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Chaitra Navratri 2024 Day 7 of Maa Kalratri

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Maa Kalratri

As the vibrant festival of Chaitra Navratri unfolds its seventh day, devotees across the globe prepare to pay homage to Maa Kalratri, the formidable manifestation of Goddess Durga. Falling on April 15 this year, Day 7, also known as Saptami, holds profound significance in Hindu mythology, marking the worship of Maa Kalratri, the fierce protector who vanquishes evil forces and bestows blessings upon her devotees.

Who is Maa Kalratri?

Maa Kalratri, the seventh avatar of Maa Durga, epitomizes strength and fearlessness. With a complexion as dark as the night, she rides a donkey and bears four hands, wielding a sword and an iron hook in her left hands while gesturing protection and blessings with her right hands. Despite her formidable appearance, Maa Kalratri is revered for her benevolence, known to dispel obstacles and sorrows while safeguarding her devotees from malevolent energies. She is also hailed as Goddess Shubhankari, symbolizing auspiciousness and protection.

Legend of Maa Kalratri

According to ancient lore, Maa Kalratri played a pivotal role in the defeat of the demons Chanda, Munda, and Raktabeej. When the demons threatened the balance of the universe, the gods sought the intervention of Goddess Parvati, who manifested Maa Kalratri to restore order. With unparalleled courage, she annihilated the demons, embodying the triumph of good over evil.

Chaitra Navratri 2024 Day 7: Timing and Auspicious Muhurat

On the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Navratri Day 7, devotees observe specific timings and muhurats to perform the puja rituals dedicated to Maa Kalratri:

  • Saptami Tithi Starts: 11:44 am on April 14
  • Saptami Tithi Ends: 12:11 pm on April 15
  • Brahma Muhurat: 4:26 am to 5:11 am
  • Abhijit Muhurat: 11:56 am to 12:47 pm
  • Vijay Muhurat: 2:30 pm to 3:21 pm

Chaitra Navratri 2024 Day 7: Rituals and Offerings

Devotees adorn themselves in white attire, symbolizing purity and devotion, to invoke the blessings of Maa Kalratri. Offerings of jaggery and prasad made from it are presented to the goddess, signifying sweetness and reverence. The sringar puja, performed on Saptami night, involves offering sindoor, kajal, and other cosmetic items to the deity, which are later donated to temples as a symbol of gratitude.

Chaitra Navratri 2024 Day 7: Mantra and Prayers

To invoke the divine presence of Maa Kalratri and seek her blessings, devotees chant the following mantra and prayers:

Mantra: “Om Devi Kalaratryai Namah”

Prathana: “Ekaveni Japakarnapura Nagna Kharasthit Lamboshthi Karnikakarni Tailabhyakta Sharirini Vamapadollasalloha Latakantakabhushana Vardhana Murdhadhwaja Krishna Kalaratrirbhayankari”

Stuti: “Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Kalaratri Rupena Samsthita Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah”

As the devotees immerse themselves in the divine aura of Maa Kalratri, they embrace her fierce yet compassionate essence, seeking solace and protection amidst life’s challenges. Chaitra Navratri Day 7 heralds not only the worship of a formidable deity but also the celebration of courage, resilience, and unwavering faith in the divine.

Formovie Projectors Fast Emerging as the Premium Choice in India’s Home Entertainment

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Formovie 4K Theater

The increasing inclination of customers toward a theatre-like movie or gaming experience has also led to an increase in the growing demand for laser projectors. This surge in demand has also seen many global tech giants entering the Indian market. This includes Formovie, the Mi ecosystem company, which forayed into India last year and is already making a major impact by providing an unforgettable viewing experience right at home.

Irrespective of whether you are a movie enthusiast, a gamer, or hosting a screening centre, a high-quality projector can take your viewing experience to the next level. Hence, being the key to a perfect entertainment setup, finding the right kind of projector should be done after a detailed assessment of the pros and cons of the available choices.

One of the major reasons for the wide acceptance of Formovie projectors is the stunning visual quality that they offer. Powered by Advanced Laser Phosphor Display (ALPD 4.0), these RGB+ laser projectors deliver 2800 ANSI lumens brightness and 4K colour accuracy. The brilliant display function can be further enhanced by using the ambient light-rejecting screen mode.

Other major pros of the projectors are their easy integration with Android TV 11.0 and Google Assistant, which help users easily control their content from the comfort of their living room. The Formovie projectors also support a wide range of streaming services, including Dolby Vision content from Apple TV, Disney+, and other popular platforms.

These advanced projectors also feature a wide array of connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HDMI, enabling viewers to connect to various multimedia devices and streaming services easily and conveniently. In addition to Dolby Vision, the projectors also have built-in Bowers & Wilkins speakers with Dolby Atmos support, ensuring premium sound quality equivalent to a real cinematic audio experience in movie theatres.

In addition to the sound system, they are equipped with smart features such as voice control, screen mirroring, and auto-focus, making them the right choice for a personalized viewing experience. As consumers opt for energy-efficient and eco-friendly projectors, Formovie projectors are designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. Starting from Formovie S5 projector priced at Rs 69,999, to Formovie 4K Theater, which is priced at Rs 3,79,999, these projectors are also among the most cost-effective devices included in the luxury category.

Gatorade Drops It’s All New Turf at the Chandni Chowk to Inspire Active Lifestyle

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Turf Finder Gatorade

As part of it’s ongoing ‘Turf Finder’ initiative, Gatorade, PepsiCo India’s iconic hydration brand, unveiled Delhi’s second turf in the busy lanes of the iconic Chandni Chowk. The event, held on Sunday morning, marked a significant milestone for Gatorade towards promoting the love and will for playing sports amidst the hustle and bustle of India’s metropolitan cities.

Launched in February earlier this year with its first turf debuting in Mumbai, this initiative by Gatorade is committed to finding people places to play, wherever and whenever space permits in the city. The initiative is aimed at addressing the scarcity of recreational space in urban India through Google Maps data. This may just be how cities look at urban playgrounds in the future. Through this initiative, Gatorade seeks to inspire young individuals to embrace physical activity as a key part of their daily lives.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participants coming together to play and relish the excitement offered by the specially tailored turf, catering to badminton, and basketball aficionados. Delhi witnessed its first turf drop earlier in March in Lajpat Nagar, and the brand is aiming to drop another turf in the city soon.  

Speaking on the initiative, Ankit Agarwal, Associate Director, Energy & Hydration, PepsiCo India, said, “Gatorade has consistently championed the importance of fitness and an active lifestyle as integral components of well-being. However, in today’s fast-paced and chaotic society, finding both time and a suitable space for physical activity poses a significant challenge. We firmly believe that this initiative will make sport accessible to a lot more people, thereby cultivating a healthier lifestyle. By providing convenient and inviting spaces for play, we hope to inspire communities to embrace the intrinsic value of staying active amidst the demands of modern life.”        

Adding further, Rajdeepak Das, CCO, Publicis Groupe – South Asia & Chairman, Leo Burnett – South Asia, said, “This is a true HumanKind idea where we are using technology to find solutions for modern day problems. Our cities are temporal in nature, they behave different by day and different by night. We have validated this spirit and used historic Google Maps data to find empty spaces at specific times which can be made into a turf. The most exciting part is that this campaign can be scaled across the country and not only promote an active lifestyle but also make a cultural impact in communities making sport an equalizer.”

Consumers can visit Gatorade’s exclusive website to find out more details and clues on the upcoming Turf drops – www.gatoturffinder.com.

Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management Holds 27th Convocation

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Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, recently held its 27th convocation. The Chief Guest Dr. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of NETF, EC-NAAC and NBA and Chairman – Board of Governors, LBSIM – Shri Anil Shastri, presented PGDM Degree to a total of 227 students from PGDM (General), PGDM (Financial Management), PGDM (Research & Business Analytics), PGDM (E-Business), PGDM (Artificial Intelligence & Data Science) of session 2022-24 and PGDM of session 2021-24.

During the graduation ceremony, the college also honored students for their remarkable achievements. Gold medals were awarded to Arjun Khajuria for PGDM (General), Sakshi Jain for PGDM (Financial Management), Ritika Aggarwal for PGDM (Research & Business Analytics), and Kritima Jain for PGDM (E-Business), Saksham Kapoor for PGDM (AI & Data Science) for 2022-24 and Sandeep Kumar Pugliya (PGDM 2021-24) securing first position and received gold medal in their respective courses. Sourashish Chatterjee, Priyal Sachdeva, Devanshi Narang, Sidhanth Kapoor, and Shivam Gupta received the Lalita Shastri Medal for the best overall performance in PGDM. Vrinda Jain was recognized with the Amit Chopra Medal for her contributions to social service and extracurricular activities.

In his welcome address, Anil Shastri, Chairman of Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, congratulated all the graduating students and awardees. He further advised the students never to lose the sight of ground reality. “If you are unaware of it (ground reality), you will find difficulty in whatever you want to do. Passion, personal integrity, intellectual honesty and determination is very important to get success in your endeavors.

While delivering the convocation address, Dr. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of NETF, EC-NAAC, and NBA, said, “LBSIM has earned great respect from public as it furthering the legacy of country’s great leader and former PM Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri ji. Everything he did, touched the heart and soul of every human being.

Interacting with students he further said, “The rise in startups and innovations has lifted our standards. About 7-8 years ago India was at the 81st position in the Global Innovation Index and today we hold the 40th position. Some of you must take up the journey of entrepreneurship and create startups. In 2014 there were not even 400 startups in India and today that number has crossed 1,10,000. The graduating students are now creating jobs with the help of startups and thereby catapulting the Indian economy. By 2047, when India will complete 100 years of independence, we’ll be at the top of almost all the schemes of things.

The convocation ceremony also included the presentation of the annual report by Dr. Praveen Gupta, Director of Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management, shedding light on the institute’s achievements and milestones over the past year. The Convocation culminated with Student’s Group Photographs followed by jubilant doffing of graduation caps and memorable interactions among board members, dignitaries, faculty, staff, parents and students over dinner.

Simpl – Zepto’s “Pass with Khata” Campaign Offers Guaranteed Cashback and other Benefits

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Simpl, India’s foremost Checkout Network, announced today its “Pass with Khata” campaign by partnering with Zepto, India’s fastest-growing e-grocery service. As part of this campaign, Simpl is offering up to 5% cashback on every transaction made by Zepto Pass members, for all users. 

Additionally, users can enjoy benefits from the recently launched Zepto Pass, which provides unlimited free deliveries, 10% off on fruits and vegetables, 10% off on Zepto Cafe and up to 20% on all other orders. The Khata-like feature allows users to clear all their bills for grocery purchases at once every fortnight.

Launched on February 29th, Zepto Pass has become the fastest loyalty program to achieve a 1 million user base in just one week of its rollout. The integration with Simpl’s Instant Checkout is aimed at extending the quick delivery experience to the checkout stage as well while enhancing affordability for millions of consumers. Along with this, users can seamlessly subscribe to Zepto’s monthly pass with Simpl while paying for all their grocery purchases in one go.

Steps to use Simpl on Zepto Pass

  • Click on the ‘Get Pass’ button the top right on Zepto app 
  • Follow steps to reach the Checkout page
  • At the Checkout page, choose “Simpl
  • Enjoy free deliveries, extra cashbacks, and discounts 
  • Pay a combined bill on Simpl app for all your purchases after 15 days

About Simpl
Simpl is India’s foremost Merchant First Checkout Network, making payments invisible and money intelligent. Simpl is on a mission to empower merchants to build trusted relationships with customers, one transaction at a time. With more than 26,000 available merchants and millions of approved users pan-India, Simpl envisions creating a frictionless and inclusive digital payments experience for India that empowers and fosters trust between merchants and their customers.

For more queries, kindly reach out to media@getsimpl.com.

About Zepto 
Founded in 2021 by Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya Vohra, Zepto became one of India’s fastest-growing internet companies of all time. Headquartered in Mumbai, Zepto has delighted millions of customers by delivering 7,000+ grocery, lifestyle, electronics and many more products in 10 minutes through a network of delivery hubs across the country.

Ambedkar Jayanti: Why it is celebrated as Equality Day?

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Ambedkar Jayanti, also known as Bhim Jayanti, is celebrated on April 14th to remember B. R. Ambedkar, who was an important leader and worked to make society better. He was born on April 14th, 1891. Some people in India also call this day ‘Equality Day’ because it reminds us of the importance of treating everyone fairly.

Why 14th April is celebrated as Equality Day?

In 2022, the state of Tamil Nadu made April 14th “Equality Day” to honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions. They did this by passing Assembly Rule 110.

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar is known as a key figure in the battle for equality in India. His birthday is celebrated as Equality Day for two main reasons:

  1. Lifelong Advocate for Equality: Ambedkar was born into a Dalit family and faced discrimination because of the caste system. This personal experience drove him to dedicate his life to fighting for equality for everyone, regardless of their caste, religion, or gender. He worked tirelessly to uplift marginalized communities.
  2. Architect of a Fair India: Ambedkar played a crucial role as the head of the drafting committee for the Indian Constitution. This constitution laid the foundation for a secular, democratic nation and included fundamental rights that ensure equality for all citizens.

Ambedkar’s legacy continues to inspire people today. His ideas about social justice and individual rights remain relevant, reminding us of the ongoing struggle for a truly inclusive and fair society.

Celebration

On Ambedkar Jayanti, his followers gather for processions at places like Chaitya Bhoomi in Mumbai and Deeksha Bhoomi in Nagpur. Important national leaders, like the President and Prime Minister, along with leaders of big political parties, pay respects at Ambedkar’s statue in the Parliament of India in New Delhi. People from all over the world, especially those from dalit, adivasi, labor, and women communities, as well as those who have embraced Buddhism like him, celebrate this day. In India, many people visit local statues of Ambedkar with a lot of excitement and joy. In 2020, the first online Ambedkar Jayanti was celebrated worldwide.

Background

Babasaheb Ambedkar’s first birthday celebration was held on April 14, 1928, in Pune by Janardan Sadashiv Ranapisay, who was an Ambedkar supporter and social activist. He began the tradition of celebrating Babasaheb’s birthday, which we now call Ambedkar Jayanti.

Ambedkar finished his high school in 1907 and then went on to study economics and political science for his BA honors at Elphinstone College. Later, he went to Columbia University in New York to do his Masters of Arts and earned his PhD in economics in 1927. In 1916, he also started studying law at Gray’s Inn, alongside another PhD in economics from the London School of Economics. Ambedkar was incredibly knowledgeable, mastering 64 subjects and being fluent in 11 languages.

Chaitra Navratri Day 6 of Maa Katyayani

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Who is Maa Katyayani?

As the vibrant festival of Chaitra Navratri unfolds, devotees find themselves immersed in the divine energy of Maa Durga’s various incarnations. On Day 6, falling on April 14, 2024, devotees pay homage to Maa Katyayani, the formidable warrior goddess. Let’s delve into the significance of this auspicious day, the rituals, and the puja practices associated with venerating Maa Katyayani.

Who is Maa Katyayani?

Maa Katyayani, a fierce incarnation of Goddess Durga, is celebrated for her triumph over the demon king Mahishasura. Often depicted riding a majestic lion, she wields a sword and a lotus, symbolizing strength and purity. The tale of her creation is steeped in divine lore; she emerged from the collective energy of celestial beings to vanquish evil, under the guidance of the sage Katyayana. Hence, she is revered as Katyayani, the goddess linked to sage Katyayana.

Day 6 Significance and Timings

Day 6 of Chaitra Navratri, falling on April 14, 2024, holds immense significance as devotees seek Maa Katyayani’s blessings to overcome obstacles and attain peace. According to Drik Panchang, auspicious timings for the day include:

  • Brahma Muhurta: 4:40 am to 5:26 am
  • Abhijit Muhurat: 11:58 am to 12:47 pm
  • Vijaya Muhurta: 2:25 pm to 5:15 pm
  • Ravi Yoga: Observed from 6:13 am on April 14 to 1:35 am on April 15

Colour and Special Offerings

On Day 6 of Chaitra Navratri, devotees adorn themselves in the vibrant hue of orange, symbolizing warmth and vitality. Offerings to Maa Katyayani include honey, signifying sweetness and abundance. This special bhog is presented with devotion, seeking the goddess’s blessings for prosperity and fulfillment.

Puja Rituals and Offerings

Devotees commence the day with purification rituals, bathing, and donning fresh attire. The puja area is cleansed meticulously, and the idol of Maa Katyayani is adorned with fragrant flowers. Mantras are chanted fervently, while devotees offer lotus flowers and honey as prasad and bhog, expressing reverence and seeking divine grace.

Puja Mantra, Prathana, Stuti, and Kavacha

Invocation of Maa Katyayani is accompanied by the recitation of sacred mantras, prayers, hymns, and protective verses. These verses extol her virtues, seek her blessings, and fortify devotees against adversities. Here are some revered chants:

  1. Om Devi Katyayanyai Namah॥
  2. Chandrahasojjvalakara Shardulavaravahana। Katyayani Shubham Dadyad Devi Danavaghatini॥
  3. Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Ma Katyayani Rupena Samsthita। Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah॥
  4. Katyayanaumukha Patu Kam Swahaswarupini। Lalate Vijaya Patu Malini Nitya Sundari॥ Kalyani Hridayam Patu Jaya Bhagamalini॥

Summing Up

As Chaitra Navratri unfolds, devotees embrace the divine presence of Maa Katyayani, seeking her blessings for strength, peace, and prosperity. Through fervent prayers, rituals, and heartfelt devotion, they invoke her grace, ushering in a realm of positivity, abundance, and spiritual upliftment in their lives.

Navratri to Mission Shakti: Celebrating and Empowering India’s  Daughters 

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Chhavi Rajawat

During Navratri, it’s natural for one to reflect on Nari shakti, the feminine power. With the upcoming elections, I am witnessing a  transformative narrative in our nation, one that embodies this shakti.  Gone are the days when empowerment initiatives suggested that  women were inherently weak; today, we see women recognized as  strong, capable, and efficient, needing only opportunities to excel. This  shift, fuelled by the current government’s support and understanding,  fills me with optimism for the profound changes ahead for our country. 

Since 2014, from my vantage point as both an observer and a  participant in rural and urban development, I have watched the  emergence of swift, progressive ripples. These ripples seem poised to  swell into a massive wave of change that promises to envelop everyone  in its path and catalyse a domino effect of transformation across every  individual it touches. The most significant shift has been in the move  from merely focusing on women’s development to spearheading  women-led development, a change championed by our Honourable  Prime Minister Narendra Modi (NaMo). This evolution is evident not  only through the long-awaited passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill  but also through comprehensive schemes that contribute to  sustainable individual and national development-emphasizing that the  growth of each citizen is crucial to the nation’s overall advancement.  These initiatives span various sectors, from environmental conservation  and infrastructure to economic growth, from Yog to global health  innovations, and from fostering start-ups to creating manufacturing  giants, all under the banner of the Make in India movement. This has instilled a sense of pride in every Indian, both at home and abroad, a  pride rooted in our long journey since independence. 

Historically, laws pre-independence ignored the needs of women,  effectively side-lining half of our population. However, recent  amendments have shattered these constraints, acknowledging every  Indian’s role in our goal to become a $5 trillion economy by 2027- 28.  We’re seeing the rise of lakhpati didis and drone didis, who are  revolutionizing farming communities. Alongside these developments  are educational programs, Mudra loans, the 112 India app, training  initiatives, the establishment of working women’s hostels, and special  security cells-all under the broad umbrella of Nari Shakti Vandan. From  building essential infrastructure like toilets and roads to providing  economic empowerment through various loan schemes and investment  opportunities offering higher interest rates for women, these measures  address both basic and advanced needs, enabling women to lead and  ensuring their voices are heard and heeded for balanced development. 

Development in India cannot be lopsided, focusing solely on urban or  male-dominated sectors. Holistic advancement must include our youth  and women. We are gaining momentum, and it is crucial that we  familiarize ourselves with the available schemes, share this knowledge,  and actively participate in the electoral process to vote for ongoing  development. After the elections, we must be ready to buckle up and  embark on a transformative journey that will see India soar to new  heights. This is the promise of NaMo’s leadership, and it is this positive  wave that I am prepared to ride. 

Article written by Chhavi Rajawat an urban bred citizen who worked in  rural Rajasthan as sarpanch for two terms from 2010-2020.

Baishakhi : The day to worship ‘Waheguru’

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Baisakhi is a special day for Sikhs, usually celebrated on either April 13 or April 14. This year, it’s on April 13. Back in 1699, Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhs, made it even more important by creating the Khalsa Panth, a group of Sikhs who’ve been baptized.

History of Baisakhi

Legend has it that on Baisakhi, Guru Gobind Singh asked for Sikh men willing to sacrifice for their faith. Five men went into a tent with him and disappeared. When Guru Gobind Singh came out alone with blood on his sword, the men reappeared, now known as the Panj Pyare or beloved five, and were baptized with Amrit.

Baisakhi is also linked to Buddhism, as it’s said that Gautama Buddha achieved enlightenment on this day. It’s also called Mesh Sankranti, marking the start of the solar calendar when the Sun enters the Mesh Rashi. Other festivals like Pana Sankranti, Poila Baisakh, Rongali Bihu, Puthandu, Vaishakhi, and Poooram Vishu also celebrate the harvest season with different customs.

Significance of Baisakhi

Baisakhi is a time to celebrate the start of a new harvest season, especially for farmers. They pray for a good harvest and thank the lord for their livelihood. Families come together for reunions, enjoying big meals with fresh harvests. In the morning, people go to Gurudwaras, clean and decorate their homes, wear traditional clothes, and pray for a happy and successful year ahead.

Baisakhi Celebration

The fun starts early on Baisakhi with a trip to the Gurudwara, then cooking delicious food and dancing to drum beats. There are special prayers and singing at the Gurudwara, and free meals are served. People enjoy folk dances, music, and colorful shows to celebrate Punjab’s culture. A special treat is “kada prasad,” made with wheat flour, butter, and sugar. Families also make and share sweet saffron rice together.

Rituals of Baisakhi are:

Visit Gurudwara: Sikhs gather at gurudwara and pray to the gurus and gurudwara is decorated with flowers and colourful lights.

Kirtan: Sikhs join a parade in the streets. They sing, chant, and wear bright clothes. The parade is led by Panj Pyare members and includes people carrying the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs, with great respect.

Bhangra and Gidda: These are traditional dances from Punjab that show happiness during harvest time.

Langar: In Gurudwaras, everyone gets together for a community meal.

Karah parshad: After prayers, people receive this special sweet food.

Take a holy dip: Some people go into rivers like the Ganges for a spiritual bath.

Exchange gifts: People give each other sweets and presents to show love.