News for 'devotees'

Madurai Temple Hosts Special Pooja for India Ahead of T20 WC Final

Madurai Temple Hosts Special Pooja for India Ahead of T20 WC Final

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Devotees at Madurai's Sri Maha Periyava Temple offered special prayers and rituals seeking India's victory ahead of the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

SC refuses to change religious practices at Banke Bihari temple in UP

SC refuses to change religious practices at Banke Bihari temple in UP

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has stated it will not make structural changes to religious practices at the Bankey Bihari temple in Vrindavan, hearing a petition challenging administrative decisions affecting traditions.

Days after T20 World Cup win, Abhishek Sharma seeks blessings at Vaishno Devi

Days after T20 World Cup win, Abhishek Sharma seeks blessings at Vaishno Devi

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Abhishek Sharma visited the Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra after India's ICC Men's T20 World Cup victory, days after his match-winning fifty in the final against New Zealand on Sunday, March 8.

14 arrested in Varanasi for Iftar on boat in Ganga

14 arrested in Varanasi for Iftar on boat in Ganga

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Fourteen individuals have been arrested in Varanasi for allegedly defiling a place of worship and hurting religious sentiments after a video surfaced showing them consuming chicken biryani during an Iftar party on a boat in the Ganga river.

Punjab assembly okays life term for sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib

Punjab assembly okays life term for sacrilege against Guru Granth Sahib

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

The Punjab Assembly has unanimously passed a bill proposing stricter punishment, including life imprisonment and a fine up to Rs 25 lakh, for any act of sacrilege against the Guru Granth Sahib.

Sara Ali Khan can enter Badrinath, Kedarnath temples only if...: Temple committee chairman

Sara Ali Khan can enter Badrinath, Kedarnath temples only if...: Temple committee chairman

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Film actress Sara Ali Khan's entry to Badrinath and Kedarnath temple complexes is contingent on submitting an affidavit declaring her faith in Sanatan Dharma, according to the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee chairman.

Asha Bhosle Will Always Be First Among Equals

Asha Bhosle Will Always Be First Among Equals

Rediff.com13 Apr 2026

It is impossible to discuss Asha Bhosle without mentioning the word 'versatility', notes Dinesh Raheja.

Even Snow Can't Deter Kedarnath Devotees

Even Snow Can't Deter Kedarnath Devotees

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Devotees continue to arrive at Kedarnath Dham despite a drop in temperatures.

Eid celebrated in India with prayers, protests

Eid celebrated in India with prayers, protests

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Eid al-Fitr was celebrated across India with prayers for peace and brotherhood, alongside protests condemning US-Israel actions in West Asia.

Chaitra Navratri: 9 Days Of Renewal And Devotion

Chaitra Navratri: 9 Days Of Renewal And Devotion

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Chaitra Navratri occurs in the month of Chaitra or March-April and hence its name. It marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year in many regions across India.

Union minister Pradhan wants Mahakal Standard Time to replace GMT

Union minister Pradhan wants Mahakal Standard Time to replace GMT

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has advocated for the establishment of 'Mahakal Standard Time' (MST), citing Ujjain's historical significance as a centre for time calculation and astronomy.

Caste system is meant to organise society: Adityanath

Caste system is meant to organise society: Adityanath

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Yogi Adityanath champions national unity over caste divisions, asserting that 'casteism' weakens India's social fabric and hinders its progress on the global stage.

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Temple linked to godman Kharat got Rs 1 cr from Maha govt

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government sanctioned over Rs 1 crore for development works at a temple linked to Ashok Kharat, a self-styled godman accused of rape, in 2018. The funds were approved under the regional tourism development scheme. Kharat was arrested on March 18 after being accused of repeated rape.

Pressure Mounts on Maharashtra Women's Commission Chief Over Numerologist's Rape Case

Pressure Mounts on Maharashtra Women's Commission Chief Over Numerologist's Rape Case

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Opposition parties are demanding the resignation of Maharashtra State Women's Commission chairperson Rupali Chakankar due to her alleged connections with a self-proclaimed numerologist, Ashok Kharat, who has been arrested for rape and exploitation.

How India Celebrates Mahashivratri

How India Celebrates Mahashivratri

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Maha Shivratri, one of India's most revered Hindu festivals, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and celebrated with deep devotion across the country.

Lemon fetches Rs 13,000 at TN temple's Maha Shivratri auction

Lemon fetches Rs 13,000 at TN temple's Maha Shivratri auction

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

A lemon was sold for Rs 13,000 at an auction during Maha Shivaratri celebrations at a temple in Tamil Nadu. Other items, including a silver ring and coin, were also auctioned off, with proceeds going towards temple development.

Varanasi: 14 sent to custody for holding iftar on a boat in Ganga

Varanasi: 14 sent to custody for holding iftar on a boat in Ganga

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

A Varanasi court has remanded 14 people to judicial custody after they allegedly held an Iftar party and consumed chicken biryani on a boat in the Ganga river, sparking outrage and accusations of hurting religious sentiments.

SKY, Gambhir take T20 World Cup trophy to Siddhivinayak temple

SKY, Gambhir take T20 World Cup trophy to Siddhivinayak temple

Rediff.com14 Mar 2026

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Surya Kumar Yadav offered prayers at the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai after winning the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Eid prayers held under heavy security in Delhi's Uttam Nagar days after violence

Eid prayers held under heavy security in Delhi's Uttam Nagar days after violence

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Muslims in Uttam Nagar, West Delhi, offered Eid-ul-Fitr prayers under heavy security following recent tensions. Despite a subdued atmosphere, residents expressed gratitude for the police presence and emphasised the community's commitment to peace.

Thane Temple Robbed: Thieves Steal Donation Box with 10,000

Thane Temple Robbed: Thieves Steal Donation Box with 10,000

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

Unidentified individuals broke into a temple in Thane, Maharashtra, stealing a donation box containing approximately 10,000. Police are investigating the theft, reviewing CCTV footage and have registered a case against the unknown perpetrators.

Rupali Chakankar Quits as Women's Commission Chief After 'Godman' Links Surface

Rupali Chakankar Quits as Women's Commission Chief After 'Godman' Links Surface

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

Rupali Chakankar, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Commission for Women, has resigned following criticism over her association with rape-accused 'godman' Ashok Kharat. The resignation comes after opposition parties highlighted Chakankar's links with Kharat, who is accused of sexual assault and fraud.

How Janhvi Kapoor Celebrated Her Birthday

How Janhvi Kapoor Celebrated Her Birthday

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Janhvi Kapoor celebrated her 29th birthday with a visit to the Tirumala Venkateswara temple.

Education Now Travels On Wheels

Education Now Travels On Wheels

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Run by the government, these mobile schools ensure that the children of the Agariya salt workers -- who migrate for months through the Little Rann of Kutch to harvest salt under extreme conditions -- don't miss out on their education.

Angaraki Ganesh Chaturthi: Devotees Flock To Siddhivinayak

Angaraki Ganesh Chaturthi: Devotees Flock To Siddhivinayak

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Thousands of devotees thronged Mumbai's Siddhivinayak temple for Angaraki Ganesh Chaturthi.

Sabarimala women's entry issue returns ahead of SC hearing

Sabarimala women's entry issue returns ahead of SC hearing

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

The Sabarimala temple women's entry issue has resurfaced in Kerala, leading to a political debate between the ruling CPI(M) and the opposition Congress, as the Supreme Court is scheduled to consider review petitions related to its 2018 verdict.

6 Movies To Watch This Maha Shivratri

6 Movies To Watch This Maha Shivratri

Rediff.com14 Feb 2026

Namrata Thakker picks 6 cine ways to celebrate Maha Shivratri.

MP Official Uses Authority to Recover Stolen Slippers

MP Official Uses Authority to Recover Stolen Slippers

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

A revenue department official in Madhya Pradesh used his authority to track down and seek legal action against a man who allegedly stole his slippers from a temple.

Tirupati Laddu Reignites Political Battle In Andhra Pradesh

Tirupati Laddu Reignites Political Battle In Andhra Pradesh

Rediff.com21 Feb 2026

With TDP and YSRCP trying to score political points, the sacred laddu may well create a storm in days to come.

SC upholds Madras HC order on 'Deepa Thoon' controversy

SC upholds Madras HC order on 'Deepa Thoon' controversy

Rediff.com9 Feb 2026

The Supreme Court has upheld a Madras High Court decision prohibiting animal sacrifice and granting limited prayer rights to Muslim devotees on the Thiruparankundram hills in Tamil Nadu.

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.

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma Visit Vrindavan Ashram

Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma Visit Vrindavan Ashram

Rediff.com18 Feb 2026

Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma visited Premanand Maharaj's Keli Kunj Ashram in Vrindavan, engaging in prayer and reflection.

FIR against 9 social media accounts over Lathmar Holi posts

FIR against 9 social media accounts over Lathmar Holi posts

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Police in Mathura have filed a case against nine social media accounts for allegedly posting old videos to malign the reputation of the Lathmar Holi festival.

Rashtra Sevika Samiti Calls for Women's Day to Reflect Indian Values

Rashtra Sevika Samiti Calls for Women's Day to Reflect Indian Values

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

Rashtra Sevika Samiti emphasizes the importance of guiding International Women's Day with Indian cultural values, focusing on social awareness, mindset change, and women's empowerment through unity and family values.

FIR Filed Against Ranveer Singh For Insulting Chavundi Daiva

FIR Filed Against Ranveer Singh For Insulting Chavundi Daiva

Rediff.com29 Jan 2026

The complainant stated that Ranveer Singh, while present on stage and in the presence of the lead actor of Kantara: Chapter-1, allegedly performed acts that mocked and insulted the sacred Bhoota Kola tradition practiced in coastal Karnataka.

The Delicious Dessert India Forgot

The Delicious Dessert India Forgot

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Cook up one of the most elegant desserts of France at home -- it's a cinch to make.

Riteish Deshmukh Visits Shivneri Fort on Shivaji Jayanti

Riteish Deshmukh Visits Shivneri Fort on Shivaji Jayanti

Rediff.com19 Feb 2026

Riteish Deshmukh commemorates Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti with a visit to Shivneri Fort, honouring Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and promoting awareness of his historical significance.

HC Stays Arrest of Swami Avimukteshwaranand in POCSO Case

HC Stays Arrest of Swami Avimukteshwaranand in POCSO Case

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

The Allahabad High Court has stayed the arrest of Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati in a POCSO case, with the seer claiming the charges are false and his supporters celebrating the decision.

HC stays arrest of Avimukteshwaranand in POCSO case, order reserved

HC stays arrest of Avimukteshwaranand in POCSO case, order reserved

Rediff.com27 Feb 2026

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has stated his willingness to undergo a narco analysis test to help establish the truth in the sexual abuse case registered against him under the POCSO Act. He maintains his innocence and alleges the case is an attempt to defame him.

Khamenei killing sparks mourning, protests across India

Khamenei killing sparks mourning, protests across India

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Following reports of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death, widespread protests erupted in Kashmir, with demonstrators expressing strong anti-US and anti-Israel sentiments.

T20 World Cup: Pathum Nissanka: Groundsman's Son To T20 World Cup Hero

T20 World Cup: Pathum Nissanka: Groundsman's Son To T20 World Cup Hero

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

Pathum Nissanka's journey from a tsunami-hit childhood in Kalutara to a match-winning T20 World Cup century is a story of sacrifice, faith and fearless batting against Australia.