News for '-holi'

1.5 cr take holy dip daring intense cold as Maha Kumbh begins

1.5 cr take holy dip daring intense cold as Maha Kumbh begins

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The Maha Kumbh, the world's largest religious gathering, began in Prayagraj, India, with millions taking a dip in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Devotees from across India and the world converged for the 45-day event, which is considered to be a particularly auspicious one this year due to celestial alignments. The event is a major logistical challenge for the government, which has implemented several crowd-control measures and security measures to ensure the safety of the millions of pilgrims.

Kanwar Yatra: SC refuses to stay QR code order for eateries

Kanwar Yatra: SC refuses to stay QR code order for eateries

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh said it was not going into the other issues over display of names of the hotel or dhaba owner and the QR code, Tuesday being the last day of the Kanwar Yatra.

India reiterates non-interference in Dalai Lama succession plan

India reiterates non-interference in Dalai Lama succession plan

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

India has stated its neutral stance on religious matters following the Dalai Lama's announcement of his succession plan, which China has rejected. The statement comes as the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday, with China urging India to exercise caution on Tibet-related issues.

Yogi holds cabinet meet at Maha Kumbh, takes holy dip at Sangam

Yogi holds cabinet meet at Maha Kumbh, takes holy dip at Sangam

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

The Cabinet meeting and the holy dip comes on a day that marks the first anniversary of the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

The Best Part About Sholay Is...

The Best Part About Sholay Is...

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

'I wouldn't change a single shot even if I could, the film is just perfect even with a supposedly flawed script!' Celebrating Sholay's 50th anniversary on August 15 with a special series, where contemporary film folk analyse the cult classic.

Who is behind bomb threats to Golden Temple?

Who is behind bomb threats to Golden Temple?

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee has received five e-mails threatening to blow up the Golden Temple since July 14, president of the apex gurdwara body Harjinder Singh Dhami said on Wednesday.

Odisha to ban non-veg food, liquor near Jagannath temple in Puri

Odisha to ban non-veg food, liquor near Jagannath temple in Puri

Rediff.com8 Jun 2025

He said the government was also planning to bring uniformity in the height and facade of all buildings along the Grand Road.

How The Bachchans Celebrated Holi

How The Bachchans Celebrated Holi

Rediff.com26 Mar 2024

Navya Naveli Nanda shared just how the Bachchans celebrated Holi at their Juhu home in north west Mumbai through a series of pictures on her social media.

Death of Pope Francis: India declares 3-day State mourning

Death of Pope Francis: India declares 3-day State mourning

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The mourning will be observed across the country on April 22 and 23, and again on the day of the Pope's funeral.

Tiger killings shock Ranthambore; 225 bones seized, DNA tests underway

Tiger killings shock Ranthambore; 225 bones seized, DNA tests underway

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

The development follows a joint operation by Madhya Pradesh's State Tiger Strike Force, Rajasthan forest department, and Sawai Madhopur-based NGO Tiger Watch last month that led to the arrest of six poachers, including three from Rajasthan.

46, including 37 kids, drown during holy dip for 'Jivitputrika' festival in Bihar

46, including 37 kids, drown during holy dip for 'Jivitputrika' festival in Bihar

Rediff.com26 Sep 2024

The incidents occurred in 15 districts of the state during the festival held on Wednesday.

Holi Fashion Ideas From Katrina, Sara, Janhvi

Holi Fashion Ideas From Katrina, Sara, Janhvi

Rediff.com19 Mar 2024

This holi you'll be slaying your look no matter what the outfit because we have got you covered in all aspects.

Honeymoon murder: Sonam's brother takes part in last rites of Raghuvanshi

Honeymoon murder: Sonam's brother takes part in last rites of Raghuvanshi

Rediff.com14 Jun 2025

Sonam was arrested along with four others for allegedly killing her husband Raja while the couple was honeymooning in the picturesque north eastern state of Meghalaya.

Modi Has Corrected A Historical Wrong With TN Visit

Modi Has Corrected A Historical Wrong With TN Visit

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

The message from Sunday's event will undoubtedly reverberate globally. It's a landmark occasion that will be remembered for generations and will inspire many other states to introduce the story of Rajendra Chola into school curricula, says Tarun Vijay.

Amarnath yatra sees 10% dip in registrations after Pahalgam attack

Amarnath yatra sees 10% dip in registrations after Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

The LG said around 2.36 lakh pilgrims had registered for the yatra before the attack took place at Baisaran in Pahalgam area that left 26 persons -- mostly tourists -- dead.

'Illegal, un-Islamic': Cleric targets Shami again

'Illegal, un-Islamic': Cleric targets Shami again

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

A cleric in India has sparked controversy by calling cricketer Mohd Shami's daughter's Holi celebration "illegal" and "against Shariat".

Time Aamir Stopped Acting!

Time Aamir Stopped Acting!

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

Audiences will hope that Rajinikanth's Coolie, Lokesh Kanagaraj's action film and Rajkumar Hirani's Dadasaheb Phalke biopic are not marred by Aamir Khan's disconcerting, repetitive performances. Aamir's real strength lies in championing stories that challenge conventions and are considered risky by mainstream filmmakers.

Recognise This Cricket Legend?

Recognise This Cricket Legend?

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

'Happy Holi my friends. It is such a fun time to be in India to celebrate a very special day.'

Where Are All These People Rushing To?

Where Are All These People Rushing To?

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Passengers in large numbers throng a station in Patna, here and below, to board trains for their native places ahead of Holi.

Serie A matches postponed after death of Pope Francis

Serie A matches postponed after death of Pope Francis

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

'The date of the rearranged fixtures will be announced in due course.'

Pran Pratishtha 2.0: Raja Ram consecrated at Ayodhya temple

Pran Pratishtha 2.0: Raja Ram consecrated at Ayodhya temple

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

According to Hindu scriptures, Ganga Dussehra marks the day the holy river Ganga descended to Earth from Lord Shiva's locks, moved by King Bhagirath's penance. The day is considered highly auspicious and symbolises virtue, penance, and the collective well-being of humanity.

SEE: GT players visit Hatkeshwar Temple

SEE: GT players visit Hatkeshwar Temple

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

'Seeking blessings for the season at Hatkeshwar Temple.'

Priyanka-Nick Celebrate Malti's First Holi In India

Priyanka-Nick Celebrate Malti's First Holi In India

Rediff.com27 Mar 2024

Priyanka Chopra posted her Holi dump of pictures much later than her colleagues but they were worth the wait.

President Murmu to attend Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican City

President Murmu to attend Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican City

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

President Droupadi Murmu will attend the state funeral of Pope Francis in Vatican City this week, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. Murmu will pay a two-day visit to Vatican City beginning Friday, offering condolences on behalf of the government and people of India. She will pay homage to Pope Francis by laying a wreath at Basilica of Saint Peter on Friday and attend the funeral Mass at Saint Peter's Square on April 26.

50 people have been killed in stampedes this year

50 people have been killed in stampedes this year

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The Royal Challenger's Bengaluru parade in celebration of the team's maiden Indian Premiere League win in 18 years turned into tragedy as at least 11 fans died and several were injured in a stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday.

A Mother Is Unable To Forget Daughter's Last Words

A Mother Is Unable To Forget Daughter's Last Words

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

'Take care Maa, flight take off karne wala hai, wapas aakar baat karti hoon.'

If I was wrong...: Sambhal cop on Jumma namaz remark

If I was wrong...: Sambhal cop on Jumma namaz remark

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A Circle Officer (CO) in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, India, defended his controversial remarks comparing the frequency of Holi and Friday prayers, calling for communal harmony. The CO, Anuj Chaudhary, had previously stated that Holi is a festival celebrated once a year while Jumma namaz takes place 52 times a year. He has since clarified that his intention was to emphasize the importance of respecting festivals of all religions and called for mutual respect and participation in each other's celebrations.

Priyanka, Madhuri Attend A Roman Holi Party

Priyanka, Madhuri Attend A Roman Holi Party

Rediff.com16 Mar 2024

Holi celebrations started early, as Isha Ambani, together with Bvlgari, hosted a party for filmi folk in Mumbai.

'I Spoke Against Terrorism. Congress Expelled Me'

'I Spoke Against Terrorism. Congress Expelled Me'

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

'In the Congress, only those people who suck up to the leadership have value. I am not one of them.'

Dance or face suspension: Lalu's son tells cop

Dance or face suspension: Lalu's son tells cop

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Tej Pratap Yadav, a leader of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar, has sparked controversy by demanding a policeman perform a 'thumka' (pelvic thrust) during Holi celebrations at his residence. The incident, which was captured on video and shared widely on social media, shows Yadav seated on a makeshift stage, holding a microphone and telling the policeman, "Hey policeman Deepak.....we are going to play a song on which you shall perform a pelvic thrust. If you do not, you will suspended. Don't mind. It's Holi." The policeman did not appear offended, but he did not perform the dance move. The incident has drawn criticism from the BJP, who have accused Yadav of trying to intimidate the police and of promoting a 'jungle raj'.

Student arrested for namaaz at UP varsity's open space after protests

Student arrested for namaaz at UP varsity's open space after protests

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

A student was arrested in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly offering namaz in an open area of a private university. The arrest followed protests by local Hindu groups over a video that surfaced showing a group of students offering namaz on the university campus during Holi celebrations. The university administration suspended the student and three security personnel and called for police action. A case was registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act.

President Murmu attends Pope Francis' funeral mass

President Murmu attends Pope Francis' funeral mass

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

President Droupadi Murmu attended the funeral Mass of Pope Francis at St Peter's Square in Vatican City on Saturday. She was part of an official Indian delegation led by the President and also paid homage to Pope Francis at the Basilica of St Peter. India had declared a three-day state mourning on the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Monday at the age of 88.

Rasha Parties With Tamannaah

Rasha Parties With Tamannaah

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Rasha Thadani turned 20 on March 16 and she invited her friends over for a black-themed birthday party.

India's 10 Longest Sacred Rivers

India's 10 Longest Sacred Rivers

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

For India, many of its rivers are not merely rivers. They are holy rivers and are rivers revered as goddesses, intertwined with religion and life rituals. Six of India's holy rivers are also its longest rivers.

'Padma Shri Is More Important Than Grammys'

'Padma Shri Is More Important Than Grammys'

Rediff.com28 May 2025

'I felt that this, the entire event, was like my temple.'
'It was because of this overwhelming feeling that I thought I should accept the award and walk up on the stage barefoot.'

Pope's bond with India: Canonisations, new Cardinal and unfulfilled visit

Pope's bond with India: Canonisations, new Cardinal and unfulfilled visit

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Pope Francis's connection with India was marked by a mix of hopes and challenges. His long-held wish to visit the country remained unfulfilled, but he made significant contributions to the Catholic community in India, including elevating Indian figures to sainthood and appointing an Indian priest as a Cardinal. While his efforts to resolve conflicts within the Syro-Malabar Church were unsuccessful, his legacy will be remembered for his efforts to promote unity and understanding in the Catholic Church.

This Priest Walks Through Fire!

This Priest Walks Through Fire!

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

A priest named Sanju walks through a massive fire to re-enact the story of Prahlad and Holika.

'Divine image appears' on potato, devotees throng Sambhal temple

'Divine image appears' on potato, devotees throng Sambhal temple

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

A potato with what is believed to be a divine image has appeared at the Tulsi Manas Temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, drawing devotees from near and far. The image is seen as a sign of the impending arrival of Lord Kalki, who is believed to be taking his incarnation in Sambhal. The appearance of the image has added to the celebrations of Holi, which falls on March 14th.

PIB Fact-Check Debunks Soldier's Pahalgam Claim

PIB Fact-Check Debunks Soldier's Pahalgam Claim

Rediff.com14 May 2025

The Press Information Bureau has debunked a video of an Indian Army jawan claiming that the Pahalgam terror attack was orchestrated by the Indian Army and Indian government.

Happy Birthday Your Holiness

Happy Birthday Your Holiness

Rediff.com6 Jul 2023

His Holiness, The Dalai Lama on Wednesday turned 88 with his birthday being celebrated through prayers and cake-cutting in various monasteries in Himachal Pradesh.