News for 'Indian festivals'

Our concern is...: Iran's 1st reaction on Syria situation

Our concern is...: Iran's 1st reaction on Syria situation

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Iran's ambassador to India, Iraj Ilahi, expressed concern about the stability and security of the "whole region" following the collapse of the Syrian government, highlighting Tehran's worries about the potential wider ramifications of the situation. Ilahi also emphasized the importance of promoting tourism between India and Iran, citing their shared cultural heritage and the recent easing of visa restrictions.

Shoe pinches for most large footwear companies

Shoe pinches for most large footwear companies

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Footwear companies were among the weakest performers in the consumer discretionary sector during the October-December quarter (Q3) of 2024-25. The combined revenue growth of the top four listed firms was just 2.9 per cent year-on-year (Y-o-Y) - the lowest among major discretionary categories.

Mrs Review: A Must Watch!

Mrs Review: A Must Watch!

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

Mrs succeeds in riling you up for all the right reasons. And without resorting to high-pitched drama, applauds Sukanya Verma.

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Factors that will guide the markets this week

Rediff.com22 Dec 2024

Stock market participants would track global trends and foreign investors' trading activity in a holiday-shortened week ahead, amid lack of any major domestic trigger in sight, analysts said. Equity markets will remain closed on Wednesday for Christmas.

Stunning Caitlin Sandra Neil Is Miss India USA 2024

Stunning Caitlin Sandra Neil Is Miss India USA 2024

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Chennai-born Indian American teenager Caitlin Sandra Neil has been crowned Miss India USA 2024 at the annual pageant held in New Jersey.

Indian student shot dead inside his car in Canada

Indian student shot dead inside his car in Canada

Rediff.com14 Apr 2024

A 24-year-old Indian man who went to Canada in 2022 to pursue higher education was shot dead in his car in Vancouver city, police said on Sunday.

La Tomatina: The Battle of Tomatoes

La Tomatina: The Battle of Tomatoes

Rediff.com29 Aug 2024

Glimpses from the La Tomatina festival in Bunol, near Valencia, Spain,

'The Largest Peaceful Gathering Of Pilgrims'

'The Largest Peaceful Gathering Of Pilgrims'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Through history, the Mela has held different meanings for ascetics, the colonised, colonisers, and tourists, but all have been moved by its grandeur points out Atanu Biswas.

How Mercedes plans to woo rich Indians

How Mercedes plans to woo rich Indians

Rediff.com9 Jul 2024

Mercedes-Benz India is looking at electric entry-level models to attract first-time luxury car buyers, as it sets eyes on another double-digit growth this year, its managing director and CEO Santosh Iyer said on Monday. The company, which launched all-electric entry SUV EQA 250 at an introductory price of Rs 66 lakh, has also introduced the new EQB 350 SUV (5-seater) priced at Rs 77.5 lakh and EQB 250+ SUV (7-seater) tagged at Rs 70.90 lakh (prices all India ex-showroom). It will also launch the EQS Maybach SUV and electrified G-Class models in India later this year.

'In quest for moksha': Foreigners take dip in Sangam

'In quest for moksha': Foreigners take dip in Sangam

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Among a sea of humanity that took the holy dip in the Sangam in their quest for 'moksha' on Monday was a large number of overseas visitors, soaking in the spiritual fervour at the world's largest gathering of humans.

How Yamuna controversy sank AAP in Delhi

How Yamuna controversy sank AAP in Delhi

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

The BJP's victory in the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections was largely attributed to the Yamuna pollution issue, with the party successfully capitalizing on the backlash from Haryanvi-origin voters who perceived AAP's narrative on the river's pollution as an attack on their home state. The BJP's campaign focused on presenting itself as both the protector of Haryana's honor and the party with a concrete vision for the Yamuna's revival, ultimately leading to AAP's significant decline in the Yamuna belt and rural areas.

UK PM's office apologises for Diwali reception menu

UK PM's office apologises for Diwali reception menu

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office on Friday apologised for a 'mistake' in the organisation of its Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street after some British Hindus objected to non-vegetarian food and alcohol being served at the gathering.

Pushpa 2 Gets Rousing Welcome

Pushpa 2 Gets Rousing Welcome

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Allu Arjun's huge release, Pushpa: The Rule, has attracted fans to theatres in hordes.

ICC action on home soil has Pakistan fans buzzing

ICC action on home soil has Pakistan fans buzzing

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The national team, captained for the bulk of those years by Misbah Ul Haq, hosted its 'home' games in the United Arab Emirates and remained relatively successful until fixtures trickled back onto Pakistani soil in 2018.

The Tradition-wali Diwali

The Tradition-wali Diwali

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

The mini utensils made of mud crafted by local potters and the gharaunda [miniature house] are unique to Diwali in Bihar.

Thane to Furth! Welcome, Lord Ganesha

Thane to Furth! Welcome, Lord Ganesha

Rediff.com13 Sep 2024

You can e-mail your pictures to getahead@rediff.co.in (My Lord Ganesha Pix) with your name, location, details about your Lord Ganesha and what this festival means to you. We will publish the best entries right here on Rediff.com.

Fundraising activity in debt market gathers speed ahead of festival season

Fundraising activity in debt market gathers speed ahead of festival season

Rediff.com2 Aug 2023

Fundraising activity in the debt market is gaining momentum ahead of the festival season. Several non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) and the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) are planning to raise at least Rs 5,560 crore in the next two days by issuing bonds, with a greenshoe size of Rs 6,370 crore. Ajay Malglunia, managing director and head of investment grade group at JM Financial, said, "The market likes certainty, the market will gain clarity after the US Federal Reserve's (Fed's) policy.

Spike in crude oil price, FII outflows spook markets

Spike in crude oil price, FII outflows spook markets

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

From the 30-share blue-chip pack, Zomato cracked nearly 7 per cent. Power Grid, Adani Ports, Tata Steel, NTPC, Tata Motors, Tech Mahindra, Mahindra & Mahindra, Asian Paints, Sun Pharma and UltraTech Cement were the other major laggards. In contrast, Axis Bank, Hindustan Unilever, Tata Consultancy Services and IndusInd Bank were the gainers.

How AI is shaping the future of fashion e-commerce

How AI is shaping the future of fashion e-commerce

Rediff.com17 Dec 2024

'We have reached 70 million monthly active users during this festival season, which is another great milestone for us.'

Film festival sparks row at Odisha varsity, two movies dropped from line up

Film festival sparks row at Odisha varsity, two movies dropped from line up

Rediff.com4 Mar 2023

The Ray-helmed film was screened on Friday, despite the initial objections, but two other movies - Gay India Matrimony and Had Anhad were removed from the list by the university, reportedly at the insistence of a right-wing group.

Modi calls Maha Kumbh 'Maha Yagya of unity', hails UP govt

Modi calls Maha Kumbh 'Maha Yagya of unity', hails UP govt

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

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.

Lorries Being Gifted This Wedding Season!

Lorries Being Gifted This Wedding Season!

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Another trend: A preference for coloured diamonds among brides, who are pairing them with their groom's birthstone. So, along with yellow or white diamonds, they are choosing pink, green, blue sapphires, emeralds or red rubies.

SC rejects plea to check duplication in voter lists

SC rejects plea to check duplication in voter lists

Rediff.com25 Nov 2024

The Supreme Court declined to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the Election Commission and state election bodies to address purported duplication and multiple entries in voter lists. The court suggested the petitioner approach high courts with specific grievances and file representations with appropriate authorities.

Diwali celebrated with fervour after 2 yrs of muted festivities

Diwali celebrated with fervour after 2 yrs of muted festivities

Rediff.com24 Oct 2022

Colourful lights illuminated buildings and earthen lamps dotted houses as people across the country celebrated Diwali with pomp on Monday after two years of muted festivities due to the pandemic.

India@Oscars: 'We Are Choosing The Wrong Films'

India@Oscars: 'We Are Choosing The Wrong Films'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

'Unfortunately, we live in a 'Mainstream Bollywood' bubble, where we cannot look beyond films that we ourselves find entertaining.'

What's Next For Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light?

What's Next For Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light?

Rediff.com17 Oct 2024

'It is for the first time that a film of mine will be released in theatres and Indian audiences will finally be able to buy tickets and experience it on a big screen, where cinema truly comes to life.'

EV sales in India up 27% in 2024 miss 2 million mark by a whisker

EV sales in India up 27% in 2024 miss 2 million mark by a whisker

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

India's electric vehicle (EV) industry hit a new milestone in 2024, with sales surging 26.5 per cent year-on-year to 1.94 million units as of December 29, according to Vahan data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).

'Fame Changes Every Three Days'

'Fame Changes Every Three Days'

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

'A lot of people are famous. But for how long will you be there?' 'It changes after every three days of release, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.'

Kumbh: 2 crore take Maghi Purnima dip; kalpvasis to return

Kumbh: 2 crore take Maghi Purnima dip; kalpvasis to return

Rediff.com12 Feb 2025

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.

51,000 diyas form 'Batoge to Katoge' slogan at Varanasi ghat

51,000 diyas form 'Batoge to Katoge' slogan at Varanasi ghat

Rediff.com16 Nov 2024

More than 51,000 diyas were lighted on Friday on Dev Deepawali at a Varanasi ghat to form 'Batoge to Katoge' -- a slogan given recently by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in a call apparently to Hindus to stay united.

Kumbh stampede to rock Parliament's Budget session

Kumbh stampede to rock Parliament's Budget session

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

India's Parliament is set to begin its Budget session on Friday, with opposition parties poised to demand a discussion on the alleged mismanagement of the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, where 30 pilgrims died in a stampede. The opposition also accused the government of politicising parliamentary committees and pushing its agenda through its majority. The session will start with President Droupadi Murmu addressing both houses of Parliament. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will present the Union Budget on Saturday for the eighth consecutive time.

Airfares Nosedive For Diwali!

Airfares Nosedive For Diwali!

Rediff.com31 Oct 2024

'The past few quarters have seen prohibitive fares for advance bookings, only to dip closer to departure.'

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.

HOLI HAI! India celebrates festival of colours

HOLI HAI! India celebrates festival of colours

Rediff.com24 Mar 2016

Celebration of Holi at Mathura, Vrindavan and Barsana in Uttar Pradesh is world famous and it attracts tourists from across the globe.

Festivals: Indians in a 'gold rush'

Festivals: Indians in a 'gold rush'

Rediff.com13 Oct 2006

The famed Indian appetite for gold is being manifest with renewed vigour this season as a surge in festival demand and a recent fall in prices has fuelled a virtual 'gold rush' in the market.

What Modi Gave Taimur, Jeh...

What Modi Gave Taimur, Jeh...

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Kareena and Saif's boys didn't meet the PM, but check out what Modi sent them...

Gold to hit Rs 19,500 fuelled by festivals

Gold to hit Rs 19,500 fuelled by festivals

Rediff.com24 Aug 2010

Gold is a good bet to invest when the market are sideways and their is uncertainty," SMC Global vice president Rajesh Jain said.

Samsung loses ground to Apple in premium smartphone mkt

Samsung loses ground to Apple in premium smartphone mkt

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Samsung is losing the race in India's premium smartphone market as rival Apple continues to increase its dominance in the segment, driven by robust iPhone sales and festival season discounts. Shortly after Apple CEO Tim Cook announced an all-time revenue record in India yet again for the September quarter, the company recorded its best-ever quarter of shipments at four million units in the third quarter of calendar year 2024 (Q3CY24), led by the iPhone 15 and iPhone 13, according to a report by the International Data Corporation (IDC).

Festivities, polls prompt govt to keep tabs on food price movement

Festivities, polls prompt govt to keep tabs on food price movement

Rediff.com28 Sep 2023

Amid the ongoing festival season and ahead of the elections for five state assemblies, the Centre is closely monitoring inflation, particularly in food items, to enable it to take steps to increase their supplies. "There is a complete no-nonsense attitude when it comes to food inflation, and instructions have been issued at all levels to be very sensitive to any possible price movements in any commodity," a senior official explained. Sources have said that all departments dealing with food items have been instructed to keep a close eye on all commodities and maintain a weekly record of their price movements.

Kochi's Jews Pass Into History

Kochi's Jews Pass Into History

Rediff.com21 Nov 2024

Queenie Hallegua, who passed away at 89 in August, was almost the last of the Sephardi Jews in Fort Kochi. Her son Dr David Hallegua reflects on his mother's death and of his life growing up in Kerala.