News for 'temples'

India's Cultural Diplomacy: Restoring Shared Heritage Across Asia

India's Cultural Diplomacy: Restoring Shared Heritage Across Asia

Rediff.com8 Jul 2026

India has actively engaged in cultural diplomacy over the past 12 years, providing grant assistance and expertise for the restoration and conservation of significant heritage sites, including temples and archaeological complexes, across multiple Asian countries, reinforcing shared civilisational ties.

Bhojshala row: SC to hear Muslim plea over alternate namaaz site on Friday

Bhojshala row: SC to hear Muslim plea over alternate namaaz site on Friday

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court agreed to hear on Friday a plea of the Muslim side alleging that the alternative site identified by the Madhya Pradesh government for offering namaaz was located too far from the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar.

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

P V Sindhu: 'I Am Coming At The Top Of My Game'

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

'Frankly, I'm in that zone for another Olympics.'

Not mandatory for a Hindu to go to temple to remain a Hindu: SC

Not mandatory for a Hindu to go to temple to remain a Hindu: SC

Rediff.com13 May 2026

The Supreme Court observed that Hinduism is a way of life, stating that mandatory temple visits or rituals are not necessary to be considered a Hindu; even lighting a lamp at home suffices.

Jharkhand protesters defy barricades, stage sit-in near assembly; cops use force

Jharkhand protesters defy barricades, stage sit-in near assembly; cops use force

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

Thousands of job aspirants in Jharkhand clashed with police during a protest against alleged exam irregularities, demanding a CBI probe and comprehensive reforms in the state's public service commissions.

Is UP Governor Needling Yogi?

Is UP Governor Needling Yogi?

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

'Some people may not like what I am saying, but shortcomings have to be pointed out. These deficiencies should be rectified within the next three months.' 'This is Gorakhpur, where our CM himself resides. If such shortcomings exist here, then what will happen?'

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.

SC to hear Muslim side's plea for alternative site at Bhojshala

SC to hear Muslim side's plea for alternative site at Bhojshala

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea from the Muslim side regarding the non-compliance of its directions to provide an alternative site near the disputed Bhojshala complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, for Friday prayers. The Muslim side alleges the proposed site is unsuitable and too far, while the Solicitor General claims another location has been identified.

Hindu, Muslim sides reject mediation in Gyanvapi dispute

Hindu, Muslim sides reject mediation in Gyanvapi dispute

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

Both Hindu and Muslim parties involved in the Gyanvapi dispute have rejected the Supreme Court's mediation initiative, stating that the matter should be resolved through judicial adjudication. This decision came during a session at a Varanasi court, where both sides expressed their preference for a court verdict over an out-of-court settlement.

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Centre revives women's quota Bill, reaches out to Congress, DMK

Rediff.com5 Aug 2026

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi to discuss resolving the persistent deadlock in the Lok Sabha's monsoon session, focusing on the Delimitation Bill and FCRA Bill, though no immediate commitment was secured from the Congress leader.

Govt, Opposition blame each other for Parliament washout

Govt, Opposition blame each other for Parliament washout

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

India's Monsoon Session of Parliament concluded with significantly low productivity, marked by frequent disruptions and protests from the Opposition, primarily the Congress, leading to minimal debate on key legislation.

RSS expresses 'grief' over donation theft in Ayodhya

RSS expresses 'grief' over donation theft in Ayodhya

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

The RSS's annual Akhil Bharatiya Prant Pracharak Baithak in Belagavi addressed alleged irregularities in the counting of donation box offerings at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, expressing confidence in the ongoing SIT probe. The meeting also reviewed training activities, centenary year programmes, and discussed critical issues such as population imbalance and drug abuse.

Hosa Marigudi: A 200-Year-Old Temple With A 15 Kg Gold Throne

Hosa Marigudi: A 200-Year-Old Temple With A 15 Kg Gold Throne

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

The newly-renovated Hosa Marigudi Temple in Kaup near Udipi, dedicated to Goddess Maariyamma, features a stunning 15 kg gold throne and India's second-largest 1,500 kg bell

Lawyers to move court for FIR against Champat Rai, others

Lawyers to move court for FIR against Champat Rai, others

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Lawyers from the Faizabad Bar Association plan to approach the court after police allegedly refused to register an FIR against former Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust members Champat Rai, Anil Mishra, and Gopal Rao in a Ram temple donation embezzlement case. The lawyers had filed a complaint on July 2 and are seeking a fair investigation into the allegations.

Supreme Court questions ban on touching Sabarimala temple deity

Supreme Court questions ban on touching Sabarimala temple deity

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

The Supreme Court questioned the chief priest of the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple regarding the constitutionality of preventing believers from touching the deity, during hearings on discrimination against women at religious sites.

Shri Ram Bhoomi Movie Gets Rolling

Shri Ram Bhoomi Movie Gets Rolling

Rediff.com10 Jul 2026

'Our new film, Shri Ram Bhoomi, begins shooting today in Ayodhya. How can any new work begin without the blessings of Ram Lalla and Lord Hanuman?'

Two Arrested After Woman Shot Dead At Shimla Temple

Two Arrested After Woman Shot Dead At Shimla Temple

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Two individuals have been arrested after a woman was fatally shot during a religious ceremony in a village in the Shimla district. The incident occurred during a temple consecration, with the shooting believed to be part of celebratory firing.

Congress will oppose FRCA Bill, Oppn to disscuss issue on Monday: Kharge

Congress will oppose FRCA Bill, Oppn to disscuss issue on Monday: Kharge

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has said that the Congress will oppose the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill and the issue will also be discussed at the meeting of floor leaders of opposition parties on Monday.

Champat Rai's resignation accepted, interim general secretary appointed

Champat Rai's resignation accepted, interim general secretary appointed

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

The Ram temple trust on Monday accepted the resignations of Champat Rai as its general secretary and member Anil Mishra in the wake of embezzlement of donations. Trustee Krishna Mohan has been named as interim general secretary. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust also announced the formation of a three-member committee to identify a chief executive officer (CEO) for the temple trust.

Two Arrested After Woman Shot Dead At Shimla Temple

Two Arrested After Woman Shot Dead At Shimla Temple

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

A 26-year-old woman was fatally shot during a religious ceremony in a village in Shimla. Police have arrested two suspects and launched an investigation into the incident.

Ayodhya donation scam: SIT to question trust officials

Ayodhya donation scam: SIT to question trust officials

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the alleged embezzlement of donation money at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is expected to question people associated with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and review banking arrangements for donations.

Badrinath donation row: BKTC staffer suspended; U'khand sets up probe panel

Badrinath donation row: BKTC staffer suspended; U'khand sets up probe panel

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

An employee of the Shri Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has been suspended following a preliminary inquiry into alleged irregularities in the management of donations at Badrinath Dham. Both the BKTC and the Uttarakhand government have launched separate investigations into the matter, which gained attention after social media allegations and a formal complaint. The government committee is expected to submit its report within 15 days.

Two dead, 5 fall ill amid crowd surge, rain-hit Rath Yatra in Puri

Two dead, 5 fall ill amid crowd surge, rain-hit Rath Yatra in Puri

Rediff.com17 Jul 2026

One person died and many others fell ill in a temporary crowd surge during the Rath Yatra celebrations in Odisha's Puri on Thursday, official sources said.

Srinagar Temple Reopens After 36 Years

Srinagar Temple Reopens After 36 Years

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

On Thursday, Kashmiri Pandits offered special prayers at the historic Raghunath temple in Srinagar on the first day of its reopening after a gap of 36 years, coinciding with the festival of Ram Navami.

After Ayodhya, Badrinath hit by donation theft claims

After Ayodhya, Badrinath hit by donation theft claims

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

The Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC) has launched an inquiry into allegations of embezzlement of offerings at Badrinath Dham, following similar claims regarding Ram temple donations. The committee president has vowed strict action if irregularities are proven, while the CEO outlined the investigation process.

J'khand exam protest enters 18th day; BJP observes bandh, ABVP march to assembly

J'khand exam protest enters 18th day; BJP observes bandh, ABVP march to assembly

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Student protests in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in recruitment exams have intensified, leading to a state-wide bandh called by the BJP and a march by the ABVP to the state assembly. The agitation, now in its 18th day, has seen police action against demonstrators, an ED money laundering probe, and the arrest of a former JPSC chairperson, while talks between the government and students remain deadlocked.

Shah says 'debate', Oppn hits back with 'resign' as protests rock LS

Shah says 'debate', Oppn hits back with 'resign' as protests rock LS

Rediff.com12 Aug 2026

Home Minister Amit Shah has offered to hold a comprehensive debate in Parliament on student protests and other pressing issues, but Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has swiftly rejected the proposal, demanding accountability for actions against students.

Attempts were made to mislead Gen Z: Pradhan on why he resigned

Attempts were made to mislead Gen Z: Pradhan on why he resigned

Rediff.com9 Aug 2026

Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that attempts were made to "mislead" Gen Z during the NEET paper leak protests, prompting his resignation, and also addressed criticism from former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.

Taj Mahal or Tejo Mahalaya? HC to hear plea on July 6

Taj Mahal or Tejo Mahalaya? HC to hear plea on July 6

Rediff.com4 Jul 2026

A writ petition has been filed in the Allahabad High Court challenging district court orders that declined to appoint an Advocate Commission to survey the Taj Mahal premises. The petition seeks a declaration that an Agreshwar Mahadev Nagnatheswar Virajman Tejo Mahalaya temple exists within the Taj Mahal complex, a claim previously filed in a 2015 declaratory suit.

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?

Sara Ali Khan can enter Badrinath, Kedarnath temples only if...: Temple committee chairman

Sara Ali Khan can enter Badrinath, Kedarnath temples only if...: Temple committee chairman

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Film actress Sara Ali Khan's entry to Badrinath and Kedarnath temple complexes is contingent on submitting an affidavit declaring her faith in Sanatan Dharma, according to the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee chairman.

Rebel TMC MPs meet Bengal CM over mosque loudspeakers, SIR

Rebel TMC MPs meet Bengal CM over mosque loudspeakers, SIR

Rediff.com8 Aug 2026

Two NCPI MPs from Murshidabad, West Bengal, met with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari to express concerns over the removal of mosque loudspeakers, alleging police overreach and targeting of Muslims. They also sought his intervention to expedite hearings for approximately 27 lakh people excluded from electoral rolls, highlighting difficulties faced by genuine voters due to delays in tribunal decisions.

Delhi Police Investigate 'Objectionable Material' Placed at Temple Gate

Delhi Police Investigate 'Objectionable Material' Placed at Temple Gate

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Delhi Police have launched an investigation after 'objectionable material' was found at the gate of a temple in the Dayalpur area of northeast Delhi. An FIR has been registered, and police are reviewing CCTV footage and deploying forces to maintain calm.

Temple Trustee Arrested Over VIP Darshan Fraud at Trimbakeshwar

Temple Trustee Arrested Over VIP Darshan Fraud at Trimbakeshwar

Rediff.com14 Apr 2026

A trustee of the Trimbakeshwar Temple Trust has been arrested following allegations of a VIP darshan scam where devotees were charged extra for quick access without receipts.

Indian Swimmer Sajan Prakash Makes Commonwealth Games 200m Butterfly Final

Indian Swimmer Sajan Prakash Makes Commonwealth Games 200m Butterfly Final

Rediff.com27 Jul 2026

Indian Olympian Sajan Prakash has qualified for the men's 200m butterfly final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, finishing as the sixth fastest swimmer in the heats. He clocked 1:58.59sec, securing his place in the eight-man final.

Out-of-court settlement fails in Gyanvapi, Mathura, Sambhal disputes

Out-of-court settlement fails in Gyanvapi, Mathura, Sambhal disputes

Rediff.com13 Jul 2026

Efforts to resolve three major religious site disputes in Uttar Pradesh - Gyanvapi, Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Eidgah, and Sambhal Shahi Jama Masjid - through out-of-court settlements have failed, with all parties insisting on judicial adjudication.

AI surveillance, CCTV coverage: Kanwar Yatra goes hi-tech

AI surveillance, CCTV coverage: Kanwar Yatra goes hi-tech

Rediff.com31 Jul 2026

Uttar Pradesh authorities have implemented extensive security and logistical measures for the annual Kanwar Yatra, which began on Thursday and concludes on August 11. These include AI-enabled surveillance, additional security personnel, medical camps, dedicated control rooms, and traffic diversions, all aimed at ensuring a "zero incidents and zero accidents" pilgrimage for lakhs of devotees.

Uddhav, Raj unite over NEET row, announce march in Mumbai on July 26

Uddhav, Raj unite over NEET row, announce march in Mumbai on July 26

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and MNS president Raj Thackeray have announced a joint 'morcha' (protest march) in Mumbai on July 26 to express solidarity with students protesting the NEET paper leak and alleged police atrocities.

As Hindu parties decide who will lead the suit, SC defers hearing in Mathura case

As Hindu parties decide who will lead the suit, SC defers hearing in Mathura case

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has deferred the hearing on the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah mosque dispute in Mathura. The adjournment comes as Hindu parties involved in the case are reportedly engaged in off-the-record talks to determine which lawsuit will serve as the lead case. The court was hearing a plea challenging an Allahabad High Court order that designated one Hindu party as the representative for all Lord Krishna devotees.

Bangkok Love Story... And A Recipe

Bangkok Love Story... And A Recipe

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

Bangkok is a fast, 24-hour megapolis, full of joie de vivre and buoyance that you will be instantly smitten, like I was.