News for 'religious holiday'

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.

'Beginning of end' of war: Trump announces 3-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire

'Beginning of end' of war: Trump announces 3-day Ukraine-Russia ceasefire

Rediff.com9 May 2026

US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) announced a three-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, noting that the temporary truce coincides with Russia's Victory Day celebrations commemorating the then-Soviet Union's role in World War II.

8 Countries With The Most Public Holidays

8 Countries With The Most Public Holidays

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

These nations officially top the list when it comes to maximum number of official days off.

Why Is Putin Celebrating Christmas Now?

Why Is Putin Celebrating Christmas Now?

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

President Vladimir Putin attended an early Wednesday Russian Orthodox Christmas service and hailed his troops' 'holy mission' to defend Russia, pairing the ceremony with a holiday address on unity, charity and support for the armed forces.

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.

HC reserves order on Vijay starrer's censor certificate plea

HC reserves order on Vijay starrer's censor certificate plea

Rediff.com7 Jan 2026

The Madras High Court has reserved its order on a petition seeking a direction to the CBFC to grant a censor certificate to the Vijay starrer film 'Jana Nayagan'. The court considered arguments regarding the review process and complaints about the film's content.

10 Ways To Beat The Diwali Blues

10 Ways To Beat The Diwali Blues

Rediff.com28 Oct 2025

Beat the post-Diwali fatigue and slowly get back into your routine with these simple tips and tricks!

'My Wife Regrets She Married Me'

'My Wife Regrets She Married Me'

Rediff.com24 Dec 2025

Right now, the most important thing is clarity -- for you and for her, advises rediffGURU Kanchan Rai.

'We Decided To Give Our Employees What Matters Most -- Their Own Time To Celebrate Life'

'We Decided To Give Our Employees What Matters Most -- Their Own Time To Celebrate Life'

Rediff.com14 Oct 2025

'For us, it's not always about chasing revenue. It's about sustaining happiness and energy, because that's what drives long-term growth.'

HC dismisses PIL against Jan 22 holiday in Maharashtra

HC dismisses PIL against Jan 22 holiday in Maharashtra

Rediff.com21 Jan 2024

The Bombay high court on Sunday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by four students against the Maharashtra government's decision declaring a public holiday on January 22, on the occasion of the Ram temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya.

Where Do Religious Tourists Go?

Where Do Religious Tourists Go?

Rediff.com29 Jul 2023

19 per cent of all travel in India (by bus, train or air) was pilgrimage or religious travel (possibly the single largest after business and family-related travel), discovers Ambi Parameswaran.

Rioters are like demons, will be crushed, says Yogi

Rioters are like demons, will be crushed, says Yogi

Rediff.com28 Sep 2025

"You have seen that in Islam, it is said that they oppose 'bootparastee' (idol worship). It is their matter and their philosophy. We perform idol worship. We worship the 'saakaar brahma' and the 'niraakaar brahma', which is allowed by the Sanatan Dharma.... Some are saying 'I Love Mohammad' and indulging in arson and vandalism." "They know that this is Sharadiya Navratra, the occasion of Vijaya Dashami. If they spread chaos during the Sharadiya Navratra, work like 'Chundd' and 'Mundd', then Goddess Bhagwati is not going to tolerate it. Goddess Bhagwati crushes such 'Chundd' and 'Mundd'," Adityanath said.

Israel agrees to US ceasefire proposal for Ramzan

Israel agrees to US ceasefire proposal for Ramzan

Rediff.com2 Mar 2025

The temporary truce aims to ease tensions during the religious holidays. Further details on its implementation are yet to be disclosed.

Why Vacation Costs Are On The Rise

Why Vacation Costs Are On The Rise

Rediff.com8 Jul 2025

The primary drivers: Geopolitical disruptions inflating fuel and operational costs, and a surge in travel demand.

How babus battle over holidays

How babus battle over holidays

Rediff.com11 Apr 2015

Indian officialdom enjoys well over a week of Sundays every month

Is Arundhati Roy Scared Of The Really Powerful?

Is Arundhati Roy Scared Of The Really Powerful?

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

'Arundhati Roy is like a ballerina performing on a high wire, cool, supremely at ease but conscious of all the adoring eyes on her,' notes P Vijaya Kumar.

Yunus announces general elections in Bangladesh

Yunus announces general elections in Bangladesh

Rediff.com6 Aug 2025

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus announced that the next general election will be held in February 2026, marking the first anniversary of the 'July Uprising'.

Pahalgam massacre: 3 months on, attackers still at large

Pahalgam massacre: 3 months on, attackers still at large

Rediff.com22 Jul 2025

The officials said that intelligence agencies had been alerted about the possibility of a terror attack, but the inputs were utilised at another place, some 90 kilometres away from the site where the attack took place, resulting in a key security lapse.

US: Man shouting 'Free Palestine' injures 8 with fire bomb

US: Man shouting 'Free Palestine' injures 8 with fire bomb

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

In one video, apparently of the attack, a shirtless man holding clear bottles in his hands is seen pacing as the grass in front of him burns.

Country celebrates historic Ram temple consecration with religious zeal

Country celebrates historic Ram temple consecration with religious zeal

Rediff.com23 Jan 2024

Several states declared a holiday for schools, while government offices, other establishments and public sector banks remained closed for half a day.

Why Maha temples want to implement dress code for devotees

Why Maha temples want to implement dress code for devotees

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

Temples across Maharashtra are increasingly adopting dress codes for visitors, urging devotees to wear modest and traditional attire. While temple trusts argue that these codes maintain sanctity, visitors have mixed reactions. The trend, which started with the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple in Mumbai, has spread to other temples, including those in Pune, Ratnagiri, and Ahilyanagar. The move has been welcomed by some, who believe it promotes respect and decorum within religious spaces. However, others argue that it is unnecessary and restrictive. Right-wing organizations are advocating for similar dress codes across all temples in Maharashtra, including prominent state-run temples like the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.

Wanted: A Safe Seat For Superstar Vijay

Wanted: A Safe Seat For Superstar Vijay

Rediff.com8 Aug 2025

This is important because he is to be seen as a sure winner before criss-crossing the state to campaign for candidates of the party or an alliance, highlights N Sathiya Moorthy.

'Gujaratis Know Hinduism Equals BJP'

'Gujaratis Know Hinduism Equals BJP'

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

'The people of Gujarat are more religious than people of other states, this gives the BJP an advantage.'

Itachuna: Regal, Rich, And A Bit Spooky

Itachuna: Regal, Rich, And A Bit Spooky

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

Rajbaris are a link to Bengal's rich past, of grand mansions, classical fine dining, and allow guests to be pretend zamindars for those few hours or days that they stay.

Lakshadweep admin ends system of school holiday on Fridays

Lakshadweep admin ends system of school holiday on Fridays

Rediff.com21 Dec 2021

Official sources said the administration modified the school timings and regular school activities to ensure "optimum utilization of resources, proper engagement of learners and necessary planning of teaching learning process".

Diwali holiday decision divides US town

Diwali holiday decision divides US town

Rediff.com1 Aug 2014

Asked to declare a holiday on the Hindu festival, the school board in Millburn Township, New Jersey, instead comes up with a solution that angers many. Rediff.com/India Abroad's George Joseph reports.

J-K assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack

J-K assembly passes resolution denouncing Pahalgam attack

Rediff.com29 Apr 2025

The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Monday expressing shock and anguish over the Pahalgam terrorist attack and resolved to fight resolutely to defeat the nefarious designs to disturb communal harmony and hinder progress.

Indians Want To Make An Experience Of Every Trip

Indians Want To Make An Experience Of Every Trip

Rediff.com1 Apr 2025

'Adventure travel, cultural tours, and wellness retreats are in high demand.'

India had highest number of Internet shutdowns at 109 in 2020

India had highest number of Internet shutdowns at 109 in 2020

Rediff.com4 Mar 2021

From Belarus to Bangladesh, authorities in 29 countries shut down or interfered with the internet at least 155 times in 2020.

Bill in US Cong to declare Diwali a national holiday

Bill in US Cong to declare Diwali a national holiday

Rediff.com3 Nov 2021

Led by Congresswoman Carolyn B Maloney from New York, lawmakers on Wednesday announced that a bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives to declare Diwali, festival of lights, a federal holiday.

Karnataka HC asks students not wear 'religious clothes' for now

Karnataka HC asks students not wear 'religious clothes' for now

Rediff.com10 Feb 2022

"We will pass an order. Let the schools-colleges start. But till the matter is resolved, no student should insist on wearing religious dress," the CJ said.

Recipe: Jayanti's Rice Laddoos

Recipe: Jayanti's Rice Laddoos

Rediff.com17 Sep 2024

The sweet taste of a laddoo is believed to attract prosperity and abundance.

ICC action on home soil has Pakistan fans buzzing

ICC action on home soil has Pakistan fans buzzing

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

The national team, captained for the bulk of those years by Misbah Ul Haq, hosted its 'home' games in the United Arab Emirates and remained relatively successful until fixtures trickled back onto Pakistani soil in 2018.

VHP men disrupt Xmas celebrations in Kerala school; 3 held

VHP men disrupt Xmas celebrations in Kerala school; 3 held

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian, strongly condemned the alleged threatening of teachers at a government school in Kerala by Viswa Hindu Parishad (VHP) activists over Christmas celebrations. Kurian urged the state government to take stringent action against the culprits to prevent such incidents from recurring. The incident sparked outrage, with opposition leaders accusing the Sangh Parivar of attempting to create communal tension. Meanwhile, VHP leaders clarified that they were not against any religion and admitted that their district office bearers had questioned the teachers about the organisation of the Christmas celebration.

How Well Do You Know Lord Ganesha?

How Well Do You Know Lord Ganesha?

Rediff.com16 Sep 2024

A special quiz to mark the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.

Deeply troubled by ongoing conflict in Gaza: India at UN

Deeply troubled by ongoing conflict in Gaza: India at UN

Rediff.com9 Apr 2024

Kamboj said the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to a large-scale loss of civilian lives, especially women and children.

'All we are here for is to try and win on the 12th'

'All we are here for is to try and win on the 12th'

Rediff.com8 Oct 2024

The Blue Tigers held their first training session in Vietnam on Monday evening at the Nam Dinh Sports Palace Ground and will have four more full sessions before taking on the hosts on Saturday.

120 rockets fired from Lebanon as Israel observes Yom Kippur

120 rockets fired from Lebanon as Israel observes Yom Kippur

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said on Saturday that multiple rocket launches have been identified from Lebanon since the Yom Kippur fast started. Two UAVs were identified crossing from Lebanon into central Israel, according to IDF. A hit on a civilian building was identified and one UAV was intercepted.

44 killed in stampede at Jewish religious festival in Israel

44 killed in stampede at Jewish religious festival in Israel

Rediff.com30 Apr 2021

The mass gathering was organised to celebrate the Lag B'Omer holiday at Mount Meron.

Kanpur school stops reciting religious prayers in morning assembly after row

Kanpur school stops reciting religious prayers in morning assembly after row

Rediff.com1 Aug 2022

The school also said they have discontinued the practice of reciting verses from different religions, including Sikhism, Hinduism and Islam, in the assembly, and now only the National Anthem will be sung.