News for 'DEITY'

Why govt Odisha wants to copyright Jagannath rituals

Why govt Odisha wants to copyright Jagannath rituals

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

The Odisha government is working to secure copyright for the rituals of Lord Jagannath temple in Puri to protect its traditional cultural expressions, following concerns over untimely celebrations by ISKCON and the declaration of a temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'.

Maha temple trustees spar over Malhar certification for meat shops

Maha temple trustees spar over Malhar certification for meat shops

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The 'Malhar' nomenclature of a platform announced by Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane for certifying mutton shops exclusively operated by Hindu community members has divided trustees of the famous Malhari Martand temple. One trustee has demanded a name change as the deity is "vegetarian" and loves animals, while another trustee supports the use of 'Malhar'. The certification program aims to certify 'jhatka' mutton shops, which are 100% operated by Hindus.

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.

Hockey captain Tete's mentor Pratima Barwa dies in Ranchi

Hockey captain Tete's mentor Pratima Barwa dies in Ranchi

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

'This is not just the passing of a coach, but the end of an era in Jharkhand's hockey legacy.'

Dhankhar's Exit: Why RSS Won't Rock Modi's Boat

Dhankhar's Exit: Why RSS Won't Rock Modi's Boat

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

'Modi's charisma may have weakened as last year's Lok Sabha poll results showed but in the eyes of the Sangh Parivar, it has not waned.' 'Minus a strong BJP government at the Centre for another decade and more, there is apprehension that an anti-Hindutva government could reverse many of the ideological gains that the Modi dispensation has achieved through its three terms,' points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

BJP MP seeks ASI survey of Masud dargah in UP, cites 'Surya Kund' link

BJP MP seeks ASI survey of Masud dargah in UP, cites 'Surya Kund' link

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Gond also claimed that the Dargah premises was the meditation site of Maharaja Suheldev's guru, Rishi Balark.

Vrindavan priests say no to barring Muslim artisans

Vrindavan priests say no to barring Muslim artisans

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Priests at the famed Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan have rejected a demand to stop using attires made by Muslim artisans for its deity, emphasizing that religious discrimination has no place in temple traditions. The demand was raised by a right-wing group, who argued that the deity's attire should be made only by those who adhere to "religious purity." The temple priests countered by highlighting the historical contributions of Muslim artisans to temple traditions and the impracticality of replacing them.

Kannappa Review: Superstar Cameos Can't Save The Film

Kannappa Review: Superstar Cameos Can't Save The Film

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

Kannappa is a bloated mess of a film that underutilises interesting story ideas, observes Arjun Menon.

Lakshyaraj Singh crowned as titular head of Mewar

Lakshyaraj Singh crowned as titular head of Mewar

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, a member of the Mewar royal family, was enthroned as the new head of the dynasty in a ceremony steeped in tradition at the Udaipur City Palace. The event was marked by a ceremonial yagya and the presence of distinguished guests, but also shadowed by a bitter dispute over succession with his cousin Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, who was declared the 77th Maharana of Mewar in a parallel coronation in November 2024. The ongoing feud highlights the long-standing conflicts over the legacy of the Mewar dynasty.

Complainant against influencer Sharmistha Panoli held for hate speech

Complainant against influencer Sharmistha Panoli held for hate speech

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

An FIR was registered against him at the Golf Green Police Station in south Kolkata for allegedly promoting hate speech and hurting religious sentiments through his social media posts.

Kolkata Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath's chariot to roll on Sukhoi jet tyres

Kolkata Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath's chariot to roll on Sukhoi jet tyres

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

The chariot, with the new set of tyres, will carry Lord Jagannath on this year's Rath Yatra which will be held on June 27.

Court rejects plea to implead goddess Radha in Mathura case

Court rejects plea to implead goddess Radha in Mathura case

Rediff.com27 May 2025

The Allahabad High Court has rejected an application to implead goddess Radha Rani as a party in the Mathura Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah title dispute. The court ruled that puranic illustrations are considered hearsay evidence and the applicant failed to provide concrete evidence supporting the claim of joint ownership.

Itachuna: Regal, Rich, And A Bit Spooky

Itachuna: Regal, Rich, And A Bit Spooky

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Rajbaris are a link to Bengal's rich past, of grand mansions, classical fine dining, and allow guests to be pretend zamindars for those few hours or days that they stay.

No MP govt nod to charge Munawar Faruqui for insulting Hindu deities

No MP govt nod to charge Munawar Faruqui for insulting Hindu deities

Rediff.com30 Jan 2024

The police are yet to submit a chargesheet against stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui in a 2021 case for allegedly making objectionable remarks about Hindu deities during a show in Indore as the investigation is still underway, an official said on Tuesday.

Chiranjeevi's Update About Pawan Kalyan's Son

Chiranjeevi's Update About Pawan Kalyan's Son

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

'Our baby Mark Shankar has come home but he still needs to recover.'

MP Cong leader likens Parshuram to Aurangzeb; gets showcause notice

MP Cong leader likens Parshuram to Aurangzeb; gets showcause notice

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

The notice further highlights that the Congress party is a secular-based party, which respects every religion and society in India equally.

Thiruvananthapuram airport to shut for 4 hours for temple procession

Thiruvananthapuram airport to shut for 4 hours for temple procession

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will be closed for over four hours on April 11 to facilitate the "Painkuni Arattu" procession of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The procession, which involves taking the temple idols to Shangumugham Beach for a ritual bath, crosses the airport runway. The airport will be closed from 4.45 pm to 9 pm on April 11. This tradition dates back centuries and continues even after the airport's establishment in 1932. Flights will be rescheduled during this period.

The Tough Holi Quiz

The Tough Holi Quiz

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Find out how much you know about the Festival of Colours with our special quiz.

Pix: The New Jagannath Temple In Digha, West Bengal

Pix: The New Jagannath Temple In Digha, West Bengal

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Built on around 24 acres of land using red sandstone quarried from Bansi Paharpur in Rajasthan, the Jagannath Temple at Digha, also known as Jagannath Dham, is an "architectural marvel, a mixture of intricate carvings and traditional design," an official said.

Court rejects FIR plea over MF Husain's paintings row

Court rejects FIR plea over MF Husain's paintings row

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

A Delhi court refused to order an FIR on a complaint alleging that two paintings by late artist M F Husain hurt religious sentiments, stating that no further investigation was required. The court, however, issued notice to the Delhi Art Gallery for a complaint case hearing on February 12. The paintings, featuring Hindu deities Hanuman and Ganesh, were seized by the police earlier this month following the complaint. The complainant, advocate Amita Sachdeva, argued that the paintings insulted the revered deities and constituted obscenity.

Bangladesh high court orders Hindu leader's release on bail

Bangladesh high court orders Hindu leader's release on bail

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

A bench of the Bangladesh High Court ordered the release on bail of Hindu leader Chinmoy Krishna Das, who was arrested in November on charges of defaming the country's national flag. The two-judge bench granted the bail after a final hearing on their previous rule asking authorities why he should not be granted bail. Das, a former ISKCON leader, was arrested at Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on November 25.

In The Mood For A Deadly Bride On OTT?

In The Mood For A Deadly Bride On OTT?

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Deadly brides, daredevil officers, bloodthirsty royals, killer toys, celebrity chefs, comic book heroes, angry goddesses, senior citizen dreams, poisonous snowfall, the OTT offerings this week will make you wish for days twice the size of its menu.

Journalist Rana Ayyub booked for 'spreading anti-India sentiment'

Journalist Rana Ayyub booked for 'spreading anti-India sentiment'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Delhi Police on Tuesday informed a court that a first information report (FIR) was registered against journalist Rana Ayyub for allegedly making derogatory posts in 2016-17, including 'insults to Hindu deities, spreading of anti-India sentiment and incitement of religious disharmony'.

'Shiva Is An Inclusive God Who Accepts Everyone As They Are'

'Shiva Is An Inclusive God Who Accepts Everyone As They Are'

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

'He is the God of Gods, the originator of yoga and the Vedas, the most powerful masculine figure who respects the feminine.'

Allahabad University assistant prof booked over remarks on Hindu deities

Allahabad University assistant prof booked over remarks on Hindu deities

Rediff.com22 Oct 2023

The action came Sunday evening at the joint complaint of Vishva Hindu Parishad, Hindu Jagran Manch, and Bajrang Dal.

7 killed as rain-soaked wall collapses at Andhra temple

7 killed as rain-soaked wall collapses at Andhra temple

Rediff.com1 May 2025

The wall collapsed on the Rs 300 ticket queue line near the shopping complex on the ghat road from Simhagiri Bus Stand at around 3 am. Heavy overnight rains and strong winds are suspected to have loosened the soil, causing the structure to fall, Anitha told reporters.

Tension in Karnataka village after Dalits enter temple for first time

Tension in Karnataka village after Dalits enter temple for first time

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

The upper caste people, mostly Vokkaligas, allegedly took away the 'Utsava Murthy', the metallic festival idol of the deity for performing rituals outside the temple in Hanakere village.

Erstwhile royal family member Arvind Singh Mewar dies at 81

Erstwhile royal family member Arvind Singh Mewar dies at 81

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

Arvind Singh Mewar, a member of the erstwhile royal family of Mewar and the chairman of the HRH group of hotels, died early Sunday in Udaipur after a prolonged illness. Mewar, 81, was a descendant of Rajput king Maharana Pratap and was ill for a long time. He is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters. The funeral will take place on Monday. Mewar was known for his career in the hospitality industry and for his involvement in sports, including cricket and polo. He was also an avid pilot and a philanthropist. He was the younger son of Bhagwant Singh Mewar and Sushila Kumari. His elder brother Mahendra Singh Mewar died in November last year. There have been conflicts and issues between his descendants regarding the leadership of the house of Mewar and a property dispute.

When Cricket Legends Walked Away Without A Roar

When Cricket Legends Walked Away Without A Roar

Rediff.com15 May 2025

While Sachin Tendulkar's 2013 farewell became a national pilgrimage, a vibrant celebration befitting a cricketing deity, the exits of many other Indian icons this century have been quieter journeys into the twilight.

Communal unrest grips Maha, state sees 823 incidents since Jan

Communal unrest grips Maha, state sees 823 incidents since Jan

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Maharashtra has witnessed 823 incidents of communal unrest since January this year, with demands for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb and the spread of distorted facts on social media fomenting fresh trouble. Districts like Nandurbar, Pune (Rural), Ratnagiri, Sangli, Beed, and Satara have seen communal unrest in recent days due to right-wing organizations' demands for the demolition of the Mughal emperor's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The state witnessed 4,836 Hindu-Muslim related communal crimes in 2024, with 170 incidents classified as cognisable and 3,106 as non-cognisable cases. The violence in Nagpur, triggered by protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, highlights the role of social media in spreading inflammatory content and instigating people. While the state has taken measures to curb the spread of misinformation, concerns remain over the impact on communities and the need for promoting peace and understanding.

Map indicating existence of Hindu deities on Gyanvapi site shown to HC

Map indicating existence of Hindu deities on Gyanvapi site shown to HC

Rediff.com8 Dec 2022

At present the people are allowed to worship once in a year only, he submitted before the court.

Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' may open branches in Europe, US

Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' may open branches in Europe, US

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Indian origin Hindus living in Europe and US are mulling opening overseas chapters of Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' in their countries. On the occasion of Ram Navami on Sunday, the idea of opening a Ram Naam Bank was discussed among the devotees in Sweden.

Modi gifts Gangajal from Kumbh to Mauritius Prez Dharam Gokhool

Modi gifts Gangajal from Kumbh to Mauritius Prez Dharam Gokhool

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day state visit to Mauritius, presented President Dharam Gokhool with Gangajal from the Maha Kumbh Mela. The visit marks Modi's return to Mauritius after nearly a decade, showcasing the strong relationship between India and Mauritius.

Gautam Gambhir Visits Maa Pitambara Temple

Gautam Gambhir Visits Maa Pitambara Temple

Rediff.com4 Oct 2024

Dressed in a yellow kurta and white pyjamas, the cricketer was escorted to the deity where he offered prayers and sought the deity's blessings on the second day of Shardiya Navratri.

When Sakkeer Hussain Played The Chenda At A Temple

When Sakkeer Hussain Played The Chenda At A Temple

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'The entire town, Hindus, Muslims and Christians, my schoolteachers and the ustads from the madrasa were present to witness my arangettam.'

Pawan Kalyan's daughter declares faith before Tirupati temple trip

Pawan Kalyan's daughter declares faith before Tirupati temple trip

Rediff.com2 Oct 2024

Currently, Kalyan is on a three-day visit to the temple as part of his 11-day penance to atone for the alleged sins committed by the previous YSRCP regime at Tirumala.

'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.

Almost all pending ideological tasks completed: Amit Shah

Almost all pending ideological tasks completed: Amit Shah

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asserted that the Narendra Modi government has "almost all" completed its ideological tasks, including the abrogation of Article 370, and will continue on the same path in its third tenure. Shah, a senior BJP leader, was speaking at the Hindu Spiritual & Service Fair in Gujarat, where he highlighted the government's achievements in areas such as the Ram Temple construction, abolition of triple talaq, and the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand. He also emphasized the government's success in promoting Yoga internationally and repatriating stolen idols of Hindu deities. Shah lauded Hindu temples and organizations for their service to society, especially their contributions to education and healthcare for the poor.

'Partition Should Never Have Happened'

'Partition Should Never Have Happened'

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

'We wouldn't have had to face all this had our national leaders taken care to select a place for Sindhis and sent us there, instead of sending us all over to settle in places where the locals didn't want us.' 'They could have partitioned Sindh and given us a Sindhi state from its two Hindu-majority districts.' 'Wasn't that the logic of Partition?'

India revels in Holi, Friday prayers held peacefully

India revels in Holi, Friday prayers held peacefully

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Holi was celebrated with pomp and splendor across India on Friday, with people soaking in the festivities by smearing 'gulaal' on each other and exchanging greetings and sweets. Homes and streets wore a colourful look as the revellers splashed colours and feasted on traditional delicacies. Public transport did not ply in the morning in most major cities while metro services started functioning from noon. As Holi coincided with the second Friday prayers during the holy Islamic month of Ramzan, security -- including increased patrolling and picketing -- was beefed up in several states. In Delhi, more than 25,000 security personnel were deployed. Police closely monitored about 300 sensitive areas with CCTV cameras and drones.