The Uttar Pradesh government has said that over 65 crore people visited the sacred site in Prayagraj since the Maha Kumbh began on January 13.
Holi celebrations may be simple this year but you can always feel festive by dressing up for the occasion.
A 28-year-old man was arrested in Pune, Maharashtra for faking his own abduction to extort money from his father. Pradeep Chauhan sent a message to his father claiming he had been kidnapped and then switched off his phone. His father, Rama Shankar Chauhan, reported the matter to the police, who traced Pradeep's location to Pune. Pradeep admitted to faking the kidnapping and was arrested. He was granted bail after his father pleaded for his release.
Fourteen persons were arrested on Friday in connection with the violence in Nagpur earlier this week, taking the total number those held so far to 105, a senior police official said. Those held include 10 juveniles, as per police. Three more FIRs have been registered in connection with the incident, he added. Large-scale stone pelting and arson was reported in several parts of Nagpur on March 17 over rumours that a chadar' with holy inscriptions was burnt during protests led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) seeking the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, which is in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. "The 14 accused have been arrested from different parts of the city in connection with the riots. Three more FIRs have been registered related to the riots," Nagpur police commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singhal said. The decision on lifting curfew from some parts of the city will be taken after a high-level review meeting, he added. Singhal, meanwhile, held a meeting at Police Bhavan in Civil Lines here to take stock of the situation. Thirty-three police personnel including three Deputy Commissioner of Police-rank officers were injured during the violence. Key accused Fahim Khan is among those booked for sedition.
Violence erupted in central Nagpur on Monday with stones hurled at police amid rumours that the holy book of a community was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing body for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, officials said.
Social media influencer Orhan Awatramani, known as Orry, and seven others were booked for allegedly consuming alcohol at a hotel in Katra, the base camp for the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The FIR was registered for violating the law and hurting religious sentiments. The hotel reportedly prohibits alcohol and non-vegetarian food due to its proximity to the shrine.
Amid heightened security measures, more than two crore devotees took a dip in the Sangam till 6 pm on Wednesday on the occasion of Maghi Purnima during the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.
Subhash K Jha lists Holi songs that you have probably never heard.
A 22-year-old man wanted for liquor smuggling was arrested in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the Maha Kumbh festival. Pravesh Yadav, a resident of Alwar, Rajasthan, had been evading arrest since July 2023 after being involved in a liquor smuggling operation. Police apprehended him during the Maha Kumbh, a major religious event where millions of people gather for ritual bathing at the Sangam. The arrest highlights the effective surveillance measures implemented by the police.
'Any type of violence is not good for the health of the society and I think police have taken cognizance of it and so they will get into the details'
Jorhat has many attraction to offer for the discerning and offbeat traveller.
The COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020 and the subsequent restrictions due to the virus spread had cast a grim shadow on the festive mood of all the festivals across the country for the past two years.
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.
US President Donald Trump has posted a seemingly AI-generated photo of himself in papal attire on his social media, sparking a dueling backlash and praise. The image, which was also posted from the White House's social media handle, prompted many social media users to call it "cosplaying as the next Pope." The photo comes days after Trump had jokingly said last week that he would be his own "number one choice" for the next pope. The president posted the picture at 10:29 pm Friday, without a caption or comment. The post immediately garnered positive and negative reaction online.
Amid controversy over the Gulmarg fashion show held during the month of Ramzan, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said his government would have never given permission for such an event in any month of the year.
For the past 50 years, the Hindu family of Gulab Yadav has been ensuring that Muslims in the village wake up on time for 'Sehri', the pre-dawn meal consumed before fasting during Ramzan.
Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 in Rome on Monday, April 21, less than a day after delivering a brief Easter Sunday message in St Peter's Basilica, is remembered as a spiritual leader whose life and final moments were deeply intertwined with prayer and devotion.
A 13-year-old boy died and 28 other students were hospitalized after suspected food poisoning at an unauthorized hostel in Mandya, Karnataka, India. The incident occurred after students consumed leftover food from a Holi celebration. The school has been operating without a license to run a hostel and was illegally operating the hostel on the first floor of the school building. The school reportedly follows an arrangement where hostel students receive leftover food from nearby events. The school owner, cook, and hostel warden have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Maharashtra Minister Yogesh Kadam said 54 people have been arrested in connection with the violence in Nagpur, India, while a search is underway for the mastermind. The violence, which injured 33 police personnel, was triggered by rumors about a chadar with holy inscriptions being burnt during protests by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).
A group of rioters allegedly touched a woman constable inappropriately and tried to disrobe her during violence in Nagpur, sparked by protests against Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb. The mob also hurled petrol bombs at the police. Authorities have arrested 51 rioters and filed 57 charges against them.
The Delhi High Court Chief Justice, D K Upadhyay, has submitted a report to the Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, regarding the alleged discovery of cash at Justice Yashwant Varma's official residence. The report follows an in-house inquiry initiated by Justice Upadhyay after a fire at Justice Varma's residence on Holi night. The Supreme Court Collegium will now examine the report and may take further action. The Supreme Court has also stated that a proposal to transfer Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court is separate from the in-house inquiry.
Singapore-based Smitha and Raghavendra Ramachandra made a spontaneous decision to attend the Maha Kumbh. They did not expect what followed.
Justice Yashwant Varma, a Delhi High Court judge, has been transferred to his parent Allahabad High Court amid a controversy surrounding the alleged discovery of a large sum of cash at his official residence. The Supreme Court Collegium recommended the transfer, stating it was separate from an in-house probe ordered by the top court into the alleged cash find. The incident occurred following a fire at Justice Varma's residence on Holi night, March 14. Justice Varma has vehemently denied any involvement in the alleged cash discovery, calling it a conspiracy to frame him.
Assets Worth Rs 40 Lakh Seized
Hiring trends in India's white-collar job market dipped marginally by 1.4 per cent in March compared to the same month last year, driven by a decline in recruitment in the retail, oil & gas, and education sectors, a report said on Wednesday.
The Maha Kumbh, a massive religious gathering in Prayagraj, India, is preparing for the culmination of its events with the Mahashivratri 'snan' (sacred bath) on Wednesday. Authorities have declared the entire mela area a 'no vehicle zone' and are urging devotees to take a dip at the ghat nearest to them to avoid crowding at the Sangam. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is monitoring the arrangements and has issued an advisory for devotees, outlining specific ghats for different arrival routes. The Maha Kumbh has seen a record number of pilgrims, exceeding 64 crore. Security arrangements are robust with over 37,000 police personnel and 14,000 home guards deployed. The fair has also been hailed for its cleanliness and safety measures. The event is expected to conclude with the Mahashivratri puja.
Rajasthan Royals batting coach Vikram Rathour lauded Rahul Dravid's unwavering dedication.
The law and order situation in Nagpur, which was rocked by violence on Monday night, is under control but a curfew continues in many sensitive areas of the city, a senior official said on Wednesday. Police Commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singal said the situation will be reviewed in the afternoon. More than 2,000 armed police personnel have been deployed in the sensitive areas. Violence erupted in central Nagpur's Chitnis Park in the Mahal area on Monday, with stones hurled at police amid rumours that the holy book of a community was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing body demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. As many as 34 police personnel were injured in the violence. A curfew, restricting the movement of people and vehicles, was subsequently imposed in sensitive areas in the city.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day state visit to Mauritius, presented President Dharam Gokhool with Gangajal from the Maha Kumbh Mela. The visit marks Modi's return to Mauritius after nearly a decade, showcasing the strong relationship between India and Mauritius.
India's most vibrant festival is the perfect excuse for friends to flirt and foes to become friends again.
The Prayagraj airport in India is experiencing a surge in air traffic due to the Maha Kumbh, a major religious festival. The airport is handling an average of 40 non-scheduled charters and private jets daily, with figures reaching 70 on weekends. This is in addition to the average 148 scheduled commercial passenger aircraft operating daily. The airport recently received a contingent of about 180 politicians from Rajasthan and has seen corporate bigwigs like the Ambani brothers, Gautam Adani, and Pawan Munjal pass through. The airport has also hosted four international flights since the beginning of the Maha Kumbh, including a flight carrying Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The airport is currently undergoing an upgrade and expansion, and officials are looking forward to the government's plans to integrate Prayagraj with the airports at Kashi and Ayodhya to promote tourism in the region.
"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength," Netanyahu's office said.
A 24-year-old photographer was stabbed to death in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, after he allegedly made a married woman's photos viral on Instagram. The woman's brother and cousin have been arrested in connection with the murder. Police say the victim, Chandan Bind, was lured to an agriculture plot on the night of March 18, where he was stabbed multiple times and his body dumped in a wheat field. The accused, Surendra Yadav and Rohit Yadav, have confessed to the crime and three knives used in the murder have been recovered.
Pope Francis has died, the Vatican said on Monday. The Pope passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, according to a statement from the Vatican.
Why should Bollywood have all the fun? Telly stars like to play Holi too!
Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar has come out in support of Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami after he was criticized for not observing roza (fast) during the month of Ramzan. Shami was spotted consuming an energy drink during the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final match against Australia, which led to criticism from some quarters. Akhtar, known for his outspoken views, urged Shami to ignore the negativity and praised his performance in the game.
A special court in India has reserved its verdict in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, which killed six people and injured over 100. The trial began nearly 17 years after the bombing in the town of Malegaon, located in Maharashtra. The prosecution concluded its final arguments on Saturday, marking the end of the hearings. Seven individuals, including Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit and BJP leader Pragya Thakur, are facing charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The verdict is expected to be delivered on May 8th.
Naynaben Pedhadiya, mayor of Rajkot city in Gujarat has sparked a controversy after photos of her journey to Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh in her official vehicle went viral.
Shiv Sena-UBT MP Sanjay Raut claimed that former Maharashtra chief minister and Shiv Sena head Eknath Shinde wanted to join the Congress in the past. Raut's claim comes after former Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole offered Shinde and Ajit Pawar the "rotational post of the chief minister" if they switched to the opposition alliance. Raut said that "nothing is impossible in politics" and that Shinde and Ajit Pawar are carrying the flags of the BJP.
