News for 'holi'

Shami is a criminal: Barelvi cleric

Shami is a criminal: Barelvi cleric

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

'It is the responsibility of all Muslims to follow the rules of Shariat. Fasting is obligatory in Islam. If a person does not keep a fast intentionally, he is considered a sinner according to Islamic law.'

Maha Kumbh ended on...: Shankaracharya slams 'Sarkari Kumbh'

Maha Kumbh ended on...: Shankaracharya slams 'Sarkari Kumbh'

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

"The Maha Kumbh had already passed on Purnima. What is currently happening is the 'Sarkari Kumbh. The real Kumbh takes place in the month of Magh. The full moon of the Magh month had passed, and all the 'Kalpavasi' who were at the Kumbh had already left after the Purnima of Magh month," Shankaracharya said.

What's Dalai Lama Praying For?

What's Dalai Lama Praying For?

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

The Dalai Lama offered prayers for victims of the powerful earthquake that claimed more than 120 lives.

Alia, Nushrratt, Pooja's Favourite Holi Party Colours

Alia, Nushrratt, Pooja's Favourite Holi Party Colours

Rediff.com6 Mar 2023

The only thing that works on Holi is the right colour.

Kerala priests oppose papal edict on uniform holy mass

Kerala priests oppose papal edict on uniform holy mass

Rediff.com18 Aug 2023

Over 300 priests of the Ernakulam-Angamaly archdiocese of the Syro-Malabar Church on Friday said they cannot accept the warning issued by the papal representative to celebrate Holy Mass in a uniform manner as prescribed by the synod or face consequences -- as it goes against their conscience.

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.

Situation in Nagpur completely peaceful, no tension anywhere: Fadnavis

Situation in Nagpur completely peaceful, no tension anywhere: Fadnavis

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

Curfew has been lifted in Nagpur after six days of violence that rocked the city. The situation is now peaceful, according to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The violence, which began on March 17, was sparked by rumors that a "chadar" with holy inscriptions was burned during protests by the VHP and Bajrang Dal demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's tomb. The police have arrested more than 100 people in connection with the violence.

Thiruvananthapuram airport to shut for 4 hours for temple procession

Thiruvananthapuram airport to shut for 4 hours for temple procession

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will be closed for over four hours on April 11 to facilitate the "Painkuni Arattu" procession of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The procession, which involves taking the temple idols to Shangumugham Beach for a ritual bath, crosses the airport runway. The airport will be closed from 4.45 pm to 9 pm on April 11. This tradition dates back centuries and continues even after the airport's establishment in 1932. Flights will be rescheduled during this period.

Siraj performs Umrah at Mecca

Siraj performs Umrah at Mecca

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

He posted a picture on X and captioned it 'ALHAMDULILAH'.

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.

A Father-Son's Pilgrimage To The Maha Kumbh

A Father-Son's Pilgrimage To The Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

'As I entered the water at the Sangam, my son held my hand, offering support.' 'It was a powerful moment of connection not only to the Divine but also to my son, reinforcing his role as a pillar of support in my life,' says Arun Khanna.

I won't call it Maha Kumbh, it is 'mrityu kumbh': Mamata

I won't call it Maha Kumbh, it is 'mrityu kumbh': Mamata

Rediff.com19 Feb 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has slammed the Maha Kumbh as a "Mrityu Kumbh" (Death Kumbh), accusing the Uttar Pradesh government of suppressing the actual toll in the stampede that occurred at the religious gathering. Banerjee also criticized the lack of planning and management at the event, highlighting the plight of Bengal residents who died in the stampede. The BJP, however, has condemned Banerjee's remarks, calling her an "anti-Hindu chief minister" and accusing her of political opportunism.

Bangladeshi man's links to Nagpur violence being probed

Bangladeshi man's links to Nagpur violence being probed

Rediff.com28 Mar 2025

A Bangladeshi national, Azizul Nizanul Rahman, was arrested in Mumbai for staying illegally in India. Police are investigating if he was involved in the March 17 violence in Nagpur. Rahman, a daily wage labourer, admitted to obtaining an Aadhaar card using forged documents. Police are analyzing his mobile phone location and have shared information with Nagpur authorities.

'The Maha Kumbh Was A Splendid Spiritual Journey'

'The Maha Kumbh Was A Splendid Spiritual Journey'

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

'When we finally immersed ourselves in the sacred waters, remembering Ganga Maa and Lord Mahadev, we felt a profound sense of accomplishment,' says Satish V.

Jorhat, Assam's Hidden Jewel

Jorhat, Assam's Hidden Jewel

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Jorhat has many attraction to offer for the discerning and offbeat traveller.

Trump's AI image dressed as Pope sparks outrage

Trump's AI image dressed as Pope sparks outrage

Rediff.com3 May 2025

US President Donald Trump has posted a seemingly AI-generated photo of himself in papal attire on his social media, sparking a dueling backlash and praise. The image, which was also posted from the White House's social media handle, prompted many social media users to call it "cosplaying as the next Pope." The photo comes days after Trump had jokingly said last week that he would be his own "number one choice" for the next pope. The president posted the picture at 10:29 pm Friday, without a caption or comment. The post immediately garnered positive and negative reaction online.

Swiggy takes down Holi billboard after backlash

Swiggy takes down Holi billboard after backlash

Rediff.com7 Mar 2023

Soon after the ad was put up, several people tweeted with the hashtag "HinduphobicSwiggy", urging people to boycott the food and grocery delivery service provider.

Box Office: The Diplomat Does Reasonably Well

Box Office: The Diplomat Does Reasonably Well

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Last week's release, John Abraham's The Diplomat, has surprised everyone by attracting fair footfalls.

Rohit Escapes to Paradise After Champions Trophy Win

Rohit Escapes to Paradise After Champions Trophy Win

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

Rohit Sharma has hit pause on the cricketing chaos for a well-earned family escape to the Maldives.

Shimla school drops Eid celebration plan after right-wing threat

Shimla school drops Eid celebration plan after right-wing threat

Rediff.com25 Mar 2025

A private school in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, withdrew its decision to ask students to wear "kurta-pajama" and bring special food for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations after it sparked a row with a local right-wing organization and some religious groups. The school said it was intended as a cultural learning experience and that participation was voluntary. The school also condemned attempts to misrepresent the event as religious propaganda and urged individuals to remove false and inflammatory messages on social media.

How Kohli, Rohit, SKY, Gill Celebrated Holi

How Kohli, Rohit, SKY, Gill Celebrated Holi

Rediff.com8 Mar 2023

Almost the entire Indian team was seen drenched in colours

The Holy Waterfalls and the Great Guru

The Holy Waterfalls and the Great Guru

Rediff.com31 Aug 2023

It is on the exact spot where the Guru is said to have created 108 waterfalls, that the Yangtse clash took place between the Indian Army and the Chinese PLA on the night of December 9, 2022. As it had done in Ladakh in May 2020, the PLA tried to change the unmarked LAC in the Yangtse sector in Arunachal Pradesh. It was the most serious border incident since the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, notes Claude Arpi.

Why John Abraham Met Jaishankar

Why John Abraham Met Jaishankar

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Dr Jaishankar meets up with movie star John Abraham, who plays J P Singh, currently India's ambassador to Israel, in The Diplomat.

WATCH: Tamannaah At The Maha Kumbh Mela

WATCH: Tamannaah At The Maha Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

Tamannaah Bhatia, Sonali Bendre, Tinaa Datta and Manasi Parekh take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam.

The World Mourns Pope Francis

The World Mourns Pope Francis

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 in Rome on Monday, April 21, less than a day after delivering a brief Easter Sunday message in St Peter's Basilica, is remembered as a spiritual leader whose life and final moments were deeply intertwined with prayer and devotion.

14 more held for Nagpur violence, total arrests 105

14 more held for Nagpur violence, total arrests 105

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Fourteen persons were arrested on Friday in connection with the violence in Nagpur earlier this week, taking the total number those held so far to 105, a senior police official said. Those held include 10 juveniles, as per police. Three more FIRs have been registered in connection with the incident, he added. Large-scale stone pelting and arson was reported in several parts of Nagpur on March 17 over rumours that a chadar' with holy inscriptions was burnt during protests led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) seeking the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, which is in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. "The 14 accused have been arrested from different parts of the city in connection with the riots. Three more FIRs have been registered related to the riots," Nagpur police commissioner Ravinder Kumar Singhal said. The decision on lifting curfew from some parts of the city will be taken after a high-level review meeting, he added. Singhal, meanwhile, held a meeting at Police Bhavan in Civil Lines here to take stock of the situation. Thirty-three police personnel including three Deputy Commissioner of Police-rank officers were injured during the violence. Key accused Fahim Khan is among those booked for sedition.

Protest Against Aurangzeb's Tomb Turns Violent In Nagpur

Protest Against Aurangzeb's Tomb Turns Violent In Nagpur

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

Violence erupted in central Nagpur on Monday with stones hurled at police amid rumours that the holy book of a community was burnt during an agitation by a right-wing body for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, officials said.

Katrina Goes On Holiday

Katrina Goes On Holiday

Rediff.com1 Mar 2025

The Mayrlife Altaussee is a medical health resort, which aims to provide recovery, relaxation and health.

UP man fakes kidnapping for cash, dad pays for bail

UP man fakes kidnapping for cash, dad pays for bail

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

A 28-year-old man was arrested in Pune, Maharashtra for faking his own abduction to extort money from his father. Pradeep Chauhan sent a message to his father claiming he had been kidnapped and then switched off his phone. His father, Rama Shankar Chauhan, reported the matter to the police, who traced Pradeep's location to Pune. Pradeep admitted to faking the kidnapping and was arrested. He was granted bail after his father pleaded for his release.

Orry, others booked for drinking near Vaishno Devi shrine

Orry, others booked for drinking near Vaishno Devi shrine

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Social media influencer Orhan Awatramani, known as Orry, and seven others were booked for allegedly consuming alcohol at a hotel in Katra, the base camp for the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The FIR was registered for violating the law and hurting religious sentiments. The hotel reportedly prohibits alcohol and non-vegetarian food due to its proximity to the shrine.

After Nagpur violence, RSS says Aurangzeb not relevant

After Nagpur violence, RSS says Aurangzeb not relevant

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

'Any type of violence is not good for the health of the society and I think police have taken cognizance of it and so they will get into the details'

Did Shami Take A Dip In The Sangam, As Yogi said?

Did Shami Take A Dip In The Sangam, As Yogi said?

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

Neither Mohammed Shami nor Mohammed Kaif traveled to the Maha Kumbh Mela.

Srinagar Celebrates Christmas!

Srinagar Celebrates Christmas!

Rediff.com25 Dec 2024

Glimpses of Christmas being celebrated in Srinagar.

Vijay Deverakonda At Maha Kumbh Mela

Vijay Deverakonda At Maha Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com18 Feb 2025

Vijay Deverakonda joins the long list of film folk, who headed to the Maha Kumbh Mela to take a dip in the holy water.

Pope Francis passes away hours after delivering Easter message

Pope Francis passes away hours after delivering Easter message

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Pope Francis has died, the Vatican said on Monday. The Pope passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, according to a statement from the Vatican.

Goa Crime Branch Arrests 34 in IPL Betting Racket

Goa Crime Branch Arrests 34 in IPL Betting Racket

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Assets Worth Rs 40 Lakh Seized

Modi calls Maha Kumbh 'Maha Yagya of unity', hails UP govt

Modi calls Maha Kumbh 'Maha Yagya of unity', hails UP govt

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government has said that over 65 crore people visited the sacred site in Prayagraj since the Maha Kumbh began on January 13.

Maha Kumbh: 2 cr take 'Amrit Snan'; no rush for Sangam Nose

Maha Kumbh: 2 cr take 'Amrit Snan'; no rush for Sangam Nose

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

The Maha Kumbh witnessed its third grand 'Amrit Snan' on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees from across the globe, all seeking spiritual liberation through the sacred dip, which was going on smoothly, officials said.

Malegaon trial ends 17 yrs after blast, verdict on May 8

Malegaon trial ends 17 yrs after blast, verdict on May 8

Rediff.com19 Apr 2025

A special court in India has reserved its verdict in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, which killed six people and injured over 100. The trial began nearly 17 years after the bombing in the town of Malegaon, located in Maharashtra. The prosecution concluded its final arguments on Saturday, marking the end of the hearings. Seven individuals, including Lieutenant Colonel Prasad Purohit and BJP leader Pragya Thakur, are facing charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The verdict is expected to be delivered on May 8th.

For 50 yrs, this Hindu family is waking up Muslims in Ramzan

For 50 yrs, this Hindu family is waking up Muslims in Ramzan

Rediff.com19 Mar 2025

For the past 50 years, the Hindu family of Gulab Yadav has been ensuring that Muslims in the village wake up on time for 'Sehri', the pre-dawn meal consumed before fasting during Ramzan.