Sugar prices have surged by up to 50% within a week, reaching ₹80 per kg, leading to a significant price hike for the famous Tirunelveli Halwa. The renowned Iruttukadai Halwa shop has increased its price from ₹440 to ₹520 per kg. Other local shops have also raised prices by ₹20 per kg. Shop owners attribute this hike to the rising costs of raw materials like sugar, ghee, and maida, causing concern among customers. https://tamil.news18.com/business/halwa-price-hike-in-nellai-customers-shocked-nw-kpk-ws-l-2196893.html

Sankashti Chaturthi in August 2026 will be observed on August 31. This day marks a rare coincidence as it falls on a Shravani Somwar. The Chaturthi Tithi begins at 8:50 AM on August 31 and ends at 7:41 AM on September 1. Moonrise is expected at 8:29 PM. Astrologically, this alignment is highly beneficial for 5 zodiac signs: Aries, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, and Pisces, promising financial gains and career progress. https://marathi.abplive.com/astro/sankashti-chaturthi-2026-hindu-religion-marathi-news-on-31-august-2026-sankashti-chaturthi-rare-alignment-5-lucky-zodiac-signs-auspicious-timings-moonrise-time-worship-ritual-astrology-1437274

Four sisters from Kutch, Gujarat, expressed their deep devotion to Sai Baba by crafting handmade rakhis for Raksha Bandhan. Sisters Pooja and Devi, along with two colleagues, spent 8 to 10 days designing these attractive rakhis using velvet, pearls, and decorative stones. Considering Sai Baba as their brother and protector, they offered these specially crafted rakhis at the Shirdi temple. These handmade artistic rakhis have become a special attraction among the various offerings received at the shrine this year. https://www.etvbharat.com/mr/state/gujarat-sister-pooja-and-devi-make-special-rakhi-to-shirdi-sai-baba-mhs26082800648

A dispute has emerged regarding the ancestral property of the famous saint Neem Karoli Baba in Akbarpur village, Firozabad. His six granddaughters have filed a complaint with the District Magistrate, alleging that the 'Shri Thakur Hanuman Ji Trust' has illegally occupied their ancestral home and prayer site. While the descendants have threatened legal action, the trust maintains that the property was donated to them years ago and they have been maintaining it ever since. The DM has ordered an investigation into the matter. https://www.newsnmf.com/dharma-gyan/dispute-over-neem-karoli-babas-property-six-granddaughters-accuse-the-trust-of-land-grabbing

The Mumbai Milk Producers Association has announced a significant hike in milk prices starting September 1. Wholesale rates will rise from Rs 93 to Rs 102 per liter, potentially pushing retail prices up to Rs 110. The increase is attributed to a 25% rise in cattle fodder and maintenance costs. These new rates will remain in effect until February 28, 2027. This independent hike by producers is separate from government price revisions. https://vaartha.com/business/milk-price-hike-%E2%82%B9110-per-litre-starting-september-1/768615/

Alone girl sitting under the tree 🌲 Oil pastels drawing #😊creator program🙏

Kajari Teej, also known as Badi Teej, is observed on the third day of the Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapada month. This year it falls on August 31. According to the legend, a poor Brahmin's wife was a devotee of Shiva-Parvati. Due to poverty, the Brahmin attempted to steal Sattu for his wife's fast but was caught. Upon learning his plight, the merchant accepted him as family and gifted wealth and jewelry. The grace of Kajari Mata brought prosperity to the Brahmin's house. https://hindi.asianetnews.com/religious-news/kajari-teej-vrat-katha-2026-kajari-teej-story-in-hindi-shiv-parvati-katha-articleshow-b4wavrk

The origin of the coconut is linked to King Satyavrata and Sage Vishwamitra in Hindu mythology. King Satyavrata wished to enter heaven in his physical body, which was rejected by Lord Indra. To fulfill the king's wish, Sage Vishwamitra began creating a new heaven and established a strong pillar for support. This pillar eventually transformed into the coconut tree's trunk, while the king's head became the fruit, known as the coconut. Later, it became a sacred symbol of Goddess Lakshmi and the Trinity, widely used in all religious rituals. https://maharashtratimes.com/astro/religion-festival-news/narali-purnima-2026-who-invented-coconut-origin-story-myth-marathi/articleshow/133542347.cms

Ahead of the Ganeshotsav festival, Mumbai's dilapidated roads have exposed the local administration's tall claims. The Mumbai Municipal Corporation has received nearly 4,000 complaints regarding potholes. Despite spending crores on pre-monsoon road repairs and tarring, the asphalt washes away with the first heavy rains. With thousands of mandals set to carry idols through these roads, the poor infrastructure poses a major risk. The report questions the quality of materials used and the lack of contractor accountability, highlighting a recurring cycle of road failure every year. https://www.hindisaamana.com/ganeshotsav-amidst-potholes/