The rhythmic sound of the oars hitting the water and the sight of countless pilgrims chanting along the riverbanks created an unforgettable atmosphere, says Varalaxmi Sompuri.
A stampede at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh early Wednesday morning resulted in several deaths and injuries as devotees jostled for space to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya. Eyewitness accounts describe a sudden surge of pilgrims, leading to a chaotic situation where many were trampled as barricades collapsed. Scattered shoes, slippers, and clothes at the site speak to the intensity of the stampede. Authorities are investigating the incident and have urged devotees to prioritize their safety.
Before you dash out of the house with all your playful paraphernalia, pick some tips from Bollywood of responsible celebrating.
Rediff readers share their favourite Holi pix and memories.
With the festival of colours just around the corner, we dig out some lively bhang-soaked ditties just for you.
'We've had our fights, and our laughs too.'
People in several states across the country smeared each other with colours, exchanged greetings and savoured sweets to celebrate Holi.
Check out the cool Holi pictures.
Bollywood stars mostly celebrated Holi at home this year, thanks to the COVID pandemic. Others preferred not to do even that, and instead, posted throwback pictures from the time Holi was spent right.
Be prepared to be dragged, doused and break into a dance.
A devotee carries her belongings in a bag with an image of Prime Minister Narendra Damodardas Modi after taking a holy dip in the waters of the Sangam.
Pramod Yeram sent us a pic of his childhood Holi celebration. You can share yours too!
'We will teach them about our idol Mohammad Sahab and all the great men of other religions as well -- about Shri Ram, Krishna, Yeshu, Bhagwan Mahavir.' 'We want children from the madrasas to become doctors, engineers, scientists, soldiers and walk in the footsteps of Dr A P J Abdul Kalam.' 'That is why we have named the modern madrasas after Dr Kalam.'
President Pranab Mukherjee has greeted the nation on the occasion of Holi and said that the festival of colours promotes oneness and harmony as well as bring happiness and prosperity to all.
Here are 10 occasions when Holi held special significance on celluloid.
Yeh Meri Family 3 is developing into a Wonder Years kind of coming-of-age comedy that Indian viewers can relate to, observes Deepa Gahlot.
Taapsee Pannu wed longtime beau Mathias Boe over the weekend in Udaipur.
'There was no other Lata Mangeshkar, there is none and there won't be any. I will celebrate her life, today and always.'
The three actresses tell you how to save your hair from damaging colours this Holi.
Kamariya Hila Rahi Hai notched up 12 million views in two days!
here's looking at all the fun.
The actress plays Holi for the first time in India on the sets of Daal Me Kuch Kaala Hai.
Use tampons. Apply coconut oil. Wear cotton clothes.
What do Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif and Ashutosh Rana have in common?
The devotion to the deity is such that even commerce is not untouched by the spiritual feel in the holy city. Images of the grand temple is finding places even on visiting cards, posters, calendars and even signages.
Jahnavi Patel tells us how Bollywood gives colours a whole new meaning.
An ultra-violent film about violence, Kill's greatest accomplishment isn't its death count alone but to challenge our perception of violence, observes Sukanya Verma.
He presented the first-ever National Creators' Awards at the Bharat Mandapam in the national capital.
Television actors discuss their favourite songs, and memories.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi would have got a tough fight in Varanasi had Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra contested against him as Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) candidate, feel party workers from the temple town.
Sukanya Verma gives a toast to the man, the movies and the many, many, MANY memories he's made on big screen through 80 Amitabh Bachchan moments.
After inaugurating development projects worth nearly Rs 5,000 crore for boosting the agri-economy in the Union territory, Modi said he was "elated to be among the wonderful people of Srinagar".
Amid the din in which BJP and Congress members tried to shove each other and some members banged the door leading to the secretary general's desk, Birla adjourned the House for the day.
All India Rank achieves a fine balance of authenticity and sensitivity in the fine portrayals of its young actors and old.
Weddings, holidays, award functions, throwbacks, festivals, family time or fooling around, 2023 saw a variety of posts beaming in joy. Of which these 25 Instagram moments of Bollywood stars are Sukanya Verma's favourites.
The DGP clarified that the UP Police has however, not arrested any person from Odisha.
Deepa Gahlot lists some 2023 movies that you need to watch if you haven't already.
Delhi, daddy issues, drivers, domestic help, politics, patriarchy, sexuality, sexism, choices, compromises, community, religion, real estate, motherhood, marriage -- Gulmohar offers a loaded, layered understanding of familial relationships and its indirect impact on the people at the periphery, notes Sukanya Verma.
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