News for 'Festival of India'

Cong, allies committed 'sin of foeticide': Modi on women's bill

Cong, allies committed 'sin of foeticide': Modi on women's bill

Rediff.com18 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused opposition parties of obstructing the passage of the women's reservation bill in Parliament, alleging they have crushed the dreams of women and prioritised selfish politics over national progress.

How India Celebrates Mahashivratri

How India Celebrates Mahashivratri

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Maha Shivratri, one of India's most revered Hindu festivals, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and celebrated with deep devotion across the country.

Auto cos delivered record 2,96,71,064 units in FY26; 13.3% jump YoY

Auto cos delivered record 2,96,71,064 units in FY26; 13.3% jump YoY

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

India's auto retail sector achieved record-breaking sales of 2,96,71,064 units in FY26, a 13.3% increase, primarily driven by the implementation of GST 2.0 which reduced the tax burden on mass-segment vehicles, according to the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA).

After GST-led surge, car sales growth may decelerate in FY27

After GST-led surge, car sales growth may decelerate in FY27

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

India's passenger vehicle (PV) industry is projected to experience moderated growth in FY27, following a strong rebound in H2FY26, primarily due to the high base effect, absorbed pent-up demand, and the lingering impact of geopolitical tensions in West Asia.

April Fools' Day: When World Comes Together To Be Silly

April Fools' Day: When World Comes Together To Be Silly

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

April Fools' Day has amused pranksters for centuries, though no one can quite pin down where it truly began.

Sheeba Chaddha: 'Wish I Was Given Other Roles In Addition To Mothers'

Sheeba Chaddha: 'Wish I Was Given Other Roles In Addition To Mothers'

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

'Each mother I have played is different, but the writing dictates the doing of it. If it's written well, that's half the work done for an actor.'

Zubeen Garg drowned accidentally, no evidence of foul play: Singapore court

Zubeen Garg drowned accidentally, no evidence of foul play: Singapore court

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

A Singapore coroner's inquest has officially ruled the death of Indian singer Zubeen Garg as an accidental drowning, concluding a thorough investigation that found no evidence of foul play and highlighting the role of alcohol intoxication.

Kritika Kamra: 'Love Scenes Are Like Action Or Dance'

Kritika Kamra: 'Love Scenes Are Like Action Or Dance'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

'Sometimes it can get a little difficult to assert yourself, whether it's an opinion or your presence. It gets really exhausting.' 'They're still not able to accept that an intelligent woman can also really love wearing red lipstick!'

Zubeen Garg Death Case: Fast-Track Court Commences Hearing

Zubeen Garg Death Case: Fast-Track Court Commences Hearing

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

The fast-track Sessions Court established for the Zubeen Garg death case has commenced its first hearing, with submissions made on behalf of one of the accused. The court is expediting proceedings to deliver justice in the case.

Russian artist's photoshoot with 'pink elephant' draws ire

Russian artist's photoshoot with 'pink elephant' draws ire

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

A photo shoot in Jaipur featuring an elephant painted pink has sparked controversy and animal welfare concerns after the elephant's death. The incident has led to calls for stricter regulations on the use of animals in commercial and artistic activities.

Man Held at India-Nepal Border for Using Fake Documents

Man Held at India-Nepal Border for Using Fake Documents

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

A man was arrested by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at the India-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh's Balrampur district for attempting to enter Nepal using fake documents.

Adityanath Slams TMC, Alleges West Bengal Faces 'Identity Crisis' Under Their Rule

Adityanath Slams TMC, Alleges West Bengal Faces 'Identity Crisis' Under Their Rule

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath criticised the ruling TMC in West Bengal, alleging corruption, extortion, and the rise of 'mafia rule' have led to an 'identity crisis' in the state.

Bengaluru: Mother and Daughter Dead in Suspected Suicide Pact Due to Debt

Bengaluru: Mother and Daughter Dead in Suspected Suicide Pact Due to Debt

Rediff.com30 Mar 2026

A mother and daughter were found dead in Bengaluru, India, in a suspected suicide pact driven by mounting debt. Two other family members survived with injuries.

5 Recipes Where A Banana Leaf Creates Magic

5 Recipes Where A Banana Leaf Creates Magic

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Utilising banana leaves in cooking is a technique used for centuries across India and other parts of the world too

Gulf region braces for low-key Eid amid conflict, security concerns

Gulf region braces for low-key Eid amid conflict, security concerns

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

Citizens and residents across the Gulf region are preparing for Eid amidst regional conflict, impacting festivities and daily life.

Chaitra Navratri: 9 Days Of Renewal And Devotion

Chaitra Navratri: 9 Days Of Renewal And Devotion

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Chaitra Navratri occurs in the month of Chaitra or March-April and hence its name. It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year in many regions across India.

6 Of India's Most Beautiful Shawls

6 Of India's Most Beautiful Shawls

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

India's diverse regions have gifted the world an array of exquisite shawls, each style reflecting its unique regional culture and craftsmanship.

Cook With Devotion: 8 Recipes For Hanuman Jayanti

Cook With Devotion: 8 Recipes For Hanuman Jayanti

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Hanuman Janmotsav marks Lord Hanuman's birthday. Treat him to laddus, fruit and more.

Shivam Dube Celebrates Eid With Family Ahead Of IPL 2026

Shivam Dube Celebrates Eid With Family Ahead Of IPL 2026

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

Shivam Dube celebrated Eid with wife Anjum Khan and his children Ayaan and Mehwish.

10 Films That Leaked Online Before Release

10 Films That Leaked Online Before Release

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

As Jana Nayagan and Avatar: Aang, The Last Airbender become victims of piracy even before they got an official release, Sreeju Sudhakaran looks back at some of the major Indian movies that were impacted by pre-release leaks.

Cibil CEO: Lenders must engage with customers on credit usage, as they did during pandemic

Cibil CEO: Lenders must engage with customers on credit usage, as they did during pandemic

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

TransUnion Cibil CEO Bhavesh Jain highlights the improved retail portfolio quality in January but stresses the need for lenders to continuously engage with borrowers on credit usage and repayment, similar to the approach taken during the Covid-19 pandemic, as the impact of the Iran war on credit quality is still being assessed.

Why Do Women Hit Men During Lathmar Holi?

Why Do Women Hit Men During Lathmar Holi?

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Lathmar Holi in Nandagaon begins the colourful week-long Holi celebrations in Mathura with sticks, shields, music and deep-rooted traditions of Krishna and Radha.

Honey Trehan: 'Speaking The Truth Is Becoming A Crime In This Country For The CBFC'

Honey Trehan: 'Speaking The Truth Is Becoming A Crime In This Country For The CBFC'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Director Honey Trehan's film Punjab '95, based on human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra's life, remains stuck with the Censor Board, facing over 127 cuts.

Actress Claims Director Abused Her, Fears for Her Life

Actress Claims Director Abused Her, Fears for Her Life

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

A young Indian actress has publicly accused a film director of abuse and claims she and her husband are receiving death threats. She is seeking protection from the central and state governments.

Kuldeep Yadav Wedding: Chahal Promises a Big Dance

Kuldeep Yadav Wedding: Chahal Promises a Big Dance

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Indian spinner Yuzvendra Chahal arrived in Dehradun to attend the wedding celebrations of fellow cricketer Kuldeep Yadav, who is set to marry his fiancee, Vanshika, in Mussoorie. The wedding is expected to be a private affair with several prominent cricket personalities in attendance.

'I Was Blown Away By Sheeba Chadha'

'I Was Blown Away By Sheeba Chadha'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

This Hamlet and most of the film's characters are Hindus, so there is an elaborate wedding sequence with a baraat, dholki players, dancing baraatis, and a dance performance piece, set to the qawwali Mast Qalander.

Delhi Boosts Security for Hanuman Jayanti Amid Terror Plot Concerns

Delhi Boosts Security for Hanuman Jayanti Amid Terror Plot Concerns

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Delhi Police have heightened security across the city ahead of Hanuman Jayanti following the arrest of a suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba handler allegedly planning terror strikes. Enhanced surveillance and restrictions are in place to ensure peace during the festival.

Centre tells SC: Sabarimala ban is religious faith, beyond judicial review

Centre tells SC: Sabarimala ban is religious faith, beyond judicial review

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the restriction on women of menstruating age entering Kerala's Sabarimala temple is a matter of religious faith and denominational autonomy, falling outside the purview of judicial review. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that courts should not apply 'secular standards of reason' to religious practices.

Modi speaks to Iranian President, seeks to 'safeguard navigation'

Modi speaks to Iranian President, seeks to 'safeguard navigation'

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, condemning attacks on critical infrastructure in West Asia and emphasising the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring secure shipping lanes.

Over 4.4 Million Devotees Celebrate Holi in Braj Region

Over 4.4 Million Devotees Celebrate Holi in Braj Region

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Over 4.4 million devotees have visited Mathura, Vrindavan, and other sites in the Braj region to celebrate Holi, with more expected to arrive. Police have increased security and taken action against miscreants to ensure peaceful festivities.

8 Delightful Recipes For Gudi Padwa

8 Delightful Recipes For Gudi Padwa

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

This Thursday, March 19 begins the Maharashtrian new year. Gudi Padwa is brought in with traditional rituals that revolve around a new kalash. There is rangoli too. And flowers. An a spectacular array of food.

Assam Officials Say Zubeen Garg Death Case Probe Unaffected by Singapore Findings

Assam Officials Say Zubeen Garg Death Case Probe Unaffected by Singapore Findings

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Assam officials assert that the Zubeen Garg death case proceedings will continue unaffected, despite Singapore Police concluding their probe with no evidence of foul play.

Modern Relationships: 'My Husband Wants Me To Do Puja Everyday'

Modern Relationships: 'My Husband Wants Me To Do Puja Everyday'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

When Bangalore-based Arjun* agreed to an arranged marriage, he believed he had found the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. But a quiet conflict over religion at home soon began to test the relationship.

Gauhati High Court Establishes Fast-Track Court for Zubeen Garg Death Case

Gauhati High Court Establishes Fast-Track Court for Zubeen Garg Death Case

Rediff.com19 Mar 2026

The Gauhati High Court has established a fast-track court to expedite the trial proceedings in the Zubeen Garg death case, following the singer's death in Singapore. The court will be headed by Sharmila Bhuyan, and the decision aims to ensure timely justice.

'According to BJP's convenience': Cong questions poll schedule

'According to BJP's convenience': Cong questions poll schedule

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Top Congress leaders are questioning whether the Election Commission's announced schedule for the Assembly polls unduly benefits the BJP, citing concerns over the timing and structuring of election phases.

Kuldeep Yadav's Sangeet Turns Magical with Sufi Mehfil

Kuldeep Yadav's Sangeet Turns Magical with Sufi Mehfil

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Indian cricketer Kuldeep Yadav and his fiancee Vanshika celebrated their sangeet ceremony with a Sufi theme, featuring a performance by singer Bismil and attended by fellow cricketers Suresh Raina and Yuzvendra Chahal.

Sarma Accuses Congress of 'Sin' for Mentioning Zubeen Garg's Death in Election Promises

Sarma Accuses Congress of 'Sin' for Mentioning Zubeen Garg's Death in Election Promises

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has strongly criticised the Congress party for including the issue of singer Zubeen Garg's death in its election manifesto, calling it a 'sin' and accusing the party of exploiting the singer's memory for political gain.

Opposition Parties Challenge Assam Police Findings in Zubeen Garg Death Case

Opposition Parties Challenge Assam Police Findings in Zubeen Garg Death Case

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Opposition parties in Assam are questioning the police investigation into the death of singer Zubeen Garg after a Singapore coroner ruled it an accidental drowning, contradicting the Assam police's murder charge.

How India Loves: Tum Hi Ho

How India Loves: Tum Hi Ho

Rediff.com13 Feb 2026

Valentine's Day may be global. But love in India is beautifully local.

Hanumankind lights up Colombo ahead of India-Pak clash

Hanumankind lights up Colombo ahead of India-Pak clash

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

The atmosphere at the R Premadasa Stadium reached a fever pitch on Sunday evening as rapper Hanumankind delivered a high-energy performance ahead of the much-awaited India-Pakistan clash in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.