Rituals – News Analysis India https://newsanalysisindia.com The news you need to know, explained Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 Anticipating Sasthi and Welcoming Durga with Dhak: Celebrations of Mahishasura Mardini Across India https://newsanalysisindia.com/india/anticipating-sasthi-and-welcoming-durga-with-dhak-celebrations-of-mahishasura-mardini-across-india/ Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/anticipating-sasthi-and-welcoming-durga-with-dhak-celebrations-of-mahishasura-mardini-across-india/ The city of Kolkata holds a special place, its Durga Puja being a defining characteristic. The depiction of Mahishasura Mardini in this Bengali city is remarkable. Durga Puja pandals begin to appear from the Sasthi of the Sharadiya Navratri. Puja is performed for four days, with the immersion of the Mahishasura Mardini idols on the tenth day. This day also features Sindoor Khela, where married women apply sindoor to each other. The sight is captivating.

When red-bordered white sarees are adorned with sindoor, Bengal comes alive. The anticipation for Sasthi was a constant during my time in Kolkata. From four in the morning on Sasthi, Dhaks begin to play at Durga pandals, and the worship of ‘Ayi Girinandinini’ commences. Every Bengali is fond of the Dhak, played by both women and men. This drum-like instrument is played standing up. While fingers tap on a Dholak, the Dhak uses bamboo sticks. The Dholak is played during all auspicious occasions, but the Dhak is mainly played during Durga Puja. The number of Dhak players is dwindling as their demand is primarily during Durga Puja. Ahiritola in Kolkata has been famous for Dhak players. Tabla player Tanmay Bose recognized the talent of Dhak players and initiated efforts to bring the Dhak into mainstream music.

]]> 3000 Goats Sacrificed in Navratri at This Temple, Unique Rituals Followed https://newsanalysisindia.com/india/3000-goats-sacrificed-in-navratri-at-this-temple-unique-rituals-followed/ Tue, 23 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/3000-goats-sacrificed-in-navratri-at-this-temple-unique-rituals-followed/ The Navratri festival is being celebrated with great enthusiasm everywhere, but the Durga Puja of Gumo, in the Koderma district of Jharkhand, is special in many ways. A 600-year-old tradition is still followed here. During the entire Navratri, more than 3000 goats are sacrificed. There is also a practice of offering sacrifices for all nine days of Durga Puja, from the establishment of the Kalash to Navami. A special recitation is also performed on Ashtami of Durga using a handwritten book of mantras from the ancestors. This book is only opened during the puja. After that, it is kept safe.

The main priest of the temple, Dashrath Pandey, says that in 1400 AD, two brothers, Ratan Sai and Mardan Sai, ruled Gumo. They would install the idol of Maa Durga and worship her during Navratri, but due to the growing influence of the Mughals, they had to leave their रियासत. Before leaving the रियासत, they entrusted the responsibility of the puja and the temple to their family priests, Jiyaram Pandey, Ramsevak Pandey, and Abhay Ram Pandey families.

]]> Mothers Observe Jivitputrika Vrat, Pray for Children’s Long Life https://newsanalysisindia.com/india/mothers-observe-jivitputrika-vrat-pray-for-childrens-long-life/ Sun, 14 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/mothers-observe-jivitputrika-vrat-pray-for-childrens-long-life/ In Khunti district, the Jivitputrika festival was celebrated with traditional gaiety and devotion on Sunday. Mothers observed a 24-hour waterless fast and performed rituals to seek longevity and prosperity for their children. For the Jivitputrika vrat, sacred peepal tree branches were installed in numerous homes in areas like Karra Road, Torpa Road, Pipratoli, Mishra Toli, Badaik Tola, and other villages and neighborhoods, where mothers gathered to perform collective worship. Women displayed great enthusiasm for this puja, which was organized to pray for their children’s happiness, prosperity, and long life. In addition to this, collective worship was also offered at peepal trees in various areas.

]]> Mothers in Khunti Observe Jivitputrika Vrat, Praying for Their Children’s Long Life https://newsanalysisindia.com/india/mothers-in-khunti-observe-jivitputrika-vrat-praying-for-their-childrens-long-life/ Sun, 14 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/mothers-in-khunti-observe-jivitputrika-vrat-praying-for-their-childrens-long-life/ In Khunti district, the Jivitputrika festival was celebrated on Sunday with traditional enthusiasm and devotion. On this occasion, mothers observed a 24-hour waterless fast and performed rituals to seek longevity and prosperity for their children. For the Jivitputrika vrat, sacred peepal tree branches were installed in numerous homes in areas including Karra Road, Torpa Road, Pipratoli, Mishra Toli, and Badaik Tola, along with other villages and neighborhoods, where collective worship ceremonies were held. Mothers from the surrounding areas participated in the worship, filled with excitement for the well-being and long life of their children. In addition, collective worship was also conducted at peepal trees in various locations.

The Jivitputrika festival was also celebrated with great reverence in Torpa, Karra, Rania, Murhu, Arki, and other block headquarters and rural areas. The festival of Jitiya was celebrated with joy in the district headquarters, as well as in Torpa, Rania, Murhu, Arki, and other rural areas.

]]> Karam Festival: A Symbol of Our Distinct Culture, Civilization, and Lifestyle, Says Hemant Soren https://newsanalysisindia.com/india/karam-festival-a-symbol-of-our-distinct-culture-civilization-and-lifestyle-says-hemant-soren/ Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/karam-festival-a-symbol-of-our-distinct-culture-civilization-and-lifestyle-says-hemant-soren/ Chief Minister Hemant Soren and MLA Kalpana Soren participated in the “Karam Puja Mahotsav-2025” held at the tribal hostel premises of Ranchi Women’s College’s Science Block on Wednesday. On this occasion, Chief Minister Hemant Soren offered prayers at the Karam Dali established in the Akhara, bowed his head, and wished for the happiness, prosperity, peace, progress, and well-being of all the people of Jharkhand. He stated that everyone is bound by traditions and culture. People from all sections of society move forward with their own customs and culture. Similarly, the people of the tribal community are celebrating Karam Mahotsav-2025 with great pomp on the auspicious occasion of the Karam festival in this tribal college hostel premises. He mentioned that like every year, this year too, the women have gathered and performed this tradition with joy and enthusiasm, which is an example of our companionship with nature. He said that the Karam festival is a symbol of our rich culture, civilization, and lifestyle. This festival reflects the unbreakable bond between brother and sister, social harmony, and deep faith and gratitude towards nature. The Chief Minister expressed his wish that the coming generations will continue to promote this rich tradition with reverence and goodwill.

]]> Karam Festival: A Symbol of Our Distinct Culture, Civilization, and Lifestyle – Hemant Soren https://newsanalysisindia.com/india/karam-festival-a-symbol-of-our-distinct-culture-civilization-and-lifestyle-hemant-soren/ Wed, 03 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/karam-festival-a-symbol-of-our-distinct-culture-civilization-and-lifestyle-hemant-soren/ Chief Minister Hemant Soren and MLA Kalpana Soren participated in the “Karam Puja Mahotsav-2025” held at the tribal hostel complex located in the Science Block of Ranchi Women’s College on Wednesday. On this occasion, Chief Minister Hemant Soren offered prayers at the Karam Dali established in the Akhara and bowed his head, wishing for the happiness, prosperity, peace, progress, and well-being of all the people of Jharkhand. The Chief Minister addressed the gathering, emphasizing the deep connection between the people and their traditions and culture. He highlighted how various communities celebrate their unique rituals and cultures, with the tribal community joyously observing the Karam festival. He noted the unwavering dedication of women who, despite the rains, have consistently upheld this tradition, exemplifying their connection with nature. The Chief Minister stated that the Karam festival symbolizes their rich culture, civilization, and lifestyle, reflecting the unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters, social harmony, and deep faith and gratitude towards nature.

]]> Enthusiasm for Teej, the Festival of Marital Bliss and Dedication, Women Observe Fast https://newsanalysisindia.com/india/enthusiasm-for-teej-the-festival-of-marital-bliss-and-dedication-women-observe-fast/ Tue, 26 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/enthusiasm-for-teej-the-festival-of-marital-bliss-and-dedication-women-observe-fast/ The festival of Teej, celebrating marital bliss and dedication, was observed with enthusiasm in the district. Married women in the district participated in the Teej fast with full devotion, praying to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for the long life and unbroken good fortune of their husbands. Women observed a waterless fast throughout the day and performed prayers with deep devotion. Preparations for the fast began early in the morning in both urban and rural areas, with prayer ceremonies organized in various places. Priests conducted the rituals, narrating the Haritalika Teej fast story to the married women, and completed the prayers and fast. According to the mythological story, Haritalika Teej is a festival celebrated in the form of the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to the story, when Sati took birth as Goddess Parvati in the house of the mountain king Himalaya in her next birth, due to the previous birth’s traditions, she went to the forest to perform severe penance to get Lord Shankar as her husband. Pleased with the penance of Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva appeared before her, and on the day of Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya, he promised to accept Goddess Parvati as his wife. Finally, the mountain king Himalaya performed the marriage of Shiva and Parvati in a proper manner. It is believed that since then, married women observe the Haritalika Teej fast with full rituals for the long life and good fortune of their husbands.

]]> Teeja Festival: A Celebration of Marital Bliss in Chhattisgarh https://newsanalysisindia.com/india/teeja-festival-a-celebration-of-marital-bliss-in-chhattisgarh/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/teeja-festival-a-celebration-of-marital-bliss-in-chhattisgarh/ Teeja, a significant festival for married women in Chhattisgarh, will be celebrated on August 26, 2025. The auspicious Tritiya Tithi of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Bhadrapada begins on August 25 at 12:34 PM and ends on August 26 at 1:54 PM. Since the date coinciding with sunrise is given importance, the Teeja festival will be observed on August 26. The auspicious time for worship on August 26 will be from 5:56 AM to 8:31 AM, a window of two hours and 35 minutes. This festival, also known as Hartalika Teej in other parts of the country, is deeply rooted in the devotion of women to Goddess Parvati, who observed a fast to attain Lord Shiva as her husband. Preparations for the festival have already commenced in homes. Married daughters are invited by their parents to their maternal homes with great respect, a tradition observed in every household. Women are arriving at their maternal homes to celebrate Teeja. A day before the festival, a dish called ‘Kadu Bhat’ (bitter rice) is consumed, marking the beginning of a waterless fast that lasts for about 40 hours. During this fast, women pray for the long life and prosperity of their husbands and families. The atmosphere is filled with devotion as families engage in bhajans and kirtans throughout the night. The fast is concluded on Ganesh Chaturthi, after offering prayers to Lord Ganesha and Shiva-Parvati and consuming prasad. After celebrating Teeja, married women return to their marital homes. Women create idols of Shiva and Parvati using sand or clay, perform rituals, and seek blessings for their husbands’ long life. It is believed that observing the Hartalika Teej fast strengthens love in married life and removes any bitterness in relationships. On the day of Hartalika Teej, women wake up early, take a bath, and set up a puja sthal (worship place). They install idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Ganesha. After worshiping Lord Ganesha, they perform puja of Goddess Parvati, offering her 16 adornments, fruits, flowers, and sweets. The Hartalika Teej fast story is narrated. The fast is concluded on the Chaturthi Tithi, on August 27, after offering water and prasad after sunrise.

]]> Chief Minister Completes Traditional Rituals: Dashakarma on the 15th, Sanskar Bhoj on the 16th https://newsanalysisindia.com/india/chief-minister-completes-traditional-rituals-dashakarma-on-the-15th-sanskar-bhoj-on-the-16th/ Fri, 15 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/chief-minister-completes-traditional-rituals-dashakarma-on-the-15th-sanskar-bhoj-on-the-16th/ Preparations for the Dashakarma of Jharkhand’s former Chief Minister and Dishom Guru Shibu Soren are complete. The Dashakarma will be conducted on August 15th, following Santhali traditions, and will be followed by a Sanskar Bhoj on August 16th. On Thursday, Chief Minister Hemant Soren, along with his family, performed local traditional rituals for the peace of the departed soul. Discussions and consultations regarding the Shraddha program also took place with senior family member Deepmani Soren. The Sanskar Bhoj is expected to be attended by prominent figures from across the state and the country. Administrative preparations for the Sanskar Bhoj are nearing completion. Several locations have been designated for vehicle parking, including Lukaiyatand. Three helipads have been constructed in Lukaiyatand, and a fourth has been built in front of the ancestral residence. Security arrangements will include 10 IPS officers, 60 DSPs, 65 inspectors, and approximately 2500 police personnel. The district administration will be on high alert regarding law and order. Teams of police, administration, and volunteers will be actively involved around the clock to manage traffic, emergency services, and crowd control. Chief Minister Hemant Soren personally inspected the preparations for the ‘Shraddha Karma’ by driving an e-rickshaw.

]]> Chief Minister Hemant Soren Performs Rituals Following the Passing of Dishom Guru Shibu Soren https://newsanalysisindia.com/india/chief-minister-hemant-soren-performs-rituals-following-the-passing-of-dishom-guru-shibu-soren/ Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000 http://newsanalysisindia.local/chief-minister-hemant-soren-performs-rituals-following-the-passing-of-dishom-guru-shibu-soren/ The final rituals for Dishom Guru Shibu Soren are underway. Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who performed the last rites on Thursday, carried out the traditional three karmas. Hemant Soren, along with his family, participated in the traditional shraddha rituals held in the village of Nemra in the Ramgarh district.

]]>