MODI VISITS SOLDIERS 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.
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.
Amavasya November 2026: Kartik Amavasya Date, Tithi Timings, Pitru Tarpan Significance and Rituals
Kartik Amavasya 2026 will be observed on November 9, with the Amavasya Tithi beginning on November 8. The sacred occasion holds religious significance for Goddess Lakshmi worship, Pitru Tarpan, holy bathing and charity. Know the exact Tithi timings, spiritual importance, traditional puja rituals and practices devotees follow to seek blessings, peace and prosperity for their families.
Gujarati New Year 2026 November 9 or 10? Bestu Varas, Shubh Muhurat, Chopda Pujan and Vikram Samvat 2083
Gujarati New Year 2026, popularly known as Bestu Varas, will be celebrated on November 10, marking the beginning of Vikram Samvat 2083. The festival falls on Kartik Shukla Pratipada and is observed with prayers, family gatherings and traditional rituals. Check the Bestu Varas date, Pratipada Tithi timings, Chopda Pujan significance, religious traditions and auspicious ways to welcome the Gujarati New Year.
Diwali 2026 in Ayodhya: Date, Deepotsav Celebrations and Ram Mandir Significance
Diwali 2026 in Ayodhya will be celebrated on November 8 with grand Deepotsav festivities and special prayers at the Ram Mandir. Discover the Deepotsav schedule, diya lighting arrangements, Saryu Ghat celebrations, major temples to visit and the religious significance of Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
Happy Choti Diwali 2026 Wishes: Best 40+ images, quotes, messages, WhatsApp greetings and Diwali wishes to share with loved ones
Celebrate Choti Diwali 2026 by sharing beautiful wishes, messages, greetings, quotes, Instagram captions and WhatsApp status updates with family and friends: Choti Diwali, occurring just before the grand festival of Diwali, holds significant cultural value within Hindu practices. As part of the festivities, families engage in cleaning their homes, illuminating diyas, and preparing traditional sweets.
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Happy Choti Diwali 2026: Top wishes, image, messages, quotes, greetings, WhatsApp, Instagram status and more
Happy Choti Diwali 2026 Wishes, Images: Choti Diwali, a significant Hindu festival, is observed a day before Diwali, promoting joy and family bonding. Festivities include cleaning homes, lighting diyas, and preparing sweets, which symbolize new beginnings. People exchange warm wishes and greetings, spreading positivity and happiness among loved ones. The festival, known for its cultural significance, showcases the triumph of good over evil. Devotees also commemorate Narak Chaturdashi, marking Lord Krishna's victory over the demon Narakasura.
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.
Saturday bank holiday: Are bank branches open today, November 7, 2026? Check details
Customers should mark November 7, 2026, on their calendars as banks will be fully operational on this first Saturday of the month. They will be able to process cash deposits, withdrawals, and cheque services. However, bank closures will occur on the second and fourth Saturdays. Additionally, with upcoming holidays such as Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti, it’s advisable to check the holiday schedule for effective banking planning.
Diwali 2026: Step-by-step prompt to enhance your Diwali pics to share on WhatsApp using ChatGPT and Gemini
This Diwali 2026, unleash your creativity with AI tools that effortlessly transform your photos into festive masterpieces. By uploading images, you can tailor outfits and settings specific to your style. Both ChatGPT and Google Gemini simplify the process, allowing detailed prompts to enhance image quality. Enjoy crafting stunning Diwali portraits without the hassle of hiring a professional photographer.
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.
Why Is an Owl Considered Lucky on Diwali? The Surprising Connection With Goddess Lakshmi
The owl holds an unusual place in Hindu tradition. Known as the vahana or vehicle of Goddess Lakshmi, it is associated with wealth, prosperity and good fortune. This connection has also given rise to the belief that spotting an owl on Diwali is an auspicious sign. But why was this nocturnal bird linked to the Goddess of Wealth, and what does the tradition actually mean?
Diwali 2026: From selling Diwali lights in a Mumbai chawl to becoming a Dubai business tycoon. Danube's Anis Sajan once sold an Aquaguard to Sanjay Dutt
Diwali 2026: Anis Sajan's business journey began with a small Diwali lights stall below his Mumbai chawl home. He later sold electrical goods, worked as a water purifier salesman and even sold an Aquaguard to Sanjay Dutt. After moving to Dubai in 1992, he joined Danube Group, which has since grown into a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate employing 5,000 people.
Stock Market Holiday 2026: When will BSE & NSE be closed for Diwali? Muhurat trading timings, other key things to know
Indian stock markets will hold a special Muhurat Trading session on Sunday, November 8, to mark Diwali, despite the regular trading holiday. BSE and NSE will remain shut on November 10 for Diwali-Balipratipada. Check the complete schedule and timings.
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.
Dhanteras bank holiday: Will banks be open or closed today, November 6, 2026?
Banks in India will remain open on Dhanteras, which falls on November 6, 2026? Although most transactions can be completed online, some may require in-person visits. It is advisable for customers to check with their banks about specific transaction requirements beforehand. Dhanteras is not a holiday under the Negotiable Instruments Act.
All Agniveers will be absorbed in regular cadre: Defence officials
The Indian government announced changes to the Agnipath recruitment scheme for Agniveers in the military. Those completing a four-year tenure will get a two-year extension and a chance for regular recruitment. All Agniveers demonstrating willingness, physical fitness, and discipline will be absorbed into the regular cadre. Seniority will be maintained when they join, ensuring they are not junior to others.
Diwali 2026 hosting checklist: 7 things to prepare before guests arrive on festive day. From food and decorations to other essentials
Planning to host family and friends this Diwali? From finalising the guest list and preparing a festive menu to arranging diyas, rangoli, refreshments, games and gifts, a little preparation can help avoid last-minute stress. Here are seven essential things to organise before Diwali on November 8, 2026, so you can enjoy the celebrations instead of spending the evening managing household chores.
Diwali 2026 Date: When is Deepavali? Check date, Lakshmi Puja muhurat, significance, rituals and home decoration tips
Diwali, or Deepavali, is a vibrant festival celebrated on November 8, 2026, symbolizing light and prosperity. As families engage in cleaning and decorating their homes, they prepare for the revered Lakshmi Puja. The festival highlights communal joy through the exchange of gifts and indulging in delicious sweets. The excitement builds in the days leading up to the event, creating an enchanting atmosphere filled with anticipation and joy.
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.
NDA government stands firmly with farmers amid drought situation: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi affirmed his government's commitment to assist drought-affected farmers in Maharashtra. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the happiness of farmers during the festive season. The Maharashtra state government has declared 85 percent of the state drought-hit and announced interim aid.
BMC takes down actor Dia Mirza's pollution-free Diwali video after BJP leader's objection
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation removed a video featuring Dia Mirza promoting an eco-friendly Diwali. This decision followed objections from BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam regarding the video’s message. Other campaign videos from different celebrities remained on social media despite the backlash. Opposition leaders criticized the removal, claiming it reflected increasing BJP influence over civic operations.
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.
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.
Choti Diwali or Kali Chaudas? One Festival, Different Names—The Surprising Reason India Celebrates the Same Day Differently
Why is Naraka Chaturdashi called Choti Diwali in North India and Kali Chaudas in Gujarat? The same day is also known as Roop Chaudas, Bhoot Chaturdashi and Deepavali in different regions. While these observances share a place in the Diwali festival period, their rituals and religious significance vary. Here is how the same lunar day takes on different meanings across India.
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