The Asia Cup 2025 finale concluded with a resounding victory by Team India. The thrilling finale ended with India defeating Pakistan by 5 wickets. The performance was packed with aggression, skill, and nerves of steel. From a blazing opening partnership to clinical bowling and flawless fielding, Team India dominated every phase of the game. With Tilak Verma and Shivam Dube leading the charge with the bat and the bowlers keeping Pakistan in check, this victory was as commanding as it was unforgettable. The Junior Age has all the details for you.
Know All About How India Won The Asia Cup 2025 Beating Pakistan By 5 Wickets:
Bringing the curtains down on the Asia Cup 2025, India roared to victory by beating Pakistan. Tilak Varma rose to the occasion with a gritty, match-winning knock as India clinched their record ninth Asia Cup title with a thrilling five-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai.
Match Score:
Pakistan: 146 all out (20 overs)
India: 147/5 (19.4 overs)
Star Performances
Tilak Varma’s composed 69* off 53 balls, featuring three fours and four towering sixes, came under immense pressure as wickets fell around him. He stitched crucial partnerships with Sanju Samson (24 off 21 balls, with two fours and a six) and Shivam Dube (33 off 22 balls, with two fours and two sixes) to guide India home in a nail-biting finale.
@indiancricketteam
The tension was immense due to off-field events leading up to the final, but this Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav and guided by Gautam Gambhir, walked the talk when it came to upping the fearlessness quotient in a pressure-cooker scenario – with the stands at boiling point and fans engaging in fisticuffs.
Bowling Brilliance From Team India
On the bowling front, Kuldeep Yadav was the standout performer, taking 4 wickets for 30 runs. His spell was crucial in dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup, which collapsed from a strong 113/1 to 146 all out. Supporting Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, and Axar Patel each claimed two wickets, maintaining pressure throughout the innings and ensuring Pakistan couldn’t recover.
Deepak Malik / CREIMAS for Asian Cricket Council
Asia Cup 2025: Awards and Recognition
Player of the Match: Tilak Verma for his match-winning 69*.
Player of the Tournament:Abhishek Sharma, who scored 314 runs at a strike rate of 200, including 19 sixes.
Most Wickets in Tournament:Kuldeep Yadav, with 17 wickets.
Gamechanger of the Match:Shivam Dube, for his crucial 33 runs under pressure.
Most Sixes in Final: Tilak Verma, with 4 sixes.
In recognition of their achievement, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a reward of ₹21 crore for the players and support staff, acknowledging their exceptional performance throughout the tournament.
India has dominated the competition, winning all their matches to reach the summit clash. Abhishek Sharma led the run-scoring charts, while Kuldeep Yadav sits on top of the wicket-takers’ list, underlining the team’s all-round strength. The Men in Blue continued their unbeaten run, secured a third win over Pakistan in this edition, and lifted the Asia Cup trophy for the ninth time.
India has rewritten the history books in shooting at the 16th Asian Championship 2025 held in Shymkent, Kazakhstan, by clinching a record-breaking 99 medals, including an unprecedented 50 golds. This stellar performance not only marked India’s most successful outing at the championship but also underscored the nation’s growing dominance in the sport of shooting on the continental stage. The Junior Age has all the details below.
India’s shooting glory rounds up with a historic 99 medals haul at the Asian Championship 2025:
India’s shooting stars have etched their names in history with an unprecedented performance at the Asian Championship 2025 in Shymkent, Kazakhstan. The Indian contingent stormed the competition, securing a staggering 99 medals, including 50 golds, 26 silver, and 23 bronze, marking the country’s most successful campaign ever at this prestigious event. The championship witnessed a perfect blend of skill, precision, and nerves of steel, showcasing India’s growing dominance in the shooting arena.
Asian Shooting Org
Here is a detailed list –
Asian Championship 2025: Indian Shooting medal winners
Dussehra, also called Vijayadashami, is celebrated across India as the day when good triumphs over evil. But here is the exciting part, the way people celebrate it changes from state to state. In some places it’s all about burning Ravan’s effigies, in others it’s about flowers, dolls, or even a 75-day-long tribal fair! The Junior Age is all set to take you on a grand tour across India and explore how every region celebrates in its own unique way.
From Mysuru To Kolkata: Know How India Celebrates Dussehra In Unique Ways:
1. Dussehra In Delhi & North India
In Delhi and across northern states, Dussehra is all about drama – quite literally!
Known as: Ramleela & Ravan Dahan
How it’s celebrated: Ramleela plays, often performed in open grounds, narrate the Ramayana over several days. On the final day, massive effigies of Ravan, Meghnath, and Kumbhkaran are set ablaze with fireworks. It is meant to teach moral values and the victory of truth and righteousness in a community-driven spectacle.
Lavkush
2. Haryana & Punjab
Dussehra here focuses on worshipping the divine feminine through young girls.
Known as: Kanjak (Kanya Pujan)
How it’s celebrated: On the eighth or ninth day of Navratri, girls are invited into homes, their feet washed, and they are fed special meals like puri, halwa, and chana, and given gifts. Kanjak is done in honour of Maa Shakti, the feminine energy, and reminds society to respect and value girls.
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3. Uttar Pradesh
Folk art takes centre stage in Dussehra through the creative practice of Sanjhi.
Known as: Sanjhi
How it’s celebrated: Women and children decorate walls with designs made of mud, flowers, and colours. Community prayers and folk songs often accompany this practice. Sanjhi is linked to Radha and Krishna’s love and devotion, celebrating creativity and faith.
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4. Uttarakhand (Almora Dussehra)
Almora makes Dussehra a spectacle of fire and creativity.
Known as: Almora Dussehra
How it’s celebrated: Gigantic effigies of demons are built by local artisans, paraded through the town, and set ablaze with fireworks. It represents burning away evil and showcases Almora’s artistic skills, making it a major cultural festival.
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5. Himachal Pradesh (Kullu)
Kullu’s Dussehra begins when the rest of India winds down its celebrations.
Known as: Kullu Dussehra
How it’s celebrated: Deities from neighbouring villages arrive in palanquins to join a week-long procession. Music, dance, and fairs add to the festive spirit. This celebrates local deities and community unity, reflecting Himachal’s unique spiritual identity.
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6. Telangana
Dussehra in Telangana blossoms into a colourful flower festival.
Known as: Bathukamma
How it’s celebrated: Women and girls gather flowers like marigolds, chrysanthemums, and celosia, stacking them into tall, conical arrangements called Bathukamma. They sing folk songs, dance around these floral towers, and immerse them in ponds or rivers. The celebration symbolises nature’s beauty, honours Goddess Gauri, and thanks Mother Earth for fertility, health, and prosperity.
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7. Gujarat
Navratri in Gujarat becomes the world’s longest dance festival.
Known as: Raas Dandiya/Garba
How it’s celebrated: Men and women dress in colourful costumes and perform Garba and Dandiya dances around a central lamp or goddess image. Fasting, prayers, and cultural shows add to the energy. The celebration is to honour goddess Amba (Shakti), symbolising unity, joy, and devotion.
Krishna Shah
8. Maharashtra
Maharashtra’s Dussehra mixes gratitude, prosperity, and devotion.
Known as: Dasara
How it’s celebrated: Families exchange Apta tree leaves, also called Sona, for gold-like prosperity. It honours – Kubera, the god of wealth. Giving this leaf is believed as a worship of Kubera, gratitude for wealth, and a sign of wishing his blessings on each one. It is believed – the more you give Apte leaves, the more wealth Kubera blesses you with.
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9. West Bengal
Dussehra in Bengal is celebrated as the grand Durga Pujo.
Known as: Durga Pujo
How it’s celebrated: Gigantic themed pandals house stunning idols. Families offer pushpanjali, enjoy cultural programmes, and perform dhunuchi dances. On the last day, idols are immersed in rivers or lakes. Durga Pujo is celebrated to honour goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, highlights women’s strength, and serves as a cultural and social high point of the year.
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10. Goa
Dussehra in Goa carries a unique Konkani flavour.
Known as: Pednechi Punav / Dasro
How it’s celebrated: Local communities stage folk theatre, hold fairs, and perform temple rituals. The festival is known for its intense spiritual atmosphere, which includes instances of spiritual possession in a distinctly colourful Goan style.
Viraj Jr
11. Karnataka Celebrates Dussehra In Two Ways
Karnataka celebrates Dussehra with a mix of royal pageantry and vibrant folk culture.
Mysuru: Mysuru Dasara
Known as: Mysuru Dasara
How it’s celebrated: Mysore Palace is illuminated with over one lakh bulbs. The grand Jamboo Savari procession carries the idol of Chamundeshwari on a golden howdah atop a decorated elephant. It is to commemorate Goddess Chamundeshwari’s victory over Mahishasura and celebrate Karnataka’s royal heritage, drawing lakhs of visitors. Folk dances, wrestling matches, music shows, and fairs add to the festivities.
Utsav
Madikeri: Madikeri Dasara
Known as: Madikeri Dasara
How it’s celebrated: For ten days, mantapas (decorated floats) depict mythological and social themes. Originally a ritual to ward off evil spirits, it has evolved into a community festival, blending devotion with Kodava pride and local culture. Traditional drumming, folk music, and street performances continue late into the night.
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12. Kerala
Dussehra in Kerala marks the sacred start of learning.
Known as: Vidyarambham
How it’s celebrated:Vidyarambham means Vidya – knowledge, and rambham means beginning. This signifies knowledge as the greatest blessing, invoking Saraswati’s blessings. Children write their first letters on rice, sand, or notebooks, guided by elders or priests. Often inside temples or at home, they begin with “Hari Shree Ganapathaye Namah”.
Satramana
13. Tamil Nadu
Dussehra in Tamil Nadu combines temple rituals with creative home celebrations.
Kulasai Dasara
Known as: Kulasai Dasara
How it’s celebrated: At the Mutharamman Temple, devotees dress as gods, demons, kings, and mythological characters, sometimes after months of preparation. Music, dance, and rituals continue for days, drawing lakhs of devotees.
Srivatsan Sankaran
Bommai Kolu
Known as: Bommai Kolu (Tamil Nadu)
How it’s celebrated: Families set up stepped platforms adorned with dolls representing gods, goddesses, village life, or even modern scenes. Guests visit, exchange sweets, and sing devotional songs.This ritual is all about storytelling, devotion, and creativity, symbolising the presence of divinity in everyday life.
The government’s fresh GST 2.0 rules rolled out on 22 September 2025. The GST Reforms for a New Generation brought in a lot of changes that have turned the school supply market upside down. Some items are now completely tax-free, while others have slipped into the expensive bracket with 18% GST. For students, parents, and teachers, this update changes the way we shop for essentials like notebooks, pens, school bags, and even art materials. The Junior Age has a breakdown list that will help you know and understand the updated price better.
Know what’s cheaper and what’s not under the new GST rates 2025:
New GST rates 2025 – what’s cheaper now
All the basic school supplies are now under the cheaper category of the new GST reforms for a new generation.
For families with younger children, baby essentials such as feeding bottles, napkins, and nappies have been reduced to 5% GST, making childcare slightly less expensive.
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What’s costlier now, as per the new GST rates 2025
On the other hand, some school supplies that parents purchase every year have become more expensive. Pens, fountain pens, markers, and stylus pens have been shifted to the 18% GST bracket, up from the earlier 5 to 12%.
School bags, satchels, and backpacks also now carry 18% GST, which is bad news for families buying new bags at the start of the school year. Printed books that do not fall into the notebook or exercise book category are also taxed at 18%, which could affect the cost of textbooks and storybooks.
Dussehra is more than just a festival of lights, colours, and fireworks. It’s a celebration packed with magic, stories, and science! From the towering effigies of Ravana to sparkling fireworks, glowing diyas, vibrant rangoli designs, and colourful Navratri outfits, every part of the festival has a special meaning and a fascinating reason behind it. The Junior Age is here to explore the spiritual significance and the science behind each Dussehra tradition, so you can see just how magical and logical this festival really is.
From Burning Ravan Effigies to Navratri Colours: Cultural Significance and Science of Dussehra Explained –
1. Burning of Ravana’s Effigy
Spiritual and Cultural Significance:
The burning of the Ravana effigy represents the victory of good over evil, reminding us that courage and righteousness prevail. It’s also a way to symbolically destroy negativity in our lives.
The Physics Aspect Behind Burning an Effigy:
Effigies are made of straw, hay, bamboo, and paper. These materials are highly flammable. When ignited, they undergo combustion, a reaction between fuel and oxygen that produces heat, light, and smoke. Hollow spaces inside the effigy allow air to circulate, helping the fire spread quickly and dramatically.
The bright explosions in the sky are a symbol of joy, victory, and celebration. During Dussehra, fireworks celebrate the triumph of good over evil and mark a joyous victory. The bright lights are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring happiness.
The Physics Aspect Behind The Colourful Fireworks:
Fireworks work because of chemical reactions. They contain metal salts that produce colours when heated:
Strontium = red
Copper = blue
Sodium = yellow
Barium = green
The loud sounds are caused by the rapid expansion of gases, while sparkles come from tiny burning metal particles.
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3. Lighting Diyas on Dussehra
Spiritual and Cultural Significance:
Lighting diyas symbolises driving away darkness and welcoming light, wisdom, and positivity into our homes.
The Physics Aspect of How Does a Diya Actually Light:
The cotton wick draws oil upward by capillary action. As the oil burns, chemical energy is converted into heat and light, producing a steady glow. The steady flame is a simple and beautiful example of controlled energy transfer.
Unsplash
4. Navratri Colours And The Science Behind It
Spiritual and Cultural Significance:
Each day of Navratri is associated with a specific colour, representing energy, peace, happiness, or courage. It’s meant to influence mood, behaviour, and positivity during the festival.
Why Wear Colours During Navratri:
Colours affect humans psychologically through the perception of light wavelengths. For example: Red energises, yellow inspires joy, and blue promotes calmness. Combining cultural tradition with human biology shows science and spirituality together.
Poojn
5. Rangoli Patterns Used for All Festivals
Spiritual and Cultural Significance:
Rangoli decorates homes to welcome gods and goddesses, particularly Goddess Lakshmi, symbolising prosperity and happiness.
The Science Behind Rangoli Patterns
Rangoli powders are made from minerals, rice flour, and flowers, demonstrating chemistry in pigments. Creating symmetrical designs engages geometry and spatial reasoning, stimulating creativity and motor skills.
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6. Decorative Flowers and Leaves in Torans
Spiritual and Cultural Significance:
Marigold flowers, mango leaves, and banana stems decorate spaces to invite positivity and ward off negativity.
The Scientific Logic:
Marigolds repel insects naturally
Mango leaves have antimicrobial properties
Banana stems are flexible and strong
These natural materials combine biology and sustainability in practical use.
7. Smoke And Aroma from Incense Sticks
Spiritual and Cultural Significance:
Incense sticks, effigies, and diyas release pleasant aromas that are believed to purify the space and enhance spiritual focus.
The Physical Aspects:
Burning produces aromatic compounds and tiny particles that scatter light. Humans perceive these through olfactory receptors, demonstrating chemistry and physics at play.
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8. Storytelling and Reciting Ramayana
Spiritual and Cultural Significance:
Reciting the Ramayana reinforces moral lessons and cultural values, connecting generations through storytelling.
The Logical Aspect:
Hearing stories with visuals, actions, and music improves memory retention, attention, and cognitive development, combining tradition with neuroscience.
