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<p>In recent months, Japan has become a hot destination for vacations among Indian tourists. While Tokyo’s neon corridors and Kyoto’s iconic shrines draw millions, the global traveller surge has made these hotspots increasingly crowded.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For Indian travellers seeking authentic, peaceful, and picturesque locations, the regional route through the Chubu region—specifically Kanazawa and Takayama—offers a pristine window into Japan’s heritage, complete with rich vegetarian alternatives, historical architecture, and stunning alpine nature without the massive tourist buses.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On the sidelines of the India-Japan summit, here are some offbeat places in Japan that should be on your bucket list when you are planning your next vacation.&nbsp;</p><h2>Beyond the Golden Route</h2><p>Most Indian travellers planning their first trip to Japan automatically book the "Golden Route" connecting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. While these cities are magnificent, they can feel overwhelming and crowded. True discovery lies just a bullet train ride away in the Chubu region, where ancient traditions are lived, not just staged, and life moves at a delightfully slower pace.</p><h2>Kanazawa</h2><p>Often referred to as "Little Kyoto," Kanazawa escaped the heavy bombings of World War II, leaving its historical layout intact.&nbsp; Walking through the Higashi Chaya district feels like stepping straight into a historic painting, complete with preserved wooden geisha tea houses and quiet stone streets. A short walk away lies Kenrokuen Garden, widely celebrated as one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Unlike the packed bamboo groves of Arashiyama, morning strolls past Kenrokuen's tranquil ponds and perfectly sculpted pine trees offer genuine peace and meditative calm.&nbsp; For food, head to Omicho Market.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>While famous for its fresh Sea of Japan seafood, vegetarians can easily find incredible local root vegetables, exquisite matcha sweets, and fresh fruits.</p><h2>Takayama</h2><p>From Kanazawa, a scenic train ride brings you deep into the rugged Japanese Alps to Takayama, a beautifully preserved merchant town in Gifu Prefecture. The heart of the town, Sanmachi Suji, consists of three narrow streets lined with dark-wood Edo-period buildings, many of which still function as local craft shops and generations-old sake breweries. Takayama is incredibly friendly for Indian palates; because of the area's historical Zen Buddhist roots, local restaurants excel at Sansai Ryori (mountain vegetable cuisine) and specialised local miso preparations served on a magnolia leaf (Hoba Miso), providing a rich, savoury dining experience without relying on meat.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Takayama

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>To make the most of this itinerary, secure a regional JR Hokuriku Arch Pass. It seamlessly connects Tokyo to Kanazawa, saving you money while keeping your travel incredibly flexible.</p>

On the sidelines of the India-Japan summit, travellers seeking an authentic, peaceful, and picturesque escape are encouraged to look beyond the traditional ‘Golden Route’ and explore the underrated Chubu region.

In recent months, Japan has become a hot destination for vacations among Indian tourists. While Tokyo’s neon corridors and Kyoto’s iconic shrines draw millions, the global traveller surge has made these hotspots increasingly crowded. For Indian travellers seeking authentic, peaceful, and picturesque locations, the regional route through the Chubu region—specifically Kanazawa and Takayama—offers a pristine window into Japan’s heritage, complete with rich vegetarian alternatives, historical architecture, and stunning alpine nature without the massive tourist buses. On the sidelines of the India-Japan summit, here are some offbeat places in Japan that should be on your bucket list when you are planning your next vacation. Beyond the Golden Route Most Indian travellers planning their first trip to Japan automatically book the "Golden Route" connecting Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. While these cities are magnificent, they can feel overwhelming and crowded. True discovery lies just a bullet train ride away in the Chubu region, where ancient traditions are lived, not just staged, and life moves at a delightfully slower pace. Kanazawa Often referred to as "Little Kyoto," Kanazawa escaped the heavy bombings of World War II, leaving its historical layout intact. Walking through the Higashi Chaya district feels like stepping straight into a historic painting, complete with preserved wooden geisha tea houses and quiet stone streets. A short walk away lies Kenrokuen Garden, widely celebrated as one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens. Unlike the packed bamboo groves of Arashiyama, morning strolls past Kenrokuen's tranquil ponds and perfectly sculpted pine trees offer genuine peace and meditative calm. For food, head to Omicho Market. While famous for its fresh Sea of Japan seafood, vegetarians can easily find incredible local root vegetables, exquisite matcha sweets, and fresh fruits. Takayama From Kanazawa, a scenic train ride brings you deep into the rugged Japanese Alps to Takayama, a beautifully preserved merchant town in Gifu Prefecture. The heart of the town, Sanmachi Suji, consists of three narrow streets lined with dark-wood Edo-period buildings, many of which still function as local craft shops and generations-old sake breweries. Takayama is incredibly friendly for Indian palates; because of the area's historical Zen Buddhist roots, local restaurants excel at Sansai Ryori (mountain vegetable cuisine) and specialised local miso preparations served on a magnolia leaf (Hoba Miso), providing a rich, savoury dining experience without relying on meat.

<p>On the sidelines of the India-Japan summit, travellers seeking an authentic, peaceful, and picturesque escape are encouraged to look beyond the traditional ‘Golden Route’ and explore the underrated Chubu region.</p>

Japan beyond Tokyo and Kyoto: The ultimate underrated itinerary for Indian travellers

As the world is celebrating National Doctor’s Day on July 1st, take a look at celebrities who once pursued medical studies before gaining fame in showbiz and building successful careers on screen.

<p>As the world is celebrating National Doctor’s Day on July 1st, take a look at celebrities who once pursued medical studies before gaining fame in showbiz and building successful careers on screen.</p>

National Doctor's Day 2026: Indian celebrities who studied medicine before gaining fame

<p>Naomi Osaka ensures her name makes it into the history books, whether the chapter is tennis or fashion. On Wimbledon’s opening day, the tennis star left everyone stunned with her kimono-inspired look. Following Wimbledon’s all-white dress code, Osaka pulled off the unthinkable, and it deserves every bit of the attention and applause.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On June 29, Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, walked onto the court in a statement piece inspired by a traditional Japanese ceremonial dress. With it, she also paid tribute to her Japanese mother. But the look had another influence: pop culture. It was drawn from Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, specifically Lucy Liu’s O-Ren Ishii and her iconic white kimono.</p><h3>Quentin Tarantino's THIS character inspired Naomi Osaka's kimono Tennis outfit</h3><p>During an on-court interview, Osaka confirmed Liu’s character inspired her look.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"I was thinking about my favorite movies. I love Kill Bill, and then I remembered absolutely falling in love with Lucy Liu's character, and she has an all white kimono. I remember thinking that was really cool and amazing," she said, per Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Speaking further, she revealed how Wimbledon's look sat well with Wimbledon's all-white dress code rule and also a tribute to her heritage and culture.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"There's the tradition of it all and in my head when I think about that and I think about my culture, ​my heritage, which is Japanese and Asian, and then if I dive deeper ​into Japanese culture I think about the most iconic silhouette, which for me is the kimono," she said.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Later, she paid tribute to O-Ren Ishii’s character by quoting one of her lines on Instagram, writing, “Silly rabbit.”</p><h3>Details about Osaka's Wimbledon all-white look</h3><p>Osaka wowed the audience at the venue and fashion aficionados on social media with her outfit choice. As we all know, the court is her runway, and she makes sure to slay every time.</p><p>Created with Tokyo-based designer Hana Yagi, the outfit featured intricate designs with cranes, volumes, and flowers, structured sleeves, and an oversized bow at the back. Cherry blossom details completed the look.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Under the skirt, she wore a Nike kit with added embroidery. She finished the look with a traditional kanzashi hair ornament and Mikimoto jewellery.</p>

Naomi Osaka made a memorable fashion statement on Wimbledon’s opening day with a white kimono-inspired outfit that honored both her Japanese heritage and pop culture.

Naomi Osaka ensures her name makes it into the history books, whether the chapter is tennis or fashion. On Wimbledon’s opening day, the tennis star left everyone stunned with her kimono-inspired look. Following Wimbledon’s all-white dress code, Osaka pulled off the unthinkable, and it deserves every bit of the attention and applause. On June 29, Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, walked onto the court in a statement piece inspired by a traditional Japanese ceremonial dress. With it, she also paid tribute to her Japanese mother. But the look had another influence: pop culture. It was drawn from Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, specifically Lucy Liu’s O-Ren Ishii and her iconic white kimono. Quentin Tarantino's THIS character inspired Naomi Osaka's kimono Tennis outfit During an on-court interview, Osaka confirmed Liu’s character inspired her look. "I was thinking about my favorite movies. I love Kill Bill, and then I remembered absolutely falling in love with Lucy Liu's character, and she has an all white kimono. I remember thinking that was really cool and amazing," she said, per Reuters.

<p>Naomi Osaka made a memorable fashion statement on Wimbledon’s opening day with a white kimono-inspired outfit that honoured both her Japanese heritage and pop culture.</p>

Hint - Silly Rabbit! Quentin Tarantino's THIS character inspired Naomi Osaka's Kimono outfit at Wimbledon

Age is just a number, and the Bollywood icons listed below have consistently proven it with their unique fashion choices. From Neena Gupta to Rekha, here’s a look at veteran stars who are truly setting fashion goals for the next generation. 

<p>Age is just a number, and the Bollywood icons listed below have consistently proven it with their unique fashion choices. From Neena Gupta to Rekha, here’s a look at veteran stars who are truly setting fashion goals for the next generation.&nbsp;</p>

Neena Gupta to Rekha: These veteran actresses are setting fashion goals for Gen Z

<p>Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is all set for her maiden visit to India. PM Takaichi's three-day visit (July 1-3) to New Delhi is expected to strengthen ties between the two nations in trade, defence, semiconductor manufacturing, clean energy and emerging technologies. Interestingly, India and Japan's modern-day ties had their inception over a hundred years ago thanks to two pioneers from the two nations, forging a cultural alliance to defy Western influence on the East.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the opening years of the twentieth century, as Western imperialism increasingly weighed upon the Asian continent, a quiet but revolutionary intellectual alliance occurred in Calcutta. The year was 1902. Okakura Kakuzō, a charismatic Japanese scholar and art critic, arrived at the ancestral home of India’s premier polymath, Rabindranath Tagore. The meeting between the two intellectuals and Okakura’s subsequent stay at Tagore’s residence sparked a profound, decade-long intellectual friendship. Their friendship served as a foundation of modern-day cultural ties between India and Japan years later.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>The Meeting of Two Giants</h2><p>When Okakura arrived in India, he was already formulating a grand thesis to challenge Western cultural hegemony. The Japanese art critic had initially come to India to meet Swami Vivekananda; however, his meeting with Tagore in Calcutta completely changed his perspective on Indian culture. Living with the Tagore family at Jorasanko, he found an intellectual sanctuary.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The two connected instantly over a shared grief for the erosion of Eastern traditions and a mutual desire to revive Asian spiritual and artistic heritage. Together, they wanted to combat Western influence on Eastern culture.&nbsp;</p><p>It was during his stay with the Tagores that Okakura drafted his seminal book, The Ideals of the East, which famously opened with the rallying cry, "Asia is one."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-decodes-what-could-be-biggest-takeaways-from-japan-pm-sanae-takaichi-s-first-india-visit-1782550355906"><strong> WION Decodes | What could be biggest takeaways from Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's first India visit?</strong></a></p><h2>A Shared Anti-Colonial Sentiment</h2><p>The bond between Tagore and Okakura was not merely political; it was profoundly aesthetic. Okakura rejected the blind imitation of Western art, a sentiment that resonated with Tagore as well.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>His stay in Calcutta was so profound, that Okakura introduced Japanese artists like Yokoyama Taikan to the city in subsequent years. This cross-pollination directly inspired the Bengal School of Art. Okakura visited India during the Swadeshi movement and mentored prominent Indian artists and sent his own students from the Japan Fine Arts Academy to explore Indian culture, bridging aesthetic philosophies.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In later years, Indian artists adopted Japanese wash techniques, merging them with traditional Indian motifs to create a distinctly modern artistic language, which was led by Abanindranath Tagore, Rabindranath's nephew.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Not just in art, Okakura’s influence led to Tagore adapting experiential, nature-connected learning at Santiniketan.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-japan-pm-sanae-takaichi-s-india-visit-here-s-how-the-japanese-writing-system-works-1782735786944">Ahead of Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit, here's how the Japanese writing system works</a></p><h2>Ideological Divergence and Lingering Respect</h2><p>Tagore and Okakura only met a few times, but their shared passion of reviving Eastern heritage and culture across Asia stood the test of time.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The friendship eventually faced the harsh test of geopolitics. As Japan transitioned into an aggressive, militaristic empire in the 1910s, Tagore—a staunch universalist who disliked violent nationalism—grew deeply uncomfortable.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>During his visits to Japan, Tagore openly criticised its imperial ambitions, much to the dismay of the Japanese public. Okakura, who tragically died in 1913 at the age of fifty, did not live to see the full fracturing of his Pan-Asian dream. Yet, the mutual respect between the two men never truly dissolved; they recognised in each other as two individuals striving for a decolonised mind.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Their bond sparked early exchanges of students and scholars between India and Japan. These reciprocal visits established a template for cultural diplomacy that defined early 20th-century inter-Asian ties</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-japan-pm-sanae-takaichi-s-india-visit-is-strategically-significant-wion-decodes-1782544175393"><strong>Why Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit is strategically significant</strong></a></p><h2>A Legacy for Modern Ties</h2><p>Today, the legacy of the Tagore-Okakura friendship extends far beyond historical curiosity. The bond paved the way for contemporary diplomatic, economic, and cultural partnerships between India and Japan.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>When modern leaders speak of a shared Indo-Pacific vision rooted in democratic and spiritual values, they are echoing a dialogue that began at Jorashakho in Calcutta over a century ago.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>India and Japan’s modern-day alliance is built not just on geopolitical convenience, but on a profound, century-old intellectual brotherhood.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Ahead of Japanese PM Takaichi's visit, a look back at the friendship between Indian intellectual Rabindranath Tagore and Japanese thinker and art critic Okakura Kakuzo that paved the way for cultural diplomacy between India and Japan over a hundred years ago. 

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is all set for her maiden visit to India. PM Takaichi's three-day visit (July 1-3) to New Delhi is expected to strengthen ties between the two nations in trade, defence, semiconductor manufacturing, clean energy and emerging technologies. Interestingly, India and Japan's modern-day ties had their inception over a hundred years ago thanks to two pioneers from the two nations, forging a cultural alliance to defy Western influence on the East. In the opening years of the twentieth century, as Western imperialism increasingly weighed upon the Asian continent, a quiet but revolutionary intellectual alliance occurred in Calcutta. The year was 1902. Okakura Kakuzō, a charismatic Japanese scholar and art critic, arrived at the ancestral home of India’s premier polymath, Rabindranath Tagore. The meeting between the two intellectuals and Okakura’s subsequent stay at Tagore’s residence sparked a profound, decade-long intellectual friendship. Their friendship served as a foundation of modern-day cultural ties between India and Japan years later. The Meeting of Two Giants When Okakura arrived in India, he was already formulating a grand thesis to challenge Western cultural hegemony. The Japanese art critic had initially come to India to meet Swami Vivekananda; however, his meeting with Tagore in Calcutta completely changed his perspective on Indian culture. Living with the Tagore family at Jorasanko, he found an intellectual sanctuary. The two connected instantly over a shared grief for the erosion of Eastern traditions and a mutual desire to revive Asian spiritual and artistic heritage. Together, they wanted to combat Western influence on Eastern culture. It was during his stay with the Tagores that Okakura drafted his seminal book, The Ideals of the East, which famously opened with the rallying cry, "Asia is one." Also Read: WION Decodes | What could be biggest takeaways from Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's first India visit? A Shared Anti-Colonial Sentiment The bond between Tagore and Okakura was not merely political; it was profoundly aesthetic. Okakura rejected the blind imitation of Western art, a sentiment that resonated with Tagore as well. His stay in Calcutta was so profound, that Okakura introduced Japanese artists like Yokoyama Taikan to the city in subsequent years. This cross-pollination directly inspired the Bengal School of Art. Okakura visited India during the Swadeshi movement and mentored prominent Indian artists and sent his own students from the Japan Fine Arts Academy to explore Indian culture, bridging aesthetic philosophies. In later years, Indian artists adopted Japanese wash techniques, merging them with traditional Indian motifs to create a distinctly modern artistic language, which was led by Abanindranath Tagore, Rabindranath's nephew. Not just in art, Okakura’s influence led to Tagore adapting experiential, nature-connected learning at Santiniketan. Also read: Ahead of Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit, here's how the Japanese writing system works Ideological Divergence and Lingering Respect Tagore and Okakura only met a few times, but their shared passion of reviving Eastern heritage and culture across Asia stood the test of time. The friendship eventually faced the harsh test of geopolitics. As Japan transitioned into an aggressive, militaristic empire in the 1910s, Tagore—a staunch universalist who disliked violent nationalism—grew deeply uncomfortable. During his visits to Japan, Tagore openly criticised its imperial ambitions, much to the dismay of the Japanese public. Okakura, who tragically died in 1913 at the age of fifty, did not live to see the full fracturing of his Pan-Asian dream. Yet, the mutual respect between the two men never truly dissolved; they recognised in each other as two individuals striving for a decolonised mind. Their bond sparked early exchanges of students and scholars between India and Japan. These reciprocal visits established a template for cultural diplomacy that defined early 20th-century inter-Asian ties Also Read: Why Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit is strategically significant A Legacy for Modern Ties Today, the legacy of the Tagore-Okakura friendship extends far beyond historical curiosity. The bond paved the way for contemporary diplomatic, economic, and cultural partnerships between India and Japan. When modern leaders speak of a shared Indo-Pacific vision rooted in democratic and spiritual values, they are echoing a dialogue that began at Jorashakho in Calcutta over a century ago. India and Japan’s modern-day alliance is built not just on geopolitical convenience, but on a profound, century-old intellectual brotherhood.

<p>Ahead of Japanese PM Takaichi's visit, a look back at the friendship between Indian intellectual Rabindranath Tagore and Japanese thinker and art critic Okakura Kakuzo that paved the way for cultural diplomacy between India and Japan over a hundred years ago.&nbsp;</p>

Asia is one: How Rabindranath Tagore and Okakura Kakuzō’s friendship paved way for modern ties between India and Japan

<p>Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is one of India's oldest and most celebrated Hindu festivals. It marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, roughly three kilometres away in the coastal town of Puri, Odisha. This year, Rath Yatra will be celebrated on July 16, which spans nine days in total, concluding the return journey (known as Bahuda Yatra) on July 25.</p><h2>How did a king's dream give birth to Lord Jagannath?</h2><p>King Indradyumna of Malwa (ancient Avanti) is a legendary monarch featured in Hindu scriptures like the Skanda Purana and the Mahabharata. Renowned for his unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu, he is most famously associated with the founding of the sacred Jagannath Temple, Puri.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rath-yatra-procession-in-toronto-hurled-with-eggs-india-demands-accountability-1752507798017"><strong>Rath Yatra procession in Toronto hurled with eggs, India demands accountability</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As per the Hindu tradition, King Indradyumna of Malwa received a divine vision directing him to the coast of Puri, where a sacred log had washed ashore, which is meant to be carved into the form of the Lord. The divine craftsman Vishwakarma appeared in disguise and agreed to carve the deities, with one condition: complete privacy until the work was done. The impatient king opened the door before the work was finished, and Vishwakarma was nowhere to be seen. He had left behind three incomplete wooden forms, without fully shaped arms or features.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Later, a divine voice instructed the king to install and worship these unfinished forms as the living deities. These three forms became Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. Since then the tradition of Rath Yatra began to honour and worship them.</p><h2>The historical journey of Rath Yatra beyond India</h2><p>The 13th-century Venetian traveller Marco Polo wrote about witnessing a chariot possession in India, which was massive and widely considered by historians to be a reference to Rath Yatra in Puri. Later, in the 16th century, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu made Puri his home and participated in Rath Yatra with such devotion.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jagannath-rath-yatra-2025-date-time-rituals-significance-and-more-1750937017000"><strong>Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date, time, rituals, significance and more</strong></a></p><h2>What is the meaning behind Rath Yatra, and which deities travel in the chariot?</h2><p>The word "Rath" means "chariot", and "Yatra" means "pilgrimage" or "journey". Together, they describe a living tradition that has continued, unbroken, for thousands of years. In Sanskrit, ‘Rath’ means 'chariot', and ‘Yatra’ means 'journey' or 'pilgrimage'. The festival is commonly known internationally as the Chariot Festival of Puri. All names point to the same ancient, living event.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260629/image-1782737966792.jpg"></figure><p>Three deities ride together: Lord Jagannath (Lord of the Universe), his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Devi Subhadra. Each travels on a separate, freshly constructed chariot. Their journey together as siblings gives the festival a deeply human warmth alongside its divine grandeur.</p><h2>What are the rituals of Rath Yatra?</h2><p>The Rath Yatra festival involves a series of rituals, spanning from their ceremonial bathing, a period of seclusion, the procession of pulling the towering chariots and eventually returning to their home. The most significant rituals of the Rath Yatra occur in a specific sequence that begins weeks earlier.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Snana Purnima (Sacred Bath of deities)</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>About 15 days before Rath Yatra, on the full moon of the Hindu month Jyestha, the three deities are ceremonially bathed in 108 pots of sacred water. This ritual is called Snana Purnima. It is believed that the deities fall ill from the ceremonial bathing, mirroring the human experience of falling sick after heavy rain.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-japan-pm-sanae-takaichi-s-india-visit-here-s-how-the-japanese-writing-system-works-1782735786944"><strong>Ahead of Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit, here's how the Japanese writing system works</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Anavasara (Deities' period of rest)</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Following the first ritual, deities enter a 15-day rest period called Anavasara. During this time, there are kept in a special chamber and attended to only by the Daitas (a hereditary community of servitors) who are the only ones permitted to approach the deities in this period. The deities are treated with herbal remedies and special care. Regular devotees cannot take darshan during Anavasara. When the deities emerge, restored, their reappearance is celebrated as Navajauban, the return of youth.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Pahandi Vijay (Deities moving to their chariots)</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Each of the deities is moved from inside the temple to their chariots in a ceremonial procession on the morning of Rath Yatra, called Pahandi Vijay. Temple servitors carry each deity in a rocking, dancing motion, accompanied by ritual music. Watching Pahandi is considered deeply auspicious and deeply moving.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Chhera Panhara (Sweeping of chariots)</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Gajapati Maharaja, the King of Puri, considered Lord Jagannath's chief devotee, descends from his palace, approaches the chariots, and sweeps their floors with a golden broom. A king sweeping for God. The message is unmistakable: before the Lord, all are equal.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Pulling of Rath (Pulling of chariot)</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The procession of moving the Rath begins. Thousands of devotees take hold of the massive ropes; each chariot has several ropes<strong>, </strong>and they begin to pull. The chant of "Jai Jagannath!" rises across the crowd. According to the Skanda Purana, the spiritual merit of pulling the rope even once equals the merit earned from performing a hundred yajnas (fire sacrifices).</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcgxT34dJTuE4tHUUdas_Ut3YbWbXbDHSXbTKk5pLUBlFY5kKwFZcZ31I&amp;s=10" alt="Ready for Rath Yatra 2025? #isatyam #rathyatra #puri (rathyatra,  rathyatra2025, jagannathrathyatra purirathyatra rathyatrafestival jagannath  culture chariotfestival indianfestivals spiritualjourney festivalofindia  odishadiaries traditionandculture ..."></figure><p><strong>Gundicha Yatra (Chariot festival or car festival)</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The deities travel to the Gundicha Temple, which tradition holds was the home of Queen Gundicha, wife of King Indradyumna, described in some traditions as Lord Jagannath's maternal aunt. The deities rest here for seven days, receiving worship in a more intimate setting. This period is called Gundicha Yatra.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Bahuda Yatra (The return of chariot and deities to home)</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On the ninth and final day of Bahuda Yatr, the chariots travel back to the Jagannath Temple on the same Grand Road. On the way, they pause at the Mausi Maa Temple (the Temple of the Maternal Aunt), where the deities receive an offering of Poda Pitha(a burnt-based rice cake/traditional Odia sweet cake), a traditional baked rice and coconut cake. The return procession is just as sacred as the outward journey, though it receives far less attention in most written accounts of the festival.</p><h2>What is the significance of celebrating Rath Yatra every year?</h2><p>Rath Yatra, which originates from Odisha, as per the Hindu scriptures and Skanda Purana, states that seeing Lord Jagannath on his chariot, touching the rope or even walking alongside the procession liberates the soul across multiple lifetimes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-method-dressing-how-it-started-and-why-hollywood-and-bollywood-stars-are-obsessed-with-it-1782364965257"><strong>What is method dressing? How it started and why celebrities are obsessed with it</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As per the Katha Upanishad, it uses the chariot as a metaphor for the human body. The chariot is the body, the passenger is the soul, the charioteer is the intellect, and the reins are the mind. Rath Yatra in this reading is not just a physical procession. It is a living meditation on the soul's journey through life.</p>

Rath Yatra, unlike any other festival, spans nine days in total. It marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, roughly three kilometres away in the coastal town of Puri, Odisha. Read to know more.

Rath Yatra, also known as the Chariot Festival, is one of India's oldest and most celebrated Hindu festivals. It marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, roughly three kilometres away in the coastal town of Puri, Odisha. This year, Rath Yatra will be celebrated on July 16, which spans nine days in total, concluding the return journey (known as Bahuda Yatra) on July 25. How did a king's dream give birth to Lord Jagannath? King Indradyumna of Malwa (ancient Avanti) is a legendary monarch featured in Hindu scriptures like the Skanda Purana and the Mahabharata. Renowned for his unwavering devotion to Lord Vishnu, he is most famously associated with the founding of the sacred Jagannath Temple, Puri. Also Read: Rath Yatra procession in Toronto hurled with eggs, India demands accountability As per the Hindu tradition, King Indradyumna of Malwa received a divine vision directing him to the coast of Puri, where a sacred log had washed ashore, which is meant to be carved into the form of the Lord. The divine craftsman Vishwakarma appeared in disguise and agreed to carve the deities, with one condition: complete privacy until the work was done. The impatient king opened the door before the work was finished, and Vishwakarma was nowhere to be seen. He had left behind three incomplete wooden forms, without fully shaped arms or features. Later, a divine voice instructed the king to install and worship these unfinished forms as the living deities. These three forms became Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra. Since then the tradition of Rath Yatra began to honour and worship them. The historical journey of Rath Yatra beyond India The 13th-century Venetian traveller Marco Polo wrote about witnessing a chariot possession in India, which was massive and widely considered by historians to be a reference to Rath Yatra in Puri. Later, in the 16th century, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu made Puri his home and participated in Rath Yatra with such devotion. Also Read: Jagannath Rath Yatra 2025: Date, time, rituals, significance and more What is the meaning behind Rath Yatra, and which deities travel in the chariot? The word "Rath" means "chariot", and "Yatra" means "pilgrimage" or "journey". Together, they describe a living tradition that has continued, unbroken, for thousands of years. In Sanskrit, ‘Rath’ means 'chariot', and ‘Yatra’ means 'journey' or 'pilgrimage'. The festival is commonly known internationally as the Chariot Festival of Puri. All names point to the same ancient, living event. Three deities ride together: Lord Jagannath (Lord of the Universe), his elder brother Lord Balabhadra, and their sister Devi Subhadra. Each travels on a separate, freshly constructed chariot. Their journey together as siblings gives the festival a deeply human warmth alongside its divine grandeur. What are the rituals of Rath Yatra? The Rath Yatra festival involves a series of rituals, spanning from their ceremonial bathing, a period of seclusion, the procession of pulling the towering chariots and eventually returning to their home. The most significant rituals of the Rath Yatra occur in a specific sequence that begins weeks earlier. Snana Purnima (Sacred Bath of deities) About 15 days before Rath Yatra, on the full moon of the Hindu month Jyestha, the three deities are ceremonially bathed in 108 pots of sacred water. This ritual is called Snana Purnima. It is believed that the deities fall ill from the ceremonial bathing, mirroring the human experience of falling sick after heavy rain. Also Read: Ahead of Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit, here's how the Japanese writing system works Anavasara (Deities' period of rest) Following the first ritual, deities enter a 15-day rest period called Anavasara. During this time, there are kept in a special chamber and attended to only by the Daitas (a hereditary community of servitors) who are the only ones permitted to approach the deities in this period. The deities are treated with herbal remedies and special care. Regular devotees cannot take darshan during Anavasara. When the deities emerge, restored, their reappearance is celebrated as Navajauban, the return of youth. Pahandi Vijay (Deities moving to their chariots) Each of the deities is moved from inside the temple to their chariots in a ceremonial procession on the morning of Rath Yatra, called Pahandi Vijay. Temple servitors carry each deity in a rocking, dancing motion, accompanied by ritual music. Watching Pahandi is considered deeply auspicious and deeply moving. Chhera Panhara (Sweeping of chariots) The Gajapati Maharaja, the King of Puri, considered Lord Jagannath's chief devotee, descends from his palace, approaches the chariots, and sweeps their floors with a golden broom. A king sweeping for God. The message is unmistakable: before the Lord, all are equal. Pulling of Rath (Pulling of chariot) The procession of moving the Rath begins. Thousands of devotees take hold of the massive ropes; each chariot has several ropes, and they begin to pull. The chant of "Jai Jagannath!" rises across the crowd. According to the Skanda Purana, the spiritual merit of pulling the rope even once equals the merit earned from performing a hundred yajnas (fire sacrifices). Gundicha Yatra (Chariot festival or car festival) The deities travel to the Gundicha Temple, which tradition holds was the home of Queen Gundicha, wife of King Indradyumna, described in some traditions as Lord Jagannath's maternal aunt. The deities rest here for seven days, receiving worship in a more intimate setting. This period is called Gundicha Yatra. Bahuda Yatra (The return of chariot and deities to home) On the ninth and final day of Bahuda Yatr, the chariots travel back to the Jagannath Temple on the same Grand Road. On the way, they pause at the Mausi Maa Temple (the Temple of the Maternal Aunt), where the deities receive an offering of Poda Pitha(a burnt-based rice cake/traditional Odia sweet cake), a traditional baked rice and coconut cake. The return procession is just as sacred as the outward journey, though it receives far less attention in most written accounts of the festival. What is the significance of celebrating Rath Yatra every year? Rath Yatra, which originates from Odisha, as per the Hindu scriptures and Skanda Purana, states that seeing Lord Jagannath on his chariot, touching the rope or even walking alongside the procession liberates the soul across multiple lifetimes. Also Read: What is method dressing? How it started and why celebrities are obsessed with it As per the Katha Upanishad, it uses the chariot as a metaphor for the human body. The chariot is the body, the passenger is the soul, the charioteer is the intellect, and the reins are the mind. Rath Yatra in this reading is not just a physical procession. It is a living meditation on the soul's journey through life.

<p>Rath Yatra, unlike any other festival, spans nine days in total. It marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple, roughly three kilometres away in the coastal town of Puri, Odisha. Read to know more.</p>

Rath Yatra 2026: King's vision to millions of devotees — The ancient story behind Lord Jagannath's annual chariot journey

<p>As India prepares to welcome Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to New Delhi for her first official visit, buzz around Japanese culture has increased. From anime to cuisine, enthusiasts are exploring several aspects of the country's rich heritage. But have you ever wondered how the Japanese writing system works?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Unlike English, which depends on a single alphabet, written Japanese consists of three scripts, kanji, hiragana and katakana. For someone new to the system, a page of Japanese text can appear overwhelming, but once you understand the role of each script, the language begins to feel far more logical.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-japan-pm-sanae-takaichi-s-india-visit-is-strategically-significant-wion-decodes-1782544175393"><strong>Why Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit is strategically significant</strong></a></p><h2>Why does Japanese use three scripts?</h2><p>Japanese writing has developed over many centuries. As the language changed, new scripts were added without replacing the old forms of writing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Kanji is used for the core meaning of words, hiragana for grammatical structure, and katakana mostly for foreign words and emphasis.</p><h2>How to start?</h2><p>If you want to learn the Japanese language, the first step is hiragana. It is a phonetic script that consists of characters that represent individual sounds rather than meanings. It appears frequently in everyday writing because it is used for grammatical particles, verb endings and words that either do not have kanji or are commonly written without them.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-sanae-takaichi-to-make-first-official-visit-to-india-in-july-1782199563773"><strong>Japan PM Sanae Takaichi to make first official visit to India in July</strong></a></p><h2>Pronunciation is the key</h2><p>People who learn hiragana also become familiar with the sound system of Japanese. Developing accurate pronunciation early can be helpful to prevent habits that become difficult to correct later.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Paying attention to vowel length, doubled consonants and rhythm while your vocabulary is still small makes speaking and listening considerably easier.</p><h2>Why is kanji tough?</h2><p>Kanji is said to be the most difficult part of learning Japanese because thousands of characters exist.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-decodes-what-could-be-biggest-takeaways-from-japan-pm-sanae-takaichi-s-first-india-visit-1782550355906"><strong> WION Decodes | What could be biggest takeaways from Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's first India visit?</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It is said to be originally adapted from Chinese characters and represents meanings rather than individual sounds. Most newspapers, books and everyday signs rely heavily on them.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Instead of trying to memorise hundreds of isolated characters, individuals generally make better progress by studying each kanji alongside its meaning, common pronunciation and useful vocabulary.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-bollywood-to-cricket-how-yoga-became-india-s-biggest-global-success-story-1782040787501"><strong>From Bollywood to cricket, how yoga became India's biggest global success story</strong></a></p><h2>How is katakana used?</h2><p>Katakana represents the same sounds as hiragana but has a different purpose. It is mainly used for foreign names, imported vocabulary, scientific terms, product names and certain forms of emphasis. Words such as "coffee", "computer," and many international brand names are typically written in katakana.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For those wondering how the three scripts work together, here's a simple explanation. A typical Japanese sentence often contains all three scripts.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Kanji carries the primary meaning of nouns and verbs. Hiragana connects those words through grammar and verb endings. If a borrowed or foreign word appears, katakana is used for that part of the sentence.</p>

Ahead of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's upcoming visit to New Delhi, take a look at how the Japanese writing system actually works, and three scripts that make it up: kanji, hiragana and katakana.

As India prepares to welcome Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to New Delhi for her first official visit, buzz around Japanese culture has increased. From anime to cuisine, enthusiasts are exploring several aspects of the country's rich heritage. But have you ever wondered how the Japanese writing system works? Unlike English, which depends on a single alphabet, written Japanese consists of three scripts, kanji, hiragana and katakana. For someone new to the system, a page of Japanese text can appear overwhelming, but once you understand the role of each script, the language begins to feel far more logical. Also Read: Why Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit is strategically significant Why does Japanese use three scripts? Japanese writing has developed over many centuries. As the language changed, new scripts were added without replacing the old forms of writing. Kanji is used for the core meaning of words, hiragana for grammatical structure, and katakana mostly for foreign words and emphasis. How to start? If you want to learn the Japanese language, the first step is hiragana. It is a phonetic script that consists of characters that represent individual sounds rather than meanings. It appears frequently in everyday writing because it is used for grammatical particles, verb endings and words that either do not have kanji or are commonly written without them. Also Read: Japan PM Sanae Takaichi to make first official visit to India in July Pronunciation is the key People who learn hiragana also become familiar with the sound system of Japanese. Developing accurate pronunciation early can be helpful to prevent habits that become difficult to correct later. Paying attention to vowel length, doubled consonants and rhythm while your vocabulary is still small makes speaking and listening considerably easier. Why is kanji tough? Kanji is said to be the most difficult part of learning Japanese because thousands of characters exist. Also Read: WION Decodes | What could be biggest takeaways from Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's first India visit? It is said to be originally adapted from Chinese characters and represents meanings rather than individual sounds. Most newspapers, books and everyday signs rely heavily on them. Instead of trying to memorise hundreds of isolated characters, individuals generally make better progress by studying each kanji alongside its meaning, common pronunciation and useful vocabulary. Also Read: From Bollywood to cricket, how yoga became India's biggest global success story How is katakana used? Katakana represents the same sounds as hiragana but has a different purpose. It is mainly used for foreign names, imported vocabulary, scientific terms, product names and certain forms of emphasis. Words such as "coffee", "computer," and many international brand names are typically written in katakana. For those wondering how the three scripts work together, here's a simple explanation. A typical Japanese sentence often contains all three scripts. Kanji carries the primary meaning of nouns and verbs. Hiragana connects those words through grammar and verb endings. If a borrowed or foreign word appears, katakana is used for that part of the sentence.

<p>Ahead of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's upcoming visit to New Delhi, take a look at how the Japanese writing system actually works, and three scripts that make it up: kanji, hiragana and katakana.</p>

Ahead of Japan PM Sanae Takaichi's India visit, here's how the Japanese writing system works

<p>There has been a growth in the number of true crime documentaries and serial killer shows on OTT platforms in recent years, and they have become one of the biggest entertainment trends for viewers. Whether it's Mindhunter, Dahmer, Delhi Crime, or Raakh, millions of viewers willingly spend hours watching stories about violent crimes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But have you ever wondered why people are so fascinated by the darkest side of human behaviour? And does enjoying such content reveal something about your personality? WION spoke to experts to understand the psychology behind this ever-growing obsession and how our brains are hard-wired to be attracted to things like crime, mystery and danger and whether binge-watching them can affect our mental health.</p><h2>Why are we so obsessed with true crime?</h2><p>True crime isn’t just about violence; it’s about people and solving puzzles. As per Saikishore, Clinical Psychologist, Aster Whitefield Hospital, "People tend to be very interested in true crime because it combines mystery, psychology, and real human behaviour." He explains that such stories provide the audience with an opportunity to explore questions like why do people commit crimes? What methods do police use to solve complicated cases? Also, what are the factors leading to an individual's extreme actions? "From a psychological point of view, humans are naturally drawn to danger and survival information. True crime material acts as a means of safely understanding dangerous situations without any risk of one's own. Also, many are moved by the narrative element of these stories, which bring out themes of justice, courage, and the suffering of victims and their families."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/emotionally-abandoned-not-emotionally-void-the-single-parents-left-behind-to-fight-a-rigged-game-of-love-1782546676540"><strong>Emotionally abandoned, not empty: The single parents left behind to fight a rigged game of love</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Adding to this, Dr. Megha Agarwal, Consultant Psychiatrist, Kailash Deepak Hospital, says people don't just watch these shows for entertainment.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

True crime and serial killer dramas

<p>"The honest answer is: both, and they are rarely separable. Most viewers begin with entertainment, drawn by suspense and narrative tension, but the brain quietly absorbs real information along the way. Psychologists call this incidental learning. People pick up patterns about predatory behavior, warning signs in relationships, and how investigations unfold without ever sitting down to study," she said.</p><h2>Emotions play a key role</h2><p>Every good crime story takes viewers through a range of emotions, from curiosity and suspense to fear, shock, and finally relief. "Crime stories and dramas usually bring out a mix of feelings in people. Mostly, it is curiosity that gets the strongest, because audiences want to know the whole story, what happened and why. Besides curiosity, one can also experience suspense fear anxiety, or shock in when the story has unexpected twists or unpleasant details," Saikishore added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/web-of-style-a-look-at-zendaya-s-jaw-dropping-spider-man-brand-new-day-press-tour-looks-1782533728363"><strong>Zendaya’s jaw-dropping Spider-Man: Brand New Day press tour looks</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, a lot of viewers also sympathize with the victims and their families. People get their cases solved or justice done, with which they feel relieved and satisfied. "This whole cycle of emotions - getting from not knowing to finding out - is one of the reasons why crime stories attract our attention."</p><h2>What does the habit show about your personality?</h2><p>Many people wonder if enjoying stories about serial killers means they have a darker side. According to experts, that's a myth.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"To enjoy true crime stories doesn't really imply that a person is aggressive or secretly enjoys violence. Mostly, it just means that they are curious, interested in human psychology, and want to know how complicated situations work," Saikishore explains.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Dr. Agarwal agrees that curiosity plays a major role. She says many viewers develop what psychologists call incidental learning, where they unknowingly absorb information while simply trying to be entertained.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, she also warns that watching many documentaries can sometimes create a false sense of expertise about criminal behaviour.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/why-kidney-stone-cases-rise-sharply-in-summer-and-how-to-protect-yourself-expert-explains-1782289778144"><strong>Why Kidney stone cases rise sharply in summer - and how to protect yourself</strong></a></p><h2>Why serial killers become the centre of attention</h2><p>Perhaps the biggest draw of true crime is trying to understand people who commit unimaginable acts.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Dr. Agarwal explains, "Serial killers represent something deeply paradoxical: they are human beings who violated the most fundamental social contract. That paradox is psychologically irresistible."</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>She says people are naturally wired to understand other minds, especially when someone's behaviour seems impossible to explain. This curiosity is also linked to what researchers call morbid curiosity, the desire to understand the darker side of human nature from a safe distance.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Saikishore adds that mystery itself keeps people invested. "Humans have evolved a survival mechanism that involves paying special attention to possible threats. Since identifying danger was crucial to survival, stories about crime, risk, and uncertainty automatically draw attention. But mystery makes even more interesting because the brain loves to find answers and resolve questions that are left open."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/international-yoga-day-2026-how-india-took-an-ancient-practice-to-the-united-nations-1782026478914"><strong>International Yoga Day 2026: How India took an ancient practice to the UN</strong></a></p><h2>Do men and women watch true crime differently?</h2><p>“Research has consistently shown that women consume true crime content at significantly higher rates than men,” says Dr. Agarwal. She explains that many women unconsciously view these stories as lessons in personal safety, looking for warning signs and victim behaviour. Men, on the other hand, are often more drawn to the investigative side of cases, including forensic science and solving the mystery. While these are broad patterns, both groups are fascinated by understanding extraordinary human behaviour.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>When does binge-watching become unhealthy? True crime is entertaining, but experts say that too much exposure to violent content can affect your mental well-being.</p><p>Dr. Agarwal says, "Yes, and this is one of the more underappreciated effects of heavy true crime consumption. The brain does not draw a clean line between a story and a real threat."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She warns that constant exposure can leave people feeling anxious, hyper-alert, or fearful in everyday situations. Difficulty sleeping, repeatedly checking locks, distrusting strangers, or feeling unsafe in ordinary places may all be signs that it's time to take a break.</p>

Millions of people binge-watch true crime documentaries and serial killer shows on OTT platforms. But can constant exposure to violent content affect your mental health? Here's what experts have to say.


There has been a growth in the number of true crime documentaries and serial killer shows on OTT platforms in recent years, and they have become one of the biggest entertainment trends for viewers. Whether it's Mindhunter, Dahmer, Delhi Crime, or Raakh, millions of viewers willingly spend hours watching stories about violent crimes. But have you ever wondered why people are so fascinated by the darkest side of human behaviour? And does enjoying such content reveal something about your personality? WION spoke to experts to understand the psychology behind this ever-growing obsession and how our brains are hard-wired to be attracted to things like crime, mystery and danger and whether binge-watching them can affect our mental health. Why are we so obsessed with true crime? True crime isn’t just about violence; it’s about people and solving puzzles. As per Saikishore, Clinical Psychologist, Aster Whitefield Hospital, "People tend to be very interested in true crime because it combines mystery, psychology, and real human behaviour." He explains that such stories provide the audience with an opportunity to explore questions like why do people commit crimes? What methods do police use to solve complicated cases? Also, what are the factors leading to an individual's extreme actions? "From a psychological point of view, humans are naturally drawn to danger and survival information. True crime material acts as a means of safely understanding dangerous situations without any risk of one's own. Also, many are moved by the narrative element of these stories, which bring out themes of justice, courage, and the suffering of victims and their families." Also Read: Emotionally abandoned, not empty: The single parents left behind to fight a rigged game of love Adding to this, Dr. Megha Agarwal, Consultant Psychiatrist, Kailash Deepak Hospital, says people don't just watch these shows for entertainment.

<p>Millions of people binge-watch true crime documentaries and serial killer shows on OTT platforms. But can constant exposure to violent content affect your mental health? Here's what experts have to say.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Obsessed with true crime and serial killer dramas? Here's what psychologists say about you

<p>Starting a new relationship after a divorce or losing a partner to death is not easy for most single parents. The fear of being judged often keeps them from seeking love. Emotional needs take a backseat as they try to navigate the world by themselves. Most people assume that a single parent's life would now be fully dedicated to their children, without taking into account their desire for genuine support and love. The society does not make it easy on those who decide to explore a new relationship, questioning their need to move on.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Single parents who date are frequently subjected to questions that married couples never face. People ask them to justify their choices, explain their timelines and defend their desire for companionship," Dr Munia Bhattacharya, Senior Consultant, Clinical Psychology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, says. "Widowed individuals are sometimes judged for moving on. Divorced individuals are sometimes judged for trying again. Either way, judgment becomes an invisible third person in the relationship," she adds.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The biggest reason most single parents fear moving on with their personal lives is the guilt of prioritising their own happiness as a parent. After losing their partner, either to divorce or death, their children become the centre of their lives. There is the fear of bringing someone wrong into their kids' lives, of making them feel like they are being relegated from their parents' life, and that their love and care for their child might be affected. Children pretty much form the basis of how these single parents approach life.</p><h2><strong>Survey shows how single parents approach love</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to a survey, these adults base their romantic decisions on their children. The kids are the primary factor determining whether a single parent chooses to be in a relationship and commit to it. Rebounce, a matchmaking and matrimony platform for divorced, separated, &amp; widowed singles, surveyed 8,576 single parents and found that nearly 47% of single mothers and single fathers say that even though their kids might not be directly involved in their love life, their presence quietly shapes who they choose, how they handle their love life, and whether they allow themselves to embrace love completely.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"For single parents, it's not just about finding the right person for themselves; it's also about finding the right ecosystem that's safe, stable, and sustainable for their children as well as themselves," Rebounce's Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, said.</p><h2><br><strong>The guilt of choosing themselves</strong></h2><p><br>Dr Munia recalled a case of a widowed mother in her late thirties who had rebuilt her life around her son. "Work, school schedules, homework, doctor visits, weekend outings, everything revolved around him," she said. However, she had been carrying a dilemma for over a year. She had met someone for the first time in several years and "felt companionship, excitement and hope for a future that was not defined solely by loss." But instead of feeling happy, she felt guilty.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"'I don't know if I am allowed to want this,' she told me. 'Every time I think about moving forward, I think about my son.' She wasn't worried about whether the relationship would work. She was worried about whether choosing herself would somehow mean choosing less for her child," Dr Munia said, adding that "this is a conflict I see frequently among single parents, whether divorced or widowed."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Every choice passes through another filter. How will my child react? Will they feel replaced? Will they think I am moving on too quickly? Will society judge me? Will my family support me?"</p><h2><br><strong>The pain of emotions that have nowhere to go</strong></h2><p><br>The society's assumptions make things worse for them. They automatically assume that their children are their emotional support system. However, expecting kids to emotionally support a parent is plain cruel. They are young and have their own lives. They cannot and should not be burdened with the hurt or sadness that their parent is carrying. This is something that can only be shared with another adult, a friend or a partner. However, no matter how supportive friends are, they cannot completely comprehend what a single parent is living through. So they bottle up their emotions and move on with their daily lives like a chore.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"Many single parents tell me they feel they are expected to remain emotionally frozen. As though good parenting means putting every personal need on hold indefinitely," Dr Munia says.</p><h2><br><strong>Fear of being judged by their children</strong></h2><p><br>Single parents also believe that choosing to have a new relationship might make their kids feel like they are replacing their other parent with a new one. There is also the fear of kids feeling like they are being replaced by a stranger. You can never know if these assumptions are true until you actually enter a new relationship. It creates a catch-22 situation, where they are stuck.</p><p>"Single parents often carry two hearts into every relationship, their own and their child's. Unlike most adults entering a relationship, they are rarely making decisions for one person," Dr Munia says. "The challenge is not simply about dating. It is about balancing personal happiness with parental responsibility."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>She recalled an incident about a single, divorced father in his early forties who had been in a healthy relationship for nearly two years. He feared committing because he was afraid that his teenage daughter might think he was replacing her mother. "The emotional burden came from anticipated judgment — not only from his child but from extended family, friends and society," she said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Emotionally healthy, not emotionally abandoned</strong></h2><p><br>Should single parents really be made to feel all of the above? Should they hide their emotions, feelings and desires for fear of being judged by everyone around them? Are emotionally unhealthy parents what children deserve?</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Experts say that seeing their parents deprived of connection, companionship, or happiness does not benefit the children in any way. "Children need emotionally healthy parents, not emotionally abandoned ones," Dr Munia says. The aim should be to create a life where both can coexist, and you don't have to choose between your child and your happiness.</p><p>For most single parents, the question is never whether or not they deserve love. But can they allow themselves to have it without feeling guilty?&nbsp;</p>

Single parents feel guilty for prioritising themselves. This is especially true in the case of love, which they think will ruin their relationship with their children. Their emotions count for nothing. But is it really what their kids deserve? 

Starting a new relationship after a divorce or losing a partner to death is not easy for most single parents. The fear of being judged often keeps them from seeking love. Emotional needs take a backseat as they try to navigate the world by themselves. Most people assume that a single parent's life would now be fully dedicated to their children, without taking into account their desire for genuine support and love. The society does not make it easy on those who decide to explore a new relationship, questioning their need to move on. "Single parents who date are frequently subjected to questions that married couples never face. People ask them to justify their choices, explain their timelines and defend their desire for companionship," Dr Munia Bhattacharya, Senior Consultant, Clinical Psychology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, says. "Widowed individuals are sometimes judged for moving on. Divorced individuals are sometimes judged for trying again. Either way, judgment becomes an invisible third person in the relationship," she adds. The biggest reason most single parents fear moving on with their personal lives is the guilt of prioritising their own happiness as a parent. After losing their partner, either to divorce or death, their children become the centre of their lives. There is the fear of bringing someone wrong into their kids' lives, of making them feel like they are being relegated from their parents' life, and that their love and care for their child might be affected. Children pretty much form the basis of how these single parents approach life. Survey shows how single parents approach love According to a survey, these adults base their romantic decisions on their children. The kids are the primary factor determining whether a single parent chooses to be in a relationship and commit to it. Rebounce, a matchmaking and matrimony platform for divorced, separated, & widowed singles, surveyed 8,576 single parents and found that nearly 47% of single mothers and single fathers say that even though their kids might not be directly involved in their love life, their presence quietly shapes who they choose, how they handle their love life, and whether they allow themselves to embrace love completely. "For single parents, it's not just about finding the right person for themselves; it's also about finding the right ecosystem that's safe, stable, and sustainable for their children as well as themselves," Rebounce's Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, said. The guilt of choosing themselves Dr Munia recalled a case of a widowed mother in her late thirties who had rebuilt her life around her son. "Work, school schedules, homework, doctor visits, weekend outings, everything revolved around him," she said. However, she had been carrying a dilemma for over a year. She had met someone for the first time in several years and "felt companionship, excitement and hope for a future that was not defined solely by loss." But instead of feeling happy, she felt guilty. "'I don't know if I am allowed to want this,' she told me. 'Every time I think about moving forward, I think about my son.' She wasn't worried about whether the relationship would work. She was worried about whether choosing herself would somehow mean choosing less for her child," Dr Munia said, adding that "this is a conflict I see frequently among single parents, whether divorced or widowed." "Every choice passes through another filter. How will my child react? Will they feel replaced? Will they think I am moving on too quickly? Will society judge me? Will my family support me?" The pain of emotions that have nowhere to go The society's assumptions make things worse for them. They automatically assume that their children are their emotional support system. However, expecting kids to emotionally support a parent is plain cruel. They are young and have their own lives. They cannot and should not be burdened with the hurt or sadness that their parent is carrying. This is something that can only be shared with another adult, a friend or a partner. However, no matter how supportive friends are, they cannot completely comprehend what a single parent is living through. So they bottle up their emotions and move on with their daily lives like a chore. "Many single parents tell me they feel they are expected to remain emotionally frozen. As though good parenting means putting every personal need on hold indefinitely," Dr Munia says. Fear of being judged by their children Single parents also believe that choosing to have a new relationship might make their kids feel like they are replacing their other parent with a new one. There is also the fear of kids feeling like they are being replaced by a stranger. You can never know if these assumptions are true until you actually enter a new relationship. It creates a catch-22 situation, where they are stuck. "Single parents often carry two hearts into every relationship, their own and their child's. Unlike most adults entering a relationship, they are rarely making decisions for one person," Dr Munia says. "The challenge is not simply about dating. It is about balancing personal happiness with parental responsibility." She recalled an incident about a single, divorced father in his early forties who had been in a healthy relationship for nearly two years. He feared committing because he was afraid that his teenage daughter might think he was replacing her mother. "The emotional burden came from anticipated judgment — not only from his child but from extended family, friends and society," she said. Emotionally healthy, not emotionally abandoned Should single parents really be made to feel all of the above? Should they hide their emotions, feelings and desires for fear of being judged by everyone around them? Are emotionally unhealthy parents what children deserve? Experts say that seeing their parents deprived of connection, companionship, or happiness does not benefit the children in any way. "Children need emotionally healthy parents, not emotionally abandoned ones," Dr Munia says. The aim should be to create a life where both can coexist, and you don't have to choose between your child and your happiness. For most single parents, the question is never whether or not they deserve love. But can they allow themselves to have it without feeling guilty?

<p>Single parents are made to feel like their own lives are over. A partner's absence should automatically cause their need for love to vanish. Guilt and shame take over because their children should now be their only priority. But do kids deserve emotionally scarred parents? &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

Emotionally abandoned, not empty: The single parents left behind to fight a rigged game of love

Can we just name Zendaya as Spider-Woman already? For the global press tour of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the actress is dominating headlines with her superhero-themed couture. These unforgettable fashion moments prove that nobody does method dressing like her. Take a look.

<p>Can we just name Zendaya as Spider-Woman already? For the global press tour of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, the actress is dominating headlines with her superhero-themed couture. These unforgettable fashion moments prove that nobody does method dressing like her. Take a look.</p>

Web of style: A look at Zendaya’s jaw-dropping Spider-Man: Brand New Day press tour looks

<p>King Charles III has paid more than £30 million ($39.6 million) in personal taxes since becoming monarch in September 2022, Buckingham Palace announced Thursday, in the first such disclosure by a reigning British sovereign.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The palace, which had confirmed at the weekend that it would make the unprecedented release, said it was part of its "commitment to transparency" as royal finances come under increasing public scrutiny.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Charles's eldest son and heir, Prince William, also for the first time revealed his personal tax information, having paid more than £20 million in taxes since inheriting the title of Prince of Wales when his father became king.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/britain-once-wanted-queen-elizabeth-out-of-buckingham-palace-70-years-later-king-charles-makes-it-a-reality-inside-the-untold-story-1782452234829"><strong>Britain once wanted Queen Elizabeth out of Buckingham Palace. 70 years later, King Charles makes it a reality: INSIDE the untold story</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>UK monarchs are legally exempt from paying certain taxes, though they have paid some duties voluntarily for decades, and they also have no obligation to disclose their private tax bills.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"The amount of tax payable by His Majesty since Accession is more than £30 million," the palace said within a wider press release updating various aspects of royal finances.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It noted in the two full tax years since he acceded to the throne on September 10, 2022, his personal bill was £24.6 million.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>That comprised £11.7 million in 2023-24 and £12.9 million in 2024-25. Tax years in Britain run from early April.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It did not give the figure for 2022 to 2023.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>William, 44, paid more than £20 million in income and capital gains taxes since inheriting the title when Charles became king.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He stumped up £8.34 million in 2023-24 and £7.76 million in the 2024-25 tax year.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/king-charles-leads-royal-family-during-trooping-the-colour-2026-celebrations-1781365352904"><strong>King Charles leads Royal Family during Trooping the Colour 2026 celebrations</strong></a></p><h2>Growing scrutiny</h2><p>Charles began releasing his personal tax information as heir to the throne.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But he has broken with custom by continuing that as king -- his mother and predecessor Queen Elizabeth II never did during her record-breaking seven-decade reign.</p><p>British monarchs get money from various sources.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>They include the publicly-funded Sovereign Grant as well as private Duchy of Lancaster income worth tens of millions of pounds more, which also helps fund personal expenses and some official duties.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The sovereign's other private sources of income include their Balmoral and Sandringham estates as well as art, jewellery and stamp collections, investments and private savings.</p><p>Under UK law, monarchs do not have to pay income, capital gains or inheritance taxes.</p><p>However, since 1993 they have voluntarily paid the first two, following public pressure and scrutiny of the royals' opaque finances after a Windsor Castle fire required expensive repairs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>That scrutiny has renewed amid recent scandals surrounding the disgraced former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and revelations he had been paying only a token "peppercorn" rent on a Windsor estate mansion.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/kate-middleton-channels-princess-diana-with-blue-dress-at-trooping-the-colour-in-pics-1781354795386"><strong>Kate channels Princess Diana with blue dress at Trooping the Colour: In pics</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Thursday's raft of disclosures showed the Sovereign Grant, the core funding of the monarchy, will be set at £99.9 million a year in 2027-28.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The annual government payment to cover the costs of official royal duties and palaces had been increased by over half in 2025-2026 to £132.1 million to cover renovation costs for Buckingham Palace and other royal buildings.</p><h2>Palace project</h2><p>The grant will rise again for 2026-27 to £137.9 million, to "deliver funding for the final year" of the major, £370-million Buckingham Palace refurbishment project, the palace said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It noted Charles and his wife Queen Camilla "will not make Buckingham Palace a personal residence" once the major 10-year modernisation project there is completed.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The decision was "reflecting Their Majesties' wishes that the Palace remains the ceremonial centre of Royal life, the primary workplace of the Royal Household and a national heritage asset with increased opportunities for public access".</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/who-is-peter-phillips-and-why-is-prince-harry-skipping-his-wedding-1780549597139"><strong>Who is Peter Phillips, and why is Prince Harry skipping his wedding?</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Nearby Clarence House will remain the royal couple's London home, it added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The grant funding boost will also pay for a backlog in maintenance at occupied royal palaces, energy-efficient heating systems and strengthening cyber security, among other things, according to the palace.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, the Crown Estate, an independent, commercial business which oversees the royals' land and property holdings, but hands the proceeds to the government, announced its profits had slumped over the past year.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>They determine the size of the grant, which is currently set at 12 percent of its proceeds from two years earlier.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the year to March, operating profits at the Estate, which owns huge swathes of land as well as the seabed and much of the coastline around Britain, fell to £1.2 billion.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>That compared with £1.4 billion the previous year, with the drop primarily linked to reduced offshore wind fees as projects entered a new construction phase.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> <i>This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</i></p>

Buckingham Palace has released King Charles III's personal tax details for the first time. It shows the monarch has voluntarily paid more than £30 million in taxes since 2022. Read on to know more.

King Charles III has paid more than £30 million ($39.6 million) in personal taxes since becoming monarch in September 2022, Buckingham Palace announced Thursday, in the first such disclosure by a reigning British sovereign. The palace, which had confirmed at the weekend that it would make the unprecedented release, said it was part of its "commitment to transparency" as royal finances come under increasing public scrutiny. Charles's eldest son and heir, Prince William, also for the first time revealed his personal tax information, having paid more than £20 million in taxes since inheriting the title of Prince of Wales when his father became king. Also Read: Britain once wanted Queen Elizabeth out of Buckingham Palace. 70 years later, King Charles makes it a reality: INSIDE the untold story UK monarchs are legally exempt from paying certain taxes, though they have paid some duties voluntarily for decades, and they also have no obligation to disclose their private tax bills. "The amount of tax payable by His Majesty since Accession is more than £30 million," the palace said within a wider press release updating various aspects of royal finances. It noted in the two full tax years since he acceded to the throne on September 10, 2022, his personal bill was £24.6 million. That comprised £11.7 million in 2023-24 and £12.9 million in 2024-25. Tax years in Britain run from early April. It did not give the figure for 2022 to 2023. William, 44, paid more than £20 million in income and capital gains taxes since inheriting the title when Charles became king. He stumped up £8.34 million in 2023-24 and £7.76 million in the 2024-25 tax year. Also Read: King Charles leads Royal Family during Trooping the Colour 2026 celebrations Growing scrutiny Charles began releasing his personal tax information as heir to the throne. But he has broken with custom by continuing that as king -- his mother and predecessor Queen Elizabeth II never did during her record-breaking seven-decade reign. British monarchs get money from various sources. They include the publicly-funded Sovereign Grant as well as private Duchy of Lancaster income worth tens of millions of pounds more, which also helps fund personal expenses and some official duties. The sovereign's other private sources of income include their Balmoral and Sandringham estates as well as art, jewellery and stamp collections, investments and private savings. Under UK law, monarchs do not have to pay income, capital gains or inheritance taxes. However, since 1993 they have voluntarily paid the first two, following public pressure and scrutiny of the royals' opaque finances after a Windsor Castle fire required expensive repairs. That scrutiny has renewed amid recent scandals surrounding the disgraced former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and revelations he had been paying only a token "peppercorn" rent on a Windsor estate mansion. Also Read: Kate channels Princess Diana with blue dress at Trooping the Colour: In pics Thursday's raft of disclosures showed the Sovereign Grant, the core funding of the monarchy, will be set at £99.9 million a year in 2027-28. The annual government payment to cover the costs of official royal duties and palaces had been increased by over half in 2025-2026 to £132.1 million to cover renovation costs for Buckingham Palace and other royal buildings. Palace project The grant will rise again for 2026-27 to £137.9 million, to "deliver funding for the final year" of the major, £370-million Buckingham Palace refurbishment project, the palace said. It noted Charles and his wife Queen Camilla "will not make Buckingham Palace a personal residence" once the major 10-year modernisation project there is completed. The decision was "reflecting Their Majesties' wishes that the Palace remains the ceremonial centre of Royal life, the primary workplace of the Royal Household and a national heritage asset with increased opportunities for public access". Also Read: Who is Peter Phillips, and why is Prince Harry skipping his wedding? Nearby Clarence House will remain the royal couple's London home, it added. The grant funding boost will also pay for a backlog in maintenance at occupied royal palaces, energy-efficient heating systems and strengthening cyber security, among other things, according to the palace. Meanwhile, the Crown Estate, an independent, commercial business which oversees the royals' land and property holdings, but hands the proceeds to the government, announced its profits had slumped over the past year. They determine the size of the grant, which is currently set at 12 percent of its proceeds from two years earlier. In the year to March, operating profits at the Estate, which owns huge swathes of land as well as the seabed and much of the coastline around Britain, fell to £1.2 billion. That compared with £1.4 billion the previous year, with the drop primarily linked to reduced offshore wind fees as projects entered a new construction phase. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p>Buckingham Palace has released King Charles III's personal tax details for the first time. It shows the monarch has voluntarily paid more than £30 million in taxes since 2022. Read on to know more.</p>

King Charles III breaks royal tradition by revealing personal tax bill

Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the United States, is expecting her fourth child with her husband, Vice President JD Vance. Since the announcement, she has time and again won hearts with her looks, but above all, her $8 dress has become the talk of the town.

<p>Usha Vance, the Second Lady of the United States, is expecting her fourth child with her husband, Vice President JD Vance. Since the announcement, she has time and again won hearts with her looks, but above all, her $8 dress has become the talk of the town.</p>

From $8 dress to $ 1000 designer looks: Decoding Usha Vance’s pregnancy style

<p>China is facing backlash due to a disturbing new social media craze that seems to have originated in the country. Known for exporting creative novelty items, the country's latest viral sensation has led global critics to condemn the ideologies behind it. Content creators across major Chinese platforms have been sharing videos targeting a specific stress-relief toy called the Natasha Doll. Aimed to help a person with stress relief, the toy has brought global criticism for the country, with many stating that the toy promotes dangerous, deep-seated racism and normalises violence.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>From Quirky Squeeze Toy to Viral Sensation</h2><p>The product at the centre of the global storm is the Natasha Doll, a squishy, pocket-sized stress toy shaped like a human baby. While the doll is manufactured in three distinct shades—white, brown, and black—the dark-skinned variant featuring exaggerated facial characteristics has become the most widely circulated version online.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The trend initially gained traction on domestic Chinese platforms like RedNote and Douyin before spilling over onto global social media. CNN, citing Chinese state media Xinhua, reported that the craze originally sparked after a domestic vlogger playfully treated the squishy toy like his own daughter, naming it Natasha.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, as the trend grew, it quickly mutated into a race for online engagement.&nbsp;</p><h2>Shock Value and Dehumanizing Social Media Trends</h2><p>Influencers have been uploading videos showcasing increasingly violent scenarios—filming themselves stretching, boiling, beating, and stomping on the dark-skinned baby dolls. What started as an innocent stress-relief fad has rapidly mutated into a serious ethical question about how deeply racial biases are still embedded in the human psyche.</p><h2>&nbsp;‘Absolutely Diabolical’</h2><p>The internet's response has been a mix of horror and outrage. Members of the Black community in China and across the globe have strongly condemned the trend. According to reports by the Hong Kong Free Press, community members labelled the viral content as "absolutely diabolical," arguing that framing the explicit abuse of a Black caricature as comedic entertainment normalises racism.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Prominent advocates and medical professionals have also stepped forward to highlight the deep-rooted issues at play.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“No design is created, marketed, and sold in isolation of thought and purpose. The design, manufacturing, and selling of a Black baby doll to abuse at one’s whim is at the root of the existence of movements like Black Lives Matter.”— Monique Franz, Writer and Founder of Kinsman Avenue Publishing wrote on social media. &nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is disgusting racism towards black people.<br><br>Chinese influencer travels to Nigeria to take part in “harm this Natasha trend” involving black doll.<br><br>Dear Africa, China is not your friend <a href="https://t.co/cpEuebozo3">pic.twitter.com/cpEuebozo3</a></p>&mdash; Vajra🇮🇳 (@BholeNath_wasi) <a href="https://x.com/BholeNath_wasi/status/2067459773205721320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 18, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is the Natasha doll that the Chinese use for stress relief. <a href="https://t.co/9Pbl2wDy7G">pic.twitter.com/9Pbl2wDy7G</a></p>&mdash; Fuhgeddaboudit News (@FuhgedNews) <a href="https://x.com/FuhgedNews/status/2061927502210097268?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 2, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>A Worrying Pattern of Exploitation</h2><p>This isn't an isolated incident, but part of a larger, systemic racial undertone in Chinese digital spaces. Critics have pointed out parallels to a 2022 BBC investigation, which exposed a dark industry where children in sub-Saharan Africa were paid minimal amounts to perform degrading, scripted videos specifically tailored for Chinese social media audiences.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Together, these instances present a troubling pattern where dark-skinned individuals and imagery are used as cheap, disposable props for online monetisation.</p>

A viral Chinese social media trend surrounding a squishy baby toy named the Natasha Doll has sparked global outrage. Creators are filming themselves violently beating, boiling, and stomping on the dark-skinned version of the doll for views. 

China is facing backlash due to a disturbing new social media craze that seems to have originated in the country. Known for exporting creative novelty items, the country's latest viral sensation has led global critics to condemn the ideologies behind it. Content creators across major Chinese platforms have been sharing videos targeting a specific stress-relief toy called the Natasha Doll. Aimed to help a person with stress relief, the toy has brought global criticism for the country, with many stating that the toy promotes dangerous, deep-seated racism and normalises violence. From Quirky Squeeze Toy to Viral Sensation The product at the centre of the global storm is the Natasha Doll, a squishy, pocket-sized stress toy shaped like a human baby. While the doll is manufactured in three distinct shades—white, brown, and black—the dark-skinned variant featuring exaggerated facial characteristics has become the most widely circulated version online. The trend initially gained traction on domestic Chinese platforms like RedNote and Douyin before spilling over onto global social media. CNN, citing Chinese state media Xinhua, reported that the craze originally sparked after a domestic vlogger playfully treated the squishy toy like his own daughter, naming it Natasha. However, as the trend grew, it quickly mutated into a race for online engagement. Shock Value and Dehumanizing Social Media Trends Influencers have been uploading videos showcasing increasingly violent scenarios—filming themselves stretching, boiling, beating, and stomping on the dark-skinned baby dolls. What started as an innocent stress-relief fad has rapidly mutated into a serious ethical question about how deeply racial biases are still embedded in the human psyche. ‘Absolutely Diabolical’ The internet's response has been a mix of horror and outrage. Members of the Black community in China and across the globe have strongly condemned the trend. According to reports by the Hong Kong Free Press, community members labelled the viral content as "absolutely diabolical," arguing that framing the explicit abuse of a Black caricature as comedic entertainment normalises racism. Prominent advocates and medical professionals have also stepped forward to highlight the deep-rooted issues at play. “No design is created, marketed, and sold in isolation of thought and purpose. The design, manufacturing, and selling of a Black baby doll to abuse at one’s whim is at the root of the existence of movements like Black Lives Matter.”— Monique Franz, Writer and Founder of Kinsman Avenue Publishing wrote on social media.

<p>A viral Chinese social media trend surrounding a squishy baby toy named the Natasha Doll has sparked global outrage. Creators are filming themselves violently beating, boiling, and stomping on the dark-skinned version of the doll for views.&nbsp;</p>

'Absolutely Diabolical’: All about China's Natasha Doll that has triggered global backlash

Method dressing is the hottest celebrity fashion trend, with stars embracing outfits inspired by their films and characters. From pink ensembles to sporty looks, here's curated information on what method dressing is and why the stars are obsessed with it.

<p>Method dressing is the hottest celebrity fashion trend, with stars embracing outfits inspired by their films and characters. From pink ensembles to sporty looks, here's curated information on what method dressing is and why the stars are obsessed with it.</p>

What is method dressing? How it started and why Hollywood and Bollywood stars are obsessed with it

<p>It's time for GTA 6! After a long, long wait, Rockstar Games has finally revealed how much fans will have to shell out to buy Grand Theft Auto 6. The price revelation comes after months of rumors, long delays, and endless speculation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After years of rumors, leaks, delays, and endless speculation about whether Grand Theft Auto 6 might become the first $100 video game, the pricing is finally official. While this has been widely discussed, we also can't ignore how gamers are willing to pay whatever it takes to play their favorite titles.</p><h3>Rockstar confirms GTA 6 price and $99.99 Ultimate Edition</h3><p>On June 24, Rockstar Games finally unveiled and confirmed the game's pricing, preorder time, benefits, and more ahead of the scheduled release on Nov 19.</p><p>In the press release, Rockstar Games revealed that the standard edition of GTA 6 will cost $79.99, while the Ultimate Edition is priced at $99.99. They have also confirmed that much like GTA 5, the 6th version will launch without a new GTA Online mode.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>GTA 6 “features a single-player experience set in the biggest, most immersive evolution of the series yet,” reads the press release.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The preorder time is midnight local time on Thursday, June 25. The bonus that comes if you preorder is that &nbsp;the preloading the game will begin a full week early on Nov 12. However, there will be no early access to playtime.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The other bonus additions that comes with preorders and purchases befor Nov 20 is that the users will get the Vintage Vice City Pack, which will have the items from the ‘80s days of the franchise, including Tommy Vercetti’s saga time.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Apar from so many bonuses that Ultimate edition offers across all categories of gear, clothing, cars and more. It also gives access to &nbsp;exclusive vendors. The other things that will be included are like car modification shop, a salon, a tattoo parlor and a clothing store.</p><h3>How netizens reacted to the price?</h3><p>GTA 6 has been long discussed among game lovers, and soon after the price of the new release was revealed, netizens started commenting.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">🚗 GTA 6 Preorders Live<br><br>Rockstar confirmed GTA 6 preorders for June 25 with new cover art and launch details<br><br>Cool fact: GTA 6 is set for Nov. 19, 2026 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S<br><br>Hype train or price check moment?<a href="https://x.com/hashtag/GTA6?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GTA6</a> <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/Rockstar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rockstar</a> <a href="https://t.co/q93m9mzPOQ">pic.twitter.com/q93m9mzPOQ</a></p>&mdash; The Lounge (@The_HappyLounge) <a href="https://x.com/The_HappyLounge/status/2069801809925816373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>One user wrote,''$79.99 is fine if GTA 6 delivers. Nobody will complain about the price if the game gives you thousands of hours of entertainment.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">GTA 6 isn&#39;t even out yet, how does it justify its price? And mario kart world is a great game. Smh.</p>&mdash; B-Mac (@THE_BMAC19) <a href="https://x.com/THE_BMAC19/status/2069801895267389823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 24, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Another X user wrote,''GTA 6 isn't even out yet, how does it justify its price? And mario kart world is a great game. Smh.''</p>

Rockstar Games has officially revealed the pricing and preorder details for Grand Theft Auto 6 ahead of its November 19 release. The Standard Edition will cost $79.99, while the Ultimate Edition is priced at $99.99.

It's time for GTA 6! After a long, long wait, Rockstar Games has finally revealed how much fans will have to shell out to buy Grand Theft Auto 6. The price revelation comes after months of rumors, long delays, and endless speculation. After years of rumors, leaks, delays, and endless speculation about whether Grand Theft Auto 6 might become the first $100 video game, the pricing is finally official. While this has been widely discussed, we also can't ignore how gamers are willing to pay whatever it takes to play their favorite titles. Rockstar confirms GTA 6 price and $99.99 Ultimate Edition On June 24, Rockstar Games finally unveiled and confirmed the game's pricing, preorder time, benefits, and more ahead of the scheduled release on Nov 19. In the press release, Rockstar Games revealed that the standard edition of GTA 6 will cost $79.99, while the Ultimate Edition is priced at $99.99. They have also confirmed that much like GTA 5, the 6th version will launch without a new GTA Online mode. GTA 6 “features a single-player experience set in the biggest, most immersive evolution of the series yet,” reads the press release. The preorder time is midnight local time on Thursday, June 25. The bonus that comes if you preorder is that the preloading the game will begin a full week early on Nov 12. However, there will be no early access to playtime. The other bonus additions that comes with preorders and purchases befor Nov 20 is that the users will get the Vintage Vice City Pack, which will have the items from the ‘80s days of the franchise, including Tommy Vercetti’s saga time. Apar from so many bonuses that Ultimate edition offers across all categories of gear, clothing, cars and more. It also gives access to exclusive vendors. The other things that will be included are like car modification shop, a salon, a tattoo parlor and a clothing store. How netizens reacted to the price? GTA 6 has been long discussed among game lovers, and soon after the price of the new release was revealed, netizens started commenting.

<p>Rockstar Games has officially revealed the pricing and preorder details for Grand Theft Auto 6 ahead of its November 19 release. The Standard Edition will cost $79.99, while the Ultimate Edition is priced at $99.99.</p>

GTA 6 price finally revealed: Check preorder date and exclusive bonuses

<p>Each year, urologists in India see a definite spike in patients presenting with kidney stones during the summer months. Appointments for consultation and surgical interventions are booked several weeks in advance. Those suffering from urological issues for the first time come seeking help with complaints of acute pain, shocked to learn that there was even a connection with the weather. There is a documented connection between summer heat and the development of kidney stones. Despite this, there is an awareness gap on this topic, which results in entirely avoidable consequences.</p><h3>The heat-dehydration-stone connection</h3><p>One of the main reasons kidney stones develop is when urine is supersaturated with certain minerals, usually calcium oxalate, uric acid, or calcium phosphate, which then crystallise and aggregate over a period. The main reason behind this supersaturation is a decrease in urine volume. During summer, our bodies lose a large amount of fluid through sweating, and if we do not increase our water intake Because of this, then urine output will decrease and become more concentrated.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In reality, several studies have proven that having daily urine production lower than one litre is very likely to cause stones. In summertime, for example, where adults tend to work in open fields without any air conditioners, taking such amounts of water becomes difficult.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But by taking proper steps, kidney stone formation, especially during the summer, can be avoided by filling the awareness gap among people.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sharing his advice on this, Dr Sudhir Kumar Sharma, Senior Consultant of District Hospital, Kanpur, has said, ''To reduce the risk of stone formation in the kidney during the summer season, it is advised to keep maximum water intake and mix lemon extracts in water. One should at least take 3 litres of water daily. Also, one should avoid artificial drinks, tea, a high-protein diet and chocolates as these substances increase the risk. One should only go outside if it is necessary and take proper steps to avoid excessive sweating, keeping the water level in the body intact.''</p><h3>Why do some people face more risks than others?</h3><p>Individuals do not share equal risk for kidney stones. For instance, individuals with a history of forming kidney stones either personally or through their family members are likely to develop stones as they retain their metabolic risk factors even when they are not actively forming the stones. Gout, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and any other chronic gastrointestinal disorders, including Crohn’s disease, are also known to put individuals at risk since they affect their urine acidity and absorption of oxalates. Diets rich in proteins and salt will cause increased amounts of calcium and uric acid in urine, thereby causing more risk of stones.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Representative image of Kidney

<p>Vitamin C supplements taken during summer to boost one’s immunity can actually cause increased amounts of oxalates in urine.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Chairman of Steris Healthcare Mr Jeevan Kasara says, “The summer season imposes a great deal of strain on the body, especially when it comes to the functioning of the kidneys. With the increase in temperature comes an increase in the amount of fluid loss via sweating; and in case hydration levels are not effectively maintained, the chances of forming kidney stones are very high. The worrying factor here is that people only become aware of the dangers of dehydration after developing complications. Just by taking some preventative measures like consuming enough fluids and avoiding excess salty foods, one can avoid kidney problems.”</p>

<h3>Dietary factors complicating the problem</h3><p>During summer, diet choices often tend to be detrimental to kidney health. More cold beverages and juices, as well as other sports drinks, are consumed. However, all these options may include ingredients such as fructose, phosphoric acid, or various artificial preservatives. Moreover, they do not serve as an adequate replacement for plain drinking water but rather contribute to stone development. Foods with a higher oxalate content, for example, spinach, nuts, chocolates, and tea, are prone to cause stones because of their intake in large quantities combined with low water intake. High salt diet should also be considered, since it stimulates calcium excretion.</p><h3>Ways to protect ourselves during the summer season</h3><p>The easiest way to prevent kidney stones in summer would be to remain hydrated. It would be necessary for a person to consume an adequate amount of water daily in order to maintain clear colored urine, with a minimum consumption of 3 litres per day in the summer. Consumption of lemon water may help because citric acid present in lemons can decrease the risk of developing stones. People who have suffered from kidney stones must avoid salty food and seek medical advice in the summer.</p>

Kidney stone cases rise significantly across India during the summer months, with urologists reporting a surge in consultations and surgeries. Experts have explained why there is an increase in the cases of Kidney stones in the summer sharply. 

Each year, urologists in India see a definite spike in patients presenting with kidney stones during the summer months. Appointments for consultation and surgical interventions are booked several weeks in advance. Those suffering from urological issues for the first time come seeking help with complaints of acute pain, shocked to learn that there was even a connection with the weather. There is a documented connection between summer heat and the development of kidney stones. Despite this, there is an awareness gap on this topic, which results in entirely avoidable consequences. The heat-dehydration-stone connection One of the main reasons kidney stones develop is when urine is supersaturated with certain minerals, usually calcium oxalate, uric acid, or calcium phosphate, which then crystallise and aggregate over a period. The main reason behind this supersaturation is a decrease in urine volume. During summer, our bodies lose a large amount of fluid through sweating, and if we do not increase our water intake Because of this, then urine output will decrease and become more concentrated. In reality, several studies have proven that having daily urine production lower than one litre is very likely to cause stones. In summertime, for example, where adults tend to work in open fields without any air conditioners, taking such amounts of water becomes difficult. But by taking proper steps, kidney stone formation, especially during the summer, can be avoided by filling the awareness gap among people. Sharing his advice on this, Dr Sudhir Kumar Sharma, Senior Consultant of District Hospital, Kanpur, has said, ''To reduce the risk of stone formation in the kidney during the summer season, it is advised to keep maximum water intake and mix lemon extracts in water. One should at least take 3 litres of water daily. Also, one should avoid artificial drinks, tea, a high-protein diet and chocolates as these substances increase the risk. One should only go outside if it is necessary and take proper steps to avoid excessive sweating, keeping the water level in the body intact.'' Why do some people face more risks than others? Individuals do not share equal risk for kidney stones. For instance, individuals with a history of forming kidney stones either personally or through their family members are likely to develop stones as they retain their metabolic risk factors even when they are not actively forming the stones. Gout, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and any other chronic gastrointestinal disorders, including Crohn’s disease, are also known to put individuals at risk since they affect their urine acidity and absorption of oxalates. Diets rich in proteins and salt will cause increased amounts of calcium and uric acid in urine, thereby causing more risk of stones.

<p>Kidney stone cases rise significantly across India during the summer months, with urologists reporting a surge in consultations and surgeries. Experts have explained why there is an increase in the cases of Kidney stones in the summer sharply.&nbsp;</p>

Why Kidney stone cases rise sharply in summer - and how to protect yourself | Expert explains

<p>Mothers have long been the backbone of families for generations. Being the first one to wake up and last one to rest, they have been managing countless responsibilities – packing lunch boxes, making sure the children catch the school bus, preparing meals, caring for loved ones and fulfilling their children’s wishes. However, one thing has changed in today’s modern world. As dual-income households become increasingly common, more women are pursuing full-time careers. Apart from school schedules, household chores and caregiving duties, mothers also face the responsibility of office deadlines, meetings, performance targets and career ambitions, managing two demanding worlds at the same time.</p><p>In an increasingly fast-paced and digital society, new pressures have been brought in for many working mothers as they balance parenting and work. While greater opportunities have opened doors for women in the workplace, they have also highlighted the often-overlooked realities of modern parenting, where the demands of work and family frequently collide.</p><h2><strong>Challenge of balancing two worlds</strong></h2><p>Anamica Singh, a working mother, spoke about her challenges of balancing work and parenting. She described how sometimes work keeps her absent from her children’s routines. “There are things at home with kids that you need to deal with, but at the same time, you know that you have to be at work at a certain hour.”</p><p>“Like for me, I am already out of the home when they are going to school. Then there is the mental load of keeping track of every tiny thing. For example, if one of them needs to be given a particular medicine and I am at work, I have to remember to call home to remind someone to do that. It is like an alarm goes off in your brain at particular hours,” she described.</p><p>Another working mother, Arushi Mathur, said that the most challenging part about balancing work commitments and parents comes when both demand immediate attention at the same time, which happens quite often. “There are times when I have an urgent deadline to meet, or an urgent email, and an unexpected illness or a tantrum also comes along,” she said. “I also sometimes feel that a professional support system is limited, which makes it harder to meet responsibilities and expectations. I find myself constantly prioritising daily tasks.”</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/the-science-behind-why-you-keep-scrolling-and-how-it-rewires-your-brain-1781455009989"><strong>The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Screen time: A practical solution or a parenting dilemma?</strong></h2><p>To help manage their child’s time, parents sometimes resort to digital devices, which are often associated with bad influences due to the harmful effects of screen time. Sharing her experience, Singh said that parents, especially mothers, are often made to feel bad for giving their kids phones or letting them watch TV.</p><p>“I absolutely do not want my kids to be addicted to screens just because I don’t have time for them. But when you have had a gruelling day and are tired to the bone, if a phone can get them to finish their dinner and go to bed, I am up for it,” said Singh, who is a mother of two kids, aged six and 11.</p><p>Mathur said that while she wants her two-year-old child to engage in more outdoor and hands-on activities, “a limited screentime can be a helpful tool for creating a little breathing room during busy days”.</p><p>Health experts recommend that screen time for children below 2 years should only be limited to video calls. For kids aged 2-5 years, screen use should stay around an hour a day, under adult supervision.</p><p>“For older children, the ‘right’ boundaries should make sure screens don’t interfere with sleep, exercise, homework, or family back and forth. Parental direction, plus balanced use, is the key part here, overall,” said Dr Rakshay Shetty, Clinical Director, Pediatric Services Head, Pediatric Intensive Care Services, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Marathahalli.</p><p><strong>Watch | Gen Z Beating Millennials? New Study Reveals Surprising Income Gap</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gen-z-beating-millennials-new-study-reveals-surprising-income-gap-1782188838606/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/gen-z-beating-millennials-new-study-reveals-surprising-income-gap-1782188838606/embed</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Why quality time matters</strong></h2><p>Speaking to medical professionals on the subject, WION learned that it is “extremely important” for children to have quality time with parents. They also highlighted that the quantity of time spent with children is also essential for their development.</p><p>“Child development gets built from repeated, predictable interactions throughout the day, not only during those carefully staged or specially planned moments. Kids often gain emotional security from feeling that a caregiver is there in a steady way and that they will respond,” Dr. Sujatha Thyagarajan said.</p><p>Dr Thyagarajan, Lead &amp; HOD - Pediatric Intensive Care and Pediatric Emergency at Aster Whitefield Hospital, further explained, “That said, it doesn’t really mean working mothers have to be physically present every single moment, or even every hour, which is a more realistic view. The big point is the quality of attachment, the degree of responsiveness, and the emotional availability during the time together. Like, a parent who stays attentive, truly engaged, and emotionally linked for a few focused hours can often offer more developmental value than many hours where everyone is technically there but distracted.”</p><h2><strong>Small daily habits that make a difference</strong></h2><p>Dr Nitin M, Consultant - Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru, recommended what daily habits working mothers can adopt for the development of their child.</p><p>“A regular schedule for waking up in the morning and preparing for bed will bring about great stability. Spending just fifteen minutes each day connecting with your child without any distraction from the gadgets, by either reading with him or telling stories from the day’s activities, provides a tremendous sense of security,” Dr Nitin said.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/wion-decodes-why-does-coffee-calm-some-people-instead-of-waking-them-up-here-s-what-science-says-1780995139137"><strong>WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up? Here’s what science says</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Building emotional resilience in children</strong></h2><p>According to pediatricians, children thrive when they feel heard, understood and accepted. Open conversations about their feelings, experiences, friendships and worries help build emotional awareness and resilience. Parents play a crucial role by actively listening, validating emotions and creating a safe, judgment-free environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves. Simple everyday interactions during meals, playtime or bedtime can strengthen trust and emotional connection.</p><p>“When children feel safe enough to share their thoughts, and they know the adults around them will stand by them, they are more likely to develop solid emotional well-being and healthier coping skills,” Dr Shetty said.</p><p>The experts also cautioned parents against overindulging children with a bunch of material gifts to make up for their absence while working. Dr Thyagarajan explained that while it can be well-intentioned, “these actions don’t really touch a child’s real need for connection. And weirdly enough, they can also nudge along behavioural or emotional issues later.”</p><h2><strong>Parenting in the age of working motherhood</strong></h2><p>It is obvious that parenting has changed in our modern society, with working mothers today often facing the unique burden of balancing careers with the continuing responsibility of managing a home and raising children.</p><p>“With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, it has become challenging for parents to constantly balance work, parenting and personal responsibilities,” Mathur said. “Parents of this generation required a different kind of adaptability and planning that it did in previous generations.”</p><p>She added that parents today have less support due to the rise of nuclear families. She also stated that changing parenting advice can sometimes conflict with traditional practices.</p><p>Singh said, “It has become harder for women because they can never completely shun the responsibility of home and kids, even when not available at all times. I do not want my kids to feel like I am not there for them when I am at work. So no matter how tired I am, I listen to them when they talk, when they want to show something, play with me, etc. As I said, mom guilt never ends. So it is double the work and double the stress, yet we do not want to give up any of it.”</p>

As more women pursue careers, working mothers are balancing jobs, childcare and household responsibilities, facing new pressures as they navigate the competing demands of work and family life. Here’s how they navigate challenges.

Mothers have long been the backbone of families for generations. Being the first one to wake up and last one to rest, they have been managing countless responsibilities – packing lunch boxes, making sure the children catch the school bus, preparing meals, caring for loved ones and fulfilling their children’s wishes. However, one thing has changed in today’s modern world. As dual-income households become increasingly common, more women are pursuing full-time careers. Apart from school schedules, household chores and caregiving duties, mothers also face the responsibility of office deadlines, meetings, performance targets and career ambitions, managing two demanding worlds at the same time. In an increasingly fast-paced and digital society, new pressures have been brought in for many working mothers as they balance parenting and work. While greater opportunities have opened doors for women in the workplace, they have also highlighted the often-overlooked realities of modern parenting, where the demands of work and family frequently collide. Challenge of balancing two worlds Anamica Singh, a working mother, spoke about her challenges of balancing work and parenting. She described how sometimes work keeps her absent from her children’s routines. “There are things at home with kids that you need to deal with, but at the same time, you know that you have to be at work at a certain hour.” “Like for me, I am already out of the home when they are going to school. Then there is the mental load of keeping track of every tiny thing. For example, if one of them needs to be given a particular medicine and I am at work, I have to remember to call home to remind someone to do that. It is like an alarm goes off in your brain at particular hours,” she described. Another working mother, Arushi Mathur, said that the most challenging part about balancing work commitments and parents comes when both demand immediate attention at the same time, which happens quite often. “There are times when I have an urgent deadline to meet, or an urgent email, and an unexpected illness or a tantrum also comes along,” she said. “I also sometimes feel that a professional support system is limited, which makes it harder to meet responsibilities and expectations. I find myself constantly prioritising daily tasks.” Also read | The science behind why you keep scrolling – and how it rewires your brain Screen time: A practical solution or a parenting dilemma? To help manage their child’s time, parents sometimes resort to digital devices, which are often associated with bad influences due to the harmful effects of screen time. Sharing her experience, Singh said that parents, especially mothers, are often made to feel bad for giving their kids phones or letting them watch TV. “I absolutely do not want my kids to be addicted to screens just because I don’t have time for them. But when you have had a gruelling day and are tired to the bone, if a phone can get them to finish their dinner and go to bed, I am up for it,” said Singh, who is a mother of two kids, aged six and 11. Mathur said that while she wants her two-year-old child to engage in more outdoor and hands-on activities, “a limited screentime can be a helpful tool for creating a little breathing room during busy days”. Health experts recommend that screen time for children below 2 years should only be limited to video calls. For kids aged 2-5 years, screen use should stay around an hour a day, under adult supervision. “For older children, the ‘right’ boundaries should make sure screens don’t interfere with sleep, exercise, homework, or family back and forth. Parental direction, plus balanced use, is the key part here, overall,” said Dr Rakshay Shetty, Clinical Director, Pediatric Services Head, Pediatric Intensive Care Services, Rainbow Children’s Hospital, Marathahalli. Watch | Gen Z Beating Millennials? New Study Reveals Surprising Income Gap https://www.wionews.com/videos/gen-z-beating-millennials-new-study-reveals-surprising-income-gap-1782188838606/embed Why quality time matters Speaking to medical professionals on the subject, WION learned that it is “extremely important” for children to have quality time with parents. They also highlighted that the quantity of time spent with children is also essential for their development. “Child development gets built from repeated, predictable interactions throughout the day, not only during those carefully staged or specially planned moments. Kids often gain emotional security from feeling that a caregiver is there in a steady way and that they will respond,” Dr. Sujatha Thyagarajan said. Dr Thyagarajan, Lead & HOD - Pediatric Intensive Care and Pediatric Emergency at Aster Whitefield Hospital, further explained, “That said, it doesn’t really mean working mothers have to be physically present every single moment, or even every hour, which is a more realistic view. The big point is the quality of attachment, the degree of responsiveness, and the emotional availability during the time together. Like, a parent who stays attentive, truly engaged, and emotionally linked for a few focused hours can often offer more developmental value than many hours where everyone is technically there but distracted.” Small daily habits that make a difference Dr Nitin M, Consultant - Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Electronic City, Bengaluru, recommended what daily habits working mothers can adopt for the development of their child. “A regular schedule for waking up in the morning and preparing for bed will bring about great stability. Spending just fifteen minutes each day connecting with your child without any distraction from the gadgets, by either reading with him or telling stories from the day’s activities, provides a tremendous sense of security,” Dr Nitin said. Also read | WION Decodes | Why does coffee calm some people instead of waking them up? Here’s what science says Building emotional resilience in children According to pediatricians, children thrive when they feel heard, understood and accepted. Open conversations about their feelings, experiences, friendships and worries help build emotional awareness and resilience. Parents play a crucial role by actively listening, validating emotions and creating a safe, judgment-free environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves. Simple everyday interactions during meals, playtime or bedtime can strengthen trust and emotional connection. “When children feel safe enough to share their thoughts, and they know the adults around them will stand by them, they are more likely to develop solid emotional well-being and healthier coping skills,” Dr Shetty said. The experts also cautioned parents against overindulging children with a bunch of material gifts to make up for their absence while working. Dr Thyagarajan explained that while it can be well-intentioned, “these actions don’t really touch a child’s real need for connection. And weirdly enough, they can also nudge along behavioural or emotional issues later.” Parenting in the age of working motherhood It is obvious that parenting has changed in our modern society, with working mothers today often facing the unique burden of balancing careers with the continuing responsibility of managing a home and raising children. “With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, it has become challenging for parents to constantly balance work, parenting and personal responsibilities,” Mathur said. “Parents of this generation required a different kind of adaptability and planning that it did in previous generations.” She added that parents today have less support due to the rise of nuclear families. She also stated that changing parenting advice can sometimes conflict with traditional practices. Singh said, “It has become harder for women because they can never completely shun the responsibility of home and kids, even when not available at all times. I do not want my kids to feel like I am not there for them when I am at work. So no matter how tired I am, I listen to them when they talk, when they want to show something, play with me, etc. As I said, mom guilt never ends. So it is double the work and double the stress, yet we do not want to give up any of it.”

<p>As more women pursue careers, working mothers are balancing jobs, childcare and household responsibilities, facing new pressures as they navigate the competing demands of work and family life. Here’s how they navigate challenges.</p>

The impossible balance: How working mothers navigate parenting, careers and family life

<p>Utopian or dystopian? Imagine a world governed by AI; humanoids are regular, and the sight of none surprises you. Cut to them teaching you yoga; you can't hear your familiar guru asking you to keep you spine erect. What would that look like? Some reality check: AI gurus and yoginis exist so far only as assistants. Humans frustrated by skewed work-life balance have created models to help students, but an existing AI teacher can track your posture based on 21 marked joints and also assess your performance.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For those familiar with a teacher's presence and believe that yoga is not as much about perfection on day one but a journey. Living in a world where supermarkets have 'smile, you're on camera' tags to reassure and inform us that CCTV cameras are fitted. Now, imagine to be in camera through and being surveilled through your 'peaceful' practice.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-bollywood-to-cricket-how-yoga-became-india-s-biggest-global-success-story-1782040787501"><strong>12th International Yoga Day: From Bollywood to cricket, how yoga became India's biggest global success story</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>From knowledge passed on through generations to moving to a point where a machine will use their profound knowledge as mere data. We, Indians, who were introduced to yoga during our formative days, may be uncomfortable with these ideas. But it certainly may be a boon for those residing in accessible locations, and for those with difficulty in finding a guru, this may be a boon. It still leaves us with why, when, and how soon?</p><h2><br>What AI is good at:&nbsp;</h2><p><br>Catching blatant form drift, tracking consistency metrics over time, giving low-cost and private access to beginners who are too self-conscious for a studio, and preventing common repetitive strain injuries.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/international-yoga-day-2026-bollywood-celebrities-mark-yoga-for-healthy-ageing-with-effective-yoga-sessions-1782020476789"><strong>International Yoga Day 2026: Bollywood celebrities mark ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’ with effective yoga sessions</strong></a></p><h2>What AI tends to miss:&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</h2><p>The energetic atmosphere of a class, the deep philosophy behind the practice, nuanced modifications for complex injuries, and the empathetic, intuitive touch of a human teacher who knows exactly when to tell you to rest.</p>

From ancient lineages to algorithmic tracking, discover how AI yoga teachers offer unmatched accessibility for some, while raising deep privacy concerns for others.

Utopian or dystopian? Imagine a world governed by AI; humanoids are regular, and the sight of none surprises you. Cut to them teaching you yoga; you can't hear your familiar guru asking you to keep you spine erect. What would that look like? Some reality check: AI gurus and yoginis exist so far only as assistants. Humans frustrated by skewed work-life balance have created models to help students, but an existing AI teacher can track your posture based on 21 marked joints and also assess your performance. For those familiar with a teacher's presence and believe that yoga is not as much about perfection on day one but a journey. Living in a world where supermarkets have 'smile, you're on camera' tags to reassure and inform us that CCTV cameras are fitted. Now, imagine to be in camera through and being surveilled through your 'peaceful' practice. Also read: 12th International Yoga Day: From Bollywood to cricket, how yoga became India's biggest global success story From knowledge passed on through generations to moving to a point where a machine will use their profound knowledge as mere data. We, Indians, who were introduced to yoga during our formative days, may be uncomfortable with these ideas. But it certainly may be a boon for those residing in accessible locations, and for those with difficulty in finding a guru, this may be a boon. It still leaves us with why, when, and how soon? What AI is good at: Catching blatant form drift, tracking consistency metrics over time, giving low-cost and private access to beginners who are too self-conscious for a studio, and preventing common repetitive strain injuries. Also read: International Yoga Day 2026: Bollywood celebrities mark ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’ with effective yoga sessions What AI tends to miss: The energetic atmosphere of a class, the deep philosophy behind the practice, nuanced modifications for complex injuries, and the empathetic, intuitive touch of a human teacher who knows exactly when to tell you to rest.

<p>From ancient lineages to algorithmic tracking, discover how AI yoga teachers offer unmatched accessibility for some, while raising deep privacy concerns for others.</p>

From Gurus to Gadgets: The dystopian reality of practicing yoga under AI gaze

<p>On June 21 every year, the world performs a uniquely Indian ritual. From New York's Times Square and the Eiffel Tower precinct in Paris to military bases, universities, embassies and public parks across continents, millions gather with yoga mats to celebrate International Yoga Day. The images have become familiar: diplomats striking poses, soldiers practicing breathing exercises, schoolchildren participating in mass sessions, and world leaders joining yoga events. Few cultural traditions can command such universal participation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Which raises an interesting question: among India's three most recognisable exports: Bollywood, cricket and yoga, which is the country's strongest global brand? For decades, the answer may have been Bollywood. Indian cinema introduced generations of foreigners to the country's culture, music, fashion and traditions. Long before social media connected the world, Bollywood films travelled across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and parts of Europe. Actors became household names far beyond India's borders, creating an emotional connection that few countries could replicate through entertainment alone. Bollywood helped make India visible. Then came cricket's rise.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As India's economy expanded, so did its influence over the sport. Today, India sits at the centre of cricket's financial ecosystem. The Indian Premier League is one of the most valuable sporting competitions in the world, attracting international stars, global sponsors and massive broadcast audiences. India's influence extends beyond the field, shaping everything from scheduling and broadcasting to the commercial future of the game. Cricket made India powerful. Yet both Bollywood and cricket face a common limitation: geography. Bollywood's popularity varies from region to region, while cricket remains concentrated in a relatively small group of nations. Passionate as their audiences may be, neither enjoys truly universal adoption.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/life-fun/12th-international-yoga-day-summer-solstice-to-adiyogi-the-science-and-spirituality-behind-june-21-1782021234890"><strong>12th International Yoga Day: Summer Solstice to Adiyogi - the science and spirituality behind June 21</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Yoga, however, operates differently. Unlike a film or a sporting event, yoga is not something people merely consume. It is something they practice. It becomes part of daily routines, lifestyles and wellness habits. It requires no stadium, no screen and no language. A beginner in Brazil, a teacher in Kenya, a student in Germany and a retiree in Japan can all participate in the same practice despite sharing neither culture nor nationality.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>That universality is what sets yoga apart. The establishment of International Yoga Day by the United Nations in 2014 marked a turning point. What was once viewed primarily as an ancient Indian discipline transformed into a global movement. Every year, governments, municipalities, educational institutions, military organisations and diplomatic missions organise events around the occasion. The scale of participation is difficult to match through any other Indian cultural export.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This is where the discussion shifts from popularity to soft power. Soft power is the ability to influence people through attraction rather than coercion. Bollywood achieves this through storytelling. Cricket achieves it through competition and fandom. Yoga achieves it through lifestyle. That distinction matters. A person may watch a Bollywood film once a month or follow a cricket tournament for a few weeks. A yoga practitioner, however, may engage with an Indian-origin tradition every day. The connection is deeper, more personal and often more enduring. It is also remarkably resilient.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Bollywood faces competition from Hollywood, Korean entertainment and streaming platforms. Cricket competes with football, basketball and other global sports. Yoga, meanwhile, has embedded itself into the rapidly growing wellness industry, which spans fitness, mental health, rehabilitation, mindfulness and preventive healthcare. Its appeal continues to expand rather than fragment.</p><p>This does not diminish the importance of Bollywood or cricket. Indian cinema remains one of the country's most influential cultural exports, while cricket has established India as a sporting and commercial superpower. Together, they have shaped how the world sees India.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But if the measure of success is global reach, institutional acceptance and everyday influence, yoga occupies a category of its own. On International Yoga Day, that reality is visible across continents. In countries where cricket is barely followed and Bollywood films are rarely screened, yoga classes still take place. People who may never visit India, watch an Indian film or attend a cricket match nevertheless interact daily with a practice that originated on Indian soil.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Bollywood made India famous. Cricket made India influential. Yoga may have done something even bigger, it made India a part of everyday life across the world. And that is why, in the contest for India's strongest global brand, yoga might just be winning.</p>

As the world celebrates International Yoga Day, a look at whether yoga has surpassed Bollywood and cricket to become India's most powerful global brand and soft-power tool

On June 21 every year, the world performs a uniquely Indian ritual. From New York's Times Square and the Eiffel Tower precinct in Paris to military bases, universities, embassies and public parks across continents, millions gather with yoga mats to celebrate International Yoga Day. The images have become familiar: diplomats striking poses, soldiers practicing breathing exercises, schoolchildren participating in mass sessions, and world leaders joining yoga events. Few cultural traditions can command such universal participation. Which raises an interesting question: among India's three most recognisable exports: Bollywood, cricket and yoga, which is the country's strongest global brand? For decades, the answer may have been Bollywood. Indian cinema introduced generations of foreigners to the country's culture, music, fashion and traditions. Long before social media connected the world, Bollywood films travelled across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and parts of Europe. Actors became household names far beyond India's borders, creating an emotional connection that few countries could replicate through entertainment alone. Bollywood helped make India visible. Then came cricket's rise. As India's economy expanded, so did its influence over the sport. Today, India sits at the centre of cricket's financial ecosystem. The Indian Premier League is one of the most valuable sporting competitions in the world, attracting international stars, global sponsors and massive broadcast audiences. India's influence extends beyond the field, shaping everything from scheduling and broadcasting to the commercial future of the game. Cricket made India powerful. Yet both Bollywood and cricket face a common limitation: geography. Bollywood's popularity varies from region to region, while cricket remains concentrated in a relatively small group of nations. Passionate as their audiences may be, neither enjoys truly universal adoption. Also Read: 12th International Yoga Day: Summer Solstice to Adiyogi - the science and spirituality behind June 21 Yoga, however, operates differently. Unlike a film or a sporting event, yoga is not something people merely consume. It is something they practice. It becomes part of daily routines, lifestyles and wellness habits. It requires no stadium, no screen and no language. A beginner in Brazil, a teacher in Kenya, a student in Germany and a retiree in Japan can all participate in the same practice despite sharing neither culture nor nationality. That universality is what sets yoga apart. The establishment of International Yoga Day by the United Nations in 2014 marked a turning point. What was once viewed primarily as an ancient Indian discipline transformed into a global movement. Every year, governments, municipalities, educational institutions, military organisations and diplomatic missions organise events around the occasion. The scale of participation is difficult to match through any other Indian cultural export. This is where the discussion shifts from popularity to soft power. Soft power is the ability to influence people through attraction rather than coercion. Bollywood achieves this through storytelling. Cricket achieves it through competition and fandom. Yoga achieves it through lifestyle. That distinction matters. A person may watch a Bollywood film once a month or follow a cricket tournament for a few weeks. A yoga practitioner, however, may engage with an Indian-origin tradition every day. The connection is deeper, more personal and often more enduring. It is also remarkably resilient. Bollywood faces competition from Hollywood, Korean entertainment and streaming platforms. Cricket competes with football, basketball and other global sports. Yoga, meanwhile, has embedded itself into the rapidly growing wellness industry, which spans fitness, mental health, rehabilitation, mindfulness and preventive healthcare. Its appeal continues to expand rather than fragment. This does not diminish the importance of Bollywood or cricket. Indian cinema remains one of the country's most influential cultural exports, while cricket has established India as a sporting and commercial superpower. Together, they have shaped how the world sees India. But if the measure of success is global reach, institutional acceptance and everyday influence, yoga occupies a category of its own. On International Yoga Day, that reality is visible across continents. In countries where cricket is barely followed and Bollywood films are rarely screened, yoga classes still take place. People who may never visit India, watch an Indian film or attend a cricket match nevertheless interact daily with a practice that originated on Indian soil. Bollywood made India famous. Cricket made India influential. Yoga may have done something even bigger, it made India a part of everyday life across the world. And that is why, in the contest for India's strongest global brand, yoga might just be winning.

<p>As International Yoga Day is celebrated worldwide, we compare Bollywood, cricket and yoga to determine which has emerged as India's strongest global brand and most influential soft-power export</p>

12th International Yoga Day: From Bollywood to cricket, how yoga became India's biggest global success story

Every year, the world celebrates International Yoga Day on June 21. Not to be left behind, Bollywood stars have showcased a variety of effective yoga asanas and promoted wellness and mindfulness among their fans and the audience. Here, take a look.

<p>Every year, the world celebrates International Yoga Day on June 21. Not to be left behind, Bollywood stars have showcased a variety of effective yoga asanas and promoted wellness and mindfulness among their fans and the audience. Here, take a look.</p>

International Yoga Day 2026: Bollywood celebrities mark ‘Yoga for Healthy Ageing’ with effective yoga sessions

<p>The world celebrates the International Day of Yoga every year on June 21. The day is meant to raise awareness of the many benefits of yoga and motivate citizens worldwide to make it part of their daily routine. This year’s theme is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, focusing on the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of the practice for individuals across all stages of life.</p><h2>What is yoga?</h2><p>Yoga is an ancient practice that provides harmony to the body, mind and spirit. It contributes to improving an individual's physical strength, mental well-being, and inner awareness, and keeps them active and focused on their work. The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit root "Yuj", which means "to unite" or "to join", symbolising the union of individual consciousness with a state of awareness. Originating in ancient India thousands of years ago, yoga has evolved into a holistic discipline practised at every corner and edge of the world.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-indus-valley-to-instagram-5-000-years-of-yoga-and-journey-of-a-civilization-1782027845696"><strong>From Indus Valley to Instagram: 5,000 years of yoga and journey of a civilization</strong></a></p><h2>Why do we celebrate Yoga Day?</h2><p>The world celebrates International Yoga Day every year on June 21. To raise global awareness about the profound physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga. The day also encourages people worldwide to embrace this ancient practice to manage stress, stay active, and build a healthier, more harmonious lifestyle.</p>

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<h2>Why is yoga important for modern science?</h2><p>Yoga has increasingly captured attention in the field of modern science worldwide. How yoga manages chronic health conditions, reduces stress, and enhances brain function is what's grabbing attention nowadays and encouraging scientists to explore its effects deeply.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/international-yoga-day-2026-the-ancient-practice-that-became-the-world-s-most-participated-in-wellness-movement-1782027309006"><strong>International Yoga Day 2026: How yoga became India's biggest wellness movement</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to <i>Vedanet</i>, "modern science follows an outward orientation of the mind to discern the names, forms and quantities of the external world, which allows it to uncover the secret powers of nature and harness them through technology."</p><h2>What does modern science say about yoga?</h2><p>Reportedly, modern science suggests that yoga can offer several physical and mental health benefits when practised regularly. It is believed that yoga may help reduce stress, improve flexibility and balance, enhance mental well-being, and support overall quality of life. The potential role yoga plays in an individual's life helps in managing conditions such as anxiety, depression, chronic pain, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/international-yoga-day-2026-how-india-took-an-ancient-practice-to-the-united-nations-1782026478914"><strong>International Yoga Day 2026: How India took an ancient practice to the UN</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As per <i>Vedanet</i>, "Neuroscience can prove that yoga and meditation have positive values for body and brain, but science must learn the yogic way of knowledge to truly understand all that yoga can offer as a science of consciousness. This would require a new yogic neuroscience, which means looking beyond the body, nervous system, brain and brain chemistry to a deeper reality of consciousness, transcending time, space and person for a boundless self-awareness pervading the entire universe, the Atman/Purusha of Yoga and Vedanta."</p><h2>Benefits of yoga</h2><p>Yoga offers a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits, making it one of the most holistic wellness practices in the world. Regular yoga practice can improve flexibility, balance, posture, and muscle strength while supporting heart health and overall fitness. Studies have also shown that yoga helps reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression by promoting relaxation and mindfulness. Additionally, it can improve sleep quality, enhance concentration, boost energy levels, and support healthy ageing.&nbsp;</p>

As millions of people across the globe celebrate International Yoga Day 2026, here's a look at what modern science says about yoga and what benefits practising yoga regularly can provide to an individual. 

The world celebrates the International Day of Yoga every year on June 21. The day is meant to raise awareness of the many benefits of yoga and motivate citizens worldwide to make it part of their daily routine. This year’s theme is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing”, focusing on the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of the practice for individuals across all stages of life. What is yoga? Yoga is an ancient practice that provides harmony to the body, mind and spirit. It contributes to improving an individual's physical strength, mental well-being, and inner awareness, and keeps them active and focused on their work. The word "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit root "Yuj", which means "to unite" or "to join", symbolising the union of individual consciousness with a state of awareness. Originating in ancient India thousands of years ago, yoga has evolved into a holistic discipline practised at every corner and edge of the world. Also Read: From Indus Valley to Instagram: 5,000 years of yoga and journey of a civilization Why do we celebrate Yoga Day? The world celebrates International Yoga Day every year on June 21. To raise global awareness about the profound physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga. The day also encourages people worldwide to embrace this ancient practice to manage stress, stay active, and build a healthier, more harmonious lifestyle.

<p>As millions of people across the globe celebrate International Yoga Day 2026, here's a look at what modern science says about yoga and what benefits practising yoga regularly can provide to an individual.&nbsp;</p>

International Yoga Day 2026: What modern science says about yoga's benefits

<p>Every year on June 21, we celebrate International Yoga Day to highlight and spread awareness about the benefits of practising yoga. Yoga is an ancient and holistic approach to health and well-being. It first originated in India and gained popularity worldwide for its physical and mental benefits. Based on benefits and rising popularity, the United Nations General Assembly voted to make June 21 International Day of Yoga.</p><h2>12th International Yoga Day: Theme and importance</h2><p>Today, on the 12th International Day of Yoga, millions of people across 192 countries are unrolling their mats in parks, stadiums, embassies, corporate offices and living rooms, united by a practice that is over 5,000 years old and more relevant than ever. This year's focus is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', which highlights the practice as a lifelong tool for physical, mental and emotional wellness.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national observance and performed the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) alongside thousands of enthusiasts at the historic Red Road in Kolkata, West Bengal.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/international-yoga-day-2026-how-india-took-an-ancient-practice-to-the-united-nations-1782026478914"><strong>International Yoga Day 2026: How India took an ancient practice to the United Nations</strong></a></p><h2>How many Countries participated globally? Number of yoga events conducted</h2><p>As per the report of the PIB, International Day of Yoga is celebrated in over 190 countries worldwide. The global observance features events spanning thousands of venues, coordinated by Indian missions abroad and local organisations. This year’s events, centred around the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", are being coordinated by over 210 Indian missions holding thousands of sessions across the world, from Toronto to Tokyo.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/life-fun/international-yoga-day-science-behind-pranayama-and-how-it-improves-overall-health-1781874814791"><strong>International Yoga Day: Science behind Pranayama and how it improves our health</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A 100-day online yoga programme led by the Indian government achieved participation from more than 30 lakh people across 130 countries. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) coordinated over 210 Indian missions to host yoga demonstrations at nearly 2,500 locations globally, including massive gatherings in Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Canada.</p><h2>Participation of across states in India and Union Territories</h2><p>As per the Ministry of AYUSH, registrations on the Yoga Sangam Portal have crossed the six lakh mark ahead of the 12th International Yoga Day, reflecting widespread participation by institutions and communities across the country. The ministry said the initiative has witnessed participation from all states and union territories, covering 778 districts across the country. More than 3.22 lakh government institutions and nearly two lakh educational institutions have registered on the portal. Over 16,000 private organisations, 5,000 non-governmental organisations and around 44,000 entities from other categories have also enrolled.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>West Bengal has recorded the highest number of registrations with over 2.76 lakh organisations, followed by Rajasthan with nearly 1.50 lakh registrations. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Chhattisgarh have also reported significant participation.</p><h2>Growth of yoga centres worldwide</h2><p>The Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Ministry of Ayush do not maintain a single, official registry of every private yoga centre in operation worldwide. However, the Government of India actively supports and tracks the global expansion of yoga through organised diplomatic initiatives and public health programs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/international-yoga-day-malaika-arora-to-milind-soman-bollywood-celebrities-who-practice-yoga-for-holistic-well-being-1781693447466"><strong>Bollywood celebrities who practice yoga for holistic well-being</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As per PIB, the Government of India has established 12,500 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres and 150 Swami Vivekananda District Yoga Health Centres to provide structured yoga training and treatment. More than 100 major institutions in India and 10 institutions abroad are officially certified by the Indian Yoga Certification Board. Over 2,100 Indian missions collaborate with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to host International Day of Yoga (IDY) events at nearly 2,500 locations globally.</p><h2>What is the economic value of the wellness industry?</h2><p>As per PIB, India’s Medical Value Travel (MVT) market, which encompasses both curative medical treatments and preventive wellness/AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) services, is projected to reach $16.2 billion by 2030. The broader Indian tourism and travel sector significantly bolsters the economy by contributing 5.22 per cent to the GDP and supporting 8.46 crore (84.6 million) jobs.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-leads-international-yoga-day-celebrations-from-kolkata-says-yoga-has-power-to-unite-the-world-1782005027206"><strong>PM Modi leads International Yoga Day celebrations from Kolkata, says yoga has power to unite the world</strong></a><br>.<br>India is ranked 12th among the world's top 20 wellness tourism markets and 5th among the top 10 wellness destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. India's specific wellness and holistic health sectors have been noted to project robust growth. The yoga sector alone is rapidly expanding with a CAGR close to 12%, while broader wellness therapies see similar double-digit domestic and international demand.</p>

Celebrated annually on June 21, International Yoga Day brings together millions of people across countries, cultures, and age groups to embrace yoga's benefits. Here is how yoga has grown into India's biggest wellness movement.

Every year on June 21, we celebrate International Yoga Day to highlight and spread awareness about the benefits of practising yoga. Yoga is an ancient and holistic approach to health and well-being. It first originated in India and gained popularity worldwide for its physical and mental benefits. Based on benefits and rising popularity, the United Nations General Assembly voted to make June 21 International Day of Yoga. 12th International Yoga Day: Theme and importance Today, on the 12th International Day of Yoga, millions of people across 192 countries are unrolling their mats in parks, stadiums, embassies, corporate offices and living rooms, united by a practice that is over 5,000 years old and more relevant than ever. This year's focus is 'Yoga for Healthy Ageing', which highlights the practice as a lifelong tool for physical, mental and emotional wellness. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national observance and performed the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) alongside thousands of enthusiasts at the historic Red Road in Kolkata, West Bengal. Also Read: International Yoga Day 2026: How India took an ancient practice to the United Nations How many Countries participated globally? Number of yoga events conducted As per the report of the PIB, International Day of Yoga is celebrated in over 190 countries worldwide. The global observance features events spanning thousands of venues, coordinated by Indian missions abroad and local organisations. This year’s events, centred around the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", are being coordinated by over 210 Indian missions holding thousands of sessions across the world, from Toronto to Tokyo. Also Read: International Yoga Day: Science behind Pranayama and how it improves our health A 100-day online yoga programme led by the Indian government achieved participation from more than 30 lakh people across 130 countries. The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) coordinated over 210 Indian missions to host yoga demonstrations at nearly 2,500 locations globally, including massive gatherings in Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Canada. Participation of across states in India and Union Territories As per the Ministry of AYUSH, registrations on the Yoga Sangam Portal have crossed the six lakh mark ahead of the 12th International Yoga Day, reflecting widespread participation by institutions and communities across the country. The ministry said the initiative has witnessed participation from all states and union territories, covering 778 districts across the country. More than 3.22 lakh government institutions and nearly two lakh educational institutions have registered on the portal. Over 16,000 private organisations, 5,000 non-governmental organisations and around 44,000 entities from other categories have also enrolled. West Bengal has recorded the highest number of registrations with over 2.76 lakh organisations, followed by Rajasthan with nearly 1.50 lakh registrations. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Chhattisgarh have also reported significant participation. Growth of yoga centres worldwide The Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Ministry of Ayush do not maintain a single, official registry of every private yoga centre in operation worldwide. However, the Government of India actively supports and tracks the global expansion of yoga through organised diplomatic initiatives and public health programs. Also Read: Bollywood celebrities who practice yoga for holistic well-being As per PIB, the Government of India has established 12,500 Ayush Health and Wellness Centres and 150 Swami Vivekananda District Yoga Health Centres to provide structured yoga training and treatment. More than 100 major institutions in India and 10 institutions abroad are officially certified by the Indian Yoga Certification Board. Over 2,100 Indian missions collaborate with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to host International Day of Yoga (IDY) events at nearly 2,500 locations globally. What is the economic value of the wellness industry? As per PIB, India’s Medical Value Travel (MVT) market, which encompasses both curative medical treatments and preventive wellness/AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) services, is projected to reach $16.2 billion by 2030. The broader Indian tourism and travel sector significantly bolsters the economy by contributing 5.22 per cent to the GDP and supporting 8.46 crore (84.6 million) jobs. Also Read: PM Modi leads International Yoga Day celebrations from Kolkata, says yoga has power to unite the world . India is ranked 12th among the world's top 20 wellness tourism markets and 5th among the top 10 wellness destinations in the Asia-Pacific region. India's specific wellness and holistic health sectors have been noted to project robust growth. The yoga sector alone is rapidly expanding with a CAGR close to 12%, while broader wellness therapies see similar double-digit domestic and international demand.

<p>Celebrated annually on June 21, International Yoga Day brings together millions of people across countries, cultures, and age groups to embrace yoga's benefits. Here is how yoga has grown into India's biggest wellness movement.</p>

International Yoga Day 2026: The ancient practice that became the world's most participated wellness movement

<p>On June 21, the world celebrates International Yoga Day to recognise that an ancient Indian practice has turned into a global movement embraced by millions. On this day, every year, people across continents roll out their yoga mats, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and promote the benefits of the practice. This year's theme is "Yoga For Healthy Ageing."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>But the journey of yoga from the ashrams of India to the corridors of the UN did not happen on its own. It was PM Modi who proposed the idea at the United Nations in 2014, and yoga secured one of the highest levels of support. Within less than three months, it had secured global recognition.</p><h2>PM Modi proposes International Yoga Day at the UN</h2><p>On September 27, 2014, PM Modi addressed the UN General Assembly and encouraged member nations to dedicate a day to yoga. Presenting it as more than a form of exercise, he said, "Yoga embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being," as quoted by the UN.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/life-fun/international-yoga-day-science-behind-pranayama-and-how-it-improves-overall-health-1781874814791"><strong>International Yoga Day: The science behind Pranayama and how it improves overall health</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/international-yoga-day-malaika-arora-to-milind-soman-bollywood-celebrities-who-practice-yoga-for-holistic-well-being-1781693447466"><strong>Bollywood celebrities who practice yoga for holistic well-being</strong></a></p><h2>The proposal received extraordinary support</h2><p>On December 11, 2014, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution announcing June 21 as the International Day of Yoga. It received extraordinary support from across continents, with 177 countries co-sponsoring the resolution. This is said to be one of the highest levels of backing ever recorded for a UN resolution.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The adoption took place without a vote, and the resolution was passed under the agenda item relating to global health and foreign policy. In formally recognizing the practice, the UN noted that yoga "provides a holistic approach to health and well-being."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-leads-international-yoga-day-celebrations-from-kolkata-says-yoga-has-power-to-unite-the-world-1782005027206"><strong>PM Modi leads International Yoga Day celebrations from Kolkata, says yoga has power to unite the world</strong></a></p><h2>India's most successful soft-power export</h2><p>The speed of the resolution's passage was remarkable by UN standards. It is said that International observances often take years to gain support, but yoga's universal appeal acted as a bridge. The proposal attracted backing from countries with different traditions and geopolitical interests.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon also welcomed the initiative, saying, "Yoga can bring communities together in an inclusive manner that generates respect" and can "promote peace and development." He further highlighted its role in building "resilience against non-communicable diseases."</p><h2>Significance on June 21</h2><p>June 21 was chosen for Yoga Day as it marks the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, the longest day of the year. The day is said to carry cultural and spiritual significance in many traditions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/beyond-the-scale-the-hard-truth-about-fitness-nobody-talks-about-1781351991790"><strong>Beyond the scale: The hard truth about fitness nobody talks about</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>The first International Yoga Day was observed on June 21, 2015, and in India, thousands gathered at Rajpath in New Delhi for a mass yoga demonstration led by Prime Minister Modi. The event also set Guinness World Records for the largest yoga class.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Additionally, in 2016, yoga was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The World Health Organization has also collaborated with India on wellness initiatives, including the launch of the mYoga mobile application.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Since the inauguration of International Yoga Day, the practice has been held at multiple iconic landmarks, including New York's Times Square and the UN Headquarters, the Eiffel Tower, the Sydney Opera House and locations near Mount Everest.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

As the world celebrates International Yoga Day 2026, let's understand how an ancient Indian practice reached United Nations, and recorded one of the highest levels of support a UN resolution. Read on to know more.

On June 21, the world celebrates International Yoga Day to recognise that an ancient Indian practice has turned into a global movement embraced by millions. On this day, every year, people across continents roll out their yoga mats, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and promote the benefits of the practice. This year's theme is "Yoga For Healthy Ageing." But the journey of yoga from the ashrams of India to the corridors of the UN did not happen on its own. It was PM Modi who proposed the idea at the United Nations in 2014, and yoga secured one of the highest levels of support. Within less than three months, it had secured global recognition. PM Modi proposes International Yoga Day at the UN On September 27, 2014, PM Modi addressed the UN General Assembly and encouraged member nations to dedicate a day to yoga. Presenting it as more than a form of exercise, he said, "Yoga embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfilment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being," as quoted by the UN. Also Read: International Yoga Day: The science behind Pranayama and how it improves overall health

<p>As the world celebrates International Yoga Day 2026, let's understand how an ancient Indian practice reached the United Nations and recorded one of the highest levels of support for a UN resolution. Read on to know more.</p>

International Yoga Day 2026: How India took an ancient practice to the United Nations

<p>On the occasion of International Yoga Day (June 21), we at WION encourage you to not only focus on your physical health, but also your mental health. Along with asana or postures, pranayama, or breath work, also forms a crucial aspect of this journey. Coupled with meditation, they can improve your overall well-being. We will focus on pranayama today, the practice of controlling your breath, the science behind it and the immense health benefits.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mugdha Pradhan, functional medicine and breathwork practitioner, says, “From a physiological perspective, breath is far more than a way to bring oxygen into the body. Every cell depends on oxygen to produce ATP, the energy currency of life. Without breath, there will be no energy production, and without energy, the body wouldn’t sustain life, repair tissues, or even perform its countless functions.”</p><h2><strong>Prayanama for mental relaxation and nervous system</strong></h2><p>Breath is the beginning and end of it all, and is the only thing that truly keeps anyone alive. Ancient traditions referred to it as prana, or the life force. In fact, life begins with a baby's first breath and ends with the last. Long before science understood its mechanisms, breath was recognised as one of the most fundamental drivers of human health.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>When we think of breathing exercises, we instantly link it mental relaxation. But breathwork can reset both your nervous system and emotional state. "The body stores the imprint of our experiences, including stress and trauma. Through conscious breathing, people often access and release deeply held emotional patterns that may not be easily reached through thought alone," says Mugdha.</p><h2><strong>Prayanama balances the imbalances of life</strong></h2><p>Dr Mickey Mehta, a global leading holistic health guru, says that the everyday rigours of life throw our life into an imbalance, which in turn affects our breathing as well. "Ancient wisdom and modern research show that breathwork, particularly pranayama, helps restore this balance by regulating the breath and influencing key physiological systems," he says.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>When we are stressed, people ask us to practice deep breathing. This is because when this happens, our breathing becomes shallow, which locks the body in fight-or-flight mode. "Slow, deliberate breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, eventually shifting the body toward recovery, healing, and resilience," says Mugdha.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>So conscious breathing goes far beyond just mental relaxation. There are several other <strong>health benefits of pranayama.</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>1. Heart health: Pranayama can help control your heart rate, reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular function. This is because it stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, says Dr Mickey.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>2. Better Oxygenation: Pranayama improves breathing efficiency by reducing over-breathing, Dr Mickey says. Breathwork further helps regulate carbon dioxide levels, permitting the oxygen to be delivered much more efficiently to tissues and supporting better mitochondrial function, adds Mugdha.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>3. Vagus Nerve Activation: &nbsp;Deep breathing drastically improves diaphragm function, which helps release tension stored in muscles, fascia, and connective tissues, Mugdha says. Dr Mickey adds, "Deep diaphragmatic breathing activates the vagus nerve, which influences heart rate, digestion, and the gut-brain connection. This improves and supports digestive health, cognitive function, and emotional balance."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>4. Improved Digestion: Pranayama enhances blood flow to digestive organs and gently stimulates the abdominal region, thus helping reduce bloating, discomfort, and digestive irregularities.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>5. Stress Reduction: This is the primary reason why many of us practice pranayama. Focused breathing calms the nervous system, improves oxygen supply to the brain, and helps shift the body from a stress response to a state of relaxation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>6. Blood Sugar Regulation: When stress levels are in control, insulin sensitivity is improved, and this may support healthier glucose utilisation and glycogen storage.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>7. Immunity and Vitality: When oxygenation is better and blood circulation improves, nutrients and immune cells reach throughout the body better, supporting energy levels and overall wellness.<br>&nbsp;</p>

International Yoga Day: Pranayama is one of the crucial pillars of yoga. It not only helps improve our mental health and remove stress, but also benefits our heart, digestion and nervous system. There is specific science behind Prayanama.

On the occasion of International Yoga Day (June 21), we at WION encourage you to not only focus on your physical health, but also your mental health. Along with asana or postures, pranayama, or breath work, also forms a crucial aspect of this journey. Coupled with meditation, they can improve your overall well-being. We will focus on pranayama today, the practice of controlling your breath, the science behind it and the immense health benefits. Mugdha Pradhan, functional medicine and breathwork practitioner, says, “From a physiological perspective, breath is far more than a way to bring oxygen into the body. Every cell depends on oxygen to produce ATP, the energy currency of life. Without breath, there will be no energy production, and without energy, the body wouldn’t sustain life, repair tissues, or even perform its countless functions.” Prayanama for mental relaxation and nervous system Breath is the beginning and end of it all, and is the only thing that truly keeps anyone alive. Ancient traditions referred to it as prana, or the life force. In fact, life begins with a baby's first breath and ends with the last. Long before science understood its mechanisms, breath was recognised as one of the most fundamental drivers of human health. When we think of breathing exercises, we instantly link it mental relaxation. But breathwork can reset both your nervous system and emotional state. "The body stores the imprint of our experiences, including stress and trauma. Through conscious breathing, people often access and release deeply held emotional patterns that may not be easily reached through thought alone," says Mugdha. Prayanama balances the imbalances of life Dr Mickey Mehta, a global leading holistic health guru, says that the everyday rigours of life throw our life into an imbalance, which in turn affects our breathing as well. "Ancient wisdom and modern research show that breathwork, particularly pranayama, helps restore this balance by regulating the breath and influencing key physiological systems," he says. When we are stressed, people ask us to practice deep breathing. This is because when this happens, our breathing becomes shallow, which locks the body in fight-or-flight mode. "Slow, deliberate breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, eventually shifting the body toward recovery, healing, and resilience," says Mugdha. So conscious breathing goes far beyond just mental relaxation. There are several other health benefits of pranayama. 1. Heart health: Pranayama can help control your heart rate, reduce blood pressure and improve cardiovascular function. This is because it stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, says Dr Mickey. 2. Better Oxygenation: Pranayama improves breathing efficiency by reducing over-breathing, Dr Mickey says. Breathwork further helps regulate carbon dioxide levels, permitting the oxygen to be delivered much more efficiently to tissues and supporting better mitochondrial function, adds Mugdha. 3. Vagus Nerve Activation: Deep breathing drastically improves diaphragm function, which helps release tension stored in muscles, fascia, and connective tissues, Mugdha says. Dr Mickey adds, "Deep diaphragmatic breathing activates the vagus nerve, which influences heart rate, digestion, and the gut-brain connection. This improves and supports digestive health, cognitive function, and emotional balance." 4. Improved Digestion: Pranayama enhances blood flow to digestive organs and gently stimulates the abdominal region, thus helping reduce bloating, discomfort, and digestive irregularities. 5. Stress Reduction: This is the primary reason why many of us practice pranayama. Focused breathing calms the nervous system, improves oxygen supply to the brain, and helps shift the body from a stress response to a state of relaxation. 6. Blood Sugar Regulation: When stress levels are in control, insulin sensitivity is improved, and this may support healthier glucose utilisation and glycogen storage. 7. Immunity and Vitality: When oxygenation is better and blood circulation improves, nutrients and immune cells reach throughout the body better, supporting energy levels and overall wellness.

<p>International Yoga Day: Pranayama is one of the crucial pillars of yoga. It not only helps improve our mental health and remove stress, but also benefits our heart, digestion and nervous system. There is specific science behind Prayanama.</p>

International Yoga Day: The science behind Pranayama and how it improves overall health

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International Yoga Day: Science behind Pranayama and how it improves our health