News for 'friday prayers'

As Ram temple trust meets, chairman says 'deeply hurt'

As Ram temple trust meets, chairman says 'deeply hurt'

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust held a crucial meeting in Ayodhya to deliberate on the resignations of general secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra, following allegations of embezzlement of donations. The meeting also reviewed the ongoing SIT probe into the alleged theft.

Police Investigate Alleged Religious Conversion Attempt In Uttar Pradesh

Police Investigate Alleged Religious Conversion Attempt In Uttar Pradesh

Rediff.com28 May 2026

Police in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh, have registered a case against three individuals following a complaint alleging unlawful religious conversion. The complaint stated that people were being lured to a Christian prayer meeting in Lucknow.

Theatre Legend Vijaya Mehta Passes Into The Ages

Theatre Legend Vijaya Mehta Passes Into The Ages

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Vijaya Mehta, a pioneering figure in modern Indian theatre and cinema, has passed away at the age of 91.

HC refers journo's defamation suit on 'Khan sir' for mediation

HC refers journo's defamation suit on 'Khan sir' for mediation

Rediff.com2 Jul 2026

The Delhi High Court has referred a defamation case filed by TV Today Network and Anjana Om Kashyap against educator Faisal Khan ('Khan Sir') and others to mediation. The court urged both parties to exercise restraint and seek an amicable settlement, particularly asking Khan Sir to remove posts revealing information about Kashyap's children. The lawsuit seeks Rs 2 crore in damages.

The story behind the music playing at FIFA World Cup stadiums

The story behind the music playing at FIFA World Cup stadiums

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

World Cup music isn't random; FIFA's 'Stadium Entertainment Team' curates over 750 songs, mixing global classics with country-specific favourites, with each team having signature, warm-up, and goal-scoring tracks.

AIMIM Aligarh President Booked Over Kanwariya Remarks

AIMIM Aligarh President Booked Over Kanwariya Remarks

Rediff.com23 May 2026

The district president of AIMIM in Aligarh has been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a complaint alleging that he made objectionable remarks against Kanwariyas while seeking permission for Eid prayers.

Hema Malini, Shatrughan Sinha, Govinda Say Goodbye To Pahlaj Nihalani

Hema Malini, Shatrughan Sinha, Govinda Say Goodbye To Pahlaj Nihalani

Rediff.com8 Jun 2026

Film folk attended Producer and former censor chief Pahlaj Nihalani's prayer meeting over the weekend.

Worship Act doesn't stop land acquisition for public projects: HC

Worship Act doesn't stop land acquisition for public projects: HC

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, prohibits only the conversion of religious character but does not prevent the state from acquiring such properties for secular and public purposes. This observation came while dismissing a petition challenging the widening and beautification of the Dalmandi area in Varanasi for the Shri Kashi Vishwanath Dham corridor, which involved the proposed demolition of six ancient mosques.

From 'Wonderwall' to K-Pop: The music behind the FIFA World Cup roar

From 'Wonderwall' to K-Pop: The music behind the FIFA World Cup roar

Rediff.com5 Jul 2026

Watching the World Cup and hearing the music in the stadium may have left you wondering - how is that chosen? Is it just coincidence that "Wonderwall" plays after England matches? Are "Freed from Desire" or "Livin' on a Prayer" always played? And why?

Suvendu minister performs puja before entering scam-tainted Partha's office

Suvendu minister performs puja before entering scam-tainted Partha's office

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Newly appointed West Bengal minister Bishal Lama performed a puja before occupying his new office, which was previously used by former education minister Partha Chatterjee, who was arrested in a school jobs scam. Lama stated it was a personal tradition for auspicious beginnings.

Bhojshala verdict: Muslims to offer Friday namaz at home in protest

Bhojshala verdict: Muslims to offer Friday namaz at home in protest

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Members of the Muslim community in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district said they would offer their first Friday namaz at home and wear black bands after the court setback in the Bhojshala case.

Janhvi-Khushi Enjoy Anshula's Wedding Celebrations

Janhvi-Khushi Enjoy Anshula's Wedding Celebrations

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

'For Punjabi brides, Phulkari has long been part of life's most meaningful milestones, and I couldn't think of a more fitting way to begin this new chapter with Ro. '

Donation allegations 'baseless', will respond after SIT report: Champat Rai

Donation allegations 'baseless', will respond after SIT report: Champat Rai

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

A day after his resignation was accepted by the Ram temple trust, its former general secretary Champat Rai on Tuesday said he would respond to all allegations of donation embezzlement after the SIT submits its final report, even as opposition parties alleged a "cover-up" and stepped up the demand for its dissolution.

Mbappe scores twice as France rout Sweden to make last 16

Mbappe scores twice as France rout Sweden to make last 16

Rediff.com1 Jul 2026

Kylian Mbappe scored two goals, leading France to a dominant 3-0 victory over Sweden in the World Cup Round of 32. This win maintains France's perfect record and sets up a last-16 clash with Paraguay, with Mbappe continuing his impressive World Cup scoring streak.

Arunachal Pradesh floods and landslides kill 3, displace many

Arunachal Pradesh floods and landslides kill 3, displace many

Rediff.com29 Jun 2026

Heavy monsoon rains have caused widespread havoc across Arunachal Pradesh, leading to floods, landslides, and significant damage to infrastructure. Rescue operations are underway in multiple districts, with casualties reported and many displaced. Connectivity remains severely disrupted, and authorities have issued warnings as more heavy rainfall is forecast.

Court prevents temple from appyling chemical coating on idol

Court prevents temple from appyling chemical coating on idol

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

A Solapur court has issued a temporary injunction preventing the Pandharpur temple committee from applying a chemical protective coating on the idol of Lord Vitthal. The decision came after devotees argued that modern chemicals violate religious traditions, while the committee cited preservation needs ahead of the Ashadi Ekadashi pilgrimage. The court emphasised the idol's ownership by devotees and the lack of immediate emergency for the controversial coating.

Annamalai's political movement sees 10 lakh registrations in 10 hrs

Annamalai's political movement sees 10 lakh registrations in 10 hrs

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Former Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party chief K Annamalai's newly launched political movement titled 'Idhu Namma lyakkam' (This Is Our Movement) attracted over 10 lakh members registered within 10 hours of its launch after he formally quit the BJP on Friday.

Rinku Singh, Priya Saroj Offer Prayers At Varanasi's Ganga Aarti

Rinku Singh, Priya Saroj Offer Prayers At Varanasi's Ganga Aarti

Rediff.com22 Apr 2026

Rinku Singh took some time off from the hectic grind of IPL 2026 to seek blessings at the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi on Tuesday.

Maha aarti at Bhojshala; Muslims offer namaaz at homes amid protest

Maha aarti at Bhojshala; Muslims offer namaaz at homes amid protest

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Hundreds of Hindu devotees gathered at the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, for a 'maha aarti' following a high court ruling declaring the site a temple. Members of the Muslim community protested peacefully by offering namaz at home wearing black bands.

Papa Meri Jaan

Papa Meri Jaan

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Let's remember and celebrate all the countless things your dad did or does in our lives.

A year after AI-171 crash killed 260, burnt hostel awaits demolition

A year after AI-171 crash killed 260, burnt hostel awaits demolition

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Residents of Meghaninagar vividly remember the explosion that shook the neighbourhood on the afternoon of June 12, 2025. An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner bound for London had crashed into the hostel blocks of B J Medical College. A massive fire broke out, sending clouds of smoke into the sky.

Arrested Jaipur woman planned Pak trip to marry aide of Jaish chief Masood

Arrested Jaipur woman planned Pak trip to marry aide of Jaish chief Masood

Rediff.com25 Jun 2026

A 38-year-old woman arrested here last week was allegedly preparing to travel to Pakistan via Nepal to marry a suspected terrorist commander believed to be a close associate of banned Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar, officials said in Jaipur on Thursday.

Unlicensed Boats Blamed For Deadly Capsizing In Beed

Unlicensed Boats Blamed For Deadly Capsizing In Beed

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Boat services at Purushottampuri, a pilgrimage site in Beed district, have been suspended after a capsizing incident killed two women. Local residents allege that many private operators run services without proper licences or safety equipment.

Kamakhya temple gears up for lakhs of devotees for Ambubachi Mela

Kamakhya temple gears up for lakhs of devotees for Ambubachi Mela

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The famed Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya temple in Guwahati is set to begin, with the administration expecting around eight lakh devotees over the next four days. The temple doors will close on Monday night for the 'prabritti' period, symbolising the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, and reopen on June 26.

Tears, prayers mid-air as Fly91 flight diverted to Bengaluru

Tears, prayers mid-air as Fly91 flight diverted to Bengaluru

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

A Fly91 flight from Hyderabad to Hubballi was diverted to Bengaluru due to adverse weather conditions, causing concern among passengers before safely returning to its destination.

'Not one step': HC rejects plea to reopen CBSE Std 12 re-evaluation portal

'Not one step': HC rejects plea to reopen CBSE Std 12 re-evaluation portal

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

The Delhi High Court has refused to direct the reopening of the CBSE's portal for the re-evaluation of Class 12 answer sheets, stating that individual students can take action if aggrieved and that reopening the portal would delay the entire result declaration process.

New evaluation policy formed for CBSE students in Gulf, Centre tells SC

New evaluation policy formed for CBSE students in Gulf, Centre tells SC

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

The Centre on Monday informed the Supreme Court that the Central Board of Secondary Examination has come up with a new policy for the evaluation of private students, who were affected by the cancellation of Class XII board examination in Gulf countries due to the recent Iran-US war.

Delhi Police Nabs Man For Burglary At Burari Temple

Delhi Police Nabs Man For Burglary At Burari Temple

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Delhi Police have arrested a 24-year-old man named Rohit for allegedly burgling a Hanuman temple in Burari, north Delhi. Stolen idols and religious articles were recovered, and the accused was apprehended based on CCTV footage and technical surveillance while attempting to sell the stolen goods.

Uttarakhand Gurdwara standoff ends peacefully, Nihangs vacate premises

Uttarakhand Gurdwara standoff ends peacefully, Nihangs vacate premises

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

A nearly 72-hour standoff at the Nagarasu gurdwara in Uttarakhand's Rudraprayag ended on Tuesday evening as a group of Nihangs holed up at the shrine vacated the premises after talks with a delegation from Punjab, officials said.

My brother BJP spokesperson, discloses judge in Mamata poll plea

My brother BJP spokesperson, discloses judge in Mamata poll plea

Rediff.com23 Jun 2026

A Calcutta High Court judge, Gaurang Kant, disclosed that his elder brother is a national spokesperson for the BJP while hearing Mamata Banerjee's petition challenging the Bhabanipur assembly seat poll result. Despite the disclosure, Banerjee's lawyer expressed full confidence in the judge.

Targeted Killings Claim Lives Of Two Pakistan Police Officers

Targeted Killings Claim Lives Of Two Pakistan Police Officers

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Two police personnel were killed in separate targeted attacks in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The incidents occurred in Bannu district, a region experiencing a surge in militant violence, prompting investigations and search operations by authorities.

Tirupati's Balaji Set to Arrive in North East India

Tirupati's Balaji Set to Arrive in North East India

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has acquired a 10 acre plot in Assam, paving the way for construction of the first Sri Venkateswara temple in North East India.

Seven Indian workers killed as minibus hits truck in Dubai

Seven Indian workers killed as minibus hits truck in Dubai

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A tragic road accident in Dubai involving a minibus and a truck has resulted in the deaths of seven Indian workers and injuries to nine others. The Indian Consulate is providing assistance, and Dubai Police are investigating the cause, which appears to be a technical fault in the truck and the bus driver's failure to maintain a safe distance.

Supreme Court to address Parsi woman's plea on religious identity after inter-faith marriage

Supreme Court to address Parsi woman's plea on religious identity after inter-faith marriage

Rediff.com25 May 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea on May 29 seeking a direction to the Nagpur Parsi Panchayat to treat a Parsi woman equally with her male counterparts, even after she marries a person of another faith, challenging a rule that allegedly strips Parsi women of their religious identity upon inter-faith marriage.

West Bengal govt mandates Vande Mataram in madrassas

West Bengal govt mandates Vande Mataram in madrassas

Rediff.com22 May 2026

The West Bengal government has mandated the singing of 'Vande Mataram' at assembly prayers in all madrassas with immediate effect. This decision follows a similar directive for all schools in the state and aims to bring uniformity in assembly practices across institutions.

Ex-CBFC Chief Pahlaj Nihalani Passes Away

Ex-CBFC Chief Pahlaj Nihalani Passes Away

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Producer and former Central Board of Film Certification chairman Pahlaj Nihalani was known for backing several commercially successful entertainers and his controversial tenure at the CBFC.

Forgery probe: HC grants interim protection to Abhishek Banerjee

Forgery probe: HC grants interim protection to Abhishek Banerjee

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

The Calcutta High Court has granted interim protection to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee for three weeks in a signature forgery case related to the appointment of the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal assembly. Banerjee was directed to appear before the CID for questioning, which he complied with. The case involves allegations by rebel TMC MLAs that their signatures were forged on a party resolution, prompting a CID investigation.

Man Accused Of Religious Conversion Assaulted, Arrested In Alwar

Man Accused Of Religious Conversion Assaulted, Arrested In Alwar

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

A man in Alwar, Rajasthan, accused of religious conversion activities, was arrested after being allegedly assaulted by members of a right-wing organisation. Police are investigating both the alleged conversion and the assault, with religious literature and a video of the incident being examined as evidence.

Hindu groups hold victory celebration at Bhojshala

Hindu groups hold victory celebration at Bhojshala

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Hindu groups organised a 'victory celebration' at the historic Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district after the ASI granted the community unrestricted access to the monument for worship.

Shahjahanpur Encounter: Two Chain Snatchers, Police Constable Injured In Firing

Shahjahanpur Encounter: Two Chain Snatchers, Police Constable Injured In Firing

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

Two alleged chain snatchers from Uttarakhand and a police constable were injured in an exchange of fire in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The suspects, wanted for a May 25 chain-snatching incident, were apprehended after a police chase and retaliatory firing, subsequently confessing to the crime.