The Golden Giants of the Gourd Family

🎃PUMPKINS🎃

Pumpkins are large, round fruits—often mistaken for vegetables—that belong to the gourd family, scientifically known as the genus Cucurbita. They come in over 40 varieties, ranging from tiny decorative miniatures to massive field pumpkins weighing hundreds of kilograms. While bright orange is the most familiar colour, pumpkins can also be green, white, yellow, and even striped.

Every part of the pumpkin is edible—the flesh, seeds, flowers, and even the tender leaves. Besides being delicious and versatile, pumpkins are packed with nutrients, making them both a festive favourite and a healthy addition to daily meals.

🌍 A Journey Through History

Pumpkins originated in Central America and were cultivated more than 7,000 years ago by early farming communities in regions that are now part of Mexico. They were a staple food of Native Americans, who roasted the flesh, dried and ate the seeds, and even used the hard shells as bowls and storage containers. Some communities crafted musical instruments from dried pumpkins.

European explorers carried pumpkin seeds to Europe in the 16th century, from where the crop gradually spread across Asia and other parts of the world. Today, pumpkins are grown on every continent except Antarctica.

🧡 Nutritional Powerhouse

Pumpkins are about 90–95% water, which makes them light despite their large size. They are:

Rich in Vitamin A (from beta-carotene), essential for good vision and immunity

A good source of fibre, aiding digestion

Packed with antioxidants, which help fight harmful free radicals

Low in calories, making them ideal for healthy diets

Pumpkin seeds are equally nutritious. They contain protein, healthy fats, magnesium, zinc, and iron. Roasted pumpkin seeds make a healthy snack.

🌾 Production in India

India is among the world’s leading pumpkin producers. The crop is widely grown in states such as:

●Uttar Pradesh

●Bihar

●West Bengal

●Odisha

●Madhya Pradesh

●Chhattisgarh

●Assam

●Gujarat

Pumpkins thrive in warm, humid climates and are often cultivated along riverbanks and in fertile alluvial soil. The crop is generally harvested twice a year—during the monsoon and winter seasons.

🍽️ Pumpkin Around the World

Pumpkins are celebrated in cuisines across the globe:

●Italy: Pumpkin-filled ravioli and creamy risotto are autumn favourites.

●United States: Pumpkin pie is a traditional dessert during Thanksgiving, a major festival celebrated across the United States. Pumpkin soup and roasted pumpkin are also popular.

●Japan: Kabocha, a sweet Japanese pumpkin, is used in tempura, stews, and desserts in Japan.

●Mexico: Pumpkin seeds, called pepitas, are roasted or ground into sauces like mole verde.

🇮🇳 Indian Regional Specialities

In India, pumpkin is used in a variety of traditional dishes:

●Kashmir: Al hachi – a dry pumpkin preparation cooked with sun-dried turnips and spices.

●Bihar & Uttar Pradesh: Khatta meetha kaddu – a sweet and sour curry often served with poori.

●West Bengal: Kumror chokka – a spiced pumpkin dish with potatoes and chickpeas.

●Kerala: Erissery – pumpkin cooked with coconut and green chillies in a thick gravy.

●Assam: Poita kumura – mashed pumpkin mixed with mustard oil and chillies, eaten with rice.

🎃 Pumpkins and Festivals

Pumpkins are strongly associated with the festival of Halloween, especially in the United States and Europe. During Halloween, pumpkins are carved into decorative lanterns known as jack-o’-lanterns. The tradition originated from Irish folklore and later became popular in America.

In India, pumpkin is also used in religious rituals and traditional ceremonies in many regions.

🌼 How Pumpkins Grow

Pumpkins grow on creeping vines with large green leaves and bright yellow flowers. They require plenty of sunlight and regular watering. Pumpkins are pollinated mainly by bees—without these hardworking insects, pumpkin plants would not produce fruit.

After pollination, the fruit develops over several weeks, gradually turning its characteristic colour as it ripens.

🌟 Interesting Facts

●Pumpkins are technically fruits because they develop from flowers and contain seeds.

●The world record for the heaviest pumpkin has exceeded 1,200 kilograms!

●Pumpkin flowers are edible and are often stuffed or fried in many cultures.

●Pumpkins can be stored for months if kept in a cool, dry place.

🌱 A Fruit for Health and Tradition

From ancient Central American farms to Indian kitchens and global festivals, pumpkins have travelled a long and fascinating journey. Nutritious, versatile, and culturally significant, this humble fruit continues to brighten plates and celebrations around the world.

Whether in a comforting curry, a creamy soup, or a festive pie, pumpkins truly deserve their place as the golden giants of the gourd family. 🎃

The Niagara Falls of India

CHITRAKOTE FALLS 

Often called the “Niagara Falls of India,” Chitrakote Falls is one of the widest and most spectacular waterfalls in the country. Located near Jagdalpur in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, this majestic waterfall is a breathtaking example of nature’s grandeur.

A Horseshoe Wonder

Chitrakote Falls is formed by the Indravati River, which plunges from a height of about 30 meters (98 feet). What makes it especially remarkable is its horseshoe shape, closely resembling the famous Niagara Falls in North America.

During the monsoon season, the waterfall spreads across a width of nearly 300 meters, creating a thunderous roar and a misty spray that can be felt from a distance. The sight of muddy brown water cascading powerfully during the rains is both dramatic and awe-inspiring. In winter and summer, when the water turns clearer and calmer, the falls appear serene and picturesque.

Why It Is Called the Niagara of India

●It is the widest waterfall in India.

●It has a curved, horseshoe shape similar to Niagara Falls.

●The powerful flow during monsoon creates a comparable roaring sound and mist effect.

●Though smaller in height than Niagara, its beauty and scale make it equally captivating.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to witness Chitrakote Falls in its full glory is between July and October, during and just after the monsoon. The surrounding green forests and the dramatic water flow make the landscape truly magical.

Evenings are especially beautiful, as the falls are sometimes illuminated, adding to their charm.

Cultural and Local Significance

The waterfall lies in the culturally rich Bastar region, home to tribal communities with vibrant traditions and festivals. Visitors often combine their trip to Chitrakote Falls with exploration of Bastar’s handicrafts, temples, and natural caves.

A Natural Treasure

Chitrakote Falls is not just a tourist attraction; it is a symbol of India’s diverse natural beauty. From its roaring monsoon power to its calm winter elegance, it offers a changing spectacle throughout the year.

For nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers, Chitrakote Falls stands as one of India’s most stunning natural wonders—truly deserving the title, “The Niagara Falls of India.”

🌊 Did You Know?

●Chitrakote Falls is formed by the Indravati River, which eventually joins the Godavari River.

●During peak monsoon, the waterfall becomes so wide that it looks like a massive curtain of water stretching across the horizon.

●In summer, when the water flow reduces, small rock islands become visible near the falls. Visitors can even go boating close to the base (when conditions are safe).

●The surrounding Bastar region is known for its tribal art, especially Dhokra metal craft and traditional wooden handicrafts.

●The waterfall is sometimes called “Mini Niagara”, but during heavy rains, many visitors feel it looks just as grand as Niagara Falls!

The Saint of Dakshineswar

RAMAKRISHNA PARAMAHAMSA 

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was one of India’s most revered spiritual figures of the 19th century. Known for his deep devotion, simplicity, and profound spiritual experiences, he played a key role in shaping modern Hindu thought and inspiring a spiritual awakening in India.

Early Life

Ramakrishna was born as Gadadhar Chattopadhyay on 18 February 1836 in the village of Kamarpukur in West Bengal. From childhood, he displayed a deeply spiritual temperament. He was known for his intense devotion, love for devotional songs, and moments of spiritual ecstasy.

Though he received little formal education, his spiritual insight and purity of heart drew people toward him.

Priest at Dakshineswar

In 1855, Ramakrishna became a priest at the famous Dakshineswar Kali Temple near Kolkata. The temple was dedicated to Goddess Kali, and Ramakrishna’s devotion to the Divine Mother became the centre of his spiritual life.

His worship was not mechanical—it was filled with emotion and total surrender. He often experienced intense spiritual trances (samadhi), during which he felt direct communion with the Divine.

Spiritual Experiments and Universal Vision

One of the most remarkable aspects of Ramakrishna’s life was his practice of different religious paths. He not only followed various traditions within Hinduism but also practiced Islam and Christianity with sincerity. Through these experiences, he concluded that all religions lead to the same ultimate truth.

His famous teaching can be summed up as: “As many faiths, so many paths.”

This message of religious harmony remains highly relevant even today.

Guru of Swami Vivekananda

Among Ramakrishna’s many disciples, the most famous was Swami Vivekananda. Initially skeptical, Vivekananda was deeply influenced by Ramakrishna’s spiritual experiences and teachings. After Ramakrishna’s passing in 1886, Vivekananda carried his master’s message to the world, especially through his historic speech at the Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893.

Later, Vivekananda founded the Ramakrishna Mission in 1897 to promote spiritual growth, education, and social service.

Teachings and Philosophy

Ramakrishna’s teachings were simple yet profound:

●God can be realised through sincere devotion.

●All religions are true and lead to the same Divine Reality.

●Renunciation of ego is essential for spiritual growth.

●Service to humanity is service to God.

●He often used simple parables and everyday examples to explain complex spiritual truths, making his message accessible to common people.

Final Years and Legacy

Ramakrishna suffered from throat cancer in his later years and passed away on 16 August 1886. However, his spiritual legacy continues to inspire millions around the world.

Today, the Ramakrishna Mission runs schools, hospitals, and relief services across India and abroad, embodying his ideal of combining spirituality with service.

A Timeless Influence

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa was not a political leader or social reformer in the conventional sense, yet his spiritual influence deeply impacted India’s cultural and religious landscape. His life stands as a shining example of devotion, tolerance, and universal love.

He remains a symbol of harmony in diversity—a message especially meaningful in today’s world.

There are many beautiful and inspiring incidents from the life of Ramakrishna Paramahamsa. Here are a few of the most touching and interesting ones.

1. The Vision of Goddess Kali

While serving as a priest at the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, Ramakrishna longed intensely for a direct vision of Goddess Kali. His yearning became so deep that he would weep, roll on the ground, and cry out to the Divine Mother like a child calling for his mother.

One day, unable to bear the separation, he decided to end his life with the temple sword. At that very moment, he had a powerful spiritual vision—he saw the temple and surroundings dissolve into a boundless ocean of light, and the Divine Mother revealed herself to him.

This experience transformed him completely and confirmed his belief that God can be realised through sincere devotion.

2. Testing Swami Vivekananda

When young Swami Vivekananda (then Narendranath Datta) first met Ramakrishna, he boldly asked,

“Have you seen God?”

Without hesitation, Ramakrishna replied,

“Yes, I have seen God. I see Him as clearly as I see you, only more intensely.”

This confident and direct answer deeply impressed Narendra.

In another incident, Ramakrishna once touched Narendra, and he immediately felt the world spinning and dissolving into nothingness. Frightened, he cried out. Ramakrishna laughed and restored him to normal consciousness. This experience convinced Narendra of his guru’s extraordinary spiritual power.

3. Seeing God in All Beings

Ramakrishna believed that serving people is the same as serving God. Once, when he saw a poor devotee being treated harshly, he felt intense pain himself.

He used to say: “Jiva is Shiva” — meaning every living being is a manifestation of God.

This idea later inspired the humanitarian work of the Ramakrishna Mission.

4. Practising Different Religions

In a remarkable spiritual experiment, Ramakrishna sincerely practiced Islam for some time. He dressed like a Muslim, repeated Islamic prayers, and avoided Hindu rituals. After deep practice, he experienced a vision that confirmed to him that Islam too leads to the same Divine Truth.

He later practiced Christianity and had a vision of Jesus Christ as well.

This was extraordinary for 19th-century India and showed his deep commitment to religious harmony.

Why These Incidents Matter

These stories are not just miracles; they show:

●The power of childlike faith

●The importance of spiritual experience over theory

●Respect for all religions

●Love and compassion for humanity

Ramakrishna’s life teaches that spirituality is not about rituals alone—it is about sincerity, love, and direct experience of the Divine.

A Turning Point in American History

THE CALIFORNIA GOLD RUSH 

In 1848, a single discovery changed the destiny of an entire region—and helped shape the future of the United States. The California Gold Rush was one of the most dramatic mass migrations in history, transforming a quiet frontier into a booming land of opportunity almost overnight.

The Discovery That Sparked It All

The story began on January 24, 1848, when gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in Coloma, California. The discovery was made by James W. Marshall while working for John Sutter.

At first, the news was kept secret. But when word spread, it travelled fast—across the United States and even overseas. By 1849, thousands of fortune-seekers had rushed to California. These hopeful miners became known as the “Forty-Niners.”

The Journey to California

Reaching California was no easy task in the mid-19th century. Prospectors travelled:

●By wagon across dangerous overland trails

●By ship around South America’s Cape Horn

●Or through the disease-ridden jungles of Panama

Despite the risks, more than 300,000 people arrived in California between 1848 and 1855.

Boomtowns and New Beginnings

Before the Gold Rush, California was a sparsely populated region that had just become part of the United States after the Mexican-American War. Within a few years, towns sprang up almost overnight.

The small settlement of San Francisco exploded in population, growing from about 200 residents in 1846 to tens of thousands within a few years. Shops, saloons, hotels, and banks appeared rapidly to serve the growing population.

The Gold Rush played a major role in California becoming the 31st U.S. state in 1850.

Life in the Gold Fields

Life for miners was harsh and uncertain. Most prospectors used simple tools such as pans and shovels to sift through riverbeds. While a few struck it rich, the majority found little gold and struggled to survive.

As surface gold became scarce, mining operations grew more complex. Hydraulic mining and large-scale companies replaced individual prospectors. The dream of easy wealth faded for many, but the economic impact remained.

Impact on Society and Environment

The Gold Rush had lasting consequences:

●It accelerated the westward expansion of the United States.

●It brought immigrants from China, Latin America, Europe, and Australia.

●It led to rapid economic growth and infrastructure development.

●It caused severe environmental damage due to mining techniques.

●It had devastating effects on Native American communities, who were displaced and suffered violence and disease.

A Legacy That Endures

Though the Gold Rush officially declined by the mid-1850s, its influence shaped modern California. It turned the region into an economic powerhouse and symbolised the American dream—the belief that opportunity awaits those bold enough to seek it.

Today, sites like Coloma preserve the memory of those feverish years when the cry of “Gold!” echoed across rivers and mountains, drawing people from every corner of the globe.

Did You Know?

●The phrase “There’s gold in them thar hills!” became popular during this era.

●Very few miners actually became wealthy. ●Most fortunes were made by merchants selling supplies.

●The Gold Rush helped make San Francisco one of the most important cities on the West Coast.

The floating village of Cambodia

KAMPONG LUONG 

On the shimmering waters of Tonlé Sap—Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake—floats a remarkable community that seems to defy gravity and convention. Kampong Luong, one of Cambodia’s most fascinating floating villages, is not built on land but entirely on water. Here, homes, schools, shops, temples, and even pig pens drift gently with the currents.

A Village That Moves with the Water

Kampong Luong is located in Pursat Province and is home to thousands of people, many of whom are of Vietnamese and Khmer origin. Unlike stilt villages, where houses are built on tall wooden poles, this settlement truly floats. Homes are constructed on large wooden rafts or metal pontoons, allowing them to rise and fall with the dramatic seasonal changes of Tonlé Sap.

During the monsoon season, the lake expands up to five times its dry-season size. As water levels shift, the entire village relocates slightly, maintaining access to deeper water. Boats replace bicycles, and children row themselves to school just as others might walk down a street.

Life on Water

Daily life in Kampong Luong revolves around fishing. Tonlé Sap is one of the most productive freshwater fisheries in the world, providing food and livelihood to millions in Cambodia. Families cast nets at dawn, mend boats in the afternoon, and sell fresh catch at floating markets.

The village has everything needed for survival:

● Floating homes painted in bright blues and greens

● A floating school and small shops

● A Buddhist temple gently rocking with the waves

● Even floating fuel stations and basketball courts

● Water is not just scenery—it is the road, the market, and the playground.

Culture and Community

Despite the unusual setting, life here follows familiar rhythms of community and tradition. Festivals are celebrated with boat gatherings, neighbors help one another repair rafts, and children splash in the lake after school. The people of Kampong Luong have adapted ingeniously to their environment, developing a lifestyle deeply connected to the ecosystem of Tonlé Sap.

Challenges Beneath the Surface

However, life in a floating village is not without hardship. Seasonal flooding, declining fish stocks, environmental changes, and limited access to healthcare and clean water pose serious challenges. Climate change and upstream dam construction have also affected the lake’s natural flow, impacting livelihoods.

Yet resilience defines Kampong Luong. Generation after generation, families continue to live in harmony with the lake, preserving a unique way of life that has existed for centuries.

A Living Wonder

Kampong Luong is more than a tourist curiosity—it is a testament to human adaptability. In a world where most communities are anchored to land, this floating village reminds us that home is not defined by soil beneath our feet, but by the strength of community and the will to thrive wherever life takes us.

The Bird That Stinks

HOATZIN 

Deep in the swamps and rainforests of the Amazon lives one of the world’s strangest birds — the Hoatzin. Known for its unusual appearance and even more unusual smell, this bird has earned a curious nickname: the “stinkbird.”

But why does it stink? And what makes it so special? Let’s find out.

Where Does It Live?

The Hoatzin is found in the tropical wetlands and riverbanks of South America, especially around the vast Amazon Rainforest and the Orinoco River basin. It prefers swampy forests with plenty of leafy vegetation.

Why Is It Called the “Stinkbird”?

Unlike most birds, the Hoatzin has a unique digestive system similar to that of a cow!

It eats mostly leaves.

The leaves ferment inside a large crop (part of its digestive tract).

This fermentation process produces a strong, manure-like smell.

Because of this, the bird often smells like wet vegetation or even cow dung — hence the nickname!

This rare digestive method is called foregut fermentation, and it is almost unheard of in birds.

A Bird with Dinosaur Traits

The Hoatzin also looks prehistoric. It has:

● A spiky crest on its head

● Blue skin around its eyes

● Red eyes

● Brownish, ragged feathers

Even more fascinating — baby Hoatzins are born with two tiny claws on each wing! These claws help them climb branches if they fall into the water. As they grow older, the claws disappear.

This feature has made scientists compare them to the ancient bird Archaeopteryx, a creature that lived during the dinosaur age.

National Bird of Guyana

The Hoatzin is so unique that it is the national bird of Guyana, where it is locally called the “Canje Pheasant.”

Behavior and Lifestyle

Hoatzins are poor fliers. They prefer hopping and climbing.

They are social birds and often live in small groups.

They build nests over water, so chicks can drop into the river to escape predators and then climb back up using their claws.

Conservation Status

The Hoatzin is currently listed as Least Concern, meaning it is not immediately endangered. However, habitat destruction in the Amazon could affect its population in the future.

Did You Know?

● The Hoatzin is sometimes called the “reptile bird” because of its primitive traits.

● It is the only living member of its family — making it truly one of a kind!

● Its unusual smell makes it unattractive to hunters.

The Hoatzin may not win awards for fragrance, but it certainly wins for uniqueness. With its cow-like digestion, dinosaur-style claws, and striking appearance, this “stinkbird” proves that nature is full of surprises!

A New Era in Governance

SEVA TEERTH, NEW DELHI 

On 13 February 2026, Narendra Modi formally inaugurated Seva Teerth, a modern government complex in New Delhi that marks a significant shift in India’s administrative architecture. 

🏛 What Is Seva Teerth?

Seva Teerth is the new headquarters of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and a consolidated hub for core executive functions, housing:

● The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO)

● The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)

● The Cabinet Secretariat

All these previously operated from separate locations across the Central Vista area and the South Block, a colonial-era building that has served as the PMO since Independence. 

🗓 Historic Significance of the Day

The inauguration took place on 13 February 2026, which also coincides with 95 years since New Delhi was declared the nation’s capital in 1931—adding historical resonance to this administrative transition. 

🏗 A Shift from Colonial Legacy

The move from the century-old South Block to Seva Teerth represents more than a physical relocation. Government officials and the Prime Minister described the shift as a symbolic step away from colonial-era institutions toward a modern, citizen-centric governance ecosystem. 

Prime Minister Modi emphasised that Seva Teerth reflects the aspirations of India’s 140 crore people and embodies the ethos of service (“Seva”). 

🌟 Features of the Complex

Integrated and future-ready infrastructure: Designed to bring key executive offices under one roof for better coordination and efficiency. 

● Green and sustainable standards: Built to 4-Star GRIHA eco-friendly norms for environmental performance. 

● Citizen-centric focus: Includes centralised public interface zones and digitally integrated systems. 

● New address and identity: The motto “Nagrik Devo Bhava” (“citizen is akin to God”) is inscribed at the complex, symbolising a governance approach prioritising the people.

🪙 Commemorations

To mark the inauguration, the government released a ₹100 commemorative coin featuring Seva Teerth’s image and the inscription “Nagrik Devo Bhava.” 

📌 What Happens Now

With Seva Teerth now operational:

● The PMO has officially shifted from the iconic South Block. 

● South Block and related colonial buildings are expected to be repurposed as museum space—part of a broader cultural transformation. 

● The new complex is set to play a central role in how the Indian government functions going forward. 

● In essence, Seva Teerth marks a new chapter in India’s administrative evolution—one that blends modern infrastructure with a governance philosophy rooted in service to the people. 🇮🇳