The Nanda Devi Raj Jat pilgrimage is set to take place in Uttarakhand from September 5, 2026, and it will run until September 30. Often referred to as the "Kumbh of the Himalayas," the pilgrimage honours Goddess Nanda Devi. Devotees undertake a challenging route through the mountains, following traditional customs that have continued for centuries.

August 2026 brings two long weekends for travellers. By taking leave on Friday, August 14, you can combine Independence Day (Saturday, August 15) with Sunday, August 16 for a three-day break. Later in the month, taking leave on Thursday, August 27 bridges Onam (Wednesday, August 26), Rakshabandhan (Friday, August 28) and the weekend (August 29-30), giving you a five-day holiday.

India's ageing population is increasing demand for home-based elder care, but families face a shortage of trained and reliable caregivers. Low wages, weak certification, inconsistent pricing and limited regulation have kept the workforce fragmented. The report says India needs recognised qualifications, clearer standards and financial support to build a more dependable care system.

The holy month of Shravan 2026 began on July 30, with devotees worshipping Lord Shiva through prayers, fasting, and temple visits. The month holds special significance in Hindu traditions. From Kedarnath, Somnath, and Tungnath to Mahakaleshwar, several revered Shiva temples across India attract pilgrims seeking blessings during the auspicious Sawan period.

Tamil Nadu is home to India's first alien-themed temple, attracting attention for its unusual blend of mythology and extraterrestrial concepts. The temple features ideas linked to space and alien beliefs while drawing visitors curious about its unique theme. Its unconventional approach has sparked discussions among people online and offline.

Give your regular cup of tea a flavourful twist with seven homemade desi chai recipes this monsoon. From classic masala, adrak and elaichi chai to kesar, rose, tulsi-pudina and gud wali chai, these comforting brews are perfect for rainy evenings, offering warmth, aroma and a refreshing seasonal indulgence.

Street food vendors at Mumbai's Girgaon Chowpatty are wearing FSSAI-labelled aprons as part of food safety measures introduced under Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines. The initiative focuses on maintaining hygiene standards and improving consumer confidence. Authorities are encouraging vendors to follow safety practices while serving food at the popular Mumbai beach destination.

A Singapore court fined a 19-year-old French tourist S$600 after he pleaded guilty to public nuisance for filming himself licking a drinking straw and returning it to a vending machine dispenser. While no one used the contaminated straw, the viral stunt drew public backlash and underscored Singapore's strict public hygiene laws.

The beginning of Shravan 2026 was marked by a special Panchamrit Abhishek at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Temple. The ritual saw priests offer sacred ingredients to the Shivling as devotees participated in prayers. The temple will witness increased footfall and special Mahakal processions during the holy month.

Deep inside Chhattisgarh's Gariaband forests lies Bhooteshwarnath Temple, home to a naturally formed Shivling. Devotees believe the sacred structure, also called Bhakurra, grows in size every year. The shrine is considered an important spiritual destination and witnesses large crowds during Sawan and Mahashivratri.