News for 'Akharas'

Nirmohi Akhara moves SC seeking reconstitution of Ram temple trust

Nirmohi Akhara moves SC seeking reconstitution of Ram temple trust

Rediff.com19 Jul 2026

The Nirmohi Akhara has approached the Supreme Court, seeking a directive to the Centre to reconstitute the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Theerth Kshetra Trust as a 'public trust' and include structural safeguards for oversight by seers, citing alleged large-scale embezzlement of donations.

Sacred Mace Leaves For Amarnath Shrine

Sacred Mace Leaves For Amarnath Shrine

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Umar Ganie captures glimpses from the Chhari-Mubarak procession as sadhus and devotees begin the final journey to the Amarnath cave shrine.

11 killed as torrential rains trigger floods, landslides across states

11 killed as torrential rains trigger floods, landslides across states

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

Torrential rains have caused widespread devastation across several Indian states, leading to at least 11 deaths in Assam and Uttarakhand, pushing rivers above danger levels, and disrupting daily life with landslides, floods, and school closures. States like Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal, and Jammu & Kashmir are also grappling with the monsoon fury, while Meghalaya faces an unusual rainfall deficit.

Will Ram temple trust decide on new CEO, secretary today?

Will Ram temple trust decide on new CEO, secretary today?

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to hold crucial meetings to appoint a new general secretary, fill three vacant trustee posts, and deliberate on the appointment of the temple's first Chief Executive Officer (CEO), all while addressing the ongoing donation theft controversy and the Supreme Court's call for a fair investigation.

Nagaland's Sports Authority Of India Centre Set For Major Upgrade

Nagaland's Sports Authority Of India Centre Set For Major Upgrade

Rediff.com24 Jul 2026

The Sports Authority of India's Training Centre in Dimapur, Nagaland, will be upgraded to a National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) following an MoU with the state government. This multi-phase development will transform the 64-acre Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex, providing enhanced facilities for athletes in various disciplines.

After donation theft, 250 Ayodhya seers meet to rebuild devotee trust

After donation theft, 250 Ayodhya seers meet to rebuild devotee trust

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

A crucial meeting of around 250 seers and VHP functionaries in Ayodhya will address issues concerning the Ram temple, including ensuring adherence to Vaishnav-Ramanandi traditions, restoring devotee confidence after an alleged donation theft, and deliberating on the Trust's management. The meeting follows deferred decisions by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on key appointments.

'5,200 applications': Ram Temple Trust defers CEO selection by a month

'5,200 applications': Ram Temple Trust defers CEO selection by a month

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday deferred the selection of its first chief executive officer (CEO) by a month after receiving 5,200 applications for the post and decided to appoint a secretary in the interim to meet growing administrative requirements.

Delhi Traffic Head Constable Dies After Being Hit By Scooter, Run Over By Goods Carrier

Delhi Traffic Head Constable Dies After Being Hit By Scooter, Run Over By Goods Carrier

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A Delhi Traffic Police head constable, Anil (39), was killed near ISBT Kashmere Gate after being hit by a scooter and subsequently run over by a goods carrier vehicle while on duty. One driver has been apprehended, and police are searching for the scooter riders.

Can Ram Temple Trust restore devotees' faith after donation scam?

Can Ram Temple Trust restore devotees' faith after donation scam?

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Residents and pilgrims in Ayodhya are anxiously awaiting the outcome of a Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust meeting, convened amidst serious allegations of embezzlement of temple donations. The controversy has led to a subdued public mood, concerns among devotees about the security of their offerings, and calls for strict action against those responsible, including "big people" behind the alleged scam. Security has been heightened as an SIT investigates and arrests have been made.

Pak to replace Lahore streets' British, Hindu names with Islamic figures

Pak to replace Lahore streets' British, Hindu names with Islamic figures

Rediff.com18 May 2026

Pakistan's Punjab government has approved a plan to restore the names of several streets and roads in Lahore, aiming to revive the city's pre-Partition heritage, an official said on Monday.

Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara Arrives For Kumbh Mela

Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara Arrives For Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

Seers from the Shri Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara made their 'Royal Entry' -- also called Chavni Pravesh -- for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj

Thousands join Prateek Yadav's funeral procession in Lucknow

Thousands join Prateek Yadav's funeral procession in Lucknow

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The funeral of Prateek Yadav, son of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav, took place in Lucknow with thousands of supporters in attendance. Family members and political figures paid their respects.

Mamta Kulkarni to continue as Kinnar Akhara's 'mahamandleshwar'

Mamta Kulkarni to continue as Kinnar Akhara's 'mahamandleshwar'

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Mamta Kulkarni, a former Bollywood actress, will continue as the 'mahamandleshawar' of the Kinnar Akhara, a monastic institution for transgender people, after her resignation from the post was not accepted. Kulkarni had announced her resignation in a video on February 10, but the Akhara's 'acharya mahamandleshawar' Laxmi Narayan Tripathi confirmed that she would remain in her role.

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.

Did Uddhav, Fadnavis hold 'secret midnight meeting'? CM reacts

Did Uddhav, Fadnavis hold 'secret midnight meeting'? CM reacts

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has denied reports of a secret meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray, dismissing the claims as false news.

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.

Akhara body to ban food stalls by 'non-Sanatanis' at Kumbh Mela

Akhara body to ban food stalls by 'non-Sanatanis' at Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com9 Oct 2024

The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad on Wednesday said it has decided to not allow 'non-Sanatanis' from putting up food stalls in the Kumbh Mela and rename terms 'Shahi Snan' and 'Peshwai' as 'Rajsi Snan' and 'Chhavni Pravesh'.

Yamuna floodwater causes massive traffic jams in Delhi

Yamuna floodwater causes massive traffic jams in Delhi

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Yamuna floodwater caused massive traffic jams in Delhi, disrupting morning rush-hour traffic and leaving commuters stranded for hours. Key stretches like Kashmere Gate, Ring Road, and Kalindi Kunj were heavily congested.

Lord Shiva's Mace Leaves For Amarnath

Lord Shiva's Mace Leaves For Amarnath

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Amid tight security, the Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, left Srinagar on Monday, August 4, 2025 for the Amarnath cave shrine. This signifies the culmination of the annual Amarnath Yatra.

Why SC rejected Nirmohi Akhara's claim

Why SC rejected Nirmohi Akhara's claim

Rediff.com9 Nov 2019

The top court said there are serious infirmities in the oral accounts of Nirmohi witnesses that the disputed structure was not a mosque but the Janmabhoomi temple.

Holy Mace Of Lord Shiva Reaches Pahalgam

Holy Mace Of Lord Shiva Reaches Pahalgam

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

The revered Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, reached Pahalgam on Saturday, August 9, 2025, marking the start of traditional rituals associated with the Amarnath Yatra.

'Human lives more important': Juna akhara exits Kumbh Mela

'Human lives more important': Juna akhara exits Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com17 Apr 2021

The Juna Akhara, one of the largest sects of seers in the country, announced the end of its participation in the Kumbh Mela on Saturday, hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal that participation in the ongoing gathering in Haridwar be kept symbolic in view of the surge in coronavirus cases.

Maha Kumbh: 2 cr take 'Amrit Snan'; no rush for Sangam Nose

Maha Kumbh: 2 cr take 'Amrit Snan'; no rush for Sangam Nose

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

The Maha Kumbh witnessed its third grand 'Amrit Snan' on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees from across the globe, all seeking spiritual liberation through the sacred dip, which was going on smoothly, officials said.

'Amrit Snan' concludes at Kumbh hours after stampede

'Amrit Snan' concludes at Kumbh hours after stampede

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The 'Amrit Snan' by saints and seers of all 13 akharas on Mauni Amavasya, which was deferred after a stampede at the Maha Kumbh, concluded at the Sangam on Wednesday evening, officials said.

Mamta Kulkarni takes sanyas, does own 'pind-daan'

Mamta Kulkarni takes sanyas, does own 'pind-daan'

Rediff.com25 Jan 2025

Actor Mamta Kulkarni has renounced the worldly life at the Maha Kumbh and will be consecrated as a Hindu nun under the Kinnar Akhara. She performed her own 'Pind Daan' and will be consecrated as 'mahamandaleshwar'.

Kumbh Mela: Amrit snan, deferred due to stampede, resumes

Kumbh Mela: Amrit snan, deferred due to stampede, resumes

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The Amrit snan was originally scheduled in the early hours of the day but was postponed following the stampede.

Ban non-Hindus from Kanwar Yatra: Seers to U'khand govt

Ban non-Hindus from Kanwar Yatra: Seers to U'khand govt

Rediff.com10 Jul 2025

Hindu seers in Uttarakhand have urged the state government to ban non-Hindus from participating in the Kanwar Yatra and operating businesses along the pilgrimage route.

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.

When Sadhus Arrived at Kumbh Mela

When Sadhus Arrived at Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Glimpses of the Peshwai procession, which marks the arrival of sadhus and other members of an akhara, for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj.

Yogi Surveys Prep For Maha Kumbh Mela

Yogi Surveys Prep For Maha Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited Prayagraj to inspect the preparations for the Maha Kumbh 2025.

Disciple held as Akhara Parishad head found dead

Disciple held as Akhara Parishad head found dead

Rediff.com21 Sep 2021

According to Inspector General of Police K P Singh, Mahant Giri's body was found hanging from the ceiling by his disciples. A purported suicide note of seven-eight pages was also found at the site in which the seer had written that he was mentally disturbed and was ending his life.

Sadhus Head To Kumbh Mela

Sadhus Head To Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

Sadhus take part in a religious procession during the Nagar Pravesh ceremony for the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

SC: Nirmohi Akhara to lose Ayodhya land rights if...

SC: Nirmohi Akhara to lose Ayodhya land rights if...

Rediff.com22 Aug 2019

The Allahabad high court, in its judgment of 2010 on four civil lawsuits, had partitioned the 2.77-acre disputed land in Ayodhya equally among the three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla.

'Unwell' Steve Jobs' wife recovers after 'Ganga snan'

'Unwell' Steve Jobs' wife recovers after 'Ganga snan'

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Named 'Kamala ' by Giri, Mrs Jobs arrived in Prayagraj on Monday. She is staying at the Kumbh tent city at the Niranjini Akhara camp till January 15, before returning to the US to attend the swearing-in ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.

'Society Knows Mamta Kulkarni's Past'

'Society Knows Mamta Kulkarni's Past'

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

'Suddenly, she arrives in India, participates in the Maha Kumbh and is given the position of Mahamandleshwar.' 'This needs investigation.'

13-year-old girl becomes sadhvi at Maha Kumbh Mela

13-year-old girl becomes sadhvi at Maha Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

A 13-year-old girl from Agra, who dreamt of becoming an IAS officer, has renounced worldly life and become a Sadhvi at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The girl, Rakhi, was influenced by the teachings of Mahant Kaushal Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara, who had been conducting Bhagwat Katha sessions in her village for the past three years. Rakhi's parents, accepting her decision as divine will, entrusted her to the Juna Akhara. The family, who had rented a home in Agra specifically to educate their daughters, say that Rakhi experienced detachment from worldly life during the Maha Kumbh. The girl will be formally inducted into the ashram on January 19 after religious ceremonies.

'Anti-Hindu': Mulayam's statue at Maha Kumbh sparks row

'Anti-Hindu': Mulayam's statue at Maha Kumbh sparks row

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The move drew criticism from the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad. Its president Mahant Ravindra Puri said that Mulayam Singh Yadav had always been "anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan".

Ayodhya case: Nirmohi Akhara demands entire 2.77 acre land

Ayodhya case: Nirmohi Akhara demands entire 2.77 acre land

Rediff.com6 Aug 2019

The Akhara counsel told the apex court that their suit was basically for belongings, possession and management rights.

SC asks Muslims if they accept Akhara's claim on Ayodhya land

SC asks Muslims if they accept Akhara's claim on Ayodhya land

Rediff.com5 Sep 2019

If the 'shebaitship' of Nirmohi Akhara was accepted, then their evidence will also be accepted, the bench said on the 20th day of the hearing in the politically-sensitive case.

'Maha Kumbh is not a hub of glamour and 5-star culture'

'Maha Kumbh is not a hub of glamour and 5-star culture'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

Since the beginning of the Maha Kumbh last month, many influencers, models and actors have had their brief moment in the sun of virality: model-turned-sadhvi Harsha Richaria, garland seller Mona Lisa, 'IIT baba' Abhay Singh and actor Mamata Kulkarni to name a few.