Puranic tales describe Shiva and Parvati’s celestial wedding, with Vasant Panchami acting as the ceremonial kickoff. Nowhere is this more alive than in Varanasi’s ancient ghats and mandirs. Here, Shiva is dressed as a groom: his brow marked with vibrant haldi-chandan tilak, body splashed with gulal, evoking the excitement of a pre-wedding soiree.

Pilgrims arrive in droves, offering marigolds, turmeric paste, and heartfelt prostrations. ‘The vairagi Shiva now dons the groom’s garb,’ they whisper, as the rituals ignite fervor for the divine nuptials ahead. This tradition underscores Shiva’s transition from eternal ascetic to devoted spouse.

No Shiva Tilak is complete without kesariya malpua bhog—golden pancakes drenched in saffron sweetness, symbolizing spring’s bounty and matrimonial bliss. Celebrations spill into streets with processions, music, and communal feasts, uniting thousands in ecstasy.

Intriguingly, the day also sees the Holika danda being planted, a nod to Holi’s imminent arrival. From Kashi’s sacred lanes to remote villages, Vasant Panchami’s dual essence—learning and love—continues to enchant, preserving age-old customs in modern times.

Blame it on celestial drama. Guru (Jupiter) and Shukra (Venus) are ‘asta’ or set, a no-go for Hindu rituals per dharmashastras. Moon in Meen rashi pairs with Purva Bhadrapada nakshatra and Parigh yoga, sealing the deal against big celebrations. ‘Ancient texts are clear: combust planets disrupt harmony in unions,’ says Vedic expert Pt. Ramesh Shastri.

Normally, this abujh muhurat lets families wed without consulting panchangs. Not this time. Prospective brides and grooms, hold your horses. Channel energy into puja, yellow feasts of malpua and rice, and spring revelries instead.

Rooted in Magha Shukla Panchami, the day blends Saraswati vandana with seasonal joy. Expect falgun processions, yellow floral tributes, and community feasts. It’s prime for artists, students, and musicians seeking divine inspiration.

The wedding drought extends: Adhik Maas looms in Jyeshtha (May 17-June 15), freezing manglik activities. Relief comes post that, in purified Jyeshtha. Vasant Panchami 2024 reminds us: true auspiciousness lies in devotion, not just dates.

Attracting visitors from neighboring districts, the annual fair held on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Purnima saw a significant influx of people for darshan and puja. To ensure smooth proceedings and maintain order during the bustling fair, authorities deployed 15 magistrates, 100 male and female police personnel, and 10 police officers. The Superintendent of Police, Anjani Anjan, also visited the temple to offer prayers and receive blessings from Lord Narsingh on Kartik Purnima.

Prominent political figures, including Congress leader Munna Singh and Sadar MLA Pradeep Prasad, also visited the temple to pay their respects and worship Lord Narsingh. Separate queues were arranged for male and female devotees to facilitate orderly darshan. All pilgrims patiently waited in line to offer their prayers and receive blessings.

The Kartik fair also witnessed a thriving market for sugarcane, with attendees eagerly purchasing the sweet stalks. The Narsingh Sthan temple complex is notable for housing idols of Lord Vishnu in all ten of his avatars: Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narsingh, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki. Additionally, the complex features temples dedicated to Goddess Kali and Lakshmi Narayan.

As 2025 approaches, Govardhan Puja presents a perfect opportunity to extend warmth, positivity, and heartfelt blessings to family and friends. Whether through digital messages, social media, or personal cards, a well-chosen wish can profoundly brighten someone’s day.

Explore a diverse collection of over 50 heartfelt Govardhan Puja 2025 wishes. These messages encompass traditional sentiments, spiritual reflections, and joyous greetings tailored for friends, family, and even light-hearted notes. Share these messages to convey the spirit of devotion, the joy of community, and the blessings of Lord Krishna during this sacred festival. From short, impactful greetings for social media to more elaborate expressions of love and gratitude, find the perfect words to celebrate Annakut 2025 and strengthen your bonds with loved ones. May this Govardhan Puja usher in peace, prosperity, and divine grace for all.

During a public address, Yadav reportedly stated, “Why do we have to spend money on lamps and candles and put so much thought into it? What can we expect from this government? It should be removed. We will make sure that there are more beautiful lights.” He also advised learning from global Christmas illuminations, which he noted last for months.

BJP national spokesperson Vinod Bansal vehemently criticized Yadav’s comments on social media. He accused the Samajwadi Party leader of praising Christmas during the Diwali season and suggested that the sight of traditional diyas (earthen lamps) had deeply troubled him. Bansal further alleged that Yadav, whom he controversially labeled a ‘so-called messiah of jihadis and conversion gangs,’ exhibits a pattern of glorifying foreign festivals over indigenous Indian culture. He pointed out that Diwali has ancient roots, predating Christianity, yet Hindu society is being advised to learn from Christian customs.

Bansal extended his criticism to governance, claiming that illegal religious conversions flourished under leaders like Yadav, who allegedly included criminals and extremists in their cabinets. He accused Yadav of being disturbed by the burgeoning celebrations in Ayodhya, implying that Christmas, still two months away, seemed to have arrived early for him, while the upcoming Diwali and the diyas made by local potters caused distress.

Further escalating the attack, Madhya Pradesh minister Vishwas Sarang suggested Yadav might be better known as ‘Antony’ or ‘Akbar,’ given his perceived opposition to Diwali worship and lighting lamps. Sarang even questioned the Yadav family’s religious affiliations, proposing an inquiry and linking Yadav’s stance to a historical alleged firing on Ram devotees. He also criticized Yadav for belittling the efforts of the Prajapati (potter) community, whose handcrafted diyas illuminate homes during Diwali, calling it an insult to these traditional artisans.

This year, embrace the spirit of Choti Diwali with over 50 heartwarming wishes, messages, and quotes. Whether for family, friends, or colleagues, these greetings are perfect for sharing the festive cheer. The significance of Choti Diwali extends beyond illumination; it’s about purification and preparing for the main Diwali celebrations. In various regions, it’s known as Roop Chaturdashi or Kali Chaudas. This day commemorates Lord Krishna’s victory over the demon Narakasura. Many observe early morning oil baths and cleanse their homes, inviting peace, prosperity, and divine blessings while banishing negativity.

Let the glow of diyas illuminate your path to success and happiness this Choti Diwali. Celebrate with loved ones, cherishing the warmth and togetherness that this festival brings. May your life shine brighter than any lamp, filled with joy, love, and abundant prosperity.

The most propitious time for Lakshmi Puja in 2025, according to astrological calculations, is during the Pradosh Kaal, which spans from 5:43 PM to 8:15 PM. The specific Lakshmi Puja Muhurat is scheduled from 7:04 PM to 8:15 PM, lasting for approximately 1 hour and 11 minutes. This period is particularly significant as it overlaps with the Vrishabha Kaal (7:04 PM to 8:59 PM), a fixed zodiac sign believed to enhance stability and prosperity.

Key timings for Lakshmi Puja include:

* **Lakshmi Puja Date:** Monday, October 20, 2025
* **Lakshmi Puja Muhurat:** 7:04 PM to 8:15 PM
* **Amavasya Tithi Begins:** 3:44 PM on October 20, 2025
* **Amavasya Tithi Ends:** 5:54 PM on October 21, 2025

For those engaged in specific Tantrik or advanced spiritual practices, the Nishita Kaal Muhurat offers an alternative from 11:38 PM to 12:28 AM on October 21st. However, for the vast majority of devotees, the evening Pradosh Kaal is considered the ideal and most widely observed time for invoking Goddess Lakshmi.

Diwali preparations involve elaborate decorations, with homes adorned with marigold flowers and auspicious leaves. A sacred altar is prepared, featuring idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha, along with arrangements for the Navgraha deities. Devotees often observe a day-long fast, culminating in the evening puja, seeking blessings for wealth, wisdom, and enduring happiness. For the business community, particularly in Gujarat, Chopda Pujan marks the inauguration of new account books, seeking divine guidance for the financial year ahead. By observing Diwali on October 20th and performing Lakshmi Puja during the auspicious Pradosh Kaal, families aim to invite lasting prosperity and peace.