News for 'World Culture Festival'

Sholay Still Speaks to India's Soul

Sholay Still Speaks to India's Soul

Rediff.com18 Aug 2025

Even after 50 years, Sholay remains a lasting reminder of unity, shared memories and the joy of cinema, notes Mohammad Asim Siddiqui.

No skin diseases reported after taking dip at Kumbh: UP deputy CM

No skin diseases reported after taking dip at Kumbh: UP deputy CM

Rediff.com2 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Brajesh Pathak has asserted that no cases of skin diseases were reported among pilgrims who took a dip in the holy Sangam during the Maha Kumbh. Pathak's statement comes in response to concerns raised by opposition leaders regarding the purity of the river water. He highlighted the cleanliness efforts undertaken during the event and the cultural significance of the Maha Kumbh.

Jaipur Lit Fest: Words Against War

Jaipur Lit Fest: Words Against War

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

'Our fractured world has been embroiled in wars and hatred, and many sessions reflect these concerns.'

Why 500,000 Indians Visited Vietnam

Why 500,000 Indians Visited Vietnam

Rediff.com3 Jul 2025

Stunning landscapes, natural beauty, clean beaches, cultural wealth, mouth-watering food, shopping options, safety for solo travellers, warm hospitality, easy visas, and connectivity make Vietnam a must-visit destination, discovers Ramesh Menon.

'Hindustan Is Heaven On Earth'

'Hindustan Is Heaven On Earth'

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The cultural richness that began from a narrow bank of the Yamuna has continued for over 7 centuries. And you literally go underground for as little at Rs 50 to see it!

'I Wouldn't Change Anything In Sholay'

'I Wouldn't Change Anything In Sholay'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

'Sholay had a sargam of human emotions.'

The C P Radhakrishnan You Didn't Know

The C P Radhakrishnan You Didn't Know

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

'In my 26 years at Raj Bhavan, working with more than ten governors, I can tell you C P Radhakrishnan Sir stands out.'

Dalai Lama: Lessons For Young Minds

Dalai Lama: Lessons For Young Minds

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

The Dalai Lama's way of staying curious, kind and calm shows young people how small daily habits can help them handle stress and live with heart.

Study Abroad: 4 SIMPLE TIPS To Save Money

Study Abroad: 4 SIMPLE TIPS To Save Money

Rediff.com16 Jan 2025

Aditya Mhatre shares some practical and actionable tips to save money and focus on what matters most when you are studying abroad

The river can go to hell

The river can go to hell

Rediff.com12 Mar 2016

'Delhi's river has once more been thrown under the bus, by a happy godman backed by a godman-happy government,' says Mitali Saran.

'All India Radio Is No Underdog'

'All India Radio Is No Underdog'

Rediff.com13 Aug 2025

'The largest listenership for Vividh Bharati outside the country is in Spain.' 'The labourers who go there for the tomato-picking season feel cut off from their country and listen to Vividh Bharati to overcome their loneliness.'

The Master Of The Slide Guitar

The Master Of The Slide Guitar

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

One of Debashish Bhattacharya's most remarkable contributions is that he has taken the scope and foundation of the slide guitar, improvised it again and again, thereby designing and creating four entirely new guitars.

Archie and friends celebrate Holi in new comic book

Archie and friends celebrate Holi in new comic book

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Archie Comics has released a new story featuring the celebration of Holi in India. The 10-page story, titled "Celebration Surprise," appears in "The World of Betty & Veronica digest #38." Co-CEO of Archie Comic Publications Nancy Silberkleit said the story was inspired by her own experiences celebrating Holi in India and her desire to celebrate Om Arora, the owner of Delhi-based Variety Book Depot, who has been a long-time distributor of Archie Comics in India.

Sunita Williams' Happy Diwali From Space

Sunita Williams' Happy Diwali From Space

Rediff.com30 Oct 2024

In a video message shared from the International Space Station, the Indian-origin astronaut said that this year she had the unique opportunity to observe Diwali from 260 miles above Earth and reminisced about her father's efforts to keep their cultural roots alive by teaching her and her family about Diwali and other Indian festivals.

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The visitor returns not just with the jewel-like beauty of the country imprinted on the mind, the body rejuvenated by hot stone massages, but also with the captivating stories and myths that are built into every important structure -- whether a tourist magnet or an off-the-beaten track spot.

When Sakkeer Hussain Played The Chenda At A Temple

When Sakkeer Hussain Played The Chenda At A Temple

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'The entire town, Hindus, Muslims and Christians, my schoolteachers and the ustads from the madrasa were present to witness my arangettam.'

'In quest for moksha': Foreigners take dip in Sangam

'In quest for moksha': Foreigners take dip in Sangam

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Among a sea of humanity that took the holy dip in the Sangam in their quest for 'moksha' on Monday was a large number of overseas visitors, soaking in the spiritual fervour at the world's largest gathering of humans.

The world's 10 weirdest festivals

The world's 10 weirdest festivals

Rediff.com12 Apr 2017

We take a look at the world's quirky, colourful - and downright bizarre - events.

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.

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.

Kerala: The Puzzled Book Of Questions

Kerala: The Puzzled Book Of Questions

Rediff.com11 Jun 2025

Can a culture survive as a way of life, even as the language and writing at its core, alter with time? Can we be rational and Malayalee or do we have to necessarily be religious and proudly cultural to be Malayalee? asks Shyam G Menon.

Must Watch: Stories From Around The World

Must Watch: Stories From Around The World

Rediff.com1 Oct 2024

Aseem Chhabra's Top 10 Films/ Series from TIFF 2024 includes films that he watched for the first time in Toronto. The films were impressive due to their rigor, passion, unique storytelling style and sometimes exploring the vulnerable sides of big name stars.

Delhi Water Minister sought extra pontoon bridge for Sri Sri's event

Delhi Water Minister sought extra pontoon bridge for Sri Sri's event

Rediff.com10 Mar 2016

Delhi Water Minister Kapil Mishra had written a letter to the defence ministry requesting the army to build an additional pontoon bridge, which he said was "imperative" for safer movement of people while crossing the Yamuna to attend the 'World Culture Festival'.

IN PICS: The festival of lights from around the world!

IN PICS: The festival of lights from around the world!

Rediff.com29 Oct 2013

As India is all set to celebrate Diwali, we take a look at how other cultures celebrate their own respective festivals of lights.

The Kannada Film That Trumps Adolescence

The Kannada Film That Trumps Adolescence

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

The unspoken subject of Mithya is violence, and the big zinger here is our recognition that the movie is showing us the makings of a juvenile delinquent -- perhaps the finest since Truffaut unleashed his Antoine Doinel, applauds Sreehari Nair.

Pranab floats world flute festival at Rashtrapati Bhawan

Pranab floats world flute festival at Rashtrapati Bhawan

Rediff.com13 Aug 2012

President Pranab Mukherji 'Indra Dhanush' floated a music extravaganza outfit at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan and held its first World Flute Festival to commemorate Krishna Jayanti on Sunday.

New Annual Festivals On India's Calendar

New Annual Festivals On India's Calendar

Rediff.com17 Jan 2024

In the last 9 years, the BJP govt has marked some anniversaries and events with more zeal than Congress-led governments.

Cong calls 'Sengol' story bogus, BJP alleges insult to Indian culture

Cong calls 'Sengol' story bogus, BJP alleges insult to Indian culture

Rediff.com27 May 2023

"Is it any surprise that the new Parliament is being consecrated with typically false narratives from WhatsApp University? The BJP-RSS distorians stand exposed yet again with maximum claims, minimum evidence," Congress general secretary communications Ramesh said in his tweet.

'The Largest Peaceful Gathering Of Pilgrims'

'The Largest Peaceful Gathering Of Pilgrims'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Through history, the Mela has held different meanings for ascetics, the colonised, colonisers, and tourists, but all have been moved by its grandeur points out Atanu Biswas.

Dev Deepavali: A Night When The Ganga Glows

Dev Deepavali: A Night When The Ganga Glows

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Visiting Varanasi for Dev Deepavali should be on your bucket list.

'Saugat e Modi Is Not Muslim Appeasement'

'Saugat e Modi Is Not Muslim Appeasement'

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

'During Eid Muslims get Eidi, but Opposition parties never gave that to them.' 'When PM Modi is giving Eidi to Muslims Opposition leaders are getting upset.'

Supports events which promote country's diversity: Centre on Sri Sri event

Supports events which promote country's diversity: Centre on Sri Sri event

Rediff.com11 Mar 2016

Admitting that a large scale event as World Cultural Festival organised by the Art of Living foundation could have an impact on the environment, Minister of State for Tourism Mahesh Sharma on Friday said that a solution can always be procured if such a problem crops up.

What Made Shaji N Karun A Master Film-Maker

What Made Shaji N Karun A Master Film-Maker

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

With Piravi, Shaji N Karun joined the select group of great masters of film. Malayalam once upon a time used to produce such films. Today, it is only mindless violence, politics and grotesque humour. The films have no soul, although they are technically quite good. With Shaji's passing, and earlier with his mentor G Aravindan's untimely death, an era is coming to an end. Rajeev Srinivasan salutes the master, who passed into the ages on April 28.

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.

'Naidu Will Not Waste Time Now'

'Naidu Will Not Waste Time Now'

Rediff.com3 May 2025

'Amaravati will be a game changer for Andhra Pradesh.'

Ranbir's Ramayana To Release In 2 Parts

Ranbir's Ramayana To Release In 2 Parts

Rediff.com6 Nov 2024

'This epic adaptation brings to life one of India's most cherished tales with unmatched scale and visionary storytelling.'

Indian diaspora celebrates 76th Republic Day with enthusiasm

Indian diaspora celebrates 76th Republic Day with enthusiasm

Rediff.com26 Jan 2025

Leaders from around the world extended their greetings to India on its 76th Republic Day, emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations and expressing hope for a stronger future. The Indian diaspora across the globe celebrated the occasion with enthusiasm at Indian missions abroad, where the national tri-colour was unfurled, accompanied by cultural performances and patriotic fervour. The celebrations highlighted the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and its global partners.

Kali Puja Has Kolkata's Heart

Kali Puja Has Kolkata's Heart

Rediff.com1 Nov 2024

Ma Durga might be the city's most celebrated annual visitor, but Kali is the resident Goddess, notes Sandip Roy.

Modi invites G20 to witness 'festival of democracy' in 2024 polls

Modi invites G20 to witness 'festival of democracy' in 2024 polls

Rediff.com21 Jun 2023

Modi said India's next general elections will be held in 2024 and he invited G20 delegates to visit the country to witness the "festival of democracy" in the "mother of democracy".