News for 'national prayers'

Gambhir Offers Prayers At Kamakhya Temple

Gambhir Offers Prayers At Kamakhya Temple

Rediff.com30 Sep 2026

Gautam Gambhir visited Guwahati's Kamakhya temple before meeting selectors to discuss India's New Zealand tour squads, as the team prepared to seal the ODI series against West Indies.

India Unites In Prayer For Hero Pilot Smit Machchhar

India Unites In Prayer For Hero Pilot Smit Machchhar

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

BJP leaders and devotees across India are performing pujas and havans for the speedy recovery of Captain Smit Machchhar, who was stabbed while thwarting an alleged attempt to crash a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. Temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Kedarnath, and Somnath are holding special rituals, honouring his courage in saving 174 lives.

Suicide blast at Pakistan mosque during Friday prayers claims 16 lives

Suicide blast at Pakistan mosque during Friday prayers claims 16 lives

Rediff.com18 Sep 2026

A powerful suicide blast during Friday prayers at a mosque near police lines in Kohat, northwest Pakistan, killed at least 16 people, including police personnel and civilians, and injured dozens. A militant group, Ittehad-ul-Mujahideen Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack, which involved an explosives-laden vehicle and an exchange of fire.

Prayers, a perfect 10 and historic gold: Kumkum Mohod's golden day

Prayers, a perfect 10 and historic gold: Kumkum Mohod's golden day

Rediff.com4 Oct 2026

Kumkum Mohod, a 17-year-old from Amravati, has won India's first-ever women's individual recurve archery gold at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Her victory sparked celebrations in her hometown, with her family expressing immense pride and her father hoping for an Olympic gold. Kumkum also secured two other medals at the games.

Jantar Mantar de-notified as protest site after SC order: Delhi police to HC

Jantar Mantar de-notified as protest site after SC order: Delhi police to HC

Rediff.com13 Oct 2026

The Delhi Police informed the High Court that Jantar Mantar was denotified as a protest site based on Supreme Court directions, a revelation made during a hearing on a plea by the Indian Youth Congress seeking protest permission. The court issued notice on the IYC's request for reconsideration and broader issues concerning protest regulation, while new sites have been designated.

Gujarat to honour flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for heroic act

Gujarat to honour flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar for heroic act

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

The Gujarat government announced that Indian pilot Smit Machchhar will be awarded the 'Visisht Gujarat Garima Award' for his extraordinary bravery. Machchhar thwarted his co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a Flydubai flight, saving 174 lives despite being stabbed. He is currently receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia, and special prayers for his recovery have been organised at the Somnath temple.

Indian killed in Houthi attack on Saudi oilfield; New Delhi slams strikes

Indian killed in Houthi attack on Saudi oilfield; New Delhi slams strikes

Rediff.com2 days ago

An Indian national was killed and two others were injured in an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. This incident follows another attack on the Shaybah oilfield where an Indian was also injured, amidst escalating strikes by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saudi infrastructure.

'All three medals are for the army': Neeru Dhanda

'All three medals are for the army': Neeru Dhanda

Rediff.com12 Oct 2026

Indian trap shooter Neeru Dhanda, a Naib Subedar in the Indian Army, won three medals (two gold, one silver) at the 2026 Asian Games, including India's first individual Asian Games gold in women's trap shooting. She dedicated her medals to the Indian Army and its soldiers. Fellow Army Havildar Kamaljeet also secured a gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event and expressed gratitude to the Army, with both athletes now targeting upcoming World Championships and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Did Gandhiji's use of 'Ram Rajya' put off Muslims?

Did Gandhiji's use of 'Ram Rajya' put off Muslims?

Rediff.com9 Oct 2026

Historian Ramachandra Guha, at the launch of his book "Arguments with Gandhi", discussed Mahatma Gandhi's use of "Ram Rajya", acknowledging it could be "off-putting to Muslims" despite Gandhi's interfaith practice. Guha highlighted Gandhi's pluralistic approach, his efforts to protect minorities after Partition, and his contributions to the anti-untouchability campaign, often overlooked in contemporary discourse. The book also examines Gandhi's disagreements with figures like Ambedkar, Savarkar, Nehru, and Bhagat Singh.

15 killed as speeding truck ploughs into devotees near MP temple

15 killed as speeding truck ploughs into devotees near MP temple

Rediff.com6 days ago

At least 14 persons were killed and several others injured after an out-of-control truck ran over devotees gathered near the Sheetla Mata Temple in Madhya Pradesh's Gwalior late on Saturday night, breaking through a police checkpoint and damaging the temple's gate and outer wall.

SEE: US Ambassador Sergio Gor visits Lalbaugcha Raja

SEE: US Ambassador Sergio Gor visits Lalbaugcha Raja

Rediff.com15 Sep 2026

Political leaders and dignitaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor, joined devotees across the country in celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with traditional fervour, offering prayers and seeking blessings.

INDIA bloc's SC march: Nobody can browbeat judiciary, says CJI

INDIA bloc's SC march: Nobody can browbeat judiciary, says CJI

Rediff.com15 Oct 2026

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant asserted that the judiciary cannot be browbeaten, during a hearing on a plea against a political march to the Supreme Court by Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders on October 12. The plea alleges an attempt to obstruct the judicial system and seeks a ban on political demonstrations within court premises. The court has issued notices to the leaders and ordered the preservation of CCTV footage from the incident.

'There will never be a Durga Puja in our lives again'

'There will never be a Durga Puja in our lives again'

Rediff.com7 days ago

Families of the 19 victims of the Kolkata Durga Puja stampede are grappling with immense grief, unable to partake in the festivities. Many recount the tragic night, highlighting alleged lapses in crowd control and inadequate police presence at the Chorbagan pandal. Survivors share harrowing experiences of losing loved ones in the crush.

Top BJP leaders visit temples on Modi's 76th birthday

Top BJP leaders visit temples on Modi's 76th birthday

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday was celebrated with extensive programmes in Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency. Events included special prayers by 76 young priests, a milk 'abhishek' of the Ganga, and a significant 'Seva Sankalp' motorcycle journey from Varanasi to Vadnagar, Modi's birthplace, involving 500 participants. Several prominent political figures, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, participated in the celebrations, offering prayers for Modi's health and India's progress.

Queue of bulldozers to welcome BJP chief Nitin Nabin in UP

Queue of bulldozers to welcome BJP chief Nitin Nabin in UP

Rediff.com21 Sep 2026

BJP National President Nitin Nabin was welcomed by a fleet of brightly painted bulldozers at a Meerut toll plaza, marking the start of his significant two-day visit to Uttar Pradesh focused on Assembly election preparations, organisational meetings, and temple visits.

Archery Star Kumkum Mohod Scripts History With Asian Games Gold

Archery Star Kumkum Mohod Scripts History With Asian Games Gold

Rediff.com3 Oct 2026

Kumkum Mohod from Amravati, Maharashtra, has won India's first-ever women's individual recurve archery gold medal at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Her family and community are overjoyed, and her father expresses confidence in her future Olympic aspirations.

Asian Games: Champion boxer Lovlina's parents express immense pride

Asian Games: Champion boxer Lovlina's parents express immense pride

Rediff.com2 Oct 2026

Boxer Lovlina Borgohain's parents expressed immense joy and pride after their daughter clinched a gold medal at the Asian Games. They highlighted her hard work and dedication, noting her long-standing goal to upgrade her previous silver to gold. The family also shared Lovlina's future aspirations, including an Olympic gold and upcoming world championships.

SC directs Centre to formulate national SOP for Kanwar Yatra safety

SC directs Centre to formulate national SOP for Kanwar Yatra safety

Rediff.com4 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Centre and several states on a plea demanding a comprehensive national Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the safe and orderly conduct of the annual Kanwar Yatra, including inter-state coordination and effective traffic management.

Hindu priest to offer prayers at Trump's national prayer service

Hindu priest to offer prayers at Trump's national prayer service

Rediff.com20 Jan 2017

This is probably the first time a Hindu priest has been called for services at the national prayer service of the presidential inauguration.

Obama hosts National Prayer breakfast

Obama hosts National Prayer breakfast

Rediff.com5 Feb 2009

American President Barack Obama along with representatives Heath Shuler and Vernon Ehlers hosted the the National Prayer breakfast in Washington. Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was among the guests at the meeting.

Happy 76th, Modi,ji!

Happy 76th, Modi,ji!

Rediff.com17 Sep 2026

From a milk abhishek and aarti in Patna and Vadnagar to blood donation camps in Delhi, sand art tributes in Puri and Agartala, and havan pujas in Jammu, BJP leaders and others nationwide honoured the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 76th birthday with prayers, service drives and tributes.

Bollywood Salutes Nana Patekar: 'A Legend Moves On'

Bollywood Salutes Nana Patekar: 'A Legend Moves On'

Rediff.com8 Oct 2026

That voice, that intensity, that honesty in every performance he was completely his own. Nana Patekar was truly one of a kind.'

Why Are Tibetans Protesting?

Why Are Tibetans Protesting?

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Tibetan communities across New Delhi, Kolkata and Shimla marked the 49th day since activist Lobsang Palden, also known as Lobga Rangza, immolated himself outside the United Nations headquarters in New York on July 2, 2026, with prayer services and protests.

Asian Games Medal Haul Fuels Indian Wrestlers' Olympic Dreams

Asian Games Medal Haul Fuels Indian Wrestlers' Olympic Dreams

Rediff.com5 Oct 2026

Indian wrestlers secured a six-medal haul, including two golds, at the Asian Games in Nagoya, overcoming injuries and form slumps. Gold medallists Aman Sehrawat and Sujeet Kalkal, along with silver winners Nitesh Siwach and Antim Panghal, and bronze medallists Deepak Punia and Sunil Kumar, are now setting their sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, expressing determination to bring home more glory.

He was always most 'sorted out': Capt Machchhar's friend

He was always most 'sorted out': Capt Machchhar's friend

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian pilot, is being hailed as a hero for his quick thinking and bravery in preventing a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv from crashing, an act praised by both Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Indian PM Narendra Modi.

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Flyers recall how Capt Machchhar fought back despite stabbing

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

An Indian pilot and several passengers are being hailed as heroes after thwarting a co-pilot's alleged attempt to crash a flydubai flight en route to Tel Aviv. The incident involved a mid-air struggle, a rapid descent, and an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, with international leaders praising the bravery that saved 174 lives.

Nepal's Hindu Rashtra Debate

Nepal's Hindu Rashtra Debate

Rediff.com14 Sep 2026

Nepal's Hindu groups have sought an all-party discussion on restoring Hindu-nation status within three months.

Dhol, Dulhan, Daayan: Get Ready For Yami's Nayyi Navelli

Dhol, Dulhan, Daayan: Get Ready For Yami's Nayyi Navelli

Rediff.com1 Oct 2026

Yami Gautam turns Nayyi Navelli into a colourful supernatural ride, but the film's lavish trailer launch may have been even more dramatic than its trailer.

Eid prayers to be held in mosques, Eidgahs in UP; multiple shifts likely

Eid prayers to be held in mosques, Eidgahs in UP; multiple shifts likely

Rediff.com21 May 2026

Amid a debate triggered by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's recent remarks on offering namaz in public places, several Muslim clerics have said that Eid-ul-Azha prayers would be offered inside mosques and Eidgahs as in previous years, and, if required, arrangements could be made for multiple prayer shifts.

Sonam Wangchuk fears he might be killed in 'encounter'

Sonam Wangchuk fears he might be killed in 'encounter'

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has demanded the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, holding him responsible for the deaths of four people during protests in Leh last year. Speaking on the first anniversary of the violence, Wangchuk expressed fear for his life, alleging threats, and called for the judicial inquiry report into the incident to be made public. He criticised the use of automatic weapons against protesters and questioned the branding of local youth as "anti-national," linking the violence to unfulfilled promises regarding Ladakh's constitutional safeguards.

Fist fights in J-K Assembly as CM moves statehood resolution

Fist fights in J-K Assembly as CM moves statehood resolution

Rediff.com25 Sep 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah introduced a resolution in the assembly demanding the urgent restoration of full statehood for the union territory. The resolution, which referenced previous autonomy resolutions, led to intense protests and "ugly scenes" from opposition BJP members, resulting in the adjournment of the House. Abdullah highlighted the unfulfilled promise by the Government of India regarding statehood after delimitation and elections.

Delhi teen was raped at knifepoint, condom seized from park

Delhi teen was raped at knifepoint, condom seized from park

Rediff.com24 Sep 2026

A 17-year-old girl, allegedly raped by three men at Delhi's Aastha Kunj Park, bravely assisted investigators by leading them to the crime spots. Her detailed account and identification of the locations enabled forensic teams to collect crucial biological evidence, including a condom. Police subsequently identified and arrested the three accused, Asif, Hemant, and Mahesh, after scanning CCTV footage and using technical surveillance.

'They raped her on park benches, called their friends during assault'

'They raped her on park benches, called their friends during assault'

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

Police investigating the gangrape of a 17-year-old girl at Astha Kunj Park in New Delhi have revealed that the three accused followed the victim for nearly a kilometre before assaulting her at multiple secluded locations, coordinating their actions via phone calls. One accused, an advocate, was previously removed from a gym due to complaints about his behaviour. The probe also suggests the accused frequented the park and may have been involved in similar incidents, highlighting concerns about park security and lighting.

Three men posing as cops gang-rape girl in Delhi; trio held after encounter

Three men posing as cops gang-rape girl in Delhi; trio held after encounter

Rediff.com23 Sep 2026

A man identified as Asif, accused of gang-raping a 17-year-old girl near Kalkaji Mandir, has been arrested following a police encounter in southeast Delhi. Asif, one of three men who allegedly posed as policemen, fired at the police team before being shot in the leg during the exchange. The incident occurred in Astha Kunj Park, and police are now searching for the other two accused.

Adults can nominate queer partners for medical decisions, Centre tells HC

Adults can nominate queer partners for medical decisions, Centre tells HC

Rediff.com16 Sep 2026

The Centre has informed the Delhi High Court that adults, including those in non-heterosexual relationships, should be allowed to nominate partners for medical decision-making in cases of incapacity. This submission comes in response to a petition seeking recognition of same-sex partners as medical representatives, with the government stating this approach aligns with existing legal and ethical frameworks, respecting patient autonomy and ensuring continuity of care.

Five members of family among 12 from Bihar missing in Nepal floods

Five members of family among 12 from Bihar missing in Nepal floods

Rediff.com30 Aug 2026

At least 12 people from Bihar's East Champaran district, including five members of one family, are missing following devastating flash floods in Nepal. The disaster, which struck four days ago, has left hundreds of Indians and persons of Indian origin unaccounted for, with a significant death toll reported in Nepal.

Ram Temple trust's new CEO holds first meeting with members

Ram Temple trust's new CEO holds first meeting with members

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

Air Marshal (retd) Jeetendra Mishra has taken charge as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Ram temple trust in Ayodhya. He attended his inaugural meeting with trust members, where he was briefed on administrative and accounting functions. This appointment is part of a broader administrative overhaul following controversies over alleged embezzlement of temple donations.

'China's Biggest Threat Is Not America, But The Dalai Lama'

'China's Biggest Threat Is Not America, But The Dalai Lama'

Rediff.com3 Sep 2026

'I know China will implode. It is scientifically impossible for China to control a nation through the barrel of a gun.'

Why 2 MP temples celebrated Independence Day four days early

Why 2 MP temples celebrated Independence Day four days early

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

Two prominent temples in Madhya Pradesh, the Pashupatinath Temple in Mandsaur and the Bade Ganesh Temple in Ujjain, observed India's Independence Day on August 11, four days ahead of the national celebration. This unique tradition stems from their adherence to the Hindu calendar, specifically Shravan Krishna Chaturdashi, which corresponded to August 15, 1947, and fell on August 11 this year. Special rituals, flag hoisting, and a Tiranga Yatra marked the early celebrations.

Nepal floods trigger high alert in UP; Gandak, Rapti levels rise

Nepal floods trigger high alert in UP; Gandak, Rapti levels rise

Rediff.com27 Aug 2026

The administration has sounded a high alert in Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts of Uttar Pradesh, while stepping up the monitoring of the Gandak and other water bodies downstream of rivers in Nepal, following devastating flash floods in the neighbouring country that have killed more than 350 people and left thousands missing.