Google Doodle’s Dual Celebrations Today

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Google Doodle’s Dual Celebrations

Google Doodle is celebrating Sweden’s National Day today. Every year on June 6 Sweden commemorates the Sveriges Nationaldag or National Day. In the pages of history, Sweden got its first king on 6 June 1523 when Gustav Eriksson Vasa took the country’s reins after a long-drawn struggle for independence from foreign rule. Today’s Google Doodle features Sweden’s national flag in blue and yellow colors waving to the world. The largest search engine wants the world to know about Sweden’s history and become a part of its celebrations.

When Did Sweden Recognize 6 June As National Day?

In 2004, Sweden declared 6 June as a public holiday to allow people to commemorate the victory of Sweden over a foreign rule. Since then this day has become a symbol of patriotism and pride for Swedish citizens. They celebrate this day with much zeal and fervor.

How Sweden Celebrates National Day?

The celebrations start with people visiting the royal family at the Skansen museum and offering flowers. Later in the day, they participate in a variety of activities planned by government agencies and social organizations. People keep visiting Skansen which is also the largest open-air museum in the world to pay their homage to the royal family. They join the Walking Orchestra and go to parks for picnics. Children offer flowers at Skansen and participate in activities such as drawing their flag. Also, people enjoy feasting on Swedish delicacies including cakes, seafood, and beverages. Picnicking has become a favorite activity on National Day.

Celebrating Jeanne Córdova

Google Doodle has another celebration lined up for today. It is the day to celebrate the work of Jeanne Córdova who was a leading Chicana lesbian activist, feminist, and renowned author. But she is better known for … Read more

Cyclone Remal To Make Landfill Today At Coastal Areas Of West Bengal 

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cyclone

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal developed into a cyclone on Saturday triggering the India Meteorological Department to issue a stern warning for the coastal areas of West Bengal and northeastern states. Cyclone Remal as named by Oman will also make a landfill in the coastal region of Bangladesh. IMD in a special bulletin issued on Saturday said that the cyclone is expected to hit the coastal areas by Sunday midnight and bring extremely heavy rainfall to the affected areas for two days. Also, the IMD said the wind speed could be up to 135 kmph during the cyclonic activity.

Red Alert For Fishermen

The weather office has issued a red alert for fishermen. They are advised to stay safe from the sea which will remain rough and stormy during cyclonic activity. The sea could breach the limit of the astronomical tide during the cyclone leading to inundation of low-lying coastal areas predicted by the IMD. The good thing is that the authorities have taken cognizance of the alert and started preparations to rescue people to safe places.

Kolkata Suspends Operations

The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has already suspended operation till the green signal from the Met Office that has predicted extremely rough weather conditions with heavy rainfall during its landfill. All 394 flights including domestic and international stand cancelled in the wake of the cyclonic activity.

NDRF Takes Charge

NDRF Inspector Zaheer Abbas confidently said that their team was fully prepared to handle the situation. He further said that their soldiers were well-equipped to handle every kind of disaster. They were ready for tree falling due to landfill and flood rescue in inundated areas. In northeastern states, Tripura is also closely monitoring the situation. The … Read more


Maha Shivaratri: Celebrating the Night of Shiva

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Date of Celebration in 2024: March 8th (Friday)

Why We Celebrate: Maha Shivaratri, also known as the “Great Night of Shiva,” is a major Hindu festival celebrated annually to honor Lord Shiva, one of the supreme deities in Hinduism. It holds several significances:

  • Marriage of Shiva and Parvati: Many believe Maha Shivaratri marks the celestial wedding of Shiva and Parvati, symbolizing the union of the masculine and feminine energies.
  • Overcoming Darkness: The festival signifies the triumph of light over darkness, both literally (occurring on the darkest night of the lunisolar month) and metaphorically, representing the victory of good over evil and ignorance.
  • Seeking Blessings: Devotees observe Maha Shivaratri by offering prayers and seeking blessings for spiritual growth, liberation, and fulfillment.

Top Quotes:

  • “On this auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri, may the blessings of Lord Shiva shower upon you and your loved ones. May you find peace, happiness, and prosperity in life.”
  • “May the observance of Maha Shivaratri ignite the inner light of wisdom within you and guide you on the path of righteousness and self-realization.”
  • “Om Namah Shivaya” (a sacred mantra chanted during Maha Shivaratri, meaning “I bow to the eternal Shiva”)

How to Celebrate:

  • Fasting: Devotees often observe a day-long fast, consuming only water or fruits.
  • Puja (Worship): Devotees offer prayers and perform puja (worship rituals) to Lord Shiva, typically involving offerings of bel leaves, milk, and flowers.
  • Jagran (Staying Awake): Many devotees stay awake throughout the night, chanting mantras, singing hymns, and meditating.
  • Temple Visits: Devotees visit Shiva temples to participate in rituals, seek blessings, and experience the festive atmosphere.

In ancient times, there lived a hunter named Kushanda. One night, while out hunting, he … Read more

Dhanteras 2023: Seek Blessings Of Goddess Lakshmi On This Dhanteras     

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The 13th lunar day of the Krishna Paksha of the Kartik month of the Hindu calendar is called Dhanteras. In Hindi, “Dhan” means wealth, and “teras” means thirteenth. So, this day is celebrated as the day of wealth, prosperity, and happiness. Also, it marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali festival that concludes on “Bhai Dooj”.

by Shalini Agrawal

Why We Celebrate Dhanteras?

Mythology relates Dhanteras to the churning of the cosmic ocean (Sagar Manthan) by Gods and Devils. All worldly things were emerging from Sagar Manthan and on this day, Goddess Lakshmi emerged to bless the world with wealth and prosperity. From that day, “Dhanteras” is celebrated to get the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi.

Another story relates Dhanteras to the birth of Lord Dhanvantari, the God of Ayurveda and health. Dhanvantari blesses devotees of health and well-being. People also worship Lord Kubera, the treasurer of the gods, on Dhanteras. It is believed that celebrating Dhanteras brings wealth and prosperity.

How To Celebrate Dhanteras?

Dhanteras is celebrated by shopping for gold and silver ornaments and worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Kubera, and Lord Dhanvantari at their homes and offices. People buy new clothes, vehicles, properties, and other assets on this day and believe that buying goods will please Goddess Lakshmi and bring wealth and prosperity to their lives.

For Lakshmi Puja, people light earthen lamps in their homes, especially on their doors. It is to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi. Also, they offer sweets to the goddess and seek her blessings. Since it is the beginning of Diwali, the festival of light, people light their homes with decorative lights.

Auspicious Time Of Lakshmi Puja On Dhanteras In Your City

New Delhi: 05:47 PM to 07:43 PM

Mumbai: 06:20 PM to 08:20 … Read more

89.30 Meter Is The New National Record Of Ace Javelin Thrower Neeraj Chopra

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Neeraj Chopra Record

Neeraj Chopra set a new national record in the javelin throw at the Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland. He threw the javelin 89.30 meters and touched the coveted 90m mark considered the gold standard in the world of javelin throw.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Neeraj Chopra won the silver medal at Paavo Nurmi Games in Finland.
• He set a new national record by throwing the javelin 89.30 meters
• Finland’s 25-year-old Oliver Helander won the gold by throwing the javelin 88.02 meters
• Neeraj Chopra is now fifth on the world season leaders’ list

Let’s See Neeraj Chopra Throwing Javelin At Paavo Nurmi Games

It was Neeraj Chopra’s first competition after winning a gold medal on August 7, 2021, in the Tokyo Olympics when he sent the spear 87.58m. And as expected, he opened well by throwing the javelin to an impressive 86.92m before making a new national record of 89.30m. But the next three attempts ended in fouls and the sixth and the last throw was 85.85m. He had to contend with a silver medal. Chopra’s earlier national best was 88.07m which he had set in Patiala in March 2021.

Neeraj Chopra Record

On the contrary, Finland’s 25-year-old Oliver Helander threw the javelin 89.83m and won the gold medal. It was his second attempt at the throw. His personal best is 88.02m and his season-best is 80.36m.

Anderson Peters of Grenada, who’s also the reigning world champion, won the third with a throw of 86.60m. His best throw is 93.07m and he had won seven times on the trot this season.

2012 Olympic champion Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago came fourth with a throw of 84.02m and silver medalist of the Czech Republic’s Tokyo Olympics, Jakub Vadlejch came fourth with a … Read more

Shaheed Diwas Observance

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Shaheed Diwas Celebrations

Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, And Sukhdev Were Hanged For Lahore Conspiracy

British-India government hanged the three Indian socialist freedom fighters – Bhagat Singh, Shivaram Rajguru, and Sukhdev Thapar – on 23 March 1931 at Lahore Central Jail in Lahore. Since then, the country observes 23rd March as Shaheed Diwas.

Bhagat Singh

Bhagat Singh

Bhagat Singh was born in 1907 in the village of Banga in the Lyallpur district of Punjab (present Faisalabad in Punjab province in Pakistan). A gifted learner, Bhagat Singh quit his studies at 13 to join the freedom movement at a young age. And when his parents tried to get him married, he left home for Kanpur.

Lahore Conspiracy Case

In 1928 December Lahore, Bhagat Singh with his comrades Sukhdev and Rajguru tried assassinating the superintendent of police James Scott to avenge the killing of Lala Lajpat Rai but shot assistant superintendent of police John Saunders in mistaken identity. To avoid arrest, Bhagat Singh shaved his beard and cut his hair, and escaped to Calcutta.

Delhi Assembly Bombing

In 1929 April, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt hurled bombs in the Central Assembly Hall in Delhi while raising slogans of “Inquilab Zindabad”. Also, they courted arrest instead of escaping the chaos after the bomb scare. They were arrested and Bhagat Singh with his comrades Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged on 23 March 1931 at Lahore for the Lahore conspiracy case.

Shaheed Diwas Celebrations

Shaheed Diwas Celebrations

Both central and state governments organize various events to commemorate the life of Indian revolutionaries who laid their lives for the cause of the country.

New elected CM of Punjab Bhagwant Mann declared a holiday on 23 March to allow people to visit Khatkar Kalan and Hussainiwala to pay their tributes to the young martyrs. The CM … Read more

Mahashivratri 2022: Significance, Observance, And Quotes For Blessings

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Mahashivratri 2022

Mahashivratri is the biggest celebration of Lord Shiva in the Hindu calendar. Devotees of Lord Shiva observe visit Shiva temples to offer fruits and milk to the Shiva Lingum. Mahashivratri is celebrated as a festival with educational institutions and offices remaining close to allow people to celebrate the festival with enthusiasm.

When Is Mahashivratri Celebrated?

The festival falls on the 13th night and 14th day of the New Moon. According to the Hindu calendar, Mahashivratri 2022 will be celebrated on the 1st of March. Shiva temples are decorated to celebrate the “Great Night of Shiva” as devotees would start visiting temples early in the morning to offer their prayers.

How Is Mahashivratri Celebrated?

The celebration starts with taking a ritual bath followed by a visit to a temple and offering seasonal fruits and milk to Lord Shiva. Milk mixed with water, Ganga Jal, honey, and sugar is poured over Shiva Lingum. It is the ritual bath offered to Lord Shiva. Also, devotees offer Bel Patri, Bel Patthar, and Dhatoora fruits to Shiva Lingum.

Mahashivratri 2022

Devotees observe fast on Mahashivratri. They eat only fruits and drink milk. The fast is broken at dawn after offering prayers to Lord Shiva. In this fast, devotees are allowed to eat vegetarian food of their choice.

What Is The Significance Of Mahashivratri?

According to mythology, Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on Mahashivratri and performed Tandava dance in the night. Unmarried women worship Goddess Parvati also called Gaura to get blessings of a healthy and prosperous married life. Gaura is the Goddess of Grants and she pleases with whatever devotees offer to her.

Mahashivratri Quotes And Messages

Devotees also send best wishes for Mahashivratri to family, friends, and relatives. They use modern means of communication like … Read more

National Science Day 2022: Celebrations Shouldn’t Be Confined To A Single Day

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National Science Day 2022

February 28 is observed as a National Science Day to promote and develop the scientific environment in the country. Every year a theme is selected for National Science Day and the theme is so selected that it reflects the real picture of growth and development of scientific culture in the country.

National Science Day 2022 Theme

“Integrated Approach in Science and Technology for a Sustainable Future” has been selected as the theme for National Science Day 2022. Here the focus is on an integrated approach to achieve a sustainable future. The theme reflects the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic time.

National Science Day 2022

Theme Explained

The tough lesson learned during the pandemic is the importance of connecting government with scientific institutions and the medical industry. It is only due to the linking of various institutions with the government departments and the collaboration of the pharma companies that the world has been able to stem the tide of the pandemic.

Statement Of Ministry Of Science And Technology Of India

The ministry issued a big statement about National Science Day. The government said that the celebration of science shouldn’t be confined to a single day but should reflect the determination of all government departments with engineering and medical institutions to work on a theme-based approach to achieve sustainable development.

The UN Dedicates National Science Day To Basic Sciences

The world body speaks about how the basic sciences can improve the quality of life across the globe. It further suggests an integrated approach that includes a multi-learning environment (MLE), virtual learning environment (VLE), and physical learning environment (PLE).

The UN also highlights the importance of teaching sciences by saying that it needs motivation, innovation, and commitment instead of a routine job. The UN stressed … Read more

Send Best Wishes For Hazrat Ali’s Birthday On 15th February 2022

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Celebration Of Hazrat Ali’s Birthday

15 February is the birthday of the first man to embrace Islam and accept Muhammad as the Prophet of God. He is Ali ibn Abu Talib. Born in 599 AC on the 13th day of the Islamic month of Rajab in Mecca, he also made Mecca the holiest place in Islam.

Birth Of Hazrat Ali

Born to Abu Talib and Fatima bint Asda, Hazrat Ali was first person to embrace Islam as a religion and convert to it. A cousin of Muhammad, he married Muhammad’s daughter Fatimah and became his first son-in-law. And being a prominent figure in Islam, he fought numerous battles as an aid of Prophet Muhammad. Hazrat Ali’s birthday is determined according to the Islamic lunar calendar.

Hazrat Ali’s Rule

Hazrat Ali is respected by both Shias and Sunnis in different manners. Both the Muslim communities honor him as the greatest figure in Islam. As a religious Muslim leader, he ruled till the year 661 and was known as an honest ruler till his last breath.

Martyr Hazrat Ali

Hazrat Ali was killed with a poisonous sword when he was offering his prayers at Kufa’s Great Mosque. He was hit by Ibn Muljam on head resulting in severe injuries that led to his death on the 19th day of Ramadan. Hazrat Ali was declared a martyr after his death and his birthday celebrated to honor his contribution to Islam.

Celebration Of Hazrat Ali’s Birthday

Hazrat Ali’s birthday is celebrated with much enthusiasm as he laid his life on the religious path of Islam. Mosques across the country are decorated with flowers and lights to honor Hazrat Ali and highlight his role in embracing Islam as a religion. Devotees visit mosques to offer their prayers and learn … Read more

Basant Panchami 2022: Muhurat, Significance, Celebrations, History

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Basant-Panchami-2022

Basant Panchami falls on the fifth day of the holy month of Magha. It has a sacred place in the religious Hindu calendar of the country as it marks the beginning of the Spring season that is sunny and pleasant.

Basant Panchami Celebrations

Dedicated to Maa Saraswati, the festival is a celebration of knowledge, music, and art. Goddess Maa Saraswati is worshipped in temples. Educational institutions including schools and colleges perform Saraswati Puja with students and parents.

Basant-Panchami-Celebrations

Saraswati Puja

In 2022, Saraswati Puja will be performed on 5 February and the right time to perform the puja is from 07:07 AM to 12:35 PM. According to drikpanchang, the 12:35 PM would be Basant Panchami Madhyahna. Also, it says that one can perform puja on this auspicious day till the Panchami Tithi is prevailing.

Significance Of Basant Panchami

Yellow is the color of Spring. Yellow flowers blossom and make nature look yellowish. Also, the yellow color is associated with the mustard fields. People also wear yellow color attires on this day as it symbolizes knowledge, wisdom, and art. After puja, they wear yellow vermillion on their foreheads to show their reverence to the goddess Saraswati.

Basant Panchami Celebrations

Basant-Panchami-Celebrations

Basant Panchami is celebrated across the length and breadth of the country with much zeal and enthusiasm. People in Punjab and Haryana fly kites on this auspicious day, while Gujarati people exchange bouquets and garlands of flowers and mango leaves as gifts. In West Bengal, this day is celebrated as Saraswati Puja, but people in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra worship Shiva and Parvati on this day.

Basant Panchami History

According to legend, Goddess Saraswati blessed Kalidasa with knowledge and wisdom on this day. Another legend relates Basant Panchami to lord … Read more