News for 'Sabarimala'

BJP MP displays artificial legs in RS, appeals to Opposition

BJP MP displays artificial legs in RS, appeals to Opposition

Rediff.com2 Feb 2026

BJP MP C Sadanandan Master addressed the Rajya Sabha, appealing for unity and highlighting the government's achievements while raising concerns about migration in Kerala.

HC orders SIT probe into gold theft at Sabarimala temple

HC orders SIT probe into gold theft at Sabarimala temple

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

The Kerala High Court has directed the state police to register a criminal case and launch an investigation into the misappropriation of gold from a shrine's side frames or lintels.

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....

Upset with Rahul, Tharoor to skip Cong strategy meet

Upset with Rahul, Tharoor to skip Cong strategy meet

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor is reportedly upset and likely to skip a strategy meeting for the upcoming Kerala polls due to perceived slights and attempts to sideline him within the party.

Kerala civic polls: BJP cracks Left citadel, Tharoor hails victory

Kerala civic polls: BJP cracks Left citadel, Tharoor hails victory

Rediff.com13 Dec 2025

The Congress-led UDF secured a decisive victory in Kerala's local body elections, dealing a blow to the LDF, while the BJP gained significant ground, including winning control of the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

Congress reaches out to ex-ally KC-M after UDF win in Kerala local polls

Congress reaches out to ex-ally KC-M after UDF win in Kerala local polls

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

Following the UDF's victory in local body polls, KPCC Chief Sunny Joseph suggests Kerala Congress (M) consider rejoining the UDF. He also discusses expanding the UDF base and potentially including Trinamool Congress leader P V Anvar.

'CPI-M Is Why BJP Won Trivandrum Corporation'

'CPI-M Is Why BJP Won Trivandrum Corporation'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'It was very clear in the Parliament election that there was an erosion of Hindu votes in southern Kerala from the CPI-M to the BJP.'

SC declines to halt global Ayyappa devotee meet in Kerala

SC declines to halt global Ayyappa devotee meet in Kerala

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has refused to entertain pleas against the Kerala High Court order dismissing petitions challenging the Travancore Devaswom Board's decision to conduct a global conclave of Ayyappa devotees.

Why This Ex-DGP Joined The RSS

Why This Ex-DGP Joined The RSS

Rediff.com23 Oct 2025

'When you attend an RSS function, the nation is your first priority.'

Devotees Throng Sabarimala Temple

Devotees Throng Sabarimala Temple

Rediff.com18 Dec 2023

Devotees have begun their pilgrimage to the Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha temple in Pathanamthitta, Kerala.

Major stampede at religious events, other gatherings in India

Major stampede at religious events, other gatherings in India

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

This is not the first time that a large number of people have died in stampedes at temples and other religious gatherings over the years in India.

Dhankhar's Exit: Why RSS Won't Rock Modi's Boat

Dhankhar's Exit: Why RSS Won't Rock Modi's Boat

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

'Modi's charisma may have weakened as last year's Lok Sabha poll results showed but in the eyes of the Sangh Parivar, it has not waned.' 'Minus a strong BJP government at the Centre for another decade and more, there is apprehension that an anti-Hindutva government could reverse many of the ideological gains that the Modi dispensation has achieved through its three terms,' points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

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.

For A Glimpse Of Lord Ayyappa

For A Glimpse Of Lord Ayyappa

Rediff.com8 Jan 2025

Devotees thronged the Sabarimala shrine in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, on Tuesday, January 7, 2024 to offer prayers.

Sabarimala Opens For Mandala-Makaravilak Pilgrimage

Sabarimala Opens For Mandala-Makaravilak Pilgrimage

Rediff.com17 Nov 2022

Temple Melshanthi N Parameswaran Namboothiri opened the Sabarimala temple under the Tantri Kandararu Rajeevaru for Mandala-Makaravilak Pilgrimage on Wednesday, November 16, 2022.

Row after ex-priest trespasses into Ponnambalamedu near Sabarimala for rituals

Row after ex-priest trespasses into Ponnambalamedu near Sabarimala for rituals

Rediff.com16 May 2023

In a purported video which surfaced on social media, the accused man, reportedly a Tamil Nadu native, could be seen sitting on a platform atop the Ponnambalamedu Hills, located about four km from the Sabarimala temple, and chanting mantras and doing some rituals.

Jallianwala Bagh becomes a distinct possibility if...: Ex-SC judge

Jallianwala Bagh becomes a distinct possibility if...: Ex-SC judge

Rediff.com15 Apr 2025

Former Supreme Court judge Justice Rohinton Nariman has warned that events similar to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre could occur if the 'basic structure' doctrine of the Constitution is diluted. In his new book, 'The Basic Structure Doctrine: Protector of Constitutional Integrity,' Nariman argues that the 1973 Kesavananda Bharati judgment, which established the doctrine, is essential for protecting fundamental rights and preventing constitutional amendments that could lead to such tragedies. Nariman's concerns are echoed by Supreme Court judge Justice K V Viswanathan, who applauds the book for its "chilling clarity" and underscores the importance of the Kesavananda Bharati ruling. The book provides a detailed analysis of the doctrine and its implications, highlighting the robustness of the Kesavananda Bharati judgment and the lack of a compelling alternative theory.

Sabarimala Woman Activist Attacked

Sabarimala Woman Activist Attacked

Rediff.com7 Jan 2022

Bindu Ammini was one of the two women who entered the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala in January 2019 after the Supreme Court vedict permitted the entry of women of all ages into the shrine.

8 Sabarimala pilgrims killed as vehicle falls into gorge in TN

8 Sabarimala pilgrims killed as vehicle falls into gorge in TN

Rediff.com24 Dec 2022

The accident occurred late on Friday, district collector K V Muralidharan said.

Sabarimala once more

Sabarimala once more

Rediff.com26 Nov 2019

'If enough people defy the law and insist on flouting fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution in the name of religion and custom, does that endow a bigoted, unjust demand with merit?', asks Shuma Raha.

Kerala govt withdraws Sabarimala 'entry for all' handbook

Kerala govt withdraws Sabarimala 'entry for all' handbook

Rediff.com17 Nov 2022

The Left government in Kerala on Thursday withdrew a handbook for police personnel on duty at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala after the Bharatiya Janata Party raised a hue and cry over a mention in the book that all pilgrims can enter the temple.

Gold-plated roof of Kerala's Sabarimala temple found leaking

Gold-plated roof of Kerala's Sabarimala temple found leaking

Rediff.com26 Jul 2022

The Travancore Devaswom Board, the apex temple body which manages the shrine, on Tuesday said a portion of the gold-plated roof would be opened on August 3 to take stock of the leak.

A look at India's deadly stampedes in recent past

A look at India's deadly stampedes in recent past

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

The recent stampede at New Delhi Railway station, which claimed the lives of at least 18 people, highlights a recurring issue in India: deadly stampedes. This tragedy is not an isolated incident, as numerous stampedes resulting in significant casualties have occurred over the years. This article explores some of the most devastating stampedes in India, including the deadly event at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj just a few weeks ago, the 2024 tragedy at a 'satsang' in Hathras, and the 2013 stampede during Navratri festivities in Madhya Pradesh.

Sabarimala declared 'liquor and drug-free zone' ahead of Mandalam festival

Sabarimala declared 'liquor and drug-free zone' ahead of Mandalam festival

Rediff.com10 Nov 2022

The annual festival, which used to attract millions of devotees from and outside the country to the hill shrine, begins on November 17 and concludes on January 15, 2023.

Maha Kumbh horror: A look at major stampedes in India

Maha Kumbh horror: A look at major stampedes in India

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

Here is a list of some of such major tragedies that have taken place in the country in recent years.

Muslim woman moves SC to be governed by Indian succession law

Muslim woman moves SC to be governed by Indian succession law

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India has sought the Indian government's response to a petition filed by a Muslim woman seeking to be governed by the Indian succession law instead of Shariat. The woman, Safiya P.M., argues that she does not believe in Shariat and wants to be governed by secular law, including the Indian Succession Act of 1925. The court has asked the government to file a counter affidavit within four weeks.

Kerala allows more pilgrims at Sabarimala temple

Kerala allows more pilgrims at Sabarimala temple

Rediff.com2 Dec 2020

The famous Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, opened for the annual Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, is all set to receive more pilgrims now with the Kerala government deciding to allow more devotees for darshan by adhering to Covid-19 protocols.

Cyclone Fengal: IMD issues red alert for northern Kerala

Cyclone Fengal: IMD issues red alert for northern Kerala

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued a warning of significant rainfall in Kerala due to cyclone Fengal, currently positioned as a strong low-pressure area over northern Tamil Nadu.

Sabarimala board defends use of 'halal' sign on jaggery in HC

Sabarimala board defends use of 'halal' sign on jaggery in HC

Rediff.com18 Nov 2021

The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the Lord Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala, on Thursday told the Kerala high court that the jaggery received by it had 'halal' mentioned on the packaging as they are also exported to Arab countries by the company supplying to them.

Munambam: The Politics Of Waqf Land

Munambam: The Politics Of Waqf Land

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

The specter of how the Munambam issue was exploited during the November by-elections is proof of the price Kerala is paying for its emergent politics. Controversies become the stuff of slow-burn and brinkmanship. The former promises mileage; the latter searches for an advantage, notes Shyam G Menon.

Sabarimala: Massive BJP protest rally

Sabarimala: Massive BJP protest rally

Rediff.com16 Oct 2018

'We will meet each villager in Kerala and chalk out a massive agitation plan to protect the Sabarimala temple.'

Unfortunate, unnecessary: Activists on Sabarimala decision

Unfortunate, unnecessary: Activists on Sabarimala decision

Rediff.com14 Nov 2019

'SC is giving us the distinct impression that verdicts, treatment of review petitions are influenced by what pleases/displeases those in power'

Activist Trupti Desai to visit Sabarimala today

Activist Trupti Desai to visit Sabarimala today

Rediff.com26 Nov 2019

'Today is the Constitution Day and on this day, we will go to Sabarimala temple as it is our right'

Trupti Desai cancels Sabarimala plan; govt says no security

Trupti Desai cancels Sabarimala plan; govt says no security

Rediff.com26 Nov 2019

The Kerala government dubbed Desai's attempt to visit Sabarimala as a 'conspiracy'.

Political parties, leaders welcome SC's decision on Sabarimala

Political parties, leaders welcome SC's decision on Sabarimala

Rediff.com14 Nov 2019

Pandalam Royal family member Sasikumar Varma, one of the petitioners, said he was happy with the apex court's decision to review the September 28 verdict.

'Won't come back till I enter Sabarimala'

'Won't come back till I enter Sabarimala'

Rediff.com16 Nov 2018

'If we do not enter the temple, then history won't be made and all wrong rituals will get continue to be followed.' 'If they resort to violence against women and abuse them, how can they be Ayyappa Swamy's bhakts?'

'BJP made a mistake by supporting Sabarimala verdict'

'BJP made a mistake by supporting Sabarimala verdict'

Rediff.com3 Dec 2018

'It is true that we changed our opinion.' 'I feel the BJP or any other political party is guilty of not understanding the real mood of the people.'

Why this woman wants to visit Sabarimala again

Why this woman wants to visit Sabarimala again

Rediff.com4 Dec 2019

'I want the Supreme Court to give directions to the government of Kerala that they must give protection to all those women who want to enter Sabarimala.'

'I am not scared to enter Sabarimala'

'I am not scared to enter Sabarimala'

Rediff.com17 Nov 2018

'I am a Hindu and I love Hindu religion. Hindu religion gives high status and respect to women.' 'And if there are some reforms in Hindu religion, then there is nothing wrong in it.' 'I am not trying to hurt Hindu sentiments.'

Sabarimala not a place for activism: Kerala minister

Sabarimala not a place for activism: Kerala minister

Rediff.com15 Nov 2019

Kerala Devaswom Minister Minister Kadakampally Surendran said the government would not support those who make announcements about entering the hill shrine for the sake of publicity.