News for '-sankranti'

The Kite Runners

The Kite Runners

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Falling on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Lohri and Makar Sankranti are celebrated with great joy, often marked by the tradition of kite flying.

Tension in Bengaluru after miscreants attack cows, sever udders

Tension in Bengaluru after miscreants attack cows, sever udders

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Unidentified assailants attacked three cows in Bengaluru, severing their udders and sparking outrage in the Chamarajapet area. The incident has led to tension in the city, with the BJP calling for a 'Black Sankranti' if the government fails to take action against the perpetrators. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed the police to investigate the case and take action against the culprits.

Naga Sadhus Perform Shahi Snan

Naga Sadhus Perform Shahi Snan

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Hundreds of Naga Sadhus took a dip in the Triveni Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

Dress Right This Makar Sankranti!

Dress Right This Makar Sankranti!

Rediff.com13 Jan 2023

If you are looking for some fashion inspiration this Makar Sankranti, take some cues from these glamorous ladies. Namrata Thakker shows you how to nail your festive look to perfection.

5 Interesting Pongal Rituals

5 Interesting Pongal Rituals

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Pongal, also known as Thai Pongal, is a Hindu harvest festival celebrated by Tamilians across India.

Keerthy's First Pongal Post-Wedding

Keerthy's First Pongal Post-Wedding

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Nayanthara's twin celebration... Sobhita-Naga Chaitanya's first Pongal... Parineeti's Lohri with Raghav...

Maha Kumbh: Record turnout expected for first 'amrit snan' on Tuesday

Maha Kumbh: Record turnout expected for first 'amrit snan' on Tuesday

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

A record number of devotees are expected to take part in the first 'Amrit Snan' of the Maha Kumbh Mela on Tuesday, coinciding with Makar Sankranti. The event is significant as it marks the participation of the 'Akharas' and is also the first 'snan' after the grand Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. The Uttar Pradesh government anticipates a total of 35 crore devotees visiting Prayagraj during the Kumbh Mela.

'Strong retail growth is expected'

'Strong retail growth is expected'

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

'The retail business was somewhat slow initially, but it has picked up over the past seven to eight days. Following Makar Sankranti, there is a renewed sense of positivity.'

India celebrates Sankranti, Pongal, Bihu with zest

India celebrates Sankranti, Pongal, Bihu with zest

Rediff.com14 Jan 2022

Amid the shadow of the third wave of COVID-19, people of India marked different festivals across the country.

Maha Kumbh: 3.5 crore seers, devotees take Amrit Snan

Maha Kumbh: 3.5 crore seers, devotees take Amrit Snan

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Seers from various 'akharas' took the first 'Amrit Snan' at the Maha Kumbh on Makar Sankranti on Tuesday as an unbroken stream of people converged at the Triveni Sangam on the occasion with around 3.5 crore devotees taking a dip.

Jallikattu Leads Pongal Celebrations

Jallikattu Leads Pongal Celebrations

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

The centuries-old bull-taming tradition, Jallikattu, commenced on Tuesday January 14, 2024 in Avaniyapuram, Madurai, marking the start of the state's Pongal celebrations.

Cricketers Go Kite Flying!

Cricketers Go Kite Flying!

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Indian and Irish cricketers flew kites to mark Makar Sankranti.

Priya, Janhvi Go Traditional For Vishu

Priya, Janhvi Go Traditional For Vishu

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Monday saw a host of Indian festivals like Vishu, Bihu, Poila Boishakh and Baisakhi. Film folk celebrate by dressing up and creating happy memories on social media.

Kartik-Kriti Celebrate Makar Sankranti, Lohri

Kartik-Kriti Celebrate Makar Sankranti, Lohri

Rediff.com16 Jan 2023

Kartik Aaryan and his Shehzada co-star Kriti Sanon are taking their new film across different cities in India to promote it.

Like Raashii's Pongal Style?

Like Raashii's Pongal Style?

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Movie stars celebrate Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Lohri in their special ways.

Thanks To Chhaava, Highest-Grossing February Post-Pandemic

Thanks To Chhaava, Highest-Grossing February Post-Pandemic

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

January and February surpassed the monthly domestic box collection on a year-on-year basis.

Lalu meets this NDA ally, says he's ready to switch

Lalu meets this NDA ally, says he's ready to switch

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Rashtriya Janata Dal president Lalu Prasad Yadav on Wednesday dropped hints that the Mahagathbandhan helmed by his party might bring on board former Union minister Pashupati Kumar Paras, whom the National Democratic Alliance has sidelined in favour of estranged nephew Chirag Paswan.

Makar Sankranti Recipe: Til Gud Cookies

Makar Sankranti Recipe: Til Gud Cookies

Rediff.com14 Jan 2023

Til and gud is the quintessential Sankrant combo and can be made into delicious cookies.

Maha Kumbh ended on...: Shankaracharya slams 'Sarkari Kumbh'

Maha Kumbh ended on...: Shankaracharya slams 'Sarkari Kumbh'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

"The Maha Kumbh had already passed on Purnima. What is currently happening is the 'Sarkari Kumbh. The real Kumbh takes place in the month of Magh. The full moon of the Magh month had passed, and all the 'Kalpavasi' who were at the Kumbh had already left after the Purnima of Magh month," Shankaracharya said.

J-K is incomplete without PoK: Rajnath

J-K is incomplete without PoK: Rajnath

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his efforts to reduce the distance between the hearts of people in Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi. Singh asserted that the BJP government treats Delhi and Kashmir equally, emphasizing a commitment to bridge the gap between the regions. He criticized Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq for his remarks against India and reiterated the importance of PoK as an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir.

Man arrested for chopping udders of cows in Bengaluru

Man arrested for chopping udders of cows in Bengaluru

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The accused, Syed Nasru, had cut the udders of the cows in Vinayakanagar of Chamarajpet in the wee hours of Sunday, they said.

Sankranti Special: Bhogichi Bhaji, Tilachi Bhakri

Sankranti Special: Bhogichi Bhaji, Tilachi Bhakri

Rediff.com13 Jan 2023

Why settle for the ordinary, when you can try out something traditional on Makar Sankranti?

Game Changer Enjoys Fair Weekend At Box Office

Game Changer Enjoys Fair Weekend At Box Office

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The Ram Charan-Kiara Advani-starrer opened better than expected.

Maha Kumbh ends with 65 cr attendees, controversies, politics

Maha Kumbh ends with 65 cr attendees, controversies, politics

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

The Maha Kumbh, billed as the world's largest gathering, concluded on Wednesday after 45 days, with lakhs of devotees taking a dip in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Despite a stampede that killed at least 30 people, millions continued to visit the Kumbh, seeking salvation through the ritual bath. The event saw a mix of faith, tradition, and technology, drawing pilgrims and tourists from across the globe.

Sangam water unfit for bathing, contains faecal bacteria: Govt data

Sangam water unfit for bathing, contains faecal bacteria: Govt data

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

The Ganga water at the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, where lakhs of people are taking a holy dip every day during the ongoing Maha Kumbh, is currently unsafe for bathing as it exceeds the prescribed limit for biological oxygen demand (BOD), a key parameter to determine water quality, according to government data.

Man threatens terror attack during Maha Kumbh on X

Man threatens terror attack during Maha Kumbh on X

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

A police case was filed here on Tuesday after a video turned up on X showing a person making threats to spread terror during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, an officer said.

Atishi's poll affidavit clears doubts over her surname

Atishi's poll affidavit clears doubts over her surname

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Delhi's third woman Chief Minister Atishi, who replaced Arvind Kejriwal after his resignation in September last year, filed her nomination on Tuesday for the upcoming Assembly polls, declaring a net worth of Rs 76.93 lakh, with no car or house in her name. According to Atishi's affidavit submitted to the Election Commission (EC), her movable assets include Rs 30,000 cash in hand, gold jewellery worth Rs 1 lakh and approximately Rs 75 lakh held in bank accounts as fixed deposits and savings. The affidavit also revealed that Atishi does not own any immovable property.

India celebrates Lohri, gears up for Makar Sankranti

India celebrates Lohri, gears up for Makar Sankranti

Rediff.com14 Jan 2021

Festivals of Lohri and Bhogi were celebrated in various parts of the country with fervour on Wednesday while Indians geared up for Makar Sankranti on Thursday.

Mrs Steve Jobs visits Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Mrs Steve Jobs visits Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Kailashanand Giri Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara, along with Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.

Akhilesh Yadav takes holy dip at Maha Kumbh, says prayed for harmony

Akhilesh Yadav takes holy dip at Maha Kumbh, says prayed for harmony

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav took a holy dip in the Sangam at Maha Kumbh on Sunday, urging the BJP to bathe with "patience." He criticized the BJP for splashing water on each other after bathing in the Sangam, saying people come to Kumbh for virtue and charity, not for water sports. Yadav, who had earlier taken a dip in the Ganga river in Haridwar on Makar Sankranti, said he had always visited the religious congregation. The latest official figures show that 1.17 crore people took a dip in the Sangam till late Sunday afternoon, bringing the total number of 'snan' (bath) in Maha Kumbh since its start to 11.47 crore.

Citing Covid, Haridwar bans dip in Ganga on Makar Sankranti

Citing Covid, Haridwar bans dip in Ganga on Makar Sankranti

Rediff.com11 Jan 2022

Amid the continuous rise in Covid-19 cases, the Haridwar administration has banned devotees from taking a holy dip in the Ganga on Makar Sankranti, January 14.

Mahakumbh: Preparations in place for Mahashivratri 'snan' at Sangam

Mahakumbh: Preparations in place for Mahashivratri 'snan' at Sangam

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

The Maha Kumbh, a massive religious gathering in Prayagraj, India, is preparing for the culmination of its events with the Mahashivratri 'snan' (sacred bath) on Wednesday. Authorities have declared the entire mela area a 'no vehicle zone' and are urging devotees to take a dip at the ghat nearest to them to avoid crowding at the Sangam. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is monitoring the arrangements and has issued an advisory for devotees, outlining specific ghats for different arrival routes. The Maha Kumbh has seen a record number of pilgrims, exceeding 64 crore. Security arrangements are robust with over 37,000 police personnel and 14,000 home guards deployed. The fair has also been hailed for its cleanliness and safety measures. The event is expected to conclude with the Mahashivratri puja.

Final snan begins as Maha Kumbh 2025 to conclude today

Final snan begins as Maha Kumbh 2025 to conclude today

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

The 45-day Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj concluded on Mahashivratri with a record-breaking number of pilgrims taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. Over 65 crore pilgrims participated in the event, which took place once every 12 years.

Maha Kumbh Mela: Meet the seer who has not bathed for 32 yrs

Maha Kumbh Mela: Meet the seer who has not bathed for 32 yrs

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

The 57-year-old has become the centre of attraction in Maha Kumbh Mela due to his height, which is a little more than three feet.

Pilibhit encounter: Manhunt launched for aides of killed terrorists

Pilibhit encounter: Manhunt launched for aides of killed terrorists

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

Following the encounter of three Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF) terrorists in Pilibhit, security agencies are intensifying their search for their local helpers in the Terai region.

Ancient temples 'converted' into mosques be vacated, demands Akhara chief

Ancient temples 'converted' into mosques be vacated, demands Akhara chief

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri, has demanded the evacuation of mosques built on ancient temples across India. Puri, who is also the president of the Mansa Devi Temple Trust in Haridwar, claims that around 80% of mosques in India are built on temples and that their domes resemble those of temples. He has appealed to Muslims to hand over such structures to Hindus and has called for the formation of a "Sanatan Board" to protect Hindu religious institutions. Puri also denied banning Muslims from attending the Maha Kumbh Mela, saying that they are welcome to visit and learn about Hinduism.

Kinnar akhara opens doors for transgenders to Kumbh Mela

Kinnar akhara opens doors for transgenders to Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

The Akhil Bharatiya Kinnar Akhara is the 14th akhara at the Maha Kumbh.

'Gujaratis Know Hinduism Equals BJP'

'Gujaratis Know Hinduism Equals BJP'

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

'The people of Gujarat are more religious than people of other states, this gives the BJP an advantage.'

Maha Kumbh: Officials focus on zero error Basant Panchami Amrit Snan

Maha Kumbh: Officials focus on zero error Basant Panchami Amrit Snan

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Ahead of the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan at the Maha Kumbh, top officials are emphasizing the implementation of "zero error" directives to prevent a repeat of the deadly stampede that occurred during a previous snan. The Uttar Pradesh government has deployed senior IAS officers with experience in crowd management and inter-agency coordination to oversee the event.

As pure 'as alkaline water': UP quotes scientist on Sangam water

As pure 'as alkaline water': UP quotes scientist on Sangam water

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government, citing a scientist, has asserted that Ganga water at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is as pure as "alkaline water", debunking concerns raised by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) about water quality. The government claims that a scientist found no bacterial growth or decline in the water's pH level, despite millions of devotees bathing in the river. However, experts caution that the quality of the Ganga water is not static and can vary greatly depending on various factors.