Page 2 - Festivals

Diwali 2024: People across India celebrate the festival of lights with pomp

Colourful lights decked up buildings and diyas (earthen lamps) dotted houses as people across the country celebrated Diwali with great enthusiasm on Thursday. In the national capital, the air quality continued to deteriorate, remaining in the 'very poor' category, with levels expected to worsen to the 'severe' category due to bursting of firecrackers at night. Keeping up his tradition of celebrating the festival with soldiers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sir Creek near the Indo-Pak border in Gujarat's Kutch district and offered sweets to jawans. Modi said India cannot compromise on even an "inch" of land on its borders, adding the people believe in the strength of its armed forces for defending the country. "In the past, attempts were made to turn this region into a battlefield. The enemy has set its eyes on this region for a long time. But we are not worried as you are guarding the nation. Our enemy also knows it well," he asserted. "People of India feel their country is

Diwali 2024: Are banks closed on October 31 or November 1 in your state?

The five-day festive season has started with Dhanteras and people are confused about bank holidays. Check out when your state is observing a bank holiday. Is it October 31 or November 1?

Nine injured in stampede at Mumbai's Bandra railway station: Civic official

Nine persons were injured in a stampede after rush for boarding a Gorakhpur-bound train at Bandra railway station in Mumbai on Sunday, civic and disaster control officials here said. The Western Railway, meanwhile, in a statement said two persons were injured in the incident. In view of the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivals, a large number of people planning to go to their native places had reached the Bandra Terminus where several passengers rushed to board the unreserved train when it was being brought on a platform, according to sources. The incident took place when people rushed to board train 22921 Bandra-Gorakhpur Antyodaya Express on platform no.1 at the Bandra Terminus, the civic official said. The Western Railway said the incident occurred at 2.45 am on platform number one of the Bandra Terminus when the Antyodaya Express was "slowly moving" from the BDTS (Bandra Terminus) yard towards the platform. "During this time, some passengers on the platform attempted to board

Kerala govt urges BJP to amend fireworks rules for Thrissur Pooram festival

The Left government in Kerala has taken strong exception to the recent gazette notification issued by the Centre stipulating certain conditions for conducting fireworks, contending that these would be detrimental to the smooth conduct of the iconic Thrissur Pooram festival. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, State Revenue Minister K Rajan expressed that the notification issued by the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry on October 11 has brought "utter disappointment" to Pooram enthusiasts, for whom fireworks are an "integral part" of the festival. He sought the prime minister's personal intervention to amend the rules in order to allow the Thrissur Pooram to proceed with all its festivities and rituals. Among other stipulations, Condition No 2 requires that the licensed magazine be located at least 200 metres away from the display site. Noting that under the Explosive Rules of 2008, the prescribed distance had been 45 metres, the letter stated that the increase in thi

Real deal about festival home loan offers; starting marathon running

This week we report about how to review a discount home loan and what you need to take up running

Cabinet approves 3% hike in Dearness Allowance; now stands at 53%

The combined impact on the exchequer due to the DA and DR increases would be Rs 9,448.35 crore per annum, according to the press statement

Sharad Purnima 2024: Why is it celebrated? Know date, significance and more

Sharad Purnima is an auspicious Hindu festival celebrated across the country. It is believed that on this day, nectar rains from the rays of the moon

Karva Chauth 2024: Best colours that you can wear this festive season

Karva Chauth is a significant festival marked by married Hindu women. This year, it will be celebrated on Oct 20. So, embrace the classic colours to make your look modern yet conventional

Karwa Chauth 2024: Everything you need to know about Chandra puja

In Karwa Chauth 2024, women fast for their husbands' longevity. Karwa Chauth falls on October 20, 2024, this year. Chandra Puja is required before the fast is completed

35 incidents related to Durga Puja in Bangladesh since Oct 1, 17 arrested

Seventeen persons have been arrested and about a dozen cases registered after Bangladesh witnessed about 35 untoward incidents related to the ongoing Durga Puja celebrations across the country this month, police said here. The development comes a day after it was discovered that a hand-crafted golden mukut (crown) gifted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was stolen from a Hindu temple in Bangladesh's southwestern Satkhira district amid Durga Puja celebrations, a theft over which India expressed concern. The five-day Hindu religious festival began with an invocation of Goddess Durga, an occasion called Maha Shasthi on Wednesday. The celebrations would conclude with the immersion of Goddess Durga murtis on Sunday. The minority Hindu population -- Hindus constitute just about 8 per cent of the 170 million Bangladesh population -- faced vandalism of their businesses, and properties and destruction of temples during the student-led violence that erupted following the ouster of Prime Minist

Happy Maha Navami 2024: Top 50 best wishes, messages and quotes to share

Maha Navami is the ninth and final day of Navratri, marking the culmination of devotion to Goddess Durga. This day celebrates the triumph of good over evil

Navratri 2024: 5 tips to detox your body after overindulging in fasting

Navratri 2024: Here are the simple tips to successfully fast during Navratri 2024

Meesho records 40% increase in total orders during annual festival sales

SoftBank-backed e-commerce firm Meesho on Monday said that it has recorded a 40 per cent growth year-on-year in total orders during the latest annual festival sales. The e-commerce firm claims to have recorded 145 crore customer visits during the 10 days long 'Meesho Mega Blockbuster Sale 2024'. "During our Mega Blockbuster Sale this year, we achieved over 40 per cent growth in orders, surpassing industry expectations. With around 3 crore app downloads and a 45 per cent increase in new-to-e-commerce users, we are reinforcing our commitment to making e-commerce accessible and affordable for millions across the country," Milan Partani, General Manager, User Growth at Meesho said. Meesho's flagship sale held from September 27 to October 6, 2024. "The company witnessed an impressive increase in demand this year, with total orders rising over 40 per cent compared to last year," the statement said. The company said that it observed around 45 per cent of the total customer visits from ti

Free rice, sugar to be given via fair price shops in Pondy before Diwali

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy announced here on Sunday that his government has decided to distribute 10 kg rice and 2 kg sugar, free of cost, through fair price shops to card holders before Diwali. Addressing media here, he said the decision to distribute free rice and sugar to all families covered under public distribution system in the Union Territory before Diwali was taken in keeping with the pleas from various quarters. The ration shops which have remained closed for some months now would be reopened to distribute rice and sugar. He said workers employed in fair price shops who remain unpaid for several months would be paid a month's salary when the shops reopen. The territorial government has finalized the tender for supply of rice and sugar. The CM noted that funds have been earmarked to procure the rice and sugar for the free distribution scheme. There are around three lakh families covered under public distribution system in the Union Territory.

UP govt cancels leaves of police personnel till Nov 8 ahead of festivals

Cleaning work of Ganga ghats in Varanasi continues ahead of the increased footfall expected during the upcoming festivals of Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath Puja

Buying your dream home, gifting for festivals: Top personal finance stories

We report on how strategise for a pricey property market and what to give family and friends for Diwali

Festivals spark Rs 50,000 crore business surge, Delhi to see Rs 8,000 crore

With the resurgence of traditional goods and strong consumer sentiment, businesses are set to see a considerable boost this year

Navratri 2024: Step-by-step guidelines for Kalash Sthapana at home

Navratri is one of the most auspicious festivals celebrated across India. The festival lasts nine days with different forms of Goddess Durga worshipped each day

Festivals in October 2024: Check out complete list of festivals this month

October 2024 is the month of festivals in India, featuring major Hindu celebrations like Navratri and Diwali. The festivities begin with Navratri and culminate in Diwali

Will Diwali 2024 be celebrated on Oct 31 or Nov 1? Priests try to find out

Diwali 2024: With the festive season approaching, devotees have begun preparations for Diwali, which will begin on October 29. However, there is confusion about the exact date for Diwali pooja