Contact
Home Blog Page 168

Diwali 2025: Dates, Traditions, and Recipes

By
EBNW Story
-
0

What Is Diwali?

Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is India’s iconic festival of lights — a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The word Deepavali comes from Sanskrit, meaning “row of lights.”

In 2025, Diwali begins on Monday, October 20, with festivities continuing into Tuesday, October 21. Across India and the world, homes and streets are illuminated with lamps (diyas), candles, and fireworks to symbolize inner light and renewal.

When Is Diwali Celebrated?

Diwali follows the Hindu lunar calendar, falling on the new moon (Amavasya) of the month of Kartik, typically between mid-October and mid-November.

Upcoming Dates of Diwali (Main Day):

  • 2025: Monday, October 20
  • 2026: Sunday, November 8
  • 2027: Friday, October 29
  • 2028: Tuesday, October 17

The Five Days of Diwali (2025 Calendar)

  1. Dhanteras (Oct 18): Welcoming wealth and prosperity; homes decorated with lights and rangoli.
  2. Kali Chaudas (Oct 19): A day to cleanse negativity and honor Goddess Kali.
  3. Lakshmi Puja – Main Diwali Day (Oct 20–21): Worship of Goddess Lakshmi, lighting of diyas, fireworks, sweets, and family feasts.
  4. Govardhan Puja / Bali Pratipada (Oct 22): Devotion to Lord Krishna and gratitude to nature.
  5. Bhai Dooj (Oct 23): Celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters.

Who Celebrates Diwali?

Diwali is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains across India and globally.

  • Hindus honor Lord Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.
  • Sikhs commemorate the release of Guru Hargobind from captivity.
  • Jains celebrate Lord Mahavira’s attainment of nirvana.

Countries like India, Singapore, the UK, the US, and Australia host grand Diwali festivities, uniting communities through light, prayer, and togetherness.

How Diwali Is Celebrated

Diwali is marked by lighting lamps, decorating homes, exchanging sweets, and setting off fireworks believed to drive away negativity. Families wear new clothes, perform prayers (puja), and enjoy festive meals together.

Popular Diwali Recipes

Celebrate Diwali with these festive favorites:

  • Coconut Ladoos – a sweet classic.
  • Palak Paneer (Spinach & Tofu) – a savory delight.
  • Raita Cucumber Yogurt Salad – a cooling side.
  • Sweet Potato Lentil Coconut Curry – hearty and flavorful.

Why Mappls Is Now Called as Swadeshi Alternative to Google Maps

By
EBNW Story
-
0

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has endorsed Mappls, the indigenous navigation app developed by MapmyIndia, calling it a strong “Swadeshi alternative to Google Maps.”

During a recent drive, Vaishnav personally tested the app and praised its advanced features such as 3D junction views, voice-guided navigation, and real-time traffic updates optimized for Indian road conditions.

He highlighted that Mappls is pre-installed in several leading Indian automobile brands and integrates seamlessly with government data systems, ensuring data privacy and security within India’s digital framework.

Supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the minister also announced that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will soon be signed between MapmyIndia and Indian Railways to leverage GIS-based technology for improving passenger services and route management.

Vaishnaw’s endorsement marks a significant boost to India’s growing ecosystem of indigenous digital platforms, emphasizing innovation, self-reliance, and technological sovereignty.

Filmfare Awards 2025: Here Comes Complete List of Winners…Laapataa Ladies’ Dominates with 13 Wins, SRK, Alia Bhatt Shine

By
EBNW Story
-
0

The glittering 70th edition of the Filmfare Awards 2025 unfolded at EKA Arena, Kankaria Lake, Ahmedabad, on Saturday night, celebrating the finest talent in Indian cinema.

Hosted by Shah Rukh Khan, along with Karan Johar and Maniesh Paul, the evening was packed with dazzling performances by Shah Rukh, Kriti Sanon, and Kajol, adding star power to Bollywood’s biggest night.

The spotlight of the night was on ‘Laapataa Ladies’, which emerged as the biggest winner, bagging 13 trophies, including Best Film, equalling the record previously held by Gully Boy.

In acting honours, Abhishek Bachchan and Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor (Male) award, while Alia Bhatt clinched the Best Actress (Female) trophy for her powerful performance.

The event celebrated cinematic excellence across categories, reaffirming Filmfare’s legacy as one of the most prestigious awards in Indian film history.

Here’s the full winners list:

Best Actor in Leading Role Male--Abhishek Bachchan (I Want To Talk) and Kartik Aaryan (Chandu Champion)

Best Actor in Leading Role Female–Alia Bhatt (Jigra)

Critics’ Awards for Best Actor Male–Rajkummar Rao (Srikanth)

Critics’ Awards for Best Actor Female–Pratibha Rannta (Laapataa Ladies)

Best Supporting Actor Female–Chhaya Kadam (Laapataa Ladies)

Best Supporting Actor Male--Ravi Kishan (Laapataa Ladies)

Critics’ Award for Best Film–Shoojit Sircar (I Want To Talk)

Best Debut Actor Female–Nitanshi Goel (Laapataa Ladies)

Best Debut Actor Male–Lakshya (Kill)

Best Debut Director--Kunal Kemmu (Madgaon Express), Aditya Suhas Jambhale (Article 370)

Best Action--Seayoung Oh and Parvez Shaikh (Kill)

Best Screenplay–Sneha Desai (Laapataa Ladies)

Best Story–Aditya Dhar and Monal Thakkar (Article 370)

Best Dialogue–Sneha Desai (Laapataa Ladies)

Best Music Album–Ram Sampath (Laapataa Ladies)

Best Lyrics–Prashant Pandey (Laapataa Ladies)

Best Playback Singer Male–Arijit Singh (Laapataa Ladies)

Best Playback Singer Female–Madhubanti Bagchi (Stree 2)

Best Adapted Screenplay–Ritesh Shah and Tushar Sheetal Jain (I Want To Talk)

Best Film--Laapataa Ladies

Best Director–Kiran Rao (Laapataa Ladies)

Critics’ award for best film–I Want to Talk (Shoojit Sircar)

Best sound design–Subash Sahoo (Kill)

Best Background Score–Ram Sampath (Laapataa Ladies)

Best VFX–Redefine (Munjya)

Best Choreography— Bosco-Caesar (Tauba Tauba from Bad Newz)

Best editing-Shivkumar V. Panicker (Kill)

Best costume–Darshan Jalan (Laapataa Ladies)

India’s Sacred Buddha Relics Reach Russia for Historic Exposition

By
EBNW Story
-
0

In a momentous cultural and spiritual event, sacred relics of Gautama Buddha arrived in Elista, the capital of Russia’s Kalmykia Republic, on Saturday. The holy relics were flown in by an Indian Air Force aircraft and ceremonially enshrined at the Geden Shedrup Choikorling Monastery.

The Indian delegation was led by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, accompanied by 11 senior monks, including the 43rd Sakya Trizin, Gyana Vajra Rinpoche.

The week-long exposition, taking place from October 11 to 18, marks a significant milestone in India–Russia cultural diplomacy, highlighting the nations’ shared Buddhist heritage.

Kalmykia — known as Europe’s only Buddhist-majority region — will host a series of religious ceremonies, cultural programs, and interfaith dialogues centered around the relics. The event aims to deepen people-to-people ties while celebrating the universal message of peace and compassion propagated by Lord Buddha.

Columbus Day: History, Meaning, and the Debate That Redefined It

By
EBNW Story
-
0

Columbus Day, observed on the second Monday of October, marks Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492 — an event long celebrated as the beginning of the New World. But over time, the day has evolved from a symbol of exploration to a focal point of historical debate.

Though his voyage was financed by Spain’s King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, Columbus himself hailed from Genoa, Italy. Italian Americans, proud of his heritage, became key advocates for honoring his legacy. The first major celebration took place in 1792 in New York City, organized by the Society of St. Tammany (also called the Columbian Order).

However, the national recognition of the holiday came under tragic circumstances. In 1891, the lynching of 11 Italian Americans in New Orleans — one of the largest mass lynchings in U.S. history — shocked the world and strained U.S.–Italy relations. To ease tensions, President Benjamin Harrison declared October 12, 1892, a one-time national holiday marking the 400th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage.

By 1937, Columbus Day had become a federal holiday, thanks to the efforts of Italian American groups and Congressman Peter Rodino. Across the U.S., it was celebrated with grand parades, patriotic speeches, and school events, often portraying Columbus’s ships — the Niña, Pinta, and Santa María.

Yet by the late 20th century, the holiday faced growing criticism. Many began to question the glorification of Columbus, linking his arrival to the colonization and suffering of Indigenous peoples. The 1992 quincentennial especially intensified this debate, leading to the rise of Indigenous Peoples’ Day — a reimagining of the holiday that honors Native American history, resilience, and culture.

Outside the U.S., the legacy of Columbus is marked differently. In Spain and Italy, it remains a day of commemoration. In much of Latin America, it’s known as Día de la Raza (“Day of the Race” or “Day of the People”), celebrating the blend of Indigenous and European cultures that shaped the region’s identity.

Today, Columbus Day continues to provoke reflection — not just about one explorer’s voyage, but about how history is remembered, retold, and reconciled.

Amitabh Bachchan Birthday Celebrations Trend on Social Media. Watch Videos and Pics Here

By
EBNW Story
-
0

A day before he turned 83, Amitabh Bachchan left fans intrigued with an enigmatic post on X (formerly Twitter) in the early hours of dawn. “It took two years to learn to speak; and 80 years to learn to stay silent,” read the post, tagged T 5527.

For the actor whose deep baritone once redefined Indian cinema’s idea of heroism and power, the post carries a subtle irony. After all, it was speech — his commanding voice and powerful dialogues — that helped shape his legendary on-screen persona in classics like Deewar, Zanjeer, and Sholay.

Yet, beyond its apparent paradox, the message seems to hold a quiet depth — perhaps a reflection of wisdom gathered over a lifetime in the public eye. Is it an amused assertion from a man who has truly seen it all — fame, failure, resurgence, and reverence? Or should it simply be read at face value — a philosophical reminder that while it takes only a few years to learn to speak, it can take a lifetime to master the art of knowing when not to?

Maybe, in his characteristically understated style, Big B’s words serve as a birthday reflection — a piece of hard-earned wisdom for his fans and followers. And that’s why his fans celebrated his birthday with fanfare and zeal. Watch it here…

Amitabh Bachchan Turns 83: The Fitness Secrets That Keep Bollywood’s Big B Going Strong

By
EBNW Story
-
0

Bollywood’s legendary superstar Amitabh Bachchan turns 83 on October 11, and his dedication to fitness continues to inspire generations. With over five decades in Indian cinema, Bachchan has delivered countless iconic performances in films like Zanjeer, Deewar, Sholay, Don, Paa, Pink, Badla, and Kalki 2898 AD. Yet beyond his cinematic achievements, it’s his unwavering discipline and fitness mindset that make him a true role model.

Fitness Mindset and Routine

Despite a packed schedule, Amitabh Bachchan never misses his workout. His wellness trainer Vrindaa Mehta shared in an interview with Humans of Bombay that it’s his mindset that sets him apart. “If Amitabh Bachchan can make time to exercise, normal people can too,” she said. “It’s not about comfort or excuses — when you know something is good for you, you just do it.”

The actor’s commitment is a reminder that fitness isn’t about trends or temporary motivation. Vrindaa emphasized that Bachchan’s sessions often focus on breathwork and yoga-based stretches. “My sessions with Amit ji are more about pranayama and controlled breathing. He understands that the mind drives the body — he’s the father of mindset,” she added.

Bachchan’s approach underlines that consistency is the real secret to longevity. For him, exercise isn’t a seasonal goal but a lifelong habit rooted in discipline and awareness.

Diet and Morning Routine

Amitabh Bachchan often shares glimpses of his health habits on his Tumblr blog. His mornings begin with tulsi leaves, followed by gooseberry (amla) juice and dates. His breakfast typically includes protein shakes, almonds, porridge, or coconut water — simple, nourishing choices that keep him energized through long working hours.

Ageless Inspiration

Even at 83, the megastar continues to film, host Kaun Banega Crorepati, and inspire millions. His fitness philosophy — rooted in mindfulness, moderation, and discipline — shows that age is no barrier when one prioritizes well-being. For Amitabh Bachchan, health truly remains the ultimate form of wealth.

How To Say Arattai, Questions Zoho Founder on X As Arattai App Crosses 7.5 Million Downloads in India

By
EBNW Story
-
0

Zoho Corporation’s Arattai messaging app — launched in 2021 with a focus on privacy, security, and local data storage — has crossed 7.5 million downloads in India since September 2025. The surge comes on the back of endorsements from business leaders like Anand Mahindra and growing support for digital self-reliance initiatives promoted by the government.

Founder Sridhar Vembu recently stirred online conversations by sharing regional language translations of the Tamil word “Arattai” (meaning “chat”), leading to spirited debates among users about linguistic authenticity and cultural adaptation.

Designed as a homegrown alternative to global messaging platforms, Arattai offers ad-free messaging, voice and video calls, and file sharing, all optimized for low-bandwidth networks. The company has also announced upcoming features including end-to-end encryption and AI-powered tools to enhance user experience and privacy.

Karwa Chauth: See How Political Veterans Celebrated The Festival With Zeal and Fervour…

By
EBNW Story
-
0

Karwa Chawth: As the moon rose on Karwa Chauth night, political leaders across India set aside their hectic schedules to celebrate the festival with their spouses. From exchanging heartfelt wishes to sharing glimpses of traditional rituals, several leaders marked the occasion with love and devotion. Dressed in festive attire, many were seen performing puja rituals and breaking the fast together, symbolising the enduring bond between partners beyond the corridors of power.

Karwa Chauth: See How Political Veterans Celebrated The Festival With Zeal and Fervour...

Karwa Chauth: See How Political Veterans Celebrated The Festival With Zeal and Fervour...
Karwa Chauth: See How Political Veterans Celebrated The Festival With Zeal and Fervour...
Karwa Chauth: See How Political Veterans Celebrated The Festival With Zeal and Fervour...
Karwa Chauth: See How Political Veterans Celebrated The Festival With Zeal and Fervour...
Karwa Chauth: See How Political Veterans Celebrated The Festival With Zeal and Fervour...

How Karnataka’s New Menstrual Leave Policy Differs from Bihar’s Three-Decade-Old Model

By
EBNW Story
-
0

Karnataka has made history by approving the Karnataka Menstrual Leave Policy 2025, becoming the first Indian state to extend paid menstrual leave to women in both government and private sectors. The move has reignited conversations about menstrual rights at the workplace — and prompted comparisons with Bihar, the first state to introduce menstrual leave more than three decades ago.

While both states share a progressive intent, their policies differ significantly in scope and structure.

In Bihar, menstrual leave was introduced as early as 1992, offering two days of special leave every month to women employees working in state government offices, schools, and public sector units. At the time, the initiative was considered groundbreaking — the first of its kind in India. However, it remained confined to the public sector, leaving out women employed in private companies and the vast unorganised workforce.

Karnataka’s newly approved policy takes that pioneering idea a step further. Under the Menstrual Leave Policy 2025, women across government and private organisations will be entitled to one paid day off each month. This makes Karnataka the first state in India to mandate menstrual leave across both sectors.

Officials said the measure is aimed at promoting gender equity, menstrual health awareness, and productivity by reducing “presenteeism” — the tendency to work despite discomfort. The government is also considering extending similar benefits to unorganised sector workers through Labour Welfare Boards or other mechanisms, ensuring inclusivity across all employment categories.

While Bihar continues to offer the longest monthly menstrual leave in the country, Karnataka’s approach is being seen as more holistic and inclusive, given its coverage of private enterprises.

Kerala: Following student-led advocacy at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Kerala universities began allowing menstrual leave. In January 2023, Higher Education Minister R Bindu announced a 2% relaxation in required attendance for female students.

Sikkim and Odisha are other states which continue with the trend. So lets see which other states join the list to give respite to women during their tough days.

1...167168169...895Page 168 of 895