: 16 August, Saturday

    • Milad-un-Nabi (Id-e-Milad): 5 September, Friday

    • Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday: 2 October, Thursday

    • Dussehra: 2 October, Thursday

    • Diwali (Deepavali): 20 October, Monday

    • Guru Nanak’s Birthday: 5 November, Wednesday

    • Christmas Day: 25 December, Thursday

    Restricted Holidays 2025

    In addition to the gazetted holidays, employees can choose up to two restricted holidays from the following list:

    • New Year’s Day: 1 January, Wednesday

    • Guru Gobind Singh’s Birthday: 6 January, Monday

    • Makar Sankranti / Magha Bihu / Pongal 14: January, Tuesday

    • Basant Panchami: 2 February, Sunday

    • Guru Ravi Das’s Birthday: 12 February, Wednesday

    • Shivaji Jayanti: 19 February, Wednesday

    • Birthday of Swami Dayananda Saraswati: 23 February, Sunday

    • Holika Dahan: 13 March, Thursday

    • Dolyatra: 14 March, Friday

    • Ram Navami: 16 April, Sunday

    • Janmashtami (Smarta): August Friday

    • Ganesh Chaturthi / Vinayaka Chaturthi: 27 August, Wednesday

    • Onam or Thiruonam: 5 September, Friday

    • Dussehra (Saptami): 29 September, Monday

    • Dussehra (Mahashtami): 30 September, Tuesday

    • Dussehra (Mahanavmi): 1 October, Wednesday

    • Maharishi Valmiki’s Birthday: 7 October, Tuesday

    • Karaka Chaturthi (Karwa Chouth): 10 October, Friday

    • Naraka Chaturdasi: 20 October, Monday

    • Govardhan Puja: 22 October Wednesday

    • Bhai Dooj: 23 October, Thursday

    • Pratihar Shashthi / Surya Shashthi (Chhat Puja): 28 October, Tuesday

    • Guru Teg Bahadur’s Martyrdom Day: 24 November, Monday

    • Christmas Eve: 24 December, Wednesday

    The gazetted holidays listed above highlight the diverse cultural, religious, and national observances in India. They serve as a valuable tool for planning, ensuring that public and private sector employees alike can observe these important occasions with respect.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2025 02:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • When Is Uttarayan 2025? Know Important Dates, Sankranti Time, Rituals and Significance of the Festival in Gujarat

    When Is Uttarayan 2025? Know Important Dates, Sankranti Time, Rituals and Significance of the Festival in Gujarat

    Uttarayana, also known as Uttarayan 2025 will be celebrated on January 14. This annual commemoration is marked with great fervour and enthusiasm across Gujarat, and usually on the day of Makar Sankranti. The celebration of Uttarayana is also known as one of the biggest kite festivals that attracts several tourists across the country. The celebration of Uttarayana celebrates the sun’s northward movement. As we prepare to celebrate Uttarayan 2025, here is everything you need to know about this day, how to celebrate Uttarayan and more. Makar Sankranti 2025 Calendar: Know Dates of Pongal, Magh Bihu, Lohri, Khichdi Parv and More To Celebrate the Harvest Festival in India. 

    When is Uttarayan 2025?

    Uttarayana 2025 will be marked on January 14. This annual celebration is marked on the first day of Sankranti. The celebration is spread across two days, the first day of Sankranti – which is Uttarayana, and the following day – which is called Vasi Uttarayana. The celebration of Uttarayana is dedicated to Lord Surya and the celebration marks the sun’s shift from the southern hemisphere to the northern hemisphere. Infact, Uttarāyaṇa is derived from two different Sanskrit words – “uttaram” (North) and “ayanam” (movement). The Sankranti time for Uttarayan 2025 is at 09:03 AM. January 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Check Dates of Important Events in the First Month of the Year. 

    Uttarayan Rituals and Significance

    Uttarayana is considered to be an important and auspicious observance that is dedicated to the sun god – Lord Suriya. The celebration of Uttarayana brings together the community who prepare special delicacies like Undhiyo, indulge in fun activities like kit flying and also offer their prayers to Lord Surya. It is customary for people to wake up early in the morning and take a holy dip in the river on the occasion of Uttarayana.

    People also make chikkis and other winter treats on the occasion of Uttarayana. One of the most common activities that brings people together in Uttarayana is the kite flying festivals that are organised across Gujarat. It is important to note that The complement of Uttarayana is Dakshinayana (the southward movement of the Sun). This is marked during the Karaka Sankranti, where the sun enters the southern hemisphere again. Here’s wishing everyone a Happy Uttarayana 2025!

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2025 02:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • National Road Safety Week 2025 Dates in India: Here’s the Theme and Significance of the Week-Long Observance That Creates Awareness on Road Safety and Traffic Rules

    National Road Safety Week 2025 Dates in India: Here’s the Theme and Significance of the Week-Long Observance That Creates Awareness on Road Safety and Traffic Rules

    National Road Safety Week in India is annually observed from January 11 to 17 to promote road safety measures among people and educate them about traffic rules to prevent road accidents. The government of India organises various events to create awareness about road safety, reduce road accidents, and encourage adherence to traffic rules. The week-long campaign is observed across the country, with participation from government agencies, NGOs, schools, colleges, and the general public. National Road Safety Week 2025 Messages, Slogans and HD Images. 

    As per records, approximately 328 lives are lost daily, much of which could have been prevented with timely rescue and intervention. Despite the innumerable road safety campaigns and awareness drives, many accident- related deaths are recorded across the country. In this article, let’s know more about National Road Safety Week 2025 dates in India, theme and the significance of the annual event. January 2025 Holidays and Festivals Calendar: Check Dates of Important Events in the First Month of the Year. 

    National Road Safety Week 2025 Dates and Theme

    National Road Safety Week 2025 starts from January 11 and continues till January 17. The theme for National Road Safety Week 2025 is “Be a Road Safety Hero.”

    National Road Safety Week Significance

    National Road Safety Week in India is an excellent opportunity to educate people about following the traffic rules which would help in minimising road accidents and fatalities. The day also promotes the use of helmets, seat belts, and other safety measures and raises awareness about the dangers of rash driving and drunk driving.

    Knowing that road accidents as a leading cause of death in the country, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India has called for a joint effort of the state and central government to facilitate the improvement of road and safety infrastructure and to reduce casualties and mortality.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 11, 2025 08:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Bank Holiday 2025 Dates: Will Banks Remain Open or Closed on January 13? Is There a Bank Holiday on January 14 and 15? Check State-Wise List of Bank Holidays Falling Between January 13-19

    Bank Holiday 2025 Dates: Will Banks Remain Open or Closed on January 13? Is There a Bank Holiday on January 14 and 15? Check State-Wise List of Bank Holidays Falling Between January 13-19

    Mumbai, January 10: Major festivals like Pongal and Makar Sankranti (Lohri) are falling in the third week of January 2025, starting January 13. In view of the festivities, there will be a bank holiday on a select date in certain states. Will banks remain open or closed on January 13? Is there a bank holiday on January 14 and 15? How many days will banks remain shut between January 13 and January 19? If you are looking for the answers, this article has a state-wise list of bank holidays falling between January 13 and 19.

    Bank holidays are decided by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), considering national or state holidays and cultural or religious observance among other factors. The RBI releases the bank holiday calendar for every year in advance, so that people can schedule their bank-related works. Pongal 2025 School Holiday: Check Dates for School Holidays in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh for Thai Pongal and Makar Sankranti.

    State-Wise List of Bank Holidays Between January 13 and 19

    January 13: As per the bank holiday calendar released by the RBI, there is no bank holiday on January 13. Therefore, all banks in India will remain open on January 13.

    January 14: There will be a bank holiday on January 14 on account of Makar Sankranti and Pongal. Hence, banks will remain shut in Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, Punjab, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.

    January 15: A bank holiday will be observed on January 15 in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Sikkim due to Makar Sankranti and Pongal festivities. In Assam, banks will remain closed on account of Magh Bihu. Banks will remain shut in Chennai to observe Thiruvalluvar Day.

    January 16: There will be a bank holiday on January 16 in Andhra Pradesh to celebrate Kanuma Panduga. Banks will also remain closed in Channei to observe Uzhavar Thirunal.

    January 17: All banks will remain open across India.

    January 18: All banks will be operational across India.

    January 19: All banks in India will be closed on January 19 as it is a Sunday.

    You can get the state-wise full list of bank holidays in 2025 by clicking here. Notably, irrespective of the bank holidays, online banking services remain operational throughout the year, except when there is a downtime due to technical issues.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 10, 2025 04:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • School Holidays 2025 List: Winter Vacation Extended in Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Other States Amid Cold Wave, Know Dates Here

    School Holidays 2025 List: Winter Vacation Extended in Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Other States Amid Cold Wave, Know Dates Here

    Delhi, January 10: As temperatures across North India continue to plummet, a severe cold wave has gripped the region, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of students. Several states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar, have extended school holidays, offering a much-needed respite from the harsh winter weather. The decision comes as minimum temperatures in many areas dip to record lows, disrupting daily life. Uttar Pradesh School Holiday: Schools Closed from December 31 to January 14 for Winter Break; 15-Day Leave for Students Up to 8th Grade.

    In addition to the northern states, some southern regions like Telangana and Tamil Nadu have also declared school holidays, albeit for festive occasions such as Sankranti and Pongal. These measures aim to prioritise student well-being while adapting to local climatic and cultural contexts. Scroll down to check the list of states where holidays have been extended. Delhi Weather Update Today, January 10: Over 100 Flights Delayed As Dense Fog Hits Operations at IGI Airport (Watch Video).

    School Holidays 2025 List:

    1. Delhi: Schools closed from January 1 to 15, 2025, reopening on January 16.

    2. Bihar: Schools for up to class 8 are closed until January 11, 2025.

    3. Chandigarh: Schools closed until January 11, reopening on January 13, 2025.

    4. Haryana: Schools closed from January 1 to 15, reopening on January 16, 2025.

    5. Uttar Pradesh: In Ghaziabad, schools will remain closed for up to class 8 until January 12. While in Noida, schools closed up to class 8 until further notice. In Lucknow, schools will remain closed up to class 8 until January 11, with online classes for classes 9 to 12.

    6. Jharkhand: Schools closed from January 7 to 11, 2025, for all students up to class 8.

    7. Himachal Pradesh: Schools closed from January 1 to February 1, 2025.

    8. Jammu and Kashmir: Winter vacation until February 28, 2025, for students up to class 12.

    9. Telangana: Schools closed from January 11 to 16, 2025, due to Sankranti holidays.

    10. Tamil Nadu: School holidays for Makar Sankranti and Pongal festivals.

    The severe cold wave sweeping across northern and central India has led several states to extend school holidays, prioritising the health and safety of students. With temperatures dropping significantly, these extended breaks provide students with the necessary rest while also ensuring they remain safe from the harsh weather conditions. Parents, students, and school staff are advised to stay updated with the local weather and school announcements, as the reopening dates might vary depending on the prevailing conditions.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 10, 2025 01:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Pongal 2025 School Holiday: Check Dates for School Holidays in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh for Thai Pongal and Makar Sankranti

    Pongal 2025 School Holiday: Check Dates for School Holidays in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh for Thai Pongal and Makar Sankranti

    An extended school holiday schedule has been announced in Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on account of Pongal 2025 and Makar Sankranti 2025. The Tamil Nadu government has declared a holiday on January 14 for all schools, colleges and government offices in view of Pongal. In addition to this, there will be holidays on January 15 for Thiruvallur and January 16 for Uzhavar Thirunal. Since many students and employees have to travel to their native place for the festival, January 17 has also been declared a holiday. Schools and colleges will also remain shut on January 18 (Saturday) and January 19 (Sunday). In Telangana, schools will be closed on January 13 for Bhogi and on January 14 for Pongal, Sankranti and birthday of Hazrat Ali. There is an optional holiday on January 15 for Kanumu. For colleges, the holidays will start on January 11 and will continue till January 16. In Andhra Pradesh, the holidays will begin on January 10 and continue till January 19. Pongal 2025 Dates: Why Is Pongal Celebrated? Bhogi Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Other Traditions, Rituals, Delicious Recipes and More To Know About the Harvest Festival in Tamil Nadu.

    Pongal School Holidays in Tamil Nadu and Telangana

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  • Pongal 2025 School Holidays: Tamil Nadu and Telangana Declare Sankaranti Holiday To Celebrate Harvest Festival, Check Dates and Other Details

    Pongal 2025 School Holidays: Tamil Nadu and Telangana Declare Sankaranti Holiday To Celebrate Harvest Festival, Check Dates and Other Details

    Pongal, also called Thai Pongal, is a significant and auspicious harvest festival celebrated in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The four-day festival marks the start of the Thai month in the Tamil calendar. It is celebrated every year in a grand way and with a lot of joy and devotion by the people of the state. Pongal marks the end of the winters and the start of the harvest season in India. During the festival, devotees worship Lord Surya and other deities for their blessings and agricultural abundance. Families get together and prepare traditional delicacies like Pongal, sakkarai Pongal, payasam, and more as part of the celebrations. Pongal 2025 Dates: Why Is Pongal Celebrated? Bhogi Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Other Traditions, Rituals, Delicious Recipes and More To Know About the Harvest Festival in Tamil Nadu.

    It is a time of ritualistic offerings, feasts, and joy, especially for farmers. Families get together, clean their spaces, and decorate homes with lamps and beautiful kolam designs and prepare traditional Pongal foods. On account of the occasion, the government has declared holidays for schools and colleges. Check the dates below.

    Pongal 2025 Dates

    Pongal is celebrated over a span of four days. The first day of the celebration is called Bhogi Pongal. Bhogi Pongal 2025 falls on Tuesday, January 14. The second day of the celebration is called Surya Pongal. Surya Pongal 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 15. The third day of the celebration is Maatu Pongal. Maatu Pongal 2025 falls on Thursday, January 16. The fourth and last day of the celebration is known as Kaanum Pongal, and it falls on Friday, January 17.

    Pongal 2025 Holiday Dates

    Due to the festival, the state government had declared a holiday from January 14–16 for schools, colleges, and government offices. However, in response to many sections from the state, January 17 too has been declared a holiday. An official press release states that as Pongal 2025 falls on January 14, it will be a holiday followed by holidays on January 15 for Thiruvallur and 16 for Uzhavar Thirunal. But as many students and employees travel to their native place for the festival, January 17 has also been declared a holiday, considering their requests.

    This creates an extended six-day holiday for the festival, as January 18 and 19 are Saturday and Sunday, respectively. However, to make up for the 17th, all education institutions in the state will remain operational on the 25th. In Telangana too, schools will remain closed from January 13 to 17, providing students with a seven-day festive break for Pongal 2025. Tamil Nadu Government Holiday List For Pongal 2025: State Govt Employees to Enjoy Extended Holiday, Check Dates and Other Details Here.

    Pongal 2025 Holiday Dates

    The festival holds immense cultural as well as religious significance in the state. The extended holiday period not only aims to enable families to celebrate the festival together; it also aims to facilitate smooth travel for students and families returning to their homes for Pongal 2025.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 08, 2025 04:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: What Are the Types of Kumbh? Know Shahi Snan Dates and Other Significant Details As Maha Kumbh Returns to Prayagraj After 144 Years

    Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: What Are the Types of Kumbh? Know Shahi Snan Dates and Other Significant Details As Maha Kumbh Returns to Prayagraj After 144 Years

    The Kumbh Mela is a very significant Hindu pilgrimage and festival. It is rooted in Hindu mythology and is the world’s largest gathering. While the Kumbh Mela takes place once every four years, the Maha Kumbh Mela takes place once every 144 years. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will take place in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, from Monday, January 13 to Wednesday, February 26. Millions of devotees from across the world are expected to take part in the festival and partake in the rituals, traditions, and customs. During the event, devotees cleanse themselves in the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati. Apart from the Kumbh and the Maha Kumbh, there are two other Kumbh Melas as well, known as the Ardh Kumb Mela, which takes place once every six years, and the Purna Kumbh Mela, which takes place once every 12 years. Below, let’s learn more about each one. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Start and End Dates in Prayagraj: What Are the Six Shahi Snan Dates? Know Important Mahakumbh Mela Bathing and Spiritual Rituals To Mark the Grand Festival in Uttar Pradesh.

    Kumbh Mela

    The Kumbh Mela is held once every four years. It is held in one of the four locations, which are Haridwar in Uttarakhand on the banks of the River Ganga; Prayagaraj in Uttar Pradesh, at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythological Saraswati; Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, on the banks of the River Shipra; and Nashik in Maharashtra, on the banks of the River Godavari. During the event, millions of devotees from around the globe gather to bathe in the sacred rivers, offer their prayers, and seek blessings from the divine and freedom from sin.

    Ardh Kumbh Mela

    The Ardh Kumbh Mela is held once every six years and it is held only in Haridwar and Prayagraj. The event is very significant as devotees bathe in the holy rivers while seeking liberation from their sins.

    Purna Kumbh Mela

    The Purna Kumbh Mela is held on the banks of the Sangam in Prayagraj, once every 12 years. During the Purna Kumbh Mela as well, devotees gather at the banks of the sacred rivers to bathe in them and offer their prayers.

    Maha Kumbh Mela

    The Maha Kumbh Mela takes place once every 144 years, that is, after 12 full Kumbh Melas are celebrated. This makes the event more significant, rare, and auspicious. Special importance is given to bathing in the sacred rivers during the Maha Kumbh Mela. It is marked by cultural activities, various ceremonies, processions of Akharas called Peshwai, featuring swords, chariots, elephants, and horses, and the Naga Sadhus rituals and customs that are performed during the Shahi Snan.

    Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Shahi Snan Dates

    The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Shahi Snan Dates are as follows:

    Paush Purnima Snan (Opening Day): Monday, January 13

    Makar Sankranti Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan): Tuesday, January 14, 2025

    Mauni Amavasya Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan): Wednesday, January 29, 2025

    Basant Panchami Snan (Royal Bath/Shahi Snan): Monday, February 3, 2025

    Maghi Purnima Snan: Wednesday, February 12, 2025

    Maha Shivratri Snan (Concluding Day): Wednesday, February 26, 2025

    How the Kumbh Date Is Decided

    Various akharas, religious leaders, and astrologers meet and examine the planetary alignments to decide the date and location of the Kumbh Mela. The positions of both Jupiter (Guru) and the sun (Surya) are examined, as they are significant celestial bodies according to Hindu astrology. The Kumbh Mela’s dates and locations are determined based on the positions of Jupiter and the sun. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: ‘Green Mahakumbh’ in Prayagraj to Bring Together over 1,000 Environmentalists, Create Awareness on Environment Protection.

    The Kumbh Mela is marked by many rituals and customs, but bathing in the sacred rivers stands out as the most important ritual at the Kumbh Mela. It is believed that bathing in the sacred rivers leads to freedom from sin and helps attain salvation. For the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the first bath will take place on Paush Purnima. The Naga Sadhus, who are considered leaders of the Hindu faith, will lead the ritual. The event is all set to be a profound spiritual journey for all who take part.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 08, 2025 02:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).

  • Pongal 2025 Dates: Why Is Pongal Celebrated? Bhogi Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Other Traditions, Rituals, Delicious Recipes and More To Know About the Harvest Festival in Tamil Nadu

    Pongal 2025 Dates: Why Is Pongal Celebrated? Bhogi Pongal, Mattu Pongal and Other Traditions, Rituals, Delicious Recipes and More To Know About the Harvest Festival in Tamil Nadu

    Pongal, also called Thai Pongal, is a four-day harvest festival celebrated in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Pongal 2025 begins on January 14 and concludes on January 17. It is celebrated with a lot of joy and devotion. It marks the end of the winter season and the start of the harvest season and is usually held in mid-January. It also marks the start of the Tamil month of Thai, which is considered auspicious. The festival lasts for four days. During the festival, families come together for gatherings and feasts and celebrate their agricultural roots. The festival has been named after the ceremonial dish ‘Pongal,’ which means to boil and overflow. This dish is made from harvested rice and boiled in milk with jaggery. This is then offered to Lord Surya. During the festival, people honour their ancestors as well as farm animals. Pongal 2025: 15,000 Buses To Run in State As Tamil Nadu Gears Up for Biggest Festival With Special Bus Services and Gift Hampers.

    Pongal 2025 Dates

    Pongal 2025 begins on Tuesday, January 14 and concludes on Friday, January 17.

    Pongal Celebrations

    Pongal is celebrated in a major way in Tamil Nadu. It is celebrated over four days, with each day being dedicated to different rituals and traditions. The four days of the Thai Pongal festival are Bhogi Pongal, Surya Pongal, Maatu Pongal, and Kaanum Pongal.

    Bhogi Pongal

    The first day of the festival is called Bhogi Pongal. Bhogi Pongal 2025 falls on Tuesday, January 14. On this day, people clean their homes and dispose of old belongings. Homes are decorated for the festivities, and new clothes are worn.

    Surya Pongal

    Surya Pongal is the second day of the festival, and it is the main celebration. Surya Pongal 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 15. Lord Surya is honoured on this day, and devotees adorn their homes with colourful kolam patterns and designs. In addition, the Pongal is also cooked according to auspicious timings, with families chanting ‘Pongalo Pongal.’ Families feast together after the Pongal is offered to Lord Surya.

    Maatu Pongal

    This is the third day of the festival, and the cattle are honoured and worshipped on this day. Maatu Pongal 2025 falls on Thursday, January 16. On this day, farm animals are adorned with flower garlands, multi-coloured beads, and bells and bathed.

    Kaanum Pongal

    This is the fourth and last day of the festival. Kaanum Pongal 2025 falls on Friday, January 17. It is dedicated to the community and strengthening ties. On this day, families gather for a sumptuous meal, and younger members seek blessings from elders in the family. Traditional performances like mayilattam and kolattam are performed.

    Pongal Rituals

    Some common Pongal rituals include decorating homes with colourful kolams. People also offer prayers to Lord Surya for a good harvest. Farm animals are worshipped, honoured, and offered special treats. Families also remember their ancestors with prayers and offerings. The main ritual of the festival is cooking the traditional Pongal dish made of rice, milk, and jaggery.

    Pongal Delicious Foods

    There are many traditional delicacies enjoyed during the festival. The must-have dish for the festival is Pongal. It is a dish prepared with rice, milk, and jaggery. It is enhanced with ingredients like cumin, ghee, pepper, and cashews. Another dish that is usually enjoyed during Pongal is sakkari Pongal, a sweet dish made using rice, lentils, ghee, jaggery, and nuts and raisins. Ven Pongal is a simpler version of Pongal. It is eaten without jaggery, but it is a very comforting dish.

    The medhu vadai is another crispy snack that is enjoyed by all! It is prepared using black gram and seasoned with spices, and it is eaten with chutney. No Pongal celebration is complete without payasam, a traditional South Indian dessert. The creamy sweet dish is cooked with milk, jaggery, nuts, and cardamom, and it is a festive favourite. Tamil Nadu Government Holiday List For Pongal 2025: State Govt Employees to Enjoy Extended Holiday, Check Dates and Other Details Here.

    Pongal is celebrated on a grand scale in Tamil Nadu. It is a festival that celebrates the bond between nature and people. It is also a time for families to come together and share joy and traditions.

    (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 07, 2025 04:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).