News for 'Mela'

Kamakhya temple gears up for lakhs of devotees for Ambubachi Mela

Kamakhya temple gears up for lakhs of devotees for Ambubachi Mela

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The famed Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya temple in Guwahati is set to begin, with the administration expecting around eight lakh devotees over the next four days. The temple doors will close on Monday night for the 'prabritti' period, symbolising the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, and reopen on June 26.

Mehbooba asks Kashmiri pandits to 'move on, not be prisoners of past'

Mehbooba asks Kashmiri pandits to 'move on, not be prisoners of past'

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

Mehbooba Mufti, PDP chief, urged Kashmiri Pandits to move beyond past grievances and invest in a shared future in the Kashmir Valley. Speaking at the Kheer Bhawani mela, she highlighted the warmth between communities and called for government support for Pandits, while also appealing to them to isolate those who seek to use them for political agendas.

Woman Famous from Kumbh Mela Accuses Director of Misconduct

Woman Famous from Kumbh Mela Accuses Director of Misconduct

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

A young woman who gained fame during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela has accused a film director of misbehaving with minor girls and claims she and her husband are receiving death threats.

'Kumbh Mela girl' Monalisa marries boyfriend in Kerala; seeks police help

'Kumbh Mela girl' Monalisa marries boyfriend in Kerala; seeks police help

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained fame during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, sought police protection in Thiruvananthapuram to stay with her boyfriend and marry him, alleging her father was trying to forcibly take her back home.

Complainant admits to filing fake case against Avimukteshwaranand

Complainant admits to filing fake case against Avimukteshwaranand

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Ashutosh Brahmachari, who filed a sexual harassment case against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, has now claimed he did so under pressure from Ramchandra Das, the mahant of Deva Ashram in Mathura, alleging a conspiracy involving several officers.

Maha Kumbh Mela, Operation Sindoor...

Maha Kumbh Mela, Operation Sindoor...

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

A visual journey through some major events of 2025, from the spiritual grandeur of Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj to the strategic success of Operation Sindoor, India's decisive military response following the Pahalgam terror attack.

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.

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.

MP Police Probe Marriage of Woman Who Met Muslim Man at Kumbh Mela

MP Police Probe Marriage of Woman Who Met Muslim Man at Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

Madhya Pradesh Police are in Kochi investigating the marriage of a young woman and a Muslim man, amid claims she is underage and seeking police protection.

'Not a case of love-jihad, didn't convert: Viral Kumbh Mela girl

'Not a case of love-jihad, didn't convert: Viral Kumbh Mela girl

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Actress Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained fame at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, has denied reports that she is underage following her marriage in Kerala. She asserts she is 18 and legally married.

Madhoo: 'I Miss What I Do In Front Of The Camera'

Madhoo: 'I Miss What I Do In Front Of The Camera'

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

'Once an artist, always an artist. That identity, I realised about myself only when I stopped working.'

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

As El Nino looms, govt making district-wise plan to tackle weak monsoon

Rediff.com29 May 2026

"Rather than worrying, preparation is required. Contingency plans will be made for affected districts and crop changes will be considered wherever necessary"

Haridwar seers declare war on 'veg biryani'; to target 'kebabs'next

Haridwar seers declare war on 'veg biryani'; to target 'kebabs'next

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

A group of seers, led by the Akhand Parshuram Akhada, has launched a campaign in Uttarakhand's Haridwar to ban the sale of food under the name "veg biryani".

'Ideologically, D K Shivakumar Is Rather RSS-ish'

'Ideologically, D K Shivakumar Is Rather RSS-ish'

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

'Shivakumar's relationship with the BJP and the RSS is not adversarial in the way Siddaramaiah's has been.' 'Siddaramaiah has publicly attacked the RSS on record; Shivakumar has made no such statement at any point.' 'He vociferously defended the Karnataka government's celebration of Ram temple consecration with RSS-ish arguments.'

West Bengal Needs To Overcome Infamy Of Recruitment Scams: Adhikari

West Bengal Needs To Overcome Infamy Of Recruitment Scams: Adhikari

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that West Bengal has gained infamy due to recruitment scams during the previous government and that there is a need to improve the state's image.

POCSO Case Filed Against VHP Leader, Film Director In Kerala

POCSO Case Filed Against VHP Leader, Film Director In Kerala

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

An FIR under the POCSO Act has been lodged against four persons, including a VHP leader and a film director, based on a complaint by a girl who gained attention during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela and later married a Muslim man in Kerala.

Abhishek Banerjee Demands Release Of Bengal Funds

Abhishek Banerjee Demands Release Of Bengal Funds

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release pending central dues to West Bengal before professing his love for the state. Banerjee also criticised BJP leaders for their reaction to the 'Jai Bangla' slogan and accused the BJP of failing to act on its promise to develop the Sagar islands.

'Shivakumar Is The Richest Politician In The Country'

'Shivakumar Is The Richest Politician In The Country'

Rediff.com5 Jun 2026

'In the (election) affidavit, he had declared Rs 1,400 crores as his assets. He has educational institutions, real estate, malls, etc.'

POCSO Case Filed Against VHP Leader, Director After Complaint

POCSO Case Filed Against VHP Leader, Director After Complaint

Rediff.com30 Apr 2026

A POCSO case has been filed against a VHP leader and a film director, among others, following a complaint by a girl who gained attention during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela and later married a Muslim man in Kerala.

Temple Elephant Beats Summer Heat In Style

Temple Elephant Beats Summer Heat In Style

Rediff.com9 May 2026

Rameswaram temple elephant enjoys refreshing pool bath amid intense summer heat.

How Uttar Pradesh's Crime Policy Achieved 93% Conviction Rate

How Uttar Pradesh's Crime Policy Achieved 93% Conviction Rate

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

Uttar Pradesh DGP Rajeev Krishna announced a conviction rate of over 93 per cent due to the state's 'zero tolerance' policy against crime. Authorities seized properties worth nearly Rs 788.38 crore linked to criminal activities.

Couple Seek Probe Into Birth Record Tampering After Marriage

Couple Seek Probe Into Birth Record Tampering After Marriage

Rediff.com20 May 2026

A couple has approached the Madhya Pradesh High Court alleging tampering of birth records and harassment following their interfaith marriage. They seek an independent probe into the matter.

Did Uddhav, Fadnavis hold 'secret midnight meeting'? CM reacts

Did Uddhav, Fadnavis hold 'secret midnight meeting'? CM reacts

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has denied reports of a secret meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray, dismissing the claims as false news.

MNS, NCP leader oppose Tapovan tree-felling for Nashik Kumbh Mela

MNS, NCP leader oppose Tapovan tree-felling for Nashik Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com30 Nov 2025

MNS chief Raj Thackeray has voiced strong opposition to the cutting of trees for the construction of a 'Sadhu Gram' in Nashik ahead of the Kumbh Mela, urging the government to reconsider the decision. Actor Sayaji Shinde has also joined the protest, threatening opposition if the government proceeds with the tree removal.

West Bengal To Overhaul Recruitment Process

West Bengal To Overhaul Recruitment Process

Rediff.com23 May 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that the state government will introduce a new recruitment policy in the next Budget session to address irregularities and scams that occurred during the previous Trinamool Congress government.

Allahabad High Court Seeks UP Government's Stand On History Sheet Plea

Allahabad High Court Seeks UP Government's Stand On History Sheet Plea

Rediff.com5 May 2026

The Allahabad High Court has requested the Uttar Pradesh government to respond to a petition filed by Ashutosh Maharaj, challenging the opening of his history sheet by the police. Maharaj, who is also involved in the Shahi Idgah-Krishna Janmabhoomi dispute, claims his name should be removed from the police surveillance register.

10 Famous Maa Temples

10 Famous Maa Temples

Rediff.com11 May 2026

We journey to 10 famous Maa temples, each devoted to a different form of Devi or the female force...

Kerala Court Seeks Report On Underage Marriage Allegations

Kerala Court Seeks Report On Underage Marriage Allegations

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A Kerala court has requested a report from Madhya Pradesh Police regarding allegations of an underage marriage involving a woman who gained attention during the Kumbh Mela and later married her friend at a Kerala temple.

Modi: TMC's 'Jungle Raj' In Bengal To End On May 4

Modi: TMC's 'Jungle Raj' In Bengal To End On May 4

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the TMC's governance in West Bengal is nearing its end, citing corruption and unfulfilled promises. He highlighted the BJP's commitment to development and security, particularly for the fisherfolk and against infiltration.

Modi: TMC's 'Syndicate Raj' In Bengal To End On May 4

Modi: TMC's 'Syndicate Raj' In Bengal To End On May 4

Rediff.com23 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that the TMC's rule in West Bengal is nearing its end, citing corruption and unfulfilled promises. He also pledged support for the fisherfolk and a zero-tolerance policy for infiltrators.

Modi Slams TMC For 'PhD In Looting' In West Bengal

Modi Slams TMC For 'PhD In Looting' In West Bengal

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the ruling TMC in West Bengal, alleging corruption and appeasement politics, while promoting the BJP's development agenda ahead of the assembly elections.

Release Bengal Dues Before Professing Love, Banerjee Tells Modi

Release Bengal Dues Before Professing Love, Banerjee Tells Modi

Rediff.com19 Apr 2026

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release the pending central dues to West Bengal before professing his love for the state. Banerjee also criticised BJP leaders and defended the 'Jai Bangla' slogan.

Andhra Pradesh CM Lays Foundation for Google's $15 Bn AI Data Centre, Heralding Digital Future

Andhra Pradesh CM Lays Foundation for Google's $15 Bn AI Data Centre, Heralding Digital Future

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation for a USD 15 billion Google Artificial Intelligence data centre near Visakhapatnam, calling it a 'growth engine for India' and Asia's biggest such facility.

Manohar Lal Khattar Urges Transparency in Haryana Welfare Schemes

Manohar Lal Khattar Urges Transparency in Haryana Welfare Schemes

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has directed officials to ensure transparency in the implementation of central and Haryana government welfare schemes, aiming to maximise their reach. He reviewed multiple schemes across various departments during a DISHA meeting in Karnal.

Father Seeks CM's Help After Daughter's Kerala Marriage Sparks 'Love Jihad' Claims

Father Seeks CM's Help After Daughter's Kerala Marriage Sparks 'Love Jihad' Claims

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The father of Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained fame during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, has requested the intervention of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to ensure her safe return after she married a Muslim man in Kerala, alleging 'love jihad'.

The Maha Kumbh Mela Goes To Toronto!

The Maha Kumbh Mela Goes To Toronto!

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'On our first day at the Kumbh Mela, there was a fire and shook our confidence. 'There must have been a few crore people there.' 'How do we place the camera in between them?'

Political Row Erupts Over Kerala Temple Marriage Controversy

Political Row Erupts Over Kerala Temple Marriage Controversy

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

A political controversy has erupted in Kerala surrounding the marriage of a young woman, who gained attention during the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, to a Muslim man at a temple. Claims that she was underage at the time of the marriage have led to investigations and accusations of political motives.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand booked under POCSO Act

Swami Avimukteshwaranand booked under POCSO Act

Rediff.com22 Feb 2026

The action was taken after a Prayagraj court directed that a case be registered on an application moved by Ashutosh Brahmachari Maharaj and others.

Director Claims Actress's Marriage is 'Love Jihad', Seeks Intervention

Director Claims Actress's Marriage is 'Love Jihad', Seeks Intervention

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Film director Sanoj Mishra has alleged that the marriage of actress Monalisa Bhonsle to a Muslim man is a case of 'love jihad' and plans to take the matter to the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister.

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.