News for 'priest'

Vrindavan priests say no to barring Muslim artisans

Vrindavan priests say no to barring Muslim artisans

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

Priests at the famed Banke Bihari temple in Vrindavan have rejected a demand to stop using attires made by Muslim artisans for its deity, emphasizing that religious discrimination has no place in temple traditions. The demand was raised by a right-wing group, who argued that the deity's attire should be made only by those who adhere to "religious purity." The temple priests countered by highlighting the historical contributions of Muslim artisans to temple traditions and the impracticality of replacing them.

Don't want to embarrass Cong: Shivakumar's big remark amid power tiff

Don't want to embarrass Cong: Shivakumar's big remark amid power tiff

Rediff.com26 Nov 2025

Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D K Shivakumar, responding to several media queries regarding the current 'internal conflict' in Karnataka Congress in reference to the chief ministerial position, said on Tuesday that he doesn't want to embarrass or weaken the party.

Security beefed up as Hanuman Chalisa row escalates in Varanasi

Security beefed up as Hanuman Chalisa row escalates in Varanasi

Rediff.com5 Oct 2025

The dispute started when members of a particular community objected to the recitation of Hanuman Chalisa at a Hanuman temple in Varanasi's Madanpur area.

This Priest Walks Through Fire!

This Priest Walks Through Fire!

Rediff.com14 Mar 2025

A priest named Sanju walks through a massive fire to re-enact the story of Prahlad and Holika.

Happy 90th, Tully Sahab!

Happy 90th, Tully Sahab!

Rediff.com24 Oct 2025

10 things you must know about the most famous foreign correspondent in India who made Bharat his home.

Shirdi, Goa, Bastar... Amit Shah's Sunday Out

Shirdi, Goa, Bastar... Amit Shah's Sunday Out

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

Glimpses of Home Minister Amit Shah's busy busy Sunday, crisscrossing India.

20 Christian priests booked for assaulting cop in Kerala

20 Christian priests booked for assaulting cop in Kerala

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Twenty priests have been booked by the police in Kochi, Kerala, for allegedly assaulting a police officer during a protest at the Bishop's House. The incident occurred on January 11, with the priests protesting against the unified Holy Mass. The police registered a case against the priests under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for unlawful assembly, rioting, and causing hurt to a public servant. The protest follows a controversy over the unified Holy Mass, which the Archbishop has defended, stating that altering decisions approved by Pope Francis is impossible.

Birthday gift gone wrong, woman drives Thar through 1st floor showroom

Birthday gift gone wrong, woman drives Thar through 1st floor showroom

Rediff.com10 Sep 2025

A video of the incident made rounds on social media, showing an overturned Thar on the ground, and an empty frame where the glass once was on the first floor.

Puri Temple priest to build Rs 200-cr luxury 'satvik' resort

Puri Temple priest to build Rs 200-cr luxury 'satvik' resort

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

A priest of the Jagannath Temple in Puri is setting up a 300-room luxury resort with a strong spiritual focus, aiming to offer a "satvik" experience to pilgrims and travellers seeking spiritual serenity with modern comforts. The beachside project, valued at Rs 200 crore, will be a pure vegetarian and non-liquor retreat, offering a blend of spiritual tranquillity and luxury hospitality. The 'Jagannatham' project, being built on a seven-acre beachfront plot, is expected to open in 14-16 months, before the Rath Yatra of 2026.

Kashi Dazzles With Over 2,600,000 Diyas

Kashi Dazzles With Over 2,600,000 Diyas

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Once a quiet riverside ritual, Dev Deepawali has evolved into UP's largest soft-power spectacle -- merging faith, art, enterprise into a global cultural brand that reflects state's growing confidence.

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, becoming the first woman head of state to visit the shrine. She participated in traditional rituals and ceremonies during her visit.

'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.

Kejriwal launches scheme for priests, changes venue amid protests

Kejriwal launches scheme for priests, changes venue amid protests

Rediff.com31 Dec 2024

Political battle over 'Pujari Granthi Samman Yojna' announced by Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal intensified on Tuesday, as he launched registration process for the scheme at a temple in Kashmiri Gate in New Delhi.

Indian priest elevated as cardinal by Pope Francis

Indian priest elevated as cardinal by Pope Francis

Rediff.com8 Dec 2024

The ceremony, held at the famous St Peter's Basilica and attended by clergy and dignitaries from around the world, witnessed the induction of 21 new cardinals from various countries.

Chhattisgarh sees largest Maoist surrender; 210 rebels give up arms

Chhattisgarh sees largest Maoist surrender; 210 rebels give up arms

Rediff.com18 Oct 2025

210 Maoist cadres, including a Central Committee member, surrendered to authorities in Chhattisgarh's Jagdalpur, marking the "largest mass surrender" in the state's anti-Naxal operations. The surrendered Naxalites carried a collective bounty of Rs 9.18 crore and handed over 153 weapons. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai hailed the development as a historic moment for Chhattisgarh and the nation.

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.

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.

5 swept away as heavy overnight rain wreaks havoc in Dehradun

5 swept away as heavy overnight rain wreaks havoc in Dehradun

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Cloudbursts and heavy rains caused widespread destruction in Dehradun and surrounding areas, leaving people stranded and causing damage to infrastructure.

Dehradun flooded, rivers in spate, bridges washed away

Dehradun flooded, rivers in spate, bridges washed away

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Cloudbursts and heavy rains overnight left a trail of destruction in Uttarakhand's capital Dehradun and its neighbouring areas on Tuesday, sweeping away at least five people and leaving more than 500 stranded in different locations.

India's Most Unusual Dussehra Celebrations

India's Most Unusual Dussehra Celebrations

Rediff.com2 Oct 2025

These traditions have survived centuries, even as India has changed dramatically around them.

Seers to boycott star-studded Ram Leela in Ayodhya, citing disrespect

Seers to boycott star-studded Ram Leela in Ayodhya, citing disrespect

Rediff.com9 Sep 2025

Seers in Ayodhya announce a boycott of the upcoming Ram Leela, objecting to its 'unrestrained' and 'cinematic' presentation, citing concerns about the actors' lifestyles and the sanctity of the epic.

Kejriwal promises Rs 18,000 a month for Hindu, Sikh priests

Kejriwal promises Rs 18,000 a month for Hindu, Sikh priests

Rediff.com30 Dec 2024

Ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal announced the "Pujari Granthi Samman Yojana" which promises a monthly allowance of Rs 18,000 for Hindu temple priests and granthis of gurdwaras. This scheme is intended to support an often neglected section of society and registration for the scheme begins tomorrow. Kejriwal will visit the Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place on Tuesday to oversee the registration process for priests there.

'Gurus Abuse The Very People Who Give Them Power'

'Gurus Abuse The Very People Who Give Them Power'

Rediff.com7 Oct 2025

'What is it about the institution of faith that makes somebody get a sense of impunity, that they believe they can get away with anything?'

Pak Army stands by Hindus: Karachi Hanuman temple priest

Pak Army stands by Hindus: Karachi Hanuman temple priest

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The chief priest of the biggest Hanuman temple in Pakistan, Sant Ram Nath Mishra, has said that the Pakistani Army has always supported Hindus in their struggle against extremist groups in the country. Mishra, who is currently on a visit to Hindu religious sites across India, recounted the struggle of the Panch Mukhi Hanuman Mandir in Karachi, which was encroached upon over the decades but was restored following a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2018. He said that the Pakistani Army and government swiftly implemented the Supreme Court's decision to return the temple land, despite opposition from hardline groups. Mishra also highlighted the need for easing visa restrictions between India and Pakistan, allowing Hindus on both sides to visit religious sites in each other's countries.

Banu Mushtaq inaugurates Mysuru Dasara festival amid row

Banu Mushtaq inaugurates Mysuru Dasara festival amid row

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The decision to invite Mushtaq had sparked controversy, with several petitions challenging the Karnataka government's move.

ISKCON priest denied bail by Bangladesh court

ISKCON priest denied bail by Bangladesh court

Rediff.com2 Jan 2025

A court in Bangladesh on Thursday denied bail to a Hindu priest and a former International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) leader in a sedition case.

Angaraki Ganesh Chaturthi: Devotees Flock To Siddhivinayak

Angaraki Ganesh Chaturthi: Devotees Flock To Siddhivinayak

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Thousands of devotees thronged Mumbai's Siddhivinayak temple for Angaraki Ganesh Chaturthi.

Sai Baba Idol Removed From UP Temple

Sai Baba Idol Removed From UP Temple

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

'The idol was not being worshipped for years. We decided to immerse it respectfully in the Ganga.'

Lord Shiva's Mace Leaves For Amarnath

Lord Shiva's Mace Leaves For Amarnath

Rediff.com4 Aug 2025

Amid tight security, the Chhari Mubarak, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, left Srinagar on Monday, August 4, 2025 for the Amarnath cave shrine. This signifies the culmination of the annual Amarnath Yatra.

Assam Bids Farewell to Zubeen Garg

Assam Bids Farewell to Zubeen Garg

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

As the smoke from the flames flared up, slogans like 'Zubeen, Zubeen' and 'Jai Zubeenda' reverberated in the air, and people were heard singing his song Mayabini Ratir Buku.

Canada temple suspends Hindu priest for 'violent rhetoric'

Canada temple suspends Hindu priest for 'violent rhetoric'

Rediff.com7 Nov 2024

The priest of a Hindu temple in the Canadian city of Brampton has been suspended for spreading 'violent rhetoric' during recent clashes between protesters carrying Khalistani flags and the people present there.

PIX: What Modi offered at Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple

PIX: What Modi offered at Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

Amid chants of Vedic and Saivite Thirumurai, PM Modi prayed at the temple and brought a kalasam (metal pot) with traditional decorations which is believed to contain water from River Ganga regarded as sacred.

Tension in UP town after 19-year-old NEET aspirant killed by cattle smugglers

Tension in UP town after 19-year-old NEET aspirant killed by cattle smugglers

Rediff.com16 Sep 2025

Protesters blocked the Gorakhpur-Pipraich road on Tuesday morning after that forces from four police stations and PAC were deployed.

'Om Shanti Shanti': Hindu priest opens DNC Day 3

'Om Shanti Shanti': Hindu priest opens DNC Day 3

Rediff.com22 Aug 2024

A priest at the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland, Bhatt hails from Bengaluru. He is a Madhwa priest trained in Rig Veda and Tantrasaara (Maadhva) Agama, under his guru, Pejavar Swamiji of Udupi Ashta Matha.

SC stray dog order: Animal lovers clash with cops in Delhi during protest

SC stray dog order: Animal lovers clash with cops in Delhi during protest

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

Many also displayed a picture of Lord Shiva with a dog seated next to him, symbolising the cultural and spiritual connection between humans and animals.

2 more Hindu priests arrested in Bangladesh: ISKCON

2 more Hindu priests arrested in Bangladesh: ISKCON

Rediff.com30 Nov 2024

Historically, Hindus made up approximately 22 per cent of Bangladesh's population during the 1971 Liberation War.

Historic first: Indian NGO 'Educate Girls' wins Magsaysay award

Historic first: Indian NGO 'Educate Girls' wins Magsaysay award

Rediff.com31 Aug 2025

Indian non-profit 'Educate Girls' wins the Ramon Magsaysay Award for its work in educating out-of-school girls in remote villages. The award recognizes selfless service to the peoples of Asia.

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

How Modi Changed Indian Politics

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

In the last 11 years, India and the world witnessed what he stood for, what he promised and did not deliver, and what he actually stood for and practised without fearing how history would judge him. Modi's tenure has been punctuated with headline-grabbing decisions, symbolic gestures, and stage-managed moments that continue to define his leadership and India's politics, points out Ramesh Menon.

Why This Elephant Triggers Outrage In Maharashtra

Why This Elephant Triggers Outrage In Maharashtra

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

A Supreme Court order relocating an elephant to a care facility in Vantara has sparked public outrage in Maharashtra by putting the state government in a difficult position over issues of animal welfare and public sentiment.

Violence erupts in Pune's Yavat over social media post; youth detained

Violence erupts in Pune's Yavat over social media post; youth detained

Rediff.com2 Aug 2025

An irate mob vandalized properties and indulged in arson in Yavat, Pune, following an objectionable social media post. Police used teargas to control the situation, and peace has been restored with heavy police presence.