News for 'rituals'

'It's Going To Be A Lavish Wedding!'

'It's Going To Be A Lavish Wedding!'

Rediff.com29 Nov 2024

'We first interacted during an event hosted by the OTT platform.'

Sambhal predates Islam, Vishnu temple destroyed in 1526: Yogi

Sambhal predates Islam, Vishnu temple destroyed in 1526: Yogi

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that forcibly seizing someone's faith and trampling over their beliefs is "unacceptable," especially "when we know the truth about Sambhal" which predates Islam, with the Vishnu temple there being destroyed in 1526. He said that Sambhal has been mentioned in scriptures that are 5,000 years old, which contain references to Lord Vishnu's future incarnation. He also mentioned that a temple of Lord Vishnu in Sambhal was demolished in 1526, and two years later, in 1528, the Ram temple in Ayodhya was destroyed, both acts carried out by the same person.

Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital trust alleges Rs 1,500 cr fraud by ex-trustees

Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital trust alleges Rs 1,500 cr fraud by ex-trustees

Rediff.com12 Mar 2025

The Lilavati Kirtilal Mehta Medical Trust (LKMMT), which runs Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital, has accused its former trustees and related individuals of misappropriating over Rs 1,500 crore. The trust has filed complaints with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Bandra Police Station, alleging that the misappropriation, uncovered during a forensic audit, has impacted the trust's operations and healthcare services. The trust has also claimed that black magic was performed in the hospital premises by former trustees and related individuals. The Bandra Magistrate Court has ordered an inquiry against these individuals. The current trustees have identified large-scale irregularities in the hospital management body's affairs and appointed forensic auditors who found that over Rs 1,500 crore has been siphoned and misappropriated by the former trustees. The Mumbai police's Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has initiated a probe into an alleged cheating case of Rs 85 crore registered against three former trustees of the hospital.

Meet Aaliyah Kashyap's Bridal Squad

Meet Aaliyah Kashyap's Bridal Squad

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Khushi Kapoor treats us to more pictures of the bride Aaliyah Kashyap and her squad, including Muskan Chanana.

Hindutva, counter-polarisation helped Mahayuti in Maha polls: Fadnavis

Hindutva, counter-polarisation helped Mahayuti in Maha polls: Fadnavis

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has attributed the recent state assembly election victory to the role of Hindutva and counter-polarization. He described BJP's Hindutva as a way of life and said it played an important role in mobilizing voters. Fadnavis also alleged that the opposition alliance had an agreement to withdraw riot cases against Muslims. He further commented on PM Modi's inclusive Hindutva and the increased voter turnout in the election.

Rishabh Pant's saviour fighting for life after suicide bid

Rishabh Pant's saviour fighting for life after suicide bid

Rediff.com13 Feb 2025

The doctor treating Rajat said his condition was improving. Pant may come to Jhabreda in a day or two to visit Rajat, the doctor said, quoting the cricketer's PA.

Maha Kumbh: 2 cr take 'Amrit Snan'; no rush for Sangam Nose

Maha Kumbh: 2 cr take 'Amrit Snan'; no rush for Sangam Nose

Rediff.com3 Feb 2025

The Maha Kumbh witnessed its third grand 'Amrit Snan' on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees from across the globe, all seeking spiritual liberation through the sacred dip, which was going on smoothly, officials said.

Will use weapons with full force if needed: Rajnath

Will use weapons with full force if needed: Rajnath

Rediff.com13 Oct 2024

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday said India has never attacked any country out of hatred or contempt but if its interests are threatened, 'we will not hesitate to take a big step'.

Jagan calls for pooja to clear Naidu's 'sin' over laddu row

Jagan calls for pooja to clear Naidu's 'sin' over laddu row

Rediff.com25 Sep 2024

Reddy's appeal comes days after Naidu alleged during a NDA legislative party meeting that the previous YSRCP government did not even spare Sri Venkateswara temple and used substandard ingredients and animal fat for making laddus.

In this UP village Naushad is Dubey and Irshad is Pandey

In this UP village Naushad is Dubey and Irshad is Pandey

Rediff.com11 Dec 2024

Several Muslim families in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh, have adopted Hindu surnames such as Dubey, Pandey, and Tiwari, claiming their ancestors were Brahmins. This follows a campaign by the Vishal Bharat Sansthan, which aims to "reconnect people with their roots" and reduce religious conflict. The campaign has sparked controversy, with some accusing families of converting their religion. The local police are investigating the situation and have deployed extra personnel in the area as a preventive measure.

The relevance of Gudi Padwa and its rituals

The relevance of Gudi Padwa and its rituals

Rediff.com25 Mar 2020

A significant ritual is to consume neem leaves, a custom that marks the beginning of the festival. Neem also helps in boosting the immune system.

As pure 'as alkaline water': UP quotes scientist on Sangam water

As pure 'as alkaline water': UP quotes scientist on Sangam water

Rediff.com21 Feb 2025

The Uttar Pradesh government, citing a scientist, has asserted that Ganga water at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is as pure as "alkaline water", debunking concerns raised by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) about water quality. The government claims that a scientist found no bacterial growth or decline in the water's pH level, despite millions of devotees bathing in the river. However, experts caution that the quality of the Ganga water is not static and can vary greatly depending on various factors.

'Show restraint': Ram temple trust's appeal to devotees

'Show restraint': Ram temple trust's appeal to devotees

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has appealed to devotees from nearby areas to postpone their visit to Ayodhya for 15-20 days, citing the large number of devotees flocking to the town since January 26. The trust said this will allow devotees from distant places to have an easier darshan experience. The appeal comes as Ayodhya has witnessed a footfall of around 40 lakh devotees since Monday, choking the roads and bylanes leading to the Ram Temple with huge traffic snarls.

UP temple closed during Ayodhya incident reopens; Muslims shower flowers

UP temple closed during Ayodhya incident reopens; Muslims shower flowers

Rediff.com23 Dec 2024

A Shiv temple in Ludhawala, a predominantly Muslim locality in Muzaffarnagar, was reopened on Monday after being closed for over 30 years. The temple, built in 1971, was shut down during the communal tensions triggered by the Ayodhya incident in 1992. The reopening ceremony was conducted peacefully with a 'havan' and local Muslims showering flowers on a procession of Hindu activists. The event was marked by a display of harmony, highlighting the importance of religious tolerance and understanding.

13-year-old girl becomes sadhvi at Maha Kumbh Mela

13-year-old girl becomes sadhvi at Maha Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com7 Jan 2025

A 13-year-old girl from Agra, who dreamt of becoming an IAS officer, has renounced worldly life and become a Sadhvi at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The girl, Rakhi, was influenced by the teachings of Mahant Kaushal Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara, who had been conducting Bhagwat Katha sessions in her village for the past three years. Rakhi's parents, accepting her decision as divine will, entrusted her to the Juna Akhara. The family, who had rented a home in Agra specifically to educate their daughters, say that Rakhi experienced detachment from worldly life during the Maha Kumbh. The girl will be formally inducted into the ashram on January 19 after religious ceremonies.

MP: Manager sacked over wedding at 200-yr-old temple

MP: Manager sacked over wedding at 200-yr-old temple

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

A wedding held at a 200-year-old temple in Madhya Pradesh's Indore has kicked up a row, prompting the authorities to order a probe into the matter, officials said on Monday.

Mrs Steve Jobs visits Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Mrs Steve Jobs visits Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Rediff.com12 Jan 2025

Kailashanand Giri Maharaj of Niranjani Akhara, along with Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday.

How Durga Puja Brings Kajol, Rani, Sharbani Together

How Durga Puja Brings Kajol, Rani, Sharbani Together

Rediff.com12 Oct 2024

'Kajol has always been very particular about Nysa and Yug coming for the puja every year.'

How To Handle Wedding Anxiety? Ask rediffGURUS

How To Handle Wedding Anxiety? Ask rediffGURUS

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

How do you stay calm, relaxed and focus on the important things that matter in the countdown to your special day? Get expert advice from rediffGURUS.

Couples Invite Global Guests to Weddings, For a Fee

Couples Invite Global Guests to Weddings, For a Fee

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

From dressing in colourful lehengas and sherwanis to dancing to Bollywood tunes during the baraat, these startups are offering an immersive journey into the world of Indian weddings.

Hindu temple being reconstructed in Pak after 64 years

Hindu temple being reconstructed in Pak after 64 years

Rediff.com21 Oct 2024

Currently, there is no Hindu temple in Narowal district, forcing the Hindu community to perform their religious rituals at home or travel to temples in Sialkot and Lahore.

Gambhir Seeks Kamakhya Temple Blessings

Gambhir Seeks Kamakhya Temple Blessings

Rediff.com4 Sep 2024

Ahead of India's Test and T20I series against Bangladesh, Head Coach Gautam Gambhir made a pilgrimage to the Kamakhya temple in Guwahati.

London to host Sumo tournament: A first in 33 years!

London to host Sumo tournament: A first in 33 years!

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Only once in the sport's 1,500-year history has a five-day Grand Sumo Tournament or "basho" been held outside Japan

Union minister Suresh Gopi booked for 'misusing' ambulance in Kerala

Union minister Suresh Gopi booked for 'misusing' ambulance in Kerala

Rediff.com3 Nov 2024

The case was registered following a complaint filed by KP Sumesh, a local Communist Party of India leader, seeking legal action against Gopi for allegedly misusing an ambulance to reach the Pooram venue flouting police restrictions.

The Ultimate 'Dulhan Ka Bhai'

The Ultimate 'Dulhan Ka Bhai'

Rediff.com3 Dec 2024

'From our endless childhood memories to seeing you as the most beautiful bride, it's hard to put into words how proud and happy I feel. You've always been a source of joy and love to all of us, and now we are excited to see you beginning a new journey.'

Sobhita's Bridal Looks: Vote For Your FAVE!

Sobhita's Bridal Looks: Vote For Your FAVE!

Rediff.com10 Dec 2024

From custom Manish Malhotra drape to Kanjeevaram saris, Sobhita Dhulipala was an absolute vision as a traditional South Indian bride at all her wedding festivities.

How Indian Weddings Got So Big, Glitzy

How Indian Weddings Got So Big, Glitzy

Rediff.com20 Nov 2024

What was once a solemn Vedic ritual is today a celebration for the entire extended family. And why not? With families living in distant cities, even continents, weddings are seen as an occasion for cousins and uncles to congregate under one roof for two or three days, observes Ambi Parmeswaran.

Tension in Karnataka village after Dalits enter temple for first time

Tension in Karnataka village after Dalits enter temple for first time

Rediff.com10 Nov 2024

The upper caste people, mostly Vokkaligas, allegedly took away the 'Utsava Murthy', the metallic festival idol of the deity for performing rituals outside the temple in Hanakere village.

Shilpa Shetty's Kids Celebrate Bhai Dooj

Shilpa Shetty's Kids Celebrate Bhai Dooj

Rediff.com4 Nov 2024

Film folk of all ages celebrated Bhai Dooj on Sunday.

Maha Kumbh Mela: Meet the seer who has not bathed for 32 yrs

Maha Kumbh Mela: Meet the seer who has not bathed for 32 yrs

Rediff.com3 Jan 2025

The 57-year-old has become the centre of attraction in Maha Kumbh Mela due to his height, which is a little more than three feet.

Adani's son marries; tycoon donates Rs 10,000 cr

Adani's son marries; tycoon donates Rs 10,000 cr

Rediff.com7 Feb 2025

Billionaire Gautam Adani's younger son Jeet on Friday married fiance Diva Shah at a small and intimate, traditional ceremony with a close group of friends and family in attendance.

Budget 2025: FM takes part in customary halwa ceremony

Budget 2025: FM takes part in customary halwa ceremony

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday participated in a traditional 'halwa' ceremony, marking the final stage for the preparation of Union Budget 2025-26 to be unveiled on February 1 in the Lok Sabha. The ceremony is a customary ritual in which traditional dessert 'halwa' is prepared and served to officials and staff members of the finance ministry who are involved in the preparation of the Budget.

Entire Prayagraj to become 'no vehicle zone' for Purnima snan

Entire Prayagraj to become 'no vehicle zone' for Purnima snan

Rediff.com11 Feb 2025

Elaborate arrangements including a special traffic plan have been chalked out for Maghi Purnima on Wednesday and health personnel have been put on alert for the occasion when the month-long 'kalpavas', an integral tradition of the Maha Kumbh, comes to an end.

Indo-Bangla talks: What BSF, BGB have discussed on Day 1

Indo-Bangla talks: What BSF, BGB have discussed on Day 1

Rediff.com20 Feb 2025

The Director General of Bangladesh's Border Guard (BGB), Maj Gen Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui, has denied reports of attacks on minorities in Bangladesh after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024, calling them "exaggerated." He cited the peaceful celebration of Durga Puja as evidence and pointed to the security provided by BGB to minority communities. The BGB also raised objections to India's fencing along the border during the bi-annual talks with the BSF.

World's 'Oldest Saint' At Kumbh Mela

World's 'Oldest Saint' At Kumbh Mela

Rediff.com24 Jan 2025

Swami Shivanand Saraswati, known as the world's 'oldest saint', claims to be 129 years old and has been attending the Kumbh Mela for 100 years.

UP shocker: Class 2 student 'sacrificed' for school's 'prosperity'

UP shocker: Class 2 student 'sacrificed' for school's 'prosperity'

Rediff.com27 Sep 2024

Police said the postmortem report of the class two student revealed that he was strangled.

After Ban, How Aandhi Returned...

After Ban, How Aandhi Returned...

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

'We were asked to add a dialogue where the politician says she admires Mrs Gandhi.'

Groom reaches Guwahati on time for wedding thanks to railways

Groom reaches Guwahati on time for wedding thanks to railways

Rediff.com17 Nov 2024

A Mumbai man managed to reach Guwahati on time for his wedding on Sunday, thanks to the help of Indian Railways. The groom and his relatives were travelling on the Gitanjali Express from Mumbai, which was delayed. They were worried about missing the Saraighat Express to Guwahati. A member of the wedding party posted a message on X, requesting help. The Howrah Divisional Railway Manager, acting on instructions from higher authorities, detained the Saraighat Express and ensured the swift arrival of the Gitanjali Express. The groom and his relatives were then quickly transported to the Saraighat Express by battery-operated vehicles. The wedding took place without further complications. The family expressed their gratitude to the Indian Railways for their assistance.

Maha Kumbh: 3.5 crore seers, devotees take Amrit Snan

Maha Kumbh: 3.5 crore seers, devotees take Amrit Snan

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Seers from various 'akharas' took the first 'Amrit Snan' at the Maha Kumbh on Makar Sankranti on Tuesday as an unbroken stream of people converged at the Triveni Sangam on the occasion with around 3.5 crore devotees taking a dip.

83 held in Guj for ritual to 'protect' them from Covid

83 held in Guj for ritual to 'protect' them from Covid

Rediff.com25 May 2021

More than 80 people were arrested after a social media video showed them participating in a religious procession for performing a ritual to 'protect' their village from the scourge of coronavirus in Prantij taluka in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district, police said.