News for 'Festivities'

Ganeshotsav 2026: From Jaipur To Nashville

Ganeshotsav 2026: From Jaipur To Nashville

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

Ganeshotsav 2026 celebrations span Jaipur, Odisha, Goa, Mumbai, and Nashville in the USA, as devotees share heartfelt prayers, first-time experiences, and festive joy.

Influencer asks for Diwali sweets online; gets TVs, fridges on COD

Influencer asks for Diwali sweets online; gets TVs, fridges on COD

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Madurai-based content creator Veeramani faced an unprecedented ordeal, being forced to abandon his home after a simple online request for Deepavali sweets led to an overwhelming barrage of expensive cash-on-delivery pranks from mischievous followers.

Only 'Sanatan Dharma' followers can touch Durga idol, says Suvendu

Only 'Sanatan Dharma' followers can touch Durga idol, says Suvendu

Rediff.com4 days ago

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that only followers of 'Sanatan Dharma' would be permitted to touch Durga idols during immersion in the Hooghly river, citing religious traditions. He also reviewed extensive security and safety arrangements for the immersion process, including NDRF involvement and precautions for spectators at Taki, following a recent stampede incident.

GST Bachat Utsav Gets Half Of Rs 54 Crore Ad Spend

GST Bachat Utsav Gets Half Of Rs 54 Crore Ad Spend

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Across all 10 schemes from FY24 to FY26, print media captured 58.8 per cent of the total ad spending, followed by electronic media at 19.5 per cent, digital media at 14.6 per cent, and outdoor media at 7.2 per cent.

Electric PV Sales Nearly Double In September; E-Two-Wheeler Sales Rise 89%

Electric PV Sales Nearly Double In September; E-Two-Wheeler Sales Rise 89%

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

September marked India's highest-ever monthly EV retail volume. More than one in nine two-wheelers retailed in September was electric.

Hindu temple vandalised with bricks in US

Hindu temple vandalised with bricks in US

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

A Hindu temple in Ohio, the Swaminarayan Hindu Temple Vadthaldham, was vandalised with bricks, shattering windows. US advocacy groups, including the Hindu American Foundation and the Coalition of Hindus of North America, have condemned the alleged hate crime, which occurred just before Hindu Heritage Month and Navaratri celebrations, calling for swift action and public condemnation from authorities.

Revealed! The Story Behind Isha, Nita Ambani's Navratri Look

Revealed! The Story Behind Isha, Nita Ambani's Navratri Look

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

When the Ambanis celebrate Indian craftsmanship, you can expect a masterclass in all things heritage, handwork and high fashion.

DMart Faces Margin Pressure, Higher Costs Amidst Aggressive Store Expansion

DMart Faces Margin Pressure, Higher Costs Amidst Aggressive Store Expansion

Rediff.com5 days ago

Avenue Supermarts (DMart) reported lower-than-expected Q2FY27 performance, with revenue growth of 18.4 per cent year-on-year but visible margin pressure, leading to a 4.5 per cent stock drop. The company faces challenges from lower-margin sales, operating cost pressures, and aggressive store expansion, impacting profitability despite improved same-store sales growth.

Students fined Rs 50 over cooked methi in lunchbox during Paryushan

Students fined Rs 50 over cooked methi in lunchbox during Paryushan

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

A private school in Thane, Maharashtra, is embroiled in controversy for allegedly fining students Rs 50 for bringing home-cooked fenugreek (methi) vegetable during the Jain festival of Paryushan. The school reportedly also directed students to eat at its canteen, charging Rs 20, sparking outrage on social media and prompting a notice from the local education department.

Former Minister Indranil Sen Denied Anticipatory Bail In Cheating Case

Former Minister Indranil Sen Denied Anticipatory Bail In Cheating Case

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday rejected the anticipatory bail plea of former West Bengal minister Indranil Sen in a cheating case. Sen is accused of commercialising Durga Puja by selling high-priced preview show tickets through an organisation allegedly linked to him and his family, diverting government funds. The court noted "trappings of corruption" and the Enforcement Directorate is also investigating.

Key Accused In Zubeen Garg Death Case Gets Bail

Key Accused In Zubeen Garg Death Case Gets Bail

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

The Gauhati High Court has granted bail to suspended Assam Police DSP Sandipon Garg, an accused in the mysterious death case of singer Zubeen Garg. Garg, charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, is expected to be released after the Durga Puja holidays. This follows earlier bail grants to other accused in the high-profile case, even as investigations continue despite conflicting findings from Singaporean authorities.

Passenger Vehicle Dispatches Surge 21.8% in September, Two-Wheelers Up 13.5%

Passenger Vehicle Dispatches Surge 21.8% in September, Two-Wheelers Up 13.5%

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Domestic passenger vehicle dispatches in India increased by 21.8 per cent year-on-year to 4,54,574 units in September, while two-wheeler sales rose 13.5 per cent to 24.63 lakh units, according to SIAM data.

The Nana Patekar You Didn't Know

The Nana Patekar You Didn't Know

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

'I had narrated a script to Nana Patekar, and four days before the end, he told me that once he returned from Goa, he would take the project forward. I still can't believe he is never coming back. He was always so fit, proudly flexing his muscles and urging me to work out.'

Bhavitha Mandava, Lakshmi Menon Are Making India Proud

Bhavitha Mandava, Lakshmi Menon Are Making India Proud

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Indian models are having a major Chanel moment. Chanel House Ambassador Bhavitha Mandava has turned heads in Venice and Paris while legendary supermodel Lakshmi Menon recently joined her on the Chanel runway.

Dance Teacher Arrested For Molesting Minor Dalit Girl In Odisha

Dance Teacher Arrested For Molesting Minor Dalit Girl In Odisha

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

A 35-year-old dance teacher in Odisha was arrested for allegedly molesting an 11-year-old Dalit student during a festival event. The accused also threatened the victim, who later reported the incident to her parents, leading to the teacher's arrest under various acts including POCSO and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

'Our Bodies Are Wild Beings'

'Our Bodies Are Wild Beings'

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

'Growing up in Bangladesh, I always felt that I was a piece of meat. As soon as I walked down the street, I could be the president of Bangladesh and I would still be a piece of meat because I am a woman.'

AC, TV, & Appliance Prices to Increase by Up to 8% from October 1

AC, TV, & Appliance Prices to Increase by Up to 8% from October 1

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

Leading appliance and consumer electronics manufacturers are set to increase prices of air conditioners, LED TVs, washing machines, and other products by 5 to 8 per cent from October 1, citing rising input costs for metals like copper and steel, crude derivatives, and currency exchange volatility due to the West Asia crisis.

85% of Maha declared drought-hit; farmers to get Rs 5,000 aid

85% of Maha declared drought-hit; farmers to get Rs 5,000 aid

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Maharashtra is grappling with an escalating drought crisis, with 305 talukas now declared drought-hit, prompting the state government to announce Rs 5,000 in financial aid for farmers before Diwali and extend comprehensive relief measures.

Bombay HC bans firecrackers on public roads, questions noisy processions

Bombay HC bans firecrackers on public roads, questions noisy processions

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

The Bombay High Court has issued a complete ban on bursting firecrackers on public roads and deemed the use of loudspeakers, DJs, and laser beams during religious processions "unwarranted." The court emphasized that festivals must be celebrated without causing noise and air pollution, highlighting the need for strict enforcement of existing regulations.

Indian Auto Retail Records Best-Ever Sep Sales, Driven by PVs and Two-Wheelers

Indian Auto Retail Records Best-Ever Sep Sales, Driven by PVs and Two-Wheelers

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

Indian automobile retail sales reached a record 25,36,920 units in September, marking a 31.82 per cent year-on-year growth, with passenger vehicles recording their highest-ever September sales at 4,27,213 units, according to the Federation of Indian Automobile Dealers (FADA).

Tanya Maniktala Is A Total Glam Queen

Tanya Maniktala Is A Total Glam Queen

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

From playing the quietly determined Lata Mehra in Mira Nair's A Suitable Boy to stepping into the supernatural world of Tooth Pari: When Love Bites, Tanya Maniktala has built a career around characters that are anything but alike.

Loud music during Ganesh immersion kills 7-yr-old in UP

Loud music during Ganesh immersion kills 7-yr-old in UP

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

A seven-year-old girl in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, died after allegedly collapsing due to loud music from a Ganesh immersion procession. Two individuals, the DJ owner and operator, have been arrested, and a police officer suspended for negligence. The incident has led to a ban on DJs during upcoming festivals in the municipal area.

Why India-Brazil Football Friendly Failed To Draw Crowds In Kolkata

Why India-Brazil Football Friendly Failed To Draw Crowds In Kolkata

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

A football friendly match between India and Brazil, featuring star player Vinicius Jr, saw a surprisingly low attendance at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. High ticket prices and the ongoing Durga Puja festival are cited as the primary reasons for the subdued response, contrasting sharply with the usual fan frenzy for local derbies and past international events.

Social Media Influencer Arrested In Palghar For Rape, 'Love Jihad' Allegations

Social Media Influencer Arrested In Palghar For Rape, 'Love Jihad' Allegations

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

A 22-year-old social media influencer and gym trainer, Arif Ayub Shaikh, has been arrested in Palghar, Maharashtra, on charges of rape, physical abuse, and attempting to force a woman to convert her religion under the guise of marriage. BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has labelled the case as "love jihad," alleging a larger network exploiting young Hindu girls in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Police recovered over 100 explicit video clips from Shaikh's phone, with some potentially distributed abroad.

8-year-old among 2 dead in electrocution near Ganapati pandal in Mumbai

8-year-old among 2 dead in electrocution near Ganapati pandal in Mumbai

Rediff.com20 Sep 2026

An electrocution incident near a Ganapati pandal in Mumbai's Lalbaug area resulted in the deaths of an eight-year-old girl and another woman, with several others sustaining injuries. The tragedy occurred early Sunday amidst massive crowds during the ongoing Ganapati festival, prompting a swift response from emergency services.

Kalyan Deputy Station Manager Faces Charges For Harassing Woman Colleague

Kalyan Deputy Station Manager Faces Charges For Harassing Woman Colleague

Rediff.com6 Oct 2026

A deputy station manager in Kalyan, Thane, has been booked by railway police for allegedly sending inappropriate WhatsApp messages and making improper advances towards a woman colleague. The case was registered under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Yeh Jeevan Hai... Well Done Appa!!

Yeh Jeevan Hai... Well Done Appa!!

Rediff.com17 Oct 2026

Some people leave behind a business. A rare few leave behind a place in people's hearts. Appa leaves behind both.

Nana Patekar's Life In Pictures

Nana Patekar's Life In Pictures

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

Looking back at Nana Patekar's remarkable life and illustrious career through a collection of photographs.

Ganeshotsav 2026: Bappa Pics: From Ahmedabad to Germany

Ganeshotsav 2026: Bappa Pics: From Ahmedabad to Germany

Rediff.com19 Sep 2026

Families from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Noida, Nagpur, and even Magdeburg in Germany share their Ganeshotsav 2026 celebrations with unique decorations, heartfelt prayers, and festive devotion.

Mass shooting plot at US Hindu Temple foiled, 19-year-old held

Mass shooting plot at US Hindu Temple foiled, 19-year-old held

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

A 19-year-old man, Alexandros Paporakis, was arrested in Illinois for allegedly plotting a mass shooting targeting a Hindu place of worship. Authorities recovered a manifesto with white supremacist ideologies and references to violence against people of Indian descent, along with weapons and tactical gear. The plot was uncovered after Paporakis shared concerning electronic communications, leading to swift action by law enforcement.

Shehnaaz Gill, Farrhana Bhatt's Lazy Girl Guide To Desi Fits

Shehnaaz Gill, Farrhana Bhatt's Lazy Girl Guide To Desi Fits

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Festive season sounds lovely until you remember the heavy lehengas, complicated sari drapes, tight blouses and jewellery that starts feeling like a workout by dessert.

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.

Krystal, Sonam, Shriya Are Rocking This Latest Trend

Krystal, Sonam, Shriya Are Rocking This Latest Trend

Rediff.com28 Sep 2026

Bollywood's leading ladies are setting a dazzling trend, showcasing how oversized and dramatic earrings can transform any outfit into a show-stopping fashion statement.

Risk of stampede, impact on businesses: What Delhi cops' no-protest notice says

Risk of stampede, impact on businesses: What Delhi cops' no-protest notice says

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Delhi Police have taken stringent measures to prevent the Cockroach Janta Party's 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march in Connaught Place, deploying thousands of personnel and citing prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the BNSS due to risks of traffic disruption, stampede, and threats to public safety.

Mumbai Ganesh mandals seek clarity on noise pollution order

Mumbai Ganesh mandals seek clarity on noise pollution order

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

Ganesh mandals in Mumbai have requested the Maharashtra government to clarify the implementation of a recent Bombay High Court order on noise pollution during immersion processions. The order mandates a Rs 1 lakh security deposit and legal action for violations, causing confusion among organisers as the festival concludes.

'Will Modi shut 100 places?' CJP founder Dipke hits out over park closure

'Will Modi shut 100 places?' CJP founder Dipke hits out over park closure

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke called for a 'Lehra do Tiranga' march in Central Park, Connaught Place, on Friday, despite the NDMC announcing the park's closure and Delhi Police citing prohibitory orders against mass gatherings. The march is part of an ongoing protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. Police have urged people to stay away, while Dipke questioned the authorities' stance on waving the national flag and alleged surveillance. The agitation follows the arrest of CJP leaders and the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site.

RBI's MPC begins deliberations, 25 bps rate hike anticipated

RBI's MPC begins deliberations, 25 bps rate hike anticipated

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has commenced its three-day meeting, with a majority of economists and bankers anticipating a 25 basis point rate hike to counter escalating inflation risks, particularly from West Asia conflicts.

Tiffany Trump Attends Ambani Ganeshotsav

Tiffany Trump Attends Ambani Ganeshotsav

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

Tiffany Trump, Donald Trump's younger daughter, attended the Ambani family's festive celebrations with her husband Michael Boulos.

Katrina, Vicky, Salman At Ambani's Ganesh Celebration

Katrina, Vicky, Salman At Ambani's Ganesh Celebration

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Bollywood's biggest names gathered at the Ambani family's Antilia residence for grand Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations.

Ex-Security Guard Accused In Hyderabad Girl's Kidnapping, Murder

Ex-Security Guard Accused In Hyderabad Girl's Kidnapping, Murder

Rediff.com11 Oct 2026

A five-year-old girl was kidnapped and found murdered in a Hyderabad gated community. Police suspect a recently dismissed security guard, Vikram, who allegedly demanded a Rs 20 lakh ransom from the girl's family. The girl's body was discovered in a clubhouse cellar with her hands and legs tied. Police are actively searching for the absconding suspect.