AYODHYA FESTIVAL

Diwali 2026: Today! Lakshmi Puja Muhurat, Dhanteras, Govardhan Puja And Bhai Dooj - Check Complete 5-Day Festival Calendar

Diwali 2026 will be celebrated today, November 8, with Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja, diya lighting and festive rituals across India. Check the auspicious Lakshmi Puja muhurat, city-wise timings, Amavasya Tithi, all five days of Diwali, important dates, traditional rituals and religious significance to plan your celebrations and welcome prosperity, happiness and new beginnings.

Bharat Ratna LK Advani Ji at 100: A life of service, ideology and nation-building

Shri Lal Krishna Advani Ji celebrates his hundredth birthday on November 8, coinciding with Diwali festivities. He has played a vital role in shaping modern Indian politics through the Jana Sangh and BJP. Advani Ji faced challenges, such as Partition, and rebuilt his life with determination and resilience. He was influential during critical moments, including the Emergency and the Somnath-to-Ayodhya Rath Yatra.

Winning at Diwali gifting: Ditch the mithai, bring on the bling

Diwali is celebrated with vibrant decorations, festive gatherings, and traditional rituals in India this year. Businesses are experiencing a significant increase in online sales leading up to the holidays. Families gather to enjoy rich cultural customs and unique gifting practices during this festive season. Various products, ranging from gold coins to luxury home items, are popular during this time.

West Bengal CM announces ₹1,000 crore corpus to renovate old Hindu temples

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a new initiative called 'Tirtha Kshetra Circuit' for temple renovation. The government plans to allocate Rs 1,000 crore over two years for this purpose. Renovations will be undertaken by religious institutions and the public to restore ancient Hindu temples and monasteries. Additionally, the state is preparing for upcoming religious festivals with special decorations in various districts.

15,000 trains, 100+ special train pairs and a Vande Bharat: Indian Railways has a big Diwali & Chhath Puja gift for Bihar passengers

Indian Railways will operate 15,000 trains to and from Bihar to manage the festive rush during Diwali and Chhath, compared with around 12,000 services under normal operations. More than 100 pairs of special trains have also been arranged on routes connecting Bihar with Delhi, Punjab, Mumbai, Pune and other destinations. The Railways has also discussed new train services and infrastructure projects in the state.

Right to protest, right to trade: Trader's body CAIT urges Delhi LG to notify protest sites on city outskirts

CAIT has urged the Delhi Lieutenant Governor to notify designated protest sites to safeguard trade activities. They highlighted the growing disruptions caused by protests and their impact on daily economic life. The traders' body emphasized the need for a balanced solution that respects both the right to protest and the need for uninterrupted business.

Dev Diwali (November 24, 2026): Varanasi Ganga Aarti Timings, Deep Daan Muhurat, Ganga Snan and Religious Significance

Dev Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on November 24, coinciding with Kartik Purnima. Also known as Dev Deepawali, the festival commemorates Lord Shiva's victory over Tripurasura. Varanasi's famous ghats will glow with thousands of diyas during the celebrations. Know the auspicious Deep Daan Muhurat, Ganga Aarti traditions, puja vidhi and religious significance of this sacred Hindu festival.

Dev Diwali 2026: Why Is It Called the Diwali of Gods? Know the Mythological Story Of Lord Shiva's Victory Over Tripurasura

Dev Diwali 2026 will be celebrated on November 24, coinciding with Kartik Purnima. Also known as the Diwali of Gods, the festival commemorates Lord Shiva's victory over Tripurasura. Discover the mythological story behind Dev Deepawali, why Varanasi illuminates its ghats with thousands of diyas, and the religious significance of Deep Daan, holy bathing and Shiva worship.

As Ranbir Kapoor's Ramayana Draws Attention, Discover the Sacred Chhath Puja Connection With Lord Rama and Sita

Chhath Puja is one of the most sacred festivals dedicated to the Sun God, but its connection with the Ramayana adds another layer of religious significance. According to popular beliefs, Lord Rama and Goddess Sita observed Sun worship after returning to Ayodhya from their 14-year exile. As Ranbir Kapoor's portrayal of Lord Rama in the upcoming Ramayana brings renewed attention to the epic, here is the lesser-known story connecting Chhath Puja, Goddess Sita and the sacred tradition of offering Arghya to the Sun.

What Do the 5 Days of Diwali Signify? The Beautiful Meaning Behind Every Celebration

Diwali is more than a single night of illuminated homes and festive celebrations. The five days of Diwali, beginning with Dhanteras and ending with Bhai Dooj, carry distinct religious meanings connected to prosperity, the triumph of good over evil, gratitude, new beginnings and family relationships. But why are these five observances celebrated together, and what is the story behind each one?

Buy local and indigenous products: PM’s appeal

During his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to buy local products. He emphasized the importance of supporting the MSME sector and artisans during the festive season. Modi also paid tribute to Rishi Valmiki on his Jayanti, which follows the address. Additionally, he encouraged cleanliness during festivals such as Diwali and Chhath. The Prime Minister believes these efforts will accelerate the dream of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat'.

Ravi Kishan plays Lord Rama for the first time at Ramleela, recalls journey from playing Sita

Ravi Kishan played Lord Rama for the first time at Delhi’s Ayodhya Ki Ramleela during Dussehra. The actor, whose childhood Ramleela roles included Sita, Parshuram and Kevat, reflected on his journey from village performances to a career in cinema and politics. He also urged young people to learn about Hindu deities and embrace spirituality and meditation.

Bharat Milap 2026: Date, Significance and Famous Celebrations in Chitrakoot and Varanasi

In 2026, the Bharat Milap festival will showcase the poignant reunion of Lord Rama and his brother Bharat, with key events in Chitrakoot and Varanasi. Notably, the Nati Imli Bharat Milap is set for October 22, while Chitrakoot follows its own tradition. These events will embrace themes of brotherhood, sacrifice, and devotion, so attendees are encouraged to confirm local arrangements for a memorable celebration.

Ayodhya decked up for Navratri, Durga idols installed across the city

Ayodhya to Mathura: BJP's new poll hub

The assembly elections will be the first election in the state where the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will not be an election issue, as the temple has been constructed. A few UP BJP leaders told ET that the party now wants to take its campaign beyond Ayodhya, especially after the recent incident of donation theft in the temple.

Diwali train tickets 2026 booking starts: Want a confirmed berth? Check how to book tickets in advance & whether your busy route has special trains

Diwali train tickets 2026 booking starts: Diwali 2026 train ticket bookings commenced on September 6 for the festival, which will be celebrated on November 8. Passengers can book their tickets early through the advance reservation system to improve their chances of securing confirmed berths. Northern Railway has also announced several special trains for the festive season to meet the expected surge in passenger demand. These services will connect major cities and towns across several states. Travellers are advised to check train availability and book their tickets well in advance to avoid last-minute rush.

Mathura, Vrindavan to get grand complexes like Ayodhya: Yogi

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced plans for grand temple complexes in Mathura and Vrindavan. These developments will mirror the successful projects undertaken in Ayodhya and Kashi. He stated that previous governments feared visiting religious sites due to vote bank concerns. The government has faith in deities, unlike those who respect invaders. Ayodhya has seen significant development, attracting many daily visitors and improving infrastructure.

Anti-national forces harming India's unity will face consequences: UP CM Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued a stern warning to disruptive elements. He invoked Lord Krishna's teachings on protecting righteousness and destroying evil. Adityanath stated that anti-national forces would face severe consequences for their actions. He emphasized that India's unity and faith remain protected by these ancient messages. The Chief Minister addressed a gathering ahead of the Janmashtami festival in Mathura.

Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya plans for grand Deepotsav with 26 lakh diyas

Jayendra Kumar, CEO, Shree Ayodhya Jee Teerth Vikas Parsihad and Municipal Commissioner said that the goal this year would be to light 26 lakh diyas during the festival, further stating that all necessary arrangements were also being made by the Nagar Nigam Ayodhya for sanitation and toilets.

Ayodhya Deepotsav sets two new Guinness World Records in spectacular Diwali celebration on Lord Ram's land

Diwali 2024: Ayodhya celebrated a historic Deepotsava, marking the return of Lord Rama, with 2,512,585 oil lamps lit and 1,121 people performing diya rotations, setting two Guinness records. The festival showcased the city's cultural heritage and attracted many tourists and devotees, boosting local businesses and transforming Ayodhya into a spiritual hub.

Ayodhya festivals get 'State Fair' tag, govt funds

Religious events and fairs, otherwise held locally in Ayodhya on the occasion of Kartik Poornima, Ram Navami, Makar Sankranti and the Deepotsav held in the city on Diwali, will now be given a 'state fair' status.

May this festival further the spirit of joy, well-being: PM Modi wishes people on Diwali

"Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali. Diwali is associated with brightness and radiance. May this auspicious festival further the spirit of joy and well-being in our lives. I hope you have a wonderful Diwali with family and friends," PM Modi said in a Twitter post.