News for '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.

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.

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.'

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.

'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.

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.

'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.

Why Rishikesh Is Simply Glorious!

Why Rishikesh Is Simply Glorious!

Rediff.com20 Nov 2025

Why Rishikesh calls you again and again.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

'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.

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.'

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.

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.

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.

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.

3 injured as drunk driver mows down Kanwariyas in UP; car vandalised

3 injured as drunk driver mows down Kanwariyas in UP; car vandalised

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

A drunk driver in Ghaziabad rammed his car into a group of Kanwariyas, injuring three. Enraged pilgrims damaged the vehicle and assaulted the driver before police intervened.

6 dead as wire of cargo ropeway snaps at Gujarat temple

6 dead as wire of cargo ropeway snaps at Gujarat temple

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

Six persons died after the cable wire of a cargo ropeway snapped at Pavagadh Hill in Gujarat's Panchmahal district on Saturday, officials said.

Amarnath Yatra suspended due to heavy rain

Amarnath Yatra suspended due to heavy rain

Rediff.com30 Jul 2025

The Amarnath Yatra has been suspended on both Pahalgam and Baltal routes due to heavy rains in Kashmir. Authorities have halted the pilgrimage from base camps, affecting the movement of pilgrims.

Amarnath yatra sees 10% dip in registrations after Pahalgam attack

Amarnath yatra sees 10% dip in registrations after Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

The LG said around 2.36 lakh pilgrims had registered for the yatra before the attack took place at Baisaran in Pahalgam area that left 26 persons -- mostly tourists -- dead.

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.

Massive landslide on Vaishno Devi route, 1 dead

Massive landslide on Vaishno Devi route, 1 dead

Rediff.com21 Jul 2025

A massive landslide struck the old track to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, leaving one pilgrim dead and 10 others injured, officials said.

Kishtwar cloudburst: Mud-covered bodies, survivors reveal horror

Kishtwar cloudburst: Mud-covered bodies, survivors reveal horror

Rediff.com14 Aug 2025

The shocking scenes of physical and psychological trauma unfolded on a massive scale as search and rescue operations were underway, digging out mud-buried bodies and rescuing the injured trapped in slush and rocks after flash floods triggered by a cloudburst devastated Chositi village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kishtwar district on Thursday.

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.

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.

India's Foreign Policy Panchnama

India's Foreign Policy Panchnama

Rediff.com4 Oct 2025

There has never been a moment in India's history when it has been so adrift in the world, so confused about what it stands for and against and so humiliated, asserts Aakar Patel.

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.

11 dead as cloudburst, landslide hit J-K's Reasi, Ramban

11 dead as cloudburst, landslide hit J-K's Reasi, Ramban

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

The officials identified the deceased as Ashwani Sharma (24), his brother Dwarka Nath (55), niece Virta Devi (26) and their guest Om Raj (38), a resident of Banshara in Rajgarh. The rescuers are searching for Sharma's sister-in-law, Bidya Devi (55).

Uttarkashi rescue operations intensify, 65 stranded people airlifted

Uttarkashi rescue operations intensify, 65 stranded people airlifted

Rediff.com7 Aug 2025

Rescue operations in Uttarakhand's flash flood-ravaged Uttarkashi district gained momentum, with stranded people airlifted and efforts stepped up to search for those trapped under rubble.

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.

5 dead, 11 missing as cloudburst hits Uttarakhand

5 dead, 11 missing as cloudburst hits Uttarakhand

Rediff.com30 Aug 2025

A devastating flashflood in the Kheer Ganga river on August 5 demolished nearly half of Dharali -- the key stopover en route to Gangotri with many hotels and homestays, and neighbouring Harsil, where an Army camp bore the brunt of the flood fury, barely giving time to the victims to run to safety.

IAF joins rescue op in Uttarakhand to evacuate pilgrims

IAF joins rescue op in Uttarakhand to evacuate pilgrims

Rediff.com2 Aug 2024

The Indian Air Force's Chinook and MI17 helicopters on Friday joined the rescue operations in Uttarakhand to evacuate over 500 pilgrims stranded on the rain-ravaged trek route to Kedarnath, with 10 of them being airlifted in the first round.

52-day Amarnath yatra ends, 5L pilgrims offer prayers

52-day Amarnath yatra ends, 5L pilgrims offer prayers

Rediff.com19 Aug 2024

More than a dozen Mountain Rescue Teams assisted thousands of pilgrims during this year's Amarnath pilgrimage in the south Kashmir Himalayas, officials said on Monday, as the annual yatra concluded with more than 5.10 lakh pilgrims offering prayers at the cave shrine.

J-K flashflood: Hope fades for missing as rescue ops enter Day 3

J-K flashflood: Hope fades for missing as rescue ops enter Day 3

Rediff.com16 Aug 2025

Rescue operations continue in Kishtwar, J&K, following a devastating cloudburst. Anxious relatives cling to fading hope as the search for the missing enters its third day.