News for 'Mela'

CPI(M) Defends Kerala Temple Marriage Amidst Age Allegations and Sangh Parivar Criticism

CPI(M) Defends Kerala Temple Marriage Amidst Age Allegations and Sangh Parivar Criticism

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan defends a Kerala temple marriage involving a young woman and her Muslim friend, amidst allegations of underage marriage and criticism from the Sangh Parivar. An investigation has been launched in Madhya Pradesh following claims about the woman's age.

J&K Police Nab Six Alleged Drug Peddlers in Udhampur and Samba

J&K Police Nab Six Alleged Drug Peddlers in Udhampur and Samba

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Police in Udhampur and Samba districts of Jammu and Kashmir arrested six alleged drug peddlers and seized heroin in multiple operations.

Boys never...: Swami Avimukteshwaranand on POCSO charges

Boys never...: Swami Avimukteshwaranand on POCSO charges

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati addresses sexual abuse allegations, asserting his innocence and claiming the charges are fabricated. An FIR was lodged against him and his disciple following a court order.

'Shankaracharya' title row: Seer questions govt notice

'Shankaracharya' title row: Seer questions govt notice

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati protests a notice from the Magh Mela administration regarding his use of the 'Shankaracharya' title, alleging discrimination and questioning the presence of multiple Shankaracharyas from Puri at the event.

Social Media Star Monalisa Bhonsle Marries in Kerala After Seeking Police Protection

Social Media Star Monalisa Bhonsle Marries in Kerala After Seeking Police Protection

Rediff.com11 Mar 2026

Monalisa Bhonsle, who gained fame at the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, married her Muslim friend in Kerala after seeking police protection from family pressure. The couple cited Kerala's support for interfaith relationships as their reason for choosing the state.

Court orders FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand under POCSO

Court orders FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand under POCSO

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

Avimukteshwarananda has been in the headlines for his confrontation with the organisers of the Magh Mela in Prayagraj.

Swami Vs Yogi: The Showdown In Uttar Pradesh

Swami Vs Yogi: The Showdown In Uttar Pradesh

Rediff.com24 Feb 2026

Tensions between Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and the Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have drawn national attention in recent months.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand files counter-case against accuser under POCSO Act

Swami Avimukteshwaranand files counter-case against accuser under POCSO Act

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, accused of sexual abuse, has filed a case against his accuser under the POCSO Act, claiming the law allows action against false accusations. He has also sought anticipatory bail from the Allahabad High Court.

UP GST officer quits over Shankaracharya's remarks against Adityanath

UP GST officer quits over Shankaracharya's remarks against Adityanath

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

A GST Deputy Commissioner, Prashant Kumar Singh, resigned in protest against Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand's remarks against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, citing attempts to divide the nation on caste and religious lines.

Complainant in Swami Avimukteswaranand case attacked on train

Complainant in Swami Avimukteswaranand case attacked on train

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

Ashutosh Brahmachari, who accused Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati of sexual exploitation, was attacked on a train in Prayagraj; police are investigating.

Haryana's Vasant Utsav: A Blend of Culture, Nature, and Environmental Awareness

Haryana's Vasant Utsav: A Blend of Culture, Nature, and Environmental Awareness

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the 38th 'Vasant Utsav' in Panchkula, highlighting the state's commitment to culture, nature, and environmental conservation through various initiatives.

Dates set for Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2026

Dates set for Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela 2026

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

The flag will be taken down on July 24, 2028, which will mark the conclusion of the Simhastha Kumbh Mela, which is held once in 12 years.

Actress Monalisa Bhonsle Defies Family, Marries Muslim Man in Kerala

Actress Monalisa Bhonsle Defies Family, Marries Muslim Man in Kerala

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Monalisa Bhonsle, an Indian actress, has married a Muslim man in Kerala against her family's wishes, leading to controversy and allegations of 'love jihad'.

Swing collapses at Surajkund fair in Faridabad, cop dies, operator held

Swing collapses at Surajkund fair in Faridabad, cop dies, operator held

Rediff.com8 Feb 2026

The tragedy struck the 39th Surajkund International Crafts Mela on Saturday evening, when about 19 people were riding the swing before it suddenly tilted and then crashed onto the ground.

Probe into authenticity of resigned GST official's disability certificate

Probe into authenticity of resigned GST official's disability certificate

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

An investigation has been launched into the authenticity of the disability certificate of Prashant Kumar Singh, who resigned as GST Deputy Commissioner in protest against remarks made against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The probe was initiated following a complaint filed in 2021.

Pahalgam attack: J-K reopens 14 tourist spots after security review

Pahalgam attack: J-K reopens 14 tourist spots after security review

Rediff.com16 Feb 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered the reopening of 14 tourist spots in the Union territory after a security review following the Pahalgam terror attack in April last year.

Kumbh Mela: Pilgrims Struggle To Leave

Kumbh Mela: Pilgrims Struggle To Leave

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Following the stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj early on Wednesday, which killed at least 30 people and injured 60 others, many devotees find themselves trapped due to blocked exit routes and severe traffic jams.

Sudipto Sen On Vipul Shah's Kerala Story Sequel Allegations

Sudipto Sen On Vipul Shah's Kerala Story Sequel Allegations

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

'No one can wipe-off our glorious collaboration in The Kerala Story and Bastar, from Indian cinema.' 'When we create history and are scrutiniSed in public, we must be extremely responsible in our behaviour and conduct.'

Sonia Gandhi offered me CM post in 2014 but Rahul intervened: Himanta

Sonia Gandhi offered me CM post in 2014 but Rahul intervened: Himanta

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma claimed that Sonia Gandhi had asked him to decide on his swearing-in date as CM in 2014, but the situation changed after Rahul Gandhi intervened. Sarma, who later joined the BJP, believes the events led him to a better position to serve Assam and Sanatan dharma.

How India Celebrates Mahashivratri

How India Celebrates Mahashivratri

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Maha Shivratri, one of India's most revered Hindu festivals, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and celebrated with deep devotion across the country.

'My character questioned': Influencer Harsha quits promoting Sanatan Dharma

'My character questioned': Influencer Harsha quits promoting Sanatan Dharma

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Influencer Harsha Richhariya, known for promoting Sanatan Dharma, has decided to step away from the religious path due to continuous criticism and mental stress.

Fewer devotees turn up for Kashmir's Kheer Bhawani mela

Fewer devotees turn up for Kashmir's Kheer Bhawani mela

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

The usual rush of devotees was missing this year, presumably due to the Pahalgam terror attack and the military action between India and Pakistan following it.

Shankaracharya Alleges Conspiracy Behind Sexual Abuse Charges

Shankaracharya Alleges Conspiracy Behind Sexual Abuse Charges

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati claims the sexual abuse case against him is a conspiracy to defame him and suppress discussion of the Epstein files in India.

Stars At The Mahakumbh Mela

Stars At The Mahakumbh Mela

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Looking at the film folk at the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

Satire should be protected in personality rights cases, X tells HC

Satire should be protected in personality rights cases, X tells HC

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Social media platform X argues that satire, fair comment, and public speech should be protected from takedown orders in personality rights cases during a Delhi High Court hearing involving Baba Ramdev's lawsuit.

PHOTOS: Maha Kumbh Mela seen from Space

PHOTOS: Maha Kumbh Mela seen from Space

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

'There are literally millions of people in this photo, for an event that has not happened in 144 years'

Maha Kumbh Mela: Blessing From A Naga Sadhu

Maha Kumbh Mela: Blessing From A Naga Sadhu

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

Today's scenes from the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj...

Green signal for Rs 22,000 cr Mumbai-Navi Mumbai airport Metro project

Green signal for Rs 22,000 cr Mumbai-Navi Mumbai airport Metro project

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

The Maharashtra Cabinet Infrastructure Committee has approved a 35-km Metro project to connect the Mumbai and Navi Mumbai international airports at a cost of over Rs 22,000 crore.

Gautam Adani's Seva At Kumbh Mela

Gautam Adani's Seva At Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com22 Jan 2025

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and Preeti Adani distribute food at the ISKCON temple camp during the Mahakumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj on Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Bareilly ex-magistrate threatens Delhi stir over SC/ST Act

Bareilly ex-magistrate threatens Delhi stir over SC/ST Act

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

Alankar Agnihotri said several organisations of the upper-caste community would participate in the stir if the central government fails to withdraw the SC/ST Act by February 6.

When We Went To The Kumbh Mela...

When We Went To The Kumbh Mela...

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

The Kumbh Mela is what it is because of the devotion of millions who make it an experience like no other. It is experiencing the heart and soul of India and the brotherhood of mankind.

Aamir Khan Experiences The Maha Kumbh

Aamir Khan Experiences The Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

'The photographs showcase the different emotions of India and power of faith. For someone who couldn't visit the historic event, the pictures take me there.'

WATCH: Tamannaah At The Maha Kumbh Mela

WATCH: Tamannaah At The Maha Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

Tamannaah Bhatia, Sonali Bendre, Tinaa Datta and Manasi Parekh take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam.

Over 250 reunited with families in Kumbh Mela

Over 250 reunited with families in Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The first day of the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj saw over 250 individuals separated from their families in the dense crowd reunited thanks to the efficient measures taken by the fair administration. However, some attendees, including an elderly woman and a family of 13, are still searching for their loved ones despite the efforts of authorities who have deployed dedicated "Bhula-Bhatka" camps, police assistance centers, and digital tools to help reunite families.

Vijay Deverakonda At Maha Kumbh Mela

Vijay Deverakonda At Maha Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Vijay Deverakonda joins the long list of film folk, who headed to the Maha Kumbh Mela to take a dip in the holy water.

Suspended Bareilly magistrate cries conspiracy amid probe

Suspended Bareilly magistrate cries conspiracy amid probe

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

Alankar Agnihotri, a 2019-batch Provincial Civil Service officer, resigned from service citing deep disagreement with government policies, especially the new UGC regulations.

Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara Arrives For Kumbh Mela

Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara Arrives For Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

Seers from the Shri Panchayati Mahanirvani Akhara made their 'Royal Entry' -- also called Chavni Pravesh -- for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj

When Sadhus Arrived at Kumbh Mela

When Sadhus Arrived at Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Glimpses of the Peshwai procession, which marks the arrival of sadhus and other members of an akhara, for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj.

National Voters' Day: Voter is India's Bhagya Vidhata, says Modi

National Voters' Day: Voter is India's Bhagya Vidhata, says Modi

Rediff.com25 Jan 2026

Modi urged the youngsters to celebrate when they or a person around them becomes a voter for the first time.

Kites, Til, Turmeric And Dancing: Makar Sankranti Across India

Kites, Til, Turmeric And Dancing: Makar Sankranti Across India

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Makar Sankranti is one of the year's first festivals of India. The country joyfully kicks off the year with a tapestry of colours and traditions: Gujarat's soaring kites. Punjab's blazing bonfires. Tamil Nadu's bubbling Pongal pot....