The <keyword id="19895345" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Supreme-Court" source="keywords">Supreme Court</keyword> on Monday ordered an interim stay on the directives issued by BJP-ruled <keyword id="19894922" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uttar-Pradesh" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Uttar Pradesh" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Uttar Pradesh">Uttar Pradesh</keyword> and <keyword id="19918812" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Uttarakhand" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Uttarakhand" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="Uttarakhand">Uttarakhand</keyword> asking <keyword id="21485673" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="eateries" source="keywords">eateries</keyword> along the <keyword id="21111319" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kanwar-Yatra" source="keywords">Kanwar Yatra</keyword> routes to display the names of their owners, staff and other details, a move the opposition has claimed is intended to promote religious discrimination. Issuing notice to the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh, where the Ujjain municipal body has issued a similar <keyword id="20003910" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="directive" source="keywords">directive</keyword>, a bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and SVN Bhatti, however, said eateries may be required to display the kind of food they are serving like they are vegetarian or non-vegetarian. A large number of devotees travel from various places with 'kanwars' carrying holy water from the Ganga to perform 'jalabhishek' of Shivlings during the Hindu calendar month of 'Shravan'. Many believers shun consuming meat during the month they consider holy. The significant order comes amid an escalating row over the directives, with even BJP ally Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) joining the chorus for their withdrawal and opposition parties resolving to raise the issue in Parliament. The opposition has alleged that the orders were "communal and divisive" and intended to target Muslims and Scheduled Castes by forcing them to reveal their identity, but the BJP maintained that the step has been taken keeping in mind law and order issues and the religious sentiments of pilgrims. "We deem it appropriate to pass interim order prohibiting the enforcement of the above directives. In other words, food sellers may be required to display kind of food, but must not be forced to display names of owners, staff employed," the bench said and posted the matter for further hearing on Friday. No one appeared for the state governments in the apex court on Monday. The top court was hearing a batch of pleas including those by <keyword id="20034224" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="TMC-MP-Mahua-Moitra" source="keywords">TMC MP Mahua Moitra</keyword>, academician Apoorvanand Jha and columnist Aakar Patel, and <keyword id="22504922" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="NGO-Association-of-Protection-of-Civil-Rights" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="NGO Association of Protection of Civil Rights" meta.hostid="153" meta.entityid="NGO Association of Protection of Civil Rights">NGO Association of Protection of Civil Rights</keyword> challenging the directives. At the outset, the bench asked senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi, appearing for Moitra, if any formal order has been passed in the matter. Singhvi said a "camouflaged" order has been passed to display names of owners of eateries. He asserted the orders passed by the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand governments is "exclusion by identity" and against the Constitution. Senior advocate Chander Uday Singh, appearing for Association for Protection of Civil Rights, submitted that while the state authorities were claiming the order proposed voluntary compliance, it was being enforced by coercion. "It is not based on any statutory backing. No law gives police commissioner power to do this," he asserted. Asking Singhvi to desist from exaggeration, the bench told him, "These orders have dimensions of safety and hygiene also." Singhvi said Kanwar Yatras have been going on for decades and people of different religious faiths-Islam, Christianity and Buddhism- have been helping <keyword id="22477203" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="kanwariyas" source="keywords">Kanwariyas</keyword>. He said many vegetarian hotels and restaurants being run by Hindus have Muslim and Dalit employees. "I have been on the Haridwar route many times. There are lot of pure vegetarian restaurants run by Hindus. But if they have Muslim or Dalit employees, can I say I will not go there and eat? Because the food is somehow touched by them (Muslim employees) "These directives are issued without any authority of law, they are being clever. If I disclose, I am damned; if I don't I am damned. What is the rational nexus of giving my name?" he said. Referring to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, Singhvi submitted the law does not prescribe owners to name their eateries after their names. During the hearing, the bench asked,"They (Kanwariyas) worship Shiva, yes? Do they expect the food to be cooked and served and grown by a certain community?" Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi, appearing for the petitioners, submitted that a public notice had been issued by the authorities in Uttar Pradesh. In her plea before the top court, Moitra has sought a stay on the orders passed by the two state governments saying such directives aggravate discord between communities. The TMC leader said forcing disclosure of the names of proprietors and staff, on the stated ground of respecting pilgrims' dietary choices, "makes it clear that dietary choices is a pretext, or a proxy, for the compelled disclosure of personal and, in this case, religious identity", the plea said. It alleged this has been done to create a socially-enforced economic boycott on Muslim shop owners and workers, and the loss of their livelihoods. Days after the Muzaffarnagar police asked all eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the names of owners of eateries, the Uttar Pradesh government on Friday extended the controversial order across the state. Besides the two state governments, the BJP-ruled Ujjain Municipal Corporation had directed shop owners to display their names and mobile numbers outside their establishments in the ancient city, home to the famous 'Mahakaal' temple. The month of Shravan starts from July 22 this year and lasts till August 19.

SC stays UP, Uttarakhand govt directive for displaying names of eatery owners on Kanwar Yatra route

The BJP-ruled <keyword id="6355766" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ujjain" source="Orion">Ujjain</keyword> Municipal Corporation has directed shop owners to display their names and mobile numbers outside their establishments in the ancient city, a directive coming on the heels of a similar order by the BJP government in UP for eateries along the <keyword id="2430693" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kanwar-Yatra-route" source="Orion">Kanwar Yatra route</keyword>. Violators will have to pay a Rs 2,000 fine for the first offence and Rs 5,000 if they defy this order for the second time, <keyword id="17970492" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Ujjain-Mayor" source="Orion">Ujjain Mayor</keyword> <keyword id="14958189" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mukesh-Tatwal" source="Orion">Mukesh Tatwal</keyword> said on Saturday. This order is aimed at ensuring safety and transparency and not intended to target <keyword id="22489814" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Muslim-shop-keepers" source="Orion">Muslim shop-keepers</keyword>, he added. Ujjain, the hometown of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, is known for its sacred <keyword id="696878" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mahakal-temple" source="Orion">Mahakal temple</keyword>, attracting devotees from around the globe, especially during the Savaan month, which starts on Monday. Tatwal said the Mayor-in-Council of Ujjain had approved a proposal for shopkeepers to display their names on September 26, 2002, followed by the Corporation House, and subsequently sent it to the state government for objections and formalities. "All formalities have been already completed. The implementation was delayed as the nameplates were initially required to be of the same size and colour. Now, we have relaxed these terms. Displaying the names and mobile numbers of shopkeepers will suffice," he told PTI over the phone. He stressed that the measure is rooted in the MP Shop Establishment Act or Gumasta License, and it serves to enhance customer safety. "Ujjain is a religious and holy city. People come here with religious aastha (faith). They have the right to know about the shopkeeper whose services they are availing. If a customer is dissatisfied or cheated, knowing the shopkeeper's details allows them to seek redress," the mayor said. Ujjain is set to host the Simhastha (Kumbh) Mela in 2028, a significant religious fair held every 12 years. This action mirrors the recent directive in Uttar Pradesh, where all eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route were asked to display owners' names. The Uttar Pradesh government extended this order statewide on Friday, while Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said similar instructions are already in place his state. The order has faced criticism from opposition parties and some members of the ruling alliance, who argue it targets Muslim traders.

Ujjain shop owners told to display names, contact numbers; Not targeting Muslims, says mayor

<keyword id="6355106" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Haridwar" source="Orion">Haridwar</keyword> (Uttarakhand) [India], June 30 (ANI): In view of the security during the upcoming '<keyword id="6472944" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kanwar-Yatra" source="Orion">Kanwar Yatra</keyword>', the Haridwar district administration has banned the flying of drones by the public in Har ki Paidi and its surrounding areas from July 4 to July 17, officials said. Even helicopters will not be able to fly in the restricted area. Only the drones of the Police Administration engaged in security will fly for surveillance, they said. The District Magistrate of Haridwar, Dhiraj Garbyal, said that in view of the safety of the Kanwariyas (devotees) who come to fill water in the Har Ki Paidi area, a ban has been imposed on the flying of drones by the public. He told that the flight of helicopters has also been banned in this area. The Kanwar Yatra will commence on July 4 and conclude on July 14. On July 17, after the weekend, there will be an important bath of Amavasya in which lakhs of people are expected to participate. Thus the administration has imposed restrictions in the areas around Har Ki Paidi, Malviya Ghat, and Berhamkund till July 17. The 'Kanwar Yatra' is an annual pilgrimage for Lord <keyword id="33379" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shiva" source="Orion">Shiva</keyword>'s devotees. The Kanwariyas visit places like Haridwar, Gaumukh and Gangotri in Uttarakhand, and Sultanganj in Bihar to fetch the holy water of River Ganga and then worship the God with that water. However, even before the commencement of the Kanwar Yatra, a large number of Kanwariyas (devotees) have already reached Gangotri and Gomukh to take holy water from the Ganga river for 'Jalabhishek' of Lord Shiva. Uttarkashi Police is conducting a thorough security check of the Kanwariyas at various places before sending them forward. According to the Uttarkashi district administration, in the last four days, about one thousand Shiva devotees have returned from Gangotri and Gomukh after collecting Gangajaal. Shiva devotees will offer water to Lord Shiva on July 15, the Shivratri of Sawan month. During the Kanwar Yatra, a green corridor will be made for the devotees from Haridwar City to Gurukul Narsan, adjacent to the border of Uttar Pradesh, said Haridwar district authorities. Apart from the Kanwar track, one side of the highway will be reserved for Kanwar passengers. "A two-lane side of the highway from Haridwar to Gurukul Narasan will be reserved for Kanwariyas so that there is no problem in carrying water during the last days of the Kanwar Yatra," Haridwar District Magistrate Dheeraj Singh Garbiyal told ANI. Garhwal Commissioner Sushil Kumar on Saturday said that it is recommended that Kanwar Yatris carry their government-issued ID card with them during the <keyword id="17664703" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kanwar-Yatra-2023" source="Orion">Kanwar Yatra 2023</keyword>. He further emphasized that the 'Kanwariyas' are requested to make smaller 'Kanwars' (made to fetch water) to avoid accidents. "Kanwariyas are requested not to make 'Kanwars' higher than 12 feet to avoid accidents and not cause noise pollution. This time, the police will pay special attention to those who ride motorcycles without silencers," the commissioner added. (ANI)

Haridwar district admin bans flying of drones ahead of Kanwar Yatra

The <keyword id="6354977" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Supreme-Court">Supreme Court</keyword> on Friday asked the <keyword id="6362695" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="uttar-pradesh-government">Uttar Pradesh government</keyword> to apprise it by July 19 on whether it would reconsider its decision to hold a symbolic <keyword id="6472944" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="kanwar-yatra">Kanwar Yatra</keyword> in the state, saying the right to life is paramount. A bench of Justices <keyword id="1547576" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="RF-Nariman">RF Nariman</keyword> and B R Gavai said that it is of the prima face view that all kinds of sentiments are subservient to Article 21 of the Constitution. It said the Uttar Pradesh government cannot be allowed to hold Kanwar Yatra in view of Covid . The top court's direction came after the Uttar Pradesh government told the bench that it has decided after relevant discussions to hold a symbolic Kanwar Yatra with appropriate Covid restrictions. Solicitor General <keyword id="243257" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Tushar-Mehta">Tushar Mehta</keyword> for the Centre told the top court that states shall not be allowed to hold Kanwar Yatra in view of Covid and arrangements for Ganga water should be made by tankers at specified places. The counsel for Uttarakhand told the top court that it has by its notification has decided to ban Kanwar Yatra for this year due to COVID-19. On July 14, the top court had had taken suo motu cognisance of media reports on the Uttar Pradesh government's decision to allow 'Kanwar Yatra' amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and sought responses from the state as well as the Centre "given the disparate political voices" on the matter. It had referred to the statement of Prime Minister <keyword id="6354477" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Narendra-Modi">Narendra Modi</keyword> that not even a bit of compromise can be made on COVID-19 containment and said the citizens were perplexed about the happenings in view of the fact that the UP government has allowed the religious 'yatra' commencing from July 25. It had issued notices to the Centre and the state governments of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/valve-steam-deck-price-in-india-specifications-launch-date/articleshow/84464421.cms">Valve’s Steam Deck handheld gaming device promises to bring the power of consoles in your hands</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/tatva-chintan-pharma-chem-ipo-should-you-subscribe-to-the-ipo-check-out-analysts-review/articleshow/84464187.cms">Tatva Chintan Pharma Chem IPO -- Should you subscribe? Here’s what analysts are saying</a>

Supreme Court asks UP government  to reconsider its stand to hold symbolic Kanwar Yatra

<ul><li>The <keyword id="6357961" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="odisha">Odisha</keyword> government on Saturday decided not to allow '<keyword id="6472944" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="kanwar-yatra">Kanwar Yatra</keyword>' or '<keyword id="387146" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bol-Bom">Bol Bom</keyword>' devotees to offer prayers at <keyword id="578710" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shiva-temples">Shiva temples</keyword> across the state, to contain the spread of COVID-19.</li><li>In the month of <keyword id="1064392" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sharavan">Sharavan</keyword> (July/August), people carry water from a religious place, walk barefoot for several miles and put water in some Shiva temples on each Monday of the month. </li><li>The 'Bol Bom' devotees usually start their journey on Saturday/Sunday/Monday by collecting water from one religious place and walk till next Monday morning and pour the collected water on a Shiva Linga, said the SRC. </li></ul> The Odisha government on Saturday decided not to allow 'Kanwar Yatra' or 'Bol Bom' devotees to offer prayers at Shiva temples across the state, to contain the spread of COVID-19. Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena said no 'Bol Bom' devotees or Kanwariyas will be allowed to congregate, carry water from water bodies and walk on public roads to pour water on Shiva Lingas. In the month of Sharavan (July/August), people carry water from a religious place, walk barefoot for several miles and put water in some Shiva temples on each Monday of the month. The 'Bol Bom' devotees usually start their journey on Saturday/Sunday/Monday by collecting water from one religious place and walk till next Monday morning and pour the collected water on a Shiva Linga, said the SRC. Notably, the state government has ordered that all religious places or places of worship will continue to remain closed for the public and all social, political and religious functions and congregations are prohibited till July 31. Meanwhile, Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) on Saturday declared shutdown in its jurisdiction till July 8 midnight to contain the spread of COVID-19. All the non-essential shops will remain closed. However, all the essential shops like grocery, vegetable and milk shops will remain open from 5 a.m., to 6 p.m. --IANS cd/skp/

Odisha bans Kanwar yatra due to Covid-19

Bhubaneswar, Jul 4 () The Odisha government on Saturday announced a ban on "Kanwar Yatra" by devotees of Lord Shiva during Shravan month this year, amid the rising number of novel coronavirus cases in the state. In view of the pandemic, the state government has decided not to allow 'Kanwariyas' or 'Bol Bam' devotees (disciples of Lord Shiva) to collect water from rivers, ponds and other water bodies and offer prayer at different Shiva temples on every Monday during Shravan month starting from July 6, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) P K Jena said. The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage of Shiva's followers to pilgrimage sites including the temples of Lord Lingaraj in Bhubaneswar and Dhabalwswar near Cuttack. They travel on foot in groups for hundreds of kilometres chanting 'bol bam', singing bhajans and dancing to bring holy water for the deity. The annual Shravani mela (fair) at Baidyanath temple in Deogarh has also been denied permission this time on the order of Jharkhand High Court. "In order to prevent congregation, Kanwariyas or Bol Bum devotees are not allowed to carry water from any source and walk on any public road in order to offer it to the deity at any temple during the month of Shravan this time," Jena said. The SRC said the believers normally start collecting water from Saturday onwards and embark upon long journeys in groups to offer the holy water at Shiva shrines on Monday. He said the ban on the yatra is aimed at preventing public gathering. According to the guidelines laid down by the state government, all the religious sites and places of worship, including temples, are shut in the state and devotees are not allowed to visit them till July 31, he said. Similarly, all forms of religious, cultural, political and spiritual gatherings are not permitted in Odisha till the end of this month, Jena said. Following the government's decision, the people are requested to strictly adhere to the order and refrain from collecting water and undertaking travel to Shiva temples during Shravan this year as a precautionary measure, he said. We believe that everyone will cooperate with the administration in this regard, he added. Similarly, the district administrations are also required to take concrete steps to enforce the order and ensure that no 'Bol Bam yatra' takes place this time, Jena said. The government's decision to prohibit the yatra comes as the public health crisis continues to mount alarmingly not only in the state but also across the country. Odisha has so far reported 8,601 COVID-19 cases and 34 fatalities. As many as 1,536 novel coronavirus cases have been reported in the state since July 1 alone. SKN SNS CK

No 'Kanwar Yatra' in Odisha this year due to COVID-19 pandemic

At least nine Kanwar Yatra <keyword id="19904938" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pilgrims" source="keywords">pilgrims</keyword> were <keyword id="20120340" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="electrocuted" source="keywords">electrocuted</keyword> to <keyword id="19895994" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="death" source="keywords">death</keyword> and three others sustained injuries when they came in contact with a high-tension overhead wire in <keyword id="19903647" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Bihar" source="keywords">Bihar</keyword>'s <keyword id="22669268" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Vaishali-district" source="keywords">Vaishali district</keyword>, a senior official said on Monday. The incident took place in Sultanpur village in Industrial police station area in the intervening night of Sunday and Monday. Officials investigating the matter said action will be taken if lapses are found in anyone's part. "Nine pilgrims (<keyword id="22477203" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kanwariyas" source="keywords">Kanwariyas</keyword>) died and three sustained severe injuries when a high tension overhead wire fell on their vehicle in Sultanpur village under the jurisdiction of Industrial police station in Vaishali district. "The incident took place in the intervening night of Sunday and Monday when the Kanwariyas were going to Baba Harihar Nath Temple in Sonepur to perform Jalabhishekh," Rambabu Baitha, Sub-divisional Officer of Hajipur-Sadar, told reporters. Baitha had earlier said that eight people died in the incident. The injured persons have been admitted to a hospital where their condition is stated to be stable. The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination and the matter is being investigated, he added.

Bihar: Nine Kanwariyas electrocuted to death, three injured

Sawan, also known as <keyword id="22504686" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Shravan" source="keywords">Shravan</keyword>, is one of the most auspicious months in the Hindu calendar. According to Drik Panchang, in 2024, Sawan begins on July 22 and ends on August 19. This year, Sawan will be observed for 29 days, featuring five Mondays, known as Sawan Somwars. These Mondays are particularly significant for devotees who observe fasts and engage in prayers dedicated to <keyword id="20013189" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lord-Shiva" source="keywords">Lord Shiva</keyword>. <h2>Significance of Sawan Month</h2>Shravan is considered the holiest month in the Hindu calendar and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that during this time, the cosmic alignment is such that divine energies are more accessible, and prayers reach the divine with greater potency. Devotees undertake various spiritual practices, including fasting, offering prayers, and performing rituals to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. The observance of Shravan Somwar, or fasting on Mondays, holds special significance as Mondays are considered sacred to Lord Shiva. <h2><keyword id="22484805" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sawan-Somwar" source="keywords">Sawan Somwar</keyword> Calendar 2024</h2>In 2024, the Sawan month will feature five Mondays, each marking a special occasion for devotees to observe fasts and participate in rituals. Here is the detailed Sawan Somwar calendar: July 22, 2024 - Sawan Begins (First Shravan Somwar vrat) July 29, 2024 - Second Shravan Somwar vrat August 5, 2024 - Third Shravan Somwar vrat August 12, 2024 - Fourth Shravan Somwar vrat August 19, 2024 - Sawan Ends (Last or Fifth Shravan Somwar vrat) <h2>Historical and Mythological Significance of Sawan</h2>The month of Shravan is steeped in mythology and historical significance. According to Hindu scriptures, several important events are believed to have occurred during this month: Samudra Manthan: One of the most famous legends associated with Shravan is the churning of the ocean, or Samudra Manthan, by the Devas and Asuras to obtain Amrit (the nectar of immortality). During this process, a deadly poison called Halahala emerged, which had the potential to destroy the universe. Lord Shiva consumed the poison to save the world, and it turned his throat blue, earning him the name Neelkanth. This act of selflessness is commemorated during the month of Shravan. Marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati: Another significant event celebrated during Shravan is the divine marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to mythology, Goddess Parvati undertook severe penance during Shravan to win the love and affection of Lord Shiva. Pleased with her devotion, Lord Shiva accepted her as his consort, and devotees celebrate their union this month. That’s why it is considered very auspicious to undertake fasting every Monday of the month. Kanwar Yatra: The Kanwar Yatra is a significant pilgrimage undertaken by devotees, known as Kanwariyas, who carry water from the holy Ganges River to offer it to Shiva temples. This ritual is performed as an act of devotion and penance. <h2>Rituals practised during Sawan</h2>Devotees observe various rituals and practices during the month of Shravan to seek blessings from Lord Shiva: Fasting: Observing fasts on Sawan Somwars is a common practice. Devotees often consume only water or fruits and avoid consuming grains and cereals. Abhishekam: Performing Abhishekam, or the ceremonial bathing of Shiva Lingam with water, milk, honey, and other sacred substances, is a significant ritual. It is believed that offering Abhishekam pleases Lord Shiva and grants his blessings. Chanting and Prayers: Devotees chant mantras and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva, such as the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and the Shiva Chalisa. Participating in Shiva Aarti (devotional song) is also common. Visiting Shiva Temples: Visiting Shiva temples and offering prayers is an integral part of Shravan observance. Many devotees undertake pilgrimages to prominent Shiva temples during this month. <div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="104016440" title="Discover the 7 most famous Shiva temples in India you must visit once" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"></div><h2> </h2><h2>Puja Vidhi</h2>Devotees who are fasting on Sawan Somwar (Sawan Monday) should wake up early, take a bath, and put on clean, new clothes. Afterwards, they should clean their home and the temple or puja room. The worship of the Shivlinga can be done either by visiting a temple or performing the ritual at home. This involves performing Abhishekam (ritual bathing) of the Shivlinga, applying white sandalwood to Lord Shiva, and offering bhang, dhatura, and bilvapatra (leaves). They should then light a ghee lamp or diya, listen to the story about the Sawan Somwar fast, and perform aarti (a devotional song) for Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati. It is important to perform the puja both in the morning and in the evening. <h2>Mantras you chant during Sawan</h2>1. Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushti Vardhanam Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat 2. Om Namah Shivay 3. Om Namah Parvati Pataye Har Har Mahadev The month of Shravan, or Sawan, holds immense significance in Hinduism as a period of intense devotion and spiritual practices dedicated to Lord Shiva. The observance of Sawan Somwars, fasting, and performing rituals are ways through which devotees seek the divine blessings of Lord Shiva. In 2024, with Sawan beginning on July 22 and ending on August 19, devotees have a special opportunity to deepen their spiritual connection and experience the divine grace of Lord Shiva. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/travel/india/article/top-temples-to-visit-in-india-you-must-visit-atleast-once-in-a-lifetime/articleshow/109857477.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Top temples to visit in India you must visit atleast once in a lifetime</a>

Sawan 2024: Dates, somwar calendar, significance and rituals practised during Sawan

With assembly polls in key states coming up, <keyword id="404256" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Congress-Parliamentary-Party" source="Orion">Congress Parliamentary Party</keyword> chairperson <keyword id="19935990" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sonia-Gandhi" source="keywords">Sonia Gandhi</keyword> on Wednesday said the "<keyword id="22613088" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mahaul" source="Orion">mahaul</keyword> (public mood)" is in the party's favour but there is a need to sustain the momentum and goodwill generated for it in the <keyword id="56978" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Lok-Sabha-elections" source="Orion">Lok Sabha elections</keyword>. "We must not become complacent and over confident...I dare say that if we perform well, reflecting the trend that we witnessed in the Lok Sabha elections, national politics will undergo a transformation," she told the <keyword id="19895371" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Congress" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Congress" meta.hostid="83" meta.entityid="Congress">Congress</keyword> Parliamentary Party (<keyword id="43847" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="CPP" source="Orion">CPP</keyword>). Gandhi also accused the <keyword id="19916814" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Modi-government" source="keywords">Modi government</keyword> of not drawing the right lessons from "their significant decline" in the Lok Sabha elections and persisting with their policy of "dividing communities and spreading an atmosphere of fear and animosity". "Fortunately, the Supreme Court intervened at the right time," she said in an apparent reference to the stay on the orders passed by Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand government asking eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route to display the name of owners. "But this can only be a temporary respite. Look at how the rules have been suddenly changed to permit the bureaucracy to participate in the activities of the RSS. It calls itself a cultural organisation but the whole world knows that it is the BJP's political and ideological base," Gandhi said. Noting that elections will be held in four states, she urged party leaders to sustain the momentum and goodwill that had been generated for the party in the Lok Sabha elections. "We must not become complacent and over confident. The 'mahaul' does favour us, but we have to work unitedly with a sense of purpose. I dare say that if we perform well, reflecting the trend that we witnessed in the Lok Sabha elections, national politics will undergo a transformation," Gandhi said. Her remarks come ahead of assembly polls in Haryana, Maharashtra and Jharkhand as also the possibility of elections in Jammu and Kashmir this year. She also slammed the Union Budget, saying that the pressing demands of farmers and youth in particular, have been totally ignored. Allocations in a number of vital sectors have not done justice to the tasks required to be fulfilled, she said. "There has been widespread disappointment, in spite of the prime minister, the finance minister and others to talk up the Budget and its so-called accomplishments. The Union Government, especially its top leadership, continues to be self-delusional as crores of families across the country are devastated by mounting unemployment and price rise," she said.

'Mahaul' in our favour, don't be complacent and over-confident: Sonia Gandhi to party on upcoming polls

For the past few years, communicating the devastating perils of <keyword id="6361617" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="climate-change" source="Orion">climate change</keyword> was typically carried out by weaponising numbers, charts, and the occasional splattering of soup on paintings. Now, the process has turned far more visual and gruesome — the common man watches in anguish as unprecedented floods drown hundreds in Brazil, Kenya, and the UAE, while brutal heatwaves incapacitate elections in India. The latest climate atrocity has befallen the holy city of <keyword id="6364756" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="mecca" source="Orion">Mecca</keyword> in <keyword id="50996" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="saudi-arabia" source="Orion">Saudi Arabia</keyword>, where blistering heatwaves have already killed an estimated 900 pilgrims during the annual Hajj rites. According to reports, temperatures have climbed to nearly 52°C in the city, where about 1.8 million devotees have gathered for the days-long outdoor procession. Around 175,000 Indians also attended Hajj this year, of whom 68 Indian nationals have been confirmed dead by Saudi Arabian diplomats. According to an AFP report, these fatalities have been attributed to “natural causes” as well as “weather conditions.” <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is Hajj?" comment="subhead" text="What is Hajj?">What is Hajj?</cmsannotation> Just like Indian Hindus may indulge in the annual Kanwar, Amarnath or the Char Dham Yatras, many Muslims embark on a yearly Hajj <keyword id="44351" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="pilgrimage" source="Orion">pilgrimage</keyword> to the sacred city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. In Islam, Hajj — meaning pilgrimage made to the central religious ‘Kaaba’ monument—is considered a mandatory pious duty for all adult Muslims physically and financially capable of making the journey. The process of pilgrimage takes around a week — with tens of hours outdoors—and takes place in the last month of the Islamic calendar. Since 2015, this has fallen during the Saudi Arabian summers, when temperatures typically cross 40°C. During certain rites such as the Tawaf, eating food is prohibited, but drinking is encouraged due to the risk of dehydration amid such hot environments. Barring the COVID-19 lockdown years, the Hajj pilgrimage typically draws millions of visitors to Mecca, resulting in severe levels of crowding. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is the scale of the devastation?" comment="subhead" text="What is the scale of the devastation?">What is the scale of the devastation?</cmsannotation> While Saudi Arabia has refrained from provided official information on the tragic fatalities, they report that over 2,700 people suffered from “heat exhaustion” on Sunday alone. This comes despite large investments in stringent safety measures — a stark necessity considering that deaths due to heat and other causes have become a common sight during Hajj. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="Why did it happen and what’s next?" comment="subhead" text="Why did it happen and what’s next?">Why did it happen and what’s next?</cmsannotation> Saudi Arabia, being an arid and hot region, can witness temperatures climbing to especially unbearable levels during its summer months. Further, these temperatures have continued to climb over the past few decades, courtesy of climate change. This can inflict a plethora of heat-related health issues on the devotees that take part in the outdoor pilgrimage during Hajj. According to 2019 MIT research, worsening heat and humidity conditions are set to worsen in several areas where Hajj takes place, posing “extreme danger” to the pilgrims. These dangers are inevitable and will continue to mount even if substantial measures are taken to curb the effects of climate change, the study explains. Further, as extreme conditions worsen, it lowers the tolerance of the heat-stressed pilgrims in crowds, leading to deadly confrontations and incidents. In 1990, a stampede killed nearly 1,500 people, while another led to the death of nearly a thousand people in 2015. According to MIT study author Elfatih Eltahir, these incidents coincided with peaks in temperature and humidity in the region. “If you have crowding in a location,” notes Eltahir, “the harsher the weather conditions are, the more likely it is that crowding would lead to incidents.” Hajj will continue to take place in the hottest summer months of Saudi Arabia from 2047 to 2052, and again from 2079 to 2086. Additionally, it is notable that a large number of the Hajj pilgrims constitute the elderly with ageing-related health conditions. For instance, about 40% of the thousands of Indonesians attending Hajj in 2023 were older devotees, according to the WHO. Health risks such as fatigue, dehydration, and infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and MERS-CoV have the capacity to cause more damage to such attendees. <cmsannotation type="cmsannotation" annotationid="What is being done to protect pilgrims during Hajj?" comment="subhead" text="What is being done to protect pilgrims during Hajj?">What is being done to protect pilgrims during Hajj?</cmsannotation> The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has already invested billions in constructing infrastructure such as air-conditioned tents for pilgrims who are able to avail these services. Further, numerous hospitals and clinics are set up in and around Mecca, with emergency response teams on standby to provide immediate medical attention. The availability of clean drinking water at various points prevents dehydration, and ample sanitation facilities help maintain hygiene and prevent the spread of diseases. To manage any agitations, Saudi authorities schedule and stagger the times for different rites to avoid overcrowding. Significant infrastructure improvements, such as the expansion of the Jamarat Bridge and the Masjid al-Haram, have enhanced crowd flow. Clear signage, barriers, and guides help direct the movement of pilgrims, preventing bottlenecks and ensuring smooth transitions between different rites.

Heatwaves in Hajj: Here’s all about the devastating episode that killed nearly 1000 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

Muzaffarnagar, Jul 7 () Authorities in Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar and Shamli on Monday sealed the borders of the districts with neighbouring states of Uttarakhand and Haryana, respectively, in view of the cancellation of the annual Kanwar Yatra due to the coronavirus pandemic, officials said. Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage of devotees of Lord Shiva known as kanwariyas. The devotees visit Haridwar, Gaumukh and Gangotri in Uttarakhand and Sultanganj in Bihar to fetch holy waters of river Ganga during the auspicious Hindu month of Shravan. The borders of Muzaffarnagar and Shamli with Uttarakhand and Haryana, respectively, were sealed to prevent kanwariyas from entering the districts, the officials said. Fifty-eight checkpoints have been set up on the Delhi-Haridwar national highway and at other places along the Uttarakhand border to check the arrival of kanwariyas headed to Haridwar, Senior Superintendent of Police, Muzaffarnagar, Abhishek Yadav told reporters on Monday. They will not be allowed to proceed to Haridwar, he said. In Shamli, police have sealed the Yamuna bridge on the Panipat-Khatima highway, the officials said. During a meeting between district magistrates of Shamli and Panipat earlier on Monday, it was decided not to allow kanwariyas coming from Haryana and Rajasthan to enter Shamli. Police officers from the two districts also attended the meeting, they said. Last month, chief ministers of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana arrived at a consensus to cancel the Kanwar Yatra this year to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Despite authorities repeatedly asking people not to undertake the pilgrimage, there have been reports about kanwariyas trying to reach Haridwar. CORR DIV DIV

COVID-19: UP's Muzaffarnagar, Shamli districts seal borders to prevent entry of kanwariyas

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Two-thirds of <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="India">India</keyword>'s population has developed some immunity to <keyword id="8763838" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="covid-19">COVID-19</keyword>, a national survey found.</li><li>Health authorities say this represents hope for the nation, but warned that one in three Indians are still susceptible to the virus.</li><li>Based on the survey, 67.6% of the 28,975 people tested had COVID-19 antibodies.</li></ul>Two-thirds of India's population has developed antibodies against COVID-19, an indication of some level of immunity against the coronavirus, according to the country's latest national blood serum survey.The findings are a "ray of hope" for the <a href="https://www.insider.com/india-covid-crisis-oxygen-tank-shortage-2021-5">virus-battered nation</a>, said Indian Council for Medical Research Director General Balram Bhargava <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shdlCPpYJvc">on Tuesday.</a>But he also warned that India must continue with COVID-19 measures and not be complacent, as one in three Indians - or 400 million of its 1.38 billion total population - are still susceptible to infections.The survey was conducted by health authorities from late June to early July, testing 28,975 people above the age of six in 70 districts across 21 states, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/68-of-indians-have-covid-19-antibodies-1/3rd-vulnerable/articleshow/84599731.cms">reported local media</a>. Of these, 67.6% were found to have antibodies, a massive surge from 25% in India's previous survey carried out from <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-55945382">December 2020 to January this year.</a>Antibodies, according to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/testing/serology-overview.html#:~:text=Antibody%20or%20serology%20tests%20look,been%20vaccinated%20against%20an%20infection.">CDC</a>, "are proteins created by your immune system that help you fight off infections. They are made after you have been infected or have been vaccinated against an infection."While it's unclear how long COVID antibodies last, a study published on Tuesday in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-24622-7">Nature Communications</a>, reported finding antibodies in nearly 99% of all its study participants nine months after infection. India has faced two brutal waves of COVID-19 that claimed <a href="https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/india/">more than 418,000 lives and saw around 31 million infections</a>. Its second wave in May was especially catastrophic due to the <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/delta-variant-primarily-responsible-for-covid-19-second-wave-says-govt-expert-101626689924076.html">Delta variant</a>, pushing the <a href="https://www.insider.com/india-covid-second-wave-oxygen-shortage-2021-4">nation's healthcare system to the brink</a> and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/india-coronavirus-dead-cremation-parking-lots-overflow-2021-4">overwhelming crematoriums</a> that could not burn corpses fast enough.There are two reasons for the rise in antibodies among India's population - its second wave of infections and its vaccination drive, said health officials per <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/68-of-indians-have-covid-19-antibodies-1/3rd-vulnerable/articleshow/84599731.cms">The Times of India.</a>But there are still worries of a third wave that could sweep that nation. India has still not reached herd immunity, and the nation is still vulnerable to a spike in infections, said Dr. V. K. Paul, a member of the government's National Institution for Transforming India, <a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/centre-warns-of-covid-19-third-wave-says-no-herd-immunity-in-population-yet-101626479118877.html">last Friday.</a>"The next 100 days are critical for the fight against Covid-19 in India," he said.Several state governments have also come under fire recently for relaxing restrictions to allow mass religious events. After the Indian supreme court stepped in, some local authorities decided to cancel relaxations for annual events such as this week's <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/will-move-supreme-court-if-kerala-does-not-back-bakrid-relaxations-ima-1829656-2021-07-18">Muslim festival of Bakrid</a>, or Eid al-Adha, and the <a href="https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/no-kanwar-yatra-in-uttar-pradesh-this-year/article35387456.ece">Hindu pilgrimage of Kanwar Yatra.</a>

'Ray of hope' for India as national survey finds two-thirds of its population has antibodies for COVID-19

(Eds: Updating with details, recoveries, govt orders) Bhubaneswar, July 4 () The COVID-19 death toll in Odisha climbed to 34 with five more patients succumbing to the disease, while the tally reached 8,601 after 495 fresh infections were detected, a health official said on Saturday. While Ganjam district reported three deaths, Bhubaneswar (Khurda district) recorded two fatalities, he said. Though one more COVID-19 patient has died in Cuttack district, the Health Department has attributed the fatality to other ailments, taking the count of such deaths in the state to nine, the official said. Odisha's COVID-19 hotspot Ganjam district has reported 20 of the 34 deaths while the remaining fatalities have been registered in Khurda (seven), Cuttack (four) and one each in Puri, Bargarh and Angul districts, he said. A total of 495 fresh COVID-19 cases have been reported from 24 districts on Saturday, taking the state's tally to 8,601, the Information and Public Relations Department said. Of the new patients, 355 were living in quarantine centres while 140 had come in contact with COVID-19 patients, it said. The districts that reported a high number of fresh cases are Ganjam (216), Khurda (50), Sundargarh (36), Mayurbhanj (28), Angul (24), Puri (18) and Cuttack and Balasore (13 each), it added. In view of the spike in positive cases and rise in death toll in Ganjam district, the Odisha government has appointed two IAS officers and 6 OAS officers in the district to contain the spread of the virus. While the state's positive tally on June 4 was 2,608, it increased to 8,610 within a month on July 4. However, the state government refused to admit it as community transmission and claimed that the virus count increased due to rise in the number of coronavirus tests. The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) has declared complete shutdown of the millennium city till July 8 midnight in view of the increasing trend of the virus count. Of the 13 new positive cases in Cuttack district, 11 were reported from within the city forcing the CMC to impose complete shutdown. The CMC authorities this evening sealed a private nursing home in Chauliagunj area after detection of six COVID-19 cases from the facility, a CMC official said. Meanwhile, 229 patients recovered from the deadly disease, taking the total number of cured persons to 5,934 which is 68.99 per cent of the total cases. Odisha has so far tested 2,87,090 samples for COVID-19, including 5,567 on Friday, they added. With new cases, fresh recoveries and deaths, the number of active COVID-19 cases in Odisha increased to 2,624, the official said. In view of the COVID-19 situation, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has banned this year's Kanwar yatra for 'Bol Bom Devotees'. They are restricted from carrying holy water to Shiva temple during the Odia month of Shravan (July-August, 2020), SRC P K Jena said. State capital Bhubaneswar also recorded its highest single-day spike of 45 fresh COVID-19 cases. The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), in an order, prohibited any kind of demonstration by any organisation, groups, and political parties in the state capital. "It is seen that some organisations are participating in demonstrations before various public offices and in public places regarding different issues," it said . As many as 17 of the state's 30 districts have imposed weekend shutdowns in view of the rise in the number of cases in the first four days of July. The Chief Minister Office (CMO), in a statement said, the state is passing through a crucial phase in the fight against COVID-19 and hence, it is very essential that all should obey guidelines and regulations issued by the state government to contain the spread of the disease. Violation of norms would lead to strong action, the CMO said. During the last 24 hours, police have arrested 17 persons and registered 12 cases for violation of different regulations and guidelines related to COVID-19, out of which 11 cases are for violation of lockdown and one case is related to other issue. AAM RG SNE

You Searched For "Kanwar Yatra" and got 13 results

SC stays UP, Uttarakhand govt directive for displaying names of eatery owners on Kanwar Yatra route

PTI

Ujjain shop owners told to display names, contact numbers; Not targeting Muslims, says mayor

PTI

Haridwar district admin bans flying of drones ahead of Kanwar Yatra

ANI

Supreme Court asks UP government to reconsider its stand to hold symbolic Kanwar Yatra

PTI

Odisha bans Kanwar yatra due to Covid-19

IANS

No 'Kanwar Yatra' in Odisha this year due to COVID-19 pandemic

PTI

Bihar: Nine Kanwariyas electrocuted to death, three injured

PTI

Sawan 2024: Dates, somwar calendar, significance and rituals practised during Sawan

Ayush Mehrotra

'Mahaul' in our favour, don't be complacent and over-confident: Sonia Gandhi to party on upcoming polls

PTI

Heatwaves in Hajj: Here’s all about the devastating episode that killed nearly 1000 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

Ankush Banerjee

COVID-19: UP's Muzaffarnagar, Shamli districts seal borders to prevent entry of kanwariyas

PTI

'Ray of hope' for India as national survey finds two-thirds of its population has antibodies for COVID-19

Matthew Loh

COVID-19 death toll in Odisha reaches 34; tally mounts to 8,601

PTI