News for 'Festival of India'

Decked churches, midnight masses: India celebrates Christmas

Decked churches, midnight masses: India celebrates Christmas

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Christmas was celebrated with devotion and festive gaiety across India, with churches decked in lights, midnight masses, and community events spreading cheer. Leaders extended greetings, and celebrations took place in various states with prayers for peace and harmony.

The Actor Who Plays The Most Special Role In Dhurandhar The Revenge

The Actor Who Plays The Most Special Role In Dhurandhar The Revenge

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Ahida Sarmai, a special child with Down's Syndrome, makes her own space among Dhurandhar's biggest stars.

Pankaja, O'Sey Balamma Make It To Sundance

Pankaja, O'Sey Balamma Make It To Sundance

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Pankaja and O'Sey Balamma bring deeply personal yet universally resonant stories to Sundance. They represent a new wave of South Indian storytelling, blending cultural authenticity with cinematic innovation, and mark an important step in amplifying regional voices on the international stage.

Gangtok police deploys drones for traffic management

Gangtok police deploys drones for traffic management

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Gangtok Traffic Police has introduced two high-tech drones to improve traffic management and public safety in the city. The drones will monitor traffic, identify bottlenecks, and assist in crowd management during public events.

Himanshu Patel: The Engineer Who Shot Arjun Tendulkar's Wedding

Himanshu Patel: The Engineer Who Shot Arjun Tendulkar's Wedding

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

'The best photographs usually happen in between the big moments -- a quiet smile, a nervous laugh, a parent watching from the corner of the room. Those are the moments you can't script,' says Himanshu Patel, celebrated wedding photographer and founder of Epic Stories.

Modi, Merz Fly Kites...

Modi, Merz Fly Kites...

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz inaugurated the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad on Monday.

Festive Buzz To Boost Gig Jobs

Festive Buzz To Boost Gig Jobs

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

Qcom alone is expected to account for a 60 per cent surge in gig hiring, adding 1.5 million to 2 million roles.

India's GDP estimated to grow at 7.4% in FY26; fastest in the world

India's GDP estimated to grow at 7.4% in FY26; fastest in the world

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Indian economy is likely to grow at 7.4 per cent in 2025-26, up from 6.5 per cent in the previous fiscal, mainly on account of better performance of manufacturing and services sectors, as per the government data released on Wednesday.

Sankranti Recipes From 9 States

Sankranti Recipes From 9 States

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

All of India gets ready for the mid-winter harvest festival, turning out laddoos, Pongal, Puran Poli and other endless delights.

Pakistan, Afghanistan announce 'temporary pause' in fighting

Pakistan, Afghanistan announce 'temporary pause' in fighting

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Pakistan has announced a temporary pause in its ongoing operation against the Afghan Taliban in response to requests from Islamic countries and in view of the upcoming Eid festival, following accusations from Afghanistan regarding an attack on a rehabilitation hospital in Kabul.

'Going By The BJP's Style, A Surprise Can't Be Ruled Out'

'Going By The BJP's Style, A Surprise Can't Be Ruled Out'

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

'The BJP is keeping its options open and that the final decision is still tightly held.' 'That is consistent with the party's tendency to preserve suspense, avoid premature factional conflict, and use leadership selection as a way of resetting internal hierarchies.'

WATCH: Sunny Leone's Manic Laugh in Kennedy

WATCH: Sunny Leone's Manic Laugh in Kennedy

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

Sunny Leone's Kennedy, directed by Anurag Kashyap, releases on February 20.

Aiyar versus Tharoor: Congress's men of letters in war of letters

Aiyar versus Tharoor: Congress's men of letters in war of letters

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

A public exchange of open letters between Congress leaders Mani Shankar Aiyar and Shashi Tharoor reveals a significant rift over foreign policy, particularly concerning Israel and the Sabarimala temple issue.

Post GST cut, auto retail sales rose 18% in Jan

Post GST cut, auto retail sales rose 18% in Jan

Rediff.com10 Feb 2026

Automobile retail sales rose nearly 18 per cent year-on-year to over 27 lakh units in January, led by continued post-GST momentum, healthy rural cash flows on the back of harvest and weddings, and sustained demand visibility across freight, dealer's body FADA said on Tuesday.

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Gulf War: Hormuz Is Becoming The Central Battlefield

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The question is no longer whether the war will expand. It has. The next few days will tell us whether the war stabilises around Hormuz or whether the Strait itself becomes the trigger for a far larger rupture. What to watch for over the next 48 hours is simple: Any move by the US toward direct naval control of the Strait; any credible Iranian attempt to disrupt or mine shipping lanes and, critically, whether energy infrastructure in the Gulf continues to be targeted.If those lines are crossed in tandem, the war will no longer be containable within the region.

Smriti and Jemimah Spread Christmas Cheer

Smriti and Jemimah Spread Christmas Cheer

Rediff.com26 Dec 2025

Jemimah Rodrigues shared a photo of the pair wearing Santa hats and festive red and green outfits.

Remained unapologetic on Op Sindoor: Tharoor addresses issues with Cong

Remained unapologetic on Op Sindoor: Tharoor addresses issues with Cong

Rediff.com24 Jan 2026

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor addresses reports of differences with party leadership, clarifying his stance on party positions and emphasizing the importance of national interest.

When Shah Rukh Khan Was Upset With Arundhati Roy

When Shah Rukh Khan Was Upset With Arundhati Roy

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

When Arundhati Roy wrote her first novel God of Small Things, her team reached out to Shah Rukh Khan inviting him to read a passage from the book at its Mumbai launch. Perhaps because he still held a grudge, Khan refused the invitation.

In Hampi: Hanuman Lives Through Ramu

In Hampi: Hanuman Lives Through Ramu

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

He was enacting and telling stories of none other than Lord Hanuman, the figure, to date, that rules the hearts of the people of Kishkinda or present-day Hampi in the Vijayanagar district of Karnataka.

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Why Ramzan Felt Different This Year

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

During this Ramzan, another religious practice was turned into an offence: Breaking the fast, or iftar.

At Vijay-Rashmika's Wedding Venue

At Vijay-Rashmika's Wedding Venue

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Vijay Deverakonda and Rashmika Mandanna, fondly known as 'Virosh', are getting married at Mementos by ITC in Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Consumer goods companies bank on festivals for urban demand revival

Consumer goods companies bank on festivals for urban demand revival

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, retail firms, and producers of consumer durables are witnessing stable urban demand. However, people in the trade are waiting for clearer signs of revival closer to the festival season, starting in September.

Narendra Modi Stadium: Where Cricket Roars Loudest

Narendra Modi Stadium: Where Cricket Roars Loudest

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

You don't just play here -- you must dare to play here because the sound from the stands crashes onto the field, and often the cheer comes back to the players like waves.

Mitchell slams century as New Zealand down India to level series

Mitchell slams century as New Zealand down India to level series

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

K L Rahul's unbeaten ton was eclipsed by Daryl Mitchell's splendid 131 not out as New Zealand levelled the three-match series 1-1 with a seven-wicket win in the second ODI.

Mumbai, Ideal Venue To Kick Off T20 World Cup

Mumbai, Ideal Venue To Kick Off T20 World Cup

Rediff.com7 Feb 2026

Indian cricket is entering the T20 World Cup inspired not just by its legends, but by a fearless new generation that is already winning World Cups.

9 Samosas With Yum Stuffing

9 Samosas With Yum Stuffing

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

India's favourite teatime indulgence, the samosa, comes with many kinds of stuffings.

Skoda Eyes Cleaner Fuel Options as Kylaq Drives New Buyers

Skoda Eyes Cleaner Fuel Options as Kylaq Drives New Buyers

Rediff.com23 Feb 2026

Skoda India is focusing on cleaner fuel options, including CNG and EVs, while compact SUV Kylaq drives volumes, expands first-time buyers and strengthens the brand in India's competitive market

Meet The Mardaani 3 Villain!

Meet The Mardaani 3 Villain!

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Mallika Prasad Sinha plays Amma with chilling precision and is perfectly cast for the part.

Boong Review: Heartwarming And Heartbreaking

Boong Review: Heartwarming And Heartbreaking

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Make the effort for Boong, Mayur Sanap insists. Watch it, and experience its quietly heart-aching beauty.

LG India profit declines 27.3%

LG India profit declines 27.3%

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

LG Electronics India saw its net profit decline by 27.3 per cent due to margin pressures witnessed in the second quarter. Its net sales in the quarter marginally rose 0.9 per cent to Rs 6,170.4 crore in the July-September quarter.

India rings in 2026 with prayers, parties

India rings in 2026 with prayers, parties

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Indians across the country welcomed the New Year 2026 with celebrations, religious observances, and gatherings at tourist spots. The President, Vice President, and Prime Minister extended greetings for peace and prosperity.

Bajaj Auto logs best quarterly earnings in Q3

Bajaj Auto logs best quarterly earnings in Q3

Rediff.com31 Jan 2026

Two-wheeler (2W) major Bajaj Auto on Friday posted its highest ever quarterly revenue and profit during the third quarter of 2025-26 (Q3FY26). Bajaj Auto's consolidated net profit for the quarter grew by 25 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to Rs 2,749 crore, with the revenue also growing 23 per cent to Rs 16,204 crore.

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Chennai-based photographer Ramya Sriram explains how she captured the fiery and hypnotic Theyyam image that won her the National Geographic India Contest

Farhan Akhtar In Sam Mendes' Beatles Film, Plays Ravi Shankar

Farhan Akhtar In Sam Mendes' Beatles Film, Plays Ravi Shankar

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

'The closure of Don 3 was the best thing to happen to Farhan. If he was committed to directing Don, he wouldn't have been able to take on Pandit Ravi Shankar's role in The Beatles.'

Assam Seeks Fast-Track Court in Zubeen Garg Death Case

Assam Seeks Fast-Track Court in Zubeen Garg Death Case

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

The Assam government has requested the Gauhati High Court to establish a fast-track court to expedite the trial in the Zubeen Garg death case, a move welcomed by the singer's wife, who seeks stringent punishment for those responsible.

Assam Seeks Fast-Track Court for Zubeen Garg Case

Assam Seeks Fast-Track Court for Zubeen Garg Case

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

The Assam Cabinet has decided to request the Gauhati High Court to establish a fast-track court to expedite the trial in the Zubeen Garg death case, following a request from the singer's family.

India's Problem: Strong Power, Weak Resistance

India's Problem: Strong Power, Weak Resistance

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

This new year will bring, once again, a repetition of both intent and apathy, expects Aakar Patel.

Indian Travel Gets Personal in 2026

Indian Travel Gets Personal in 2026

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

Ultra-personalisation is the new standard for Indian tourists.

How Farhan Akhtar Celebrated His BAFTA Win

How Farhan Akhtar Celebrated His BAFTA Win

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Boong wins a BAFTA, and India can't stay calm!

India GDP estimated to grow at 7.5 pc in FY26

India GDP estimated to grow at 7.5 pc in FY26

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

India's real gross domestic product (GDP) is likely to grow at 7.5 per cent in FY26 and moderate to 7 per cent in the subsequent fiscal year, a domestic rating agency said on Wednesday.