birthday rituals

Birthdays can transcend mere parties to become meaningful rituals of love and belonging. By focusing on presence, personal touches, and acts of kindness, parents can create lasting memories that make children feel truly seen and cherished. Simple traditions and involving children in decisions foster a sense of joy and deep connection.

Tamil Nadu legislative assembly pro-tem speaker M V Karuppiah fulfilled a religious vow by floating in an agricultural well for 30 minutes, holding the TVK flag. He had promised to perform this 'jala pradakshinam' if C Joseph Vijay became chief minister.

Producer and actor Jamnadas Majethia has introduced custom-made umbrellas on the sets of Pushpa Impossible to help cast and crew deal with the ongoing heatwave and demanding outdoor shoots. Inspired by a family tradition of gifting useful items during a recent bhajan gathering, the idea quickly turned into a thoughtful initiative for the show's unit. Around 200 umbrellas have already been distributed, with more being produced following an enthusiastic response from technicians and crew members. Majethia says caring for the unit goes beyond work, emphasising that small gestures of support and appreciation help create a sense of belonging on a long-running daily soap set.

We live in the era of viral animals, from Larry the Cat, the permanent fixture at 10 Downing Street, to Moo Deng, the cute pygmy hippo in Thailand, and Punch, the lonely monkey whose inability to make friends made the world go aww. Donald Trump the buffalo might be the latest addition to this pantheon. But long before the algorithm turned animals into celebrities, humans were already turning them into gods, omens, sacrifices, scapegoats and pardoned prisoners.

An Associated Press investigation reveals a surge in detainee suicides within ICE custody since January 2025, with at least 10 men dying by self-harm. Experts cite systemic failures in mental health care, delayed screenings, and isolation contributing to these preventable deaths.

Aditi Rao Hydari reveals that her relationship with husband Siddharth is deeply rooted in love and shared values, emphasizing their common emotional core. She highlights mutual respect and inspiration, particularly from Siddharth's experience in their shared profession. At home, their lives also revolve around their cats, Iggy and Ollie, whom they dote on.

At public game nights and cafés around the city, regulars say friendships now form faster over gameplay than small talk.

Anand Deverakonda celebrated his brother Vijay Deverakonda's 37th birthday with a heartwarming social media post featuring unseen wedding pictures of Vijay and Rashmika Mandanna. The intimate ceremony, held in Udaipur, saw family and close friends in attendance. Fans lauded the brothers' bond, while Vijay's upcoming projects, including 'Rowdy Janardhana', were also highlighted on his special day.

Diaspora life presents unique challenges to maintaining home temple traditions. The article offers practical strategies for adapting rituals, emphasizing consistency over intensity. It suggests starting small with a clean altar, prioritizing safety with flames, and building a repeatable weekly rhythm that fits busy schedules, ensuring traditions can continue meaningfully.

Donald Trump visited China, praising Xi Jinping while Xi alluded to America's decline and the "Thucydides Trap." Despite claims of trade breakthroughs, no concrete agreements were announced. Trump also continued his social media attacks and focused on domestic projects, while a satirical art installation mocked his approach to the Iran conflict.

Actor Vijay Deverakonda celebrated his 37th birthday with fans outside his home, joined by wife Rashmika Mandanna. The couple's affectionate interaction and cake-cutting with fans garnered significant attention online. Brother Anand Deverakonda also shared heartfelt wedding pictures, highlighting the family's joy. Vijay is currently working on upcoming films, marking a significant phase in his life and career.

South Korea has introduced Gabi, its first humanoid robot monk, at a Buddhist ceremony in Seoul. Developed on a Chinese platform, Gabi participated in traditional rituals, receiving a Dharma name and expressing devotion to Buddhism. This initiative by the Jogye Order aims to engage younger generations and address a shortage of monks, showcasing technology's expanding role in religious practices.

Mornings at Kensington Palace are surprisingly relatable, with Princess Catherine revealing her family's routine now revolves around their energetic one-year-old puppy, Otto. Forget royal protocols, the first order of business is ensuring the mischievous pup has been taken out, a challenge many pet parents will understand. Otto's playful antics, including chewing, are the new focus for the royals.

Amidst his party's strong showing in Tamil Nadu, actor Vijay welcomed actress Trisha Krishnan to his Chennai residence. The visit occurred on Trisha's 43rd birthday, following her prayers at Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. This event fuels ongoing speculation surrounding the popular on-screen pair, known for their successful collaborations.