Thakur Prasad: A Renowned Almanac in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand
Thakur Prasad is one of the most famous almanacs (Panchang) in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Jharkhand. At least two different versions of the Thakur Prasad Panchang are published by two separate publishing houses in Varanasi, both recognized under the same name.
1. Rupesh Thakur Prasad Panchang
The Rupesh Thakur Prasad Panchang is published by Shri Thakur Prasad Pushkar Bhandar, located in Kachori Gali, Varanasi. This version is released under the guidance of Rupesh Agarwal, the son of renowned businessman Dwarka Prasad Agarwal.
2. Thakur Prasad Panchang
The second version, simply known as Thakur Prasad Panchang, is published by Thakur Prasad & Sons, a prominent book vendor located at Raja Darwaza, Varanasi. The same publishing house also releases other notable publications, including Savitri Thakur Prasad Panchang and Chintaharan Jantri.
Multiple Publications from the Thakur Prasad Family
Several calendars bearing the Thakur Prasad name are published from Varanasi, all belonging to the same Agarwal family, which owns multiple publications under the Thakur Prasad brand. The editors and creators of these almanacs are from the Tripathi family, originally hailing from Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh. These calendars and almanacs have been published consistently for the past forty years, gaining immense popularity among devotees.
Thakur Prasad: A Prominent Political Leader
Thakur Prasad was also a notable Indian politician affiliated with the Janata Party from Bihar. He served as a Cabinet Minister in the Karpoori Thakur government in 1977. Additionally, he was the President of the Bihar State Unit of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh.
Father of Ravi Shankar Prasad
Thakur Prasad was the father of Ravi Shankar Prasad, a senior advocate at the Patna High Court. He was also a Member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly from the Patna West constituency between 1977 and 1980.
Roots and Legacy
The late Thakur Prasad originally hailed from Chenari, a small town at the block level in the Rohtas district of Bihar, located approximately 18 kilometers from the district headquarters, Sasaram. This region is known for its rich heritage, including the majestic tomb of Sher Shah Suri, the ancient fort of Rohitasva (son of King Harishchandra), and the Indrapuri Barrage on the Sone River.
Though he was a successful businessman with deep roots in his ancestral home, Thakur Prasad eventually moved to Varanasi, where he earned a distinguished reputation for publishing authentic and highly popular calendars with accurate dates of Hindu festivals. His legacy continues through his family, who have maintained the tradition of publishing the Thakur Prasad Panchang, which remains a trusted source of information for millions of devotees.