Festival

The sacred ‘Pahandi’ ritual of the annual Rath Yatra began in Puri on June 27, 2025, as Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra were ceremoniously brought out of the 12th-century temple and placed onto their respective chariots. Amid devotional chants and vibrant performances, lakhs of devotees gathered along the Grand Road to witness the divine procession. The chariot pulling is scheduled to begin at 4 PM following the royal ‘Chherapahanra’ ritual by Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb. Tight security measures, including AI-powered surveillance, have been put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the festival.

In a historic moment on Ganga Dussehra, the consecration of 'Raja Ram' Lord Ram in his kingly form was held on the first floor of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The ceremony, attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, also witnessed the installation of idols in eight newly built temples within the Ram Janmabhoomi complex. Marking the culmination of a 500-year-long struggle, the event was described as both sacred and historic, symbolizing the fulfillment of generations of faith and devotion.

Lucknow came alive with devotion and community spirit as thousands celebrated the first Bada Mangal of the season. Unique to the city, the festival blends faith in Lord Hanuman with a strong message of communal harmony. Over 1,500 bhandaras served free meals across the city, supported by civic bodies and local organizations. The Lucknow Municipal Corporation ensured cleanliness and promoted a zero-waste initiative, making the celebration both spiritual and sustainable.

Akshaya Tritiya 2025, falling on April 30, is considered an auspicious day for buying gold, with the prime muhurat between 5:41 AM and 2:12 PM. Despite gold prices hitting ₹1 lakh per 10 grams, the jewelry market anticipates a ₹16,000 crore turnover, reflecting continued consumer faith in the day’s promise of everlasting prosperity.

On April 18, 2025, Christians around the world will observe Good Friday—a solemn day marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As part of Holy Week, it invites reflection on sacrifice, grace, and redemption. Through prayer, fasting, and acts of compassion, believers honor Christ’s selfless love and prepare their hearts for the hope of Easter Sunday.

Hanuman Jayanti, celebrated on April 12, 2025, marks the divine birth of Lord Hanuman — a symbol of strength, devotion, and selfless service. Temples across India, especially Sankat Mochan in Varanasi and Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya, witnessed a huge turnout of devotees performing rituals, fasting, and chanting hymns like the Hanuman Chalisa. The festival coincides with Pana Sankranti in Odisha, observed as the Odia New Year. Rooted in stories from the Ramayana, the occasion celebrates Lord Hanuman not only as a deity but also as a spiritual guide, protector, and embodiment of courage.