“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.

Vaidyanath jyotirlinga, Commonly referred as Baidyanath dham or Baba dham is located in Deoghar in the state of Jharkhand. Deoghar which translates as the house of Gods is the most visited town in Jharkhand. It is mentioned in ancient texts as Ketakivan. The manifestation of Shiva here is linked with Ravan, the king of Lanka. Lanka was a prosperous town but there was no happiness. Ravan, who was a devotee of Shiva felt that all will be good only if the Lord resides here.

Omkareshwar which is situated on an island in the holy river Narmada. The place derives its name from the island which is shaped naturally like the sacred symbol ‘Om’ that adds to the divinity of the place. The island is also called Mandhata. It is named after the king Mandhata, an ancestor of Ram who ruled here in satyug. It was due to his devotion that Shiva decided to reside here.

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.

On my recent visit to my parental house in Kasganj, I had a chance to go to a nearby village Soron-ji which is located on the banks of River Ganga. This village is known as the birthplace of Goswami Tulsidas, who composed the famous Ram Charit Manas. We were here to attend the “Ganga Arti” that has started as a daily ritual in the evenings at the Haripadi Ganga ghat. This Ghat is the central point of the village and has been beautifully renovated in past few years with the efforts of some local residents.

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.

Hand vector created by freepik वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय, सूर्यकोटि समप्रभ । निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे देव, सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा ॥ One of the most popular festivals in India, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated annually to mark the birth of Lord Ganesh, the younger son of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. The festival falls on the Shukla Chaturthi of Bhadra month according to the Hindu calendar and in the month of August/September according to the Gregorian calendar.