News for 'rituals'

Why Make Yoga Day A Ritual

Why Make Yoga Day A Ritual

Rediff.com22 Jun 2026

We have Yoga Day. We have Hindi Day. We have, I am fairly certain, so many days, though I have never met anyone enjoying these days, notes Binu Alex.

Mumbai Godman Arrested For Black Magic Rituals

Mumbai Godman Arrested For Black Magic Rituals

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

A 37-year-old self-styled godman was arrested in Mumbai for allegedly cheating several people by claiming to possess divine powers and performing 'aghori' rituals.

Centuries-Old Mud Ritual Marks Assamese New Year in Majuli

Centuries-Old Mud Ritual Marks Assamese New Year in Majuli

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Majuli welcomes the Assamese New Year with Boka Bihu, a centuries-old tradition of mud-smearing that also celebrates the healing power of Nature.

Jharkhand Mother Arrested in Teen Daughter's Ritual Sacrifice

Jharkhand Mother Arrested in Teen Daughter's Ritual Sacrifice

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Police in Hazaribag, Jharkhand, have arrested a mother, an occult practitioner, and a man in connection with the ritualistic killing of a teenage girl. The girl was allegedly strangled as a sacrifice to cure the mother's ailing son.

Jharkhand: Teen killed in sacrificial ritual; mother, tantrik arrested

Jharkhand: Teen killed in sacrificial ritual; mother, tantrik arrested

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Police in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, have arrested a mother, an occult practitioner, and a man in connection with the ritualistic killing of a teenage girl. The girl was allegedly strangled as a sacrifice to cure the mother's son.

UP's Ayush Malik, who converted to Islam, returns to Hinduism

UP's Ayush Malik, who converted to Islam, returns to Hinduism

Rediff.com37 minutes ago

Ayush Malik, a resident of Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, who had converted to Islam earlier this year, has now returned to Hinduism. He stated that his decision was influenced by the distress his initial conversion caused his parents. This reconversion follows a police investigation into his initial conversion under the Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, where four people have been arrested.

'Indian Weddings Have Deep Meaning Behind Every Ritual'

'Indian Weddings Have Deep Meaning Behind Every Ritual'

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

'Wedding photography is not just about cameras and equipment. It is about sensitivity and responsibility,' says Himanshu Patel, celebrated wedding photographer and founder of Epic Stories.

Sonam Kapoor's Super Cute Life Lately

Sonam Kapoor's Super Cute Life Lately

Rediff.com22 hours ago

Sonam Kapoor ends her birthday month with a beautiful series of pictures of her 'life lately'.

Nation Mourns Loss Of Shooting Icon Jaspal Rana

Nation Mourns Loss Of Shooting Icon Jaspal Rana

Rediff.com5 days ago

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended the 'terahvin' rituals of legendary shooter Jaspal Rana in Dehradun. Dignitaries paid their respects to the Padma Shri recipient, who passed away on June 11 due to cardiac complications. Rana, a celebrated pistol shooter and coach, was instrumental in guiding Manu Bhaker to Olympic success.

T20 World Cup Final: Fans Perform Nazar Utaarna Ritual

T20 World Cup Final: Fans Perform Nazar Utaarna Ritual

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Ahead of the T20 World Cup final, two fans have gone viral online after posting a video performing a ritual to ward off the 'evil eye'.

Kamakhya temple gears up for lakhs of devotees for Ambubachi Mela

Kamakhya temple gears up for lakhs of devotees for Ambubachi Mela

Rediff.com7 days ago

The famed Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya temple in Guwahati is set to begin, with the administration expecting around eight lakh devotees over the next four days. The temple doors will close on Monday night for the 'prabritti' period, symbolising the annual menstrual cycle of Goddess Kamakhya, and reopen on June 26.

Lucknow fire: 'Only her face was visible'

Lucknow fire: 'Only her face was visible'

Rediff.com7 days ago

The massive fire broke out on Monday afternoon in the three-floor commercial building housing an animation centre, killing at least 15 people, mostly students.

Court prevents temple from appyling chemical coating on idol

Court prevents temple from appyling chemical coating on idol

Rediff.com7 days ago

A Solapur court has issued a temporary injunction preventing the Pandharpur temple committee from applying a chemical protective coating on the idol of Lord Vitthal. The decision came after devotees argued that modern chemicals violate religious traditions, while the committee cited preservation needs ahead of the Ashadi Ekadashi pilgrimage. The court emphasised the idol's ownership by devotees and the lack of immediate emergency for the controversial coating.

Court Allows Murder Accused to Attend Brother's Post-Death Rituals Under Police Escort

Court Allows Murder Accused to Attend Brother's Post-Death Rituals Under Police Escort

Rediff.com8 Mar 2026

A court in Beed district, Maharashtra, has granted temporary release to Jairam Chate, an accused in the Santosh Deshmukh murder case, to attend his brother's post-death rituals under police protection. The decision has sparked controversy and objections from the victim's family.

What If Unborn Child Is Diagnosed With Down Syndrome?

What If Unborn Child Is Diagnosed With Down Syndrome?

Rediff.com4 days ago

'A lot of women in their late 30s have healthy babies and there are prenatal screenings and tests that can help families make informed choices,' says rediffGURU Dr Shakeeb Ahmed Khan.

Muslim woman performs last rites of Hindu man in Kerala

Muslim woman performs last rites of Hindu man in Kerala

Rediff.com2 days ago

In a heartwarming act of compassion, Irfana Iqbal, a Muslim panchayat member in Kasaragod, Kerala, performed the last rites of an abandoned Hindu man, Narayanan, according to his customs after his family refused to claim his body. Her selfless act, driven by the belief that humanity transcends religion, has garnered widespread appreciation.

Suvendu minister performs puja before entering scam-tainted Partha's office

Suvendu minister performs puja before entering scam-tainted Partha's office

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Newly appointed West Bengal minister Bishal Lama performed a puja before occupying his new office, which was previously used by former education minister Partha Chatterjee, who was arrested in a school jobs scam. Lama stated it was a personal tradition for auspicious beginnings.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Scandinavia split over Norway's signature Viking row celebration

FIFA World Cup 2026: Scandinavia split over Norway's signature Viking row celebration

Rediff.com5 days ago

Norway's success at the World Cup has triggered euphoria at home, but the team's trademark "Viking row" celebration is beginning to test the patience of their Scandinavian neighbours, drawing shrugs from Sweden and envy from Denmark.

Man Held For Hiding Identity, Pressuring Woman To Convert

Man Held For Hiding Identity, Pressuring Woman To Convert

Rediff.com14 Jun 2026

A man in Moradabad was arrested for allegedly concealing his religious identity, sexually exploiting a woman for four years, and then pressuring her to convert for marriage. The woman claims he defrauded her of Rs 12 lakh and that his family also pressured her to convert, leading to an appeal to the Chief Minister.

NCERT textbook cites Manusmriti, says early caste order was role-based

NCERT textbook cites Manusmriti, says early caste order was role-based

Rediff.com4 days ago

The chapter, State and Society up to 1000 CE, says the Vedic period is 'often described as a period during which women held a high and respectful position in society'.

Papa Meri Jaan

Papa Meri Jaan

Rediff.com21 Jun 2026

Let's remember and celebrate all the countless things your dad did or does in our lives.

Teacher Duped Of Gold, Cash After Marriage, Job Promise

Teacher Duped Of Gold, Cash After Marriage, Job Promise

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

A man in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has been booked for allegedly cheating a 43-year-old teacher of cash and gold by promising her marriage and a job in Dubai, and also attempting to coerce her into converting to Islam. The accused, Hussein Abu Soydan, reportedly established a relationship with the victim, took significant sums of money and jewellery, and then avoided contact after a purported marriage and conversion.

Kerala CM V D Satheesan Condemns Vicious Social Media Campaign Against Late Actor Salim Kumar

Kerala CM V D Satheesan Condemns Vicious Social Media Campaign Against Late Actor Salim Kumar

Rediff.com10 Jun 2026

Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has strongly condemned the social media campaign against national award-winning Malayalam actor Salim Kumar during his illness and after his death. Satheesan criticised the abusive comments and the intrusive behaviour of online media during the actor's cremation, calling for greater responsibility from both individuals and media organisations.

Annamalai's political movement sees 10 lakh registrations in 10 hrs

Annamalai's political movement sees 10 lakh registrations in 10 hrs

Rediff.com6 Jun 2026

Former Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party chief K Annamalai's newly launched political movement titled 'Idhu Namma lyakkam' (This Is Our Movement) attracted over 10 lakh members registered within 10 hours of its launch after he formally quit the BJP on Friday.

Gurjar Community Defies Orders, Unveils Statues In Rajasthan

Gurjar Community Defies Orders, Unveils Statues In Rajasthan

Rediff.com30 May 2026

Members of the Gurjar community unveiled statues of their late leader Kirori Singh Bainsla and two other martyrs at Kushalipura village in Rajasthan, despite objections from the administration citing restrictions in the Ranthambore Tiger Reserve area.

Celebrating Vishu 2026: 7 Unique Rituals You Should Know

Celebrating Vishu 2026: 7 Unique Rituals You Should Know

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

The celebration of Vishu is incomplete without these rituals, which have been passed down the ages, from generation to generation.

Fake Spiritual Healers Arrested For Cyber Fraud

Fake Spiritual Healers Arrested For Cyber Fraud

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Two men were arrested for allegedly running a cyber fraud racket, posing as spiritual healers using fake female profiles and cheating victims through staged rituals and tantric remedies.

'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.

Centre tightens FCRA rules for NGOs receiving foreign funds

Centre tightens FCRA rules for NGOs receiving foreign funds

Rediff.com7 days ago

The Indian government has amended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) rules, introducing stricter regulations for NGOs receiving foreign funds. Key changes include mandatory selection of predefined purposes and areas of operation, restrictions on foreign nationals as key functionaries, and explicit exclusion of proselytisation from certain faith-based activities. The amendments also introduce minimum spending limits, enhanced financial accountability, and increased transparency requirements, including social media disclosure and ultimate donor identification.

Father's Day: A Divorced Dad's Co-Parenting Journey

Father's Day: A Divorced Dad's Co-Parenting Journey

Rediff.com19 Jun 2026

When his marriage ended six years ago, Vishal Gokani worried about how his daughters would explain their family situation to friends. On Father's Day, the divorced father talks about co-parenting and how it has strengthened their bond.

Inside GSB Cuisine Queen Komal Prabhu's Kitchen

Inside GSB Cuisine Queen Komal Prabhu's Kitchen

Rediff.com1 days ago

Discover the inspiring journey of Komal Prabhu, called the Queen of GSB Cuisine, that saw her switch professions -- a Bharata Natyam dancer became a celebrated chef devoted to preserving traditional Gaud Saraswat Brahmin food traditions.

Gudi Padwa: 6 Rituals And Customs

Gudi Padwa: 6 Rituals And Customs

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Gudi Padwa, also known as Padwa, is celebrated by people across the state of Maharashtra as the Marathi New Year.

World Productivity Day: 10 Tips To Be More Productive At Work

World Productivity Day: 10 Tips To Be More Productive At Work

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

If something matters, schedule it, block it, put a placeholder in your calendar, says Sonica Aron, founder and managing director of Marching Sheep.

Maa Behen Recipe: Kadaknath Chicken Masala

Maa Behen Recipe: Kadaknath Chicken Masala

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

With its high iron content, unique black colour, intense flavour profile, Kadaknath chicken is sought after by chefs and gourmands alike.

Self-Styled Godman Arrested For Double Murder In Dhule

Self-Styled Godman Arrested For Double Murder In Dhule

Rediff.com18 May 2026

A self-styled godman in Maharashtra's Dhule district has been arrested for allegedly strangling a woman after she resisted his sexual assault attempt and subsequently killing her male friend at his ashram.

'Status of 40-kg silver donated to Ram temple not known'

'Status of 40-kg silver donated to Ram temple not known'

Rediff.com20 Jun 2026

A Lucknow-based jeweller has raised concerns about the untraceable status of a three-kg silver lamp and other silver items he and his association donated to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. His claims come amidst allegations of fund embezzlement at the temple, prompting a state-level SIT investigation ordered by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

The Last Trip With My Father

The Last Trip With My Father

Rediff.com4 days ago

At Kolga Aabla, the closest beach to her grandmother's home, at the edge of a birch forest, we immersed her balance ashes. It was a sombre, precious day for both of us. But a day that also brought long-needed closure. My mother's spirit, chained for so many years in a Parkinson's-locked body, was free. But my father came back from the beach a visibly older man.

Not mandatory for a Hindu to go to temple to remain a Hindu: SC

Not mandatory for a Hindu to go to temple to remain a Hindu: SC

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Supreme Court observed that Hinduism is a way of life, stating that mandatory temple visits or rituals are not necessary to be considered a Hindu; even lighting a lamp at home suffices.

Governor Review: Oversimple Take On India's Monetary Muddle

Governor Review: Oversimple Take On India's Monetary Muddle

Rediff.com12 Jun 2026

Governor: Simplistic narrative, questionable historical accuracy, underwhelming production quality, notes Sukanya Verma.

Malaika's Relaxing Holiday In The Maldives

Malaika's Relaxing Holiday In The Maldives

Rediff.com27 May 2026

Malaika goes on a holiday to the Maldives to rest and recuperate.