Hindu festival traditions
Controversial Diwali Gift: Maharashtra Temple Employees Given Chicken Masala Despite Religious Vegetarian Practices
Oct 18, 2025 02:03 pm CST
Temple employees at Maharashtra's sacred Vitthal temple in Pandharpur received chicken masala packets as Diwali gifts from their outsourcing company BVG, sparking widespread outrage among devotees, particularly the vegetarian Warkaris sect. The incident highlights a significant cultural insensitivity during India's most important festival traditionally celebrating light over darkness.
Delhi CM Seeks Supreme Court Approval for Green Firecrackers During Diwali: Balancing Tradition and Environment
Oct 06, 2025 09:32 pm CST
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has appealed to the Supreme Court to allow green firecrackers during Diwali, arguing that the festival feels incomplete without fireworks. The BJP-led government's stance marks a shift from the previous administration's total ban, aiming to balance cultural celebrations with environmental concerns in a city notorious for hazardous air quality during the festive season.