News for 'temple rituals'

Raksha Bandhan Around India

Raksha Bandhan Around India

Rediff.com28 Aug 2026

Raksha Bandhan takes on a different character as you travel across India.

Why BJP Wants To Go It Alone In Punjab

Why BJP Wants To Go It Alone In Punjab

Rediff.com29 Aug 2026

There is a strong opinion within the BJP in Punjab that the party must now stand on its own two feet and dump the badly compromised SAD baggage.

Akshay Kumar Visits A Temple With Mum-In-Law Dimple Kapadia

Akshay Kumar Visits A Temple With Mum-In-Law Dimple Kapadia

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Akshay Kumar, joined by his mother-in-law Dimple Kapadia, sought divine blessings at the Shri Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain, praying for national prosperity and family well-being.

9 Facts About The Puri Rath Yatra

9 Facts About The Puri Rath Yatra

Rediff.com16 Jul 2026

July 16 will be the biggest and happiest day of the year in Puri, home to the magnificent Jagannath Temple.

6 Famous Rath Yatras Across India

6 Famous Rath Yatras Across India

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

On July 16 begins the Puri Rath Yatra for Lord Jagannath. Where else is Lord Jagannath celebrated?

Bhojshala a Saraswati temple, rules HC; suggests alternate land for mosque

Bhojshala a Saraswati temple, rules HC; suggests alternate land for mosque

Rediff.com16 May 2026

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has declared the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar to be a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, suggesting the Muslim community seek land elsewhere for a mosque.

Two Detained for Drone Use Over Puri's Jagannath Temple

Two Detained for Drone Use Over Puri's Jagannath Temple

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Odisha Police have detained two individuals from West Bengal for allegedly flying a drone over the Jagannath Temple in Puri, violating restrictions. The drone and related equipment have been seized, and an investigation is underway.

Puri Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath's missing floral crown sparks row

Puri Rath Yatra: Lord Jagannath's missing floral crown sparks row

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

A controversy has erupted in Odisha after Lord Jagannath's idol was moved from the Puri temple to the chariot during the Rath Yatra without its traditional 'Tahia' floral headgear, leading to strong criticism from opposition parties BJD and Congress against the BJP government.

How India Celebrates Mahashivratri

How India Celebrates Mahashivratri

Rediff.com15 Feb 2026

Maha Shivratri, one of India's most revered Hindu festivals, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and celebrated with deep devotion across the country.

Jagannath Rath Yatra-Iskcon Clash Over Tithis

Jagannath Rath Yatra-Iskcon Clash Over Tithis

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

For the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the timing of Rath Yatra is a matter of scriptural injunction rather than convenience.

Open access to all temples must for Hindu unity, says SC

Open access to all temples must for Hindu unity, says SC

Rediff.com9 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court of India has emphasised the importance of open access to all temples and 'maths' for everyone, warning that excluding any denomination would negatively impact Hinduism and divide society. This statement was made during hearings on petitions related to discrimination against women at religious sites and the scope of religious freedom.

7 Goddess Saraswati Temples

7 Goddess Saraswati Temples

Rediff.com22 Jan 2026

Basant Panchami is dedicated to Devi Saraswati, the goddess of learning and an auspicious occasion to visit shrines in her honour.

Gambhir attends Bhasm Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple

Gambhir attends Bhasm Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Temple

Rediff.com16 Jan 2026

India head coach Gautam Gambhir attended the Bhasm Aarti at Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain on Friday.

BJP workers spray gomutra in temple after Maha Muslim MLA's visit

BJP workers spray gomutra in temple after Maha Muslim MLA's visit

Rediff.com17 Feb 2026

A video of Sattar's visit to the Shiva temple in Rahimabad in his assembly constituency Sillod on the occasion of Mahashivratri on Sunday went viral on social media, triggering protests from the BJP and other outfits.

Madurai Temple Hosts Special Pooja for India Ahead of T20 WC Final

Madurai Temple Hosts Special Pooja for India Ahead of T20 WC Final

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

Devotees at Madurai's Sri Maha Periyava Temple offered special prayers and rituals seeking India's victory ahead of the T20 World Cup final against New Zealand in Ahmedabad.

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Why Was Amit Malviya Removed As BJP IT Cell Chief?

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Amit Malviya paid the price because he committed the cardinal mistake of himself 'becoming' the BJP's IT Cell and its social media. Malviya's removal contains a message to others -- never try to become bigger than the job that has been assigned, explains Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Gaya's Vishnupad Corridor Project: 'Vikas Nahi, Vinash Hai'

Gaya's Vishnupad Corridor Project: 'Vikas Nahi, Vinash Hai'

Rediff.com16 May 2026

Priests see red over the Rs 2,390 crore project to overhaul infrastructure around one of Bihar's most significant pilgrimage site, particularly for those performing pind daan.

Mob attacks UP temple priest over viral photo of eating non-veg food

Mob attacks UP temple priest over viral photo of eating non-veg food

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

A temple priest in Kanpur was allegedly assaulted by a mob after a photograph purportedly showing him eating non-vegetarian food circulated on social media, triggering outrage among some local residents.

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.

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.

PIX: Kohli offers prayers at Simhachalam temple

PIX: Kohli offers prayers at Simhachalam temple

Rediff.com7 Dec 2025

Later, priests honoured the visitors with the temple's Shesha Vasthram (sacred cloth) and presented them with the deity's portrait and prasadam on behalf of the Devasthanam.

Lenin Review: Intriguing, Flawed Revenge Saga

Lenin Review: Intriguing, Flawed Revenge Saga

Rediff.com11 Jul 2026

Lenin packs enough intriguing twists to hook you, but eventually buries them beneath an all-too-familiar revenge saga.

Why govt Odisha wants to copyright Jagannath rituals

Why govt Odisha wants to copyright Jagannath rituals

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

The Odisha government is working to secure copyright for the rituals of Lord Jagannath temple in Puri to protect its traditional cultural expressions, following concerns over untimely celebrations by ISKCON and the declaration of a temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'.

7 Fertility Temples Across The World

7 Fertility Temples Across The World

Rediff.com27 Dec 2025

There are sacred sites dedicated to fertility and blessings. Couples journey miles to offer prayers, strange symbols, or even carved idols. Join us as we explore the world's fertility temples.

Deadlock ends as Mewar heir Vishvaraj Singh completes mourning rituals

Deadlock ends as Mewar heir Vishvaraj Singh completes mourning rituals

Rediff.com27 Nov 2024

Vishvaraj Singh Mewar, the newly anointed titular head of the erstwhile Royal family of Mewar, visited the Eklingnathji temple and Udaipur City Palace to complete his father's mourning rituals. The visit to the city palace was met with a deadlock as the property is under the control of his uncle Arvind Singh Mewar, who warned of legal action on trespass. However, after a consensus was reached, Vishvaraj Singh and four others were allowed to enter the palace premises for darshan. The visit comes after violent clashes in the city following the coronation ceremony of Vishvaraj Singh in Chittorgarh fort.

Gautam Gambhir Seeks Blessings at Kalighat Temple

Gautam Gambhir Seeks Blessings at Kalighat Temple

Rediff.com12 Nov 2025

Ahead of India's opening Test against South Africa, head coach Gautam Gambhir made a spiritual stop at Kolkata's iconic Kalighat Mandir, seeking blessings before the start of the two-match series.

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.

Three Heart Lessons I'll Never Forget

Three Heart Lessons I'll Never Forget

Rediff.com21 Jul 2026

This is the great tragic flaw in how we handle medical emergencies. The golden hour is wasted. People get a chest pain and they call their family doctor. Or they drag the patient to a small local clinic that doesn't have the equipment. What people don't realise is that in an emergency, you don't need advice. You need a large hospital.

Self-Styled Godman Kharat Accused Of Cheating CA Of Crores

Self-Styled Godman Kharat Accused Of Cheating CA Of Crores

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Police in Nashik have registered a new case of cheating against astrologer Ashok Kharat, who is already in custody for alleged sexual exploitation and fraud. The latest accusation involves Kharat allegedly cheating his former Chartered Accountant of Rs 8.76 crore.

Hindu groups hold victory celebration at Bhojshala

Hindu groups hold victory celebration at Bhojshala

Rediff.com19 May 2026

Hindu groups organised a 'victory celebration' at the historic Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district after the ASI granted the community unrestricted access to the monument for worship.

Maha aarti at Bhojshala; Muslims offer namaaz at homes amid protest

Maha aarti at Bhojshala; Muslims offer namaaz at homes amid protest

Rediff.com22 May 2026

Hundreds of Hindu devotees gathered at the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, for a 'maha aarti' following a high court ruling declaring the site a temple. Members of the Muslim community protested peacefully by offering namaz at home wearing black bands.

Thane family loses Rs 1.66 crore in black magic fraud

Thane family loses Rs 1.66 crore in black magic fraud

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

A family in Thane, Maharashtra, was allegedly defrauded of over Rs 1.66 crore by a man who exploited their fear of black magic, promising divine remedies through rituals and pilgrimages.

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.

Man fulfills vow with 9km prostration pilgrimage after divorce wish granted

Man fulfills vow with 9km prostration pilgrimage after divorce wish granted

Rediff.com31 Mar 2026

A 25-year-old man in Uttar Pradesh, India, completed a 9km 'dandvat yatra' (prostration pilgrimage) to a local temple after his request for a divorce was granted, fulfilling a vow he made during marital difficulties.

Tamil Nadu Elections: Jobs Promise Drives Voter Sentiment In Panapakkam

Tamil Nadu Elections: Jobs Promise Drives Voter Sentiment In Panapakkam

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

As industrial plants boost the village's profile, locals demand priority hiring, alongside better storage facilities and water security.

Modern Relationships: 'My Husband Wants Me To Do Puja Everyday'

Modern Relationships: 'My Husband Wants Me To Do Puja Everyday'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

When Bangalore-based Arjun* agreed to an arranged marriage, he believed he had found the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. But a quiet conflict over religion at home soon began to test the relationship.

Another Nashik godman booked for sexually exploiting woman

Another Nashik godman booked for sexually exploiting woman

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

Maheshgiri alias Mahesh Dilip Kakde, who claimed to have divine powers, allegedly told them that she had been affected by 'Karni' (black magic) and asked them to perform certain rituals, an official said.

Every religion will break...: SC in Dawoodhi Bohras case

Every religion will break...: SC in Dawoodhi Bohras case

Rediff.com7 May 2026

The Supreme Court of India has voiced concerns about the potential consequences of individuals questioning religious practices in constitutional courts, warning it could lead to the fragmentation of religions and civilisation. A nine-judge Constitution bench is hearing petitions related to discrimination against women at religious places and the scope of religious freedom.

Centre tells SC: Sabarimala ban is religious faith, beyond judicial review

Centre tells SC: Sabarimala ban is religious faith, beyond judicial review

Rediff.com7 Apr 2026

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the restriction on women of menstruating age entering Kerala's Sabarimala temple is a matter of religious faith and denominational autonomy, falling outside the purview of judicial review. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that courts should not apply 'secular standards of reason' to religious practices.

The Last Trip With My Father

The Last Trip With My Father

Rediff.com26 Jun 2026

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.