News for 'pilgrims'

7 Goddess Saraswati Temples

7 Goddess Saraswati Temples

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Basant Panchami is dedicated to Devi Saraswati, the goddess of learning and an auspicious occasion to visit shrines in her honour.

The World's Tallest Shivling!

The World's Tallest Shivling!

Rediff.com19 Jan 2026

The Shivling is 33 feet in height and weighs 210 tonnes.

'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.

UP: 6 pilgrims run over by train while crossing tracks

UP: 6 pilgrims run over by train while crossing tracks

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

The Chopan Express had halted at platform four of the station, and the passengers chose to get down on the track, though there is a footover bridge, the railways said.

Kites, Til, Turmeric And Dancing: Makar Sankranti Across India

Kites, Til, Turmeric And Dancing: Makar Sankranti Across India

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Makar Sankranti is one of the year's first festivals of India. The country joyfully kicks off the year with a tapestry of colours and traditions: Gujarat's soaring kites. Punjab's blazing bonfires. Tamil Nadu's bubbling Pongal pot....

'Very difficult time': Indians return from Iran amid deadly protests

'Very difficult time': Indians return from Iran amid deadly protests

Rediff.com17 Jan 2026

Several Indians, including students, have arrived in Delhi from Iran amid widespread protests and a government crackdown. The Indian government has issued advisories urging citizens to leave Iran.

Kashi-Style Makeover Planned for Bhoramdeo

Kashi-Style Makeover Planned for Bhoramdeo

Rediff.com3 Jan 2026

Nestled in the mountain ranges of Kabirdham district, Bhoramdeo has an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, about 125 km from Raipur.

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.

Smoke detected in flight carrying Haj pilgrims to Lucknow

Smoke detected in flight carrying Haj pilgrims to Lucknow

Rediff.com16 Jun 2025

The incident took place on Sunday morning at the city's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport and all passengers were deboarded safely. No harm was caused to the aircraft.

9 Vaishno Devi pilgrims among 13 killed in J-K rains, landslides

9 Vaishno Devi pilgrims among 13 killed in J-K rains, landslides

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

Relentless heavy rain led to a landslide on the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop the Trikuta hill on Tuesday afternoon, killing at least five people and injuring 14, officials said.

Iran's FM dials Jaishankar, both leaders discuss Tehran situation

Iran's FM dials Jaishankar, both leaders discuss Tehran situation

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

Earlier in the day, the ministry of external affairs "strongly advised" Indians to avoid travel to Iran until further notice, amid rising tensions and protests in the Islamic Republic.

100 crore on this side won't watch silently if...., Suvendu warns B'desh

100 crore on this side won't watch silently if...., Suvendu warns B'desh

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

Protests continue in Kolkata against attacks on minority Hindus in Bangladesh. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari threatens a large-scale protest if the attacks are not stopped.

Parisa's Unforgettable Pandharpur Pilgrimage

Parisa's Unforgettable Pandharpur Pilgrimage

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

Somewhere between the darshan queue and the fugadi dancing, between ancient stone pillars and the riverfront, my nine-year-daughter found her own understanding of pilgrimage, says Hemantkumar Shivsharan.

The Stranded Pilgrim's Progress

The Stranded Pilgrim's Progress

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

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

7 Fertility Temples Across The World

7 Fertility Temples Across The World

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

There are sacred sites dedicated to fertility and blessings. Couples journey miles to offer prayers, strange symbols, or even carved idols. Join us as we explore the world's fertility temples.

HC sets aside Sabarimala airport land acquisition process

HC sets aside Sabarimala airport land acquisition process

Rediff.com21 Dec 2025

The Kerala high court has set aside crucial stages of the land acquisition process for the proposed Sabarimala greenfield airport, holding that the state failed to properly assess the minimum land actually required for the project.

Hindu man 'stopped' from going to Pak with Sikh group

Hindu man 'stopped' from going to Pak with Sikh group

Rediff.com5 Nov 2025

"Pakistani officials told us you are Hindu, you cannot go with a Sikh jatha," said Amar Chand, who was sent back along with six of his family members after they crossed over to the neighbouring nation to participate in the birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev.

3 killed, 9 missing after vehicle carrying pilgrims falls into Alaknanda river

3 killed, 9 missing after vehicle carrying pilgrims falls into Alaknanda river

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

The vehicle -- a tempo traveller -- met with the accident near the Gholthir village on the Badrinath National Highway between Rudraprayag and Gauchar, they said.

Riddle Of The Kumbh & Bhutte Ka Shorba

Riddle Of The Kumbh & Bhutte Ka Shorba

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

A stunning book on the Kumbh. And a recipe.

'We Want To Boost Religious Tourism'

'We Want To Boost Religious Tourism'

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

Rajasthan's finance department has approved about Rs 23 crore for the renovation, beautification and development of religious tourist destinations.

BJP leader Prem Kumar 'unanimously' elected Bihar Speaker

BJP leader Prem Kumar 'unanimously' elected Bihar Speaker

Rediff.com2 Dec 2025

Veteran BJP leader Prem Kumar was unanimously elected as the Speaker of the Bihar assembly. The election took place on Tuesday, with Kumar being the sole candidate for the position.

Modi to hoist saffron flag at Ram Temple in Ayodhya today

Modi to hoist saffron flag at Ram Temple in Ayodhya today

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

Ayodhya resonated with devotional fervour on Tuesday morning as thousands of devotees streamed into the temple town ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to ceremonially hoist a saffron flag atop the Ram temple, marking the formal completion of its construction.

Aamir Khan Experiences The Maha Kumbh

Aamir Khan Experiences The Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com17 Dec 2025

'The photographs showcase the different emotions of India and power of faith. For someone who couldn't visit the historic event, the pictures take me there.'

'Why Can't Mr Modi Reopen The Passes To Tibet?'

'Why Can't Mr Modi Reopen The Passes To Tibet?'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

On August 5, 1953, Jawaharlal Nehru sent a strange note to the foreign secretary. It is worth mentioning because it was symptomatic of the lack of knowledge about Western Tibet in India and in South Block in particular, notes Claude Arpi.

Vaishno Devi pilgrimage resumes after 3-week halt

Vaishno Devi pilgrimage resumes after 3-week halt

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Amid chants of 'Jai Mata Di', the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills resumed in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Wednesday, after a suspension of 22 days due to a devastating landslide that claimed 34 lives and injured 20, officials said.

Why Rishikesh Is Simply Glorious!

Why Rishikesh Is Simply Glorious!

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Why Rishikesh calls you again and again.

Kumbh Mela: Pilgrims Struggle To Leave

Kumbh Mela: Pilgrims Struggle To Leave

Rediff.com31 Jan 2025

Following the stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj early on Wednesday, which killed at least 30 people and injured 60 others, many devotees find themselves trapped due to blocked exit routes and severe traffic jams.

Vaishnodevi pilgrimage resumes after brief weather break

Vaishnodevi pilgrimage resumes after brief weather break

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Registration for the Vaishnodevi pilgrimage has resumed after a brief suspension due to inclement weather. Devotees express their happiness as the yatra progresses smoothly.

'The Largest Peaceful Gathering Of Pilgrims'

'The Largest Peaceful Gathering Of Pilgrims'

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Through history, the Mela has held different meanings for ascetics, the colonised, colonisers, and tourists, but all have been moved by its grandeur points out Atanu Biswas.

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.

Rain Clouds Loom Over Vaishno Devi Yatra

Rain Clouds Loom Over Vaishno Devi Yatra

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The Baan Ganga entry point wears a deserted look after the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board orders suspension of the Vaishno Devi Yatra from October 5 to 7 due to the IMD's inclement weather advisory for Katra.

35 cr pilgrims may attend Maha Kumbh Mela: UP govt

35 cr pilgrims may attend Maha Kumbh Mela: UP govt

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government is expecting over 35 crore pilgrims to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, a significant increase from the 24 crore who attended the 2019 Kumbh Mela. The event, which will take place over 45 days, will feature extensive security and sanitation measures, as well as a digital component. The state government has allocated Rs 7,000 crore for the event.

10 women pilgrims killed, 30 hurt after bus falls into gorge in Pune

10 women pilgrims killed, 30 hurt after bus falls into gorge in Pune

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Ten women died and 30 others were injured after a pick-up van carrying them to a temple fell into a gorge in Pune district. The accident occurred due to the vehicle's failure to climb an incline, possibly due to overloading. PM Modi and CM Fadnavis announced compensation for the victims' families.

'Severe cyclone' Montha to make landfall near Andhra coast on Tuesday

'Severe cyclone' Montha to make landfall near Andhra coast on Tuesday

Rediff.com27 Oct 2025

The Odisha government has initiated evacuations and deployed disaster response teams in anticipation of Cyclone 'Montha', which is expected to impact the southern and coastal regions of the state.

Local body polls soon? Maha cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Local body polls soon? Maha cabinet takes 21 decisions in single day

Rediff.com4 Nov 2025

A series of decisions were taken under the Public Health Department, including an approval to increase honoraria for field-level workers engaged under the Ayushman BharatPradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.

Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims Arrive In Kashmir

Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims Arrive In Kashmir

Rediff.com29 Jun 2024

The first batch of pilgrims reached Kashmir on Friday for the annual Amarnath Yatra, beginning Saturday, with J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off 4,603 yatris in the morning from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu under a tight security cover.

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.'

IAF And Army To The Pilgrims' Rescue!

IAF And Army To The Pilgrims' Rescue!

Rediff.com7 Aug 2024

The Indian Army and Indian Air Force rescued pilgrims from landslide-affected areas of Sonprayag on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, and from Kedarnath Dham on Monday, August 5, 2024 respectively.

On The Way To The Amarnath Shrine

On The Way To The Amarnath Shrine

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

Pilgrims begin their trek towards the Amarnath cave from the Baltal base camp in Ganderbal on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

J-K flashflood: Langar organiser rescued alive after 30 hrs under debris

J-K flashflood: Langar organiser rescued alive after 30 hrs under debris

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

A man running a community kitchen for pilgrims was rescued alive after being trapped under debris for 30 hours following a cloudburst in Kishtwar, Jammu & Kashmir. The disaster has left many dead or missing and the annual pilgrimage suspended.