News for 'hindu festivals'

'Gol topis didn't vote for us': Maha minister sparks row

'Gol topis didn't vote for us': Maha minister sparks row

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane has sparked controversy by claiming that Muslims did not vote for the BJP-led government and warning against disrespecting Hindu deities. His remarks follow tensions over alleged desecration of a Durga idol and previous controversial statements about Muslim voters.

Udupi temple bars non-Hindu traders during festival

Udupi temple bars non-Hindu traders during festival

Rediff.com23 Mar 2022

The Maari Gudi temple management at Kapu town in Udupi district of coastal Karnataka has decided not to allow 'people from other faith' to do business on its land during the annual temple festival on the request of certain pro-Hindu organisations.

'I Love Muhammad' campaign: Cleric among 39 held after violence

'I Love Muhammad' campaign: Cleric among 39 held after violence

Rediff.com27 Sep 2025

In a major crackdown, police arrested 39 people, including local cleric Tauqeer Raza Khan, in connection with the violence during the 'I love Muhammad' campaign after Friday prayers in Bareilly, while authorities suspended internet service in the district for 48 hours beginning Saturday.

HOLI HAI! India Celebrates Festival Of Colour

HOLI HAI! India Celebrates Festival Of Colour

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Holi, the festival of colours, was celebrated across India with traditional fanfare and gaiety.

Tirupati temple board removes 18 non-Hindu employees

Tirupati temple board removes 18 non-Hindu employees

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the custodian of Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple, has barred 18 employees from participating in all religious activities for allegedly partaking in non-Hindu activities. The decision has been defended by the Andhra Pradesh government, citing the need to protect the religious sentiments of Hindu devotees. The move has sparked debate, with some supporting the TTD's stance and others criticizing it as discriminatory.

Travails Of A Hindu School in Meghalaya

Travails Of A Hindu School in Meghalaya

Rediff.com29 Jan 2025

A state government that came to power after swearing to protect all people without discrimination refused to help a non-Christian organisation till the high court rapped it on its knuckles, observes former BJP MP Tarun Vijay, former Chief Editor, Panchjanya, the RSS weekly.

SC to hear plea on Banu Mushtaq inaugurating Mysuru Dasara

SC to hear plea on Banu Mushtaq inaugurating Mysuru Dasara

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging the Karnataka government's decision to invite International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara this year. The controversy stems from allegations that Mushtaq made statements in the past that are perceived by some as "anti-Hindu" and "anti-Kannada".

SC rejects plea against Dasara invitation to Banu Mushtaq

SC rejects plea against Dasara invitation to Banu Mushtaq

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea challenging the Karnataka government's decision to invite International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara this year.

Nitin Nabin Was 7 Weeks Old When BJP Was Formed In 1980

Nitin Nabin Was 7 Weeks Old When BJP Was Formed In 1980

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

BJP sources said the formal process to elect current party President J P Nadda's successor will begin in mid-January, following Makar Sankranti, with Nitin Nabin expected to be the frontrunner to file his nomination.

PIX: First look of Lalbaugcha Raja unveiled

PIX: First look of Lalbaugcha Raja unveiled

Rediff.com24 Aug 2025

The first look of Mumbai's famous Lalbaugcha Raja was unveiled on Sunday evening, days ahead of the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

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.

Police conduct flag march in Cuttack ahead of mass prayer

Police conduct flag march in Cuttack ahead of mass prayer

Rediff.com10 Oct 2025

Odisha Police conducted a flag march in sensitive areas of Cuttack ahead of a mass prayer, warning against spreading rumors on social media and threatening strict action, including sedition charges, against those disrupting communal harmony.

Kashi Dazzles With Over 2,600,000 Diyas

Kashi Dazzles With Over 2,600,000 Diyas

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Once a quiet riverside ritual, Dev Deepawali has evolved into UP's largest soft-power spectacle -- merging faith, art, enterprise into a global cultural brand that reflects state's growing confidence.

VHP Doesn't Want Poonam Pandey In Ram Leela

VHP Doesn't Want Poonam Pandey In Ram Leela

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has strongly protested about the controversial model-actress Poonam Pandey portraying Ravana's wife Mandodari in Delhi's UNESCO-endorsed Ram Leela.

Deepika, Bhumi Go Royal With Blue

Deepika, Bhumi Go Royal With Blue

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

Day three of Navratri is marked by Royal Blue, whichsignifies richness and royalty.

HC dismisses pleas against Dasara invite to Banu Mushtaq

HC dismisses pleas against Dasara invite to Banu Mushtaq

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

The Karnataka High Court dismissed petitions challenging the state government's decision to invite International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the 'Mysuru Dasara' festivities this year, following objections from some groups.

T'gana allows early leave for Muslim staffers during Ramzan; BJP slams move

T'gana allows early leave for Muslim staffers during Ramzan; BJP slams move

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

The Telangana government has issued a circular allowing Muslim employees to leave offices an hour early during the holy month of Ramzan. The move has been criticized by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which termed it "appeasement politics". The BJP questioned why similar measures are not extended during Hindu festivals. The ruling Congress party defended the decision, stating that such facilities are provided during various festivals and are not unique to Ramzan.

More than 200 booked for Hazaribag religious clash

More than 200 booked for Hazaribag religious clash

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

An FIR has been lodged against 10 named and 200 unidentified individuals in connection with a clash and stone-pelting incident during a religious procession in Jharkhand's Hazaribag. The clash, involving two communities, broke out over the playing of an objectionable song. Police fired two rounds into the air to control the situation. The incident led to uproarious scenes in the Jharkhand Assembly with BJP MLAs demanding action against the perpetrators.

NSE to conduct 1-hr Diwali Muhurat trading on Oct 21

NSE to conduct 1-hr Diwali Muhurat trading on Oct 21

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) on Monday said it will conduct a special Muhurat trading session on Tuesday, October 21, to mark the festival of Diwali.

BJP protests Muslim Booker winner inaugurating Mysuru Dasara

BJP protests Muslim Booker winner inaugurating Mysuru Dasara

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

Senior BJP leaders and an expelled MLA have questioned the Karnataka government's decision to have author Banu Mushtaq inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara festivities, citing concerns about her faith and its appropriateness for a religious ceremony.

'He said, 'I'm Hindu'. They shot him'

'He said, 'I'm Hindu'. They shot him'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: Dombivli families shattered in grief and grit. Demand dignity, justice and answers to unanswered questions.

BJP leader moves HC against Dasara invite to Banu Mushtaq

BJP leader moves HC against Dasara invite to Banu Mushtaq

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Prathap Simha moved the Karnataka high court on Saturday seeking a stay on the state government's invitation to International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year's 'Mysuru Dasara'.

Why the RSS was banned thrice in 100 years

Why the RSS was banned thrice in 100 years

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

A timeline of key events that shaped the RSS' journey, including the various highs and lows, as the organization approaches its 100th anniversary.

Smallcaps Face Their Toughest Samvat Yet

Smallcaps Face Their Toughest Samvat Yet

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

'Defence, capital goods, engineering, capital market-related stocks, autos, and cement sectors are my bullish bets for Samvat 2082.'

Facing flak, Shivakumar decides to keep mum

Facing flak, Shivakumar decides to keep mum

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has decided to remain silent and direct all inquiries to party spokespersons following criticism over various issues, including his singing of the RSS anthem and remarks about the Chamundeswari hill.

From modest start to mass movement, RSS turns 100

From modest start to mass movement, RSS turns 100

Rediff.com1 Oct 2025

From a modest start with baithaks of a handful of swayamsevaks in a small town in Nagpur, the RSS, which completes 100 years of its foundation on Thursday, has come a long way to become the world's biggest voluntary organisation with a pan-India presence, shaping the country's political and social discourse.

Wadiyars, Shivakumar in war of words over Chamundi Hill ownership

Wadiyars, Shivakumar in war of words over Chamundi Hill ownership

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

A controversy has erupted in Mysuru over the ownership of Chamundi Hill, home to the Chamundeshwari Temple, ahead of the Dasara festival. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family criticized Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's statement that the hill is not the property of Hindus alone, leading to a heated exchange and raising questions about the nature of the upcoming Dasara celebrations.

Mumbai's Favourite God Arrives

Mumbai's Favourite God Arrives

Rediff.com26 Aug 2024

Some more glimpses of Lord Ganesha as The God Of New Beginnings arrives in different localities of Mumbai.

Odisha's Raja Parba: Honouring Womanhood

Odisha's Raja Parba: Honouring Womanhood

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

The Raja Parba or Raja festival celebrates the enduring spirit of womanhood.

Jarange on way to Mumbai, agrees to meet govt delegation

Jarange on way to Mumbai, agrees to meet govt delegation

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Maratha quota movement leader Manoj Jarange is heading to Mumbai to launch a fresh hunger strike, demanding reservation for the Maratha community under the OBC category. He has agreed to meet a government delegation near Pune en route.

Non-veg, booze at British PM's Diwali reception, Hindus object

Non-veg, booze at British PM's Diwali reception, Hindus object

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

Some British Hindus have taken to social media to voice their objections over a lack of proper consultation ahead of a Diwali reception hosted by Prime Minister Keir Stramer at 10 Downing Street in London, where reportedly non-vegetarian snacks and alcohol were included on the menu.

Why was Deepa Bhasthi sidelined for Dasara inauguration? BJP to Sidda

Why was Deepa Bhasthi sidelined for Dasara inauguration? BJP to Sidda

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra questions the Congress government's decision to exclude Deepa Bhasthi, co-winner of the International Booker Prize, from inaugurating the Mysuru Dasara 2025.

Nitish govt under fire over 'reduction in Hindu holidays' in Bihar schools

Nitish govt under fire over 'reduction in Hindu holidays' in Bihar schools

Rediff.com28 Nov 2023

Holidays on Ram Navami and Janmashtami, associated with the most popular of Hindu deities Lord Rama and Lord Krishna respectively, have been done away with and on the other hand, the number of days requiring schools to remain shut for Muslim festivals has been increased, Modi alleged.

'Mass Hindu migration from B'desh unlikely at present'

'Mass Hindu migration from B'desh unlikely at present'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2024

Nobel laureate economist Abhijit Banerjee has said the current situation in Bangladesh is unlikely to trigger a fresh round of exodus of minority Hindus into India. He believes that migration is primarily driven by social networks and economic opportunities rather than persecution. Banerjee, known for his work in poverty alleviation, further emphasized that India's overt preference for Hindu migrants from Bangladesh in the past has been a significant factor in their migration, rather than attacks on the community.

Merry Christmas to only those who respect all Indian festivals: Kangana

Merry Christmas to only those who respect all Indian festivals: Kangana

Rediff.com25 Dec 2020

The 'Queen' actor took to Instagram to share three pictures, including one with her nephew Prithvi while posing along the Christmas tree.

UK PM's office apologises for Diwali reception menu

UK PM's office apologises for Diwali reception menu

Rediff.com15 Nov 2024

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office on Friday apologised for a 'mistake' in the organisation of its Diwali reception at 10 Downing Street after some British Hindus objected to non-vegetarian food and alcohol being served at the gathering.

Eliminate online betting, gambling apps, YSRCP MP urges govt

Eliminate online betting, gambling apps, YSRCP MP urges govt

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A strong demand was made in the Lok Sabha to eliminate online betting and gambling applications. YSRCP member Maddila Gurumoorthy urged the government to set up a dedicated task force to take action against betting and gambling apps. He also asked the government to draft regulations for such applications and launch awareness campaigns about the dangers of online betting. Other issues raised included deposit insurance coverage for bank depositors, representation of Scheduled Castes in the Kerala government, challenges faced by nurses, and the need for paramilitary forces in Jharkhand during upcoming Hindu festivals.

Communal unrest grips Maha, state sees 823 incidents since Jan

Communal unrest grips Maha, state sees 823 incidents since Jan

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Maharashtra has witnessed 823 incidents of communal unrest since January this year, with demands for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb and the spread of distorted facts on social media fomenting fresh trouble. Districts like Nandurbar, Pune (Rural), Ratnagiri, Sangli, Beed, and Satara have seen communal unrest in recent days due to right-wing organizations' demands for the demolition of the Mughal emperor's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The state witnessed 4,836 Hindu-Muslim related communal crimes in 2024, with 170 incidents classified as cognisable and 3,106 as non-cognisable cases. The violence in Nagpur, triggered by protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, highlights the role of social media in spreading inflammatory content and instigating people. While the state has taken measures to curb the spread of misinformation, concerns remain over the impact on communities and the need for promoting peace and understanding.

Embrace principle of 'one temple, one well': Bhagwat to Hindus

Embrace principle of 'one temple, one well': Bhagwat to Hindus

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has called for social harmony within the Hindu community, urging them to embrace the principle of "one temple, one well, and one cremation ground" for all. Bhagwat, on a five-day visit to Aligarh, emphasized the importance of achieving true social unity for India to fulfill its global responsibility for peace. He also stressed the significance of "sanskar (values)" as the bedrock of Hindu society, encouraging members to reach out to all sections of society and strengthen the foundations of nationalism and social cohesion.

Op Sindoor takes centre stage at Red Fort on I-Day

Op Sindoor takes centre stage at Red Fort on I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

The bilingual -- Hindi and English -- invitation cards for I-Day anniversary celebrations carry this image on the top right corner of the invite, while the silhouetted image of the Chenab bridge, the world's tallest railway arch bridge, sits at the lower side of the cards, which have largely being issued online via 'Aamantran' website of the Ministry of Defence.