DEVOTEES AND PILGRIMS
Govardhan Puja 2026 Today: How to Perform Puja at Home? Check Samagri, Step-by-Step Vidhi, Mantras and Gau Puja
Govardhan Puja 2026 is being celebrated today, November 10, with devotees worshipping Lord Krishna, Govardhan Hill and cows. Also known as Annakut Puja, the festival commemorates Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill to protect the people of Braj. Check today's morning and evening puja muhurat, puja samagri, step-by-step vidhi, important mantras, Gau Puja rituals and Annakut Bhog traditions.
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.
"Accused will be sentenced within 3 years": Amit Shah's big assurance as Uttarakhand Police gets President's Colour
Addressing the gathering at the ceremony, the Home Minister offered a major assurance regarding the criminal justice delivery system, stating that trials will conclude within three years for cases registered after May 2027.
Dev Diwali 2026 in Varanasi: 6 Best Ghats to Witness the Grand Celebration, From Dashashwamedh to Assi Ghat
Dev Diwali 2026 will illuminate the ghats of Varanasi on November 24, coinciding with Kartik Purnima. From the grand Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat to the spiritual atmosphere of Assi, Kedar and Panchganga Ghats, discover the best places to witness the celebrations. Check popular viewing spots, boat ride experiences and essential travel tips before planning your visit to Kashi.
November 2026 Kartik Purnima and Kartik Amavasya Dates: Tithi Timings, Rituals and Significance
As November 2026 begins, two important lunar observances in the Hindu calendar, Kartik Amavasya and Kartik Purnima, are approaching. Kartik Amavasya falls on November 8 and is associated with Diwali and Lakshmi Puja, while Kartik Purnima will be observed on November 24, coinciding with Dev Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti. Check the dates, tithi timings, rituals and religious significance of both observances, along with traditional practices followed across India.
The modern temple run: Harsh Goenka questions VIP culture at temples, says people visit to display status rather than devotion
Harsh Goenka has questioned the growing trend of high-profile temple visits, criticising VIP entry, photographers and public relations teams accompanying influential devotees. His post on X sparked a discussion about religious humility, unequal access to places of worship and whether temple visits have increasingly become displays of social status.
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UP's first Vande Bharat Sleeper is here! New Delhi-Varanasi train: Timings, stoppages & ticket prices; PM Modi says it will connect faith with modernity
Varanasi-Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper launched: Indian Railways on Saturday expanded its Vande Bharat Sleeper network with a new service connecting Varanasi and New Delhi, offering passengers a faster and more comfortable overnight travel option. The service will improve rail connectivity between the two destinations, benefiting pilgrims, tourists, students, business travellers and working professionals.
'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.
Sabarimala: TDB announces Rs 2 lakh life insurance cover for pilgrims
The Travancore Devaswom Board has announced a new life insurance scheme for Sabarimala pilgrims. This insurance will cover up to Rs 2 lakh for families in case of unforeseen events. The board plans to bear the entire premium costs through its Welfare Fund. Meanwhile, preparations are underway to ensure sufficient production of Aravana prasadam during the pilgrimage season.
The age-old business of liberation & salvation
Moksa, or spiritual investment, mirrors historical practices like indulgences sold by the Church five centuries ago. Islamic finance offers similar concepts, rebranding interest-based transactions while still capitalizing on profit. In India, wealth managers curate portfolios aligned with moral principles while sidelining ethical considerations about labor. Temple towns, including Tirupati, create systems where money enhances access to religious experiences for the wealthy.
Haridwar Har Ki Pauri goes dry: Pilgrims using mugs and lotas for bathing in Ganga as holy dip becomes impossible
Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar has witnessed a sharp drop in Ganga water levels due to the 20-day annual closure of the Upper Ganga Canal for desilting, repairs and preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Pilgrims are struggling to take holy dips, with some using lotas and mugs to bathe. Officials have said normal water discharge is expected to resume after the maintenance work.
Bet Dwarka Corridor: Underwater darshan, 108-foot Krishna statue, how Gujarat plans to transform Krishna's land
Gujarat's proposed Bet Dwarka corridor aims to improve pilgrimage facilities and tourism infrastructure around the island associated with Lord Krishna. The plan includes a heritage street, a proposed 108-foot Krishna statue and underwater viewing experiences linked to Dwarka's submerged past. Building on the Sudarshan Setu connection, the project seeks to combine religious tourism, heritage development and marine ecotourism.
Mumbai-Pune Expressway will see vehicle restrictions this week, traffic police issues heavy traffic alert; check route diversions, road restriction timings and alternative routes
Pune-Mumbai Expressway traffic update: Pune-Mumbai Expressway and old Mumbai-Pune highway are expected to see heavy traffic until October 20 as Navratri pilgrims and Dasara holiday travellers head out. Highway traffic police have urged commuters to consider trains and public transport, while heavy vehicles face restrictions on key stretches. Check road closure timings, diversion routes and traffic arrangements before travelling.
Tirumala Tirupati temple hundi collection falls amid low pilgrim turnout
Hundi collections at Tirumala temple dropped to Rs 2.92 crore on the opening day of the Navaratri Brahmotsavams. Approximately 83,322 devotees visited the temple, with a notable drop in pilgrim turnout. Around 3.4 lakh laddus were sold during the festivities, indicating local participation. The temple saw more visitors during the Hamsa Vahanam procession compared to the Chinna Sesha Vahanam.
'Bamo Wali Devi' mandir in Jaisalmer sees a record turnout of devotees. Check why Tanot Mata temple so famous
Tanot Mata Temple in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district received more than 20,000 devotees on the opening day of Navratri. Revered as the ‘Goddess of Bombs’ because of accounts of unexploded bombs during the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan wars, the border shrine began its 10-day fair with traditional rituals. The BSF has arranged medical assistance, food, crowd management and other facilities for pilgrims.
India has the hair, China has the wigs: Inside a $940 million trade
Indian hair has emerged as a sought-after commodity on the international stage, prized for its vibrant hues and high quality. Yet, the country is encountering significant challenges due to the smuggling of raw hair to China, creating a shortage. The market for processed hair, essential for wigs and extensions, remains limited in India.
Helicopter makes emergency landing in Uttarakhand’s Rudraprayag amid bad weather
A helicopter made an emergency landing at the Agastyamuni sports ground in Rudraprayag district on Tuesday after encountering adverse weather conditions. The aircraft landed safely at the sports ground, with the incident occurring amid challenging weather conditions in the region.
Gaya Pind Daan 2026: How to Book Online, Where It Happens, Cost and Rituals Explained
Gaya is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for Pind Daan and ancestral rituals. With Pitru Paksha 2026 ending on October 10, many families are looking for where Pind Daan is performed in Gaya, how the ritual is conducted, how much it costs and how to arrange it online. Here is a practical guide covering major ritual sites, booking options, indicative costs and key things to check before travelling.
TTD to offer Rs 2 lakh insurance to devotees; Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu announces major temple development plans
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams will offer insurance coverage to every devotee through LIC. The temple trust also plans to construct new Srivari temples globally and across Andhra Pradesh. Reliance Foundation and Bharat Biotech donated electric buses to promote eco-friendly transport for pilgrims. The government intends to develop Tirupati as a wedding destination and a services hub. Plans include a skywalk, multi-storied parking, and solar panel installation on TTD buildings.
Security stepped up for Kedarnath Yatra phase 2; route near Chirbasa Helipad remain blocked
Security arrangements are being enhanced for the Kedarnath Dham Yatra's second phase. Over fourteen lakh pilgrims have already visited Kedarnath Dham this season. The Kedarnath route remains blocked due to falling debris and continuous rain. Pilgrims are currently stopped at Sonprayag and Gaurikund for their safety. Authorities advise against attempting the trek until the route is cleared.
Fly91 launches direct flights from Tirupati to Vijayawada, Hyderabad, Rajahmundry
Fly91 has launched new flight services connecting Tirupati with three key cities. The airline now offers direct flights to Vijayawada, Hyderabad, and Rajahmundry. These new routes aim to provide convenient travel options for pilgrims and other passengers. The expansion strengthens Fly91's regional network across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Tirupati is now one of thirteen destinations served by the airline.
Branded hotels see massive opportunity in India's underserved pilgrimage tourism market
India's pilgrimage sites attract millions, yet branded hotels are largely absent. This presents a significant opportunity for the growing religious tourism industry. Devotees now expect modern amenities, driving demand for comfortable accommodations. Infrastructure, cultural sensitivity, and temple trust partnerships are key for success. Branded hotels can capture this market and elevate hospitality standards.
Pilgrims seeking peace caught in deadly Nepal-Tibet floods
Deadly floods swept through the Nepal-Tibet region, impacting pilgrims traveling to Mount Kailash. Entire villages were wiped out by a tsunami-like wall of water and mud. Over 470 people are confirmed dead and more than 1,400 others are missing. Spiritual leaders and families are expressing deep anguish and seeking information. Rescue efforts are underway amidst blocked roads and down telecommunications.
MEA cites security concerns for continued Kartarpur Corridor closure as SGPC seeks more pilgrim visas
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made the remarks while responding to questions on demands for an increase in the number of pilgrim visas and the reopening of the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor.
Char Dham Yatra registrations cross 33 lakh mark
Data released in the daily bulletin shows Kedarnath recorded 11,68,522 registrations, followed by Badrinath with 10,19,560 pilgrims. Gangotri and Yamunotri received 5,90,295 and 5,69,480 registrations, respectively, while Hemkund Sahib saw 48,428 devotees sign up.
First batch of 4,500 Amarnath yatris begins journey
Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, initiated the Amarnath Yatra by flagging off the first group of 4,500 pilgrims. The yatra commenced on July 3. Sinha expressed hope for a historic and peaceful pilgrimage. He noted the devotees' unwavering faith despite terror incidents. Security arrangements were made on Pahalgam and Baltal routes.
Devotees continue to throng Maha Kumbh as number of pilgrimage goes past 52.83 cr
Despite key festivals concluding, the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj continues to see an influx of devotees, with over 1.36 crore pilgrims taking a holy dip on Sunday alone, bringing the total number to 52.83 crore since January 13. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted an aerial survey and urged pilgrims to follow traffic regulations and use designated parking areas.
Winter Char Dham Yatra picks up pace in Uttarakhand
In Uttarakhand, the winter Char Dham Yatra has begun attracting pilgrims to the winter seats of the four shrines. Despite the cold, 15,341 pilgrims have visited, with the Omkareshwar temple receiving the most visitors. The state government focuses on promoting the winter pilgrimage, ensuring necessary arrangements for devotees.
Char Dham Yatra gains momentum in Uttarakhand as 20,947 pilgrims arrive in a single day
With the improvement in weather conditions, the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand saw a surge in pilgrims, with 20,947 arriving on September 30 alone. The state government's focus on safety and efficient management has boosted enthusiasm among devotees, despite disruptions caused by the July 31 Kedarghati disaster.
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