News for 'shrine'

Drones seen in Jammu, downed in Punjab; trigger blackout

Drones seen in Jammu, downed in Punjab; trigger blackout

Rediff.com13 May 2025

Suspected drones were observed along the International Border in Samba district of Jammu region on Monday, while armed forces downed a 'surveillance drone' in Punjab's Jalandhar district.

People have right to protest, but...: Mamata on Bengal violence

People have right to protest, but...: Mamata on Bengal violence

Rediff.com14 Apr 2025

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday appealed for peaceful protests in the wake of violence that erupted in several parts of the state during protests against the amended Wakf law. She emphasized the importance of respecting the law and urged people not to indulge in non-religious activities in the name of religion.

Pak terrorist killed near Hazratbal shrine

Pak terrorist killed near Hazratbal shrine

Rediff.com10 Mar 2022

'His (the Pakistani terrorist's) aim was to enter the mosque, engage with the security forces, stir religious sentiments of the people and create a law and order problem. But we will not let them to succeed in that.'

Reddy Climbs Tirupati Stairs On Knees

Reddy Climbs Tirupati Stairs On Knees

Rediff.com14 Jan 2025

Nitish Kumar Reddy visited the Tirupati temple to give thanks for his standout show during the Border Gavaskar Trophy series in Australia.

Smile never returned: Bengal's Jhalda mourns IB officer lost in Pahalgam

Smile never returned: Bengal's Jhalda mourns IB officer lost in Pahalgam

Rediff.com24 Apr 2025

A retired school headmaster from Jhalda, West Bengal, mourned the loss of his 33-year-old son, an Intelligence Bureau officer, who was killed in a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The incident sparked outrage and calls for justice as families and political leaders expressed grief and condemned the attack. The victims' families recounted the horrifying details of the attack and praised the courage of a local taxi driver who rescued survivors and provided support.

'Thought nothing will happen after Babri case, but...'

'Thought nothing will happen after Babri case, but...'

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

A body representing the 'Khadims' of the Ajmer dargah has condemned a plea in a local court that seeks to declare the shrine of Khawaja Gharib Nawaz as a temple, saying right-wing forces were trying to "isolate" Muslims and "disrupt" communal harmony in the country.

Banita Looks Stunning At SAG Awards

Banita Looks Stunning At SAG Awards

Rediff.com25 Feb 2025

Banita Sandhu attended the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, February 23, at the Shrine auditorium in Los Angeles.

I do not belong to Pak: JK cop after HC stays deportation

I do not belong to Pak: JK cop after HC stays deportation

Rediff.com3 May 2025

For Ali, who hails from Mendhar sub-division near the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district, the uniform is more than a job -- it's a calling. He has dedicated nearly half his life in the police force, serving its various wings with distinction and earning multiple commendations for his courage and unwavering commitment to duty.

HC stays deportation of J-K cop, sisters to Pakistan

HC stays deportation of J-K cop, sisters to Pakistan

Rediff.com1 May 2025

A police officer and his eight siblings, including five sisters, were deported to Pakistan on Wednesday despite a court order granting them temporary relief. The nine members of the extended family, who have been living in Jammu and Kashmir for generations, were among more than two dozen people, mostly from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), who were served deportation notices following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The deportation has sparked outrage, with protests and appeals for intervention from the home minister and lieutenant governor. The family members claim they are not Pakistani nationals and have been living in the region for generations, presenting revenue records to support their claims. The court has ordered a detailed report on the case within two weeks and will hear it again on May 20.

Sukhbir Badal escapes attempt on life at Golden Temple; ex-terrorist held

Sukhbir Badal escapes attempt on life at Golden Temple; ex-terrorist held

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

The man, identified as Narain Singh, was overpowered by some people standing outside the Golden Temple.

Kashi, Mathura disputes must...: Ajmer Shrine Chief

Kashi, Mathura disputes must...: Ajmer Shrine Chief

Rediff.com23 Feb 2024

On the Citizenship Amendment Act, the Ajmer Dargah chief also said that in the last few years, Muslims have been misled about the CAA law.

3 dead in stampede as elephants panic at Kerala temple

3 dead in stampede as elephants panic at Kerala temple

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Three elderly people died in a stampede caused by two elephants becoming agitated after crackers were burst during a festival at the Manakulangara Temple near Koyilandy, Kerala. The elephants ran towards a building, causing a wall to collapse and trapping people. The stampede also resulted in around 20 people suffering minor injuries. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed condolences, and investigations are underway to determine if there were any violations of elephant management rules.

'Muslims Have Been Misled By Opposition'

'Muslims Have Been Misled By Opposition'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

'Muslims need to work according to strategy and not fall into the trap of Opposition parties.'

What Happens After The Pope Dies?

What Happens After The Pope Dies?

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Pope Francis shaped the Church he led. And in death, his reforms shape his farewell.

Pahalgam Attack: Unfinished Battle Against Terrorism

Pahalgam Attack: Unfinished Battle Against Terrorism

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

The Pahalgam massacre highlights the evolution of terrorism into a multi-domain challenge. India's response must similarly evolve -- from tactical retaliation to comprehensive strategic deterrence. To establish a credible and sustained deterrent, India must also carry out continuous kinetic operations, both overt and covert, suggest Sakshit Raina and Rahul Mishra. To establish a credible and sustained deterrent, India must also carry out continuous kinetic operations, both overt and covert, suggest Sakshit Raina & Rahul Mishra.

No place for Sai Baba in temples: Shankaracharya boycotts Shimla event

No place for Sai Baba in temples: Shankaracharya boycotts Shimla event

Rediff.com24 Oct 2024

Jyotispeethadheeswar Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati, who was scheduled to participate in the "Gau Dhwaj" hoisting programme at the Ram temple in Shimla, boycotted the event and did not visit the shrine.

Landslide on Vaishno Devi track, 2 women dead

Landslide on Vaishno Devi track, 2 women dead

Rediff.com2 Sep 2024

Two women pilgrims from Punjab and Uttar Pradesh died while a five-year-old girl was grievously injured in a landslide on the new track to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Monday, officials said.

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.

Scuffle caused stampede, not rush: Vaishno Devi shrine board

Scuffle caused stampede, not rush: Vaishno Devi shrine board

Rediff.com1 Jan 2022

The Saturday stampede that killed 12 people occurred 'due to a scuffle between two groups of pilgrims', the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) said in a statement, emphasising only 35,000 pilgrims were allowed to proceed for the yatra against the normal capacity of 50,000 in view of the pandemic.

Sanjay Dutt, Yami Offer Prayers At Golden Temple

Sanjay Dutt, Yami Offer Prayers At Golden Temple

Rediff.com18 Dec 2024

Sanjay Dutt visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar with Uri Director Aditya Dhar, who's directing Dutt in his next. Accompanying them was a special guest.

Religion-based quota against Constitution, BR Ambedkar: RSS

Religion-based quota against Constitution, BR Ambedkar: RSS

Rediff.com23 Mar 2025

RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has criticized the Karnataka government's decision to provide four per cent reservation for Muslims in government contracts, stating that the Constitution does not allow religion-based quotas. He also said that such reservations go against the wishes of B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution. He also spoke about the controversy over Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's grave in Maharashtra, stating that people who went against the ethos of India were made icons. Hosabale lauded figures like Rajput king Maharana Pratap for resisting Mughal emperor Akbar and said those who resisted invaders were also "freedom fighters". He also spoke about the RSS's idea of 'One Nation, One Culture', stating that it draws inspiration from India's rich cultural heritage and ethos.

Maha Kumbh's High-Tech Kitchen

Maha Kumbh's High-Tech Kitchen

Rediff.com4 Feb 2025

To accommodate the huge number of devotees, a high-tech kitchen has been established at Baba Satyapal Maharaj's pandal, ensuring seamless food preparation and distribution.

Man who shot at Badal faces multiple police cases

Man who shot at Badal faces multiple police cases

Rediff.com4 Dec 2024

Narain Singh Chaura, a former terrorist with a history of violence and involvement in the 2004 Burail jailbreak case, attempted to shoot Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal outside the Golden Temple. The attack, which occurred while Badal was sitting in a wheelchair, was thwarted by quick action from security personnel. Chaura has been arrested and is facing multiple charges, including under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

'Most Dargahs, Mosques Will Be Threatened'

'Most Dargahs, Mosques Will Be Threatened'

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

'The new Waqf bill sows the seed for conflict in every town and village of India.'

Badal shooter visited Golden Temple day before attack

Badal shooter visited Golden Temple day before attack

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

Narain Singh Chaura, a former Khalistani terrorist, attempted to kill Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Chaura, who had been visiting the temple for two days, opened fire at Badal from close range but missed as he was overpowered by plainclothes policemen. The police have seized a 9 mm pistol from Chaura and are investigating whether any organization was behind the incident or if it was carried out to "gain sympathy".

130 Dalit families allowed temple entry in Bengal after 3 centuries

130 Dalit families allowed temple entry in Bengal after 3 centuries

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

In a significant move, 130 Dalit families in West Bengal were finally allowed to enter the Gidheshwar Shiv Temple after being barred for nearly three centuries due to caste discrimination. The families, who are primarily cobblers and weavers, had faced social and economic exclusion for their attempts to worship at the temple. Local authorities intervened after multiple rounds of discussions with village elders, temple servants, and political leaders, leading to a resolution of the long-standing dispute.

SC to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Feb 17

SC to hear pleas on Places of Worship Act on Feb 17

Rediff.com15 Feb 2025

The Act prohibits conversion of any place of worship and provides for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947.

Amarnath yatra pilgrim from Raj dies, toll at 3; 60K pray at cave shrine

Amarnath yatra pilgrim from Raj dies, toll at 3; 60K pray at cave shrine

Rediff.com6 Jul 2023

Roshan Lal Suthar, a resident of Pansal Dhileara area of Rajasthan, was missing since Tuesday and his body was found near the lower Holy Cave, they said.

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Ajmer dargah row as politicians, community leaders weigh in

Rediff.com28 Nov 2024

A local court in Ajmer has issued notices to the dargah committee, the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Archaeological Survey of India on a plea seeking to declare the shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti a temple. The petition, filed in September, has sparked a heated debate, with politicians and community leaders weighing in on the potentially volatile issue. The dargah committee has declined to comment, but the Anjuman Syed Zadgan, a body representing the caretakers of the dargah, described the petition as a deliberate attempt to fracture society along communal lines. The petition comes just days after four people were killed in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following a local court ordering survey of a Mughal-era shrine. The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, which fixed August 15, 1947, as the cut-off date for status quo on the character of religious places, is at the centre of much of the debate. Several politicians, including Union minister Giriraj Singh and PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, have weighed in on the issue. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called the civil court's decision to entertain the petition unwarranted and has asked the Supreme Court to immediately intervene.

130 Dalit households in Bengal fight for their right to worship

130 Dalit households in Bengal fight for their right to worship

Rediff.com9 Mar 2025

A group of around 130 Dalit families in West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman district have been facing discrimination for centuries, being denied access to a local temple. The families, belonging to the traditional community of cobblers and weavers, have been ostracized and face economic hardship due to this caste-based practice. Despite recent attempts by the administration to resolve the issue, the situation remains tense and the families are left with few options.

SP leader moves SC for effective implementation of Places of Worship Act

SP leader moves SC for effective implementation of Places of Worship Act

Rediff.com14 Feb 2025

Samajwadi Party leader and Kairana MP Iqra Choudhary has moved the Supreme Court seeking effective implementation of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991. This move comes amidst several petitions challenging the law's validity, including those filed by the Akhil Bhartiya Sant Samiti and lawyer Ashwini Upadhyay. The Supreme Court, in December 2022, had restrained all courts from examining fresh suits and passing interim orders in pending cases seeking to reclaim religious places. The Act aims to maintain the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947, but the dispute relating to Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid at Ayodhya was kept out of its purview. The court has listed Choudhary's plea with other pending pleas for February 17.

Fire damages historic shrine in Srinagar

Fire damages historic shrine in Srinagar

Rediff.com15 Nov 2017

As many as 22 fire tenders along with pumps were dispatched to the spot immediately to douse the flames.

SC puts off pleas on Places of Worship Act to April

SC puts off pleas on Places of Worship Act to April

Rediff.com17 Feb 2025

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar also indicated that it may not take up the pending scheduled petitions, heard earlier by a three-judge bench, during the day as it was sitting in a combination of two judges.

At least 13 killed, 40 missing in cloudburst near Amarnath cave shrine

At least 13 killed, 40 missing in cloudburst near Amarnath cave shrine

Rediff.com9 Jul 2022

At least eight persons were killed in a cloudburst near the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas on Friday evening, damaging 25 tents and three community kitchens, officials said.

Day after assassination bid, Sukhbir Badal continues 'seva'

Day after assassination bid, Sukhbir Badal continues 'seva'

Rediff.com5 Dec 2024

The former deputy chief minister, a Z+ protectee, arrived at the Ananadpur Sahib shrine surrounded by security personnel. Dressed in blue 'sewadar' uniform, Badal sat at the entrance of the gurdwara with a spear in one hand.

We can't repay...: Badal hugs cops who saved him from shooter

We can't repay...: Badal hugs cops who saved him from shooter

Rediff.com6 Dec 2024

Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal expressed gratitude to two police officers who saved his life when a former terrorist opened fire at him in Amritsar. Badal hugged the officers and praised their courage and loyalty, saying his family could never repay their bravery. The attack occurred at the Golden Temple, where Badal was performing religious penance. The former Khalistani terrorist Narain Singh Chaura fired from a close range but missed his target. The police overpowered the attacker before he could cause any harm.

No difference between India and Bangladesh if...: Mehbooba

No difference between India and Bangladesh if...: Mehbooba

Rediff.com2 Dec 2024

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti drew comparisons between the treatment of Hindus in Bangladesh and minorities in India, sparking criticism from the BJP. Mufti expressed concerns about the alleged oppression of Hindus in Bangladesh and criticized recent surveys of mosques in India. She called for a united front against forces dividing people on religious lines and warned of a potential repeat of 1947-like riots.

J-K plans mythological theme park near Vaishno Devi shrine

J-K plans mythological theme park near Vaishno Devi shrine

Rediff.com11 Jun 2021

The Jammu and Kashmir administration is planning to set up India's best mythological theme park near the famous Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi district and has sought investors for the project, officials said.

Rashmika Goes Hop Hop Hop

Rashmika Goes Hop Hop Hop

Rediff.com13 Jan 2025

Ananya goes to Amritsar... Sonakshi goes glam...Adah has a question...

A look at India's deadly stampedes in recent past

A look at India's deadly stampedes in recent past

Rediff.com16 Feb 2025

The recent stampede at New Delhi Railway station, which claimed the lives of at least 18 people, highlights a recurring issue in India: deadly stampedes. This tragedy is not an isolated incident, as numerous stampedes resulting in significant casualties have occurred over the years. This article explores some of the most devastating stampedes in India, including the deadly event at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj just a few weeks ago, the 2024 tragedy at a 'satsang' in Hathras, and the 2013 stampede during Navratri festivities in Madhya Pradesh.