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Bhai Dooj 2024 Date, Time and Significance

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EBNW Story
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Vaidehi Bhargava

Bhai Dooj, celebrated two days after Diwali, is a significant Hindu festival that honors the bond between brothers and sisters. Known as “Bhaiya Dooj” in North India, “Bhau Beej” in Maharashtra, and “Bhai Phonta” in Bengal, this festival is a day for sisters to pray for their brothers’ long lives and well-being.

One popular legend associated with Bhai Dooj is that of Lord Yama, the god of death, and his sister, Yamuna. According to the story, Yamuna longed to see her brother, but he rarely visited due to his duties. Finally, on a request, Yama visited her, and she welcomed him with great affection, performing rituals for his well-being. Touched by her love, Yama blessed her with protection and, in return, promised to visit every year. This day is celebrated as Bhai Dooj, where brothers and sisters honor their bond. Another story links Bhai Dooj to Lord Krishna visiting his sister Subhadra after defeating the demon Narakasura. Subhadra welcomed him with a tilak and sweets, marking the basis of the festival’s rituals.

Bhai Dooj holds deep cultural significance, emphasizing the bond of love, care, and protection between siblings. It is a reminder for brothers and sisters to stand by each other through life’s challenges. Sisters pray for their brothers’ prosperity and long lives, while brothers pledge to protect and support their sisters. The festival reinforces family bonds and symbolizes love, blessings, and the mutual duty of care.

On Bhai Dooj, sisters invite their brothers for a special ceremony, where they apply a “tilak” (vermilion mark) on their foreheads, offer prayers, and perform aarti to ward off evil and ensure their brothers’ safety. They also prepare a variety of traditional sweets and dishes as part of the celebration. In return, brothers give gifts as tokens of appreciation, often promising to protect their sisters. Some families exchange small ceremonial gifts, and it’s common to share the day with a family meal or gathering, symbolizing unity and love.

Bhai Dooj is a day of joyous celebration, fostering familial love and dedication, making it a beautiful end to the Diwali festivities

Govardhan Puja 2024: Historical and cultural significance in Hinduism

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EBNW Story
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Vaidehi Bhargava

Govardhan Puja, also known as Annakut or Annakoot, is celebrated on the day following Diwali. This festival holds a deep historical and cultural significance in Hinduism, particularly in North India. Here’s a look at its history, backstory, and significance:

Govardhan Puja commemorates the legend of Lord Krishna lifting the Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Vrindavan. According to Hindu scriptures, the people of Vrindavan would offer elaborate prayers and sacrifices to Lord Indra, the god of rain, for prosperity and bountiful harvests. However, young Krishna questioned this practice, emphasizing that instead of worshipping Indra, the people should honor the land and natural elements, like Govardhan Hill, that directly sustained their lives.

This angered Indra, who sent down heavy rain and thunderstorms to punish the villagers. To shield the people and animals from the fury of Indra’s storm, Krishna lifted the massive Govardhan Hill with his little finger, creating a natural umbrella. He held it for seven days, providing a safe refuge. Realizing Krishna’s divine power and his own mistake, Indra finally ceased the rains and sought forgiveness. This incident emphasized the importance of respecting nature over appeasing divine wrath through rituals.

Govardhan Puja celebrates Krishna’s act as a message of environmental respect, humility, and the power of devotion. The festival is a reminder that humans should live in harmony with nature, not exploit it. The legend also reinforces the idea of faith in divine protection and the strength of collective devotion.

On Govardhan Puja, devotees build small replicas of Govardhan Hill from cow dung, soil, or mud and decorate them with flowers. They prepare a variety of food offerings, known as Annakut, meaning “mountain of food,” which is presented to Lord Krishna as gratitude for his protection. Afterward, the food is distributed as prasada, symbolizing blessings.

Govardhan Puja is a cherished occasion, celebrating not only Krishna’s love and protection but also the significance of nature and community. It reminds us to live in balance with the environment, foster unity, and nurture humility.

Ayodhya Poised to Set World Record with 2.5 Million Lit Diyas on Diwali

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Dimple Arora
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Ayodhya is set to illuminate its legendary Ghats with 2.5 million diyas (oil lamps) this Diwali, aiming to break its own Guinness World Record from last year. On October 30, the eve of Diwali, also known as Roop Chaudas, 2.8 million diyas will be arranged along the banks of the Saryu River at Ram Ki Paidi, with plans to light 2.5 million of them. Last year, Ayodhya set a record by lighting 2.1 million diyas, and this year, the city hopes to surpass it with an even grander display. Over 32,000 volunteers have already begun meticulously setting up the diyas to ensure the massive illumination is achieved successfully.

A 30-member team from Guinness World Records has arrived in Ayodhya to oversee the record attempt. Consultant Nishchal Barot shared details of the verification process, which will include a three-step counting method: first, a manual count of the unlit diyas, followed by a count after they are lit, and finally, an AI-powered drone verification to produce the final tally.

Preparations for the festival are well underway, including rehearsals for an elaborate light and sound show that will bring the story of Lord Ram to life in a spectacular display. Ram Ki Paidi is already sparkling with vibrant yellow and blue lights as part of the festivities.

This year, a unique addition to the celebration is the use of wax diyas in temples across Ayodhya, marking a departure from the traditional clay lamps. The spirit of the festival has attracted thousands of visitors, with approximately 80% of rooms in Ayodhya already booked for Diwali and the following days. The city’s transformation into a radiant hub of devotion and festivity reflects its dedication to making this Diwali an unforgettable experience, setting an impressive milestone in the process.

Now tourists can have an Aerial View of Prayagraj Maha Kumbh through Helicopter Rides ..

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Dimple Arora
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For the upcoming Prayagraj Maha Kumbh beginning on January 13, devotees will have the unique opportunity to witness the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers from a helicopter. The Uttar Pradesh government has issued tenders for this initiative, and permanent helipads are being constructed at strategic locations: the Yamuna Boat Club, Jhunsi, and Arail. Priced at approximately ₹3,200 per person, the helicopter ride will last around 8 minutes, offering a breathtaking aerial view of this spiritual gathering.

Three helicopters will be able to take off and land simultaneously at these helipads, ensuring smooth and efficient operations. Besides the iconic Sangam, devotees will also be able to see other sacred sites such as Akshayavat, Saraswati Koop, and Samudra Koop from the air. For convenience, waiting lounges will be provided at the helipads. Scheduled to start on January 12, the Heli Darshan initiative aims to offer devotees a memorable experience during the Kumbh Mela. Additionally, the tourism department plans to shower flowers from helicopters on key bathing dates, adding a unique touch to this revered gathering.

The initiative doesn’t stop at helicopters. Devotees will also have the option of witnessing the expansive 6,000-acre Kumbh city from a hot air balloon. Starting from Makar Sankranti, hot air balloons will be launched, offering an aerial view of the sprawling Kumbh grounds and the confluence of the rivers below.

The tender process for this project is well underway, with several companies expressing interest. Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh stated that the government is committed to making the Maha Kumbh an unforgettable experience for devotees. The Heli Darshan will not only enhance their spiritual journey but also contribute to employment opportunities. Furthermore, the state government has already been providing helicopter flights to other major pilgrimage sites, ensuring easier access for devotees. Principal Secretary of Tourism, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, confirmed that the tendering process has started, marking a significant step toward making Maha Kumbh 2025 a memorable event for all.

Daya, Abhijeet and ACP Pradyuman to return with CID 2

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EBNW Story
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Vaidehi Bhargava

The iconic crime drama CID is making a much-anticipated comeback on Sony TV after a six-year hiatus. Originally debuting in 1998, the show quickly gained a devoted fan base over its two-decade run, thanks to its unique blend of suspenseful investigations and unforgettable characters like ACP Pradyuman (played by Shivaji Satam), Inspector Daya (Dayanand Shetty), and Sr. Inspector Abhijeet (Aditya Srivastava). The show’s final episode aired in October 2018, and since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting its return.

The makers are set to release a promo soon, building anticipation for the show’s revival. Although exact details about the storyline and cast are still under wraps, the revival could feature either a fresh storyline or a modern twist on classic elements that made the original series so popular. Sony TV is also rumored to be revitalizing other classic shows, appealing to nostalgic audiences as part of their programming refresh.

The potential revival of CID offers fans a chance to relive the excitement of crime-solving with familiar faces, while possibly introducing new characters and cases to appeal to a broader audience. This return marks a significant event for Indian television, celebrating one of its longest-running series with a fresh start that could air as soon as late October or early November 2024. Keep an eye out for the promo tomorrow, which promises a sneak peek into the new season and hints at what fans can expect in this iconic show’s exciting new chapter.

Do you know about this Beach in Japan where snow, sand and sea meet..

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EBNW Story
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Vaidehi Bhargava

In the northernmost island of Japan lies Hokkaido, renowned for its stunning landscapes and awe-inspiring beaches that seem to emerge from a dream. While most associate Japan with bustling cities or cherry blossoms, Hokkaido’s beaches reveal a softer, more mystical side to this ancient land. With vast stretches of pristine sands, these coastal paradises host some of nature’s most extraordinary phenomena, turning the island into a sanctuary for beauty-seekers and nature lovers alike.

The Mesmerizing Jewel Ice of Toyokoro

One of Hokkaido’s most enchanting sights appears in the dead of winter at Toyokoro Beach. Known as “jewel ice,” this phenomenon is rare, unique, and an absolute visual feast. As the Tokachi River freezes, chunks of glacial ice are broken off, carried downstream, and eventually deposited on the beach. The low winter temperatures sculpt these blocks into stunning crystalline forms that sparkle like gemstones under the pale winter sun. Each piece is unique, with hues ranging from clear and azure blue to hints of lavender and blush as the sunlight strikes through them. When dawn or dusk paints the sky with delicate pastel colors, these icy gems come alive, resembling a fantasy land rather than an earthly beach.

The Dreamlike Blue Sea Glow

During summer nights, certain beaches in Hokkaido, such as Otaru, transform into glowing blue shores due to a phenomenon known as bioluminescence. Certain microorganisms called Noctiluca scintillans, also known as “sea sparkle,” thrive in these waters, emitting a soft, ethereal blue light when disturbed. This natural phenomenon occurs as the microorganisms produce a reaction that lights up the waves, casting a mesmerizing glow onto the sandy shores. As the waves lap the coast, the beach shimmers under the moonlight, leaving a trail of glowing blue like the footsteps of mythical beings.

The Otherworldly Drift Ice at Okhotsk

Winter in Hokkaido also brings forth the magical drift ice, a phenomenon that sweeps along the Sea of Okhotsk coast. It is one of the few places outside the polar regions where drift ice can be observed, making it an exceptional sight. Large sheets of ice break off from the northern seas and are carried by currents to the coasts of Hokkaido, creating a floating ice field that stretches as far as the eye can see. The interplay of sunlight and ice creates a fascinating scene, with each shard reflecting light and casting a mesmerizing glow. Visitors can even take drift ice cruises, gliding through this sea of frozen beauty, often accompanied by seals and birds who thrive in these icy waters.

Hokkaido’s beaches capture the very essence of nature’s fleeting magic, transforming with each season. From jewel ice to drift ice and the glimmering blue sea glow, the shores of this island are canvases painted by the elements. Each visit to Hokkaido’s beaches offers not just scenic beauty, but a deeply mystical experience, where one can witness Earth’s raw, untouched artistry sculpted by time, tides, and temperatures.

Alia Bhatt opens Ed-a-Mamma’s first offline store in Mumbai

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EBNW Story
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Vaidehi Bhargava

Alia Bhatt, in partnership with Reliance Retail, opened Ed-a-Mamma’s first offline store in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone for her sustainable kidswear and maternity brand, which was founded in 2020. The store launch aligns with Ed-a-Mamma’s mission to bring eco-friendly, affordable fashion directly to consumers. The brand, initially an online-only platform, has since expanded its reach and now boasts a presence in 16 stores across major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai.

Ed-a-Mamma is celebrated for its environmentally conscious practices, using ethically sourced materials and omitting plastic in its designs. Each garment even includes a “seedball,” encouraging children to cultivate a connection to nature by planting it. Bhatt’s goal with Ed-a-Mamma is to make sustainable fashion accessible to a larger audience, especially for children, emphasizing that eco-friendly products don’t have to be prohibitively expensive.

Reviews of Ed-a-Mamma have highlighted its appealing combination of style, comfort, and sustainability, which have resonated well with consumers. Bhatt’s collaboration with Reliance Retail is expected to further boost Ed-a-Mamma’s reach and expand its product line to include baby furniture and personal care items, positioning it as a comprehensive sustainable lifestyle brand for young families

Roop Chaudas 2024, Get festive ready on this auspicious day..

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EBNW Story
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Vaidehi Bhargava

Roop Chaudas, also known as Narak Chaturdashi, falls on the 14th day of Krishna Paksha (waning moon) during the Hindu month of Kartik, a day before Diwali. This festival is celebrated with the belief of enhancing one’s beauty, both inner and outer, and to ward off evil or negative energies. It holds a rich spiritual and cultural significance in India, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.

The main legend behind Roop Chaudas is associated with Narakasura, a demon king who brought terror and oppression to his people. According to the story, Narakasura received a boon that only his mother could defeat him. This led him to believe he was invincible. But his tyrannical rule and misdeeds angered the gods, and finally, Lord Krishna, along with his wife Satyabhama (who was a reincarnation of Narakasura’s mother), defeated him. His death freed the people from darkness and oppression. In honor of this victory and the liberation it symbolized, Narak Chaturdashi is celebrated. It’s believed that lighting diyas on this day illuminates one’s path away from evil and towards righteousness.

The rituals of Roop Chaudas focus on purification and self-care. People traditionally wake up before dawn for an Abhyanga Snan (holy bath) with ubtan, a paste made of fragrant herbs, gram flour, and oils, believed to cleanse and beautify the skin. Special emphasis is placed on physical and mental wellness. Women, especially, engage in beauty rituals to enhance their Roop (beauty), signifying the belief that both inner and outer beauty are essential. Many believe that one’s inner beauty shines through when the heart and soul are free from evil thoughts.

People also light lamps and offer prayers, asking for protection against negative energies and seeking blessings for beauty, health, and prosperity. The evening is often marked with rangolis, lighting of oil lamps, and sometimes even small fireworks, setting the stage for Diwali, which falls the next day. In essence, Roop Chaudas serves as a reminder to cleanse oneself of negativity, both inside and out, in preparation for the light-filled celebration of Diwali.

Diwali 2024: Why Goddess Laxmi And Lord Ganesh Are Worshipped Together? Know The Story Behind It

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EBNW Story
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Vaidehi Bhargava

In Hindu tradition, Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha are worshipped together on Diwali, as they symbolize wealth, wisdom, and prosperity. Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, brings blessings of financial abundance and success. Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and the deity of wisdom and intellect, provides the foresight to make wise decisions and overcome challenges. This combination of wealth and wisdom is believed to bring holistic prosperity, making it an essential part of Diwali celebrations.

The tradition dates back to ancient legends. One popular story recounts that Lakshmi, though goddess of wealth, was once cursed to roam without stability or loyalty to anyone. To overcome this curse, she sought guidance from Lord Vishnu, who advised her to approach Ganesha, the wise and obstacle-remover. Ganesha agreed to bless Lakshmi, allowing her to become stable in the lives of those who venerated her with the assistance of Ganesha’s wisdom. Therefore, worshipping Lakshmi alone was seen as incomplete; without Ganesha’s blessings, the wealth she brought might lead to greed, misuse, or obstacles.

Another story links Diwali’s observance with the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, where he was welcomed with lights and festivities. To ensure his reign was prosperous and free from obstacles, the people of Ayodhya prayed to both Lakshmi and Ganesha. Since then, the tradition of worshipping them together on Diwali became popular.

In essence, the combined worship has a deep significance. Lakshmi grants material wealth, but without wisdom, such wealth can lead to attachment, arrogance, and problems. Ganesha, the wise, grants intelligence and mental clarity to use wealth responsibly and foster harmonious, fruitful lives. This combination underlines the importance of balancing material success with spiritual wisdom, a core principle in Hindu philosophy.

Thus, on Diwali, by worshipping Lakshmi and Ganesha together, devotees seek holistic blessings that include both wealth and the wisdom to handle it properly, promoting balanced and prosperous lives. This practice teaches that true success and happiness come when prosperity is accompanied by wisdom and virtue, making the Diwali puja a blend of spiritual and material aspirations.

What is Dev Diwali? Know its history and significance..

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EBNW Story
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Vaidehi Bhargava

Dev Diwali, also called Dev Deepawali, stands as one of the most resplendent festivals in Hindu culture, marking a day when the heavens and earth unite in celebration. Unlike the traditional Diwali, which symbolizes the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya, Dev Diwali holds a unique place in the hearts of devotees, especially in the sacred city of Varanasi. Falling on the full moon day of Kartik month, this festival enchants the ghats of the Ganges with millions of flickering diyas (earthen lamps), creating an ethereal glow that mirrors the cosmic magnificence.

The festival’s roots stretch back to a revered mythological event when Lord Shiva defeated the mighty demon Tripurasura, liberating the gods and bringing peace to the cosmos. This victory, known as “Tripurari Purnima,” commemorates the annihilation of evil forces and the reinstatement of divine balance. Legends say that on this day, even the deities descend from their heavenly abodes to Varanasi to offer homage to Lord Shiva and bask in the serene glow of the sacred Ganges, lighting lamps to celebrate the triumph of good over evil. Hence, Dev Diwali translates to “Diwali of the Gods,” paying tribute to this heavenly descent.

Dev Diwali’s significance transcends simple celebration; it is deeply woven into the fabric of Hindu philosophy. This is a time for devotees to reflect on the cosmic cycle of life, death, and rebirth, as symbolized by Lord Shiva’s presence. Observing this festival, especially in Varanasi, is believed to rid one of past karmas and foster spiritual growth. Pilgrims from across the world flock to the ghats to perform rituals for their ancestors, pray for blessings, and immerse themselves in the otherworldly aura that pervades the night.

The day begins with devotees taking a holy dip in the Ganges, as this sacred act is believed to cleanse sins and pave the way for spiritual liberation. Temples echo with the divine sounds of mantras and hymns, and the aarti (ceremonial worship) performed at dusk amplifies the festival’s spiritual energy. As night falls, the ghats transform into a realm of mysticism with the glow of thousands of diyas placed carefully along the riverbanks. This collective illumination symbolizes the light of divinity, guiding humanity through the darkness of ignorance and suffering.

Varanasi, the heart of Dev Diwali, takes on a celestial aura as the illuminated ghats are reflected in the shimmering waters of the Ganges. The sight of priests conducting the Ganga Aarti, surrounded by devotees chanting in unison, creates an atmosphere of transcendence. People release miniature boats laden with oil lamps into the river, a gesture symbolizing prayers and aspirations flowing towards the divine.

In recent years, Dev Diwali has also gained a cultural dimension, with boat processions, musical performances, and artistic renditions adding to the festivity. However, at its core, Dev Diwali remains a festival of profound spirituality—a bridge between the mortal and the divine, a moment in time when humans and gods celebrate the same cause, dispelling darkness and inviting the blessings of the cosmos.

As you stand by the Ganges on this night, you’re not just a spectator; you’re part of an ancient legacy, a timeless tradition of reverence, devotion, and enlightenment. Dev Diwali is not merely a festival but a journey into the heart of Hindu spirituality, inviting each soul to bask in the divine glow and rise above earthly bindings.

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