News for 'His Holiness'

When Shashi Tharoor Met The Dalai Lama

When Shashi Tharoor Met The Dalai Lama

Rediff.com31 May 2024

On Thursday, May 30, 2024, Dr Shashi Tharoor, Congress leader and former Under Secretary General of the UN Shashi Tharoor called on His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama in Dharamshala.

How I Celebrated Makar Sankranti in Mangaluru

How I Celebrated Makar Sankranti in Mangaluru

Rediff.com15 Jan 2025

Ghughutiya holds immense cultural and spiritual significance in Uttarakhand.

UP govt bans meat, liquor in 22 'holy' wards of Mathura-Vrindavan

UP govt bans meat, liquor in 22 'holy' wards of Mathura-Vrindavan

Rediff.com11 Sep 2021

Mathura and Vrindavan are the birth place and 'krira sthal' of Lord Krishna. Considering Mathura and Vrindavan as holy places, lakhs of devotees from all over the country and abroad come for paying obeisance, Additional Chief Secretary Avanish Awasthi said in an official order.

History In Minutes: World's First Airmail Flew Over Kumbh

History In Minutes: World's First Airmail Flew Over Kumbh

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

In 1911, French pilot Henri Pequet flew the world's first official airmail, carrying over 6,500 letters and postcards, during the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, now Prayagraj. The flight, which covered five miles in 13 minutes, marked a significant milestone in aviation and postal history. The mail included letters to Jawaharlal Nehru and King George V, and special commemorative postcards signed by Pequet are now prized collector's items. The event, which coincided with the Kumbh Mela, highlights the intersection of spiritual and technological advancements in India's history.

'Maha Kumbh is not a hub of glamour and 5-star culture'

'Maha Kumbh is not a hub of glamour and 5-star culture'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

Since the beginning of the Maha Kumbh last month, many influencers, models and actors have had their brief moment in the sun of virality: model-turned-sadhvi Harsha Richaria, garland seller Mona Lisa, 'IIT baba' Abhay Singh and actor Mamata Kulkarni to name a few.

Holi Recipe: How To Make HEALTHY Thandai

Holi Recipe: How To Make HEALTHY Thandai

Rediff.com16 Mar 2022

Celebrate Holi with a chilled glass of nutrition.

PIX: Varun-Alia's Holi celebrations

PIX: Varun-Alia's Holi celebrations

Rediff.com14 Mar 2017

The Badrinath ki Dulhania actors danced too.

Passenger vehicle sales crash 10% in Feb, 2Ws down 6%

Passenger vehicle sales crash 10% in Feb, 2Ws down 6%

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

The meltdown in Dalal Street that wiped out investor wealth to the tune of 44 trillion in 2025 also seems to be having a ripple effect on the country's vibrant automobile retail sales.

Two killed, six injured in clash over Holi celebrations in Amethi

Two killed, six injured in clash over Holi celebrations in Amethi

Rediff.com18 Mar 2022

Two people were killed and around six injured in a clash following a dispute over celebrating Holi in a village in Amethi on Friday, police said.

No death certificates for Bengal women killed in Kumbh stampede

No death certificates for Bengal women killed in Kumbh stampede

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Families of two West Bengal women killed in a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela have alleged that they were handed over the bodies without death certificates. They received only a piece of paper mentioning that the body was given to them. The victims, Basanti Poddar and Urmila Bhuniya, were killed in the pre-dawn stampede on January 29. A senior West Bengal minister alleged that "total mismanagement" prevailed in the Maha Kumbh Mela.

PHOTOS: India revels in riot of colours

PHOTOS: India revels in riot of colours

Rediff.com25 Mar 2024

India was drenched in hues of the rainbow on Monday as people celebrated Holi, the festival colours, on Monday and smeared 'gulal' on each other.

Tirupati temple 'purified' amid animal fat in laddu row

Tirupati temple 'purified' amid animal fat in laddu row

Rediff.com24 Sep 2024

As the controversy continues to reverberate nationwide, various quarters are demanding steps to safeguard the sanctity of Hindu temples and their 'prasadam'.

Tsari Yatra May Help Ease India China Tensions

Tsari Yatra May Help Ease India China Tensions

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

Why can't the Indian government propose to the Chinese a corridor circumambulating the Holy Mountain where people from both sides could perform the yatra again? asks Claude Arpi.

Over 250 reunited with families in Kumbh Mela

Over 250 reunited with families in Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The first day of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj saw over 250 individuals separated from their families in the dense crowd reunited thanks to the efficient measures taken by the fair administration. However, some attendees, including an elderly woman and a family of 13, are still searching for their loved ones despite the efforts of authorities who have deployed dedicated "Bhula-Bhatka" camps, police assistance centers, and digital tools to help reunite families.

Kinnar akhara opens doors for transgenders to Kumbh Mela

Kinnar akhara opens doors for transgenders to Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

The Akhil Bharatiya Kinnar Akhara is the 14th akhara at the Maha Kumbh.

Maha Kumbh to feature lectures on simultaneous polls

Maha Kumbh to feature lectures on simultaneous polls

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

A Haridwar-based community welfare organisation, Divya Prem Seva Mission, will host a series of seven lectures on diverse themes, including one on the contentious subject of simultaneous polls, at its camp at the Maha Kumbh site in Prayagraj. The lecture series, starting on January 12, will also cover topics like Swami Vivekananda's philosophy, India's glorious past, global terrorism, gender equality, and the challenges of privacy and safety on social media. The organization has been involved in philanthropic activities for 29 years and is raising awareness about the discrimination faced by people with leprosy.

'Op Eleven' in place for safe Basant Panchmi Snan on Monday

'Op Eleven' in place for safe Basant Panchmi Snan on Monday

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented a special crowd management plan called 'Operation Eleven' for the 'Amrit Snan' on Basant Panchami at Maha Kumbh. The plan, devised under strict instructions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, ensures a one-way traffic route for devotees and smooth movement on pontoon bridges. The heightened measures are in place following a stampede on Mauni Amavasya that claimed at least 30 lives. 'Operation Eleven' includes measures such as strict enforcement of a one-way route, enhanced security at key locations, crowd control at Tikarmafi Turn, special arrangements at Phaphamau and pontoon bridges, railway station and bus movement regulation, enhanced security at Prayag Junction, crowd management at GT Jawahar and Harshvardhan Chauraha, additional security and traffic control measures, and deployment of extra forces.

Acted swiftly to control situation after Kumbh stampede: Adityanath

Acted swiftly to control situation after Kumbh stampede: Adityanath

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the successful execution of the Maha Kumbh 2025, emphasizing effective crisis management, economic benefits, and the event's role in national unity and infrastructure development. He cited the swift response to a stampede on January 29 and the extensive preparations that ensured a smooth experience for millions of pilgrims.

Cylinder blast triggers fire at Maha Kumbh; 18 tents gutted, no casualty

Cylinder blast triggers fire at Maha Kumbh; 18 tents gutted, no casualty

Rediff.com19 Jan 2025

A fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India, on Sunday, engulfing 18 tents in Sector 19. The blaze, which started around 4 pm, was caused by an LPG cylinder explosion. No casualties were reported, and the fire was brought under control within an hour. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was in Prayagraj to review preparations ahead of Mauni Amawasya, visited the site and instructed authorities to take measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

'This is one festival where you can look absolutely imperfect'

'This is one festival where you can look absolutely imperfect'

Rediff.com22 Mar 2024

These skincare tips will come handy before you step out to drench yourself in the colours of Holi.

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Was Modi Right About The Opposition?

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

'While suppression of information is acceptable for the government, the Opposition's efforts at pinning the government and its leaders is labeled anti-national,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Manmohan Singh: Man of few words but immense wisdom

Manmohan Singh: Man of few words but immense wisdom

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

Manmohan Singh, the former prime minister of India and architect of the country's economic reforms, passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. Born in a village in undivided Punjab, now in Pakistan, Singh's family witnessed first-hand the tragic Partition. Throughout his long public life, he often spoke of communal harmony and democratic values. He served two terms as prime minister from 2004 to 2014 and was known for his wisdom and quiet demeanor.

Deepotsav 8.0: Ayodhya sets two world records

Deepotsav 8.0: Ayodhya sets two world records

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

Two Guinness World Records -- most people performing 'aarti' simultaneously and the largest display of oil lamps -- were set at the eighth edition of Deepotsav in Ayodhya on Wednesday.

'Aamir Chased Me With A Snake And Made Me Cry'

'Aamir Chased Me With A Snake And Made Me Cry'

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

'We've had our fights, and our laughs too.'

Maha Kumbh ends with 65 cr attendees, controversies, politics

Maha Kumbh ends with 65 cr attendees, controversies, politics

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

The Maha Kumbh, billed as the world's largest gathering, concluded on Wednesday after 45 days, with lakhs of devotees taking a dip in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Despite a stampede that killed at least 30 people, millions continued to visit the Kumbh, seeking salvation through the ritual bath. The event saw a mix of faith, tradition, and technology, drawing pilgrims and tourists from across the globe.

Navratri Begins: Ready To Dance The Garba?

Navratri Begins: Ready To Dance The Garba?

Rediff.com3 Oct 2024

The prelude to the nine-day festival, which begins on October 3, is as exciting as the festival itself.

PIX: This is how Bollywood parties during Holi!

PIX: This is how Bollywood parties during Holi!

Rediff.com11 Mar 2020

The annual Zoom Holi party saw quite a few in party-mode.

'Pope Francis Was Warm And Welcoming'

'Pope Francis Was Warm And Welcoming'

Rediff.com12 Dec 2024

'Senior Vatican officials were pleasantly surprised at the number of Indians who had come to witness the ceremony.'

SEE: Haryana CM sips Yamuna water amid poisoning claim

SEE: Haryana CM sips Yamuna water amid poisoning claim

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Wednesday took a couple of sips of water from the Yamuna river to counter claims by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) that Haryana was polluting the river with industrial waste. He accused AAP leaders of spreading "poison" in politics and said their minds were filled with poison. The incident comes days before the Delhi assembly polls where the BJP and AAP are locked in a fierce battle.

CJI skips Bar Association's Holi event day after spat

CJI skips Bar Association's Holi event day after spat

Rediff.com4 Mar 2023

The SCBA had organised a poetry recital on Friday where the CJI was invited as the chief guest. Eminent poets like Ashok Chakradhar and Shambhu Shikhar recited their poems at the event.

Diya Diwali For Vrindavan's Widows

Diya Diwali For Vrindavan's Widows

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

Thousands of widows of Vrindavan and women abandoned by their families celebrated Diwali by lighting earthen lamps at the Keshi Ghat on the Yamuna river in Mathura.

Crores attend Maha Kumbh, but no call drops or slow internet

Crores attend Maha Kumbh, but no call drops or slow internet

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Telecom service providers and the Maha Kumbh Mela administration are on their toes to ensure smooth connectivity at the grand event set to witness record teledensity.

Maha Kumbh: Officials focus on zero error Basant Panchami Amrit Snan

Maha Kumbh: Officials focus on zero error Basant Panchami Amrit Snan

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

Ahead of the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan at the Maha Kumbh, top officials are emphasizing the implementation of "zero error" directives to prevent a repeat of the deadly stampede that occurred during a previous snan. The Uttar Pradesh government has deployed senior IAS officers with experience in crowd management and inter-agency coordination to oversee the event.

History In Minutes: The Communist Manifesto

History In Minutes: The Communist Manifesto

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

On its 177th anniversary, Utkarsh Mishra explores the history and relevance of The Communist Manifesto.

'Can never go to heaven': Kharge taunts Shah for Kumbh dip

'Can never go to heaven': Kharge taunts Shah for Kumbh dip

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

The BJP keeps taking dips till it appears good on the camera, he said.

How to protect your skin before and after Holi

How to protect your skin before and after Holi

Rediff.com10 Mar 2020

Dr Banani Choudhary tells you how to cleanse and hydrate your skin before and after playing Holi.

Warning! Trump 2.0 Will Be Very Different

Warning! Trump 2.0 Will Be Very Different

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

'Trump has no more elections to fight and his soaring ambition, which is no secret, will be to carve out a presidential legacy that outshines by far all his mediocre predecessors.' 'Trump's turnaround on the H-1B visa debate shows that he can take tough decisions and there are no holy cows in his domain,' asserts Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Jolt to Ram Rahim as SC lifts stay on sacrilege cases

Jolt to Ram Rahim as SC lifts stay on sacrilege cases

Rediff.com18 Oct 2024

Ram Rahim, lodged in Rohtak's Sunaria Jail, is serving a 20-year sentence handed out to him in 2017 for allegedly raping two of his disciples.

Prez, PM, Shah to skip Holi celebrations amid coronavirus scare

Prez, PM, Shah to skip Holi celebrations amid coronavirus scare

Rediff.com4 Mar 2020

Modi cited experts' advice to reduce mass gatherings to avoid the spread of the deadly virus.

Azaad Teaser: There Is Promise Here

Azaad Teaser: There Is Promise Here

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

Amit Trivedi's score gives Azaad the feel of a sprawling epic that will hopefully be worth the wait, notes Mayur Sanap.