News for 'Festival of India'

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.

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.

'Pahalgam attack has a Hamas footprint'

'Pahalgam attack has a Hamas footprint'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

'It was inspired by the Hamas attack and was like their attack -- well planned and well executed.'

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.

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.

PHOTOS: India revels in riot of colours

PHOTOS: India revels in riot of colours

Rediff.com25 Mar 2024

India was drenched in hues of the rainbow on Monday as people celebrated Holi, the festival colours, on Monday and smeared 'gulal' on each other.

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.

Son of a tailor, SRH's Zeeshan beats system to make his mark

Son of a tailor, SRH's Zeeshan beats system to make his mark

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

'Rinku supported Zeeshan a lot during UP T20 league. A leg-spinner needs a lot of confidence from his captain. He was brought into bowl at crucial junctures and that helped him catch attention of scouts.'

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.

A 'Typical Tom Cruise Day' In Cannes

A 'Typical Tom Cruise Day' In Cannes

Rediff.com15 May 2025

Three decades and seven films after the first blockbuster Mission: Impossible film in 1996, Tom Cruise, now 62, returns with yet another installment in the franchise, Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning.

Over 2 years post Covid, consumer firms see strong festival sales

Over 2 years post Covid, consumer firms see strong festival sales

Rediff.com15 Sep 2022

The festival season has already begun in the west and south of India with Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam, respectively, and consumer companies are witnessing a pick-up in sales compared to pre-Covid levels. Retailers, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and consumer durables companies expect their sales to grow in double digits this festival season compared to pre-pandemic times, as there are no curbs on movement now. Adani Wilmar expects sales volume to be higher by 15-20 per cent as rural India has largely witnessed good monsoon rains, and employment has picked up in urban areas.

Gold at fresh record high of Rs 91,950/10 gm

Gold at fresh record high of Rs 91,950/10 gm

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Gold prices advanced Rs 700 to reach a new lifetime high of Rs 91,950 per 10 grams in the national capital on Wednesday on the back of continued buying by jewellers ahead of wedding season, according to the All India Sarafa Association. Besides, increased tensions in the Middle East and concerns about the US economic slowdown have kept the demand for safe-haven assets intact.

Har Har Mahadev! Gujarat village celebrates Sunita's return

Har Har Mahadev! Gujarat village celebrates Sunita's return

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

Williams' father, originally from Jhulasan, migrated to the United States in 1957.

India, China complete disengagement; exchange of sweets on Diwali

India, China complete disengagement; exchange of sweets on Diwali

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

Following the disengagement, both sides will soon start the coordinated patrolling in their respective areas, sources added.

Eliminate online betting, gambling apps, YSRCP MP urges govt

Eliminate online betting, gambling apps, YSRCP MP urges govt

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A strong demand was made in the Lok Sabha to eliminate online betting and gambling applications. YSRCP member Maddila Gurumoorthy urged the government to set up a dedicated task force to take action against betting and gambling apps. He also asked the government to draft regulations for such applications and launch awareness campaigns about the dangers of online betting. Other issues raised included deposit insurance coverage for bank depositors, representation of Scheduled Castes in the Kerala government, challenges faced by nurses, and the need for paramilitary forces in Jharkhand during upcoming Hindu festivals.

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.

Manu Bhaker's Diwali Surprise!

Manu Bhaker's Diwali Surprise!

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

Manu Bhaker chose to illuminate her home with traditional clay diyas, supporting local vendors and promoting the 'Vocal for Local' initiative.

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

'BJP Won't Be Able To Form Government In Bengal in 2026'

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

'The BJP lacks a credible mass leader who matches Mamata Banerjee's popularity.' 'Given the division of votes among Opposition parties, the West Bengal government's dole-giving strategy, and the consolidation of the poor, significant sections of scheduled caste groups and Muslim minorities behind the ruling party, it will be difficult to dislodge the Trinamool from power.'

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.

E-commerce Creating Jobs For Women

E-commerce Creating Jobs For Women

Rediff.com14 Oct 2024

'Women are taking on key roles in warehouses, such as picking and packing, as well as in our last-mile operations across 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.

PHOTOS: India celebrates Ganesh festival amid pandemic

PHOTOS: India celebrates Ganesh festival amid pandemic

Rediff.com22 Aug 2020

The 10-day Ganesh festival began on Saturday under the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, with devotees restricting celebrations to their homes and using online platforms to get 'darshan' of the Lord at temples, amid strict COVID-19 restrictions imposed by governments.

Violence being instigated after Waqf Bill passage: Adityanath slams Oppn

Violence being instigated after Waqf Bill passage: Adityanath slams Oppn

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday condemned the violence in West Bengal's Murshidabad district following the passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, accusing the opposition of instigating the violence. He also criticized the opposition for their alleged silence over the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh and emphasized the BJP's commitment to protecting Hindus.

'Naidu Will Not Waste Time Now'

'Naidu Will Not Waste Time Now'

Rediff.com3 May 2025

'Amaravati will be a game changer for Andhra Pradesh.'

India Is All Set To Shine At Cannes

India Is All Set To Shine At Cannes

Rediff.com13 May 2024

Never before in history have Cannes and its sidebars found space for eight Indian, or India-themed, films.

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.

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.

PIX: People across country celebrate Diwali with pomp

PIX: People across country celebrate Diwali with pomp

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

Keeping up his tradition of celebrating the festival with soldiers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sir Creek near the Indo-Pak border in Gujarat's Kutch district and offered sweets to jawans.

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.

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.

Durga Puja: The Countdown Begins

Durga Puja: The Countdown Begins

Rediff.com30 Sep 2024

The nine-day festival begins this year on October 3. Each day is devoted to one of Ma Durga's nine avatars -- Goddess Shailputri, Goddess Brahmacharini, Goddess Chandraghanta, Goddess Kushmanda, Goddess Skandamata, Goddess Katyayani, Goddess Kalaratri, Goddess Mahagauri and Goddess Siddhidatri.

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.

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).

Navratri Begins: Ready To Dance The Garba?

Navratri Begins: Ready To Dance The Garba?

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

The prelude to the nine-day festival, which begins on October 3, is as exciting as the festival itself.

How To Shine BRIGHT This Festive Season

How To Shine BRIGHT This Festive Season

Rediff.com19 Aug 2022

How to have fun with your hair accessories without looking like an Christmas tree.

'Not To Titillate'

'Not To Titillate'

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Manoj Bajpayee is back with another gripping story in Despatch, an investigative crime thriller which is set to release on ZEE5 on December 13.

'They Declared Me Dead!'

'They Declared Me Dead!'

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

'There was panic among my friends and relatives since I was out of reach.' 'My son-in-law Govind drove down to my home to check on my wellbeing.' 'When I opened the door, he joked, "Bhoot Bhoot!"'

Udupi temple bars non-Hindu traders during festival

Udupi temple bars non-Hindu traders during festival

Rediff.com23 Mar 2022

The Maari Gudi temple management at Kapu town in Udupi district of coastal Karnataka has decided not to allow 'people from other faith' to do business on its land during the annual temple festival on the request of certain pro-Hindu organisations.

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.

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.