“नदियः पृथ्व्याः जीवनधारा यस्याः संरक्षणं सर्वेषां दैविकम्। प्राणिनां निवासस्थानं यस्याः प्रदेशः पावनः, तस्याः संरक्षणं सर्वेषां मोक्षमयम्।” Translation: “Rivers are the life veins of the Earth, whose protection is divine for all. Their regions are abodes of life, sanctified, and their preservation leads to liberation for all.” In the heart of India, where the mighty Ganges River flows, lies a day of profound significance known as Ganga Saptami. This day, celebrated with great reverence and devotion, marks the birth of the goddess Ganges, a symbol of purity, life, and spiritual enlightenment.

राघव वंश का हर शृंग महान । प्रेम और समर्पण का है यह गान ।। जय हो राघव कुल, विजयी हो सदा । श्रीराम का वंश, हमारा आदर्श बना ।। Lord Ram Is an important and most worshipped deity of Sanatan Dharma. He is considered the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, who took human form at the cusp of the treta and dwapar yug to stabilize dharma in the world of humans.

Navratri is the most important festival for Hindus. It is more than just a festival; it is a celebration of faith, devotion, and togetherness. Navratri occurs four times a year, once in each season: Vasant Navratri in spring, Ashad Navratri in summer, Sharad Navratri in autumn, and Magh Navratri in winter. Among these, Sharad Navratri is the most popular and is celebrated widely with great enthusiasm by Hindus all over the world.

A Bhartiya thali is incomplete without a sweet or Mithai. We all love sweets and there are varieties to choose from- kheer, halwa, malpuas, barfis and laddus. Every region has its own favorites. But if there was one sweet that could be defined as the national sweet, it would have to be the Laddus. The sweet balls made with flour, ghee, sugar and nuts are undoubtedly the most popular sweet not only of the country but the whole sub-continent.

The month of shravan has ended, and for past few days, the markets have been flooding with varieties of beautiful rakhis . Rakhi is a sacred thread or a band which a sister ties on her brother’s wrist and prays for his well being and prosperity. This beautiful Hindu tradition, Raksha Bandhan is observed on the full moon day of the Shravan maas. It is celebrated enthusiastically in all parts of India, especially in the North and West.

Ganga is the lifeline of North India. It is the longest river, originating from the Himalayas and passing through five states, it covers a distance of about 2525kms before merging into the sea. It is a symbol of faith, hope , culture and sanity, as well as a source of livelihood for millions since time immemorial. Many important cities and pilgrim centers are located on its banks. Ganga Dussehra is an important day for all Hindus, especially for those living near the river.

Mahashivratri is celebrated by Hindus all over the world with great enthusiasm. It is celebrated on the Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of the month of Falgun( The last month in Hindu lunar calendar). Mahashivratri as the name indicates, is the great night of Shiva. It is believed to be the day of the union of Shiva and Shakti. The planetary position on this night is such that there is a powerful natural upsurge of energy in the human system.

Image credit: religionworld.in According to the Hindu calendar, this is the beginning of the holy month of shravan. The month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of a lingam. There are numerous Shiva temples across the country, some of them are centuries old and very famous. Among these, the twelve Jyotirlingas are considered the holiest. The Jyotirlingas are said to have self- manifested ‘swayambhoo’ on earth.

Today is the first Monday of the month of July. This year, coincidentally, it is also the first day of the month of Shravan in Hindu calendar. Shravan (श्रावण) or Sawan is the fifth month of Hindu Lunar calendar. An auspicious month dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. All Mondays of this month are considered highly auspicious. People keep fast and visit temples and pray for a happy family life.

Kashmiri stitch, popularly known as Kashidakari, is practised mostly by the menfolks of Kashmir. It is said to have evolved during the Mughal era, in the region of modern day Srinagar. The Kashida motifs are distinctive styles of embroidery in India. These motifs are inspired by the natural beauty and culture of Kashmir. Flowers, vines, leaves, fruits and birds found in the valley are beautifully depicted on the cloth. Samovar, the teapot of Kashmir, also finds a place in kashida motifs.