According to the new ninth-grade social studies textbook released by NCERT on Tuesday, many kings and princes received swords from goddesses such as Kali, Durga, and Bhavani. These swords were used to resist religiously motivated invasions starting from the seventh century.
The first part of this textbook was published in June.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has made significant revisions to the curriculum and chapter structure of the new Class 9 Social Science textbook, 'Understanding Society: India and Beyond'. These changes aim to reduce the study load, rearrange several chapters, and introduce a new section on history.
The chapter originally prescribed for Class 9, 'India and the World Part 1', has been removed from the syllabus. According to the introductory note in the textbook, this topic will now be taught in Class 10 along with related subjects and learning outcomes. NCERT believes that this change will make the curriculum for both Class 9 and Class 10 more coherent, age-appropriate, and aligned with students' learning needs.
A new chapter titled 'Resistance and Resilience (1000–1700 CE)' has been included in Part-2 of the revised book. This new section depicts the strong resistance and response of Indian kings and communities against foreign invasions and territorial expansion between 1000 CE and 1700 CE.
The initial part of this chapter, 'Safeguarding Sovereignty: Resistance, Alliances and Confederacies', explains how regional powers protected their political independence and borders through war, diplomacy, mutual alliances, and cooperation. It mentions the strong resistance offered by Indian states in Deccan, Malwa, Kashmir, and Rajasthan in response to Arab and Turkic attacks.
This chapter gives special importance to the historical event of Rani Nayaki Devi of the Chalukya dynasty defeating Muhammad Ghori near Mount Abu in 1178 CE.
Improvements have also been made to the Civics section. The previously proposed chapter 'Authority' has been replaced with a new chapter named 'Governance and Public Policy', enabling students to gain a practical understanding of governmental functions and public policies.
According to the textbook's introductory note, the primary goal of all these modifications is to make social science education more relevant, simpler, and interesting for students. NCERT opines that the new curriculum has been designed keeping in mind the age, mental level, and interests of the children, thereby protecting students from complex concepts that might be difficult to grasp at this age.
The festival of Radha Ashtami in 2026 is celebrated today, September 19, 2026. This day is dedicated to celebrating the appearance of Radha Rani. Radha Ashtami falls on Ashtami Tithi in the Bhadrapada month, during the Shukla lunar half. This festival is also known as Radhika Ashtami or Radha Jayanti, and on this day, worship is performed for Radha and Krishna. Special enthusiasm during this celebration is observed in Barsana, Mathura, and Vrindavan.
According to the Panchang, the Ashtami Tithi of Bhadrapada Shukla began on September 18 at 13:02. This date will conclude on September 19 at 15:28. Since the Ashtami Tithi is present on September 19 during sunrise, Radha Ashtami this year is celebrated on September 19, Saturday, based on the sunrise date.
For the worship of Radha Rani on Radha Ashtami, the midday time is particularly significant. According to the Panchang, the auspicious time for worship today, September 19, will be from 11:01 AM to 1:28 PM. Due to differences in sunrise and sunset times in various cities, there may be slight variations in the ritual timing.
On Radha Ashtami, one should take a morning shower and wear clean clothes. After that, the place for worship must be thoroughly cleaned. A red or yellow woven material should be spread on the platform. Then, images or statues of Radha Rani and Lord Krishna are installed. The worship begins with lighting a lamp. Radha Rani should be adorned with flowers, fruits, sweets, and other items for worship. If possible, the ritual of Abhisheka for Radha Rani with Panchamrita should be performed. After this, she is presented with beautiful clothes, ornaments, and flowers. During the worship, mantras of Radha Rani and Krishna should be recited. The ritual concludes with Aarti.
Tradition states that on Radha Ashtami, items for sixteen adornments should be offered to Radha Rani. According to religious beliefs, this helps preserve love and sweetness in married life. Incense can also be offered to Radha-Krishna during the worship. Along with this, roses, jasmine, or other fresh flowers should be placed. In religious views, these items are considered auspicious for worshipping Radha and Krishna.
A large number of devotees observe a fast on Radha Ashtami. The rules for breaking the fast vary depending on the region and traditions. According to the Panchang, the fast can be broken after 6:08 AM on September 20. Nevertheless, devotees observing a fast should break it according to the Panchang of their region and family traditions.
Radha Ashtami is celebrated as the birthday of Radha Rani. In the Vaishnava tradition, Radha Rani holds a special place as the greatest devotee of Krishna and His divine power. This is why the worship of Radha and Krishna on this day is considered especially significant. In Barsana, Vrindavan, and other areas of Braj, temples are decorated. Special worships, abhishekas, aartis, and singing of bhajans are conducted. Pilgrims arrive at the temples to see and worship Radha Rani.
Flowers, fruits, and sweets are offered to Radha Rani. In some local traditions of Braj, vegetarian dishes made from arbi are also included in the offerings to Radha Rani. Furthermore, the offerings include sweets made from milk, yogurt, khoya, and ghee. Greater importance is given to sincerity and devotion in the offering, rather than the quantity of dishes. On this day of Radha Ashtami, devotees pray to Radha Rani and Krishna, wishing for happiness, peace, and love.
