News for 'Mela'

Just How Stylish Is Radhika Ambani?

Just How Stylish Is Radhika Ambani?

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Here are some outstanding outfits from her fashion wedding that showcase her as a global fashionista.

How were thousands of fake Covid certificates issued during Kumbh Mela?

How were thousands of fake Covid certificates issued during Kumbh Mela?

Rediff.com28 Jun 2021

The sordid details of the FIR filed against these companies for issuing fake certificates only reconfirm why the second Covid-19 wave in India came like a storm in the midst of the Kumbh Mela.

Kashmiri Pandits offer prayers during Kheer Bhawani mela after 2 yrs

Kashmiri Pandits offer prayers during Kheer Bhawani mela after 2 yrs

Rediff.com18 Jun 2021

Amidst Covid scare, hundreds of pilgrims paid obeisance at the famous Ragnya Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Friday for the annual Kheer Bhawani mela, praying for peace in the union territory and for the pandemic to end.

'Dip At Maha Kumbh Made Me Feel Divine'

'Dip At Maha Kumbh Made Me Feel Divine'

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

'It would have been impossible for any other country to manage such a vast crowd or accommodate the visit of so many devotees with such remarkable arrangements,' says Navin Mendon.

160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets: Prayagraj gears up for grand Maha Kumbh

160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets: Prayagraj gears up for grand Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Prayagraj is transforming into a massive temporary city to host the Maha Kumbh, the world's largest religious gathering, expected to draw over 40 crore pilgrims. The preparations include extensive infrastructure development, including 160,000 tents, 150,000 toilets, and a 1,250-km pipeline network. The event, starting on January 13, will culminate on February 26, bringing together millions of devotees for the holy dip at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

Maha Kumbh: 3.5 crore seers, devotees take Amrit Snan

Maha Kumbh: 3.5 crore seers, devotees take Amrit Snan

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Seers from various 'akharas' took the first 'Amrit Snan' at the Maha Kumbh on Makar Sankranti on Tuesday as an unbroken stream of people converged at the Triveni Sangam on the occasion with around 3.5 crore devotees taking a dip.

Ancient temples 'converted' into mosques be vacated, demands Akhara chief

Ancient temples 'converted' into mosques be vacated, demands Akhara chief

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, Mahant Ravindra Puri, has demanded the evacuation of mosques built on ancient temples across India. Puri, who is also the president of the Mansa Devi Temple Trust in Haridwar, claims that around 80% of mosques in India are built on temples and that their domes resemble those of temples. He has appealed to Muslims to hand over such structures to Hindus and has called for the formation of a "Sanatan Board" to protect Hindu religious institutions. Puri also denied banning Muslims from attending the Maha Kumbh Mela, saying that they are welcome to visit and learn about Hinduism.

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.

What Babur did in Ayodhya and Sambhal...: Adityanath

What Babur did in Ayodhya and Sambhal...: Adityanath

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accused Opposition parties of trying to divide society, drawing a parallel between the violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh and historical events in Ayodhya and Sambhal. He criticized those who indulge in caste-based politics and said they are responsible for the current situation. Adityanath's comments come amid widespread violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh following the toppling of the Sheikh Hasina government.

Suspicious late-night radio signals detected near Indo-Bangladesh border

Suspicious late-night radio signals detected near Indo-Bangladesh border

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

Amateur Ham Radio operators have picked up suspicious late-night radio signals in coded Bengali, Urdu and Arabic along the Indo-Bangladesh border in South Bengal over the last two months, raising concerns about possible extremist activities. The signals, which have been detected between 1 AM and 3 AM, are unusual in their pattern and language usage, according to Ham radio operators, who have reported the matter to authorities. The development comes amidst ongoing unrest in Bangladesh and growing anti-India rhetoric in the neighbouring country. Security agencies are investigating the matter, and the Border Security Force (BSF) has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

Acted swiftly to control situation after Kumbh stampede: Adityanath

Acted swiftly to control situation after Kumbh stampede: Adityanath

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the successful execution of the Maha Kumbh 2025, emphasizing effective crisis management, economic benefits, and the event's role in national unity and infrastructure development. He cited the swift response to a stampede on January 29 and the extensive preparations that ensured a smooth experience for millions of pilgrims.

Infosys' tryst with Kumbh Mela

Infosys' tryst with Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com15 Jan 2015

Sikka promises to develop tech for event

Neha Gives Us Desi Vibes

Neha Gives Us Desi Vibes

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Samantha is grateful... Malavika in Mexico... Akshay in Sky Force mode...

Kumbh Mela: Over 7 lakh devotees take holy dip in Ganga

Kumbh Mela: Over 7 lakh devotees take holy dip in Ganga

Rediff.com15 Jan 2021

Due to the pandemic, this year the Kumbh Mela will be held for 48 days in Haridwar instead of three-and-a-half months.

PHOTOS: Meet this 'star' at Kumbh Mela

PHOTOS: Meet this 'star' at Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com25 Jan 2019

Tripathi, with tattoos on her hands, is one of the most influential figures in the LGBT community in India.

Melas, rallies and the problem of unemployment

Melas, rallies and the problem of unemployment

Rediff.com31 Jan 2019

If everyone had decent meaningful jobs, the rally maidans would be largely empty and, save for the Akhara babas and curious foreigners and the devout senior citizens, not very many would spare time for the Kumbh Mela, says Mahesh Vyas.

Maclaren record goal helps MB SG down East Bengal FC

Maclaren record goal helps MB SG down East Bengal FC

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

East Bengal FC gained a lot of momentum as the first half came to a close with the likes of Jeakson Singh, Vishnu and Cleiton getting on the ball in the final third and creating problems for the Mohun Bagan Super Giant backline. However, they weren't clinical enough to end the first half on level terms.

Mamta Kulkarni: 'I Have Not Come Back For Bollywood'

Mamta Kulkarni: 'I Have Not Come Back For Bollywood'

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

'I have no connection with the D (drug) world.'

'Can never go to heaven': Kharge taunts Shah for Kumbh dip

'Can never go to heaven': Kharge taunts Shah for Kumbh dip

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

The BJP keeps taking dips till it appears good on the camera, he said.

Bajrang Dal stages protest against Bangla cricket team

Bajrang Dal stages protest against Bangla cricket team

Rediff.com6 Oct 2024

Bajrang Dal workers on Sunday showed black flags when the Bangladesh cricket team passed along the Mela Ground ahead of their T20 match against India in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh.

Over 1,700 test Covid positive in Kumbh Mela over 5-day period

Over 1,700 test Covid positive in Kumbh Mela over 5-day period

Rediff.com15 Apr 2021

More RT-PCR test reports are awaited and the trend shows that the number of infected persons in the Kumbh Mela Kshetra is likely to climb to 2,000.

Sadhvi Pragya attends Kumbh Mela

Sadhvi Pragya attends Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com19 May 2016

Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur on Thursday took a holy dip in Kshipra river during the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Ujjain.

As pure 'as alkaline water': UP quotes scientist on Sangam water

As pure 'as alkaline water': UP quotes scientist on Sangam water

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government, citing a scientist, has asserted that Ganga water at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is as pure as "alkaline water", debunking concerns raised by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) about water quality. The government claims that a scientist found no bacterial growth or decline in the water's pH level, despite millions of devotees bathing in the river. However, experts caution that the quality of the Ganga water is not static and can vary greatly depending on various factors.

'Not Easy To Write Off Biren Singh'

'Not Easy To Write Off Biren Singh'

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

'Today, both in the hills and valley there is radicalised militant activity which poses a direct national security threat.' 'This kind of militancy in Manipur is unprecedented, I have never seen such largescale militancy in my life.'

Kumbh Mela starts with Shahi Snan in UP

Kumbh Mela starts with Shahi Snan in UP

Rediff.com15 Jan 2019

Security measures have been heightened in Prayagraj and surrounding areas for the auspicious occasion.

At Rs 4,200 crore, this year's Kumbh Mela costliest ever

At Rs 4,200 crore, this year's Kumbh Mela costliest ever

Rediff.com16 Jan 2019

The previous state government had spent around Rs 1,300 crore for the Maha Kumbh, which was held in 2013.

Did Sitharaman overrule bankers on loan 'mela'?

Did Sitharaman overrule bankers on loan 'mela'?

Rediff.com21 Sep 2019

PSB chiefs tried to argue that liquidity is in surplus in the system and the problem was related to lack of demand in the economy, instead of banks' reluctance to lend, but 'the FM said it is a perception issue that loan is not available, which we need to dispel,', reports Somesh Jha.

Welcome to India's biggest junkyard mela

Welcome to India's biggest junkyard mela

Rediff.com8 Feb 2016

Images from the Bhanga Mela, India's only e-waste market.

WATCH: These babas are the main draw at Kumbh Mela

WATCH: These babas are the main draw at Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com21 Jan 2019

Ultimately the Kumbh Mela is about the babas, or holy men, what with the akharas turning up in full strength to make the religious gathering what it is. Some of the holy men have proved to be a big draw at the ongoing Kumbh Mela. Here are some videos showcasing their popularity.

PIX: Ranbir, Alia at the Kumbh Mela

PIX: Ranbir, Alia at the Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com5 Mar 2019

Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor and Director Ayan Mukherji launched the logo of their film Brahmastra on Mahashivratri at the Kumbh Mela on Monday, March 4, 2019.

Fire breaks out at Kumbh mela venue; no casualties

Fire breaks out at Kumbh mela venue; no casualties

Rediff.com14 Jan 2019

A cylinder exploded in a tent at the Digambar Ani Akhara at the Kumbh Mela site.

PHOTOS: Prez performs Ganga pujan at Kumbh mela

PHOTOS: Prez performs Ganga pujan at Kumbh mela

Rediff.com17 Jan 2019

Sangam refers to the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

Devotees dunk in the holy waters at Kumbh Mela

Devotees dunk in the holy waters at Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com15 Jul 2015

Rediff.com takes a look at the devout flock that attends the Simhastha Kumbh Mela to take a dip into the holy waters and purify themselves.

My 10 Least Liked Movies Of 2024

My 10 Least Liked Movies Of 2024

Rediff.com19 Dec 2024

Every year has its share of duds and turkeys. 2024 was no different except that even the rotten ones are too drab to have any real offence value.

It's business unusual at Kumbh mela

It's business unusual at Kumbh mela

Rediff.com14 Apr 2010

When Haridwar teems with the kumbh pilgrims, it is time for the business unusual in the holy city.

Delhi Polls: BJP, Congress Take On AAP

Delhi Polls: BJP, Congress Take On AAP

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

The BJP and Congress have called out the 'Delhi model' as a hoax, built on sustained propaganda when the ground reality is different.

PHOTOS: Yogi's Cabinet meets at Kumbh mela

PHOTOS: Yogi's Cabinet meets at Kumbh mela

Rediff.com30 Jan 2019

Officials said almost all the ministers present at meeting took the holy dip.

CAG report blames railways for 2013 Kumbh Mela stampede

CAG report blames railways for 2013 Kumbh Mela stampede

Rediff.com28 Nov 2014

The lack of proper coordination and disaster management plan on the part of railways resulted in the stampede at Allahabad station during last year's Maha Kumbh Mela in which 37 persons were killed, the Comptroller and Auditor General has said.

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela

Striking, breathtaking visuals from Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com13 Apr 2010

The Purna Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, considered to be the world's largest religious gathering, is nearing its end. The four-month long affair will end with the Vaisakh Aadhimaas Purnima Snan on April 28.

'Mela' is circus, not party: Aiyar

'Mela' is circus, not party: Aiyar

Rediff.com26 Jul 2011

Congress MP Mani Shankar Aiyar on Tuesday said it was not the party but the "mela" at its headquarters that he had described as a "circus" and hoped that it has not lost its capacity to laugh at itself.