News for 'Holi'

8 Places To Head To For Holi

8 Places To Head To For Holi

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Certain spots on the India map play Holi even more colourfully, joyfully than other places. To experience the most beautiful of Holi celebrations, plan to spend the festival at one of them.

8 Places To Head To For Holi

8 Places To Head To For Holi

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Certain spots on the India map play Holi even more colourfully, joyfully than other places. To experience the most beautiful of Holi celebrations, plan to spend the festival at one of them.

Memories Of Another Holi Day

Memories Of Another Holi Day

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

On the way we met many groups moving towards Juhu. If the group was smaller than us we gave them a dose of colour and if the group was bigger we tried to pass silently. Sometime it worked, other times we got drowned in colour.

The Holi Hai Special Quiz!

The Holi Hai Special Quiz!

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Ready to splash in Bollywood's brand of colours with Sukanya Verma's Holi special quiz?

After row, AMU says students can play Holi 'freely'

After row, AMU says students can play Holi 'freely'

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Amid demands for allowing Holi celebration on the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) campus, its administration has decided that students can do so "freely" at the Non-Resident Students Centre Hall. The decision came after a controversy erupted when members of a right-wing group accused the university administration of denying permission to Hindu students to organize a 'Holi Milan' function on campus. However, the university administration clarified that the decision to allow Holi celebrations at the NRSC Hall was taken because of an AMU board examination scheduled for March 9. The administration further stated that March 10, 11, and 12 are working days and there will be classes, while March 13 and 14 are holidays, making them suitable for celebrations.

Playing Holi? 9 Tips To Protect Your Skin, Hair

Playing Holi? 9 Tips To Protect Your Skin, Hair

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

We all love Holi but the festivity can damage our skin. Beauty expert Bhavya Sharma shares essential pre-Holi care tips to help protect your skin and hair.

When I Attended The Bachchans' Holi Party

When I Attended The Bachchans' Holi Party

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

The Bachchan family have this knack of going out of their way to make you feel extremely comfortable.

Holi, Friday namaaz pass off peacefully in Sambhal

Holi, Friday namaaz pass off peacefully in Sambhal

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Holi and Friday prayers passed peacefully in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh amid tight security, officials said.

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, becoming the first woman head of state to visit the shrine. She participated in traditional rituals and ceremonies during her visit.

Flight tickets to be cheaper this Holi

Flight tickets to be cheaper this Holi

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

With only a few days to go before the country celebrates Holi, several airline companies offered discounts on fares on the occasion of the festival of colours. While two airlines are providing discounts on both domestic and international networks, another has the offer only for the domestic sector. Low-cost airline Akasa Air said it is offering an all-inclusive one-way fare starting at Rs 1,499 on domestic routes.

Archie and friends celebrate Holi in new comic book

Archie and friends celebrate Holi in new comic book

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Archie Comics has released a new story featuring the celebration of Holi in India. The 10-page story, titled "Celebration Surprise," appears in "The World of Betty & Veronica digest #38." Co-CEO of Archie Comic Publications Nancy Silberkleit said the story was inspired by her own experiences celebrating Holi in India and her desire to celebrate Om Arora, the owner of Delhi-based Variety Book Depot, who has been a long-time distributor of Archie Comics in India.

Muslim men can wear 'tarpaulin hijab' on Holi: UP minister

Muslim men can wear 'tarpaulin hijab' on Holi: UP minister

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

A BJP leader in Uttar Pradesh has sparked controversy by suggesting that Muslim men cover themselves with tarpaulins to avoid being sprinkled with colors on Holi. The remarks, made by Raghuraj Singh, come days after a police officer in Sambhal made similar comments. The festival of Holi coincides with the second Friday of the month of Ramzan this year, leading to concerns about potential clashes. The controversy has fueled tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities in the state, highlighting the sensitive nature of religious festivals in India.

Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari: Fluff!

Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari: Fluff!

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari is one of those mindless fluff kind of date movies, where there is no real conflict, lots of singing and dancing in fancy outfits (as brief as possible for the ladies), observes Deepa Gahlot.

Holi celebrated at reopened Sambhal temple after 46 years

Holi celebrated at reopened Sambhal temple after 46 years

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Devotees celebrated Holi at the Kartikeya Mahadev Temple in Khaggu Sarai, Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh for the first time in 46 years. The temple, which was reopened last December after being closed since 1978, saw enthusiastic participation from social and Hindu organisations. The event was held under tight security following communal violence in the area in 2024.

No one can stop Holi celebrations inside AMU: Aligarh BJP MP

No one can stop Holi celebrations inside AMU: Aligarh BJP MP

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

Aligarh BJP MP Satish Gautam has sparked a controversy over the celebration of Holi at Aligarh Muslim University, declaring that "no one can stop anyone from celebrating Holi inside the AMU campus". The controversy erupted after members of right wing Hindu groups accused the AMU administration of denying permission to the Hindu students to organise a 'Holi Milan' function on campus. Gautam has extended his support to Hindu students, saying, "If any Hindu student faces any problem in celebrating Holi inside the campus, then I am there to help him."

Holi processions in Sambhal to end by 2:30 pm for Friday prayers

Holi processions in Sambhal to end by 2:30 pm for Friday prayers

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

The mosques in Aligarh and Jama Masjid in Sambhal were covered with tarpaulin sheets as a precautionary measure following a decision by the local administration.

Cop who danced on Tej Pratap's order during Holi celebrations, shifted

Cop who danced on Tej Pratap's order during Holi celebrations, shifted

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

Tej Pratap Yadav, an RJD leader and former Bihar minister, has been criticized for ordering his security guard to dance during Holi celebrations. The constable was sent to the police lines after he danced in uniform during the festivities at Yadav's residence. The incident has sparked controversy, with many criticizing Yadav's behavior. The incident also highlights the blurring of lines between personal and official duties in India, where politicians often use their positions to exert influence over subordinates.

Holi Or Jumma? Bihar Politicos Heat Up Festival Time

Holi Or Jumma? Bihar Politicos Heat Up Festival Time

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Ahead of Holi, controversial statements by leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and its ally Janata Dal-United in Bihar have heated up politics in the state which goes to the polls this winter.

Freedom of speech not at cost of others' dignity, says SC

Freedom of speech not at cost of others' dignity, says SC

Rediff.com16 Oct 2025

The Supreme Court of India has cautioned against the dangers of unregulated social media, emphasizing that freedom of speech cannot be exercised at the expense of others' dignity and integrity. The court was addressing a plea related to a recent incident where a shoe was thrown at the Chief Justice of India.

Mosques covered for 'Laat Saheb' Holi procession in UP town

Mosques covered for 'Laat Saheb' Holi procession in UP town

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The city of Shahjahanpur in India celebrates Holi with a unique procession called "Laat Saheb," where revellers hurl footwear at a man impersonating a British Lord. The tradition dates back to the 18th century and has evolved over time. The procession involves a seven-kilometer route, prayers at a temple, and a symbolic bribe offered to the police. The event is marked by strict security measures, including barricades, CCTV cameras, and the covering of mosques with tarpaulins. The procession is seen as a way to commemorate the city's history of freedom fighters and to discourage the British colonizers.

UP on high alert as Holi coincides with Friday namaaz; drones deployed

UP on high alert as Holi coincides with Friday namaaz; drones deployed

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh is on high alert as Holi coincides with Friday namaz, prompting authorities to implement additional security measures in the state, including enhanced patrolling, surveillance drones, and strict monitoring of social media. The decision follows controversial remarks made by some politicians and a police officer, raising concerns about potential incidents in mixed population localities. The administration has also decided to cover mosques to prevent them from being stained with colors, while several mosques have shifted the timing of Friday prayers.

Man beaten to death during Holi celebration over objection to loud music

Man beaten to death during Holi celebration over objection to loud music

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

"Deepu Kewat was playing loud music on DJ (popular term for sound amplifiers) as part of Holi celebrations. His neighbour Shankar Kewat requested him to lower the volume since his children were studying for exams. In response, Deepu and five of his kin attacked Shankar and his family, including father Munna Kewat," he said.

Bihar mayor's '2-hr Holi break' for namaaz call sparks row

Bihar mayor's '2-hr Holi break' for namaaz call sparks row

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The mayor of Darbhanga, Bihar, has sparked a controversy by suggesting a two-hour break in Holi celebrations to accommodate Friday prayers during Ramzan. Her proposal has drawn criticism from a BJP MLA, who accused her of calling for 'Ghazwa-e-Hind'. Meanwhile, other politicians have condemned the mayor's suggestion and emphasized the need for communal harmony.

MP: Denied Holi celebration, college students take 150 hostage

MP: Denied Holi celebration, college students take 150 hostage

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

A college in Madhya Pradesh's Indore has expelled four student leaders after they were found guilty of holding 150 people, including the female principal and professors, hostage for denial of permission to a Holi programme on the campus, its top official said on Friday.

Prez Murmu takes holy dip at Maha Kumbh

Prez Murmu takes holy dip at Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, is the world's largest spiritual and cultural gathering, attracting devotees from across the globe. It will continue until Mahashivratri on February 26.

Hyderabad Police's guidelines for Holi draw BJP's ire

Hyderabad Police's guidelines for Holi draw BJP's ire

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Hyderabad police have imposed restrictions on Holi celebrations, prohibiting group vehicle movement and throwing colors on unwilling individuals. BJP MLA Raja Singh criticized the notification, calling it a "Tughlaq farman " and accusing the Congress government of favoring a particular community. He questioned the lack of similar restrictions during Ramzan and alleged that the Congress government is anti-Hindu.

Trump declares 'end of terror' for 'entire Middle East'

Trump declares 'end of terror' for 'entire Middle East'

Rediff.com13 Oct 2025

Calling the Gaza ceasefire 'the historic dawn of a new Middle East', United States President Donald Trump on Monday said the forces of 'chaos, terror, and ruin' have been defeated, and the 'long and painful nightmare' is finally over not only for Israelis but also for Palestinians.

Holi celebrations till 2:30 pm, namaaz to follow in Sambhal on Mar 14

Holi celebrations till 2:30 pm, namaaz to follow in Sambhal on Mar 14

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

Authorities in the communally sensitive city of Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, have deployed seven companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) ahead of Holi and the first Friday of Ramzan, which fall on the same day. Peace committee meetings have been held to ensure peaceful celebrations, with Hindus agreeing to play Holi till 2:30 pm and Muslims to offer Jumma namaz after that time.

President Murmu to take holy dip at Maha Kumbh today

President Murmu to take holy dip at Maha Kumbh today

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

President Droupadi Murmu will visit the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Monday and take a holy dip at the Sangam, her office said.

Holi comes once a year, but Jumma 52 times: Sambhal cop sparks row

Holi comes once a year, but Jumma 52 times: Sambhal cop sparks row

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

A police officer in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has sparked outrage after suggesting that those uncomfortable with Holi colors should remain indoors, drawing criticism from opposition parties who accused him of bias and demanded action. The officer's remarks came during a peace committee meeting ahead of Holi, which coincides with Friday prayers during Ramzan. Opposition leaders condemned the statements, calling them "condemnable" and accusing the officer of acting as a "BJP agent." They demanded action against him for his "political statement." The incident comes after violence erupted in Sambhal last year during protests against a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque.

Holi Cocktails: Bura Na Mano, Play Colours

Holi Cocktails: Bura Na Mano, Play Colours

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Mischievously-named cocktails, with a powerful kick, will get the party started.

2 killed in UK synagogue terrorist attack; suspect shot dead

2 killed in UK synagogue terrorist attack; suspect shot dead

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

A stabbing and car attack at a synagogue in Manchester on Yom Kippur has been declared a terrorist incident. Two people are dead, and several others are injured. Police shot the suspect dead.

'Baby, I love you': Delhi baba's lewd texts revealed in FIR

'Baby, I love you': Delhi baba's lewd texts revealed in FIR

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Female students of Sri Sharada Institute of Indian Management, Delhi were allegedly forced to visit the quarter of self-styled godman Swami Chaitanyananda Saraswati late at night and one of them was even forced to change her name, the FIR filed against him read.

Case booked over namaaz at UP university during Holi

Case booked over namaaz at UP university during Holi

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Police have registered a case after a video surfaced on social media showing students offering namaz at a private university during Holi celebrations. The university administration has suspended a student and three security personnel involved in the incident, while local Hindu groups have demanded the arrest of those involved. The case has been filed under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Section 299 and relevant provisions of the Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008.

Kids pelt stones at 'Laat Sahab' during Holi procession in UP

Kids pelt stones at 'Laat Sahab' during Holi procession in UP

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Some children allegedly threw stones at 'Laat Sahab' during procession in Shahjahanpur city on Friday, but police chased them away.

'Stay indoors': Bihar BJP MLA's Holi appeal to Muslims sparks row

'Stay indoors': Bihar BJP MLA's Holi appeal to Muslims sparks row

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul, the MLA from Bisfi assembly constituency in Madhubani district, made these remarks while speaking to reporters at the Vidhan Sabha premises.

Lord Shiva's Mace Leaves For Amarnath

Lord Shiva's Mace Leaves For Amarnath

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Amid tight security, the Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, left Srinagar on Monday, August 4, 2025 for the Amarnath cave shrine. This signifies the culmination of the annual Amarnath Yatra.

Want to buy items gifted to Modi? Check this out

Want to buy items gifted to Modi? Check this out

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

An e-auction of over 1,300 items gifted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun, featuring items such as a statue of Goddess Bhavani, an Ayodhya Ram Temple model, and sports memorabilia from the 2024 Paralympic Games. Proceeds will go to the Namami Gange project.

Bollywood's OG Dancing Superstar

Bollywood's OG Dancing Superstar

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

Dinesh Raheja salutes Sandhya, the acclaimed dancer who passed into the ages on October 4.

Indians, not British, freed us from Ottoman rule: Israeli mayor

Indians, not British, freed us from Ottoman rule: Israeli mayor

Rediff.com29 Sep 2025

"I was born in this city and graduated from here. Constantly we were told that this city was freed by the British till somebody from the Historical Society knocked at my door one day and said that they have done a thorough research and found that it wasn't the British but the Indians who freed this city (from the Ottomans)," said the mayor of Haifa, Yona Yahav.