News for 'pilgrimage'

8 States Most Visited By Domestic Tourists

8 States Most Visited By Domestic Tourists

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

These 8 states emerged as the country's most-travelled destinations for local Indian visitors, according to Ministry Of Tourism's most recent statistics which are from 2024.

Forces opposing Somnath temple reconstruction still active: Modi

Forces opposing Somnath temple reconstruction still active: Modi

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that forces opposing the reconstruction of the Somnath temple after independence are still active and that India needs to be vigilant and united to counter them. He highlighted the temple's history of resilience against repeated attacks and emphasized the importance of remembering the sacrifices made to protect it.

'Who said I left Congress line': Tharoor clarifies stance

'Who said I left Congress line': Tharoor clarifies stance

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor addresses concerns about his recent statements, asserting his alignment with the party's principles and goals.

YOLO Spirit Ignites 2026 Travel

YOLO Spirit Ignites 2026 Travel

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

The growing YOLO (You Only Live Once) mindset, coupled with a desire for immersive outdoor experiences, is driving demand, primarily across age groups from 20 to 45 years.

Messi brings smiles to young footballers in Delhi

Messi brings smiles to young footballers in Delhi

Rediff.com15 Dec 2025

Lionel Messi lit up the Arun Jaitley Stadium as the final leg of his G.O.A.T India Tour got underway in Delhi on Monday.

Vaishno Devi shrine's security enhanced after Delhi blast

Vaishno Devi shrine's security enhanced after Delhi blast

Rediff.com19 Nov 2025

Following the Delhi blast, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has increased security measures, including deploying additional personnel and expediting verification processes.

Buying The Most Coveted Japani Joota

Buying The Most Coveted Japani Joota

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

'When you finally hold that red bag with your personalised Onitsukas inside, it feels like ticking off a very satisfying item on your travel checklist,' discovers Mayur Sanap after visiting Onitsuka Tiger's famous Red Concept store in Tokyo.

Deepotsav Has Deepened Ayodhya's Aura

Deepotsav Has Deepened Ayodhya's Aura

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

'Deepotsav aligns with the Adityanath government's vision to enhance Ayodhya's spiritual and cultural grandeur and transform it into a global pilgrimage and tourism hub.'

45 Indian pilgrims perish in deadly bus accident in Saudi

45 Indian pilgrims perish in deadly bus accident in Saudi

Rediff.com17 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "deeply saddened" by the bus accident in Saudi Arabia's Medinah, in which several Indian Umrah pilgrims are feared dead.

How To Stay Safe During Umrah

How To Stay Safe During Umrah

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

Tips to avoid the heat, crowds, and travel risks, including incidents like the tragic Mufrihat accident that killed 45 Indian pilgrims.

'Emotion Is Very Scarce Right Now'

'Emotion Is Very Scarce Right Now'

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'We have come to the point in civilisation where emotion seems to be something you hide or you have to be discreet about, or to be ashamed of.'

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.

Indians Fly Out in Record Numbers

Indians Fly Out in Record Numbers

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

Among the top destinations for Indian travellers in 2024, Thailand led with 92.93 per cent visiting for leisure, followed by Singapore (47.34 per cent) and Canada (43.09 per cent).

Will rid West Bengal of 'jungle raj' next: Modi

Will rid West Bengal of 'jungle raj' next: Modi

Rediff.com15 Nov 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the NDA's victory in the Bihar assembly elections as a win for good governance, development, and social justice. He congratulated alliance partners and thanked the people of Bihar for their support.

One killed, 2 hurt as landslide hits Kedarnath; pilgrimage suspended

One killed, 2 hurt as landslide hits Kedarnath; pilgrimage suspended

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

According to a statement from the Rudraprayag police, the landslide was triggered by continuous heavy rainfall, which caused large amounts of debris and stones to fall onto the trekking route, blocking and damaging the walkway to Kedarnath Dham.

NDA promises jobs to 1 cr youth, Rs 2000 for SC students

NDA promises jobs to 1 cr youth, Rs 2000 for SC students

Rediff.com31 Oct 2025

The NDA released its manifesto for the Bihar assembly polls, promising jobs, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs.

ASI surveys newly discovered temple, wells, pilgrimage sites in Sambhal

ASI surveys newly discovered temple, wells, pilgrimage sites in Sambhal

Rediff.com20 Dec 2024

A four-member team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted a survey of the recently-discovered Shri Kartik Mahadev temple, five pilgrimage sites, and 19 wells in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, India. The survey followed the discovery of three damaged idols inside a well of the Bhasma Shankar temple, which was reopened after being shut for 46 years. The Shri Kartik Mahadev temple, also known as the Bhasma Shankar temple, was reopened on December 13 after authorities found the covered structure during an anti-encroachment drive. The temple houses an idol of Lord Hanuman and a Shivling and had remained locked since 1978. The district administration has requested carbon dating of the temple, including the well, from the ASI. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has restrained courts across India from entertaining new lawsuits or passing any orders in pending ones seeking to reclaim religious places, especially mosques and dargahs, until further notice. This action halts proceedings in approximately 18 lawsuits filed by Hindu parties seeking surveys to determine the original religious character of 10 mosques, including the Gyanvapi at Varanasi, the Shahi Idgah Masjid at Mathura, and the Shahi Jama Masjid at Sambhal, where four individuals died in clashes. The Supreme Court will examine the legality, scope, and boundaries of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which prohibits the conversion of places of worship and ensures the preservation of their religious character as it existed on August 15, 1947.

2 pilgrims killed in U'khand landslide; Char Dham yatra suspended

2 pilgrims killed in U'khand landslide; Char Dham yatra suspended

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

A landslide on the Kedarnath route in Uttarakhand killed two pilgrims and injured six, while heavy rain led to the temporary suspension of the Char Dham and Hemkund Sahib pilgrimages.

Where The Victims Of The Kanishka Terror Attack Are Not Forgotten

Where The Victims Of The Kanishka Terror Attack Are Not Forgotten

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

Names and names and names and names... 329 in all. Some Indian. Some Canadian. Some British. Berry. Gupta. Jain. James. Bhatt. Beauchesne. Chatlani. Enayati. Lougheed.... Vaihayasi Pande Daniel visits Ahakista, Ireland, home to the memorial for the worst terrorist atrocity in India's history.

Vaishno Devi yatra remains suspended for 4th day

Vaishno Devi yatra remains suspended for 4th day

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

The Vaishno Devi Yatra remains suspended for the fourth day following a landslide that claimed 34 lives. Pilgrims express concerns about safety, while local associations offer support.

Searching for loo, AI Express flier tries to open cockpit door; held

Searching for loo, AI Express flier tries to open cockpit door; held

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The matter was reported to the relevant authorities on landing and is currently under investigation, the airline said.

Superfans And Cricketers' Secret Passions

Superfans And Cricketers' Secret Passions

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

Every summer, Sudhir Gautam makes a pilgrimage to Sachin Tendulkar's Mumbai home, carrying a box of Muzaffarpur litchis from his home town in Bihar, a gesture sweeter than the fruit itself.

Delhi man rapes his mother for having 'bad character'

Delhi man rapes his mother for having 'bad character'

Rediff.com17 Aug 2025

The accused is a graduate but currently unemployed, while the complainant is an illiterate housewife whose husband is a retired government employee.

Another name change in Yogi's UP; Mustafabad to be renamed...

Another name change in Yogi's UP; Mustafabad to be renamed...

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Following the alleged molestation of two Australian women cricketers in Indore, a Madhya Pradesh minister advises players to inform local authorities when going out due to their popularity in India.

Another name change in Yogi's UP; Mustafabad to be renamed...

Another name change in Yogi's UP; Mustafabad to be renamed...

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

Following the alleged molestation of two Australian women cricketers in Indore, a Madhya Pradesh minister advises players to inform local authorities when going out due to their popularity in India.

They Fought To The Last Man For India

They Fought To The Last Man For India

Rediff.com18 Nov 2025

On November 18, 1962, 114 soldiers of the 13th Kumaon fought till the last man, and last bullet, in sub-zero temperatures, to beat back the huge Chinese army. We salute the Heroes of Rezang La.

'Ram Setu' as national monument: SC issues notice to Centre

'Ram Setu' as national monument: SC issues notice to Centre

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

'Ram Setu', also known as Adam's bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals between Pamban Island, off the south-eastern coast of Tamil Nadu, and Mannar Island, off the north-western coast of Sri Lanka.

Gujarat father-son duo on pilgrimage killed in Pahalgam

Gujarat father-son duo on pilgrimage killed in Pahalgam

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

A father-son duo from Gujarat and a tourist from Surat were among the 26 people killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. Yatish Parmar and his son Smit were in Kashmir to attend a religious discourse, while Suresh Kalathiya was on vacation with his family. The Gujarat government has expressed condolences and is providing support to the families of the victims.

HC rejects plea to remove graves of Afzal Guru, Maqbool Bhat from Tihar

HC rejects plea to remove graves of Afzal Guru, Maqbool Bhat from Tihar

Rediff.com24 Sep 2025

The Delhi High Court dismissed a plea seeking the removal of the graves of terrorists Mohammad Afzal Guru and Mohammad Maqbool Bhatt from Tihar Jail, citing the absence of any law prohibiting burial inside jail premises and the government's decision to maintain law and order.

Dr Ambedkar's 1956 Buddhist Revolution

Dr Ambedkar's 1956 Buddhist Revolution

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

On October 14, 1956, Dr B R Ambedkar, fulfilling his long-held vow to renounce Hinduism, embraced Buddhism along with over 500,000 followers at Nagpur's Deekshabhoomi, marking a new era of social and spiritual liberation for India's Dalits.

Holy Mace Of Lord Shiva Reaches Pahalgam

Holy Mace Of Lord Shiva Reaches Pahalgam

Rediff.com9 Aug 2025

The revered Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, reached Pahalgam on Saturday, August 9, 2025, marking the start of traditional rituals associated with the Amarnath Yatra.

Vaishno Devi landslide: Pilgrims search for loved ones

Vaishno Devi landslide: Pilgrims search for loved ones

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

The rhythmic chants of pilgrims have been replaced with frantic footsteps of those looking for their loved ones in the wake of a disastrous landslide on the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine which has claimed 34 lives till now.

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.

J-K: Vaishno Devi landslide toll rises to 34

J-K: Vaishno Devi landslide toll rises to 34

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

The death toll in the Vaishno Devi landslide has gone up to 32, officials said on Wednesday, a day after disaster struck the route on the hilltop shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district.

Amarnath Yatra suspended amid heavy rains

Amarnath Yatra suspended amid heavy rains

Rediff.com17 Jul 2025

The Amarnath Yatra has been suspended due to heavy rainfall in the Kashmir Valley. The pilgrimage was halted from both Pahalgam and Baltal base camps due to continuous heavy rains, necessitating restoration work on the tracks. A weather advisory has warned of more heavy rain in the region.

'No fear': Amarnath pilgrims opt for Pahalgam route

'No fear': Amarnath pilgrims opt for Pahalgam route

Rediff.com30 Jun 2025

Defying apprehensions of the horrific April 22 terror Pahalgam attack casting a shadow on the Amarnath Yatra this year, hundreds of pilgrims from various parts of the country lined up at the registration centre in Jammu on the first day.

Tight Security For Amarnath Yatra

Tight Security For Amarnath Yatra

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

In the view of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives and left scores injured, security arrangements for this year's Amarnath pilgrimage has been tightened.

UP woman slips to death escaping burning hotel during Nepal unrest

UP woman slips to death escaping burning hotel during Nepal unrest

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

Rajesh Gola slipped and fell to her death, the long-planned pilgrimage to Pashupatinath temple in the Nepal capital gone horribly wrong for the couple from Ghaziabad.

750 pilgrims selected for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

750 pilgrims selected for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra

Rediff.com21 May 2025

A total of 750 pilgrims have been selected through a computerised draw for the upcoming Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in Tibet, marking the resumption of the pilgrimage after a five-year gap. The Yatra's resumption is seen as an attempt to normalize India-China relations, which were strained by the eastern Ladakh border standoff. The pilgrimage will begin in June and continue until August, with pilgrims traveling in five batches via the Lipulekh route and ten batches via the Nathu La route. The selection process was deemed "fair, computer-generated, random, gender-balanced" by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which organized the pilgrimage.

India, China must move ahead with mutual respect, Jaishankar tells Wang Yi

India, China must move ahead with mutual respect, Jaishankar tells Wang Yi

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India focuses on border talks with NSA Ajit Doval, amidst efforts to rebuild relations after the Galwan Valley clashes and rising India-US tensions.