Shetland wool is one of the most cherished natural fibers in the world, originating from the Shetland Islands of Scotland, a remote archipelago located in the North Atlantic. The harsh climate and rugged landscape of these islands shaped the Shetland sheep into a hardy breed, producing fine, soft, and warm wool that has been admired for centuries. Origins and Characteristics The Shetland sheep is a small, resilient breed known for its ability to thrive in tough environments. Its wool is celebrated for being soft, lightweight, and warm, with an average fiber diameter of 20–30 microns. Unlike coarser wools, Shetland wool strikes a balance between durability and comfort, making it suitable for both everyday wear and high-quality knitwear. It is available in a wide variety of natural colors—from pure white and moorit (reddish-brown) to grey, black, and fawn—offering artisans an extensive palette without the need for synthetic dyes. Historical Importance Knitting and weaving with Shetland w...
Spectacle & Timing The year’s final lunar eclipse (Chandra Grahan) is set for the night of September 7–8, 2025, visible prominently across India and much of Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia Indiatimes The Times of India+1 Wikipedia . In India, the eclipse begins around 21:58 IST, peaks at 23:41, and ends near 1:26 AM, lasting approximately 3 to 3.5 hours Indiatimes The Times of India+1 AajTak Amar Ujala The Economic Times Live Hindustan . Cultural & Religious Significance This eclipse holds deep spiritual weight— coinciding with Pitru Paksha and Bhadrapada Poornima, it demands observance of Sutak rituals, which begin ~9 hours before the eclipse and impose restrictions on cooking, worship, and other auspicious activities Indiatimes Navbharat Times AajTak Amar Ujala The Times of India The Economic Times . Astrologically, many communities advise rituals like prayers, charity, meditation, and fasting to harness spiritual benefits Indiatimes Navbharat Times Maharashtra Times The ...