News for 'pilgrims'

Char Dham chopper crashes raise alarm: 5 mishaps, 13 deaths in 6 weeks

Char Dham chopper crashes raise alarm: 5 mishaps, 13 deaths in 6 weeks

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

Soon after the crash on Sunday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held an emergency meeting and asked senior officials to prepare a strict SOP (standard operating procedure) for heli services in the state, making a thorough check of the technical condition of the choppers mandatory.

27 Indian pilgrims killed as bus plunges into river in Nepal

27 Indian pilgrims killed as bus plunges into river in Nepal

Rediff.com23 Aug 2024

At least 27 Indian pilgrims, all from Maharashtra, who arrived in Nepal for a 10-day tour were killed and 16 others injured after their bus veered off the highway and fell into a fast-flowing river in central Nepal on Friday.

Kanwar Yatris labelled as terrorists, rioters: Yogi

Kanwar Yatris labelled as terrorists, rioters: Yogi

Rediff.com19 Jul 2025

The chief minister said the everyone from society, from the working classes to the upper classes, is associated with the yatra.

Kashmir cut off from rest of India; Yamuna threatens Delhi

Kashmir cut off from rest of India; Yamuna threatens Delhi

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Incessant rains and flooding have caused widespread disruption in northern India, with states like Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, and Jammu and Kashmir facing landslides, road closures, and displacement. Rescue efforts are underway as authorities grapple with the aftermath of the deluge.

J-K cloudburst: 60 dead, 69 missing, over 100 hurt

J-K cloudburst: 60 dead, 69 missing, over 100 hurt

Rediff.com15 Aug 2025

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a devastating cloudburst in Kishtwar district that claimed 60 lives and injured over 100. Abdullah expressed condolences and assured assistance, while also questioning potential administrative lapses.

J-K: 9 pilgrims killed as bus falls into gorge after terror attack

J-K: 9 pilgrims killed as bus falls into gorge after terror attack

Rediff.com10 Jun 2024

Nine people including three women were killed and 33 injured as a bus carrying pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh and Delhi plunged into a deep gorge after an ambush by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Sunday evening, police said, as political leaders cutting across party lines strongly condemn the dastardly attack.

Unilateral bullying...: China to India amid Trump tariff war

Unilateral bullying...: China to India amid Trump tariff war

Rediff.com19 Aug 2025

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that it is imperative for the two sides to view each other as partners and opportunities rather than rivals or threats, and invest their valuable resources in development and revitalisation.

'This Is Orographic Rainfall'

'This Is Orographic Rainfall'

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

'Due to orographic rainfall, localised areas are experiencing intense downpours.' 'In a very heavy downpour, the burst of water has to find its way and therefore whatever comes in its path gets washed away.'

When Pilgrims Gather On The Mount Of Mercy

When Pilgrims Gather On The Mount Of Mercy

Rediff.com29 Jun 2023

Glimpses from the annual Haj pilgrimage outside Mecca.

NDRF deploys cadaver dogs in Uttarkashi rescue ops

NDRF deploys cadaver dogs in Uttarkashi rescue ops

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

NDRF deploys cadaver dogs and rescue teams to flood-ravaged Dharali village in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, to search for survivors. ITBP evacuates pilgrims from Gangotri.

Flooded Yet Wedded

Flooded Yet Wedded

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Glimpses from India and around the world that will make you smile and cry.

50 people have been killed in stampedes this year

50 people have been killed in stampedes this year

Rediff.com4 Jun 2025

The Royal Challenger's Bengaluru parade in celebration of the team's maiden Indian Premiere League win in 18 years turned into tragedy as at least 11 fans died and several were injured in a stampede near the Chinnaswamy Stadium on Wednesday.

'Kumbh pilgrims dying of hunger': MPs spar in Parliament

'Kumbh pilgrims dying of hunger': MPs spar in Parliament

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

A war of words erupted in the Indian Parliament on Tuesday between Samajwadi Party (SP) MPs and BJP MP Hema Malini over the alleged mismanagement at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. SP leaders accused the Uttar Pradesh government of failing to provide adequate food, water, and fuel, leading to the deaths of devotees. Hema Malini, however, defended the event's organization, claiming it was well-managed despite a stampede that occurred on January 29th.

Rain fury claims 10 lives in Haryana, Himachal, J-K

Rain fury claims 10 lives in Haryana, Himachal, J-K

Rediff.com4 Sep 2025

Heavy rainfall across North India leads to fatalities, structural damage, travel disruptions, and school closures. Eastern states brace for more rain.

Heavy rain triggers flood-like situation in Jammu

Heavy rain triggers flood-like situation in Jammu

Rediff.com24 Aug 2025

Heavy rains battered Jammu and Kashmir, triggering floods, damaging infrastructure, and disrupting normal life. Authorities issued advisories and rescue operations were conducted.

Soldiers missing after Uttarkashi cloudburst hit Army camp

Soldiers missing after Uttarkashi cloudburst hit Army camp

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

A cloudburst triggered devastating flashfloods in the Harsil area of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand, with at least 8-10 Indian Army personnel reported missing from a camp in the lower Harsil region.

It's Maha Shivratri

It's Maha Shivratri

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

154 Hindu pilgrims from India have traveled to Pakistan's Katas Raj Mahadev Temple to celebrate Maha Shivratri.

Landslides, heavy rains kill 5 in Himachal; 1200 roads closed

Landslides, heavy rains kill 5 in Himachal; 1200 roads closed

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Heavy rains and landslides in Himachal Pradesh have resulted in multiple fatalities and widespread disruption, including road closures and train cancellations.

Owners face ruin after kanwariyas vandalise UP dhaba

Owners face ruin after kanwariyas vandalise UP dhaba

Rediff.com11 Jul 2025

A roadside eatery in Muzaffarnagar, India, was vandalized by a group of Kanwariyas after they allegedly found onions in their food. The owners are now facing financial ruin.

Record rains wreak havoc in Jammu, Srinagar flooded; 41 dead

Record rains wreak havoc in Jammu, Srinagar flooded; 41 dead

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

After record rains wreaked havoc in Jammu and Kashmir over the past two days, the death toll in related incidents rose to 41, most of them victims of the landslide on a Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route, while there was some let-up in the showers on Wednesday, allowing relief efforts to pick up pace.

2 dead in stampede after panic over wire at UP temple

2 dead in stampede after panic over wire at UP temple

Rediff.com28 Jul 2025

The incident occurred at the Avsaaneshwar temple in the Haidergarh area during the holy month of Shravan on Monday when devotees had gathered at the temple for 'jalabhishek' (offering water as a ritual). The electric current spread through the tin shed as the wire fell, triggering panic and a stampede in the temple premises.

Why UP Expects 1.3 Billion Tourists This Year

Why UP Expects 1.3 Billion Tourists This Year

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

This would be a 100 per cent jump over 2024, when the state had logged tourist inflow of 650 million

Soldiers notice suspicious movement at LoC in Rajouri, open fire

Soldiers notice suspicious movement at LoC in Rajouri, open fire

Rediff.com24 Jun 2025

Army troops opened fire after noticing suspicious movement in a forward area near the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district, while security forces conducted searches at more than a dozen places in Poonch, Samba, and Kathua districts of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday, officials said.

Pahalgam attack: India revokes 14 categories of visas given to Pak

Pahalgam attack: India revokes 14 categories of visas given to Pak

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

The Indian government has revoked 14 categories of visas for Pakistani nationals, including business, conference, visitor, and pilgrim visas, following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The decision was made after a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting, and the Home Minister has instructed state governments to ensure that all Pakistani nationals leave India by the set deadlines. The order does not apply to Long Term Visas (LTVs) and diplomatic and official visas issued to Pakistani nationals.

Chopper crashes near Kedarnath, all 7 on board killed; AAIB to probe

Chopper crashes near Kedarnath, all 7 on board killed; AAIB to probe

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar told PTI that the accident took place above the forests of Gaurikund amid poor visibility due to bad weather.

Fewer devotees turn up for Kashmir's Kheer Bhawani mela

Fewer devotees turn up for Kashmir's Kheer Bhawani mela

Rediff.com1 Jun 2025

The usual rush of devotees was missing this year, presumably due to the Pahalgam terror attack and the military action between India and Pakistan following it.

'On Beijing, Delhi Will Sleep With One Eye Open'

'On Beijing, Delhi Will Sleep With One Eye Open'

Rediff.com23 Aug 2025

'New Delhi is not naive about its foreign policy choices.'

Act cautiously: China to India over Dalai Lama's incarnation

Act cautiously: China to India over Dalai Lama's incarnation

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

China has objected to Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju's remarks on the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, urging India to be cautious on Tibet-related issues to avoid impacting bilateral relations. China insists any future Dalai Lama must receive its approval.

'This Wasn't A Cloudburst...'

'This Wasn't A Cloudburst...'

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

'The lakes up there were already at the brink due to accumulated rainwater, and then snowmelt occurred.' 'When one lake breached, it triggered a cascading effect -- other lakes breached subsequently.'

Banke Bihari temple panel challenges UP shrine control ordinance in SC

Banke Bihari temple panel challenges UP shrine control ordinance in SC

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

The committee said the Uttar Pradesh government did not file appeals against the high court's November 8, 2023 order and instead, an impleadment application was filed in the pending plea before the top court.

A month after Pahalgam attack, killers still at large

A month after Pahalgam attack, killers still at large

Rediff.com22 May 2025

A month after a deadly terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam, locals in the south Kashmir resort town are facing mounting livelihood losses. Despite a massive crackdown by security forces, the perpetrators of the attack have evaded capture. Tourists have stopped visiting Pahalgam, leaving businesses struggling to survive. Local residents say the situation is becoming desperate and call for government intervention to help revive the tourism industry.

'Mountain Man' Dasharath Manjhi's son seeks Cong ticket to contest Bihar polls

'Mountain Man' Dasharath Manjhi's son seeks Cong ticket to contest Bihar polls

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

'Mountain Man' Dasharath Manjhi's son Bhagirath, who recently quit Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal-United to join the Congress, on Friday disclosed that he wanted a party ticket in the upcoming assembly polls.

When Will Iran, Israel Exhaust Its Missiles?

When Will Iran, Israel Exhaust Its Missiles?

Rediff.com20 Jun 2025

The Iran-Israel War entered its 7th day on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Red alert in many states as monsoon covers India; 2 killed U'khand

Red alert in many states as monsoon covers India; 2 killed U'khand

Rediff.com29 Jun 2025

The labourers, who are said to be of Nepali origin, were engaged in the construction of a hotel.

Kanwar route vigilantism resurfaces: UP cops summon 6 for targeting dhabas

Kanwar route vigilantism resurfaces: UP cops summon 6 for targeting dhabas

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

The incident has brought back into focus the controversy that erupted last year when BJP-led governments in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand directed food outlets along the Kanwar route to display the names of their owners and staff.

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.

Why govt Odisha wants to copyright Jagannath rituals

Why govt Odisha wants to copyright Jagannath rituals

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

The Odisha government is working to secure copyright for the rituals of Lord Jagannath temple in Puri to protect its traditional cultural expressions, following concerns over untimely celebrations by ISKCON and the declaration of a temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'.

Pak nationals who overstay in India can face 3 yrs in jail, Rs 3L fine

Pak nationals who overstay in India can face 3 yrs in jail, Rs 3L fine

Rediff.com27 Apr 2025

According to the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025, which came into effect on April 4, overstaying, violating visa conditions, or trespassing in restricted areas could lead to three years in jail and a fine of up to Rs 3 lakh.

Why did 70 Indian Hindus go to Pakistan

Why did 70 Indian Hindus go to Pakistan

Rediff.com26 Dec 2024

Over 70 Indian Hindu pilgrims returned home on Wednesday after performing religious rituals at the sacred Katas Raj temples in Pakistan's Punjab province.

Final snan begins as Maha Kumbh 2025 to conclude today

Final snan begins as Maha Kumbh 2025 to conclude today

Rediff.com26 Feb 2025

The 45-day Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj concluded on Mahashivratri with a record-breaking number of pilgrims taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. Over 65 crore pilgrims participated in the event, which took place once every 12 years.