Page 7 - Diwali

Delighted by Thai PM's gesture of inaugurating Diwali festival: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said he is delighted by his Thailand counterpart Paetongtarn Shinawatra's gesture of inaugurating the 'Amazing Thailand Diwali Festival' and wished that the event deepens the cultural bonds between India and Thailand. "Delighted by PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra's gesture. My best wishes for the Amazing Thailand Diwali Festival. May it deepen the cultural bonds between India and Thailand," Modi said in a post on X. He was responding to a post on X by Indian Embassy in Thailand which said PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra inaugurated the Amazing Thailand Diwali Festival 2024 today in presence of Indian Ambassador to Thailand Nagesh Singh, former Thai PM Sretta Thavisin, Thai Minister of Tourism & Sports Sorawong Thienthong and Governor of Bangkok Chadchart Sittipunt at Pahurat, Little India, Bangkok. A cultural troupe from India ICCR presented a vibrant folk dance from Rajasthan at the event, the embassy said. The festival will continue till November 3

Delhi's air deteriorate on Diwali eve, pollution level likely to go up

Delhi's air quality slipped into the "very poor" category on the eve of Diwali, with pollution levels expected to go up on Thursday, even as authorities said strict action will be taken against those violating the firecracker ban. The city's 24-hour average Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at 307 at 4 pm, up from 268 on Tuesday, according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune said the air quality in the national capital is likely to be in the "very poor" category (AQI 300 to 400) on Thursday and Friday. The air quality may also reach the severe category on these two days in case of additional emissions from firecrackers and stubble or waste fires. According to the Decision Support System (DSS) for Air Quality Management, if stubble burning occurs at levels similar to the last five years, it could contribute 15-18 per cent to Delhi's pollution on these dates. This is exacerbated by winds from the northwest, which

Delhi Metro changes schedule for Diwali; last train to commence at 10 pm

To manage the expected increase in passengers during the festive period, the DMRC added 60 extra trips on Tuesday and Wednesday

Ayodhya's first Deepotsav at Ram Temple set to break Guinness World Record

PM Modi announced on Tuesday that this Diwali would be historic, as thousands of lamps will brighten the Ram Lalla temple, marking the first festival celebrated on the site in 500 years

Businesses expect strong sales as Diwali shoppers balance budget, big plans

The roads are jammed and shops chock-a-block as people make beelines for malls and markets to grab just the perfect gift to make the festival of lights a memorable affair for their loved ones. Dinner sets, beauty hampers, gourmet food baskets, electronic gadgets, and the ever reliable chocolates and mithai, the options are endless for the fervent Diwali shoppers but the task is to balance budgets with big expectations. Samriti Khanna, a homemaker in her 30s, knows it too well as she treads the fine line between temptation and staying within budget. "The temptation to give innovative and expensive gifts to your near and dear ones is always there but one can't go out of budget too. The key is in finding the right balance," Khanna told PTI. On her shopping list is an eclectic mix of home decor for friends, smartwatch for her husband, board games for children and home appliances for house helps. "Gifting during the Diwali festival comes with a huge responsibility. I guess zeroing in o

Kejriwal hails early Diwali pay for Delhi sanitation staff, first in 18 yrs

The AAP leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that earlier salaries would be withheld for seven to eight months

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?

Indian railways announces 164 special trains, adding 7k festive journeys

"To ensure that passengers do not face any inconvenience at the railway stations, teams of officers have been deployed round the clock. Besides this, Railway Police Force, commercial and other

'When our Ram returns home', says PM claiming this yr's Diwali as historic

This Diwali will be historic as after a 500- year-wait thousands of lamps will be lit in the temple built on the birthplace of Ram Lalla in Ayodhya on the festival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday. Modi said it would be a Diwali "when our Ram returns home" and this time the wait is over not after 14 years but after 500 years. The prime minister made the remarks after launching development projects worth nearly Rs 12,850 crore and extending his government's flagship health insurance scheme Ayushman Bharat to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above. An idol of Ram Lalla was consecrated at the Ayodhya temple in January this year, a landmark event led by Prime Minister Modi who had also given a clarion call to go beyond the grand temple's construction to build the foundation of a "strong, capable and divine" India of the next 1,000 years. Lakhs of people had watched the consecration ceremony on television in their homes and neighbourhood temples, savouring the historic

India's festive gold buying spree continues, defying record price

Indians were celebrating Dhanteras on Tuesday, a day considered auspicious for buying gold and one of the busiest gold-buying days in India

Diwali 2024 Firecrackers banned in all these Indian states Check details

Ahead of Diwali 2024, several states across India have banned the sale and use of firecrackers. Watch the video to know the details.

What is IRCTC Vikalp scheme and how does it help to confirm train tickets?

The Vikalp Scheme was introduced by the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The scheme aims to give relief to passengers who have waitlisted tickets

Indian Railways adds 200 special trains for Diwali and Chhath travel rush

With Diwali and Chhath Puja approaching, Indian Railways is rolling out 250 special trains to manage the festive travel rush and keep journeys safe and smooth. Get all the details here.

Dhanteras festivities spark Rs 60,000 cr sales; China faces Rs 1.25 tn loss

This festive season, traditional markets like Chandni Chowk are bustling with buyers, particularly for gold, silver, and brass items, with gold sales alone estimated at Rs 20,000 crore

Dhanteras 2024: History, traditions, and what to buy for good fortune

Dhanteras is traditionally seen as highly auspicious for purchasing gold, silver, and valuables to welcome wealth and fortune into homes

Efforts were made to diminish & distort Sardar Patel's legacy: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah pointed out that it was due to Sardar Patel's vision and political skill that regions such as the Lakshadweep Islands, Junagarh, and Hyderabad became part of India

8 best eco-friendly Diwali tips to reduce air pollution and protect health

Celebrate this Diwali in an eco-friendly manner to combat the serious problem of air pollution hampering your health. Check 8 best eco-friendly Diwali tips

Western Railway rolls out 200 special trains for Diwali, Chhath Puja rush

To handle festive travel demand for Diwali and Chhath Puja, Western Railway launches 200 special trains, enhances crowd management and safety measures at key stations across Mumbai Division

Bengal home to all, people celebrate every festival together: CM Mamata

Asserting that West Bengal is home to all sections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday urged the people to live in peace and celebrate every festival together. Inaugurating a number of community Kali Puja pandals across Kolkata, she also urged the people to celebrate with environment-friendly firecrackers. "Bengal is such a place, where nobody will ask you about your caste, or which state you belong to or what is your religion or whether you are vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Nobody will ask whether you like Bengal or not. This is your right," Banerjee said. "We are proud to say that you all are citizens of Bengal. Whenever you are staying here, please consider it as your home state. Do not misunderstand me but consider my views," she added. Among the pandals she inaugurated were Girish Park Kali Puja, Janbazar Sammilito, India Club, Venus Club, and Youth Friends Club Kali Puja, which are located in areas that have significant non-Bengali population. "During festivals, we all

Why did Railways suspend platform ticket sales?

Northern Railways has temporarily suspended platform ticket sales at key stations to ease crowd congestion during the festive season. This decision follows a recent stampede at Mumbai’s Bandra station