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Simolanghan Concludes With Devotional Fervour At Shri Kshetra Tuljapur In Dharashiv District

**Dharashiv: Traditional Simolanghan Event Concludes with Devotion and Enthusiasm**

The traditional Simolanghan event, organized during the Shardiya Navratra Mahotsav at Shri Kshetra Tuljapur, concluded early Thursday morning with great religious fervour and enthusiasm. As the first ray of the sun appeared, kumkum was sprinkled amid chants of “Aai Raja Udo Udo.” The Tuljabhavani Goddess was worshipped following all the customary rituals.

In the early morning, 108 sarees were adorned on Goddess Tuljabhavani. This was followed by a grand procession around the temple, featuring a palanquin brought from Bhingar (Ahilyanagar). After the procession, the palanquin was placed on a platform beneath the sacred Pipal tree.

According to tradition, Goddess Tuljabhavani Devi leaves her temple to join her devotees for Simolanghan. After the Simolanghan ceremony, the Goddess is believed to rest until Pournima.

Thousands of devotees gathered to witness this magnificent event. Kumkum was sprinkled across the temple premises, and the entire area resonated with the slogan, “Aai Raja Udo Udo.”

Prominent attendees included MLA and temple trustee Ranajagjeetsingh Patil, district collector and temple committee president Kirti Kiran Pujar, SP Ritu Khokhar, additional SP Shafqat Amna, sub-divisional officer Onkar Deshmukh, Saumayyashree Pujar, tehsildar Arvind Bolange, Maya Mane, as well as Mahants Tukoji Bua, Chiloji Bua, Mamroji Bua, Wakoji Bua. Bhope Pujai Mandal president Amarraje Kadam, Palikar Pujari Mandal president Vipin Shinde, Upadhye Pujari Mandal president Anant Kondo, numerous temple employees, and citizens were also present in large numbers.

The Simolanghan event remains a vibrant expression of faith and community spirit in Shri Kshetra Tuljapur.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/simolanghan-concludes-with-devotional-fervour-at-shri-kshetra-tuljapur-in-dharashiv-district

Dussehra 2025: Beyond The Effigy, Confronting The Ravana Within

The evening sky glows, the crowd gathers, and children tug at their parents’ hands with excitement. Soon, a giant effigy of Ravana will be set on fire. Within minutes, it will crumble into ashes, and people will clap, cheer, and shout “Jai Shri Ram”. For many, this is what Dussehra is all about: a yearly spectacle of good triumphing over evil.

But as one watches the fire rise, a thought stirs quietly within: if Ravana was truly destroyed centuries ago by Lord Rama, why do we still build him every year, only to burn him again?

The truth may make many uncomfortable, but the fact is that Ravana never truly disappeared. He simply changed form.

Today, he does not come wearing a crown or carrying weapons. Instead, he appears in ways far more subtle and often far more dangerous. His ten heads were never meant only for storytelling; they symbolize the many weaknesses that still exist within human beings.

Just think about the life we live today. We may not see a ten-headed man walking on our streets, but we do see lust that consumes minds, anger that destroys relationships, greed that drives corruption, and ego that blinds judgment.

We see stubbornness that turns dialogue into conflict, vengeance that fuels hatred, hypocrisy that erodes trust, cruelty that strips away compassion, and quarrelsomeness that poisons families and societies alike.

So, in reality, Ravana’s “heads” are alive and well. They no longer belong to him; they belong to us.

That’s why the real meaning of Dussehra goes beyond burning an effigy. That fire lasts a few minutes, but the real fire must be lit within, where these weaknesses hide. And hence, celebrating Dussehra without self-reflection is like reading a story without learning its lesson.

The Ramayana also reminds us that Ravana could not be defeated by ordinary men. Similarly, the Ravana within us cannot be conquered by wishful thinking. It requires inner strength, the kind that comes from connecting with the Divine.

So, as we celebrate this festival amidst fireworks and festivity, let us not forget its deeper message.

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**About the Author:**
The writer is a spiritual educator and a popular columnist for publications across India, Nepal & the UK. To date, he has written over 9,000 published columns.

**Contact:**
nikunjji@gmail.com
[www.brahmakumaris.com](http://www.brahmakumaris.com)
https://www.freepressjournal.in/analysis/dussehra-2025-beyond-the-effigy-confronting-the-ravana-within

Know The Significance Of Growing Barley During Navratri

**Navratri and the Sacred Tradition of Barley Sowing (Jau Sowing)**

Navratri is a festival deeply rooted in rituals and symbolism, with one of its most important traditions being the practice of sowing barley seeds (jowar/jaun) at the beginning of the nine days. This ritual, also known as Jau Sowing or Khetri Sthapana, holds immense spiritual significance and is considered a way of invoking the blessings of Goddess Durga.

### Rituals of Jau Sowing

On the first day of Navratri, devotees install the Kalash (a sacred pot) and place a small earthen pot filled with soil beside it. Barley seeds are then sown in this soil, and water is sprinkled daily to nurture their growth. By the end of the nine days, the barley sprouts into fresh green shoots.

These shoots are distributed among family members after the completion of Navratri rituals, symbolising prosperity, positivity, and new beginnings.

### Significance of Growing Barley

The act of growing barley during Navratri is more than just a ritual — it is a representation of life, fertility, and abundance. In ancient times, barley was one of the primary crops and was closely linked to food security and prosperity. As a result, the growth of barley during Navratri came to be seen as a divine sign.

The health and length of the barley shoots are often believed to indicate the future prosperity and blessings of the household.

### A Symbol of Faith and Positivity

Spiritually, the barley shoots symbolize the inner growth of devotees throughout the nine days of worship. Just as the seed transforms into a thriving plant with care and devotion, worshippers are reminded to nurture their faith, patience, and positivity.

Offering these shoots to Goddess Durga is regarded as a gesture of gratitude and surrender.

Thus, growing barley during Navratri is not only a sacred tradition but also a beautiful reminder of growth, hope, and the nourishing power of divine energy that sustains all life.

### About Shardiya Navratri

Shardiya Navratri is considered one of the most significant Navratris, second only to Chaitra Navratri, and is celebrated by millions of Hindus worldwide. This festival falls in the month of Ashwin and begins on Shukla Paksha Pratipada, continuing until Navami.

It is dedicated to Goddess Durga, as according to legend, on this day, she defeated the demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Devotees observe this festival with great devotion, performing numerous rituals to honor the Goddess.

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Experience the spiritual essence of Navratri by participating in the age-old tradition of Jau Sowing and embracing the blessings of Goddess Durga for a prosperous and positive year ahead.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/lifestyle/know-the-significance-of-growing-barley-during-navratri

Symbols of offering

Every year, during the Islamic month of Rabi al-Thani, devotees of Abdul Qadir Gilani gather on the banks of the Ravi River to take part in a meaningful and symbolic ritual. They launch paper boats carrying lighted clay lamps and other symbolic offerings into the river.

This tradition serves as a way for devotees to make wishes or to express gratitude after their wishes have been granted. The practice is an integral part of the celebrations of the Sufi saint’s Urs, which commemorates the death anniversary.

The Urs of Abdul Qadir Gilani, known as the Gyarwin Shareef, falls on the 11th of Rabi al-Thani. It is a significant spiritual event marked by devotion, reflection, and community gatherings along the Ravi River.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1346831-symbols-of-offering

‘Muhurat Trading’ for Diwali on October 21: Check timings

**Muhurat Trading for Diwali on October 21: Check Timings**

*By Dwaipayan Roy | Sep 22, 2025, 08:00 PM*

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) has announced a special Muhurat Trading session to commemorate Diwali this year. Scheduled for October 21, the session will run from 1:45 PM to 2:45 PM. Notably, the pre-opening session will be held from 1:30 PM to 1:45 PM, a change from the usual evening timing.

**What is Muhurat Trading?**

Muhurat Trading marks the beginning of a new Samvat, or Hindu calendar year. It is considered an auspicious time for trading, believed to bring prosperity and financial growth to investors and stakeholders. During this special session, various market segments will be covered, including equity, commodity derivatives, currency derivatives, equity futures and options, as well as securities lending and borrowing (SLB).

**Stock Market Closure and Trading Details**

On Diwali, the stock market will remain closed for regular trading, except for this exclusive one-hour Muhurat Trading session. All trades executed during this period will lead to settlement obligations. Despite its short duration, the session is conducted with full market formalities and records, just like any other trading day.

Investors often view Muhurat Trading as an auspicious opportunity to invest, with many purchasing shares for long-term holding or as part of family rituals during the festival.

**Historical Market Trends During Muhurat Trading**

Historically, Muhurat Trading sessions have tended to yield positive returns, even though the trading volumes are usually low. Over the last 16 years, the market indices have closed in the green in 13 of these sessions, highlighting the favorable trend associated with this event.

Last year’s Muhurat Trading saw the Sensex climb by 335 points (0.42%) to close at 79,724, while the Nifty gained 99 points (0.41%), ending at 24,304 — a strong finish that underscores the positive sentiment during this auspicious trading hour.

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Make the most of this festive trading opportunity by marking your calendars for October 21 and participating in the Muhurat Trading session to start the new Samvat year on a prosperous note.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/nse-announces-muhurat-trading-for-diwali-on-october-21/story