In a strategic move to inject fresh momentum into the final three years of his presidency, French President Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation of Prime […]
Katyuri and Chand Dynasties Architectural Marvels
Legacy and Cultural Significance The Katyuri Dynasty is renowned as the foremost rulers in Uttarakhand, credited with establishing the civilization in Katyur, Baijnath. This civilization not only flourished culturally but also showcased remarkable intelligence. The iconic architecture of Baijnath, Jageshwar, Kandolia in Pauri, and Katarmal Sun Temple stand as enduring legacies of Katyuri reign. Despite the presence of other dynasties like Shaks, Pals, and Chands, the Katyuris wielded significant influence in Kumaon. The term “Kurmanchal,” later evolved into Kumaon, originated from the Katyuri Kingdom, underscoring their historical importance. Believed to have ruled Kabul in Afghanistan before expanding into Kashmir, Himachal, and Uttarakhand, the Katyuris left a lasting imprint across these regions. According to Badri Dutt Pandey, a prominent journalist in the 1940s, the Katyuris hailed from Ayodhya and were of Suryavanshi lineage. Evidence suggests a strong connection between the Katyuris and Kabul, Afghanistan, as ruins resembling the architecture of Jageshwar and Baijnath temples can be found in Gandhar (Khandar), Afghanistan.…
IIT Guwahati Student Touseef Ali Arrested for Alleged ISIS Links
Touseef Ali Farooqui, a fourth-year student in the Bioscience department at IIT Guwahati, was detained on Saturday. Assam Police's special task force (STF) officials disclosed that an email penned by Touseef to his family played a crucial role in his arrest. The arrest took place in Kamrup district of Assam as the student attempted to leave the country, allegedly to join the terrorist group Islamic State ISIS. Kalyan Kumar Pathak, additional superintendent of police for STF Assam, stated that they received information through local news portals and swiftly acted upon it. Touseef's hostel room was found closed, prompting authorities to delve deeper into the matter. Further investigation revealed that Touseef hails from Manipur and had a limited circle of friends. He had sent an email to his family, IIT-G authorities, and the police, in which he used symbols reminiscent of those associated with IS. This raised concerns and prompted the authorities to take action. Touseef left his hostel room on…
Supreme Court Calls for Formal Application in Gyanvapi Mosque Case
The legal saga surrounding the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi continues as the Supreme Court addressed the Hindu women plaintiffs' request for an archaeological survey of a specific area within the mosque. The area in question is believed by the Hindu side to contain a Shivling, while the Muslim representation argues it is part of a fountain in an ablution tank. The Varanasi district court had previously ordered an extensive survey of the Gyanvapi mosque by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to determine if the mosque was built over a pre-existing Hindu temple. The survey, however, excluded the sealed area, as per the top court's order in May 2022. In response to the Hindu women plaintiffs' plea for a survey of the sealed area, the Supreme Court directed senior counsel Madhavi Divan to file a formal application. Court's Response The bench, led by Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, suggested that a proper application is needed for consideration. "You…
Kedarnath Temple will reopen on May 10, Govt advises to prepare for Chardham Yatra
The holy festival of Maha Shivratri brings good news for devotees of Lord Shiva. The gates of the renowned Kedarnath Dham are set to open this year on May 10th at 7 a.m. Today, on the occasion of Maha Shivratri, the date for the opening of the gates was announced during a religious ceremony held in the Panch Kedar seat, the Shri Omkareshwar Temple in UkhiMath, attended by the chairman of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, Ajendra Ajay. The fifth of May will witness the worship of the Panchmukhi Bhog Murti of Lord Kedarnath at the Shri Omkareshwar Temple in UkhiMath, alongside Bhairav Nath Ji. The Panchmukhi Doli will depart on May 6th for the Shri Kedarnath Dham. After passing through various stages, the Doli will reach the Kedarnath Dham on the evening of May 9th. Following this, on May 10th at 7 a.m., the gates of the Kedarnath Dham will be opened for the Char Dham Yatra 2024. https://doonmozaic.in/shankaracharya-and-his-last-days-in-uttarakhand/ The…
Fresh Snowfall Blankets Northern Indian States
Fresh snowfall has blanketed parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, causing disruptions to normal life in the northern regions of India. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had previously forecasted heavy rain and snowfall in these mountainous states due to a western disturbance. In Jammu province, high-altitude areas, including the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, witnessed a new layer of snow. The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, atop the Trikuta hills in Reasi district, experienced snowfall in Bhairon Ghati, Himkoti, and along the route to the shrine. Despite the weather conditions, pilgrimages to the temple proceeded unaffected, with hundreds of pilgrims departing from the Katra base camp. Srinagar and other low-lying areas of Kashmir saw the season's first snowfall, bringing joy to residents. Srinagar received approximately two inches of snow, while other areas like Anantnag, Qazigund, Pahalgam, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, Baramulla, Kupwara, and Gulmarg recorded varying degrees of snowfall. In Himachal Pradesh, the tribal areas and high-altitude regions witnessed…
Reviving the Legacy of Kumaoni Holi of Uttarakhand
Every time a culture fades, a piece of our heritage, history, and identity is lost. The 'pahadi culture' of Uttarakhand has been slowly declining as the exodus from the hills has become a significant trend. Kumaoni Holi, a defining attribute of Uttarakhand’s culture, embodies the essence of Kumaon with its music and celebration. However, with time and a dwindling population, this vibrant tradition seems to be fading away. Typically, a culture is sustained through its youth, but the younger generation of Uttarakhand seems to have overlooked this beautiful tradition, partly due to circumstances beyond their control. However, displacement from one's home does not always mean abandoning one's roots. While Kumaoni Holi may not be as popular as modern events like 'Bollywood Nights' or college fests, it still lives on in the hearts of those enchanted by childhood memories, striving to revive them. Girish Chandra Tiwari (Girda), the Jankavi of Uttarakhand, was a pioneer of Kumaoni Holi until his passing in…
Congress Leaders Decline Invitation to Ram Mandir Event, Allege Political Motives
In a significant development, senior leaders of the Indian National Congress, including Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, have officially announced their decision […]
Chlorine Gas Leak Triggers Panic in Dehradun; Residents Evacuated Safely
In a concerning incident, a chlorine gas leak occurred in the Jhanjra area of Prem Nagar police station in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, on Tuesday morning. The […]
Renowned Hindustani Classical Vocalist Ustad Rashid Khan Passes Away at 55
In a heartbreaking loss to the world of Hindustani classical music, the legendary Ustad Rashid Khan, a stalwart of the Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana, succumbed to prostate […]
First Swarn Dwar Installed in Ayodhya’s Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Ahead of Grand Ceremony
In a momentous development, the first Swarn Dwar (golden gate) has been installed in the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya, marking a significant milestone in […]
Israel Launches Desalination Program in Lakshadweep Amidst Maldives Controversy
In a significant move that could reshape the tourism landscape, Israel has announced the commencement of a desalination program in Lakshadweep, reinforcing the archipelago’s allure […]
Preparations in Full Swing as Uttarakhand Gears Up for Ram Temple Consecration Ceremony
As the nation eagerly awaits the historic consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya on January 22, the state of Uttarakhand, under the leadership […]
India-Maldives Relations Hit a Rough Patch Over Offensive Remarks
In a recent turn of events, diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives have encountered turbulence following derogatory remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. […]
Uttarakhand Government to Build State Guest House Near Grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya
In a momentous announcement, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami of Uttarakhand has unveiled plans to construct a state guest house near the magnificent temple of […]
Marine Commandos Rescue 21 Crew Members from Hijacked Vessel
In a bold and swift operation, the Indian Navy’s elite marine commandos successfully rescued 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from a bulk carrier in […]