Wednesday, 30 July 2025 International Friendship Day, officially recognized by the United Nations, is celebrated annually on 30 July to emphasize the importance of friendship in fostering peace, solidarity, and mutual understanding among peoples and cultures across the globe. The day encourages individuals, communities, and nations to build bridges of harmony, especially in times of rising tension, conflict, or division.
Can a Widow Apply Vermillion? – A Thoughtful Exploration In Indian society, sindoor (vermillion) is more than just a cosmetic accessory. It is a powerful symbol of marital status and a traditional mark of a woman’s identity as a wife. During Hindu weddings, one of the most sacred rituals is the groom applying sindoor in the bride’s hair parting. This red mark becomes a daily reminder of a woman’s married status and her husband’s long life. But when a woman becomes a widow, society immediately strips her of this identity—removing her sindoor, bangles, colorful clothing, and in many cases, even her dignity. This raises an important question: Can a widow apply sindoor? The answer lies in exploring our traditions, religious interpretations, and evolving social norms. Religious Perspective Contrary to popular belief, the ancient Vedic texts do not prescribe any punishment or restriction against widows wearing sindoor. In fact, the Vedas and Upanishads see women as independent so...