News for 'religious ceremony'

Woman Shot Dead At Shimla Ceremony, Accused Arrested

Woman Shot Dead At Shimla Ceremony, Accused Arrested

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A woman was fatally shot during a religious ceremony in a village in Shimla district, leading to one arrest. The incident occurred during a temple consecration, with the accused firing a bullet that struck and killed the victim.

Donation Accounting Row Hits Latur Religious Event

Donation Accounting Row Hits Latur Religious Event

Rediff.com29 Apr 2026

A controversy has erupted in Latur, Maharashtra, over the accounting of donations collected for a religious event, with organisers alleging irregularities and filing a complaint with the police.

Hoshiarpur Police Arrest Six Granthis In Suicide Abetment Case

Hoshiarpur Police Arrest Six Granthis In Suicide Abetment Case

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

Six Sikh priests have been arrested in Hoshiarpur for allegedly abetting the suicide of a fellow granthi, Jaspal Singh. The accused reportedly harassed and threatened Jaspal over demands for a share in religious programmes, leading him to consume poison. Police have registered a case and are investigating further.

Shivakumar to take oath as K'taka CM; religious heads, students to attend

Shivakumar to take oath as K'taka CM; religious heads, students to attend

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

D K Shivakumar, the Vokkaliga strongman and state Congress President, is set to be sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka today at 4:05 pm at Lok Bhavan. The ceremony will also see some ministers taking oath, though the final list is awaiting approval from the Congress high command.

Bengal set for 'Sonar Bangla' under BJP: Adhikari ahead of oath ceremony

Bengal set for 'Sonar Bangla' under BJP: Adhikari ahead of oath ceremony

Rediff.com9 May 2026

West Bengal's chief minister-elect Suvendu Adhikari announced the beginning of 'Sonar Bangla' with the formation of the first BJP government in the state, heralding an era of 'peace and prosperity'. The oath-taking ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent figures, marks a significant political shift for West Bengal.

Not PM, here's who will be attending Khamenei funeral

Not PM, here's who will be attending Khamenei funeral

Rediff.com20 hours ago

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes on February 28.

Roads can't be blocked for religious activities: SC

Roads can't be blocked for religious activities: SC

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court has stated that roads cannot be blocked for religious activities and that while religious denominations have autonomy in worship, the government can interfere if secular activities are affected.

Four Dead, Dozens Injured in Madhya Pradesh Tractor Accident

Four Dead, Dozens Injured in Madhya Pradesh Tractor Accident

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

A tractor-trolley overturned in Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh, resulting in the deaths of four women and injuries to 26 others. The accident occurred as members of the Gurjar community were travelling to a religious ceremony.

Two Arrested After Woman Shot Dead At Shimla Temple

Two Arrested After Woman Shot Dead At Shimla Temple

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A 26-year-old woman was fatally shot during a religious ceremony in a village in Shimla. Police have arrested two suspects and launched an investigation into the incident.

Two Arrested After Woman Shot Dead At Shimla Temple

Two Arrested After Woman Shot Dead At Shimla Temple

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Two individuals have been arrested after a woman was fatally shot during a religious ceremony in a village in the Shimla district. The incident occurred during a temple consecration, with the shooting believed to be part of celebratory firing.

TN govt goes to SC against allowing lighting of sacred lamp

TN govt goes to SC against allowing lighting of sacred lamp

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Tamil Nadu government has approached the Supreme Court to challenge a Madras High Court order that permitted the lighting of a ceremonial lamp on the Thirupparankundram hill. The state government cited concerns over public order and potential communal tensions, while the High Court had dismissed these fears as "imaginary" and affirmed the land belongs to the Sri Subramania Swamy Temple, not the Waqf Board.

Self-Styled Godman Extorted Crores Via Bank Accounts: ED

Self-Styled Godman Extorted Crores Via Bank Accounts: ED

Rediff.com20 May 2026

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested self-styled godman Ashok Kharat, accusing him of systematic extortion and money laundering through a network of bank accounts. Kharat allegedly rotated over Rs 47 crore of ill-gotten money through 60 bank accounts, deceiving devotees by claiming divine powers.

MEA's Rare Toshakhana Auction Ends June 30

MEA's Rare Toshakhana Auction Ends June 30

Rediff.com2 days ago

Items include luxury watches, jewellery, carpets, shawls, silverware and collectible artefacts with bidding prices reaching up to Rs 20 lakh.

Converted voluntarily, won't return to Hinduism: Ayush alias Mohammad Ali

Converted voluntarily, won't return to Hinduism: Ayush alias Mohammad Ali

Rediff.com9 Jun 2026

A religious conversion case in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, has led to a police investigation and the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT). A man, Ayush Malik alias Mohammad Ali, claims he voluntarily converted to Islam, while his father alleges illegal conversion and forgery. Authorities have heightened security in the area as the probe continues and arrests have been made.

UK Sikh man's conviction sparks riots, scrutiny of kirpan laws

UK Sikh man's conviction sparks riots, scrutiny of kirpan laws

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

Large crowds gathered in Southampton on Tuesday evening as officers from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary stood in riot gear near the home of Vickrum Digwa, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for stabbing 18-year-old Henry Nowak to death.

Shamli Court Rejects Bail In Alleged Forced Conversion Case

Shamli Court Rejects Bail In Alleged Forced Conversion Case

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

A court in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, has rejected the bail applications of a woman and her father accused in an alleged forced conversion case. The complaint states that a 30-year-old man was converted to Islam under the pretext of marriage, as part of a conspiracy to seize his property.

Adhikari Pledges Economic Revival, Improved Law And Order In Bengal

Adhikari Pledges Economic Revival, Improved Law And Order In Bengal

Rediff.com13 Jun 2026

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari outlined his government's priorities, focusing on strengthening the state's economy, attracting investment to create jobs, and improving law and order. He criticised the previous administration for alleged corruption and appeasement politics, while highlighting initial successes in border management and reducing criminal activities.

'An Indian and a Pakistani': Who are the two key people in JD Vance's life?

'An Indian and a Pakistani': Who are the two key people in JD Vance's life?

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

US Vice President JD Vance on Sunday generated significant online traction after making a light-hearted reference to two "very, very important" Indian and Pakistani people in his life - his wife Usha Vance and Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir, on the sidelines of the US-Iran diplomatic deliberations in Switzerland.

Shivakumar sworn in as Karnataka CM, Siddaramaiah's son joins cabinet

Shivakumar sworn in as Karnataka CM, Siddaramaiah's son joins cabinet

Rediff.com3 Jun 2026

D K Shivakumar has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Karnataka, with Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot administering the oath of office and secrecy. The ceremony also saw 13 other ministers, including a Deputy CM, taking their oaths, attended by prominent Congress leaders and religious figures.

Sikh Groups Condemn Calls To Ban Kirpan After UK Stabbing

Sikh Groups Condemn Calls To Ban Kirpan After UK Stabbing

Rediff.com30 May 2026

British Sikh groups are cautioning against calls to ban the kirpan in the UK following the murder conviction of a man who claimed to carry the knife for religious reasons, arguing that it unfairly targets the entire community.

Bandi jacket in, colonial legacy out in Army uniform overhaul

Bandi jacket in, colonial legacy out in Army uniform overhaul

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

The Indian Army has removed several colonial-era vestiges from its dress regulations, the mandatory carriage of swords by Reviewing Officers, and the use of pouch belts with certain mess dresses. It has also dropped the use of archaic terminology such as "Royal".

Police Seize Thousands Of Imported Weapons In Nanded

Police Seize Thousands Of Imported Weapons In Nanded

Rediff.com7 May 2026

Police in Nanded, Maharashtra, seized nearly 5,000 'import quality' sharp-edged weapons from an abandoned godown, suspecting their potential use in organised crime.

British Sikh man get life term for murdering university student

British Sikh man get life term for murdering university student

Rediff.com1 Jun 2026

A 23-year-old British Sikh man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a teenage student in Southampton, with the judge highlighting the racial tensions the case has ignited across the UK.

Supreme Court questions ban on touching Sabarimala temple deity

Supreme Court questions ban on touching Sabarimala temple deity

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court questioned the chief priest of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple regarding the constitutionality of preventing believers from touching the deity, during hearings on discrimination against women at religious sites.

Sanatana Dharma divides, must be 'abolished': Udhayanidhi

Sanatana Dharma divides, must be 'abolished': Udhayanidhi

Rediff.com12 May 2026

DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin reiterated his call for the abolition of Sanatana Dharma, claiming it divides people, during his maiden speech as the Leader of the Opposition in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. He also addressed concerns regarding the positioning of the Tamil invocation song in government events.

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

'Vote Jehad', 'Muslim League', What Next?

Rediff.com18 May 2026

The only thing that might make the BJP stop trying to isolate Muslims completely will be if substantial numbers of the community vote for the party that flaunts its animosity towards it, notes Jyoti Punwani.

Nandigram or Bhabanipur: Where will Suvendu Adhikari stay?

Nandigram or Bhabanipur: Where will Suvendu Adhikari stay?

Rediff.com6 May 2026

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, who won both the Nandigram and Bhabanipur seats in West Bengal, has announced he will vacate one of the constituencies within 10 days, leaving the decision to the party leadership.

'Drunken' Bhagwant Mann forced to leave Sikh religious ceremony

'Drunken' Bhagwant Mann forced to leave Sikh religious ceremony

Rediff.com26 Oct 2015

AAP leader Bhagwant Mann was forced to leave a religious ceremony after he was allegedly found drunk.

Kerala CM row: Satheesan meets sulking Chennithala; UDF begins govt talks

Kerala CM row: Satheesan meets sulking Chennithala; UDF begins govt talks

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Kerala's Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan visited senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, emphasising their close relationship and seeking blessings for his new role.

Open access to all temples must for Hindu unity, says SC

Open access to all temples must for Hindu unity, says SC

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has emphasised the importance of open access to all temples and 'maths' for everyone, warning that excluding any denomination would negatively impact Hinduism and divide society. This statement was made during hearings on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious sites and the scope of religious freedom.

UP Man, Parents Face Charges Over Forced Conversion, Marriage

UP Man, Parents Face Charges Over Forced Conversion, Marriage

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

A married man and his parents have been booked for allegedly abducting a girl student from Kolkata, forcing her to convert to another religion, and then marrying her, a senior police officer said on Friday.

Did Uddhav, Fadnavis hold 'secret midnight meeting'? CM reacts

Did Uddhav, Fadnavis hold 'secret midnight meeting'? CM reacts

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has denied reports of a secret meeting with Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray, dismissing the claims as false news.

'Modi's Concerned About India's Economic Vulnerabilities'

'Modi's Concerned About India's Economic Vulnerabilities'

Rediff.com14 May 2026

'...especially pressure on the rupee, the current account deficit, and foreign exchange outflows.' 'The key question over the next several months is whether the government can prevent external turbulence from feeding into domestic economic pessimism.'

Dharmendra Pradhan Advocates for 'Mahakal Standard Time'

Dharmendra Pradhan Advocates for 'Mahakal Standard Time'

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan advocates for the establishment of 'Mahakal Standard Time' based on Ujjain's historical significance in time calculation, challenging the dominance of Greenwich Mean Time.

Maha tables stricter anti-conversion Bill, proposes 7-year jail term

Maha tables stricter anti-conversion Bill, proposes 7-year jail term

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

The Maharashtra government has introduced the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, which aims to prohibit religious conversions carried out through coercion, fraud, or marriage, with stringent penalties for violations.

Temple bombed in Bangladesh; 2 Hindus killed in separate incidents

Temple bombed in Bangladesh; 2 Hindus killed in separate incidents

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

Over the past week in Bangladesh, two Hindu men were killed in separate incidents while four people, including a priest, sustained injuries after a crude bomb went off inside a temple in the country.

Union minister Pradhan wants Mahakal Standard Time to replace GMT

Union minister Pradhan wants Mahakal Standard Time to replace GMT

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has advocated for the establishment of 'Mahakal Standard Time' (MST), citing Ujjain's historical significance as a centre for time calculation and astronomy.

How Mahavir Jayanti Is Celebrated In India

How Mahavir Jayanti Is Celebrated In India

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

One of the notable celebrations includes the Rath Yatra -- a spectacular procession through the streets with Lord Mahavir's idol on a chariot, with followers accompanying it while chanting hymns and performing prayers.

CPI(M) Defends Kerala Temple Marriage Amidst Age Allegations and Sangh Parivar Criticism

CPI(M) Defends Kerala Temple Marriage Amidst Age Allegations and Sangh Parivar Criticism

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

CPI(M) state secretary M V Govindan defends a Kerala temple marriage involving a young woman and her Muslim friend, amidst allegations of underage marriage and criticism from the Sangh Parivar. An investigation has been launched in Madhya Pradesh following claims about the woman's age.

How fish has become a political storm in Bengal elections

How fish has become a political storm in Bengal elections

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

In West Bengal's assembly elections, fish has become a potent symbol of Bengali identity, with the Trinamool Congress and BJP clashing over food habits and cultural representation.