News for 'temple traditions'

India women pray at Mahakaleshwar before key World Cup tie

India women pray at Mahakaleshwar before key World Cup tie

Rediff.com15 Oct 2025

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her teammates on Wednesday visited the Mahakaleshwar temple to offer prayers ahead of their Women's World Cup fixture against England at Indore's Holkar Stadium on Sunday.

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.

T'gana women washing Miss World contestants' feet at temple sparks row

T'gana women washing Miss World contestants' feet at temple sparks row

Rediff.com15 May 2025

After they reached the site, some women were seen in the video pouring water on the feet of the contestants, who were seated in a row, to wash their feet.

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.

Bengaluru student beaten up, locked in classroom over attendance issue

Bengaluru student beaten up, locked in classroom over attendance issue

Rediff.com21 Oct 2025

Police in Bengaluru have registered a case against a private school following allegations that a Class five student was beaten and confined to a room by school authorities. The incident occurred on October 14. In a separate incident, a teacher in Chitradurga was filmed beating a student for making a phone call.

Can India Solve The Air Pollution Problem?

Can India Solve The Air Pollution Problem?

Rediff.com5 Jan 2026

Mundane as it may seem, this is in some ways a metaphor for the challenges facing the nation, argue Arvind Subramanian and Devesh Kapur in their new book, A Sixth Of Humanity.

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'.

Deepika Wears A Hijab, Gets Trolled

Deepika Wears A Hijab, Gets Trolled

Rediff.com8 Oct 2025

When Deepika Padukone wore a hijab for a promotional ad, she probably didn't expect the trolling to be this bad.

'We built the temple', say Delhi's CR Park fish vendors amid closure threat

'We built the temple', say Delhi's CR Park fish vendors amid closure threat

Rediff.com9 Apr 2025

Fish sellers of Chittranjan Park found themselves in a state of disbelief last week when the anti-meat overdrive of the Hindu right hit the local markets with a warning to shut shops because they were close to a temple.

Thiruvananthapuram airport to shut for 4 hours for temple procession

Thiruvananthapuram airport to shut for 4 hours for temple procession

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will be closed for over four hours on April 11 to facilitate the "Painkuni Arattu" procession of the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The procession, which involves taking the temple idols to Shangumugham Beach for a ritual bath, crosses the airport runway. The airport will be closed from 4.45 pm to 9 pm on April 11. This tradition dates back centuries and continues even after the airport's establishment in 1932. Flights will be rescheduled during this period.

When Sakkeer Hussain Played The Chenda At A Temple

When Sakkeer Hussain Played The Chenda At A Temple

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

'The entire town, Hindus, Muslims and Christians, my schoolteachers and the ustads from the madrasa were present to witness my arangettam.'

SC rejects plea against Dasara invitation to Banu Mushtaq

SC rejects plea against Dasara invitation to Banu Mushtaq

Rediff.com19 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea challenging the Karnataka government's decision to invite International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara this year.

Infiltrators' wealth will be given to poor if....: Yogi at Bihar NDA rally

Infiltrators' wealth will be given to poor if....: Yogi at Bihar NDA rally

Rediff.com3 Nov 2025

Aditaynath alleged that the Congress, RJD and SP were "embracing" criminals in Bihar and allowing infiltrators to compromise with the state's security.

Banu Mushtaq inaugurates Mysuru Dasara festival amid row

Banu Mushtaq inaugurates Mysuru Dasara festival amid row

Rediff.com22 Sep 2025

The decision to invite Mushtaq had sparked controversy, with several petitions challenging the Karnataka government's move.

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.

Embrace principle of 'one temple, one well': Bhagwat to Hindus

Embrace principle of 'one temple, one well': Bhagwat to Hindus

Rediff.com20 Apr 2025

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has called for social harmony within the Hindu community, urging them to embrace the principle of "one temple, one well, and one cremation ground" for all. Bhagwat, on a five-day visit to Aligarh, emphasized the importance of achieving true social unity for India to fulfill its global responsibility for peace. He also stressed the significance of "sanskar (values)" as the bedrock of Hindu society, encouraging members to reach out to all sections of society and strengthen the foundations of nationalism and social cohesion.

Deepotsav Has Deepened Ayodhya's Aura

Deepotsav Has Deepened Ayodhya's Aura

Rediff.com20 Oct 2025

'Deepotsav aligns with the Adityanath government's vision to enhance Ayodhya's spiritual and cultural grandeur and transform it into a global pilgrimage and tourism hub.'

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'.

'Villains Are The Most Interesting To Design For'

'Villains Are The Most Interesting To Design For'

Rediff.com9 Dec 2025

'Every film had its challenges, but Mr India, Sadak and Gandhi were the toughest.' 'Mr India needed imagination, Sadak needed sensitivity and Gandhi demanded historical authenticity.'

HC dismisses pleas against Dasara invite to Banu Mushtaq

HC dismisses pleas against Dasara invite to Banu Mushtaq

Rediff.com15 Sep 2025

The Karnataka High Court dismissed petitions challenging the state government's decision to invite International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the 'Mysuru Dasara' festivities this year, following objections from some groups.

Wadiyars, Shivakumar in war of words over Chamundi Hill ownership

Wadiyars, Shivakumar in war of words over Chamundi Hill ownership

Rediff.com28 Aug 2025

A controversy has erupted in Mysuru over the ownership of Chamundi Hill, home to the Chamundeshwari Temple, ahead of the Dasara festival. Pramoda Devi Wadiyar of the erstwhile Mysuru royal family criticized Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's statement that the hill is not the property of Hindus alone, leading to a heated exchange and raising questions about the nature of the upcoming Dasara celebrations.

SC to hear plea on Banu Mushtaq inaugurating Mysuru Dasara

SC to hear plea on Banu Mushtaq inaugurating Mysuru Dasara

Rediff.com18 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea challenging the Karnataka government's decision to invite International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara this year. The controversy stems from allegations that Mushtaq made statements in the past that are perceived by some as "anti-Hindu" and "anti-Kannada".

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.

The New Found Importance Of Nitin Nabin

The New Found Importance Of Nitin Nabin

Rediff.com18 Dec 2025

'The move to appoint a person with a profile, markedly lower than the leader Nitin Nabin will replace, has the potential to put the brakes on the careers of several others in the party and government in the positions they currently hold,' points out Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay.

Diyas To Drones: How Festivals Are Being Redefined

Diyas To Drones: How Festivals Are Being Redefined

Rediff.com25 Sep 2025

From drone-lit skies and gemstone rangolis to fragrance journeys and theatrical thalis, India's new-age festive events blend heritage with high-tech spectacle to create memories that feel both intimate and unforgettable.

After 35 Years, Ganesh Visarjan In Srinagar

After 35 Years, Ganesh Visarjan In Srinagar

Rediff.com1 Sep 2025

Devotees thronged the streets with chants, bhajans, and devotional fervour, marking the occasion with spiritual enthusiasm and reconnecting with their cultural roots.

Thousands visit Ayodhya temple on consecration anniv

Thousands visit Ayodhya temple on consecration anniv

Rediff.com11 Jan 2025

The three-day celebrations began on Saturday with a recital of Yajurveda and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath performing an 'abhishek' on the Ram Lalla idol.

Tirupati temple board removes 18 non-Hindu employees

Tirupati temple board removes 18 non-Hindu employees

Rediff.com6 Feb 2025

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the custodian of Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple, has barred 18 employees from participating in all religious activities for allegedly partaking in non-Hindu activities. The decision has been defended by the Andhra Pradesh government, citing the need to protect the religious sentiments of Hindu devotees. The move has sparked debate, with some supporting the TTD's stance and others criticizing it as discriminatory.

Isn't Lavanya Tripathi A Hawt Mama?

Isn't Lavanya Tripathi A Hawt Mama?

Rediff.com12 Sep 2025

The former beauty queen turned actor knows how to balance style with authenticity.

BJP leader moves HC against Dasara invite to Banu Mushtaq

BJP leader moves HC against Dasara invite to Banu Mushtaq

Rediff.com6 Sep 2025

Bharatiya Janata Party leader Prathap Simha moved the Karnataka high court on Saturday seeking a stay on the state government's invitation to International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year's 'Mysuru Dasara'.

Trump dances his way to historic Thailand-Cambodia peace deal

Trump dances his way to historic Thailand-Cambodia peace deal

Rediff.com26 Oct 2025

Trump, 79, made a lively entrance in Malaysia's capital, dancing to the rhythm of drums on the airport tarmac near Air Force One, his energetic moves drawing smiles from onlookers.

11 Ways To Sparkle At Ganpati Pooja

11 Ways To Sparkle At Ganpati Pooja

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

Expect Bollywood's shiniest to sparkle at the festivities in glorious traditional fashion and gorgeous personal style.

Want to buy items gifted to Modi? Check this out

Want to buy items gifted to Modi? Check this out

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

An e-auction of over 1,300 items gifted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi has begun, featuring items such as a statue of Goddess Bhavani, an Ayodhya Ram Temple model, and sports memorabilia from the 2024 Paralympic Games. Proceeds will go to the Namami Gange project.

How To Sizzle In White

How To Sizzle In White

Rediff.com23 Sep 2025

This year, Day One of Navratri is marked by white -- a colour that embodies purity, peace and new beginnings.

Muslim Booker winner breaks silence over Dasara invite row

Muslim Booker winner breaks silence over Dasara invite row

Rediff.com26 Aug 2025

International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq has affirmed her respect for the Dasara festival and Goddess Chamundeshwari, following objections from BJP leaders regarding her invitation to inaugurate the event.

Devotee drops iPhone in 'hundi', TN temple says 'God's property'

Devotee drops iPhone in 'hundi', TN temple says 'God's property'

Rediff.com21 Dec 2024

As per the practises and tradition at the temples, any offerings made into the hundial directly goes into the account of the deity of that temple. Rules do not permit the administration to return the offerings back to the devotees, Babu told reporters in Chennai.

BJP protests Muslim Booker winner inaugurating Mysuru Dasara

BJP protests Muslim Booker winner inaugurating Mysuru Dasara

Rediff.com25 Aug 2025

Senior BJP leaders and an expelled MLA have questioned the Karnataka government's decision to have author Banu Mushtaq inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara festivities, citing concerns about her faith and its appropriateness for a religious ceremony.

Kalyani's Sassy Style Mix

Kalyani's Sassy Style Mix

Rediff.com29 Aug 2025

Kalyani Priyadarshini's effortless fashion looks are graceful and versatile.

SC declines to halt global Ayyappa devotee meet in Kerala

SC declines to halt global Ayyappa devotee meet in Kerala

Rediff.com17 Sep 2025

The Supreme Court has refused to entertain pleas against the Kerala High Court order dismissing petitions challenging the Travancore Devaswom Board's decision to conduct a global conclave of Ayyappa devotees.

'No Such Thing As Diabetes Reversal'

'No Such Thing As Diabetes Reversal'

Rediff.com14 Nov 2025

'In diabetes remission, you go below a 6.5 HbA1c without medication.' 'And this happens only when you lose 10 to 15 per cent of your body weight with a good amount of lifestyle and dietary changes, exercise and sometimes medication.' 'You have to be able to sustain your HBA1C below 6.5 for at least a year without medication to say that the patient is in remission.'