News for 'devotees'

Protests erupt over demolition at Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat

Protests erupt over demolition at Varanasi's Manikarnika Ghat

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

A demolition drive at the Manikarnika Ghat was met with protests from locals, who alleged that the city's heritage was being destroyed in the name of redevelopment, a charge rejected by the district administration.

Maha Kumbh Mela, Operation Sindoor...

Maha Kumbh Mela, Operation Sindoor...

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

A visual journey through some major events of 2025, from the spiritual grandeur of Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj to the strategic success of Operation Sindoor, India's decisive military response following the Pahalgam terror attack.

Sanjay Singh, Pappu Yadav booked for posting 'fake' Manikarnika images

Sanjay Singh, Pappu Yadav booked for posting 'fake' Manikarnika images

Rediff.com18 Jan 2026

Police here have registered eight first information reports (FIRs) against as many people, including Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh and Congress leader Pappu Yadav, for allegedly circulating AI-generated images, videos and misleading information on social media about the redevelopment work at the Manikarnika Ghat.

Nehru hated Lord Somnath the most: BJP

Nehru hated Lord Somnath the most: BJP

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The BJP has launched a fresh attack on the Congress, alleging that Jawaharlal Nehru harbored hatred towards Lord Somnath and engaged in appeasement politics.

Forces opposing Somnath temple reconstruction still active: Modi

Forces opposing Somnath temple reconstruction still active: Modi

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that forces opposing the reconstruction of the Somnath temple after independence are still active and that India needs to be vigilant and united to counter them. He highlighted the temple's history of resilience against repeated attacks and emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made to protect it.

From British child to India's trusted voice: Mark Tully

From British child to India's trusted voice: Mark Tully

Rediff.com26 Jan 2026

Mark Tully, the renowned journalist, author, and Indophile, has passed away at the age of 90. He spent a lifetime in India as a journalist, mingling with its people and telling their stories.

Sabarimala gold theft case: No HC relief for TDB ex-chief; pulls up SIT

Sabarimala gold theft case: No HC relief for TDB ex-chief; pulls up SIT

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The Kerala High Court denied bail to former TDB president N Vasu and others accused in the Sabarimala gold loss case, citing laxity in the investigation and potential impediment to the probe if bail is granted.

Kharge slams Modi over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

Kharge slams Modi over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the redevelopment of the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, alleging the destruction of historical heritage for personal branding. The project has faced protests over damage to religious artifacts and the demolition of old structures.

Somnath@1,000: The Power Of Unbroken Faith

Somnath@1,000: The Power Of Unbroken Faith

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

If the Somnath temple, which was attacked 1,000 years ago and faced continuous attacks thereon, could rise again and again, then we can surely restore our great nation to the glory it embodied 1,000 years ago before the invasions, asserts Narendra Modi.

Assam Launches Monthly Aid For Vaishnavite Monks

Assam Launches Monthly Aid For Vaishnavite Monks

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday launched a financial assistance scheme for 'Udasin Bhakats', providing monthly support of 1,500 to celibate Vaishnavite monks associated with Satras across the state.

Kashi-Style Makeover Planned for Bhoramdeo

Kashi-Style Makeover Planned for Bhoramdeo

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Nestled in the mountain ranges of Kabirdham district, Bhoramdeo has an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, about 125 km from Raipur.

Deepathoon row: HC bench calls TN govt ban 'ridiculous'

Deepathoon row: HC bench calls TN govt ban 'ridiculous'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

The Madras high court's Madurai division bench on Tuesday upheld a single judge's order allowing lighting of a lamp on what is claimed as 'deepathoon' on the Thirupparankundram hill in Tamil Nadu.

2025: A Year of Deadly Stampedes

2025: A Year of Deadly Stampedes

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

From religious gatherings to public events, 2025 witnessed a series of stampedes and crowd-related incidents that exposed the fragile line between mass participation and human tragedy, leaving behind loss, questions, and urgent lessons on crowd safety.

Decked churches, midnight masses: India celebrates Christmas

Decked churches, midnight masses: India celebrates Christmas

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Christmas was celebrated with devotion and festive gaiety across India, with churches decked in lights, midnight masses, and community events spreading cheer. Leaders extended greetings, and celebrations took place in various states with prayers for peace and harmony.

Hand over Sabarimala gold case to neutral agency: Amit Shah to Kerala CM

Hand over Sabarimala gold case to neutral agency: Amit Shah to Kerala CM

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticizes Kerala's ruling Left government over the Sabarimala gold loss case, demanding a neutral investigation and accusing the government of protecting the real culprits. He also signals the start of the BJP's campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Oppn led by DMK moves notice in LS to remove HC judge over TN temple order

Oppn led by DMK moves notice in LS to remove HC judge over TN temple order

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Several opposition MPs have submitted a notice to the Lok Sabha Speaker to move a motion for the removal of Madras High Court Judge G R Swaminathan over his order regarding a temple lamp.

'Christians Can Be Taken For Granted'

'Christians Can Be Taken For Granted'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'Mob fury has become very common these days. And these attacks are all planned very well.' 'In all these attacks, you see that they have a very clear cut plan to make the victims as the oppressors and the guilty.' 'The attackers escape and they face no consequences as they have the backing of some political leaders.'

Sidda asserts full-term CM claim as DKS bows to high command

Sidda asserts full-term CM claim as DKS bows to high command

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar addresses speculation about a change in chief minister, stating an agreement is in place with the Congress high command. He emphasizes that Siddaramaiah is CM as per the high command's decision and that he has never commented on Siddaramaiah's tenure.

The Greatest Thing Sreenivasan Did For Malayalam Cinema

The Greatest Thing Sreenivasan Did For Malayalam Cinema

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

Sreenivasan could so willingly be 'our little man' because in his heart of hearts he never felt trivial or inconsequential. And to the very end he stayed that way, the shrimp who knew he was a giant. Sreehari Nair doffs his hat to the late legend.

Chhath Puja: Prayers To The Sun God

Chhath Puja: Prayers To The Sun God

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

The four-day Chhath Puja festival began on Saturday with the Nahay-Khay ritual, marking the start of prayers to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya, celebrated with devotion, discipline across India.

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.

Modi to hoist saffron flag at Ram Temple in Ayodhya today

Modi to hoist saffron flag at Ram Temple in Ayodhya today

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

Ayodhya resonated with devotional fervour on Tuesday morning as thousands of devotees streamed into the temple town ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to ceremonially hoist a saffron flag atop the Ram temple, marking the formal completion of its construction.

TN: HC tells petitioner to light hill lamp with CISF protection

TN: HC tells petitioner to light hill lamp with CISF protection

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Despite an earlier direction by the Bench, the lamp was not lit on an ancient stone pillar near a Dargah on the Thirupparankudram hill here on Karthigai Deepam this evening, triggering protests by the Hindu Munnani activists and a section of devotees.

Single narrow gate: What led to Andhra temple stampede

Single narrow gate: What led to Andhra temple stampede

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

Opening the gate at once led to those coming out pushing against us, she said adding she fell down and three people fell on her.

Modi, Bhagwat hoist saffron flag atop Ayodhya Temple

Modi, Bhagwat hoist saffron flag atop Ayodhya Temple

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday ceremonially hoisted a saffron flag atop the Ram temple in Ayodhya, marking the formal completion of its construction.

SC to hear review plea in ISKCON Bengaluru temple case

SC to hear review plea in ISKCON Bengaluru temple case

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a review petition filed by ISKCON India regarding the ownership of the Hare Krishna temple in Bengaluru, reopening a long-standing legal dispute with the Bengaluru faction of ISKCON.

All temple construction at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi completed: Trust

All temple construction at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi completed: Trust

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has announced the completion of all construction work on the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, including the main shrine. The announcement comes ahead of a possible visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Show us proof: Cong calls Rajnath's Nehru-Babri claim a 'lie'

Show us proof: Cong calls Rajnath's Nehru-Babri claim a 'lie'

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

The Congress party has strongly refuted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's claim that Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to build the Babri Masjid using public funds, calling it a 'lie' and a 'WhatsApp university story'. Congress leaders have accused Singh of distorting history and distracting from real issues.

9 killed in stampede at Andhra Pradesh temple on Ekadashi

9 killed in stampede at Andhra Pradesh temple on Ekadashi

Rediff.com1 Nov 2025

The public thought that something was falling and panicked. They fell from a height of about six feet. Since the collapse was from a height of six feet, one person fell on another, and that led to the incident, he added.

Cong is like Hindu religion, says Telangana CM; BJP reacts

Cong is like Hindu religion, says Telangana CM; BJP reacts

Rediff.com3 Dec 2025

"How many gods are there for Hindus? Three crores? There is Hanuman for those who are not married. There is another god for those who marry twice," Reddy said.

Andhra temple stampede: 'People rushed, what could I do'

Andhra temple stampede: 'People rushed, what could I do'

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

Claiming he was not responsible for the tragic stampede at Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga that left nine devotees dead, the 94-year-old founder of the temple has said devotees rushed on their own during the gathering.

SEE: Dhawan joins Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar

SEE: Dhawan joins Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

Shikhar Dhawan participated in the Bhasma Aarti ceremony at the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain

Suspended TMC MLA lays 'Babri-style' mosque foundation in WB

Suspended TMC MLA lays 'Babri-style' mosque foundation in WB

Rediff.com6 Dec 2025

Kabir cut a ceremonial ribbon alongside visiting clerics on the dais as slogans of "Nara-e-Takbeer, Allahu Akbar" were raised at the venue, where thousands had gathered since morning.

10 killed as tractor-trolley carrying Durga idols plunges into MP lake

10 killed as tractor-trolley carrying Durga idols plunges into MP lake

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

Ten devotees, including three minors, died after a tractor-trolley carrying Durga idols for immersion plunged into a lake in Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh. Rescue operations are underway.

HC rejects plea against 'Karthigai Deepam' lighting on TN hill

HC rejects plea against 'Karthigai Deepam' lighting on TN hill

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

The division bench said that in the single judge's order dated December 1, 2025, the responsibility to carry out the work (lighting the lamp) was entrusted to the Thirupparankundram Arulmighu Subramania Swamy temple management.

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Deepa Thoon controversy, if not allowed to die a natural death, could take the election focus away from the anti-incumbency impacting the DMK and into the secular space. Stalin would love to have it that way, all over again, after the three past elections, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

2 copper coins, one golden stick...: Banke Bihari treasury inspection ends

2 copper coins, one golden stick...: Banke Bihari treasury inspection ends

Rediff.com19 Oct 2025

The 'Toshkhana' (treasury) of the Banke Bihari temple in Mathura, locked since 1971, was opened for inspection under the supervision of a Supreme Court-appointed committee. The inventory included copper coins, stones, silver and golden sticks.

The Divine Architecture of Ayodhya

The Divine Architecture of Ayodhya

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

Stunning glimpses of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya as seen from the first floor.

Rain Clouds Loom Over Vaishno Devi Yatra

Rain Clouds Loom Over Vaishno Devi Yatra

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The Baan Ganga entry point wears a deserted look after the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board orders suspension of the Vaishno Devi Yatra from October 5 to 7 due to the IMD's inclement weather advisory for Katra.

Does Ziva Dhoni Want To Be A Cricketer?

Does Ziva Dhoni Want To Be A Cricketer?

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

During their visit to Haridwar, Ziva was asked by an activist about her future ambitions. Without hesitation, she replied, 'I want to become a naturalist!'