On this Good Friday 2025, Christians across the globe are observing a day of solemnity and remembrance to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Falling on the Friday before Easter Sunday, this significant day in the Christian faith is marked with prayers, fasting, and spiritual contemplation. Often referred to as Holy Friday, Great Friday, or Black Friday, the day carries deep religious importance, symbolising the immense sacrifice Jesus made for the salvation of humanity.

The crucifixion of Christ: A pivotal moment in Christian faith

According to the New Testament, Good Friday marks the day when Jesus was crucified by Roman authorities, following accusations of blasphemy by Jewish religious leaders. The Gospels recount that Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion, an act that has come to represent the ultimate expression of love and sacrifice in Christian theology.

Believers reflect on this day with reverence, acknowledging the pain and suffering that Jesus endured at Calvary. The crucifixion is not only a symbol of sacrifice but also of hope, as it leads to the resurrection celebrated on Easter Sunday.

Sharing messages of hope and faith

As people observe this sacred day, many reach out to loved ones with messages and prayers that reflect the solemnity and spiritual meaning of Good Friday. Here are some heartfelt wishes to share:

• May your heart be filled with kindness, joy and happiness. Sending my wishes on the holy occasion of Good Friday.
  
• May you and your loved ones be always showered with the choicest blessings of the Almighty.
  
• On the occasion of Good Friday, I hope that the Lord keeps you safe always and surrounds your life with happiness.
  
• When you lend a helping hand to others, you honour Jesus Christ and everything he stood for.
  
• May the light of the Lord’s love shine upon you. Sending warm wishes and blessings on Good Friday.
  
• Let us pray to Jesus Christ on this holy occasion of Good Friday and seek forgiveness for our sins.
  

Bible quotes to reflect on this Good Friday

• “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
  
• “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
  
• “He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.”
  
• “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”
  
• “In you, O Lord, I take refuge; let me never be put to shame. In your justice, rescue me.”
  

As the faithful gather to reflect on the sacrifice of Christ, Good Friday serves as a poignant reminder of compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering faith.

A new wave of AI-generated art inspired by Studio Ghibli is taking the internet by storm, thanks to recent advancements in image generation technology. OpenAI’s latest update to ChatGPT now allows users to create visuals mimicking the dreamy, whimsical aesthetic of Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki.

With just a simple text prompt, users can generate fantasy landscapes, expressive characters, and ethereal scenes reminiscent of classics like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. This trend has gained traction on social media, where Ghibli-style artworks are being widely shared.

How to generate Ghibli-style art using ChatGPT

To create these visuals, users can log into chat.openai.com and start a new chat. After entering a descriptive prompt—such as “Show me in Studio Ghibli style”—ChatGPT processes the request and displays a matching image, which can then be downloaded directly.

However, this feature is currently available only to users subscribed to ChatGPT’s Plus, Pro, Team, or other select plans. OpenAI’s CEO has acknowledged that demand has caused delays in offering image generation to all users.

Free alternatives for Ghibli-style image creation

For those not subscribed to ChatGPT’s paid tiers, several free AI tools offer similar capabilities:

• Gemini and GrokAI: Generate detailed Ghibli-style visuals with well-phrased prompts.
• Craiyon: A basic online AI tool that creates Ghibli-inspired imagery using simple descriptions.
• Artbreeder: Enables users to blend and modify image styles, though some features are locked behind a paywall.
• Runway ML, Leonardo AI, and Mage.space: These advanced platforms offer free trials and allow for intricate styling, such as capturing the soft textures or color schemes typical of Ghibli animations.

These tools open creative avenues for users to explore the world of AI art without spending a rupee.

As the auspicious festival of Chaitra Navratri 2025 approaches, devotees are gearing up to observe the traditional Kalash Sthapana, also known as Ghatasthapana, on Sunday, March 30. This sacred ritual marks the start of the nine-day celebration dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine divine forms.

Significance of Kalash Sthapana

The ritual of Kalash Sthapana is more than just a tradition—it signifies the establishment of a sacred space that welcomes the divine feminine energy. The Kalash, or sacred pot, symbolises purity, fertility, and prosperity. Performing this ritual during the correct muhurat is considered essential to invoke Goddess Durga’s blessings for health, fortune and spiritual growth.

To prepare for the ritual, the puja space is thoroughly cleaned and sanctified. A wooden platform or chowki is adorned with a red cloth, and nine varieties of grains are arranged over it before placing the Kalash. Devotees fill the Kalash with water, turmeric, vermilion, and five mango leaves. In front of it, barley seeds are sown in a clay pot, symbolising abundance and the beginning of creation.

Chaitra Navratri 2025 Ghatasthapana date and shubh muhurat

• Date: March 30, 2025
• Morning Muhurat: 6:13 am to 10:22 am
• Abhijit Muhurat: 12:01 pm to 12:50 pm
  

Performing Kalash Sthapana within this time frame is believed to bring spiritual and material success.

Ritual guidelines for devotees

During Chaitra Navratri, devotees engage in rituals such as fasting, chanting, temple visits, and pujas dedicated to the Navadurga, the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga. A few key points for Kalash Sthapana include:

• Position the Kalash before the idol or image of Goddess Durga
• Light an Akhanda Deep, an uninterrupted lamp, next to the Kalash
• Chant mantras to invoke the presence of the goddess
  

Nine days of Navadurga worship

Each day of Chaitra Navratri holds unique significance, with specific pujas performed for each avatar of Goddess Durga:

• March 30 – Pratipada: Ghatasthapana & Shailputri Puja
• March 31 – Dwitiya: Brahmacharini Puja
• April 1 – Tritiya: Chandraghanta Puja
• April 2 – Chaturthi: Kushmanda Puja
• April 3 – Panchami: Skandamata Puja
• April 4 – Shashti: Katyayani Puja
• April 5 – Saptami: Kalaratri Puja
• April 6 – Ashtami: Mahagauri Puja & Kanya Pujan
• April 7 – Navami: Siddhidatri Puja & Ram Navami
  

Chaitra Navratri is celebrated during the spring season and is one of the two major Navratris in the Hindu calendar. The festival underscores the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, with each day promoting spiritual discipline and devotion.