News for 'Festivities'

Tension In Malegaon After Stone Pelting At Durga Immersion

Tension In Malegaon After Stone Pelting At Durga Immersion

Rediff.com2 days ago

A Durga idol immersion procession in Malegaon, Maharashtra, was targeted by stone pelters on Wednesday night after coloured powder allegedly fell on a house. The incident led to tension and a confrontation, though no injuries were reported. Police intervened, deployed additional forces, and completed the immersion rituals by Thursday morning, identifying suspects and appealing for peace.

Extramarital Affair Led To Man's Murder, Wife Among Four Arrested

Extramarital Affair Led To Man's Murder, Wife Among Four Arrested

Rediff.com10 hours ago

Police in Ramgarh, Jharkhand, have arrested the wife of a 38-year-old man and three of her relatives in connection with his murder. The victim, Rohit Kumar, was found dead on October 21, and investigations revealed that frequent quarrels over his wife's alleged extramarital affair were the motive.

Currency in Circulation Growth Hits 5-Year High, Driven by FCNR(B) Deposits

Currency in Circulation Growth Hits 5-Year High, Driven by FCNR(B) Deposits

Rediff.com14 hours ago

Growth in India's currency in circulation (CiC) has reached a five-year high, primarily due to deposits under the Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank), or FCNR(B), scheme, leading to a robust increase in reserve money, according to the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) 'State of the Economy' report.

Delhi HC green light for CJP's Connaught Place protest

Delhi HC green light for CJP's Connaught Place protest

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

The Delhi High Court refused to issue an injunction to stop a protest by the CJP at Connaught Place Central Park on October 16, accepting the police's assurance to regulate the activity. A vendor had sought to regulate the protest, citing potential business losses during the festive season.

Esports World Cup Launches Global Qualifier Programme For 2027 Event

Esports World Cup Launches Global Qualifier Programme For 2027 Event

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Esports World Cup (EWC) has announced its 2027 EWC Qualifier Programme, a new initiative within the Road to EWC. This programme allows tournament organisers and local communities globally to host official qualifying competitions, aiming to engage 1.8 million players through over 400 events. It features two routes: EWC Direct Qualifiers for established tournaments and EWC Satellite Last Chance Qualifiers (SLCQs) for grassroots participation.

Navratri Day 2: 10 Ways To Wear White Accessories

Navratri Day 2: 10 Ways To Wear White Accessories

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Elevate your Navratri Day 2 look with elegant white accessories, from pearl necklaces and statement chokers to floral earrings and embellished heels.

Nine Navratri Life Insurance Lessons

Nine Navratri Life Insurance Lessons

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Here are nine lessons, one for each night of the Navratri festival, that can help any household think about protection clearly.

Kajol, Tanishaa, Tanuja Celebrate Durga Pujo

Kajol, Tanishaa, Tanuja Celebrate Durga Pujo

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Kajol, Tanuja, Tanishaa Mukerji and Ayan Mukerji came together to unveil Maa Durga's idol at the 80th North Bombay Sarbojanin Durga Puja, which celebrates the spirit of tradition and family.

Navratri Day 2: Tara, Palak Make White Look Anything But Basic

Navratri Day 2: Tara, Palak Make White Look Anything But Basic

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

White is the colour to reach for on the second day of Navratri, symbolising peace, purity and serenity.

Non-Hindus told to leave garba event, Aditya Gadhvi says 'not my call'

Non-Hindus told to leave garba event, Aditya Gadhvi says 'not my call'

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Gujarati folk singer Aditya Gadhvi has publicly distanced himself from an incident where non-Hindus and Muslims were asked to leave a high-end garba event in Ahmedabad during Navratri. The announcement was made from the stage by anchor-RJ Akash Trivedi, reportedly at the behest of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) volunteers. Gadhvi stated that the action was not his doing or message, emphasising that his stage is for music and devotion, and garba welcomes everyone with love and respect for Maa Durga.

India's Smartphone Market Declines 20% in Q3 2026, Samsung Regains Top Spot

India's Smartphone Market Declines 20% in Q3 2026, Samsung Regains Top Spot

Rediff.com1 days ago

India's smartphone market experienced a significant 20 per cent year-over-year decline in the third quarter of 2026, reaching its lowest level in a decade, primarily due to soaring memory chip prices that increased device costs. Samsung reclaimed the top position with a 17 per cent market share, while Chinese brands saw a decline in supplies.

Ramlila Maidan: Delhi's costly protest venue with limited dates

Ramlila Maidan: Delhi's costly protest venue with limited dates

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

Ramlila Maidan, recently designated as one of Delhi's new protest sites, is proving to be a costly and difficult option for demonstrators. With no free dates for the next two and a half months and booking fees exceeding Rs 1 lakh, it contrasts sharply with the previously free Jantar Mantar. The ground, rich in political history, also poses logistical challenges due to its busy commercial location and impact on traffic.

Stronger Rupee, Global Cues Drive Gold and Silver Prices Down in India

Stronger Rupee, Global Cues Drive Gold and Silver Prices Down in India

Rediff.com14 Oct 2026

Gold prices in India have fallen for the third consecutive day, shedding Rs 1,800 to Rs 1.5 lakh per 10 grams, primarily due to a strengthening rupee and weak global cues. Silver also saw a significant decline, tumbling Rs 5,000 to Rs 2.21 lakh per 10 grams.

Major Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata shut temporarily after stampede

Major Durga Puja pandals in Kolkata shut temporarily after stampede

Rediff.com6 days ago

Following a stampede-like situation that resulted in 18 deaths and 25 injuries, several prominent Durga Puja organisers in Kolkata were instructed by authorities on Saturday evening to temporarily close their pandals to visitors. This decision affects major crowd-pulling pujas and extends to areas like Bidhannagar, with a review meeting scheduled for Sunday.

Navratri Day 9: How To Add a Pop of Peacock Green

Navratri Day 9: How To Add a Pop of Peacock Green

Rediff.com5 days ago

For Navratri Day 9, master the vibrant peacock green hue by drawing inspiration from these celebrity-approved accessories.

Panel inspects Puja pandals' safety across Bengal after Kolkata stampede

Panel inspects Puja pandals' safety across Bengal after Kolkata stampede

Rediff.com6 days ago

A high-level committee, formed after a deadly stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata, reviewed safety arrangements at several community puja pandals. The committee announced new measures, including prohibiting food stalls near entry/exit points and eliminating separate VIP entries, to enhance crowd management and safety during the festival.

IHCL to reach 700 hotels by FY27, surpasses 2030 target early

IHCL to reach 700 hotels by FY27, surpasses 2030 target early

Rediff.com2 days ago

Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL) is set to achieve its target of 700 hotels by fiscal year 2027, significantly ahead of its original 2030 goal, driven by strong financial performance and strategic expansion plans, including the merger of Oriental Hotels Ltd.

Small car sales revive on back of GST relief

Small car sales revive on back of GST relief

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

A year after GST rates were rationalised, retail growth in automobiles has sustained beyond the initial festival surge, led by two-wheelers and passenger vehicles (PVs), with the Fada data showing rural markets emerging as a key driver of the post-GST demand recovery.

Sridhar Vembu Calls Universal Basic Income 'Dystopian'

Sridhar Vembu Calls Universal Basic Income 'Dystopian'

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has criticised the concept of Universal Basic Income (UBI), calling it an 'unimaginative and dystopian' vision. He argues that while AI threatens intellectual jobs, humans have endless tasks related to nature, nurture, culture, and spirituality that can provide purpose and sustenance, rejecting the idea of dependency on handouts.

Bail granted, Abhishek Porel back in Bengal squad for Ranji opener against Delhi

Bail granted, Abhishek Porel back in Bengal squad for Ranji opener against Delhi

Rediff.com7 Oct 2026

Controversial wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel has been included in Bengal's Ranji Trophy squad for their season opener against Delhi at Kalyani, following his recent bail in a rape case. The squad also features India pacers Mohammed Shami, Mukesh Kumar, and Akash Deep.

Punjab CM Mann detained at Delhi airport, fined Rs 50,000: AAP

Punjab CM Mann detained at Delhi airport, fined Rs 50,000: AAP

Rediff.com3 days ago

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has claimed that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was detained for three hours at the Delhi airport upon his return from Paris and subsequently fined Rs 50,000. AAP media in-charge Baltej Pannu alleged that the incident was due to "tremendous pressure from above" and linked it to the Centre's repeated denial of permission for Mann's foreign visits, accusing the central government of obstructing Punjab's progress.

Loud music at Badrinath: Explanation sought from Garhwal Scouts

Loud music at Badrinath: Explanation sought from Garhwal Scouts

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

A cultural festival at Badrinath Dham has ignited a major controversy due to a loud music and dance event, leading the Chamoli district administration to issue a show-cause notice to the Garhwal Scouts. Senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi and the Shankaracharya Math have strongly condemned the event, citing violations of cultural and religious decorum and the sanctity of the holy shrine.

Mumbai bids farewell to Lalbaugcha Raja after 21-hour procession

Mumbai bids farewell to Lalbaugcha Raja after 21-hour procession

Rediff.com27 Sep 2026

Mumbai witnessed the emotional immersion of iconic Ganesh idols like Lalbaugcha Raja and Chinchpokhlicha Chintamani on Anant Chaturthi, marking the end of the 12-day Ganesh festival. Marathon processions, lasting over 21 hours, saw vast crowds of devotees participating, with significant security and civic arrangements in place for safe immersions and subsequent cleanup operations.

Rajnandgaon Police Bust Cow Slaughter Ring, Ten Arrested

Rajnandgaon Police Bust Cow Slaughter Ring, Ten Arrested

Rediff.com7 days ago

Ten individuals were arrested and a minor girl detained in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, for allegedly slaughtering two cows and selling their meat. The investigation began after severed cow heads were discovered on October 12 and two days later. Police used CCTV footage to identify and apprehend the suspects, who confessed to the crime.

Assam cop accused in Zubeen death case released from jail

Assam cop accused in Zubeen death case released from jail

Rediff.com5 days ago

Suspended Assam Police officer Sandipon Garg, an accused in the death case of singer Zubeen Garg, has been released on bail by the Gauhati High Court after nearly a year in custody. Garg, who is the singer's cousin, expressed his desire for the truth about Zubeen's death in Singapore to emerge. The state government plans to challenge the bail decisions in the Supreme Court, while investigations by both Assam Police and Singapore authorities have yielded differing conclusions regarding foul play.

LFW 2026: Vote For Your Favourite Showstopper!

LFW 2026: Vote For Your Favourite Showstopper!

Rediff.com4 days ago

Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI 2026 gave us dramatic silhouettes, experimental fashion and plenty of celebrity moments.

Mumbai Ganesh mandals asked to curb noise during immersion

Mumbai Ganesh mandals asked to curb noise during immersion

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

The Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti has appealed to Ganesh mandals in Mumbai to ensure that immersion processions on the final day of the festival are free from noise pollution and inconvenience, citing the Bombay High Court's strict stance on decibel limits.

Ganeshotsav 2026: Our Beautiful, Beloved Bappa

Ganeshotsav 2026: Our Beautiful, Beloved Bappa

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

From a Vantara-inspired jungle shrine to 21 years of family tradition, Rediff's readers prove Bappa's magic knows no boundaries.

Desi Cocktail: Kesar Ghewar Martini

Desi Cocktail: Kesar Ghewar Martini

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

What happens when a festive Indian mithai meets booze and a cocktail shaker? The result is the indulgent Kesar Ghewar Martini. Inspired by the delicate flavours of ghewar, this creamy cocktail combines vodka with saffron-cardamom syrup, fresh lemon juice and rose water. A splash of chilled cream lends it a smooth richness, while saffron adds an elegant finishing touch.

Mumbai Police Seize Rs 15.87 Crore Drugs, Arrest 21 In Anti-Narcotics Drive

Mumbai Police Seize Rs 15.87 Crore Drugs, Arrest 21 In Anti-Narcotics Drive

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Mumbai Police conducted a two-day anti-narcotics operation, seizing drugs worth Rs 15.87 crore, arresting 21 absconding accused, and registering 72 cases. The drive, part of the 'Drug-Free Mumbai' and 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan' campaigns, also saw the invocation of MCOCA against a drug syndicate and the demolition of illegal structures.

Delhi police curb CJP's tricolour march, offers limited flag-waving

Delhi police curb CJP's tricolour march, offers limited flag-waving

Rediff.com16 Oct 2026

Delhi Police has advised the public to avoid the Cockroach Janta Party's 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march scheduled for Friday at Connaught Place, citing prohibitory orders and security concerns. While offering to facilitate a symbolic flag-waving event elsewhere, police have stepped up security and warned of legal action against those defying orders, as the proposed venue, Central Park, will be closed.

Ekta Diwas parade in Guj on Oct 31 to mark end of Maoist menace in India

Ekta Diwas parade in Guj on Oct 31 to mark end of Maoist menace in India

Rediff.com3 days ago

This year's Ekta Diwas parade in Kevadia, Gujarat, will feature around 2,000 artists from 126 Naxal-affected districts and celebrate the significant achievement of ending armed Naxalism in the country. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the annual event on October 31, which also commemorates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary. The celebrations will include cultural performances, innovative tableaux, and will honour security forces while promoting tourism to the Statue of Unity.

Illegal Firecracker Haul In Dwarka Ahead Of Diwali

Illegal Firecracker Haul In Dwarka Ahead Of Diwali

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Delhi Police seized approximately 570 kg of illegal firecrackers from a residential premises in Dwarka, southwest Delhi, ahead of Diwali. A 79-year-old man was booked for storing the firecrackers for clandestine sale without a valid licence.

Alipur Police Bust Illegal Firecracker Transport Ring

Alipur Police Bust Illegal Firecracker Transport Ring

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Delhi Police seized over 2,260 kg of illegal firecrackers from two vehicles in Alipur and arrested four individuals involved in transporting the consignment from Punjab for delivery in Delhi, where firecrackers are banned.

Ahmedabad Marathon Achieves Global Recognition

Ahmedabad Marathon Achieves Global Recognition

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

The Adani Ahmedabad Marathon has been included in the World Athletics Global Calendar, making it an internationally recognised event where performances can contribute to World Athletics Rankings. This milestone highlights the marathon's growth and adherence to global standards, further boosting Ahmedabad's sporting profile ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games.

Amid 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' chants, Mumbai bids adieu to Lord Ganesha

Amid 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' chants, Mumbai bids adieu to Lord Ganesha

Rediff.com26 Sep 2026

Mumbai resonated with 'Ganpati Bappa Morya' chants and dhol-tasha beats as devotees immersed Ganesh idols on Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of the 12-day festival. Over 430 idols were immersed by noon, with no untoward incidents reported, as elaborate arrangements by police and BMC ensured smooth proceedings.

Ananya, Alia, Deepika's Gorgeous Ganpati Fashion

Ananya, Alia, Deepika's Gorgeous Ganpati Fashion

Rediff.com22 Sep 2026

Bollywood celebrities showcased an array of stylish festive looks during this year's Ganpati celebrations, ranging from traditional saris to modern ensembles, setting new trends in festive fashion.

What Rashmika Mandanna And Vijay Deverakonda Love To Do

What Rashmika Mandanna And Vijay Deverakonda Love To Do

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

With Ranabaali bringing Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda together on screen, we're looking at another reason this duo makes such a compelling pair: their style chemistry.

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.