News for 'Festivities'

Malayalam Filmmaker R Sarath Passes Away

Malayalam Filmmaker R Sarath Passes Away

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Malayalam filmmaker R Sarath, celebrated for his distinctive contributions to cinema including the award-winning Sayahnam, has passed away in Thiruvananthapuram.

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

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

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'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.'

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.

Woo-Hoo! Uditi Singh Won't Stay In One Lane

Woo-Hoo! Uditi Singh Won't Stay In One Lane

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Uditi Singh has the kind of style that refuses to stay in one lane. One minute she's serving desi glamour in a sharara or sari, the next she's slipping into a boho maxi, a party-ready mini or a pair of seriously cool boots.

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.

'Was chanting Hare Krishna': Nepal tunnel survivor rescued on Janmashtami

'Was chanting Hare Krishna': Nepal tunnel survivor rescued on Janmashtami

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

Sanjay Sah, a 30-year-old employee, was rescued from a tunnel at the Trishuli 3A hydropower project in Nepal after nine days. He attributed his survival to chanting 'Hare Krishna' and was miraculously rescued on Krishna Janmashtami. Another worker, Kabir Maharjan, was also rescued but required further medical treatment. Sah, a foreman, stayed behind to ensure others' safety during the initial disaster.

Kerala's Onam liquor sales cross Rs 770 crore in 8 days

Kerala's Onam liquor sales cross Rs 770 crore in 8 days

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

Kerala's state-run Bevco has reported record liquor sales during the first eight days of the Onam festive season, reaching Rs 771.29 crore, surpassing last year's figures. Officials anticipate this year's total sales will exceed the Rs 826.38 crore recorded in 2025, despite a slight dip in Uthradam day sales compared to the previous year.

India vs Afghanistan: Where to watch T20I series

India vs Afghanistan: Where to watch T20I series

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Sony Sports Network has secured exclusive television broadcast rights for the upcoming three-match T20I series between India and Afghanistan, scheduled from September 13 to 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The series will feature India led by Shreyas Iyer and Afghanistan led by Ibrahim Zadran, with both teams showcasing aggressive T20 cricket. This acquisition strengthens Sony's sports portfolio and offers a platform for Afghanistan to demonstrate its talent against a top-tier team.

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.

Mumbai Ganesh idol collapse: Broken welding support caused fall, police say

Mumbai Ganesh idol collapse: Broken welding support caused fall, police say

Rediff.com23 Aug 2026

Two individuals died and five others, including two children, sustained injuries after a large Ganesh idol of 'Bhuleshwaracha Raja' collapsed during its arrival ceremony in south Mumbai. The incident occurred on Saturday night, prompting immediate rescue efforts and hospitalisation of the injured.

RBI likely to hike rates by 50 bps as inflation breaches tolerance band

RBI likely to hike rates by 50 bps as inflation breaches tolerance band

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

Economists widely anticipate the Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee will increase the repo rate by 50 basis points, likely split between the October and December meetings, as retail inflation is projected to peak at 6.1 per cent in the third quarter, exceeding the RBI's tolerance limit.

Nandan Nilekani calls for population-scale tokenisation infrastructure in India

Nandan Nilekani calls for population-scale tokenisation infrastructure in India

Rediff.com11 Sep 2026

Infosys Chairman Nandan Nilekani stressed the need for India to develop population-scale tokenisation infrastructure capable of handling billions of transactions, rather than merely focusing on issuing tokens. He highlighted the importance of interoperability, liquidity, and high volumes for tokenisation to expand across various asset classes and use cases.

Why Is Alia Bhatt Nervous?

Why Is Alia Bhatt Nervous?

Rediff.com12 Sep 2026

'Fourteen years ago, I made my debut as an actor. And now, 14 years later, I am introducing four new actors and a debutante director. I am way more nervous than they are right now. I have butterflies in my stomach.'

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

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

Rediff.com7 Sep 2026

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.

'Mirzapur Is My First Film That's Getting Mass Love'

'Mirzapur Is My First Film That's Getting Mass Love'

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

'I will never say never to a sequel.'

Gang-rape during Navratri: 5 sentenced to life in jail

Gang-rape during Navratri: 5 sentenced to life in jail

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

A special POCSO court in Vadodara has sentenced five men to life imprisonment for the gang-rape of a minor girl during Navratri two years ago. The court described the crime as "most heinous" and ordered Rs 10 lakh compensation for the survivor, emphasising the seriousness of violence against women, especially during a religious festival.

Onasadhya Recipe: Broken Wheat Payasam

Onasadhya Recipe: Broken Wheat Payasam

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

Divya Nair shares her Amuma's recipe of payasam made using broken wheat, a healthy twist to the traditional ada pradhaman.

'We Get 4 Threats From Terrorists Every Month'

'We Get 4 Threats From Terrorists Every Month'

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

'...in which our names are written with our phone numbers.'

Aadhaar: 'Fraudsters Get Smarter, But We're Also Getting Smarter'

Aadhaar: 'Fraudsters Get Smarter, But We're Also Getting Smarter'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2026

'It's A Cat And Mouse Game.'

World Samosa Day: 9 Samosas With Yum Stuffings

World Samosa Day: 9 Samosas With Yum Stuffings

Rediff.com5 Sep 2026

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

Hariyali Teej 2026: Triptii, Kareena's Style Tips

Hariyali Teej 2026: Triptii, Kareena's Style Tips

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Hariyali Teej is the one day your wardrobe gets full permission to go green. From delicate sage and regal emerald to zingy lime and rich olive, every shade feels festive.

Samsung India begins job cuts; trims workforce at senior level

Samsung India begins job cuts; trims workforce at senior level

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

Samsung India Electronics has initiated job cuts in its Consumer Electronics (CE) division, laying off 8-10 mid-to-senior-level employees with plans to let go of another 40-50 staff. This move is part of a cost-rationalisation exercise driven by rising input costs, muted consumer demand, and intense competition from rival Korean and Chinese players.

Fintech 'Valuable Partner' in Building Future Financial System: RBI Governor

Fintech 'Valuable Partner' in Building Future Financial System: RBI Governor

Rediff.com9 Sep 2026

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the central bank consistently views fintechs as 'valuable partners' in shaping India's future financial system, crediting the sector with expanding financial inclusion, enhancing customer experience, and streamlining credit delivery, particularly for MSMEs.

'Sugar Prices Have Begun To Ease'

'Sugar Prices Have Begun To Ease'

Rediff.com1 Sep 2026

'With factories starting early for the next season, fresh sugar will enter market 10-15 days earlier than usual, and sugar price are expected to remain affordable in near term.'

IIT steps in to ease queues at Puri Jagannath Temple

IIT steps in to ease queues at Puri Jagannath Temple

Rediff.com25 Aug 2026

The Odisha government has roped in IIT-Bhubaneswar to introduce a queue management system at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, including setting up wooden ramps for a clearer view of the deities, law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said on Tuesday.

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).

'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.'

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.

Richie Mehta: 'It Was Important That We Don't Sexualise Phoolan'

Richie Mehta: 'It Was Important That We Don't Sexualise Phoolan'

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

'It's a harrowing book because in the first 100 pages, you have the first-person account of very young girl being abused. It's an important, crucial document from her point of view, but impossible to emotionally endure if one is to illustrate it on screen.'

Two Kings Can Coexist: Nagarjuna On The King Clash

Two Kings Can Coexist: Nagarjuna On The King Clash

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

'There is enough room for two Kings during the festive season.'

Mahesh Bhatt: 'I Love Him As I Have Loved Nothing Else In My Life'

Mahesh Bhatt: 'I Love Him As I Have Loved Nothing Else In My Life'

Rediff.com8 Sep 2026

'The greatest love story of my life was with this man. He cured me of the spiritual question and threw me back into the real world.'

10 States, 10 Delicious Coconut Recipes

10 States, 10 Delicious Coconut Recipes

Rediff.com2 Sep 2026

10 states, 10 delicious coconut recipes for World Coconut Day

Alaya, Disha Are Rhinestone-Obsessed Girlies

Alaya, Disha Are Rhinestone-Obsessed Girlies

Rediff.com31 Aug 2026

Rhinestones have officially escaped the jewellery box. The girlies are sticking them on phone cases, water bottles, face masks and even their shoes, turning literally everything into a tiny disco ball.

The Lawyer Who Quit Her Job To Make Lord Ganeshas

The Lawyer Who Quit Her Job To Make Lord Ganeshas

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

A third generation murtikar and probably one of the first in her family, Manaswi Bagwe, a self-taught sculptor, is quietly pushing the boundaries of idol-making.

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.

Sena men attack hospital staff over medical bills to injured govindas

Sena men attack hospital staff over medical bills to injured govindas

Rediff.com6 Sep 2026

More than a dozen Shiv Sena functionaries, including district and city unit chiefs and an MLA's son, have been booked for allegedly assaulting, abusing, and threatening hospital staff in Palghar. The incident occurred after 'govindas' injured during Dahi Handi celebrations were brought for treatment, and a dispute arose over medical bills. The NCP (SP) has condemned the incident, calling it an attack on the medical system and the rule of law, and demanded strict action.

Khushi, Kriti Are Wearing Their Superwoman Capes

Khushi, Kriti Are Wearing Their Superwoman Capes

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

The dupatta has officially met its match. Why spend half the evening pinning, pleating and desperately trying to keep a piece of fabric from slipping off your shoulder when you can simply throw on a cape and call it a day?

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.

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.

The Secret Tukaram Mundhe Won't Reveal

The Secret Tukaram Mundhe Won't Reveal

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Whether it's a five-star banquet hall, a school lunch supplier, a blood bank, or a Bollywood actors' surrogate advertisements, Tukaram Mundhe seems to have an opinion, a bye-law, and very possibly an inspection team on standby.