By Ayesha Aryan Rana , Co-Founder, VRIGHT Path Why a Millennia-Old Ritual Still Matters Today Every year, as Shraddha Paksha (Pitru Paksha) approaches, debates resurface. Many intellectuals, scientists, and modern skeptics dismiss it as blind faith—“just another ritual created by Brahmins.” Some even call it outdated in a world driven by science, data, and rationalism. But if you’ve ever wondered whether there’s more to this ritual than feeding crows, making rice-ball offerings ( pinda-dana ), or chanting mantras for departed souls—pause. Because the truth is, Shraddha Paksha is not superstition. It is science, psychology, ecology, and spirituality—woven together in ways our ancestors intuited long before laboratories validated the same principles. ( Hindi ) Five Truths Sanatana Dharma Knew Before Science Did 1. Everything Is Energy: “Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma” The Upanishads declared thousands of years ago that all existence is one vibratin...
The grand festival of Lord Ganesha , revered as the remover of obstacles and the harbinger of wisdom , is approaching with great enthusiasm across Maharashtra and India. This year, the festival brings not only cultural vibrancy but also a deeper call for spiritual awakening, humility, and unity. ( Hindi ) Lalbaug Raja 1st Darshan Historical and Cultural Significance The Ganesh Festival (Ganesh Chaturthi) has been celebrated for centuries, but its public form (Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav) was initiated by Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak in 1893 as a unifying force during India’s freedom struggle. Today, the festival is an integral part of Maharashtra’s cultural fabric, combining devotion, tradition, and social service. From household celebrations to iconic public pandals like Lalbaugcha Raja and G.S.B. Seva Mandal , the festival embodies a unique blend of spirituality and community spirit. Spiritual Discipline and Observances for 2025 This year, devotees are urged to obse...