In preparation for the upcoming festive season and to manage the expected surge in passengers, Indian Railways announced it will run 500 special trains from November 8 to November 11. The record-breaking single-day passenger count of 120.72 lakh on November 4, along with the transport of 65 lakh passengers in the last 36 days, showcases the success of these additional services in facilitating smooth travel during the ongoing Durga Puja, Diwali, and Chhath Puja celebrations. Furthermore, a 73% increase in special trains compared to last year's number provides a seamless travel experience during peak festival season.
As the country winds down from the colorful festivities of Diwali, devotees in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and West Bengal prepare for the upcoming Chhath Puja, a four-day festival dedicated to Surya Dev and Chhathi Maiya. Starting from November 5 to November 8, 2024, millions of believers will celebrate by fasting from sunrise to sunset. As we await the sacred celebration, here are some heartwarming greetings and social media updates to share with loved ones during Chhath Puja 2024. Stay tuned for the correct date, muhurat, and puja rituals for this significant festival.
With the Diwali season approaching, the Indian Railways has announced two special trains to avoid overcrowding and ensure smooth travel for passengers. The trains will run from Bangalore and Hubli to cities in Kerala, timing perfectly for the festive celebrations. These special trains are a welcome relief for travelers during the busy holiday season and are equipped with all necessary amenities.
The ongoing feud between Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal and comedian Kunal Kamra has escalated with Aggarwal sharing a Diwali video of celebrations at an Ola showroom and Kamra challenging him to show footage of Ola’s service centres instead. Kamra has been vocal about Ola’s handling of customer complaints, while Aggarwal has responded defensively, drawing criticism from the public. Kamra’s posts have sparked widespread discussion and even caught the attention of government officials. Despite Ola’s claims of addressing complaints, the Department of Consumer Affairs is now investigating the matter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues his annual tradition of celebrating Diwali with Indian security forces, this time with BSF personnel in the sensitive Lakki Nala area of Kachchh. Modi's visit highlights India's commitment to protecting its borders, as tensions with Pakistan remain high. Meanwhile, Indian and Chinese troops exchange Diwali sweets at the Line of Actual Control, signifying a promising step towards peace after recent border disputes. This year's Diwali celebrations showcase the country's gratitude towards its protectors and the sacrifices they make.
As Diwali celebrations come to a close, Delhi residents wake up to poor air quality with an AQI of 361 in the "very poor" category. Despite a ban on firecrackers, reports reveal widespread violations in both east and west Delhi. The city saw a significant increase in air and noise pollution compared to last year, largely attributed to unfavorable weather conditions, stubble burning, and vehicular emissions. The Delhi Fire Services received 78 calls regarding fire incidents on Diwali evening, with two people injured in a bus fire caused by firecrackers.
As the much-awaited festival of Diwali approaches, Hindus around the world are gearing up to celebrate in style. Known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali marks the return of Lord Rama and his family to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. This year, October 31 is the day to mark on calendars, with festivities continuing for five days. From festive greetings to WhatsApp and Facebook status updates, make the most of this year's Diwali with these handy tips. Follow essential safety measures to prevent burns and allergies from firecrackers, making sure the celebrations are a memorable and joyous occasion for all.
Join the lively festivities of Dhanteras 2024, a Hindu festival that marks the beginning of Diwali celebrations. The occasion is dedicated to honoring Lord Kuber, Lord Dhanvantari, and Goddess Lakshmi in hopes of inviting success and fortune. Along with traditional practices of purchasing gold and silver, you can also add a modern touch by sending wishes, photographs, and greetings to your loved ones through various mediums like WhatsApp and Facebook. Make this Dhanteras a memorable one for everyone!
The One World Trade Center, the tallest building in the US, was recently lit up with colourful lights to celebrate the festival of Diwali. This is the first time in the history of New York City that schools will be closed on November 1 for the holiday. In addition, US President Joe Biden also celebrated Diwali at the White House with over 600 Indian Americans in attendance.
As the auspicious Hindu festival of Diwali approaches, the second day, known as Choti Diwali, commemorates an important mythological event where Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura. Hindu mythology also suggests performing Abhyang Snan and using Til (sesame) oil to avoid visiting Narak on this day. Celebrations include exchanging wishes and images with loved ones on social media platforms.