News for 'Festivities'

A Dance Festival To Celebrate Love

A Dance Festival To Celebrate Love

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

'Through dance, we explore the many expressions of love across India's literature, music and storytelling traditions.'

Buying A Car This Festive Season? Avoid These Loan Mistakes

Buying A Car This Festive Season? Avoid These Loan Mistakes

Rediff.com2 days ago

Choose a car loan that fits your budget, keeps EMIs manageable and saves you money on interest, not just one with attractive festive offers.

Delhi celebrates Dussehra as Prez, PM lead festivities

Delhi celebrates Dussehra as Prez, PM lead festivities

Rediff.com2 days ago

President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Vice President C P Radhakrishnan attended Dussehra celebrations in New Delhi on Tuesday. Effigies of Ravan, Kumbhkaran, and Meghnath were burnt at various Ramleela grounds, with dignitaries delivering messages on truth, righteousness, and fighting social evils. One committee also burnt a cockroach effigy to symbolise filth, leading to a complaint from AAP Delhi chief Saurabh Bharadwaj.

More Indians Choose EMIs for Festival Shopping

More Indians Choose EMIs for Festival Shopping

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Festival shoppers are increasingly turning to EMIs and other affordability options for high-value purchases, especially beyond metro cities.

Pawan Sachdeva: 'Why Should Indian Crafts Be Saved For Festivals?'

Pawan Sachdeva: 'Why Should Indian Crafts Be Saved For Festivals?'

Rediff.com1 days ago

At Lakm Fashion Week, Pawan Sachdeva took Indian crafts out of their traditional comfort zone. In an exclusive conversation with Rediff, he explains why.

'We Don't Want To Prevent Anyone From Celebrating Any Religious Festival, But...'

'We Don't Want To Prevent Anyone From Celebrating Any Religious Festival, But...'

Rediff.com6 days ago

'Many devout religious people have told me categorically that they like celebrating festivals, but they are vehemently against the noise pollution and traffic obstruction that are being imposed under the pretext of celebrations.'

Auto Dealers Gear Up For Robust Oct As Festival Season Bookings Rise

Auto Dealers Gear Up For Robust Oct As Festival Season Bookings Rise

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Automobile dealers in India are reporting healthy bookings ahead of Navratri and Dussehra, with the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (Fada) indicating strong confidence in a pickup in deliveries from mid-October, despite a high base from last year's GST-led surge.

World's Largest Beer Festival Kicks Off

World's Largest Beer Festival Kicks Off

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Munich's Oktoberfest has opened its 191st edition, drawing millions for 16 days of beer, food, music and Bavarian celebrations.

Used-Car Sales Set to Surge 15 per cent This Festive Season

Used-Car Sales Set to Surge 15 per cent This Festive Season

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

More than 40 per cent of Cars24's sales are now linked to rural registration and transport office (RTO) locations, although procurement remains concentrated in urban markets.

Mutual Funds Suspend Gold FoF Subscriptions Ahead of Festive Season

Mutual Funds Suspend Gold FoF Subscriptions Ahead of Festive Season

Rediff.com6 days ago

Over a dozen mutual fund houses in India have temporarily suspended fresh subscriptions in their gold fund of funds (FoFs) and gold-silver FoFs, a move believed to be influenced by directions from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) ahead of the festive season.

How Shah Rukh Celebrates Ganpati Festival

How Shah Rukh Celebrates Ganpati Festival

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Shah Rukh Khan offered a rare glimpse into his family's private Ganpati celebrations at Mannat, revealing his wife Gauri Khan performs the aarti, followed by a simple family visarjan.

Passenger Vehicle Sales Jump 21% in September, Driven by Festive Demand

Passenger Vehicle Sales Jump 21% in September, Driven by Festive Demand

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Domestic passenger vehicle dispatches in India are estimated to have grown by approximately 21 per cent to 4.60 lakh units in September, with major carmakers like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, M&M, and Hyundai all reporting double-digit growth, driven by increased supplies for the upcoming peak festival season and healthy demand.

Indian Racing Festival 2026: BIC And Navi Mumbai To Host Key Rounds

Indian Racing Festival 2026: BIC And Navi Mumbai To Host Key Rounds

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

The Indian Racing Festival's 2026 season will feature Rounds 4 and 5 at the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida, marking the return of FIA-level racing after 13 years. The season will conclude with a night race at the Navi Mumbai Street Circuit in December. The F4 Indian Championship has already completed its initial rounds, with the Indian Racing League joining soon.

RBI Rate Hike to Test Housing Affordability, Buyer Sentiment During Festive Season

RBI Rate Hike to Test Housing Affordability, Buyer Sentiment During Festive Season

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

The Reserve Bank of India's 25-basis point increase in the repo rate to 5.5 per cent is expected to exert pressure on housing affordability and buyer sentiment, particularly affecting interest rate-sensitive segments and potentially moderating sales during the crucial festival season.

PV inventory climbs as dealers prep for festivals, keep discounts in check

PV inventory climbs as dealers prep for festivals, keep discounts in check

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

As India's festive season approaches, passenger vehicle dealers are seeing a notable increase in inventories, yet discounts remain surprisingly moderate compared to previous years, signalling a tighter demand-supply balance in the automotive market.

Festive travel may cost more as govt rules out airfare cap

Festive travel may cost more as govt rules out airfare cap

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu announced that the government will not impose a cap on airfares during the upcoming festive season. Instead, airlines will be advised to maintain reasonable prices, considering the rising operating costs primarily due to increased Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices, exacerbated by the West Asia crisis.

At Salman Khan's Ganesh Chaturthi Festivities

At Salman Khan's Ganesh Chaturthi Festivities

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Salman Khan joined his family and other celebrities in the joyous Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations at brother Sohail Khan's residence in Mumbai.

HC bans bursting crackers on roads during festivals, pulls up Maha govt

HC bans bursting crackers on roads during festivals, pulls up Maha govt

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Bombay High Court has imposed a complete ban on firecrackers, loudspeakers, DJs, and laser beams on public roads during festival processions, criticising the Maharashtra government for its laxity in implementing noise pollution rules. The court highlighted the severe noise and air pollution caused by such celebrations and called for more dignified ways of observing festivals, noting that current permissions are often ineffective due to official inaction.

FMCG firms to hold prices through festive season despite rising commodity costs

FMCG firms to hold prices through festive season despite rising commodity costs

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies in India are committed to maintaining current prices through the festive season, despite facing increased commodity costs and geopolitical disruptions. This strategy aims to protect consumer demand and sustain volume growth, even as margins remain under pressure.

Maha FDA unveils permanent food safety calendar for festivals

Maha FDA unveils permanent food safety calendar for festivals

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced a permanent, year-round food safety calendar to ensure public health during major festivals. This first-of-its-kind initiative categorises festivals into three levels and implements a four-stage inspection mechanism, focusing on preventing adulteration and unsafe food practices for high-demand products like sweets, dairy, and edible oils.

'Sound during Hindu festivals....': Maha ministers clash over DJ sound

'Sound during Hindu festivals....': Maha ministers clash over DJ sound

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

Maharashtra ministers are divided over the use of high-decibel DJ systems during Hindu festivals. While Minister Yogesh Kadam asserts that festival sound will not be stopped, his colleagues Sanjay Shirsat and Meghana Bordikar advocate for adherence to noise pollution norms, with Bordikar citing a personal tragedy. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also called for a return to traditional celebrations and a consensus on restricting DJ systems.

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.

BJP MLA's school courts row over Jain festival lunchbox advisory

BJP MLA's school courts row over Jain festival lunchbox advisory

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

A school owned by a BJP MLA in Thane advised students not to bring root vegetables in lunchboxes during the Jain Paryushan festival, sparking a controversy. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) objected, while the MLA clarified it was a request, not a mandatory order, aimed at respecting religious sentiments and promoting healthy eating.

Standing Ovation For Robert Pattinson's Primetime At Venice Film Festival

Standing Ovation For Robert Pattinson's Primetime At Venice Film Festival

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

Robert Pattinson's performance in Primetime captivated audiences at the Venice Film Festival, earning a remarkable seven-minute standing ovation.

iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max launch sparks 'festival' atmosphere across India

iPhone 18 Pro, Pro Max launch sparks 'festival' atmosphere across India

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Apple's latest flagship smartphones, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max, have gone on sale across India, drawing massive queues and creating a 'festival' atmosphere among eager buyers at Apple Stores in Noida, Bengaluru, and Maharashtra.

Pune residents want DJs, loudspeakers banned on Ganesh festival

Pune residents want DJs, loudspeakers banned on Ganesh festival

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Hundreds of Pune residents have protested against the use of loud music and DJ systems during the upcoming Ganesh festival, citing health issues and noise pollution. Ganesh Mandals, however, claim selective targeting and have pledged to follow guidelines to reduce noise.

Recipe: Rushichi Bhaji: A Traditional Festive Stew

Recipe: Rushichi Bhaji: A Traditional Festive Stew

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Rishi Panchami Bhaji, also known as Rushichi Bhaji, is a traditional Maharashtrian and Konkan festive preparation made during Rishi Panchami, observed on the second day of Ganesh Chaturthi. The dish brings together seasonal vegetables, leafy greens and tubers, reflecting the simplicity and abundance of traditional cooking.

After HC rebuke, Pune Ganesh festival liquor ban cut to 2 days

After HC rebuke, Pune Ganesh festival liquor ban cut to 2 days

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

The Bombay High Court strongly criticised the Pune administration's decision to ban alcohol sales for 10 days during the Ganesh festival, questioning why Pune was singled out for such restrictions while other regions were not. The court deemed the blanket ban arbitrary and stigmatising for Pune residents, urging the administration to withdraw the order or face judicial intervention.

Jarange to head to Mumbai for solo protest on Tuesday amid Ganesh festival

Jarange to head to Mumbai for solo protest on Tuesday amid Ganesh festival

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Denied permission for his hunger strike in Mumbai, Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange on Monday announced he would head to the Maharashtra capital alone on September 15 to stage a protest at Azad Maidan.

Raj Thackeray warns of communal tension during Ganesh festival

Raj Thackeray warns of communal tension during Ganesh festival

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

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.

FCNR(B) funds find a runway ahead of festival season-led credit demand

FCNR(B) funds find a runway ahead of festival season-led credit demand

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

RBI Deputy Governor Rohit Jain highlighted that banks are well-positioned to deploy $133 billion mobilised through FCNR(B) deposits, especially with strong credit demand ahead of the festival season, while also stressing the importance of robust technology governance and cyber defences in the financial sector.

Mumbai police issues weapons ban ahead of festive season

Mumbai police issues weapons ban ahead of festive season

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Mumbai Police have issued a prohibitory order banning weapons, explosives, and other harmful articles from August 29 to September 27, ahead of major festivals like Dahi Handi and Ganesh Chaturthi. The order aims to maintain public peace and safety, with specific exemptions for government personnel and security guards.

2 dead, 130 'Govindas' injured in Dahi Handi festivities in Maha

2 dead, 130 'Govindas' injured in Dahi Handi festivities in Maha

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Dahi Handi celebrations in Maharashtra turned tragic with two fatalities and over 130 'Govindas' injured. A seven-year-old boy died in Mumbai after a brick column collapsed, while a woman was crushed by an iron frame in Pune. Authorities are investigating the incidents, and political leaders have urged for safety during the festivities.

How Punjab's Annual Sports Festival Boosts Grassroots Talent

How Punjab's Annual Sports Festival Boosts Grassroots Talent

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that the 'Khedan Watan Punjab Diyan' annual sports festival will commence on September 5 in Bathinda, expecting around 10 lakh participants across 38 sports. The event, now in its fourth edition, aims to promote sports at block, district, and state levels, with competitions running until November 29.

6 Places To Watch Ravana Dahan

6 Places To Watch Ravana Dahan

Rediff.com3 days ago

Ravana Dahan, the ceremonial burning of Ravana's effigy, is one of the most spectacular traditions associated with Dusshera in India. Grand public celebrations take place at many locations.

Dussehra 2026: Wear Colours You Missed In Navratri

Dussehra 2026: Wear Colours You Missed In Navratri

Rediff.com3 days ago

Nine days of Navratri, nine days of dressing up, and probably a wardrobe full of the usual festive colours. But who says the fashion fun has to stop there?

When P V Sindhu Celebrated Bathukamma

When P V Sindhu Celebrated Bathukamma

Rediff.com4 days ago

Badminton star P V Sindhu, currently in Paris for the French Open, expressed her disappointment at missing the Bathukamma festival back home.

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.com1 Sep 2026

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.

Massive Gambling Crackdown Ahead Of Kumar Purnima

Massive Gambling Crackdown Ahead Of Kumar Purnima

Rediff.com18 minutes ago

Odisha Police have arrested 470 individuals and seized over Rs 12.65 lakh in cash during a pre-Kumar Purnima crackdown on gambling dens in Ganjam and Berhampur police districts. The arrests were made on Wednesday night and Thursday, targeting traditional gambling activities associated with the festival.

Youth Arrested For Assaulting Teen Girl At Palghar Garba Pandal

Youth Arrested For Assaulting Teen Girl At Palghar Garba Pandal

Rediff.com2 days ago

A 17-year-old girl was allegedly dragged out of a garba pandal and assaulted in Palghar, Maharashtra, leading to the arrest of an 18-year-old accused.