29-May-2023: Kheer Bhawani Mela, 2023 celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by Kashmiri Pandits and locals of the Kashmir valley
Every year on the day of Jyeshtha Ashtami Kashmiri Pandits visits Mata Ragneya Devi Temple also known as Kheer Bhawani Temple to pay their obeisance. This year Mela was celebrated on 28th of May with great fervour and enthusiasm by not only Kashmiri Pandits but also by the locals of the Kashmir valley.
In his tweet, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah said “The Kheer Bhawani Mela held on Jyeshtha Ashtami in Kashmir occupies a sacred place in the spiritual realm of the Kashmiri Pandit sisters and brothers. More than 25000 devotees attended the Mela. I congratulate Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha, Central Armed Police Forces CAPFs, J&K Police and the local administration on the successful completion of the Kheer Bhawani Mela. May the divine grace of Maa Kheer Bhawani always be with us.”
3-Mar-2023: 7th International Dharma Dhamma conference inaugurated in Bhopal
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the 7th International Dharma Dhamma Conference, organised by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies, in Bhopal today (March 3, 2023).
The President said that "the great banyan tree of Indian spirituality has its roots in India and its branches and vines are spread all over the world."
The President said that for scholars, there are different schools of philosophy. But mystic of the world speak the same language. When realised souls decided to become compassionate teachers or gurus, their traditions came into existence. Many such traditions originated in India and have been flourishing across the world.
The President said that the concept of Dharma-Dhamma has been the basic voice of Indian consciousness. In our tradition it is said, “Dharyate anen iti dharmah” - That which supports is dharma. The entire humanity rests on the foundation stone of religion. Progress of individuals and society with the spirit of friendship, compassion and non-violence as well as free from attachment and hatred, has been the main message of Eastern humanism. Personal conduct and social order based on morality is the practical form of Eastern humanism. It has been considered the duty of every person to preserve and strengthen such a system based on morality.
The President said that Eastern humanism looks at the universe as a moral stage and not as a material battle-ground. In the building and sustaining of this moral order, every individual has to be action-oriented and not rely on fate. Eastern humanism believes that blind impulses lead to individual fights and even wars between countries. When India proclaims on the global stage that the entire world is but one family, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, it proclaims its commitment to eastern humanism.
The President said that it is a matter of pride that religion has occupied a central place in our country's tradition, social system and political activities since time immemorial. The deep impact of Dharma-Dhamma is clearly visible on the democratic system, we adopted after independence. Our national emblem is from the Ashoka Pillar at Sarnath. The wheel of Dharma is adorned in our national flag. Mahatma Gandhi spread the message of non-violence and compassion of Lord Buddha through his values and actions.
The President said that realizing the cause of human's suffering, and showing the way to get rid of that suffering, is the characteristic of Eastern humanism, which has become more important in today's era. In our tradition of Dharma-Dhamma, the prayers for welfare of all have been a part of our lives. This is the essence of Eastern humanism.
27-Feb-2023: Aadi Mahotsav – National Tribal Festival concludes today with sales of more than three Crores realised by artisans
Aadi Mahotsav – National Tribal Festival successfully concluded today with sales of more than Rs 3.0 crores . “Aadi Mahotsav”, was organised from 16 to 27 February, 2023 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.
29 PVTGs from 9 States/ UTs participated in the event. An exclusive pavilion for the sale and display of Van Dhan products was also put up and 39 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras from 17 States/UTs also participated in this Mahotsav.
At the closing ceremony prizes were distributed to the best performing artisans during Aadi Mahotsav.
The theme of the festival was “A Celebration of the Spirit of Tribal Entrepreneurship, Crafts, Culture, Cuisine and Commerce”, which represents the basic ethos of tribal life.
The festival featured exhibition-cum-sale of tribal handicrafts, handloom, paintings, jewellery, cane & bamboo, pottery, food & natural products, gifts & assortment, tribal cuisine and much more through 234 stalls.
The biggest achievement was the “First Timers” of VDVKs who were given a platform to showcase their art. TRIFED strives to encourage the beginners to bring to fore their talent.
About 1011 nos. of tribal artisans, artists, healers, chefs and cultural troupes participated in the Aadi Mahotsav.
To commemorate International Year of Millets and create awareness and increase production & consumption of millets, 38 stalls put up by tribal artisans/ cooks from 13 States/ UTs displayed & sold millet products and cuisines.
The Aadi Mahotsav has proved to be a boon for tribal artisans by providing direct access to large markets with approx. footfall of approx. 50,000.