Indian Festivals

Bhoot Chaturdashi 2022: All you need to know about Bengal's 'Halloween day'

Bhoot Chaturdashi is celebrated by people to ward off any evil forces from houses on the night before Kali Puja

Dhanteras 2022: Why do people light oil lamps on this day? Know its significance

This year, Dhanteras falls on 22 October 2022, Saturday followed by Diwali on 24 October 2022, Monday.

Navratri 2022 Day 1: Know all about rituals, timings and significance

During the Ghatasthapana puja, a pot is placed at a sanctified place at home, and a lamp is kept lit inside for the nine day period

Assam's subdued Bihu during coronavirus lockdown reminiscent of distressing historical events 

While the subdued Bihu seems like a historic first to many — hardships, earthquakes, even war have seemingly proven small deterrent for the festival — there is a precedent for it, one that dates 193 years ago.

At Kolkata's Zakaria Street, food and old world charm make for a vibrant Ramzan

Tucked away in the shadows of Kolkata’s biggest mosque — Nakhoda Masjid, Zakaria Street is the lesser known cousin of Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, Mumbai’s Mohammad Ali Road, and Hyderabad’s old quarters.

On Holi, here's a look at how Urdu poet Nazeer Banarasi wove the festival of colours into his verses

Nazeer Banarasi was one of the many Muslim Urdu poets from the 20th century who celebrated Indian festivals like Holi | #FirstCulture

Keslapur Nagoba Jatara: A look at a community's vibrant religious and cultural celebration

In addition to being a vibrant religious and cultural rural fair, the Keslapur Nagoba Jatara provides insights into the social customs and traditions of the Mesram Raj Gonds and Pardhans | #FirstCulture

Celebrate this Diwali with a custom Twitter emoji

Paying homage to the festival of lights, Twitter India has unveiled a #HappyDiwali emoji for all your Diwali tweeting needs.

Holy sh**! They took our Holi and other adventures in Columbusing

The organizers inform us that though the Holi Color Festival is“influenced by the Hindu Holi celebration” just jazzed up with “electronic dance music.”

US lawmakers push for a commemorative Diwali stamp

As many as 35 US lawmakers including Carolyn B Malone, Ami Bera, Tulsi Gabbard and Joe Crowley, have joined hands to co-sponsor a resolution in the US House of Representatives asking the US Postal Service to issue a commemorative stamp on Diwali