A rare total solar eclipse is occurring today after nearly 20 years, visible in parts of Europe including Spain, Portugal, Iceland, and Greenland. Approximately 15 million people are expected to witness the sky turning dark during the day. However, the phenomenon will not be visible in India as it falls during the night (9:45 PM on Aug 12 to 2:15 AM on Aug 13 IST). Enthusiasts outside the eclipse path can watch the event via live online broadcasts. https://www.pampadykkarannews.com/2026/08/blog-post_922.html

To celebrate India's 80th Independence Day, this article provides a healthy recipe for Tricolour Idli using natural ingredients like carrot and spinach instead of artificial colors. The recipe explains how to divide the fermented batter and mix it with vegetable purees to represent the national flag. It highlights health benefits like beta-carotene from carrots, iron from spinach, and improved gut health from fermented food, making it an ideal, low-oil breakfast for children and adults alike. https://tamil.samayam.com/lifestyle/home-decor/independence-day-2026-healthy-tricolour-idli-recipe-with-carrot-and-spinach-for-breakfast/articleshow/133240485.cms

Onam 2026 will be celebrated from August 16 to August 28, with the main festival 'Thiruvonam' falling on August 26. The 10-day festival commemorates King Mahabali's visit to his subjects. Highlights include 'Pookalam' floral carpets, the grand 'Onasadya' feast featuring 26 vegetarian dishes, and cultural performances like Vallamkali and Pulikali. The festival symbolizes unity, prosperity, and gratitude towards nature. https://www.esakal.com/culture-and-religion/onam-2026-thiruvonam-date-muhurat-history-onasadya-significance-kerala-thiruvonam-malayali-culture-traditions-malayali-festival-keralas-celebration-sam01

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The article details the dates and observance methods for Naga Chaturthi and Garuda Panchami in 2026. Naga Chaturthi falls on August 16, followed by Garuda Panchami on August 17. It provides step-by-step instructions for home rituals, including specific offerings like milk and yellow rice. The benefits mentioned include removal of Naga Dosha, marriage prospects, and relief from debts and ancestral doshas through these powerful traditional worships. https://tamil.samayam.com/religion/hinduism/naga-chaturthi-garuda-panchami-2026-worship-method-at-home-and-its-benefits/articleshow/133257759.cms

A customer found a hair in a 'Ghevar' sweet purchased from the famous Gwalior Restaurant on Sindhu Bhavan Road, Ahmedabad. When the customer complained to the management with video evidence, the staff responded rudely, asking 'What do you want to do about it?' despite threats of legal action. The incident has raised concerns about food hygiene standards at popular sweet shops ahead of the festive season and questioned the municipal food department's monitoring of such establishments. https://www.divyabhaskar.co.in/local/gujarat/ahmedabad/news/gwalior-restaurant-sindhu-bhavan-road-hair-ghevar-controversy-138722497.html

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath praised veteran actor Nana Patekar for his selfless social work during a song launch event. Adityanath highlighted Patekar's significant contribution to helping farmers in Maharashtra during the suicide crisis, noting that he worked quietly without seeking any publicity. The CM described him as a highly sensitive individual rather than just a big actor and also commended singer Shankar Mahadevan for his contribution to the UP Police's awareness anthem. https://news18marathi.com/entertainment/nana-patekar-farmer-social-work-yogi-adityanath-praise-ws-b-1755738.html

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh hosted a warm welcome ceremony for Vipul, the newly appointed Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. During the event held at the embassy auditorium, officials and staff extended their wishes for his tenure. The embassy emphasized its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and strategic partnerships between India and Saudi Arabia under his leadership. https://www.madhyamam.com/gulf-news/saudi-arabia/warm-welcome-accorded-to-new-ambassador-at-indian-embassy-in-riyadh-1545652

Onam, the festival of Kerala, is a ten-day celebration starting from Atham. The primary tradition involves creating floral carpets (Pookalam) to welcome King Mahabali. The Pookalam starts with simple Thumba flowers and grows in complexity daily. Significant rituals include 'Kuda Kuthal' on the fifth day, making Thrikkakara Appan on Uthradam, and creating rice flour drawings and 'Urumbinonam' offerings on Thiruvonam to bring prosperity. https://keralakaumudi.com/news/spiritual/rituals/athappookkalam-onam-rituals-1792226

Jivantika Vrat 2026 starts on August 14 in Gujarat during the holy Shravan month. Mothers observe this fast on Shravan Fridays for the longevity and protection of their children. The article details specific dates for all five Fridays in 2026, noting that the final Friday on September 11 coincides with Amavasya and should be avoided. It outlines the ritual procedures involving red clothing, Durva grass, and specific prayers for children. https://www.gujaratijagran.com/astrology/jivantika-vrat-2026-date-gujarati-calendar-puja-muhurat-and-significance-1969804