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  দুর্গাপূজা ভারতের অন্যতম গুরুত্বপূর্ণ হিন্দু উৎসব, যা বিশেষত পশ্চিমবঙ্গ, ওড়িশা, আসাম, বিহার এবং বাংলাদেশে মহাধুমধামের সঙ্গে উদযাপিত হয়। এই উৎসব শুভের ওপর অশুভের জয়ের প্রতীক, যেখানে দেবী দুর্গা অসুররাজ মহিষাসুরকে বধ করে ধর্ম ও ন্যায় প্রতিষ্ঠা করেছিলেন। দুর্গা শক্তি, সাহস ও করুণার প্রতীক হিসেবে পূজিত হন, যিনি ভক্তদের অশুভ শক্তির হাত থেকে রক্ষা করেন। আধ্যাত্মিক মাহাত্ম্যের পাশাপাশি দুর্গাপূজা এক সাংস্কৃতিক উৎসবও বটে। এটি মানুষকে একত্রিত করে, শিল্প, সঙ্গীত, নৃত্য ও সামাজিক বন্ধনের মাধ্যমে আনন্দ ভাগাভাগি করার সুযোগ এনে দেয়। দুর্গাপূজার পেছনের কাহিনি দেবী মহাত্ম্য অনুসারে, মহিষাসুর ছিলেন এক অসুররাজ যিনি দেবতাদের বর পেয়ে অজেয় হয়ে ওঠেন এবং স্বর্গ-মর্ত্যে অরাজকতা সৃষ্টি করেন। কোনো দেবতাই তাকে পরাজিত করতে পারেননি। তখন দেবতারা তাঁদের শক্তি মিলিয়ে সৃষ্টি করেন দেবী দুর্গার—সর্বশক্তিমান দেবী, যিনি দেবতাদের অস্ত্রে সজ্জিত হয়ে সিংহে আরোহণ করে মহিষাসুরের বিরুদ্ধে যুদ্ধে অবতীর্ণ হন। টানা দশ দিনের যুদ্ধ শেষে বিজয়াদশমীতে দেবী মহিষাসুরকে বধ করেন। এই কারণেই দুর্গাপূজা শুভ ও অশুভের চিরন...

  On a high-octane Sunday evening at the Dubai International Stadium, India clinched the Asia Cup title with a commanding five-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan . It was a final brimming with intensity, but in the end, Tilak Varma’s elegant unbeaten 69 and Shivam Dube’s composed 33 ensured that Gautam Gambhir’s boys lifted the silverware in style. The stage was set at 7:30 PM (IST) for the third and final clash between the two cricketing powerhouses in this tournament. Winning the toss, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav elected to field first, a decision that soon looked wise. Pakistan’s innings began in aggressive fashion. Their top order looked intent on putting the Indian bowlers under pressure. The partnership flourished until the score reached 84 runs , when the breakthrough finally arrived. Farhan, who had blazed his way to a scintillating 57 off just 38 balls , departed, halting Pakistan’s momentum. Soon after, Ayub was dismissed for 14 and Mohammad Haris for a go...

  Ellsworth Vines Jr. was born on 28 September 1911 in Los Angeles, California, USA, and passed away on 17 March 1994 . He was an American sportsman renowned not only for being one of the greatest tennis players of the 1930s but also for later becoming a successful professional golfer. Tall, powerful, and athletic, Vines embodied versatility, excelling at two demanding sports at the highest levels. Style of Play (Tennis) Vines was one of the earliest power players in tennis, relying on booming serves and aggressive groundstrokes . His game was based on attacking play and short points , foreshadowing modern power tennis. He was known for his cool temperament , sharp focus, and ability to dictate rallies with his forehand. His athleticism made him equally effective on grass, clay, and hard courts. Career Highlights (Tennis) Grand Slam Success Wimbledon (1932) : Won the singles title by defeating Henry “Bunny” Austin. U.S. Championships (1931, 1932) : Twice champion...

  On paper, it was supposed to be a dead rubber. But under the dazzling lights of the Dubai International Stadium, India were forced to dig deep against Sri Lanka, escaping with a dramatic victory in the Super Over. The win may not have been an upset, but it certainly felt like a stern “wake-up call” for the Men in Blue ahead of their Asia Cup final against Pakistan. India’s batting had a familiar hero. Abhishek Sharma’s blazing blade once again set the tone. While Shubman Gill fell for just 4 and captain Suryakumar Yadav (12) disappointed yet again—something that will surely trouble the team’s think tank—Abhishek remained unflinching. With eight crisp boundaries and two towering sixes, he powered his way to a fiery 61 off 31 balls at a strike rate close to 200. By the time he departed, India were already near the 100-run mark. The momentum was carried forward by Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma, though the team’s constant experimentation with their batting order continues to raise ...

  The Yamai Devi Temple is one of the most revered shrines in Maharashtra, dedicated to Goddess Yamai , a manifestation of Goddess Mahalaxmi (Adi Shakti). Located atop a hill in Aundh , about 70 km from Satara and 45 km from Karad, the temple attracts devotees from across the state, especially during Navratri. Yamai Devi is regarded as the kuldevi (family deity) of many Maharashtrian families, particularly the Chitpavan Brahmins and local Maratha clans. The temple’s location atop a hill not only adds to its spiritual grandeur but also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. History in Detail Antiquity: The Yamai Devi Temple is believed to be over 500–600 years old , with references linking its origins to the Yadava dynasty and local Maratha chieftains. Legend: According to folklore, Goddess Mahalaxmi of Kolhapur took the form of Yamai Devi and settled in Aundh to protect the region from evil forces. Her name “Yamai” is derived from “Yamuna” or “Yami,” me...

  The match was virtually a semifinal. India had already secured their place in the final, while Sri Lanka were knocked out. That meant it was crystal clear from the start — whichever team won between Pakistan and Bangladesh would claim the remaining spot in the title clash. Despite putting up a modest score, Pakistan were never going to surrender meekly. In the end, Bangladesh faltered in their chase, falling short of Pakistan’s total, and thus the cricketing world braces once again for the ultimate rivalry: India vs Pakistan in the Asia Cup final. Bangladesh captain Zakir Ali, standing in once more for the absent Liton Das, won the toss and opted to field first. Three changes were made from the side that played against India. The decision seemed to pay off immediately when Taskin Ahmed removed Sahibzada Farhan with just the fourth ball of the innings. That early jolt rattled Pakistan, and their innings kept collapsing at regular intervals. At 71 for 6, they looked completely de...

  Managua , the capital and largest city of Nicaragua, is located on the southern shore of Lake Managua (Lago Xolotlán) . It is the country’s cultural, economic, and political hub, blending history, vibrant nightlife, and modern development. Despite earthquakes reshaping its cityscape (most notably in 1972), Managua remains lively with plazas, museums, markets, and natural attractions . It also serves as the gateway to Nicaragua’s Pacific region , including colonial cities, volcanoes, and beaches.  Best Spots to Visit in Detail Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square) Historic and symbolic heart of Managua. Home to the Old Cathedral of Santiago (Catedral de Managua) , the National Palace of Culture (Palacio Nacional de la Cultura), and statues honoring national heroes. A must-visit for understanding Nicaragua’s history and identity. Puerto Salvador Allende A lively waterfront along Lake Managua. Restaurants, bars, amusement rides, and colorful architecture. ...

  Plenty of noise, but little substance—that best sums up Bangladesh’s challenge against India. Ahead of the clash, Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons boldly claimed that “any team can beat India.” But when it came to execution, his side wilted under pressure. In what was virtually a semifinal of the Asia Cup Super Four, India posted a modest target of 169 runs, yet Bangladesh crumbled to 127, handing India a resounding 41-run victory and a ticket to the grand final. Winning the toss, Bangladesh captain Zakir Ali invited India to bat first—a decision that backfired spectacularly, thanks to a fiery onslaught from Abhishek Sharma. The explosive left-handed opener bludgeoned 75 off just 37 balls, leaving Bangladeshi bowlers gasping. His dismissal slowed India’s momentum, allowing Bangladesh to claw back. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav (5) and Tilak Varma (5) faltered, but Hardik Pandya’s gritty 38 and Axar Patel’s 10 guided India to 168. Questions, however, were raised over Suryakumar and Gaut...

  The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi, Maharashtra, is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers in India, drawing millions of devotees each year. Dedicated to Sai Baba of Shirdi , the saint revered as a spiritual guide, fakir, and incarnation of God, the temple complex revolves around the Samadhi Mandir where Sai Baba’s mortal remains were laid to rest in 1918. The shrine is not just a temple but a center of faith, cutting across religions, castes, and nationalities. History in Detail Sai Baba’s Arrival in Shirdi: Sai Baba came to Shirdi around the mid-19th century (circa 1858). He lived a simple life in a mosque (which he named Dwarkamai ) and performed numerous miracles—healing the sick, reconciling Hindus and Muslims, and spreading messages of love and devotion. Teachings: Sai Baba emphasized Shraddha (faith) and Saburi (patience) , urging devotees to look beyond religious boundaries. He quoted verses from both Hindu and Islamic texts, showing unity of faiths. Sam...

  In what has largely been a nightmare Asia Cup campaign, Pakistan finally found a ray of hope. In their second Super Four match, they defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in Abu Dhabi, keeping their chances of reaching the final alive. The low-scoring encounter saw last edition’s runners-up, Sri Lanka, crumble under pressure as Pakistan outplayed them in batting, bowling, and fielding. From the very first innings, Pakistan gained the upper hand thanks to Shaheen Shah Afridi’s fiery opening spell (3/28). Afridi struck twice in his first two overs, removing Kusal Mendis (0) and Pathum Nissanka (8) with consecutive second-ball dismissals, immediately pushing Sri Lanka onto the back foot. Kamindu Mendis (50) provided some resistance, steering his side to a respectable total, but Afridi returned to dismiss him before he could inflict further damage. Kusal Perera (15), Charith Asalanka (20), and Wanindu Hasaranga (15) all failed to convert starts. By the end of 20 overs, Sri Lanka were ...

  The Mahalaxmi Temple of Kolhapur , also known as the Ambabai Temple , is one of the most sacred shrines in India dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi , the consort of Lord Vishnu. Located in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, this temple is part of the Shakti Peetha and holds immense importance in both Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions. It is also included in the list of 108 Divya Desams (sacred abodes of Vishnu), making it one of the few temples where both Lakshmi and Vishnu are worshipped together. History in Detail The temple was constructed around 7th–8th century CE during the reign of the Chalukya dynasty , with contributions later from the Yadavas, Rashtrakutas, and Marathas. It has stood for over 1,300 years and showcases the grandeur of Chalukyan architecture . The temple survived multiple invasions and witnessed reconstructions, particularly during the Mughal and Bahamani rule when parts of it were damaged. The temple complex expanded significantly during the Maratha period, esp...

  Paolo Rossi was born on 23 September 1956 in Prato, Tuscany, Italy, and passed away on 9 December 2020 . He was a legendary Italian striker, best remembered for his instinctive finishing, intelligent movement, and ability to deliver on the biggest stage. Despite facing challenges early in his career, Rossi’s resilience and brilliance saw him rise to become the hero of Italy’s 1982 FIFA World Cup triumph. Style of Play Rossi was a poacher and opportunistic striker , known for his anticipation inside the penalty area. Not the tallest or strongest, but his movement, positioning, and cool finishing made him lethal. He thrived on counterattacks and half-chances, often striking when defenders least expected it. Nicknamed “Pablito” , he embodied efficiency and timing rather than flamboyance. Career Highlights in Detail World Cup 1978 FIFA World Cup, Argentina : Rossi burst onto the international stage, scoring 3 goals and assisting 4, guiding Italy to the semi-finals....

  Apple launched the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max on Tuesday at its Awe Dropping event. Alongside these, the company also unveiled the standard iPhone 17 and a new Air model. As expected, the new iPhone 17 Pro series is powered by the A19 Pro chip for performance, and both devices run on iOS 26 . The successors to the iPhone 16 Pro series come equipped with an advanced cooling system and support for Apple Intelligence . In the U.S., the iPhone 17 Pro starts at $1,099 (around ₹96,900) for the 256GB base variant, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max is priced from $1,199 (around ₹1,05,000). Both models are also available in 512GB and 1TB storage options . Price & Color Options in India In India, the iPhone 17 Pro starts at ₹1,34,900 , whereas the iPhone 17 Pro Max is priced from ₹1,49,900 . The devices will be available in Cosmic Orange, Deep Blue, and Silver color variants. Pre-order & Sale Dates Pre-orders for the iPhone 17 Pro models began on September 12 , with ...

  Kerala has seen an unusual rise in confirmed infections of Naegleria fowleri (the “brain-eating amoeba”) in 2025, with dozens of cases and multiple deaths reported across the state. Naegleria fowleri causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but rapidly progressive and often fatal infection. This article explains the organism and disease, why Kerala is vulnerable and seeing growth in cases, what authorities are doing, and concrete precautions you and your community can take.  What is it? The brain-eating amoeba ( Naegleria fowleri ) is a microorganism found in warm freshwater. It infects people when contaminated water enters through the nose, traveling to the brain and causing Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) — a rare but usually fatal disease. Drinking contaminated water does not cause infection. Kerala Situation (2025): Kerala has reported an unusual rise in cases in 2025, with multiple deaths. Most are linked to swimming or bathing in contamin...

  He had promised to gift the people of India a perfect Sunday—and Suryakumar Yadav kept his word. With the bat, he didn’t need to do much, nor was it required. The job was already done by the fearless duo of Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma, who once again left Pakistan battered and bruised. Be it in the group stage or the Super Four, the script remained unchanged. At the Dubai Stadium, India cruised to a six-wicket victory over Pakistan with seven balls to spare. For India, the win marked not only a sparkling start to their Super Four campaign but also an auspicious opening to the festive season. Pakistan’s batting woes, glaring in the group stage against Salman Ali Agha’s timid effort, saw some improvement this time—but not nearly enough. In truth, they should have folded far earlier had Kuldeep Yadav and Abhishek Sharma not spilled a string of simple catches. Jasprit Bumrah too had a rare off day with the ball, yet Pakistan still struggled. Winning the toss, the Indian skipper...

  The Kailasa Temple (Cave 16) at Ellora, Maharashtra, is one of the greatest architectural marvels of ancient India and the largest rock-cut monolithic structure in the world. Dedicated to Lord Shiva , it is part of the Ellora Caves complex—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple represents Mount Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva, and stands as a symbol of Rashtrakuta power, devotion, and artistry. History in Detail The Kailasa Temple was commissioned by Rashtrakuta King Krishna I (c. 756–773 CE) of the Rashtrakuta dynasty , who ruled from Manyakheta (modern-day Karnataka). Carved out of a single basalt hill, it was not built but excavated top-down , a feat unmatched in scale and precision. According to inscriptions, the temple’s creation took nearly a century , with successive rulers contributing to its completion. The temple’s design is inspired by earlier South Indian Dravidian temples but executed in rock-cut form, showcasing a blend of architecture and sculpture. ...

  The Bhimashankar Temple , located in the Sahyadri Hills near Pune, Maharashtra, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and a highly revered pilgrimage site in India. Nestled amid dense forests and scenic landscapes, the temple is not only a center of spiritual devotion but also a gateway to natural beauty, as it lies within the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary . The temple attracts lakhs of devotees, especially during Maha Shivaratri and Shravan month. History in Detail The origins of the Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology . According to the Shiv Purana , the demon Tripurasura created havoc on earth and heavens after receiving a boon. Lord Shiva, invoked by the gods, descended upon the Sahyadri hills and destroyed the demon. After the battle, the sweat that poured from Shiva’s body is said to have formed the Bhimarathi River , giving rise to the name Bhimashankar . Historically, the temple is believed to have been built in the 13th cen...

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka locked horns twice in this year’s Asia Cup. Sri Lanka triumphed in the first encounter, but in the much-anticipated rematch, Bangladesh struck back with sweet revenge. In a gripping contest dubbed the ‘Nagin Derby,’ the Tigers chased down 169 with six wickets in hand, though not without late drama that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Batting first, Sri Lanka got off to a steady start through openers Pathum Nissanka (22) and Kusal Mendis (34) . While Mendis looked in good touch, his stay was cut short, and Kamil Mishara (5) also departed cheaply. The innings gained momentum thanks to Shanaka , who played a sparkling knock of 64 off 37 balls , laced with crisp boundaries and powerful strokes. Contributions from Charith Asalanka (21) helped push Sri Lanka’s total to a competitive 168/7 . However, crucial strikes by Bangladeshi bowlers in the 19th over, when they picked up three wickets, ensured the Lankans couldn’t build an even bigger score. Mustafizur...

  They may have lost the match & the series 2-1 , but Smriti Mandhana and her teammates won countless hearts with their fearless display in Delhi. Chasing an improbable target of 413 runs set by the mighty Australians, the Indian women’s team fought with remarkable spirit, refusing to be daunted by the daunting scoreboard. Even though the series slipped away with a 43-run defeat on Saturday , India’s courageous performance was a statement that they are gearing up strongly for the upcoming World Cup. At the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Australia opted to bat first and got off to a flying start through openers Alyssa Healy and Georgia Voll . Healy blazed her way to 30 off just 18 balls before falling to Kranti Goud. Voll, however, combined brilliantly with the ever-reliable Ellyse Perry to stitch together a commanding 107-run stand. Voll’s scintillating 81 off 68 balls, complemented by Perry’s elegant 68, laid the perfect platform. But it was Beth Mooney who completely changed the...

  The Trimbakeshwar Temple , located in Trimbak town near Nashik, Maharashtra , is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and holds immense spiritual, historical, and cultural importance. Nestled at the foothills of the Brahmagiri mountain range , this temple is revered as the place where the sacred Godavari River originates . Trimbakeshwar is regarded as a powerful seat of Shaivism and a pilgrimage destination that draws devotees from across India. History in Detail The temple was constructed in the 18th century by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao (Nana Saheb) , using black basalt stone in the traditional Nagara style of architecture . The site itself has been sacred since ancient times. Legends in the Skanda Purana and Padma Purana describe Trimbakeshwar as a powerful place of penance and divine energy. According to mythology, the Godavari River emerged here at the request of the sage Gautama Rishi , who sought atonement after accidentally committing a sin. Lord Shiva ble...