News for 'shrine'

Will Ayatollahs Flee Iran After Protests?

Will Ayatollahs Flee Iran After Protests?

Rediff.com14 Jan 2026

People in Iran have taken to the streets as daily life has become increasingly difficult. Rising prices of food, fuel and basic necessities, job scarcity, and the falling value of money have fuelled wider anger and anti-government unrest in the capital Tehran and other Iranian cities.

Chief priest arrested in Sabarimala gold loss probe

Chief priest arrested in Sabarimala gold loss probe

Rediff.com9 Jan 2026

The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Sabarimala gold loss case arrested chief priest of the Lord Ayyappa temple, Kandararu Rajeevaru in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, sources said.

World Welcomes 2026 With Dazzling Celebrations

World Welcomes 2026 With Dazzling Celebrations

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

The world welcomed 2026 with spectacular celebrations across continents. From dazzling fireworks illuminating iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Marina Bay, and Copacabana beach to intimate gatherings at historic sites, the New Year brought together diverse cultures in joyous unity.

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Sant Ravidas, An Airport Renaming, And Modi's Message

Rediff.com4 Feb 2026

Naming an airport after Guru Ravidas is not just about a name, it shows that Dalit communities want respect, equal treatment, and freedom from unfair caste rules in religion and society.

Somnath@1,000: The Power Of Unbroken Faith

Somnath@1,000: The Power Of Unbroken Faith

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

If the Somnath temple, which was attacked 1,000 years ago and faced continuous attacks thereon, could rise again and again, then we can surely restore our great nation to the glory it embodied 1,000 years ago before the invasions, asserts Narendra Modi.

Kharge slams Modi over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

Kharge slams Modi over Manikarnika Ghat redevelopment

Rediff.com15 Jan 2026

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the redevelopment of the Manikarnika Ghat in Varanasi, alleging the destruction of historical heritage for personal branding. The project has faced protests over damage to religious artifacts and the demolition of old structures.

India rings in 2026 with prayers, parties

India rings in 2026 with prayers, parties

Rediff.com1 Jan 2026

Indians across the country welcomed the New Year 2026 with celebrations, religious observances, and gatherings at tourist spots. The President, Vice President, and Prime Minister extended greetings for peace and prosperity.

Modi raises Sabarimala gold theft in mega Kerala rally

Modi raises Sabarimala gold theft in mega Kerala rally

Rediff.com23 Jan 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacked the ruling Left and Congress in Kerala, raising the Sabarimala gold loss issue and accusing the Congress of aligning with hardline elements. He urged voters to choose the BJP for development and good governance.

Actress claims: 'Suryakumar used to message me a lot'

Actress claims: 'Suryakumar used to message me a lot'

Rediff.com30 Dec 2025

Meanwhile, the India captain was seen with his wife Devisha at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, where the couple offered prayers on the occasion of Vaikuntha Ekadashi.

Sabarimala gold theft case: No HC relief for TDB ex-chief; pulls up SIT

Sabarimala gold theft case: No HC relief for TDB ex-chief; pulls up SIT

Rediff.com19 Dec 2025

The Kerala High Court denied bail to former TDB president N Vasu and others accused in the Sabarimala gold loss case, citing laxity in the investigation and potential impediment to the probe if bail is granted.

Banke Bihari temple panel challenges UP shrine control ordinance in SC

Banke Bihari temple panel challenges UP shrine control ordinance in SC

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

The committee said the Uttar Pradesh government did not file appeals against the high court's November 8, 2023 order and instead, an impleadment application was filed in the pending plea before the top court.

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

President Murmu offers prayers at Sabarimala, carries sacred bundle

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at the Lord Ayyappa temple in Sabarimala, becoming the first woman head of state to visit the shrine. She participated in traditional rituals and ceremonies during her visit.

2026: Kerala Among Best Destinations

2026: Kerala Among Best Destinations

Rediff.com6 Jan 2026

Kerala has earned a spot on Rough Guides' list of the world's top travel destinations for 2026, with the popular guidebook publisher highlighting the state as a must-visit location for the year ahead.

Kerala Devaswom ex-minister quizzed in Sabarimala gold theft case

Kerala Devaswom ex-minister quizzed in Sabarimala gold theft case

Rediff.com31 Dec 2025

An SIT investigating the Sabarimala gold loss case has questioned former Devaswom Minister Kadakampally Surendran. The interrogation has sparked political controversy, with opposition parties alleging interference in the investigation.

When Nanda Got Engaged To Manmohan Desai At 53

When Nanda Got Engaged To Manmohan Desai At 53

Rediff.com21 Jan 2026

Nanda says of Manmohan Desai: 'I wanted a husband who doesn't bow down before anyone else.' 'He has worked with Amitabh Bachchan in so many films but it's always on a one-to-one basis. I admire that.'

Orry, others booked for drinking near Vaishno Devi shrine

Orry, others booked for drinking near Vaishno Devi shrine

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

Social media influencer Orhan Awatramani, known as Orry, and seven others were booked for allegedly consuming alcohol at a hotel in Katra, the base camp for the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The FIR was registered for violating the law and hurting religious sentiments. The hotel reportedly prohibits alcohol and non-vegetarian food due to its proximity to the shrine.

Hand over Sabarimala gold case to neutral agency: Amit Shah to Kerala CM

Hand over Sabarimala gold case to neutral agency: Amit Shah to Kerala CM

Rediff.com11 Jan 2026

Union Home Minister Amit Shah criticizes Kerala's ruling Left government over the Sabarimala gold loss case, demanding a neutral investigation and accusing the government of protecting the real culprits. He also signals the start of the BJP's campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections.

Video of cop touching Dhirendra Shastri's feet sparks row

Video of cop touching Dhirendra Shastri's feet sparks row

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

A controversy has erupted in Chhattisgarh after a video surfaced showing spiritual preacher Dhirendra Shastri arriving in a government aircraft and a police officer touching his feet. The Congress party has alleged misuse of public funds, while the BJP defends the officer's actions as personal faith.

896 Balls, One GOAT: Inside Kolkata's Messi Fan Zone

896 Balls, One GOAT: Inside Kolkata's Messi Fan Zone

Rediff.com11 Dec 2025

Between 9 and 13 December, the Argentina Football Fans Club of Kolkata is turning Aikatan, a cultural hub just a short walk from Salt Lake Stadium, into a full-blown Messi fan zone, drenched in Argentina's blue and white.

60 Years On This Week, Indira Gandhi Became Prime Minister

60 Years On This Week, Indira Gandhi Became Prime Minister

Rediff.com20 Jan 2026

In a culture where children take up the profession of their father, her becoming a politician was seen as natural and acceptable.

Vaishno Devi pilgrimage resumes after 3-week halt

Vaishno Devi pilgrimage resumes after 3-week halt

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

Amid chants of 'Jai Mata Di', the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine atop Trikuta hills resumed in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district on Wednesday, after a suspension of 22 days due to a devastating landslide that claimed 34 lives and injured 20, officials said.

Vaishnodevi pilgrimage resumes after brief weather break

Vaishnodevi pilgrimage resumes after brief weather break

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

Registration for the Vaishnodevi pilgrimage has resumed after a brief suspension due to inclement weather. Devotees express their happiness as the yatra progresses smoothly.

Court nod for President Murmu's 4WD convoy to Sabarimala

Court nod for President Murmu's 4WD convoy to Sabarimala

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu will visit the Sabarimala temple on October 22. The Kerala High Court has granted permission for the VVIP convoy movement, and security rehearsals are underway.

After Babri-style mosque, Ayodhya-style Ram Mandir proposed in Bengal

After Babri-style mosque, Ayodhya-style Ram Mandir proposed in Bengal

Rediff.com12 Dec 2025

Posters announcing plans for an Ayodhya-style Ram temple complex in Salt Lake have appeared, escalating the political duel between religious groups ahead of the Bengal assembly polls. The proposed complex includes a school, hospital, and old-age home.

Rain Clouds Loom Over Vaishno Devi Yatra

Rain Clouds Loom Over Vaishno Devi Yatra

Rediff.com6 Oct 2025

The Baan Ganga entry point wears a deserted look after the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board orders suspension of the Vaishno Devi Yatra from October 5 to 7 due to the IMD's inclement weather advisory for Katra.

Passport Ready? 4 Cheapest Destinations From India

Passport Ready? 4 Cheapest Destinations From India

Rediff.com10 Dec 2025

Passport Ready? 4 Cheapest Destinations From Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai & Mumbai

Sara's Spiritual Trip

Sara's Spiritual Trip

Rediff.com25 Oct 2025

Sara Ali Khan has a special connection with the Kedarnath temple ever since she shot her debut film Kedarnath at the sacred destination in Uttarakhand.

Vietnam: A Boat Ride To Remember!

Vietnam: A Boat Ride To Remember!

Rediff.com1 Dec 2025

A boat ride through Vietnam's most glorious landscape.

Over 50 detained in Hazratbal Ashoka emblem vandalism case

Over 50 detained in Hazratbal Ashoka emblem vandalism case

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

Police have detained over 50 people for questioning after a plaque with the Ashoka emblem was vandalized at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar. The incident has sparked controversy, with political parties and religious figures expressing outrage.

TN: HC tells petitioner to light hill lamp with CISF protection

TN: HC tells petitioner to light hill lamp with CISF protection

Rediff.com4 Dec 2025

Despite an earlier direction by the Bench, the lamp was not lit on an ancient stone pillar near a Dargah on the Thirupparankudram hill here on Karthigai Deepam this evening, triggering protests by the Hindu Munnani activists and a section of devotees.

Vaishno Devi landslide: Pilgrims search for loved ones

Vaishno Devi landslide: Pilgrims search for loved ones

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

The rhythmic chants of pilgrims have been replaced with frantic footsteps of those looking for their loved ones in the wake of a disastrous landslide on the route to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine which has claimed 34 lives till now.

Sabarimala helipad sinks as President's helicopter lands

Sabarimala helipad sinks as President's helicopter lands

Rediff.com22 Oct 2025

The wheels of the helicopter carrying President Droupadi Murmu got stuck in a depression in the newly concreted helipad at Pramadam during her Sabarimala visit.

Mamta Kulkarni says Dawood not terrorist, clarifies later

Mamta Kulkarni says Dawood not terrorist, clarifies later

Rediff.com30 Oct 2025

Actress-turned-seer Mamta Kulkarni has found herself at the centre of controversy following her recent remarks that underworld don Dawood Ibrahim 'is not a terrorist'.

Can Humayun Kabir's revolt dent TMC's fortunes in Bengal?

Can Humayun Kabir's revolt dent TMC's fortunes in Bengal?

Rediff.com5 Dec 2025

Humayun Kabir, a former TMC minister, has been suspended from the party after announcing plans to lay the foundation of a "Babri Masjid-style" mosque on December 6. This move has sparked controversy and raised concerns about communal tensions in West Bengal.

Massive row in Kashmir over emblem plaque at Hazratbal mosque

Massive row in Kashmir over emblem plaque at Hazratbal mosque

Rediff.com7 Sep 2025

A massive controversy is raging in Jammu and Kashmir after a plaque with the Ashoka emblem was vandalised in the Hazratbal shrine as parties on Saturday accused Waqf Board chief Darakshan Andrabi of hurting religious sentiments by using the national emblem in the mosque and demanded registration of a criminal case and her immediate removal.

J-K: Vaishno Devi landslide toll rises to 34

J-K: Vaishno Devi landslide toll rises to 34

Rediff.com27 Aug 2025

The death toll in the Vaishno Devi landslide has gone up to 32, officials said on Wednesday, a day after disaster struck the route on the hilltop shrine in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district.

Historic! Sheetal Devi Shatters Another Ceiling in Indian Archery

Historic! Sheetal Devi Shatters Another Ceiling in Indian Archery

Rediff.com6 Nov 2025

Qualifies for India's able-bodied archery team for Asia Cup

Vaishno Devi yatra remains suspended for 4th day

Vaishno Devi yatra remains suspended for 4th day

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

The Vaishno Devi Yatra remains suspended for the fourth day following a landslide that claimed 34 lives. Pilgrims express concerns about safety, while local associations offer support.

Modi to hoist saffron flag at Ram Temple in Ayodhya today

Modi to hoist saffron flag at Ram Temple in Ayodhya today

Rediff.com25 Nov 2025

Ayodhya resonated with devotional fervour on Tuesday morning as thousands of devotees streamed into the temple town ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to ceremonially hoist a saffron flag atop the Ram temple, marking the formal completion of its construction.

'Jungle Raj', Chhath puja: How Modi delivered big in Bihar

'Jungle Raj', Chhath puja: How Modi delivered big in Bihar

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

A recurring theme of the prime minister's election rallies was the reminder of the 'jungle raj' during the RJD rule under chief ministers Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, and there were special efforts to ensure that the youth in the state does not get swayed by the promises made by Tejashwi Yadav.