News for 'Festival of India'

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Besides the not-so-hidden unease between Modi and Adityanath, Modi chose to address the Lok Sabha to ensure that he could personally claim all the kudos, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Passenger vehicle sales crash 10% in Feb, 2Ws down 6%

Passenger vehicle sales crash 10% in Feb, 2Ws down 6%

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The meltdown in Dalal Street that wiped out investor wealth to the tune of 44 trillion in 2025 also seems to be having a ripple effect on the country's vibrant automobile retail sales.

Bollywood Heads To Goa

Bollywood Heads To Goa

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

The 55th International Film Festival of India kicked off in India's party venue, Goa, and the stars added to the dazzle.

Rasha, Keerthy, Nitibha's Style Tips For Lohri

Rasha, Keerthy, Nitibha's Style Tips For Lohri

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Be your stylish best this Lohri.

Auto revenue may hit high gear on rural push, launches

Auto revenue may hit high gear on rural push, launches

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Overall, volume growth is likely to be in the range of 3-8 per cent for two-wheelers and 5-7 per cent for passenger vehicles owing to healthy demand from urban and rural areas and pending order books.

Never said we'd change Constitution for Muslim quota: Shivakumar

Never said we'd change Constitution for Muslim quota: Shivakumar

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar denied on Monday making any comments regarding changing the Constitution to accommodate four per cent reservation for Muslims in the state. He claimed he was "misquoted" and warned of moving a breach of privilege motion. Shivakumar's remarks came after the BJP forced repeated adjournments in the Lok Sabha over his alleged comments on the matter. The BJP has accused Shivakumar of seeking to change the Constitution for political gain, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding reservation policies in India.

Lenders expect robust retail credit in festive season

Lenders expect robust retail credit in festive season

Rediff.com2 Sep 2023

Lenders in India, comprising banks and finance companies, anticipate robust growth in retail credit during the upcoming festival season, stretching from September to December 2023. This expectation is based on resilient demand, government initiatives, and elections in key states.

Earnings winter to persist in Q4

Earnings winter to persist in Q4

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

Brokerages expect a further slowdown in Indian firms' revenue and earnings growth in Q4FY25, following low single-digit growth in the preceding three quarters, as factors like weak consumer demand and credit growth linger on.

Sambhal predates Islam, Vishnu temple destroyed in 1526: Yogi

Sambhal predates Islam, Vishnu temple destroyed in 1526: Yogi

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that forcibly seizing someone's faith and trampling over their beliefs is "unacceptable," especially "when we know the truth about Sambhal" which predates Islam, with the Vishnu temple there being destroyed in 1526. He said that Sambhal has been mentioned in scriptures that are 5,000 years old, which contain references to Lord Vishnu's future incarnation. He also mentioned that a temple of Lord Vishnu in Sambhal was demolished in 1526, and two years later, in 1528, the Ram temple in Ayodhya was destroyed, both acts carried out by the same person.

Goodbye Bappa, Says India

Goodbye Bappa, Says India

Rediff.com18 Sep 2024

Across the nation, Lord Ganeshas large and small make their way to the sea, to lakes, ponds or man-made water bodies where the Visarjan ceremony takes place.

When We Went To The Kumbh Mela...

When We Went To The Kumbh Mela...

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The Kumbh Mela is what it is because of the devotion of millions who make it an experience like no other. It is experiencing the heart and soul of India and the brotherhood of mankind.

Flops Rain Down On 2025 So Far

Flops Rain Down On 2025 So Far

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The first quarter has scored mostly flops, with just one blockbuster (Chhaava) and a smattering of those which have recovered costs.

Kunal Kamra asks BookMyShow if he's banned, it says...

Kunal Kamra asks BookMyShow if he's banned, it says...

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has written an open letter to BookMyShow requesting the online ticketing platform to either not delist him or to hand over the contact information of audience members he has earned through his solo shows over the years. The letter comes days after Shiv Sena claimed BookMyShow had taken Kamra off the sale and artists list from its platform amid ongoing controversy around his 'traitor' jibe against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

Yeh Hai India: Maa Durga getting ready for the festival

Yeh Hai India: Maa Durga getting ready for the festival

Rediff.com27 Aug 2022

Workers carry the face of a clay model of Goddess Durga at a workshop to prepare idols ahead of the Durga Puja festival in Nadia district, August 26, 2022.

Mamata Banerjee faces angry protests during Oxford address

Mamata Banerjee faces angry protests during Oxford address

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, speaking at the University of Oxford, stressed the importance of inclusive development and stated that division in society is counterproductive. She emphasized that her governance model prioritizes the welfare of all sections of society and does not allow discrimination, highlighting the state's diverse population and the need for a human-centric approach.

All We Imagine As Light Gets Critics Choice Awards Nom

All We Imagine As Light Gets Critics Choice Awards Nom

Rediff.com13 Dec 2024

Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light continues to shine on the global stage.

Mahakumbh: Preparations in place for Mahashivratri 'snan' at Sangam

Mahakumbh: Preparations in place for Mahashivratri 'snan' at Sangam

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

The Maha Kumbh, a massive religious gathering in Prayagraj, India, is preparing for the culmination of its events with the Mahashivratri 'snan' (sacred bath) on Wednesday. Authorities have declared the entire mela area a 'no vehicle zone' and are urging devotees to take a dip at the ghat nearest to them to avoid crowding at the Sangam. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is monitoring the arrangements and has issued an advisory for devotees, outlining specific ghats for different arrival routes. The Maha Kumbh has seen a record number of pilgrims, exceeding 64 crore. Security arrangements are robust with over 37,000 police personnel and 14,000 home guards deployed. The fair has also been hailed for its cleanliness and safety measures. The event is expected to conclude with the Mahashivratri puja.

Sensex drops 313 points ahead of RBI's rate decision

Sensex drops 313 points ahead of RBI's rate decision

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Titan, Nestle, Hindustan Unilever, State Bank of India, Larsen & Toubro, ITC, Zomato and Bajaj Finserv were also among the laggards. Adani Ports, IndusInd Bank, Tata Motors and HDFC Bank were among the major gainers.

Concerning: Jaishankar on $21 million USAID row

Concerning: Jaishankar on $21 million USAID row

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed concern over information regarding USAID funding in India, calling it "concerning" and hinting at potential "bad faith" activities. Jaishankar asserted that India is looking into the matter and that the country should know who is involved in such activities. He also emphasized the need to expand India's security definition in the digital age, highlighting the influence of technology and narratives on public perception. The statements come amid controversy surrounding USAID funding for certain activities in India, with the US President Donald Trump questioning the agency's funding of voter turnout efforts.

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

'Second Coming' For TN's Autonomy Panel, But...

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Given the possibilities that next year's assembly elections could throw up, Stalin told the state assembly that an interim report had to be submitted by January 2026. The outcomes may well find its way into the DMK's poll manifesto, thus seeking to keep the electoral focus still on the BJP-ruled Centre and Prime Minister Modi, observes N Sathiya Moorthy.

Auto retail sales up 11.21% in Nov riding on two-wheeler demand: FADA

Auto retail sales up 11.21% in Nov riding on two-wheeler demand: FADA

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Retail sales of vehicles across categories in India grew by 11.21 per cent at 32,08,719 units in November, as compared to 28,85,317 units in the same month last year riding on two-wheeler demand, Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations said in Monday. Retail sales of two-wheelers were at 26,15,953 units last month, as compared to 22,58,970 units in November 2023, a growth of 15.8 per cent buoyed by the festive spillover.

Riding on festive demand, passenger vehicle sales soar to record high in October

Riding on festive demand, passenger vehicle sales soar to record high in October

Rediff.com1 Nov 2023

Passenger vehicle wholesales in India rose to a record high in October as companies pushed dispatches to dealers to cater to the enhanced demand in the festive season. The overall passenger vehicle wholesales in October rose to 391,472 units, up 16 per cent from 336,679 units in the same month last year. Last month witnessed the highest-ever dispatches of passenger vehicles in the domestic market by Maruti Suzuki India and Mahindra & Mahindra.

Private consumption is back; to boost economy: RBI Bulletin

Private consumption is back; to boost economy: RBI Bulletin

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

Private consumption is back driven by festive spending, and the medium-term economic outlook remains bullish as the innate strength of the macro-fundamentals reasserts itself, the Reserve Bank Bulletin said on Wednesday. Global economic activity remained resilient during Q4:2024 amidst fragile confidence and rising protectionism, said an article on 'State of the Economy' published in the November Bulletin.

'Systematic pattern': India on attack on temples in B'desh

'Systematic pattern': India on attack on temples in B'desh

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

The MEA has taken strong exception to the two reported incidents in Bangladesh.

SC to examine PIL on Arunachal CM awarding contracts to kin

SC to examine PIL on Arunachal CM awarding contracts to kin

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a PIL alleging that Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu awarded government contracts to his family members. The court has asked the state government to provide details of the beneficiaries and inform if due process was followed. The bench also sought responses from union ministries of home affairs, finance and the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on the issue within five weeks.

Final snan begins as Maha Kumbh 2025 to conclude today

Final snan begins as Maha Kumbh 2025 to conclude today

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

The 45-day Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj concluded on Mahashivratri with a record-breaking number of pilgrims taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. Over 65 crore pilgrims participated in the event, which took place once every 12 years.

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

'While suppression of information is acceptable for the government, the Opposition's efforts at pinning the government and its leaders is labeled anti-national,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Diwali Shopping Still Sluggish

Diwali Shopping Still Sluggish

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

While there was a 6 to 7 per cent increase in volume compared to last year in the first few days of the month which coincided with festivals, a large part of the demand is yet to hit the market.

Is AICF Playing Spoilsport?

Is AICF Playing Spoilsport?

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

'The Asian Chess Championship will give great exposure for young chess players. But the AICF is curtailing the number of Indian players with a strange rule.'

World champ Gukesh becomes highest ranked Indian

World champ Gukesh becomes highest ranked Indian

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Norway's Magnus Carlsen continues to be the undisputed world No.1 with 2832.5 points, followed by United States' Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura (2802) and country-mate Fabiano Caruana (2798).

Kunal Kamra granted anticipatory bail in Shinde remark case

Kunal Kamra granted anticipatory bail in Shinde remark case

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

Comedian Kunal Kamra has been granted interim anticipatory bail by the Madras High Court in a case filed against him for allegedly making defamatory remarks against Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde during a stand-up comedy show. Kamra, who resides in Tamil Nadu, was summoned by the Mumbai Police and feared arrest, prompting him to seek bail from the Madras HC. The court granted him bail until April 7, on the condition that he executes a bond to the satisfaction of the judicial magistrate at Vanur in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu.

25-bp deposit rate hike likely this festival season

25-bp deposit rate hike likely this festival season

Rediff.com20 Sep 2023

The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI's) decision to withdraw the incremental cash reserve ratio (I-CRR) is expected to benefit banks during the festival season. They are likely to increase deposit rates by up to 25 basis points (bps) in select maturity buckets. The rise in demand for funds to cover tax payments and meet quarter-end business targets could influence rate decisions by banks, according to bankers and money market executives.

Amazon India Head Quits

Amazon India Head Quits

Rediff.com7 Aug 2024

Manish Tiwary plans to take up a new role at another firm.

Rural markets drive FMCG sector; outpace urban areas

Rural markets drive FMCG sector; outpace urban areas

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The FMCG industry in India achieved a 10.6% growth in value terms in the December quarter of 2024, driven largely by rural markets, which have surpassed the large urban markets in growth for the fourth consecutive quarter. Festive demand and consumption-driven growth played a key role, with overall volume up 7.1% despite inflationary pressures. However, the industry also saw a "preference shift of consumers towards smaller packs" due to high food inflation. Local manufacturers continue to outperform larger FMCG companies, fueled by consistent volume growth.

'We Sometimes Underestimate Our Parents'

'We Sometimes Underestimate Our Parents'

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

'But when we actually express ourselves, sometimes our parents can surprise us, because they just love their children.' 'Sometimes it's just that simple. That is what I wanted to show in this film.'

Modi calls Maha Kumbh 'Maha Yagya of unity', hails UP govt

Modi calls Maha Kumbh 'Maha Yagya of unity', hails UP govt

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has said that over 65 crore people visited the sacred site in Prayagraj since the Maha Kumbh began on January 13.

Shoe pinches for most large footwear companies

Shoe pinches for most large footwear companies

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Footwear companies were among the weakest performers in the consumer discretionary sector during the October-December quarter (Q3) of 2024-25. The combined revenue growth of the top four listed firms was just 2.9 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) - the lowest among major discretionary categories.

From Alps To Underwater Vows, Weddings Turn Extravagant & Unique

From Alps To Underwater Vows, Weddings Turn Extravagant & Unique

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

There's clearly no limit to how dramatic a wedding can be.

'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.

Union minister Suresh Gopi booked for 'misusing' ambulance in Kerala

Union minister Suresh Gopi booked for 'misusing' ambulance in Kerala

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

The case was registered following a complaint filed by KP Sumesh, a local Communist Party of India leader, seeking legal action against Gopi for allegedly misusing an ambulance to reach the Pooram venue flouting police restrictions.