CELEBRITIES
Away From Bihar This Chhath Puja? Check These Ghats in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru
Thousands of families from Bihar, Jharkhand and eastern Uttar Pradesh celebrate Chhath Puja in cities far from their hometowns. From Yamuna-side ghats and neighbourhood ponds in Delhi to Juhu Beach in Mumbai and community-organised celebrations in Bengaluru, here are some places where devotees can observe Chhath Puja in 2026, along with practical details to check before visiting.
Longer Diwali breaks: companies give employees more time to celebrate
Many companies are providing extended breaks for their employees during Diwali to promote well-being and family connections. Embassy Group is giving its employees a nine-day break, emphasizing a people-first culture. CashKaro is offering six days off to help employees recharge after the busy festive season. Myntra plans to recognize employee contributions with two additional holiday days following its sales period.
India revels in Diwali celebrations; crackers contribute to 'very poor' Delhi air
On Sunday, Diwali celebrations were held across India, with various leaders participating in customary rituals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the festival with security personnel in Chhattisgarh, marking a new era free from Naxalism. In Delhi, strict measures were taken to ensure compliance with safety regulations regarding firecrackers during the festivities. Meanwhile, the air quality in Delhi worsened due to pollution from celebrations and stubble burning.
Diwali 2026: From Ayodhya’s sea of diyas to Goa’s fiery Narkasurs, India celebrates the festival in splendour
India celebrates Diwali on November 8 with spectacular displays of devotion and tradition, from lakhs of diyas illuminating Ayodhya’s Saryu ghats to giant Narkasur effigies burning in Goa. As families prepare for Lakshmi Puja, security is tightened, special trains ferry festive travellers and temples across Uttar Pradesh host elaborate celebrations.
‘Our brightest Diwali yet’: Katrina Kaif, Vicky Kaushal share first photo of son Vihaan
Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal took to Instagram to celebrate a memorable family occasion, sharing a heartwarming photo of their son, Vihaan, on November 8 for the first time. This special day marked both Diwali and Vihaan's first birthday yesterday, with the trio dressed in beautiful traditional wear. Their post radiated joy, extending wishes of love, light, and happiness to their followers, bringing sweet delight to their fans.
Sonia Gandhi revisits Diwali memories, recalls family traditions with Priyanka
Sonia Gandhi reflected on her childhood Diwali celebrations in a recent video with her daughter Priyanka. They shared memories of family traditions that included diyas and visiting markets for firecrackers. Sonia spoke about the festive food, particularly Kashmiri dishes, which remain part of their celebrations. The conversation highlighted how the festival has historically involved friends and family from various communities visiting their home.
PM Modi celebrates Diwali with Bastar security forces, says India has overcome Naxalism
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with security personnel involved in anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region. He highlighted the significance of this Diwali as the first since the defeat of Naxalism. Modi commended the personnel for their sacrifices that contributed to eliminating Maoist insurgency from the region. He noted that every district in India is now free from Naxalism, allowing citizens to overcome fear.
Seattle Diwali celebrations disrupted by activists carrying 'Deport All Dot Heads' placards, spark outrage
Diwali celebrations at Seattle Center were disrupted by conservative activists Jake Lang and Thomas Allen, who carried placards with anti-Hindu and anti-immigrant slogans. The incident triggered condemnation from US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and community leaders, who called the display racist and said Hindu Americans should be able to celebrate safely.
Indian Americans condemn Seattle Diwali disruption by far-right activist Jake Lang
Far-right activist Jake Lang disrupted a Diwali celebration in Seattle while carrying racist signs targeted at Hindus. Prominent Indian Americans including Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal condemned this hateful display, emphasizing the importance of Diwali. The Coalition of Hindus of North America advised community preparedness against similar incidents in the future. Lang's past included participation in the January 6 Capitol attack, for which he received a pardon.
Ayodhya Diwali 2026 Today: Deepotsav Highlights, Ram Mandir Celebrations, Saryu Aarti, Dates, Major Attractions and Best Places to Visit
Ayodhya Diwali 2026 celebrations conclude with grand festivities following the three-day Deepotsav from November 5 to 7. Explore the Ram Mandir celebrations, Saryu riverfront diya decorations, Ram Ki Paidi, cultural performances, Deepotsav highlights, religious significance and the best places to visit in Ayodhya during the festival of lights.
Happy Diwali 2026: 100+ wishes, quotes, greetings and messages to light up your friends' and family's celebrations
Happy Diwali 2026: Celebrate Diwali 2026 by sharing happiness, love and festive cheer with your family, friends and colleagues. If you are looking for the best Happy Diwali wishes, quotes, messages, greetings, WhatsApp status updates or Instagram captions, here are 100 options to make your festive celebrations more special. From heartfelt family greetings and funny messages to short captions and thoughtful quotes about light, hope, peace and prosperity, find the perfect words to wish your loved ones a very Happy Diwali.
PM Modi to visit soldiers this Diwali, continuing annual tradition; extends greetings to nation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared Diwali greetings with citizens across India, emphasizing the festival's commitment against evil. He expressed that the nation is beautifully lit up as people celebrate the festival. Modi shared his tradition of visiting soldiers during Diwali, which he continues each year. He conveyed his wishes for everyone to have a prosperous time during the festival. The Prime Minister's annual message reflects his enthusiasm for the celebration.
Mamata Banerjee alleges attack on Kali Puja celebration after incident at Abhishek Banerjee's residence
Mamata Banerjee alleged that the BJP disrupted a Kali Puja celebration in Kolkata's Kalighat area. She claimed that a gang attacked TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee's house during the early hours. Concerns were raised about the breakdown of law and order in West Bengal related to these incidents. CCTV footage reportedly captured assailants attacking the premises and damaging property.
Trump celebrates Diwali with Indian-American CEOs, entrepreneurs at Oval Office
During the Diwali celebration at the Oval Office, President Trump lit a diya in the presence of Indian-American guests. Notable attendees included entrepreneurs, CEOs, and India's Ambassador to the US. Celebrants shared their hopes for strengthening the friendship between India and the US. Founded by President George W Bush, the White House's Diwali celebrations have evolved over the years.
Choti Diwali in North vs South India: 5 Traditions That Will Surprise You, From Ganga Snanam to Evening Diyas
Choti Diwali, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, is celebrated with strikingly different customs across India. While many North Indian families observe it with evening diyas, traditional baths and preparations for Lakshmi Puja, several South Indian communities celebrate Deepavali itself with pre-dawn oil baths, new clothes, festive breakfasts and firecrackers. Here are five traditions that reveal how differently the same festival is experienced across the country.
US President Donald Trump to participate in Diwali celebration at White House
President Donald Trump is set to participate in a Diwali celebration at the White House this Friday. The event will take place in the Oval Office, continuing a tradition that began with President George W. Bush. President Barack Obama was the first to light a lamp during a White House ceremony in 2009. Last year, India's Ambassador Vinay Kwatra joined Trump to celebrate Diwali by lighting a lamp.
How celebrities backed candidate fared in the 2026 US midterms: Nicki Minaj, Kid Rock supported Republicans lost while Bruce Springsteen and Olivia Rodrigo stood on winning side with Democrats
Musicians and Hollywood stars engaged actively in the political landscape during the US midterm elections. Various artists endorsed Republican and Democratic candidates, influencing voter sentiment. After the elections, numerous celebrities celebrated the Democratic Party's success across several states. Some notable victories included Keisha Lance Bottoms, who became the first Black woman elected governor.
Diwali Abroad 2026: How NRIs in the US, UK and Gulf Are Keeping Indian Traditions Alive Thousands of Miles From Home
Diwali 2026 is bringing Indian communities together across the US, UK and Gulf, with celebrations ranging from Times Square and London's Trafalgar Square to Dubai's Festival of Lights and temple gatherings in Abu Dhabi. As November 8 approaches, NRIs are marking the festival through cultural performances, traditional food, diya lighting, family pujas, festive shopping and community events. Here is how the Indian diaspora is celebrating Diwali abroad this year.
Mahabharat star Shafaq Naaz lashes at trolls for insulting her for her Karwa Chauth celebrations: ‘Don’t be in India…’
Actress Shafaq Naaz has hit back at trolls who targeted her and her husabnd Zeeshan Pawekar for celebrating Karwa Chauth and said that she proudly celebrates festivals from different cultures. The Mahabharat star also urged her haters to unfollow her if her celebrating various cultures make them uncomfortable.
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