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.
Nag Panchami: A Festival of Serpent Worship and Spiritual Symbolism Nag Panchami is a sacred Hindu festival celebrated annually in reverence to Nāga Devatas—serpent deities that hold deep mythological and spiritual importance in Indian culture. Observed on the fifth day (Panchami) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the Shravana month (July–August), this festival is particularly popular in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and even parts of Nepal. In 2025, Nag Panchami falls on 29 July (Tuesday) with the most auspicious worship time or puja muhurat being 5:41 AM to 8:23 AM. 🌸 Rituals and Observances On Nag Panchami, devotees offer prayers to snakes or their symbolic representations—idols made of silver, clay, stone, or wood. In many regions, live snakes, particularly cobras, are also worshipped. Snake charmers bring these serpents to towns and villages where people feed them milk, honey, sweets, and flowers, believing that such offe...