UNRESERVED TRAINS UP DIWALI CHHATH PUJA
1,000 extra trains between Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai to ease waiting lists, Railway ministry plans four parallel tracks on 7 major corridors
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Indian Railways plans to expand seven major corridors to four parallel tracks, enabling more than 1,000 additional regular trains after completion. The routes include connections between Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai. The Railways has also deployed 18,000 special trains and 700 AI cameras for the festive rush.
Remain vigilant during Diwali, Kali Puja: Suvendu tells Kolkata Police after Chorbagan tragedy
Suvendu Adhikari addressed the tragic stampede at the Chorbagan Durga Puja pandal that resulted in 19 deaths. He highlighted the importance of improved coordination between police and event organizers during major festivals. Adhikari urged caution for upcoming Kali Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja celebrations to avoid similar incidents. Nine arrests have been made in connection with the stampede investigation led by a special investigation team.
Lakshmi Puja 2026 Tomorrow: Which Direction Should You Face on Diwali? Check Vastu Rules for Idol Placement
Lakshmi Puja 2026 will be celebrated on November 8, during Diwali. According to commonly followed Vastu principles, devotees should ideally face east or north while performing the puja. But which direction should Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha face, and where should you place the puja altar? Here is a practical guide to Lakshmi Puja directions, idol placement, diya positioning and important Vastu guidelines to follow at home.
Hanuman Puja 2026 Today: Check November 7 Shubh Muhurat, Nishita Kaal Timings, Puja Vidhi, Mantras and Significance
Hanuman Puja 2026 will be observed today, Saturday, November 7, on the occasion of Kali Chaudas, a day before Diwali. Devotees worship Lord Hanuman through prayers, sindoor offerings, Hanuman Chalisa recitation and mantra chanting. The Nishita Kaal puja muhurat in New Delhi is from 11:39 PM to 12:31 AM. Know the date, timings, significance, rituals and mantras.
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.
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.
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Choti Diwali 2026: November 7 or 8? Shubh Muhurat, Abhyang Snan Time and Significance
Choti Diwali 2026, also known as Naraka Chaturdashi, will be observed on November 8. The festival celebrates Lord Krishna's victory over demon Narakasura and symbolises the triumph of good over evil. Discover the Chaturdashi Tithi, Abhyang Snan time, auspicious muhurat, puja rituals, Yama Deepam traditions and religious significance of this important Hindu festival.
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.
Southern Railway runs 132 special trains, deploys extra RPF personnel to manage Diwali rush
Southern Railway managed the rise in passenger traffic during the Diwali season by operating special trains. A total of 132 special trains were run, along with additional coaches for 22 Mail and Express services. Key destinations linked include Madurai, Tirunelveli, and Bengaluru among other cities across India. Comprehensive security measures were implemented at major stations to ensure passenger safety and guidance.
Railway platform ticket sales suspended at six stations across Delhi and Ghaziabad; check the full list
Railway news: Northern Railway is implementing crowd-management measures at major railway stations in Delhi-NCR during the festive season. Platform ticket sales have been suspended at six key railway stations until November 14 to manage crowds. Special trains are being operated to accommodate the anticipated travel rush for Diwali and Chhath festivals. Enhanced passenger facilities, including holding areas, aim to improve the travel experience during this busy period.
Chhath Puja Geet: Popular Folk and Devotional Songs Sung During Nahay Khay, Kharna and Arghya
Chhath Puja Geet are an integral part of the four-day festival dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. From traditional Bhojpuri folk songs sung during Nahay Khay and Kharna to devotional melodies accompanying Sandhya and Usha Arghya, these songs reflect faith, gratitude and cultural heritage. Discover popular Chhath songs and the legacy of legendary folk singer Sharda Sinha.
Naraka Chaturdashi 2026: Why Do People Clear Debts and Settle Pending Dues Before Diwali?
Naraka Chaturdashi, commonly called Choti Diwali, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness in many households. As the Diwali festivities approach, families tend to reassess their financial standing and settle any unpaid dues. This ritual holds special significance for trading communities, marking the end of an accounting cycle. While not a religious obligation, managing debts reflects a cultural commitment to financial prudence, ultimately enriching the joyous atmosphere of Diwali.
Delhi friends take auto to Bihar after failing to get train tickets; 1,200-km journey for Chhath Puja wins internet's respect
Unable to get train tickets for Chhath Puja, a Delhi man named Rishav Thakur has taken an auto-rickshaw to travel to Madhubani in Bihar with his companions. The group is making the unusual journey after missing the festival at home for nearly three years. His videos have attracted attention on social media.
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.
Why Chhath Puja Is Considered One of the Strictest Hindu Fasts: The 36-Hour Nirjala Vrat Explained
Chhath Puja is a significant Hindu festival marked by a demanding 36-hour Nirjala fast. Devotees abstain from food and water while engaging in various rituals and prayers. The fast begins after Kharna and concludes with Usha Arghya offered to the rising Sun. Special offerings, including thekua, are prepared to honor the deities during the festival. Health considerations are important as the fast can pose risks for certain individuals.
Chhath Puja 2026 Date: November 15 or 16? Check 4-Day Calendar, Nahay Khay, Kharna and Arghya Timings
Chhath Puja will be observed from Friday, November 13, to Monday, November 16, 2026. The main Chhath Puja observance, including Sandhya Arghya to the setting Sun, falls on Sunday, November 15. The festival concludes with Usha Arghya to the rising Sun on Monday, November 16. Dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya, it is marked by fasting, prayers, traditional offerings and rituals performed near rivers, ponds and other water bodies.
Kali Chaudas 2026 Date: November 7 or 8? Check Puja Muhurat, Rituals and Why It Differs From Choti Diwali
Kali Chaudas 2026 will be observed on November 7, a day before Naraka Chaturdashi and Diwali celebrations on November 8. Also known as Kali Chaudash and Bhut Chaturdashi, the festival is particularly significant in Gujarat and parts of western India. Here is the date, Chaturdashi Tithi, Kali Chaudas puja muhurat, significance, rituals and the difference between Kali Chaudas and Naraka Chaturdashi.
Chhath Puja Prasad 2026: How to Make Traditional Thekua and What to Keep in the Daura
Thekua is one of the most important prasad items prepared for Chhath Puja, while the daura basket carries fruits, sugarcane, coconut and other offerings for Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Here is an easy traditional thekua recipe, the ingredients required and a practical list of what goes into the Chhath Puja daura.
Diwali 2026: Complete Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja Samagri List and Step-by-Step Puja Vidhi at Home
Preparing for Diwali Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja at home? Here is a complete puja samagri list covering the chowki, kalash, puja thali, diyas and bhog, along with a simple step-by-step puja vidhi to help you organise the worship. Having puja samagri ready in advance helps avoid last-minute confusion. While specific items/rituals may differ by region and family tradition, the following list covers the commonly used essentials for Lakshmi-Ganesh Puja at home.
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.
November 2026 Festival List: From Dhanteras and Diwali to Chhath Puja, Dev Diwali and Guru Nanak Jayanti, check complete calendar of festivals and important dates
November 2026 Festival Calendar: November 2026 marks an important time for religious observances and celebrations across India. Significant festivals include Dhanteras, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, and Bhai Dooj, among others. Devotees will partake in various traditional rituals during these festive occasions. Important celebrations such as Chhath Puja, Tulsi Vivah, and Guru Nanak Jayanti will also take place in this month. The article provides an overview of dates and significance for each festival.
November 2026 holiday list: Check full list of Diwali, Bhai dooj, Govardhan, Guru Nanak Jayanti and other dates and festivals
November 2026 holiday list includes Diwali on November 8, Chhath Puja on November 15 and Guru Nanak Jayanti on November 24. The month also features Naraka Chaturdashi, Govardhan Puja, Bhai Duj and Guru Teg Bahadur's Martyrdom Day, with holidays varying across states and institutions.
School holiday tomorrow, November 2: Will schools remain closed in Delhi-NCR, Maharashtra and other states?
Parents and students are verifying whether schools will remain closed on November 2 due to upcoming festivals. Different states may begin Diwali vacations at varying times, impacting school schedules. Institutions in Delhi-NCR are likely to maintain regular classes unless stated otherwise. Schools in Maharashtra may have holidays beginning on November 2, leading to potential closures until November 14.
Diwali, Chhath Puja special trains: Railways announces 3 unreserved trains from Kolkata to Bihar and UP; check timings and dates
Eastern Railway has announced three unreserved special trains connecting Sealdah and Kolkata with Jaynagar, Ballia and Gorakhpur to manage the festive passenger rush ahead of Chhath. Each train will have 20 coaches, including 18 general second-class coaches. Here are their timings, departure dates, return schedules and important stoppages.
Saturday bank holiday: Are banks open or closed today on October 31, 2026?
Indian banks observe closures on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. Despite holidays, digital banking remains available for customers. October and November bring a series of holidays that may impact banking hours in certain locations, prompting patrons to take advantage of online banking services during these breaks.
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.
Bank holidays in November 2026: Check state-wise list of bank closures and festival dates
Bank holidays in November 2026 will vary across Indian states based on local festivals. Customers must check specific holiday schedules before visiting bank branches to avoid inconvenience. Some notable holidays include Diwali, Wangala festival, and Chhath Puja, affecting different states. The Reserve Bank of India has outlined specific closure dates for scheduled banks. Both scheduled and non-scheduled banks observe holidays on specific Saturdays as per the RBI calendar.
Railways to launch door-to-door parcel services
Indian Railways plans to introduce a door-to-door parcel service using the Rail Parcel App in eight cities. Customers in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and other cities can book pickups and deliveries. Logistics partners will manage first-mile and last-mile services, while the railways will transport parcels. Bookings can be made online, easing the logistics burden for customers. Refunds for cancellations will also be available under specific conditions.
6,200 special train trips for festive travel: Railways boosts services by 30% for Diwali, Chhath Puja; check Delhi-Patna, Delhi-Howrah & other routes
Northern Railway has planned over 6,200 special train trips for Diwali and Chhath Puja, a 30% increase from last year's 4,666 trips. The additional services aim to ease the festive rush on routes connecting Delhi and other northern cities with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal. Extra ticket counters, staff and security arrangements have also been introduced at stations.
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