Indian festivals
PM Modi Celebrates Deepavali's Historic Addition to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List
Dec 10, 2025 05:46 pm CST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed delight as Deepavali receives recognition on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This historic inclusion marks India's 16th cultural element on the prestigious list, highlighting the festival's significance as a symbol of illumination and righteousness deeply rooted in Indian civilization, while enhancing its global popularity.
President Droupadi Murmu Joins Traditional Chhath Puja Celebrations at President's Estate
Oct 27, 2025 11:41 pm CST
President Droupadi Murmu participated in the sacred Chhath Puja festival at the President's Estate in New Delhi, joining devotees in offering Arghya to the setting sun. The President prayed for citizens' well-being during this important four-day celebration honoring the Sun God and Goddess Chhathi Maiya, demonstrating the continuing significance of cultural traditions in India's national leadership.
President Murmu Celebrates Chhath Puja: Honoring Sun God and Environmental Conservation in Indian Tradition
Oct 27, 2025 01:04 pm CST
President Droupadi Murmu extends heartfelt greetings on Chhath Puja, emphasizing its significance as a festival honoring the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya while promoting environmental conservation. The four-day celebration features rigorous fasting and devotional offerings to the setting and rising sun, reflecting deep-rooted Indian traditions of faith and reverence for nature.
Swami Prasad Maurya Sparks Controversy: Questions Practicality of Lakshmi Worship Amid India's Poverty Crisis
Oct 22, 2025 02:43 pm CST
Rashtriya Shoshit Samaj Party president Swami Prasad Maurya has created controversy by questioning the effectiveness of worshipping Goddess Lakshmi for wealth when 80 crore Indians rely on subsidized food. He suggests honoring household women as "Ghar ki Lakshmi" instead, while clarifying he respects religious traditions. His comments highlight tensions between traditional religious practices and pragmatic approaches to India's economic challenges during the Diwali festival season.
BJP Criticizes Akhilesh Yadav's Comparison of Diwali and Christmas Celebrations
Oct 19, 2025 05:09 pm CST
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav sparked controversy by suggesting India should learn from global Christmas celebrations instead of spending on Diwali lamps, drawing sharp criticism from BJP and VHP leaders. The political row intensified as Ayodhya prepares to illuminate over 26 lakh diyas, with opponents accusing Yadav of having an "anti-Sanatana mindset" and glorifying foreign traditions over Indian culture.
India's Tallest Ravana Effigy Face Mysteriously Survives Flames During Kota Dussehra Celebration
Oct 03, 2025 09:47 pm CST
During Kota's Dussehra festival, India's tallest Ravana effigy at 233 feet experienced a technical glitch when its face refused to burn despite the rest of the structure being engulfed in flames. Municipal fire brigade eventually intervened with a hydraulic crane to complete the ceremonial burning, concluding the traditional celebration that symbolizes good triumphing over evil.
PM Modi Celebrates Vijayadashami: A Festival Symbolizing the Triumph of Good Over Evil in India
Oct 02, 2025 09:48 am CST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political leaders extended warm Vijayadashami greetings to the nation, emphasizing how this significant Hindu festival celebrates the victory of righteousness over evil. Also known as Dussehra, this celebration marks the culmination of Shardiya Navaratri and encourages people to embrace courage, wisdom, and devotion in their lives.
PM Modi to Participate in Dussehra Celebrations at East Delhi's Patparganj: Traditional Ravana Dahan Ceremony
Oct 02, 2025 09:46 am CST
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Dussehra celebrations at IP Extension, Patparganj in East Delhi on Thursday, participating in the traditional Ravana Dahan ceremony that symbolizes the triumph of good over evil. The event continues PM Modi's tradition of joining important cultural festivities, following his previous attendance at similar celebrations across Delhi in recent years.
The Digital Revolution of Durga Puja: How AI is Transforming Kolkata's Ancient Festival Traditions
Sep 29, 2025 12:39 pm CST
Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing Kolkata's centuries-old Durga Puja festival, where traditional idol makers and community organizers now leverage AI tools like ChatGPT to create innovative designs for the UNESCO-recognized celebration. This fascinating intersection of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology represents a new chapter in preserving cultural heritage while embracing modern innovation.
Controversy Erupts Over Vatican City-Themed Durga Puja Pandal in Ranchi: VHP Alleges Conversion Agenda
Sep 26, 2025 02:53 pm CST
A Durga Puja celebration in Ranchi has become the center of religious controversy after organizers themed their pandal after Vatican City. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad claims this represents a conversion strategy and disrespects Hindu sentiments, while pandal organizers defend their choice as an artistic recreation inspired by a similar 2022 Kolkata installation, emphasizing India's secular traditions.
