News for 'prayers'

Bihar mayor's '2-hr Holi break' for namaaz call sparks row

Bihar mayor's '2-hr Holi break' for namaaz call sparks row

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The mayor of Darbhanga, Bihar, has sparked a controversy by suggesting a two-hour break in Holi celebrations to accommodate Friday prayers during Ramzan. Her proposal has drawn criticism from a BJP MLA, who accused her of calling for 'Ghazwa-e-Hind'. Meanwhile, other politicians have condemned the mayor's suggestion and emphasized the need for communal harmony.

Did Sonakshi Change Her Religion After Marriage?

Did Sonakshi Change Her Religion After Marriage?

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

When Sonakshi Sinha got married to Zaheer Iqbal on June 23, 2024, eyebrows were raised when her brothers Luv and Kush Sinha did not attend.

Was RG Kar incident gangrape, Calcutta HC asks CBI

Was RG Kar incident gangrape, Calcutta HC asks CBI

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

The Calcutta High Court has directed the CBI to produce the case diary related to its investigation into the rape-murder of an on-duty doctor at RG Kar hospital. The court questioned the CBI about the possibility of gang rape or destruction of evidence in its probe. The parents of the victim, who are petitioners in the case, have requested a court-monitored investigation, alleging a larger conspiracy behind the crime. The CBI has already filed a charge-sheet in the case, leading to the conviction and life imprisonment of Sanjay Roy, a former civic volunteer, for the crime. However, the court has sought clarification from the CBI on whether it considered investigating the crime under Section 70 (gang rape) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

'I Was Filled With Devotion'

'I Was Filled With Devotion'

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

'May Maa Ganga bless all with peace, wisdom, good health and harmony.'

'We Were Shocked By JD-U's Stand On Waqf Bill'

'We Were Shocked By JD-U's Stand On Waqf Bill'

Rediff.com4 Apr 2025

'When the Bill was passed all have been exposed. There is no difference between communal and secular.'

Kids pelt stones at 'Laat Sahab' during Holi procession in UP

Kids pelt stones at 'Laat Sahab' during Holi procession in UP

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

Some children allegedly threw stones at 'Laat Sahab' during procession in Shahjahanpur city on Friday, but police chased them away.

'Stay indoors': Bihar BJP MLA's Holi appeal to Muslims sparks row

'Stay indoors': Bihar BJP MLA's Holi appeal to Muslims sparks row

Rediff.com11 Mar 2025

Haribhushan Thakur Bachaul, the MLA from Bisfi assembly constituency in Madhubani district, made these remarks while speaking to reporters at the Vidhan Sabha premises.

SC proposes to stay key provisions of Waqf Act, govt opposes

SC proposes to stay key provisions of Waqf Act, govt opposes

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India began hearing a batch of petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The bench, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, asked both sides to address whether the court should entertain the petitions or relegate them to the high court. The hearing is underway with senior advocate Kapil Sibal arguing for the petitioners. The act, which was passed by Parliament following heated debates, has been challenged by various parties including AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), and Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind.

The Friend Who Changed An IPL Star's Life

The Friend Who Changed An IPL Star's Life

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

'One day I told him, if you want to be a cricketer with a long career, you cannot be a fast bowler.' 'I felt more than pace, unorthodox left arm spin would suit him better.' 'Please don't give me credit for what he is doing now. I only made a suggestion.'

130 Dalit households in Bengal fight for their right to worship

130 Dalit households in Bengal fight for their right to worship

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

A group of around 130 Dalit families in West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman district have been facing discrimination for centuries, being denied access to a local temple. The families, belonging to the traditional community of cobblers and weavers, have been ostracized and face economic hardship due to this caste-based practice. Despite recent attempts by the administration to resolve the issue, the situation remains tense and the families are left with few options.

SEE: Saina Nehwal at Maha Kumbh

SEE: Saina Nehwal at Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com5 Feb 2025

Saina Nehwal joined millions of devotees at the world's largest spiritual gathering, seeking blessings at the sacred Triveni Sangam.

Jay Shah, Raina Take A Dip At Kumbh Mela

Jay Shah, Raina Take A Dip At Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

ICC Chairman Jay Shah, accompanied by his family, was among the high-profile visitors at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj on Monday.

Assam assembly scraps two-hour namaaz break for Muslim MLAs

Assam assembly scraps two-hour namaaz break for Muslim MLAs

Rediff.com22 Feb 2025

The Assam Assembly has discontinued the decades-old practice of a two-hour break on Fridays to allow Muslim legislators to offer 'namaz'. The decision, which was made in August but implemented this session, has been met with criticism from opposition MLAs who argue that it was imposed by the ruling BJP. The decision was taken by the House's Rules Committee, which was headed by the Speaker, and was justified as a move to promote secularism and productivity.

At 12, Zakir Hussain got Rs 5 for first tabla show

At 12, Zakir Hussain got Rs 5 for first tabla show

Rediff.com16 Dec 2024

Eight years ago, tabla maestro Zakir Hussain had narrated how his father Alla Rakha had welcomed him into this world by putting the musical instrument's rhythms into his ears when asked to recite prayers.

Lord Ganesha, Bless Our 2025

Lord Ganesha, Bless Our 2025

Rediff.com1 Jan 2025

Who better than the God of New Beginnings to bless the start of a New Year?

Kashmiris Offer Shab-e-Qadr Prayers

Kashmiris Offer Shab-e-Qadr Prayers

Rediff.com18 Apr 2023

Kashmiri Muslims offered Shab-e-Qadr (The Night of Power and Forgiveness) prayers for the first time after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar on the night of 27 Ramadan.

Want A US Visa? Pray to Lord Hanuman!

Want A US Visa? Pray to Lord Hanuman!

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

As the US gets tougher with visas, the prayers of US-bound devotees in India are getting more fervent, and their purse strings looser. Called Visa Hanuman temples (there are half a dozen all over India), some of them ask for a 'fee'.

Whitewashing of Sambhal mosque begins amid Hindu side's objection

Whitewashing of Sambhal mosque begins amid Hindu side's objection

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

The Allahabad high court on March 12 directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to undertake and complete the whitewashing at the mosque within one week.

Erstwhile royal family member Arvind Singh Mewar dies at 81

Erstwhile royal family member Arvind Singh Mewar dies at 81

Rediff.com16 Mar 2025

Arvind Singh Mewar, a member of the erstwhile royal family of Mewar and the chairman of the HRH group of hotels, died early Sunday in Udaipur after a prolonged illness. Mewar, 81, was a descendant of Rajput king Maharana Pratap and was ill for a long time. He is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters. The funeral will take place on Monday. Mewar was known for his career in the hospitality industry and for his involvement in sports, including cricket and polo. He was also an avid pilot and a philanthropist. He was the younger son of Bhagwant Singh Mewar and Sushila Kumari. His elder brother Mahendra Singh Mewar died in November last year. There have been conflicts and issues between his descendants regarding the leadership of the house of Mewar and a property dispute.

Kohli, Zareen offer prayers, condolences for train tragedy victims

Kohli, Zareen offer prayers, condolences for train tragedy victims

Rediff.com3 Jun 2023

The train crash on Friday, involving the Bengaluru-Howrah Superfast Express, the Shalimar-Chennai Central Coromandel Express and a goods train, is one of the deadliest such accidents since independence.

'He said, 'I'm Hindu'. They shot him'

'He said, 'I'm Hindu'. They shot him'

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Pahalgam Terrorist Attack: Dombivli families shattered in grief and grit. Demand dignity, justice and answers to unanswered questions.

Photographs To Amaze, Stun You!

Photographs To Amaze, Stun You!

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

Sony World Photography Awards 2025 Winners Announced

4 soldiers killed as Army vehicle falls into gorge in J-K

4 soldiers killed as Army vehicle falls into gorge in J-K

Rediff.com4 Jan 2025

An Army vehicle skidded off the road and fell into a gorge near SK Payen in the north Kashmir district, they said.

'Pahalgam attack has a Hamas footprint'

'Pahalgam attack has a Hamas footprint'

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

'It was inspired by the Hamas attack and was like their attack -- well planned and well executed.'

Badrinath Muslims to offer Eid prayers in Joshimath

Badrinath Muslims to offer Eid prayers in Joshimath

Rediff.com28 Jun 2023

No one has any objection to offering of namaz on the occasion of Bakrid outside the temple town in reverence to it, he said.

Communal unrest grips Maha, state sees 823 incidents since Jan

Communal unrest grips Maha, state sees 823 incidents since Jan

Rediff.com24 Mar 2025

Maharashtra has witnessed 823 incidents of communal unrest since January this year, with demands for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb and the spread of distorted facts on social media fomenting fresh trouble. Districts like Nandurbar, Pune (Rural), Ratnagiri, Sangli, Beed, and Satara have seen communal unrest in recent days due to right-wing organizations' demands for the demolition of the Mughal emperor's tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The state witnessed 4,836 Hindu-Muslim related communal crimes in 2024, with 170 incidents classified as cognisable and 3,106 as non-cognisable cases. The violence in Nagpur, triggered by protests demanding the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb, highlights the role of social media in spreading inflammatory content and instigating people. While the state has taken measures to curb the spread of misinformation, concerns remain over the impact on communities and the need for promoting peace and understanding.

WATCH: Tamannaah At The Maha Kumbh Mela

WATCH: Tamannaah At The Maha Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

Tamannaah Bhatia, Sonali Bendre, Tinaa Datta and Manasi Parekh take a holy dip in the Triveni Sangam.

Faith trumps fear: Kin of stampede witness take holy dip at Kumbh

Faith trumps fear: Kin of stampede witness take holy dip at Kumbh

Rediff.com24 Feb 2025

Despite recent fatal stampedes at the Kumbh Mela and a Delhi railway station, pilgrims, driven by faith, continue to participate in the holy gathering in Prayagraj. Despite safety concerns, pilgrims from across India are undeterred by the tragedy and are taking the holy dip at the Triveni Sangam.

Pope Francis remains critical, receives blood transfusion: Vatican

Pope Francis remains critical, receives blood transfusion: Vatican

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

While the Pope "continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair" he is "in more pain than yesterday," it added.

Sambhal violence: Mosque chief held; high alert in district post arrest

Sambhal violence: Mosque chief held; high alert in district post arrest

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

Zafar Ali, the president of the Shahi Jama Masjid committee in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, was arrested on Sunday in connection with the violence that erupted in November 2022 over a court-ordered survey of the mosque. Ali's brother alleged that the arrest was intended to prevent him from submitting his testimony before a judicial commission investigating the violence. The mosque has been at the center of a controversy after a petition claimed it was the site of an ancient Hindu temple. The violence resulted in four deaths and several injuries.

Smriti Mandhana offers prayers at Tirupati Balaji temple

Smriti Mandhana offers prayers at Tirupati Balaji temple

Rediff.com2 Jul 2024

Smriti Mandhana visited the Tirupati Balaji Temple in Tirumala on Tuesday alongside her family.

SKY Worships At Shirdi Ahead Of Series

SKY Worships At Shirdi Ahead Of Series

Rediff.com10 Jan 2025

India's T20I Captain Suryakumar Yadav and his wife Devisha Shetty worshipped at the Sai Baba temple in Shirdi.

Modi goes on lion safari on World Wildlife Day

Modi goes on lion safari on World Wildlife Day

Rediff.com3 Mar 2025

Modi had a night halt at Sinh Sadan, a forest guest house managed by the state forest department, in Sasan after his arrival from Somnath where he offered prayers at the Lord Shiv temple, the first among 12 jyotirlingas, on Sunday evening.

Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' may open branches in Europe, US

Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' may open branches in Europe, US

Rediff.com6 Apr 2025

Indian origin Hindus living in Europe and US are mulling opening overseas chapters of Prayagraj-based 'Ram Naam Bank' in their countries. On the occasion of Ram Navami on Sunday, the idea of opening a Ram Naam Bank was discussed among the devotees in Sweden.

Kerala Muslim cleric's remark on widow's Manali trip sparks outrage

Kerala Muslim cleric's remark on widow's Manali trip sparks outrage

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

The controversy also prompted a wave of support for Nafeesumma from various sections of society on social media on Thursday.

Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple enforces new dress code

Mumbai's Siddhivinayak Temple enforces new dress code

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust (SSGTT) in Mumbai has announced a dress code for devotees, prohibiting revealing clothing from next week. The decision follows complaints about inappropriate attire causing discomfort to other worshippers. The temple, located in Prabhadevi, attracts thousands of devotees daily and the Trust emphasizes the importance of maintaining decorum and ensuring a comfortable environment for all visitors.

'Our Sardar': Cong asserts claim on Patel's legacy

'Our Sardar': Cong asserts claim on Patel's legacy

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP-RSS of carrying out a "well-planned conspiracy" against national heroes and said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's ideology was contrary to the RSS' ideas. He defended the relationship between Sardar Patel and Jawaharlal Nehru, saying they were "two sides of the same coin". He also criticized the BJP-RSS for their alleged attempts to appropriate the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel.

Who will become Delhi CM? Delhi BJP prez says...

Who will become Delhi CM? Delhi BJP prez says...

Rediff.com8 Feb 2025

The central leadership will decide on who it will be, BJP's Delhi president Virendra Sachdeva said.

Adani's younger son Jeet to wed on Feb 7; no celebrities invited

Adani's younger son Jeet to wed on Feb 7; no celebrities invited

Rediff.com21 Jan 2025

Billionaire Gautam Adani's younger son Jeet will wed next month in a simple and traditional ceremony, without any pomp and show and celebrity stars. Adani, on Mahakumbh pilgrimage with his family, scorched speculations of a star-studded wedding of his son Jeet with Diva Shah, daughter of Surat diamond merchant Jaimin Shah. "It will be a very simple, traditional marriage... just like common people," he told reporters in Prayagraj.

Shah takes holy dip in Triveni Sangam at Maha Kumbh

Shah takes holy dip in Triveni Sangam at Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a dip at the Triveni Sangam in Mahakumbh Nagar on Monday and described the Maha Kumbh as a unique symbol of the Sanatan culture's philosophy, which is rooted in harmony.