October 21, 2026 10:24 AM

Amit Shah pledges drug-free Punjab by December 2029

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday pledged to free Punjab from the drug trade by December 31, 2029, and urged the state government to hand over two murder investigations to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Addressing a Vijayadashami celebration in Ludhiana, HM Shah burned a symbolic Ravana effigy representing “chitta”, or drugs, linking the festival’s message of good triumphing over evil with the campaign against narcotics. HM Shah said he had met families at three locati...

October 20, 2026 9:41 PM

All institutions, political parties should unite for national interest: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said all institutions and political parties of the country should unite for national interest and fight together against the enemies of the country. Participating in Dussehra celebrations in New Delhi, PM Modi also said that no matter how big or difficult a crisis may be, no one should sit back relying on others and recognise their own strength. "May our thoughts be aligned, and may... all the institutions of the nation, all political parties, stand toge...

October 20, 2026 9:35 PM

President Murmu, PM Modi attend Dussehra celebrations at different venues in Delhi

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Dussehra celebrations at different venues across the national capital on Tuesday, as Ravan effigies were set ablaze to mark the festival. President Murmu, accompanied by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Cabinet Minister Parvesh Verma, attended the Dussehra celebrations at the Dwarka Shri Ram Leela in Sector 10, where she performed the traditional aarti of Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita before ...

October 20, 2026 10:19 AM

President Murmu, Vice President, PM Modi extend Vijayadashami greetings

President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended greetings on Vijayadashami, highlighting the festival’s message of righteousness, truth and the victory of good over evil. In her message on the eve of Vijayadashami, President Murmu greeted Indians living in the country and abroad and urged citizens to uphold morality and duty. “The festival of Vijayadashami has a special significance. It symbolises the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana. L...

October 19, 2026 4:35 PM

Durga Puja across West Bengal brings together devotion, artistry and community traditions

Elaborate pandals, clay idols, the rhythm of the dhaak and gatherings of families and neighbours define Durga Puja across West Bengal, where the worship of the Goddess is also a major celebration of art and cultural identity. From neighbourhood community pujas to household observances, the festival combines religious rituals with performances, shared meals and visits to decorated pavilions. Preparations begin months in advance, bringing together idol-makers, designers and organisers. At its sp...

October 19, 2026 4:32 PM

From Garba to Ramleela, Navratri and Dussehra connect communities across the world

Temple prayers, Garba gatherings, dramatic retellings of the Ramayana and family reunions give Navratri and Dussehra a global presence, carrying religious traditions across borders while creating spaces for cultural exchange. Celebrations take different forms across countries. Navratri centres on devotion to the Goddess, while Dussehra, or Vijayadashami, celebrates the victory of good over evil, associated with Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura. I...

October 19, 2026 4:16 PM

From Mysuru’s pageantry to Kerala’s first letters, South India celebrates Navratri and Dussehra’s many traditions

Illuminated palaces, carefully arranged dolls, floral gatherings and ceremonies introducing children to learning give Navratri and Dussehra distinct expressions across South India. Across the region, worship of the Goddess brings together devotion, artistic traditions and community participation. While the celebrations share themes of divine strength and the victory of good over evil, local customs shape how families and communities observe the festival—from Karnataka’s grand Dasara process...

October 19, 2026 2:59 PM

Kullu Dussehra: A congregation of deities celebrating faith, community and Himalayan heritage

When Dussehra celebrations draw to a close across much of India, festivities begin in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu Valley. At the historic Dhalpur Maidan, village deities arrive in decorated palanquins, accompanied by priests, musicians and devotees, for a week-long celebration centred on Lord Raghunath. The International Kullu Dussehra 2026 is scheduled for October 21-27. The festival brings together hundreds of local deities and their followers, offering a distinctive expression of the valleyâ€...

October 1, 2025 10:41 PM

Rajnath Singh urges soldiers to embrace technology and stay battle-ready

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday joined Armed Forces personnel for the traditional Barakhana in Bhuj, Gujarat, marking the eve of Vijayadashami with soldiers. Addressing the gathering, he called on the Armed Forces to embrace emerging technologies, prioritise training, and remain prepared for every challenge in an era of rapidly evolving threats. “The nature of technology is changing at a pace never seen before. What was considered modern yesterday becomes outdated today,” Singh ...

October 1, 2025 5:55 PM

President Murmu extends greetings on eve of Vijayadashami

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday extended her greetings to citizens on the eve of Vijayadashami, calling the festival a symbol of the triumph of Dharma over Adharma and an inspiration to uphold truth and justice. In her message, the President said Vijayadashami, celebrated across the country as Ravana Dahan and Durga Puja, reflects India’s deep-rooted cultural and national values. She noted that the festival urges people to renounce negative tendencies such as anger and ego, while embrac...