News for 'Festival of Colours'

8 Places To Head To For Holi

8 Places To Head To For Holi

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Certain spots on the India map play Holi even more colourfully, joyfully than other places. To experience the most beautiful of Holi celebrations, plan to spend the festival at one of them.

'Stay indoors': Bihar BJP MLA's Holi appeal to Muslims sparks row

'Stay indoors': Bihar BJP MLA's Holi appeal to Muslims sparks row

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul, the MLA from Bisfi assembly constituency in Madhubani district, made these remarks while speaking to reporters at the Vidhan Sabha premises.

BSF jawan gets hero's welcome in Bengal after 3 weeks in Pak captivity

BSF jawan gets hero's welcome in Bengal after 3 weeks in Pak captivity

Rediff.com23 May 2025

Purnam Kumar Shaw, a BSF jawan who was held captive in Pakistan for nearly three weeks, returned to his home in West Bengal's Hooghly district on Friday evening. Shaw was greeted by his family and well-wishers at Howrah station and was escorted to his hometown Rishra, where he was welcomed by people and a band playing patriotic tunes. Shaw had been taken into custody by Pakistan Rangers on April 23, after he inadvertently crossed the international border in Punjab's Ferozepur district.

When These Celebs Broke The Cannes Dress Code...

When These Celebs Broke The Cannes Dress Code...

Rediff.com26 May 2025

They brought fierce individuality to the red carpet.

Why Rajasthan cops boycotted Holi celebrations

Why Rajasthan cops boycotted Holi celebrations

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Rajasthan Police personnel in several districts of the state boycotted Holi celebrations on Saturday to protest their demands, including promotions and removal of salary discrepancies. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot urged the current Chief Minister to intervene and address the police personnel's grievances, while Cabinet Minister Kirodi Lal Meena expressed support for their demands and promised to raise the issue with the government. The police personnel are calling for timely Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs) meetings, an increase in mess allowance, and other benefits. The boycott highlights the ongoing concerns of police personnel regarding their professional development and financial well-being.

Muslim men can wear 'tarpaulin hijab' on Holi: UP minister

Muslim men can wear 'tarpaulin hijab' on Holi: UP minister

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

A BJP leader in Uttar Pradesh has sparked controversy by suggesting that Muslim men cover themselves with tarpaulins to avoid being sprinkled with colors on Holi. The remarks, made by Raghuraj Singh, come days after a police officer in Sambhal made similar comments. The festival of Holi coincides with the second Friday of the month of Ramzan this year, leading to concerns about potential clashes. The controversy has fueled tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities in the state, highlighting the sensitive nature of religious festivals in India.

Bihar mayor's '2-hr Holi break' for namaaz call sparks row

Bihar mayor's '2-hr Holi break' for namaaz call sparks row

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The mayor of Darbhanga, Bihar, has sparked a controversy by suggesting a two-hour break in Holi celebrations to accommodate Friday prayers during Ramzan. Her proposal has drawn criticism from a BJP MLA, who accused her of calling for 'Ghazwa-e-Hind'. Meanwhile, other politicians have condemned the mayor's suggestion and emphasized the need for communal harmony.

10 Best Looks From Cannes 2025. VOTE!

10 Best Looks From Cannes 2025. VOTE!

Rediff.com26 May 2025

While Alia Bhatt and Janhvi Kapoor marked their debuts at Cannes 2025, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan made a return and made her presence felt the way only she can.

Day after fire tragedy, MP temple bans outside colours during Rangpanchami

Day after fire tragedy, MP temple bans outside colours during Rangpanchami

Rediff.com26 Mar 2024

The administration has declared that devotees will not be permitted to bring external colours into the temple premises in Ujjain city of Madhya Pradesh.

Why 500,000 Indians Visited Vietnam

Why 500,000 Indians Visited Vietnam

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

Stunning landscapes, natural beauty, clean beaches, cultural wealth, mouth-watering food, shopping options, safety for solo travellers, warm hospitality, easy visas, and connectivity make Vietnam a must-visit destination, discovers Ramesh Menon.

Archie and friends celebrate Holi in new comic book

Archie and friends celebrate Holi in new comic book

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Archie Comics has released a new story featuring the celebration of Holi in India. The 10-page story, titled "Celebration Surprise," appears in "The World of Betty & Veronica digest #38." Co-CEO of Archie Comic Publications Nancy Silberkleit said the story was inspired by her own experiences celebrating Holi in India and her desire to celebrate Om Arora, the owner of Delhi-based Variety Book Depot, who has been a long-time distributor of Archie Comics in India.

Did Tamannaah Celebrate Holi With Vijay Varma?

Did Tamannaah Celebrate Holi With Vijay Varma?

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Holi is the festival of colours and Bollywood has got the memo!

Manish, Sabyasachi Impress At Met Gala

Manish, Sabyasachi Impress At Met Gala

Rediff.com6 May 2025

Indian celebrities and designers are ruling the show on the red carpet.

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.

'I'm The Only Acknowledged Dalit In All Of Hindi Cinema History'

'I'm The Only Acknowledged Dalit In All Of Hindi Cinema History'

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

'If you look around the world at people of colour, religion, caste, sexuality or any of the marginalised communities, we are always talking in numbers.' 'We are always assigning them a statistic.' 'That is an easy way to assuage your urban guilt. Because you hide your apathy with hollow sympathy.' 'We are, in a way, making them invisible.'

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The visitor returns not just with the jewel-like beauty of the country imprinted on the mind, the body rejuvenated by hot stone massages, but also with the captivating stories and myths that are built into every important structure -- whether a tourist magnet or an off-the-beaten track spot.

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.

Glamorous Kalki!

Glamorous Kalki!

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

The actor had fun on the ramp.

Flight tickets to be cheaper this Holi

Flight tickets to be cheaper this Holi

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

With only a few days to go before the country celebrates Holi, several airline companies offered discounts on fares on the occasion of the festival of colours. While two airlines are providing discounts on both domestic and international networks, another has the offer only for the domestic sector. Low-cost airline Akasa Air said it is offering an all-inclusive one-way fare starting at Rs 1,499 on domestic routes.

Holi celebrated at reopened Sambhal temple after 46 years

Holi celebrated at reopened Sambhal temple after 46 years

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Devotees celebrated Holi at the Kartikeya Mahadev Temple in Khaggu Sarai, Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh for the first time in 46 years. The temple, which was reopened last December after being closed since 1978, saw enthusiastic participation from social and Hindu organisations. The event was held under tight security following communal violence in the area in 2024.

Party Recipe: Coconut Candies

Party Recipe: Coconut Candies

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

A simple microwave recipe that will provide treats for your home New Year bash.

'This is one festival where you can look absolutely imperfect'

'This is one festival where you can look absolutely imperfect'

Rediff.com22 Mar 2024

These skincare tips will come handy before you step out to drench yourself in the colours of Holi.

Waluscha, Sanjana, Pooja Revel In Red Velvet

Waluscha, Sanjana, Pooja Revel In Red Velvet

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Here's how you look as delectable as the dessert.

Stunningly Sweet Pooja Sawant

Stunningly Sweet Pooja Sawant

Rediff.com1 Feb 2024

The Musafiraa actor has been making a name for herself in the desi style department.

Kajol's RED HOT Festive Fashion

Kajol's RED HOT Festive Fashion

Rediff.com23 Oct 2023

When she's not pulling out her gorgeous saris for the Durga poojo pandal, she's making a statement with the different colours of Navratri.

'Hindustan Is Heaven On Earth'

'Hindustan Is Heaven On Earth'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The cultural richness that began from a narrow bank of the Yamuna has continued for over 7 centuries. And you literally go underground for as little at Rs 50 to see it!

'We Are Fixated By White Skin In India'

'We Are Fixated By White Skin In India'

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

'Not just women, but even men are judged by the colour of their skin and have to fight prejudice every day.'

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'.

Kajal Aggarwal's WOW Fashion Game

Kajal Aggarwal's WOW Fashion Game

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Like her Sikander co-star Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal is quite the fashionista.

'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.

How Sonakshi, Katrina Celebrated Holi

How Sonakshi, Katrina Celebrated Holi

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Film folk make memories on Holi and show the world how they celebrated the festival of colours.

Like Priyanka-Nick's Wedding Look?

Like Priyanka-Nick's Wedding Look?

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Priyanka Chopra's brother Siddharth Chopra's wedding festivities ended with a grand reception over the weekend.

Go Chic This Pongal

Go Chic This Pongal

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Filmi divas offer some tips on how to dress up traditionally on Pongal and keep it very, very chic.

Trump Turns Up At Lit Fests All Over!

Trump Turns Up At Lit Fests All Over!

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The dramatic moves of Donald Trump, which have shaken up the global order, dominated the discussion. A sense of bewilderment prevailed, but there was also expectation that President Trump would settle down to a more traditional style of governance after a time of shock and awe, observes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan, an attendee at literary festivals in Calicut, Jaipur, Kochi, Sharjah and Thiruvanathapuram.

Holi, Friday namaaz pass off peacefully in Sambhal

Holi, Friday namaaz pass off peacefully in Sambhal

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Holi and Friday prayers passed peacefully in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh amid tight security, officials said.

What Made Shaji N Karun A Master Film-Maker

What Made Shaji N Karun A Master Film-Maker

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

With Piravi, Shaji N Karun joined the select group of great masters of film. Malayalam once upon a time used to produce such films. Today, it is only mindless violence, politics and grotesque humour. The films have no soul, although they are technically quite good. With Shaji's passing, and earlier with his mentor G Aravindan's untimely death, an era is coming to an end. Rajeev Srinivasan salutes the master, who passed into the ages on April 28.

HOLI HAI! India celebrates festival of colours

HOLI HAI! India celebrates festival of colours

Rediff.com24 Mar 2016

Celebration of Holi at Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana in Uttar Pradesh is world famous and it attracts tourists from across the globe.

Mosques covered for 'Laat Saheb' Holi procession in UP town

Mosques covered for 'Laat Saheb' Holi procession in UP town

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The city of Shahjahanpur in India celebrates Holi with a unique procession called "Laat Saheb," where revellers hurl footwear at a man impersonating a British Lord. The tradition dates back to the 18th century and has evolved over time. The procession involves a seven-kilometer route, prayers at a temple, and a symbolic bribe offered to the police. The event is marked by strict security measures, including barricades, CCTV cameras, and the covering of mosques with tarpaulins. The procession is seen as a way to commemorate the city's history of freedom fighters and to discourage the British colonizers.

Alia, Nushrratt, Pooja's Favourite Holi Party Colours

Alia, Nushrratt, Pooja's Favourite Holi Party Colours

Rediff.com6 Mar 2023

The only thing that works on Holi is the right colour.

After row, AMU says students can play Holi 'freely'

After row, AMU says students can play Holi 'freely'

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Amid demands for allowing Holi celebration on the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) campus, its administration has decided that students can do so "freely" at the Non-Resident Students Centre Hall. The decision came after a controversy erupted when members of a right-wing group accused the university administration of denying permission to Hindu students to organize a 'Holi Milan' function on campus. However, the university administration clarified that the decision to allow Holi celebrations at the NRSC Hall was taken because of an AMU board examination scheduled for March 9. The administration further stated that March 10, 11, and 12 are working days and there will be classes, while March 13 and 14 are holidays, making them suitable for celebrations.