News for 'Festival of India'

Festive Season Fuels 35% Surge in India's Passenger Vehicle Sales for August

Festive Season Fuels 35% Surge in India's Passenger Vehicle Sales for August

Rediff.com6 days ago

India's passenger vehicle sales are estimated to have surged by approximately 35 per cent to about 4.5 lakh units in August, driven by strong performances from major automakers like Maruti Suzuki India, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, and Mahindra & Mahindra, with the industry entering the festive season with optimism.

Fashion Quick Commerce Gets Festive Boost

Fashion Quick Commerce Gets Festive Boost

Rediff.com24 Aug 2026

Qcom platforms are prioritising convenience, selection, AI-driven inventory planning and loyalty rewards over deep discounting.

Raj Thackeray warns of communal tension during Ganesh festival

Raj Thackeray warns of communal tension during Ganesh festival

Rediff.com1 days ago

Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has voiced strong concerns about the divisive role of social media in society, alleging it fuels anger and religious disputes. He also criticised the unbridled use of high-decibel sound systems, questioned the government's economic policies despite GDP growth claims, and objected to political messaging in public offices. Thackeray further addressed linguistic politics and endorsed the "Inquilab Zindabad" slogan.

Carmakers ramp up production for festive season, but high base and inventory risks loom

Carmakers ramp up production for festive season, but high base and inventory risks loom

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Indian passenger vehicle manufacturers are significantly increasing production and stocking dealerships in anticipation of strong festival season demand, with new launches planned and supply bottlenecks being addressed. However, the industry faces potential moderation in growth during the second half of FY27 due to a high base from last year's post-GST surge, commodity inflation, and elevated inventory levels.

Rural Sports Festival Isha Gramotsavam Reaches North India

Rural Sports Festival Isha Gramotsavam Reaches North India

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Sadhguru's Isha Gramotsavam, a rural sports festival, is expanding its 18th edition into North India, covering 10 states and one Union Territory. This year's event will engage over 80,000 players from 40,000 villages in men's volleyball and women's throwball, offering a prize pool exceeding Rs 1 crore, with the aim of social transformation through sport.

India's UPI Ecosystem Sees Record Growth In August

India's UPI Ecosystem Sees Record Growth In August

Rediff.com6 days ago

India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) recorded an unprecedented 24.51 billion transactions valued at Rs 29.8 lakh crore in August, largely propelled by the Raksha Bandhan festival. This surge marks a 22% annual increase in volume and 20% in value, highlighting the expanding reach and depth of the UPI ecosystem. Experts anticipate further growth during the upcoming festive season, while UPI's international acceptance now spans 11 countries.

India's UPI Transactions Soar In August, Nearing All-Time Peak

India's UPI Transactions Soar In August, Nearing All-Time Peak

Rediff.com7 days ago

Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions in India reached Rs 29.8 lakh crore in August, approaching record levels. Volume also hit a new high of 24.51 billion transactions, driven by festive activities like Raksha Bandhan. The digital payment system continues its rapid growth, expanding its global presence to 11 countries, with further growth anticipated during the upcoming festive season and new use cases like credit on UPI.

Alternative Fuels Overtake Petrol as India's Auto Retail Sales Hit Record 24.23 Lakh Units in August

Alternative Fuels Overtake Petrol as India's Auto Retail Sales Hit Record 24.23 Lakh Units in August

Rediff.com21 hours ago

India's automobile retail sales reached an unprecedented 24.23 lakh units in August, marking a 17.51 per cent year-on-year growth, with alternative fuels (CNG, hybrid, and electric) collectively surpassing petrol in the passenger vehicle segment for the first time.

Raksha Bandhan Around India

Raksha Bandhan Around India

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Raksha Bandhan takes on a different character as you travel across India.

India, China armies hold crucial talks on LAC in Arunachal sector

India, China armies hold crucial talks on LAC in Arunachal sector

Rediff.com18 hours ago

Indian and Chinese military officials have held corps commander-level talks in Arunachal Pradesh to review the Line of Actual Control (LAC) situation, following recent Special Representative discussions aimed at de-escalating border tensions and fostering bilateral ties.

VHP bars Muslims from garba, dandiya; issues Aadhaar, tilak guidelines

VHP bars Muslims from garba, dandiya; issues Aadhaar, tilak guidelines

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has announced that Muslims will be barred from participating in 'garba' and 'dandiya' events during the upcoming Navratri festival in Maharashtra. The organisation has also issued guidelines for organisers, including checking Aadhaar cards and applying 'tilak' to verify Hindu identity, citing the religious nature of the festival.

Eway Bills Cross 139 Million in August, Signalling Sustained Economic Momentum

Eway Bills Cross 139 Million in August, Signalling Sustained Economic Momentum

Rediff.com2 days ago

India's eway bill generation reached 139.08 million in August, marking the third-highest monthly count on record and indicating sustained momentum in goods movement and formal economic activity, according to official data.

India imposes sugar stock limits on bulk consumers to curb price rise

India imposes sugar stock limits on bulk consumers to curb price rise

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Indian government has imposed stockholding limits on bulk sugar consumers, restricting them to a 15-day supply if they use over 10 tonnes monthly, effective September 1 to November 30, to stabilise prices ahead of the festival season.

Little Krishnas Celebrate Janmashtami

Little Krishnas Celebrate Janmashtami

Rediff.com5 days ago

Glimpses from Janmashtami celebrations taking shape across India before the festival.

Ganpati Pandal Insurance Demand Surges

Ganpati Pandal Insurance Demand Surges

Rediff.com1 days ago

Oriental Insurance has insured around 100 Ganesh pandals this year compared with only 20-30 last year.

Janmashtami 2026: How To Dress In The Colours Of Krishna

Janmashtami 2026: How To Dress In The Colours Of Krishna

Rediff.com4 days ago

Janmashtami is as much a feast for the eyes as it is a celebration of Lord Krishna.

Boom in EV two-wheeler demand creates supply bottleneck in India

Boom in EV two-wheeler demand creates supply bottleneck in India

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

India's electric two-wheeler market has seen record penetration, exceeding 11.2 per cent, driven by crude oil price fluctuations. This surge has led to an unexpected crisis for Indian OEMs, with unfulfilled customer demand reaching 20-30 per cent and average waiting periods exceeding four weeks, a situation expected to intensify during the upcoming festival season.

After 10 Years, India May Import Sugar

After 10 Years, India May Import Sugar

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

India is set to import 1 million tonnes of raw sugar at zero duty after domestic stocks fell sharply and prices surged ahead of the festival season.

Yamaha Enters India's 200cc Sportsbike Segment with YZF-R2

Yamaha Enters India's 200cc Sportsbike Segment with YZF-R2

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The all-new, globally first YZF-R2 is priced from Rs 2,30,500 (ex-showroom, Delhi).

Credit Card Spending in India Crosses Rs 2 Trillion Mark

Credit Card Spending in India Crosses Rs 2 Trillion Mark

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Credit card spending in India has consistently topped Rs 2 trillion for three consecutive months, with July 2026 recording Rs 2.08 trillion, indicating a new normal for consumer expenditure, according to the latest RBI data.

'Ethanol Blending Has Not Led to Sugar's Price Rise'

'Ethanol Blending Has Not Led to Sugar's Price Rise'

Rediff.com7 days ago

'The ethanol blended with petrol programme should not be halted or reconsidered.' 'India is not experiencing a structural sugar shortage, and the ethanol blending roadmap does not compete with food security or drive domestic price increases.'

350,000 Tonnes Of Sugar Exports Diverted To Domestic Market

350,000 Tonnes Of Sugar Exports Diverted To Domestic Market

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Indian refiners are diverting 350,000 tonnes of sugar, originally slated for export, to the domestic market to ease a supply crunch and stabilise prices ahead of the festive season.

World Samosa Day: 9 Samosas With Yum Stuffings

World Samosa Day: 9 Samosas With Yum Stuffings

Rediff.com2 days ago

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

Sugar should be 'very expensive': BJP leader amid price surge

Sugar should be 'very expensive': BJP leader amid price surge

Rediff.com26 Aug 2026

Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has ignited a political firestorm with his controversial remarks suggesting sugar should be "very expensive" and avoided by those over 40, drawing sharp criticism from the opposition amidst rising inflation concerns.

Startups Bet Big on Quick Commerce

Startups Bet Big on Quick Commerce

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

For these startups, qcom is emerging as a launch and discovery platform, not simply a fulfilment channel.

10 States, 10 Delicious Coconut Recipes

10 States, 10 Delicious Coconut Recipes

Rediff.com5 days ago

10 states, 10 delicious coconut recipes for World Coconut Day

SC overturns NGT order against Art Of Living on Yamuna floodplains

SC overturns NGT order against Art Of Living on Yamuna floodplains

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has overturned a 2017 National Green Tribunal (NGT) order that held Sri Sri Ravi Shankar's Art of Living Foundation responsible for environmental damage to the Yamuna floodplains. The court directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to refund the Rs 5 crore environmental compensation deposited by the foundation and continue the floodplains' rehabilitation work.

Passenger Vehicle Dispatches Surge 34.3% in July, Fueling Auto Industry Growth

Passenger Vehicle Dispatches Surge 34.3% in July, Fueling Auto Industry Growth

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Domestic passenger vehicle dispatches in India surged by 34.3 per cent year-on-year to 4,57,810 units in July, marking the auto industry's strongest-ever July sales, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM).

India Women's Tour to South Africa Expanded with T20Is

India Women's Tour to South Africa Expanded with T20Is

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Cricket South Africa has revised the India women's team tour schedule to include three T20Is, a Test, and three ODIs, extending the tour until December 30.

Why Ranjit Bajaj Rejected India Manager Role For FIFA U-15 World Cup

Why Ranjit Bajaj Rejected India Manager Role For FIFA U-15 World Cup

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Ranjit Bajaj has declined the manager role for the India U-15 men's national team for the upcoming FIFA U-15 World Cup, citing fundamental differences in footballing philosophy with head coach Bibiano Fernandes.

'Kangana Ranaut Doesn't Express View Of The Entire Country'

'Kangana Ranaut Doesn't Express View Of The Entire Country'

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

'The first thing is to make an approximate calculation about how many people are actually offended by the content and then only move forward with a decision.'

Saina Nehwal urges India to prioritise medal tally for true sporting nation status

Saina Nehwal urges India to prioritise medal tally for true sporting nation status

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Former world No. 1 shuttler Saina Nehwal has stated that India's true measure as a 'sporting nation' will be its position in the global medals tally, not just hosting major tournaments. She highlighted the significant progress made by women in sports but emphasised the need for better financial backing, sponsorships, and comprehensive support systems including psychologists and proper coaching from an early age to nurture more champions.

Restaurants dish out special Independence Day menus

Restaurants dish out special Independence Day menus

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

As India celebrates its 80th Independence Day, hotels and restaurants across Delhi and other states are rolling out a diverse array of special offerings. These include themed culinary festivals showcasing regional Indian cuisines, fusion menus, live music performances, and attractive discounts. From royal Wazwan feasts to contemporary global blends and staycation packages, establishments are providing unique experiences for patrons to commemorate the occasion over the long weekend.

6 Famous Rath Yatras Across India

6 Famous Rath Yatras Across India

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

On July 16 begins the Puri Rath Yatra for Lord Jagannath. Where else is Lord Jagannath celebrated?

'China's Biggest Threat Is Not America, But The Dalai Lama'

'China's Biggest Threat Is Not America, But The Dalai Lama'

Rediff.com5 days ago

'I know China will implode. It is scientifically impossible for China to control a nation through the barrel of a gun.'

Why 2 MP temples celebrated Independence Day four days early

Why 2 MP temples celebrated Independence Day four days early

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Two prominent temples in Madhya Pradesh, the Pashupatinath Temple in Mandsaur and the Bade Ganesh Temple in Ujjain, observed India's Independence Day on August 11, four days ahead of the national celebration. This unique tradition stems from their adherence to the Hindu calendar, specifically Shravan Krishna Chaturdashi, which corresponded to August 15, 1947, and fell on August 11 this year. Special rituals, flag hoisting, and a Tiranga Yatra marked the early celebrations.

Motown turns boom town in July, PV sales see 34.3% growth

Motown turns boom town in July, PV sales see 34.3% growth

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

With passenger vehicles (PVs), two-wheelers and three-wheelers registering double-digit growth, manufacturers raise production as the industry enters the festival season.

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

'Students India's future': Prez Murmu promises fair exams in I-Day eve address

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Underlining that students are the "architects of India's future," President Droupadi Murmu on Friday said the government is taking comprehensive steps to reform public examinations to completely curb paper leaks and unfair means, making the system transparent, secure, and trustworthy.

Tata Motors PV: Margin Pressures May Dampen Strong Volume Growth

Tata Motors PV: Margin Pressures May Dampen Strong Volume Growth

Rediff.com22 Aug 2026

Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles (TMPV) reported Q1FY27 results showing significant margin pressures at both Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) and its domestic operations, despite strong volume growth in the India business. Analysts expect these margin headwinds to persist, potentially offsetting gains from increased sales and new launches.

Sugar Prices May Ease Soon

Sugar Prices May Ease Soon

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Prices had started to ease following the government's decision to allow duty-free imports of 1 mt of raw sugar and would weaken further over the next 7 to 10 days.