News for 'priest'

Nothing wrong....: Akal Takht head priest justifies influencer's murder

Nothing wrong....: Akal Takht head priest justifies influencer's murder

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

The head priest of the Akal Takht has justified the killing of social media influencer Kanchan Kumari, saying "nothing wrong has happened" and nobody should listen to obscene songs.

Mark Tully Was India's Voice To The World

Mark Tully Was India's Voice To The World

Rediff.com27 Jan 2026

'Mark had such a profound understanding of India, which was, of course, the land of his birth as well as of his death... He loved India, and lived two-thirds of his life here.'

Actress claims: 'Suryakumar used to message me a lot'

Actress claims: 'Suryakumar used to message me a lot'

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Meanwhile, the India captain was seen with his wife Devisha at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, where the couple offered prayers on the occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadashi.

PIX: Kohli offers prayers at Simhachalam temple

PIX: Kohli offers prayers at Simhachalam temple

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Later, priests honoured the visitors with the temple's Shesha Vasthram (sacred cloth) and presented them with the deity's portrait and prasadam on behalf of the Devasthanam.

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.

'Christians Can Be Taken For Granted'

'Christians Can Be Taken For Granted'

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

'Mob fury has become very common these days. And these attacks are all planned very well.' 'In all these attacks, you see that they have a very clear cut plan to make the victims as the oppressors and the guilty.' 'The attackers escape and they face no consequences as they have the backing of some political leaders.'

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.

Decked churches, midnight masses: India celebrates Christmas

Decked churches, midnight masses: India celebrates Christmas

Rediff.com25 Dec 2025

Christmas was celebrated with devotion and festive gaiety across India, with churches decked in lights, midnight masses, and community events spreading cheer. Leaders extended greetings, and celebrations took place in various states with prayers for peace and harmony.

Woman murdered inside Delhi temple; panic grips area

Woman murdered inside Delhi temple; panic grips area

Rediff.com14 Dec 2025

A 48-year-old woman was stabbed to death inside a temple in east Delhi's Mansarovar Park area, prompting a police investigation.

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.

'Hema-Dharam's Was The Most Dignified Second Marriage'

'Hema-Dharam's Was The Most Dignified Second Marriage'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'One of the dignified aspects of their relationship is that Hema reportedly told Dharamji that she would never disturb his first family.'

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.

Andhra temple stampede: 'People rushed, what could I do'

Andhra temple stampede: 'People rushed, what could I do'

Rediff.com2 Nov 2025

Claiming he was not responsible for the tragic stampede at Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kasibugga that left nine devotees dead, the 94-year-old founder of the temple has said devotees rushed on their own during the gathering.

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.

Dhankhar to make first public address after quitting as V-P

Dhankhar to make first public address after quitting as V-P

Rediff.com11 Nov 2025

Former vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar will address a book launch of an RSS leader in Bhopal on November 21, the organisers of the event said on Tuesday.

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.

Elgar Parishad case: Ex-DU professor Hany Babu gets bail

Elgar Parishad case: Ex-DU professor Hany Babu gets bail

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

While the National Investigation Agency (NIA) sought a stay on the operation of the bail order so as to appeal before the Supreme Court, the HC refused the request, stating that Babu has been in jail for over five years.

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.

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2: Delightful Comedy!

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2: Delightful Comedy!

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2 may be a comedy filled with chaos, but in its indirect way, it speaks about a time when the Constitution mattered more than one's religion and when the idea of India was larger than personal hate, observes Syed Firdaus Ashraf.

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.

Tath Kana Review: Inspiring Tale Of Passion And Purpose

Tath Kana Review: Inspiring Tale Of Passion And Purpose

Rediff.com28 Nov 2025

We may not know Dr Ramani at first, but by the end, we get a clearer sense of his nobility. For a biopic, that's a job done well, notes Mayur Sanap.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Will Deepa Thoon Controversy Damage Stalin's DMK?

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

The Deepa Thoon controversy, if not allowed to die a natural death, could take the election focus away from the anti-incumbency impacting the DMK and into the secular space. Stalin would love to have it that way, all over again, after the three past elections, points out N Sathiya Moorthy.

What Is DMK's Plan To Counter Vijay?

What Is DMK's Plan To Counter Vijay?

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

The DMK may consider a two-tier campaign, where they keep the focus on Chief Minister Stalin, as a senior statesman with 50-plus years of political experience, and let EPS and the BJP shout in the wilderness. In such a case, the second-tier may project Udhayanidhi as the contender and chosen obstructionist in Vijay's path. The attempt, if any, would be to reduce Vijay to Udhayanidhi's level when the former is aiming at Stalin and Stalin alone in the state's political horizon, predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gill Turns Wedding 'Priest'

Gill Turns Wedding 'Priest'

Rediff.com27 Mar 2024

In a lighthearted team bonding moment, Shubman Gill playfully officiated a mock wedding ceremony for his team-mate David Miller and his wife Camilla Harris.

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.

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.