PM Modi’s Inspiring Speech on National Youth Day at Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026

EVENTS PM Modi’s Inspiring Speech on National Youth Day at Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026 Newsyaar January 12, 2026 5:25 pm     PM Modi addresses Young Indians on National Youth Day. It is officially celebrated on 12th January every year.   PM delivered the speech on concluding session of Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue 2026, a public event that was organised especially for the Youths of the nation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRjxTPhGcZQ Video credit: @Youtube/Narendra Modi   About the Author Events Reporter Share via Copied Comments Post Comment

Lohri 2026: What You Need to Know About Punjab’s Lohri

EVENTS Lohri 2026: What You Need to Know About Punjab’s Lohri Newsyaar January 12, 2026 4:32 pm     Lohri is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich festivals of North India, especially celebrated with great enthusiasm in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Delhi.    Observed every year on January 13, Lohri marks the end of winter and the arrival of longer days. Deeply rooted in Punjabi traditions, the festival is a celebration of warmth, harvest, community bonding, and gratitude.   Why is Lohri celebrated?   Lohri is closely associated with the harvest of rabi crops, particularly sugarcane and wheat. For farmers, it is a time to thank nature for a good harvest and pray for prosperity in the coming season.    The festival also coincides with the solar movement before Makar Sankranti, symbolising the transition from cold, dark days to brighter and warmer times.   Historically, Lohri is linked to folklore and legends, most notably the tale of Dulla Bhatti, remembered for helping young girls during difficult times. Folk songs sung around the bonfire often mention his bravery, keeping oral traditions alive across generations.   The Bonfire: Heart of Lohri Celebrations   The bonfire is the centrepiece of Lohri celebrations. Families and communities gather around it in the evening, offering rewri, gajak, peanuts, popcorn, and til to the fire. This ritual symbolises gratitude to the Sun God and the elements of nature.   People walk around the fire, sing traditional songs, and offer prayers for happiness, good health, and abundance. The warmth of the fire reflects the spirit of togetherness that defines Lohri.   Punjabi Traditions and Cultural Celebrations   Lohri is incomplete without Punjabi folk music and dance. Men perform bhangra, while women dance gidda, dressed in colourful traditional attire. The beats of the dhol set the mood for celebration, turning villages and cities into lively cultural spaces.   The festival holds special significance for newlyweds and newborns, as their first Lohri is celebrated with extra joy and rituals, symbolising new beginnings and blessings.   More Than a Festival   Lohri is more than just a seasonal celebration; it is a reflection of Punjabi identity, resilience, and joy. It brings people together, strengthens social bonds, and keeps cultural heritage alive in a rapidly modernising world.   As Lohri approaches, the festival continues to remind communities of the importance of gratitude, unity, and celebrating life’s simple joys.   About the Author Events Reporter Share via Copied Comments Post Comment

Makar Sankranti 2026: Know the Importance of the Festival

EVENTS Makar Sankranti 2026: Know the Importance of the Festival Newsyaar January 12, 2026 4:12 pm     Makar Sankranti, one of India’s most widely celebrated harvest festivals, will be observed on January 14, 2026.    Unlike many Hindu festivals that follow the lunar calendar, Makar Sankranti is based on the solar cycle, making its date largely fixed every year. The festival marks a significant event and holds deep cultural, spiritual, and agricultural importance across the country.   Why Makar Sankranti Is Celebrated?   Makar Sankranti signifies the Sun’s transition into the zodiac sign Capricorn (Makara). This movement marks the beginning of Uttarayan, the sun’s northward journey, which is considered highly auspicious in Hindu tradition.    According to ancient beliefs, the period of Uttarayan symbolises light, positivity, and spiritual progress, while the previous phase, Dakshinayan, is associated with darkness and inactivity.   The festival also marks the end of the winter solstice and the gradual lengthening of days, bringing warmth and renewed energy. Farmers across India celebrate it as a harvest festival, thanking nature for its bounty and welcoming a new agricultural cycle.   Cultural Significance Across India   Makar Sankranti is celebrated under different names in different regions, reflecting India’s cultural diversity.   In Punjab, it is celebrated as Lohri, marked by bonfires and folk songs. Tamil Nadu observes it as Pongal, a four-day harvest festival. In Assam, it is known as Magh Bihu, while Gujarat celebrates with vibrant kite-flying festivals that fill the sky with colour.   Despite regional variations, the essence of the festival remains the same: gratitude, renewal, and togetherness.   Rituals and Traditions   One of the most common rituals associated with Makar Sankranti is taking a holy dip in rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, and Godavari. It is believed that bathing on this day cleanses sins and brings spiritual merit.   Another key tradition is the exchange of til (sesame) and jaggery sweets, symbolising unity, warmth, and harmony. The phrase “til-gud ghya ani god-god bola” reflects the spirit of speaking kindly and maintaining sweet relationships.   Spiritual and Health Importance   Makar Sankranti is not only spiritually significant but also aligned with seasonal health practices. Sesame seeds and jaggery, commonly consumed during this time, help generate warmth in the body and strengthen immunity during winter.   Spiritually, the festival encourages people to move away from negativity and embrace discipline, charity, and self-reflection. Donating food, clothes, and essentials to the needy is considered highly auspicious.   A Festival of Hope and Positivity   As Makar Sankranti 2026 approaches, the festival serves as a reminder of the balance between nature, faith, and human life.   It celebrates new beginnings, collective joy, and the timeless bond between tradition and daily living, making it one of the most meaningful festivals in India’s cultural calendar.   About the Author Events Reporter Share via Copied Comments Post Comment

Historic Army Day Parade in Jaipur: A Public Spectacle of Pride

EVENTS Historic Army Day Parade in Jaipur: A Public Spectacle of Pride Newsyaar January 12, 2026 3:12 pm     Jaipur is up for a historic celebration as the 78th Army Day Parade & is set to take place on January 15, 2026.   The event along Mahal Road in Jagatpura is one of the most inclusive tributes to the Indian Army.   Army Day is observed every year on January 15 to honour Field Marshal Kodandera M. Cariappa, who became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949 following independence.   A Parade Like Never Before   Authorities have organised open rehearsals on January 9, 11, and 13, allowing thousands of residents to witness military precision, disciplined marching contingents, and displays of modern weapons well ahead of the main parade.   Public enthusiasm has been palpable, with crowds gathering early along Mahal Road to watch tanks, missile systems, and advanced defence technologies.   Patriotism on Display   Officials have emphasised the parade’s role in reinforcing civil-military harmony and national pride. Thousands of audiences, including school and college students, women’s groups, ex-servicemen, and families, are expected to attend under a registration system implemented by the Rajasthan government.    The excitement has translated into public participation during rehearsals, with residents capturing performances on mobile phones and cheering the march-past and military bands.   More Than a Parade: The Final Insights   Alongside the main event, Jaipur will host a variety of complementary programs, including a “Know Your Army” exhibition, which showcases armoured vehicles, missile systems, and interactive displays aimed at deepening public awareness of India’s defence forces.   A special evening event, Shaurya Sandhya 2026, featuring cultural performances, light and sound shows, and a tribute to families of martyrs, will take place as part of the broader celebration.   The 78th Army Day Parade stands as a celebration of military tradition and discipline, but also as a powerful symbol of national unity, pride, and collective respect for the service of the Indian Army. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVc4qjUJ8JA&t=6751s Video credit: DD News   About the Author Events Reporter Share via Copied Comments Post Comment