Traditional Festivals

Maha Kumbh ends on note of devotion, tradition, tech, some controversy

The Maha Kumbh, billed to be the world's largest gathering, ends on Wednesday as it began 45 days ago with lakhs of devotees surging towards the waters of the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, for a dip on the auspicious day of Shivratri. The mega religious carnival wound to a close in a montage of images of the stampede that killed at least 30 people, the devout across every spectrum taking a dip in the belief it would cleanse their sins, huge crowds jostling not just at the Sangam but also stations and bus stands in north India and many a political slugfest over contested numbers and how clean the waters were. According to the Uttar Pradesh government, 64.77 crore people have visited Prayagraj since January 13, a number that exceeds the populations of all countries except China and India. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, top ministers and film stars were among those who went to the Kumbh. It was a gathering of the faithful

Bank holiday for Mahashivratri 2025: Are banks open on February 26?

On Wednesday, February 26, banks will stay closed in certain states because of Mahashivratri. This week, banks in a number of cities will be closed for two days, but not consecutively

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

Bengaluru man attends meeting on laptop at Durga puja pandal, video viral

A video of a Bangalore man doing a client meeting with his phone and laptop while surrounded by people praying at a Durga Puja pandal went viral, sparking a debate

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

Happy Dussehra 2024: Wishes and greetings to share with your loved ones

The festival of Dussehra is a celebration of good over evil, which was achieved by Lord Rama defeating Ravana and Goddess Durga defeating Mahishasura. This year, it will be celebrated on Oct 12, 2024

Garba performer Ashok Mali dies of heart attack in Pune while performing

The local community is in grief as Ashok Mali, a 50-year-old garba trainer from Pune, Maharashtra, passed away from a heart attack while performing at a garba event in Chakan

Sarva Pitru Amavasya 2024: Understanding rituals and their significance

The Hindu festival of Sarva Pitru Amavasya is celebrated on October 2, 2024. Honouring deceased ancestors is the focus of this day. It concludes the 16-day Pitru Paksha

Diwali 2024 to be celebrated on Nov 1: Six-day long festival this year

Diwali 2024 will be celebrated on November 1, as confirmed by over 150 scholars in Indore. Earlier, there was confusion over whether to celebrate on October 31, since both days fall on the Amavasya

Navratri 2024: Celebrating the nine colours and their significance

For Hindus, Navratri is a colourful festival with great cultural and religious significance. Let's know the importance of nine colours of Navratri 2024

Ekadashi Shraddha 2024: All about tithi dedicated to honouring ancestors

This year's Ekadashi Shraddha, also called Gyaras Shraddha, falls on September 27. The day is dedicated to paying tribute to honour deceased family members who passed away on Ekadashi Tithi

Pitru Paksha 2024: Dos & don'ts during the 16 days of Shradh rituals

Pitru Paksha, also known as Shraddha, is a holy month that lasts from September 17 to October 2. So, here are some important dos and don'ts to remember throughout this 16-day Shradh season

Shradh 2024: From time, rituals to significance and more about Pitru Paksha

This year Purnima Shraddha 2024 falls from September 17. Shraddha, or Pitru Paksha, is marked over a period of sixteen days when auspicious rituals such as Pind Daan are performed

Pitru Paksha 2024: Know date and time of Shradh this year and more

In 2024, Pitru Paksha will start on Tuesday, September 17, and conclude on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. This is a very auspicious period in the Hindu calendar

Onam 2024: Date, History, and Significance of Kerala's Biggest Festival

Onam, the 10 days of festive joy in Kerala, is being celebrated from September 6-15. Onam is also attributed to the arrival of Lord Mahabali, according to the legend

Radha Ashtami 2024: Significance, best wishes to share with your loved ones

Radha Ashtami celebrates the birth anniversary of the divine consort of Lord Krishna, Goddess Radha. This sacred celebration falls 15 days after Janmashtami. This year it falls on Sept 11, 2024

Radha Ashtami 2024: All about Radha's birthday, the consort of Lord Krishna

The birth anniversary of Goddess Radha, Lord Krishna's consort is known as Radha Ashtami, Radhashtami or Radha Jayanti. This Ashtami will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 11

Skanda Sashti 2024: All about this sacred Hindu South Indian festival

On the Sashti Tithi of Shukla Paksha, Skanda Sashti is observed each month. The day of Skanda Sashti is now September 9, 2024. This day is mainly celebrated in South India

Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: Know city-wise puja timings, Visarjan date

This year, Ganesh Chaturthi falls on September 7. During the Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month, the nation celebrates the annual Hindu festival with fervour