News for 'Varanasi'

SC puts off pleas on Places of Worship Act to April

SC puts off pleas on Places of Worship Act to April

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar also indicated that it may not take up the pending scheduled petitions, heard earlier by a three-judge bench, during the day as it was sitting in a combination of two judges.

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.'

UP polls: Mamata likely to support Akhilesh, visit Varanasi in Jan

UP polls: Mamata likely to support Akhilesh, visit Varanasi in Jan

Rediff.com5 Dec 2021

"Didi has already said in Delhi that if Akhilesh Yadav needs our help, we are ready to extend help. The gesture of senior SP leader Jaya Bachchan seeking votes for the TMC during the West Bengal Assembly elections will be reciprocated in Uttar Pradesh," said Laliteshpati Tripathi, who recently joined the TMC.

What's driving huge turnout of youths, students at Maha Kumbh

What's driving huge turnout of youths, students at Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

The Maha Kumbh 2025 at Prayagraj will feature a "Yuva Maha Kumbh", a gathering of youth and students celebrating Swami Vivekananda's birth anniversary and his vision for India. The event, organized by the Vivekananda Kendra, will include workshops and discussions on Swami Vivekananda's teachings and their relevance to modern India. The gathering will take place from January 20th, coinciding with the Maha Kumbh, and is expected to draw a large number of young people.

Prayagraj Airport handling 40 VIP flights daily

Prayagraj Airport handling 40 VIP flights daily

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

The Prayagraj airport in India is experiencing a surge in air traffic due to the Maha Kumbh, a major religious festival. The airport is handling an average of 40 non-scheduled charters and private jets daily, with figures reaching 70 on weekends. This is in addition to the average 148 scheduled commercial passenger aircraft operating daily. The airport recently received a contingent of about 180 politicians from Rajasthan and has seen corporate bigwigs like the Ambani brothers, Gautam Adani, and Pawan Munjal pass through. The airport has also hosted four international flights since the beginning of the Maha Kumbh, including a flight carrying Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. The airport is currently undergoing an upgrade and expansion, and officials are looking forward to the government's plans to integrate Prayagraj with the airports at Kashi and Ayodhya to promote tourism in the region.

When Manmohan told Sushma, 'Tu Mera Intezaar Dekh'

When Manmohan told Sushma, 'Tu Mera Intezaar Dekh'

Rediff.com27 Dec 2024

A leader of reserve and quiet dignity, former prime minister Manmohan Singh had a keen taste for Urdu verses, and his poetic banters with Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj in the Lok Sabha are among the most viewed parliamentary debates on social media.

Did Muslims Turn Their Backs On Kejriwal?

Did Muslims Turn Their Backs On Kejriwal?

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

The Delhi assembly results have underscored that a section of Arvind Kejriwal's committed supporters abandoned him because they were let down by his refusal to take a stand on crucial issues that impinge on the security and Constitutionally enshrined rights of the people, notes Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Massive traffic snarls on Kumbh route; Sangam station closed

Massive traffic snarls on Kumbh route; Sangam station closed

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

A severe traffic congestion extending for kilometers was witnessed on the routes to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Sunday with Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav asking the government to make emergency arrangements for the stranded devotees.

Meet Miss India World 2020 Manasa Varanasi

Meet Miss India World 2020 Manasa Varanasi

Rediff.com15 Feb 2021

The 23 year old from Telangana will represent India at the Miss World pageant.

Posters warn non-Hindus to keep off Varanasi ghats, probe ordered

Posters warn non-Hindus to keep off Varanasi ghats, probe ordered

Rediff.com7 Jan 2022

Posters asking non-Hindus to stay away from the ghats of the Ganga and the temples along the river came up in Varanasi, prompting the police to launch a probe.

Court team at Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi for survey, security beefed up

Court team at Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi for survey, security beefed up

Rediff.com6 May 2022

Before the arrival of the court commissioner and his team here, a large crowd of devotees had gathered for Friday prayers.

Why Purvanchal Is Challenging For BJP

Why Purvanchal Is Challenging For BJP

Rediff.com29 May 2024

The youth -- their dreams of government jobs unfulfilled -- are voicing their frustration.

PM attends colourful Dev Deepawali celebrations in Varanasi

PM attends colourful Dev Deepawali celebrations in Varanasi

Rediff.com1 Dec 2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attended the Dev Deepawali Mahotsav at the Ghats of Varanasi. Modi witnessed the spectacle of Dev Deepawali in which rows of lamps were lit on the bank of Ganga.

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.

Why Was I Prevented From Taking On Modi?

Why Was I Prevented From Taking On Modi?

Rediff.com21 May 2024

'Those who feared that I would have run one hell of a campaign targeting the most powerful people in India snatched away my democratic right from me.' 'I will expose these democracy-killers.'

Varanasi court holds hearing in Gyanvapi case, puts it off to July 4

Varanasi court holds hearing in Gyanvapi case, puts it off to July 4

Rediff.com30 May 2022

The district court in Varanasi on Monday heard the arguments on the maintainability of a plea by five Hindu women seeking permission for daily worship of the Shringar Gauri Sthal in the Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanvapi complex.

'Op Eleven' in place for safe Basant Panchmi Snan on Monday

'Op Eleven' in place for safe Basant Panchmi Snan on Monday

Rediff.com2 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented a special crowd management plan called 'Operation Eleven' for the 'Amrit Snan' on Basant Panchami at Maha Kumbh. The plan, devised under strict instructions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, ensures a one-way traffic route for devotees and smooth movement on pontoon bridges. The heightened measures are in place following a stampede on Mauni Amavasya that claimed at least 30 lives. 'Operation Eleven' includes measures such as strict enforcement of a one-way route, enhanced security at key locations, crowd control at Tikarmafi Turn, special arrangements at Phaphamau and pontoon bridges, railway station and bus movement regulation, enhanced security at Prayag Junction, crowd management at GT Jawahar and Harshvardhan Chauraha, additional security and traffic control measures, and deployment of extra forces.

Diya Diwali For Vrindavan's Widows

Diya Diwali For Vrindavan's Widows

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

Thousands of widows of Vrindavan and women abandoned by their families celebrated Diwali by lighting earthen lamps at the Keshi Ghat on the Yamuna river in Mathura.

Varanasi court adjourns Gyanvapi masjid case hearing to July 12

Varanasi court adjourns Gyanvapi masjid case hearing to July 12

Rediff.com4 Jul 2022

The district court in Varanasi fixed July 12 as the next date for hearing the maintainability of the Gyanvapi mosque-Shringar Gauri complex case as the Muslim side presented its arguments on Monday.

PM reviews Covid situation in his constituency Varanasi

PM reviews Covid situation in his constituency Varanasi

Rediff.com18 Apr 2021

He asked the local administration to help people with full sensitivity and asserted that the cooperation of society as well as the government is necessary to curb the pandemic.

Ravan Arrives All Over...

Ravan Arrives All Over...

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

Ramlila performances, where the epic Ramayan is enacted, are a common sight. The climax of the festival often involves the symbolic burning of giant effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakaran and Meghnad.

Varanasi court fixes May 23 for next hearing in Gyanvapi case

Varanasi court fixes May 23 for next hearing in Gyanvapi case

Rediff.com20 May 2022

In view of the Supreme Court's order to the lower court not to proceed with the matter till Friday, it fixed May 23 for the next hearing, Madan Mohan Yadav, the lawyer representing the Hindu side, said.

SC to hear mosque panel's plea in Shahi Idgah dispute on Wednesday

SC to hear mosque panel's plea in Shahi Idgah dispute on Wednesday

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The Supreme Court of India will hear a plea from the mosque management committee challenging an order rejecting its petition in the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah dispute in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh on January 15. The Allahabad High Court had rejected the mosque committee's plea, stating that the religious character of the Shahi Idgah mosque needed to be determined. The case involves claims that the mosque was built after the demolition of a temple, a claim disputed by the mosque committee. The Supreme Court will now decide on the maintainability of the mosque committee's plea.

Modi lauds doctors, frontline workers of Varanasi for fight against COVID-19

Modi lauds doctors, frontline workers of Varanasi for fight against COVID-19

Rediff.com21 May 2021

The prime minister gave a new slogan "Jahan bimar, wahin upchar (treatment of the ailing at their doorstep)" during his video conference with the healthcare professionals, saying this can bring down the pressure that the second wave of COVID-19 has put on the country's health system.

Priyanka's Varanasi roadshow draws in crowds

Priyanka's Varanasi roadshow draws in crowds

Rediff.com15 May 2019

Priyanka Gandhi and other leaders, including Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, waved at the large crowd as the procession wound its way through Varanasi's roads.

History in Minutes: Who Betrayed Chandra Shekhar Azad?

History in Minutes: Who Betrayed Chandra Shekhar Azad?

Rediff.com28 Feb 2025

On the 94th anniversary of the revolutionary giant's martyrdom, Utkarsh Mishra revisits the events of February 27, 1931.

Are Varanasi, Mathura mosques still on BJP list?

Are Varanasi, Mathura mosques still on BJP list?

Rediff.com30 Sep 2020

'If the civil code has to be put on hold, what card can the BJP play if it finds the going tough in the run-up to the general election of 2024?' asks Amulya Ganguli.

Priyanka meets anti-CAA activists in Varanasi

Priyanka meets anti-CAA activists in Varanasi

Rediff.com10 Jan 2020

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Friday visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency, meeting activists held during protests against the amended Citizenship Act and accusing the government of acting against the Constitution.

At least 7 major variants of concern found in Varanasi: Study

At least 7 major variants of concern found in Varanasi: Study

Rediff.com4 Jun 2021

There are at least seven major variants of coronavirus, including B.1.617 and B.1.351 (Beta), in Varanasi and its adjoining areas, according to a study conducted by the Banaras Hindu University and the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB).

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to hold rally in Modi's constituency Varanasi on Oct 10

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to hold rally in Modi's constituency Varanasi on Oct 10

Rediff.com1 Oct 2021

As Uttar Pradesh gears up for assembly elections early next year, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will address a public rally on October 10 in Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a party spokesperson said.

Dramatic scenes at Delhi airport after bomb scare on IndiGo flight

Dramatic scenes at Delhi airport after bomb scare on IndiGo flight

Rediff.com28 May 2024

The officials said the passengers on board the aircraft were evacuated through emergency exits.

Priyanka offers prayers at Ravidas temple in Varanasi

Priyanka offers prayers at Ravidas temple in Varanasi

Rediff.com9 Feb 2020

Speaking at a function in Varanasi on the occasion of Ravidas Jayanti, she urged the audience to take the teachings of the saint to the masses. "He (Sant Ravidas) had dreamt of a society, where there is no discrimination and where every person is respected. You all should take forward his teachings to the masses, especially at a time, when there is so much violence and hatred in the society. His teachings are need of the hour," Priyanka Gandhi said.

Puja at Gyanvapi: Masjid committee fails to get relief

Puja at Gyanvapi: Masjid committee fails to get relief

Rediff.com2 Feb 2024

The Allahabad high court on Friday did not give any immediate relief to the Gyanvapi Masjid committee which had challenged the order of the Varanasi court allowing Hindu prayers in a cellar of the mosque.

Maha Kumbh: World's largest religious gathering begins

Maha Kumbh: World's largest religious gathering begins

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

The Maha Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu pilgrimage, commenced in Prayagraj, India on Monday, with over 40 lakh people taking the first holy dip in the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the event, which runs until February 26, will elevate India's ancient cultural and religious traditions to global prominence.

In this UP village Naushad is Dubey and Irshad is Pandey

In this UP village Naushad is Dubey and Irshad is Pandey

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Several Muslim families in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, have adopted Hindu surnames such as Dubey, Pandey, and Tiwari, claiming their ancestors were Brahmins. This follows a campaign by the Vishal Bharat Sansthan, which aims to "reconnect people with their roots" and reduce religious conflict. The campaign has sparked controversy, with some accusing families of converting their religion. The local police are investigating the situation and have deployed extra personnel in the area as a preventive measure.

'Round Trip To Prayagraj Costs Rs 70,000'

'Round Trip To Prayagraj Costs Rs 70,000'

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

'The cost of flying to Prayagraj has gone up six times due to the Kumbh Mela.'

Can rising temple-mosque disputes shape UP polls in 2027?

Can rising temple-mosque disputes shape UP polls in 2027?

Rediff.com29 Dec 2024

With the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls scheduled for 2027, political experts are observing an increasing trend of temple-mosque disputes in the state, leading to heightened polarization. Recent bypolls saw the use of divisive slogans, and analysts believe this trend will intensify as the 2027 elections approach. The recent surge in claims about the existence of Hindu temples at the sites of mosques in various cities has fueled this polarization. The BJP-led government has been accused of promoting communal polarization, while opposition parties like the SP have criticized the ruling party's actions. The RSS chief has called for restraint in raising new temple-related disputes. Experts predict that communal polarization is likely to escalate in the coming days.

What Happened To KKR Flight?!

What Happened To KKR Flight?!

Rediff.com7 May 2024

Kolkata Knight Riders' journey home from Lucknow turned into an unexpected adventure on Monday night.

'Modi may have lost confidence in Varanasi'

'Modi may have lost confidence in Varanasi'

Rediff.com7 Mar 2017

'After his road shows, the people of Varanasi are debating what forced the prime minister to move around in the narrow lanes of Varanasi.' 'If he had taken out one road show, no one would have objected.' 'But what was the need to do it thrice?'

Turbulence strikes Varanasi's Muslims

Turbulence strikes Varanasi's Muslims

Rediff.com4 Apr 2014

"Our only solace is that Modi will win Varanasi, but there will be a by-election here. Modi will not be able to cobble 272 seats to become prime minister so he will remain the chief minister of Gujarat. He will resign from Varanasi and then we will ensure Kerjiwal's handsome win." Rediff.com's Sheela Bhatt reports on how Varanasi's 300,000 Muslim voters are strategising their vote.