News for 'Prayagraj'

Fire at Maha Kumbh camp engulfs 7 tents

Fire at Maha Kumbh camp engulfs 7 tents

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

A fire broke out at the storeroom of a camp in the Maha Kumbh Mela area on Saturday evening, gutting seven tents and destroying some items, including blankets and foodgrains, officials said.

Most Delhi stampede victims had chest, abdomen injuries; asphyxia suspected

Most Delhi stampede victims had chest, abdomen injuries; asphyxia suspected

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

Sources at the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narain Hospital indicated that a majority of the victims who sustained injuries in Saturday night stampede suffered lower limb injuries while others suffered from bone injuries.

A Gen Z Influencer Goes To The Maha Kumbh

A Gen Z Influencer Goes To The Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

'You don't realise your life has changed in just three days.' 'It's when you come back to the city that it starts hitting you but you now have the power to manage the challenges Life throws at you.'

'Maha Kumbh is not a hub of glamour and 5-star culture'

'Maha Kumbh is not a hub of glamour and 5-star culture'

Rediff.com9 Feb 2025

Since the beginning of the Maha Kumbh last month, many influencers, models and actors have had their brief moment in the sun of virality: model-turned-sadhvi Harsha Richaria, garland seller Mona Lisa, 'IIT baba' Abhay Singh and actor Mamata Kulkarni to name a few.

Maha Kumbh stampede: 'Everyone wanted to take a dip at 3 am'

Maha Kumbh stampede: 'Everyone wanted to take a dip at 3 am'

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

A stampede at the Sangam area of the Maha Kumbh early Wednesday morning resulted in several deaths and injuries as devotees jostled for space to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya. Eyewitness accounts describe a sudden surge of pilgrims, leading to a chaotic situation where many were trampled as barricades collapsed. Scattered shoes, slippers, and clothes at the site speak to the intensity of the stampede. Authorities are investigating the incident and have urged devotees to prioritize their safety.

Stones hurled at Tapti Ganga Express

Stones hurled at Tapti Ganga Express

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

No one was injured in the incident that left a windowpane of the B6 coach damaged.

Stones hurled at Tapti Ganga Express

Stones hurled at Tapti Ganga Express

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

No one was injured in the incident that left a windowpane of the B6 coach damaged.

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Why Modi Chose To Speak In Parliament On Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

Besides the not-so-hidden unease between Modi and Adityanath, Modi chose to address the Lok Sabha to ensure that he could personally claim all the kudos, observes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

SEE: Saina Nehwal at Maha Kumbh

SEE: Saina Nehwal at Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Saina Nehwal joined millions of devotees at the world's largest spiritual gathering, seeking blessings at the sacred Triveni Sangam.

50 people have been killed in stampedes this year

50 people have been killed in stampedes this year

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The Royal Challenger's Bengaluru parade in celebration of the team's maiden Indian Premiere League win in 18 years turned into tragedy as at least 11 fans died and several were injured in a stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday.

Ambedkar favoured smaller states; proposed MP, UP's division

Ambedkar favoured smaller states; proposed MP, UP's division

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

Ambedkar argued that smaller states would allow citizens to have more control over public spending and governance.

Among The Faithful

Among The Faithful

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is more than just the largest gathering of humanity. It is a testament to faith and devotion.

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...

We oppose Indian languages like Hindi but praise English: Fadnavis

We oppose Indian languages like Hindi but praise English: Fadnavis

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Fadnavis questioned the people's perception of Indian languages and English.

'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.

A non-sanatani was made Kumbh in-charge: Yogi slams SP

A non-sanatani was made Kumbh in-charge: Yogi slams SP

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath slammed the opposition Samajwadi Party over the 2013 Kumbh Mela arrangements, accusing the then chief minister Akhilesh Yadav of appointing a "non-Sanatani " as the in-charge of the religious congregation in Prayagraj. Adityanath highlighted the presence of dignitaries, including the President, Prime Minister, and heads of state from 74 countries, at the recent Maha Kumbh, contrasting it with the "chaos, corruption, and pollution " of the 2013 event. He also criticized the opposition's criticisms of the Maha Kumbh arrangements, arguing that everyone found something in accordance with their nature and character. Adityanath refuted allegations of discrimination against any community at the Maha Kumbh, emphasizing the unity and inclusivity of the event.

Day after stampede, safety measures ramped up at Maha Kumbh

Day after stampede, safety measures ramped up at Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com30 Jan 2025

Following a stampede at the Maha Kumbh that killed 30 people, the Uttar Pradesh government has stepped up security measures and crowd management efforts. Despite the tragedy, millions of devotees continue to flock to the religious gathering, undeterred by the pre-dawn chill and dense fog. Security forces are being deployed in larger numbers, and new restrictions will be imposed at key locations to prevent further incidents. The authorities are also conducting a thorough review of the arrangements in the Mela area, and several officials are being assigned to oversee operations until February 12.

Sadhus Head To Kumbh Mela

Sadhus Head To Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com22 Nov 2024

Sadhus take part in a religious procession during the Nagar Pravesh ceremony for the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

UP cabinet clears proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj

UP cabinet clears proposal to rename Allahabad as Prayagraj

Rediff.com16 Oct 2018

The move, said UP minister Siddharth Nath Singh, will help highlight Indian culture at international level.

'Our Daughter Made Our Dreams Come True'

'Our Daughter Made Our Dreams Come True'

Rediff.com3 Jun 2025

Ashok Mehlan's daughter Sheetal is among the first batch of girls to graduate from NDA.

Oppn blames VIP culture, mismanagement for Kumbh stampede

Oppn blames VIP culture, mismanagement for Kumbh stampede

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The Congress on Wednesday criticized the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government for a stampede at the Sangam during the Maha Kumbh, blaming mismanagement and a focus on VIP movement instead of common devotees for the tragic incident. Rahul Gandhi called for reining in "VIP culture" and improving arrangements for devotees. Congress leaders expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and demanded action to prevent such incidents in the future.

Maha Kumbh: Safety advisory issued amid massive crowds

Maha Kumbh: Safety advisory issued amid massive crowds

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Authorities managing the Maha Kumbh in Mahakumbh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh have issued a detailed advisory for the Mauni Amavasya "Amrit Snan" on Wednesday, urging devotees to follow safety protocols and cooperate with officials. With millions of pilgrims expected to participate, extensive arrangements have been made to ensure a smooth and safe experience for all attendees. The advisory highlights crowd-management guidelines, health and environmental concerns, and prohibited actions. The Mauni Amavasya is considered auspicious based on the alignment of celestial bodies and attracts the largest number of devotees to the Triveni Sangam.

Abandoned newborn survives 50 wounds, animal bites

Abandoned newborn survives 50 wounds, animal bites

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

The boy, who was barely two days old when he was found abandoned in Hamirpur, has defied all odds to not only get a new lease of life, but also a new name -- Krishna -- and most recently, a temporary abode, the government-run children's home in Prayagraj.

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.

18 killed, more than a dozen hurt in stampede at Delhi rly station

18 killed, more than a dozen hurt in stampede at Delhi rly station

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

The death toll in the overnight stampede at the New Delhi Railway Station climbed to 18 on Sunday, with a senior railway official saying the incident occurred after some passengers slipped and fell on others while coming down from a footover bridge.

Kumbh Mela: Amrit snan, deferred due to stampede, resumes

Kumbh Mela: Amrit snan, deferred due to stampede, resumes

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

The Amrit snan was originally scheduled in the early hours of the day but was postponed following the stampede.

Ahead Of Kumbh 2025, Sadhus' Rally

Ahead Of Kumbh 2025, Sadhus' Rally

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

Sadhus from the Panch Dashnam Juna Akhara take part in a Nagar Pravesh procession ahead of the Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj on Sunday, November 3, 2024.

Devotees die outside Ram Temple, stampede claim denied

Devotees die outside Ram Temple, stampede claim denied

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

Two elderly devotees from Haryana, who had come to pay obeisance at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, died on Monday. Police have denied social media claims that the deaths were caused by a stampede. The devotees, a woman and a man, fainted outside the temple and were rushed to Sri Ram Hospital where they died. Both victims were aged above 60 and are yet to be identified. The exact cause of the deaths is not known but officials suspect that they died of cardiac arrest.

Adani's younger son Jeet to wed on Feb 7; no celebrities invited

Adani's younger son Jeet to wed on Feb 7; no celebrities invited

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Billionaire Gautam Adani's younger son Jeet will wed next month in a simple and traditional ceremony, without any pomp and show and celebrity stars. Adani, on Mahakumbh pilgrimage with his family, scorched speculations of a star-studded wedding of his son Jeet with Diva Shah, daughter of Surat diamond merchant Jaimin Shah. "It will be a very simple, traditional marriage... just like common people," he told reporters in Prayagraj.

Railway Staff Sacked For Throwing Garbage From Train

Railway Staff Sacked For Throwing Garbage From Train

Rediff.com7 Mar 2025

A passenger shot the video of the railway worker throwing railway garbage out of the train and posted it online.

Bulldozer action victims: 'My house was razed overnight'

Bulldozer action victims: 'My house was razed overnight'

Rediff.com14 Nov 2024

Following the Supreme Court's verdict on bulldozer action, victims of demolition drives in Uttar Pradesh are seeking compensation for their losses. The court ruled against arbitrary demolitions without prior notice, prompting victims to pursue legal action. The Uttar Pradesh government maintains that demolitions were carried out following due process and on properties built on encroached lands.

NCERT drops Mughals, Delhi Sultanate from Class 7 books, adds Maha Kumbh

NCERT drops Mughals, Delhi Sultanate from Class 7 books, adds Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has removed all references to the Mughals and Delhi Sultanate from its class 7 textbooks. The new textbooks, released this week, have been designed in line with the new National Education Policy (NEP) and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, which emphasize incorporating Indian traditions, philosophies, knowledge systems, and local context into school education. The textbooks now include new chapters on ancient Indian dynasties, sacred geography, and government initiatives like Make in India and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao. The revamp has been met with criticism from opposition parties who equate it with "saffronisation."

Roads not for namaz, learn discipline from Hindus: Yogi

Roads not for namaz, learn discipline from Hindus: Yogi

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

Yogi said Waqf boards have become a den of selfish interests as well as loot khasot (property grabbing), and have done little for the welfare of Muslims.

PIL filed in SC to prevent railway stampedes

PIL filed in SC to prevent railway stampedes

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking immediate action to prevent future stampedes at railway stations. The PIL, filed by advocate Vishal Tiwari, calls for the implementation of a 2014 report by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on crowd management. The plea also criticizes the disparity in safety efforts, questioning why high-end technology and intelligence are deployed for VIPs while common citizens remain vulnerable to such incidents. The PIL seeks directions to the Indian Railways to take measures for passenger safety, including widening corridors, constructing broader over-bridges and platforms, and ensuring easy access to platforms through ramps and escalators.

Four generations of Ambanis take a dip at Maha Kumbh

Four generations of Ambanis take a dip at Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani and his family participated in the Maha Kumbh on Tuesday, taking a dip in the Sangam and attending a yagya at Parmarth Triveni Pushp in Arail. The family, including Ambani's mother, sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and siblings, were accompanied by Ambani's mother-in-law and sister-in-law. They joined millions at the spiritual pilgrimage at the confluence of the sacred waters of Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati. The family also prayed for "global peace and welfare" at the Vishwa Shanti Yagya.

Demolitions in Kanpur, Prayagraj as per law, no links with rioting: UP to SC

Demolitions in Kanpur, Prayagraj as per law, no links with rioting: UP to SC

Rediff.com22 Jun 2022

The state government said that none of the actual affected parties, if any, have approached this court concerning the lawful demolition action.

TN Guv Ravi in fresh trouble after asking students to chant 'Jai Shri Ram'

TN Guv Ravi in fresh trouble after asking students to chant 'Jai Shri Ram'

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has sparked controversy by asking students at a government-aided college in Madurai to chant "Jai Shri Ram". The State Platform for Common School System-Tamil Nadu (SPCSS-TN) has demanded his removal, alleging that he violated his oath of office and secular principles. The group claims Ravi's actions were against the Constitution, which outlines India as a secular country and emphasizes the importance of upholding secular values in education. The incident follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that overruled Ravi's decision to withhold 10 Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu government, highlighting ongoing tensions between the Governor and the state administration.

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.

First Shahi Snan At Maha Kumbh Mela

First Shahi Snan At Maha Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The glimpses of the "Maha Kumbh Mela", or the Great Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj, January 13, 2025.

Waqf Bill to be introduced in this Parliament session: Amit Shah

Waqf Bill to be introduced in this Parliament session: Amit Shah

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

Only four working days are left for the ongoing budget session to come to an end on April 4.