News for 'Holi'

Shankaracharya leaves Magh Mela without holy dip after row

Shankaracharya leaves Magh Mela without holy dip after row

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

The Mela administration alleged that the Shankaracharya and his supporters broke a barricade on a pontoon bridge and moved towards the ghats, creating serious difficulties for the police in managing the situation.

'What will putlaa do?': Himanta on Babri-style mosque in Bengal

'What will putlaa do?': Himanta on Babri-style mosque in Bengal

Rediff.com1 days ago

The original Babri Masjid was demolished in 1992, leading to a Supreme Court verdict in 2019 that allowed the construction of a Ram Temple.

Identity profiling by caste, race or region a regressive step: SC

Identity profiling by caste, race or region a regressive step: SC

Rediff.com1 hour ago

The Supreme Court refused to entertain a PIL seeking to prevent discrimination and violence against citizens from the northeast and other regions, stating that identifying persons on grounds of race, region, sex, and caste would be a regressive step.

How India Celebrates Mahashivratri

How India Celebrates Mahashivratri

Rediff.com3 days ago

Maha Shivratri, one of India's most revered Hindu festivals, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and celebrated with deep devotion across the country.

UP GST officer quits over Shankaracharya's remarks against Adityanath

UP GST officer quits over Shankaracharya's remarks against Adityanath

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

A GST Deputy Commissioner, Prashant Kumar Singh, resigned in protest against Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand's remarks against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, citing attempts to divide the nation on caste and religious lines.

Stop beef export and then...: Avimukteshwaranand to UP CM

Stop beef export and then...: Avimukteshwaranand to UP CM

Rediff.com30 Jan 2026

Amid the row, the mela administration issued a notice asking Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati to explain how he was using the title of Shankaracharya of the Jyotish Peeth.

How India Loves: Tum Hi Ho

How India Loves: Tum Hi Ho

Rediff.com5 days ago

Valentine's Day may be global. But love in India is beautifully local.

Grammy for Dalai Lama makes China see red. Here's why

Grammy for Dalai Lama makes China see red. Here's why

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

China reacts: 'He is a political exile committed to anti-Chinese separatist activity under the disguise of religion.'

9-judge SC bench to hear Sabarimala women entry plea in April

9-judge SC bench to hear Sabarimala women entry plea in April

Rediff.com2 days ago

The Supreme Court has announced that a nine-judge bench will begin final hearings on petitions related to discrimination against women in religions, including the Sabarimala Temple case, starting April 7.

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Naming an airport after Guru Ravidas is not just about a name, it shows that Dalit communities want respect, equal treatment, and freedom from unfair caste rules in religion and society.

Budget themes paint it as a reformative exercise

Budget themes paint it as a reformative exercise

Rediff.com7 days ago

The 2026-27 Budget, seeking to harmonise the government's imperative to grant certainty while ensuring a rational tax policy, had several notable announcements to usher in halcyon days, says Mukesh Butani.

Probe into authenticity of resigned GST official's disability certificate

Probe into authenticity of resigned GST official's disability certificate

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

An investigation has been launched into the authenticity of the disability certificate of Prashant Kumar Singh, who resigned as GST Deputy Commissioner in protest against remarks made against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The probe was initiated following a complaint filed in 2021.

Bollywood's Next Generation Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday, Suhana Khan, Shanaya Kapoor Get Another Year to Shine

Bollywood's Next Generation Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday, Suhana Khan, Shanaya Kapoor Get Another Year to Shine

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Ananya Panday, Suhana Khan and Shanaya Kapoor continue to shine in Bollywood in 2026, reinforcing their presence as the industry hunts for reliable next gen talent.

Bareilly ex-magistrate threatens Delhi stir over SC/ST Act

Bareilly ex-magistrate threatens Delhi stir over SC/ST Act

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Alankar Agnihotri said several organisations of the upper-caste community would participate in the stir if the central government fails to withdraw the SC/ST Act by February 6.

Read Bhagavad Gita with Quran: IPS officer to madrasa students

Read Bhagavad Gita with Quran: IPS officer to madrasa students

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The IPS officer had been in the news in the past after he directed all police training schools in Madhya Pradesh to hold Bhagavad Gita and Ramcharitmanas recital sessions for their recruits as this will help them lead a "righteous" life.

'Shankaracharya' title row: Seer questions govt notice

'Shankaracharya' title row: Seer questions govt notice

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati protests a notice from the Magh Mela administration regarding his use of the 'Shankaracharya' title, alleging discrimination and questioning the presence of multiple Shankaracharyas from Puri at the event.

BJP MP displays artificial legs in RS, appeals to Opposition

BJP MP displays artificial legs in RS, appeals to Opposition

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

BJP MP C Sadanandan Master addressed the Rajya Sabha, appealing for unity and highlighting the government's achievements while raising concerns about migration in Kerala.

ATS Conducts Mock Drill At Magh Mela

ATS Conducts Mock Drill At Magh Mela

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The annual Magh Kumbh Mela 2026 is underway at Prayagraj from January 3 to February 15.

Ajit Pawar's mid-air scare tale with Fadnavis resurfaces after death

Ajit Pawar's mid-air scare tale with Fadnavis resurfaces after death

Rediff.com28 Jan 2026

A video of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar recounting a tense helicopter ride with Devendra Fadnavis in July 2024 has resurfaced after Pawar's death in a plane crash. Pawar humorously described his fear during the flight due to bad weather, while Fadnavis remained calm.

'Are they playing Big Boss?': Cong on new BJP president

'Are they playing Big Boss?': Cong on new BJP president

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

The Congress party has criticized the BJP's appointment of Nitin Nabin as its new president, questioning the election process and mocking the role of the Election Commissioner.

Rediff's Top 10 Recipes For 2025

Rediff's Top 10 Recipes For 2025

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

We looked back at the 10 Recipes Rediff Readers Loved Most.

'My character questioned': Influencer Harsha quits promoting Sanatan Dharma

'My character questioned': Influencer Harsha quits promoting Sanatan Dharma

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Influencer Harsha Richhariya, known for promoting Sanatan Dharma, has decided to step away from the religious path due to continuous criticism and mental stress.

Why Is Putin Celebrating Christmas Now?

Why Is Putin Celebrating Christmas Now?

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

President Vladimir Putin attended an early Wednesday Russian Orthodox Christmas service and hailed his troops' 'holy mission' to defend Russia, pairing the ceremony with a holiday address on unity, charity and support for the armed forces.

Grammys 2026: Dalai Lama, Lady Gaga Win

Grammys 2026: Dalai Lama, Lady Gaga Win

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

The 68th Grammy Awards began at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Bareilly magistrate Alankar Agnihotri resigns over UGC rules, alleges 'anti-Brahmin campaign' in UP

Bareilly magistrate Alankar Agnihotri resigns over UGC rules, alleges 'anti-Brahmin campaign' in UP

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government has suspended Bareilly City Magistrate Alankar Agnihotri on charges of indiscipline after he resigned from service in protest against government policies.

BJP's Nitin Babu Rises In the Land of Nitish Babu

BJP's Nitin Babu Rises In the Land of Nitish Babu

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

BJP leaders say Nitin Nabin's low-profile image has made him a favourite of Amit Shah, who was in search of such a leader to appoint to the top party position -- someone who follows the Modi-Shah line as BJP president without "ifs and buts".

Kites, Til, Turmeric And Dancing: Makar Sankranti Across India

Kites, Til, Turmeric And Dancing: Makar Sankranti Across India

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Makar Sankranti is one of the year's first festivals of India. The country joyfully kicks off the year with a tapestry of colours and traditions: Gujarat's soaring kites. Punjab's blazing bonfires. Tamil Nadu's bubbling Pongal pot....

Asim Munir conferred with Saudi's highest civilian honour

Asim Munir conferred with Saudi's highest civilian honour

Rediff.com22 Dec 2025

Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has been awarded Saudi Arabia's highest civilian honour, the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellence, during an official visit to the Kingdom.

Modi flags off India's 1st Vande Bharat sleeper train

Modi flags off India's 1st Vande Bharat sleeper train

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Developed to meet the growing transportation needs of modern India, the fully AC Vande Bharat sleeper train would offer passengers an "airline-like travel experience at economical fares," a statement issued by the PMO stated.

Sabarimala gold theft case: No HC relief for TDB ex-chief; pulls up SIT

Sabarimala gold theft case: No HC relief for TDB ex-chief; pulls up SIT

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The Kerala High Court denied bail to former TDB president N Vasu and others accused in the Sabarimala gold loss case, citing laxity in the investigation and potential impediment to the probe if bail is granted.

8 States Most Visited By Domestic Tourists

8 States Most Visited By Domestic Tourists

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

These 8 states emerged as the country's most-travelled destinations for local Indian visitors, according to Ministry Of Tourism's most recent statistics which are from 2024.

When US Invaded Countries In The Americas

When US Invaded Countries In The Americas

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

That a country thinks it has the right to randomly invade another country has repercussions that will for sure be played on the global arena in the years to come.

India rings in 2026 with prayers, parties

India rings in 2026 with prayers, parties

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Indians across the country welcomed the New Year 2026 with celebrations, religious observances, and gatherings at tourist spots. The President, Vice President, and Prime Minister extended greetings for peace and prosperity.

Holy Mace Of Lord Shiva Reaches Pahalgam

Holy Mace Of Lord Shiva Reaches Pahalgam

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

The revered Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, reached Pahalgam on Saturday, August 9, 2025, marking the start of traditional rituals associated with the Amarnath Yatra.

Will fulfil his last wish to...: Tripura student's uncle

Will fulfil his last wish to...: Tripura student's uncle

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

The family of Anjel Chakma, who was killed in Dehradun, is seeking capital punishment or life imprisonment for those responsible. They also urge the government to prevent racial hate crimes against people from the Northeast.

Decked churches, midnight masses: India celebrates Christmas

Decked churches, midnight masses: India celebrates Christmas

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Christmas was celebrated with devotion and festive gaiety across India, with churches decked in lights, midnight masses, and community events spreading cheer. Leaders extended greetings, and celebrations took place in various states with prayers for peace and harmony.

Noel Tata's mother Simone Tata passes away

Noel Tata's mother Simone Tata passes away

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Simone Tata, the mother of Tata Trusts chairman Noel Tata, died in a Mumbai hospital on Friday after a brief illness. Simone, the stepmother of the late Ratan Tata, was 95.

Historic Firsts In 2025: RCB Win IPL, Neeraj's 90m, Women's WC Triumph

Historic Firsts In 2025: RCB Win IPL, Neeraj's 90m, Women's WC Triumph

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

From Royal Challengers Bengaluru's historic first IPL title to star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra finally breaking the iconic 90-meter mark to India women winning their first cricket World Cup, this was the year of long-awaited victories and record-breaking feats.

Finding calm in the Gita, Kishan rediscovers his cricket

Finding calm in the Gita, Kishan rediscovers his cricket

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

'I believe the spirituality he has imbibed has played a big role in this turnaround. It has played a big role.'

The World Is A Dangerous Place

The World Is A Dangerous Place

Rediff.com22 Nov 2025

After Donald Trump became president of the United States, he unleashed economic weaponisation, upsetting the old world order, leading to much unrest. If that wasn't all, the threat of an imminent nuclear war was issued by the US, Russia, China, North Korea and Pakistan. In today's fractious times, Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios would have made a dent, notes His Holiness Baselios Marthoma Mathews III.