AYODHYA VISIT

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.

Saryu aarti rehearsals in full swing ahead of CP Radhakrishnan, CM Yogi's visit

India, Nepal reaffirm commitment to all-round enhancement of partnership as FS Misri meets PM Shah

India and Nepal have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Prime Minister Balendra Shah in Kathmandu ahead of his expected visit to Delhi later this month. Discussions covered trade, energy, connectivity, sports and new areas of cooperation, including AI and digital connectivity.

November 2026 Hindu Festival Calendar: Diwali, Chhath Puja, Dev Diwali, Guru Nanak Jayanti and Other Important Dates

November 2026 features several important Hindu festivals, including Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Gujarati New Year, Bhai Dooj, Chhath Puja, Tulsi Vivah and Dev Diwali. The month also includes Rama Ekadashi, Masik Shivratri, Kartik Purnima and Guru Nanak Jayanti. Check the complete November 2026 Hindu festival calendar for important dates, religious significance and observances across India.

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.

'Bullet train will cut Delhi-Varanasi journey to 3.5 hrs': Ashwini Vaishnaw reveals mega plan to slash travel times to Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra and Patna

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has shared proposed travel times for the Northern Corridor of India's bullet train network, including a journey between Delhi and Varanasi in 3 hours 33 minutes. He also highlighted the role of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains in improving overnight connectivity and outlined plans to develop Kashi railway station into a major transport hub.

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.

Assam CM calls nationwide UCC; visits BJP leader's residence to pay obeisance

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has called for the nationwide implementation of the Uniform Civil Code. He emphasised that Muslim women are disproportionately affected by the absence of such a code. Sarma’s recent visit to Uttar Pradesh included offering condolences to BJP leader Harish Dwivedi. In response to protests against the government, Sarma stated that power is gained through votes.

Ayodhya Ram Temple Darshan: Sugam Darshan passes now available 90 days in advance, daily online quota raised to 2,000

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has rolled out new initiatives aimed at enhancing devotees' access to Ram Lalla. Visitors can now reserve Sugam Darshan passes up to 90 days ahead of their intended visit, significantly boosting convenience. The trust has increased the daily online pass availability from 975 to 2,000, ensuring more people can access the site.

Akhilesh Yadav hits back at Adityanath's Ayodhya dare, says Pawan Pandey enough to defeat BJP

Akhilesh Yadav contested Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's dare to contest from the Ayodhya assembly constituency. He expressed confidence in his party's candidate, Pawan Pandey, to challenge the BJP. Yadav highlighted the perceived insecurity of Adityanath regarding his election ticket. The exchange signifies increasing tensions as the upcoming assembly elections approach in Uttar Pradesh. Both leaders focus on their commitments to Ayodhya and its development amidst political rivalry.

Gandhi’s ‘Ram Rajya’ phrase could have put off Muslims, says Ramachandra Guha

Historian Ramachandra Guha addressed Gandhi's use of the phrase 'Ram Rajya' at the launch of his book. Guha acknowledged that the phrase could be seen as off-putting to Muslims despite Gandhi's interfaith practices. He highlighted Gandhi's contributions against untouchability and noted his significant role in bringing women into politics. Guha also emphasized the importance of understanding Gandhi and Ambedkar as complementary figures.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh bats for Sanskrit, Vedic mathematics in schools

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has voiced strong support for integrating Sanskrit and Vedic mathematics into the educational curriculum. He called for Vedic mathematics to be made mandatory for students if Yogi Adityanath secures another term as Chief Minister.

Ayodhya Ram temple staff to undergo 100 per cent police verification, character checks

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust decides to conduct 100 percent verification of all staff working at the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The security measures will include police verification, character certificates and detailed family information. The decision will be applicable to all members of the trust. As part of the overhaul of the temple administration, the trust has also stepped up monitoring of staff and improving facilities.

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.

Amitabh Bachchan buys Rs 15 crore land in Ayodhya, plans 20-plus room dharamshala in memory of father Harivansh Rai Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan plans a memorial dharamshala in Ayodhya for his father. The proposed building will feature over twenty rooms on acquired land. The Ayodhya Development Authority is currently reviewing the submitted building layout. Public feedback is invited for fifteen days before final approval is granted. Construction is expected to commence in October after the layout is cleared.

Amitabh Bachchan plans 20-room dharamshala in Ayodhya named after father Harivansh Rai Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan has submitted a building plan for a new dharamshala. This facility will be named after his father, Harivansh Rai Bachchan. The proposed dharamshala will offer accommodation and organized facilities to visiting devotees. Ayodhya Development Authority is reviewing the submitted building plan for approval. This initiative contributes to the ongoing development of Ayodhya as a pilgrimage site.

Responsibility of Ram temple now on my shoulders: Trust CEO Jeetendra Mishra

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra has officially assumed the role of the inaugural chief executive officer of the Ram temple trust, shouldering the significant task of temple administration. Following an administrative revamp by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, his leadership is pivotal for enhancing both the operational and financial frameworks of the temple. Mishra plans to devise effective strategies grounded in a thorough understanding of temple activities.

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.

Ram temple trust's new CEO holds first meeting with members in Ayodhya

Air Marshal (retd) Jeetendra Mishra attended his first meeting as the Ram temple trust's new chief executive officer. He was briefed on the trust's accounting and administrative arrangements at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Kshetra office. The trust members formally introduced themselves to the new CEO during this introductory meeting. New Standard Operating Procedures specifying duties and responsibilities will be made soon.

5 famous places to visit in Ayodhya