Bollywood's biggest stars ignite the screen! From the dazzling premiere of [mention a recently released film or event] to the brewing controversies surrounding [mention a current entertainment scandal], India's entertainment scene is ablaze. This week saw [mention a significant entertainment event, e.g., a music launch, award ceremony, or box office milestone], further cementing India's position as a global entertainment powerhouse. The battle for box office supremacy heats up as [mention competing films or actors], while the digital realm witnesses the rise of [mention a trending OTT series or online sensation]. Beyond Bollywood, regional cinema continues to flourish, with [mention a noteworthy achievement in regional cinema]. From the vibrant world of music to the captivating realm of television, Abtak.com brings you the pulse of Indian entertainment. Dive in and stay updated on the latest news, reviews, and exclusive interviews—your ultimate destination for all things entertainment. Explore the captivating stories unfolding now!
Mythological Significance: Goddess Kali and the Triumph Over Evil The origin of Kali Puja is closely linked to the mythological tales of the Devi Mahatmya and other Puranic texts. Goddess Kali is considered the ultimate force of Shakti, representing both destruction and liberation. According to Hindu mythology, Kali was born from the forehead of Goddess Durga during her battle against the demon Raktabija. The demon had a unique boon: for every drop of his blood that fell on the earth, a new demo
Kolkata: Cracker violations have turned out to be a concern in various pockets of the city on Dhanteras (Saturday), barely two days ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali. These violations have been reported from Kasba, Dhakuria, Baguiati, New Town, Salt Lake, Phoolbagan and New Alipore. The seizures of illegal firecrackers had become more than double in the past 48 hours, police said on Saturday. The cops will intensify the crackdown on firecracker violators on the day of Diwali (Monday) by forming special teams to raid the city. "In case of use of banned crackers, we may not provide bail from police ...Read More >
CUTTACK: Just like Durga Puja, Kali Puja in Cuttack city is celebrated with traditional pomp and gaiety with around 75 puja committees erecting the idols of Goddess Kali at their pandals. Sources said the budget for the festival ranges from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per puja committee. Of the total 75 committees, 34 have come up with silver tableau and several of them have decorated the Mother Goddess with massive gold and silver jewellery. Of all the puja committees, Bakhrabad Loka Mandala puja committee worships the Maa Kali in Her fierce 'Chhinnamasta' form (the self-decapitated goddess). Th ...Read More >
Kolkata, Oct 20 (PTI) West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday greeted the people of the state on the occasion of Kali Puja and Diwali. Bose, in his message said, "May the festival of lights illuminate our lives and guide us towards harmony." He also wished the people of the state good health, prosperity and progress on the occasion of Kali puja and Diwali. The chief minister conveyed her heartfelt wishes for Kali Puja and Diwali, and also shared a festive song written and composed by her and sung by Srilekha Bandyopadhyay. In a post on X, Banerjee i ...Read More >
HYDERABAD: After four days of relentless downpours, Telangana is expected to have a brief respite on Monday, with no rainfall alerts issued. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) placed the state under a yellow alert for thunderstorms. IMD data showed that Papannapet in Medak district received the heaviest 24-hour rainfall at 10.6 cm, followed by Manoor in Sangareddy with 9.28 cm and Nallabelly in Warangal at 9.15 cm. The statewide average rainfall for the day stood at 7.3 mm, notably higher than the normal 4.3 mm. Warangal's Sangem recorded the day's highest maximum temperature ...Read More >
Founded in 1908, the 117-year-old institution once rivalled the Bombay Stock Exchange in trading volumes and stood as a symbol of Kolkata's financial heritage. The Calcutta Stock Exchange (CSE), one of India's oldest bourses, may this year celebrate its last Kali Puja and Diwali on October 20 as a functioning exchange, with the process of voluntary exit as a bourse nearing completion after a decade-long legal battle. Trading at CSE was suspended by SEBI in April 2013 following regulatory non-co ...Read More >
Kolkata: Pockets in Kolkata and the fringes saw brazen violation of norms as crackers were burst on the eve of Kali Puja and Diwali. This occurred even as cops and WBPCB intensified their vigil, prompting a spike in arrests and seizures. Activists are worried this could turn into worse rule-flouting on Kali Puja night.Though the day started on a quiet note, as the evening progressed, residents in several parts of south Kolkata -- Gariahat, Golpark, Kasba, Behala, Sarsuna, Santoshpur, Bansdroni, and New Alipore -- complained of back-to-back bursting of crackers and the release of shells in the ...Read More >
Just clarifying my twitter feed was showing a lot of videos and I meant to say " I agree" to a video just below the racist one by some Nate. My mistake. Travelling & didn't check till now, says Trinamool MP. A major controversy erupted after Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra backed a social media post that condemned Indians celebrating Diwali abroad. It also evoked strong reactions from netizens. Moitra wrote "I agree" to a post on X that stated, "Just like that, we've let braindead fucking In ...Read More >
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released a comprehensive holiday calendar, urging citizens to plan their banking activities accordingly to avoid inconvenience. Major festivals such as Durga Puja, Dussehra, Diwali, Chhath Puja, Lakshmi Puja, Bhai Dooj, and Gandhi Jayanti contribute to the extended closures. In addition to these, the second and fourth Saturdays and Sundays further reduce working days for banks. 🏦 Key Dates to Note: * October 1: Dussehra, Ayudha Puja, Durga Puja (West Be ...Read More >
Gomati (Tripura) [India], October 20 (ANI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha celebrated the Diwali Festival on Monday at Matabari Temple where he prayed for the wellness of people. Finance Minister Ranjit Saha Roy and Tourism Minister Sushanta Deb, along with other dignitaries were present on the occasion. While Speaking with ANI, CM Saha said, "This is an ancient temple...PM was here on 22nd September. After his visit, the tourist footfall has increased here...On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, Kali Puja is celebrated in Tripura and West Bengal...So, we are all here. The mela will go on ...Read More >
New Delhi: As per RBI holiday list, bank branches will be closed for certain days on account of Diwali and related festivities like kali puja, kati bihu, Bhai dooj, across the nation. When will bank branches be closed over the next few days? Bank branches will be closed on various accounts in different parts of the country on various days between 21 and 23 October for Diwali festivities. Here's the detailed list. Banks were closed in Assam for Kati Bihu on october 18. Diwali Amavasya (Laxmi Pujan)/Deepawali/Govardhan Pooja: October 21 Diwali (Bali Pratipada)/Vikram Samvant New Year Day/Go ...Read More >
KOLKATA: A 28-year-old man was arrested on Thursday on charges of desecrating an idol of Goddess Kali in the remote Kakdwip area of South 24 Parganas district, which led the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to launch a stinging attack on the Mamata Banerjee government. Police said the suspect was drunk when he damaged the idol. "Based on intelligence inputs, a person identified as Narayan Halder,28, son of Bhupati Halder, was apprehended and arrested. During interrogation, he confessed to his involvement and expressed remorse for his actions. It was determined that he was in an inebriated state ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 20 (ANI): Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee on Monday offered prayers at the Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata on the occasion of Kali Puja. Earlier today, West Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also conveyed her greetings on Kali Puja and Diwali. In her 'X' post, CM Mamata shared a video of a song composed and written by her. "Merciful Mother,/My compassionate Mother, Come, O Mother, Goddess of Light, Bring light, O Mother. Dispelling the darkness Bring peace, O Mother." I convey my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to all on Kali Puja and Diwa ...Read More >
Kolkata: On the anniversary of the formation of Azad Hind government by iconic Indian freedom fighter Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on Tuesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid tribute to him and soldiers of the Indian National Army (INA). "Today marks the anniversary of the formation of the Azad Hind Government. My heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers of the Indian National Army who fought valiantly for India's freedom under the leadership of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose," the Chief Minister said in a social media message. Although she refrained from giving any subtle political ...Read More >
Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], October 20 (ANI): Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, wished the citizens on the occasion of Kali Puja. "May Maa Kali bless you with the courage to face all the challenges and overcome all the hurdles in your life. Warm wishes to you and your family on the auspicious occasion of Kali Puja," the BJP leader wrote on X. Earlier, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated Kali Puja pandals in Agartala. On the eve of the celebrations, the Chief Minister stated that everyone in the state celebrates Durga Pooja together. He also men ...Read More >
Kolkata: Suvendu Adhikari, leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, on Monday claimed that he faced repeated attacks in the Sunderbans area of South 24 Parganas district by some goons when he went to attend the Kali Puja and Deepavali festival, alleging it to be a conspiracy of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). "In the South 24 Parganas district, today I faced repeated attacks from goons. The obstruction, vandalism and chaos were orchestrated by none other than TMC Zila Parishad Member Rekha Gazi with the aid and support of SP Koteswara Rao. Several attempts were made to stop ...Read More >
Kolkata, Oct 20 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee performed Kali Puja at her Kalighat residence here on Monday night, a tradition she has followed for over four decades, senior Trinamool Congress leaders said. Clad in a cotton saree, Banerjee took part in the rituals while her nephew and TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee participated in a yagna in front of the idol of the goddess. Large crowds gathered outside her residence to catch a glimpse of the celebrations. Greeting people on the occasion of Kali Puja and Deepavali, Banerjee posted on X: "O Mother, Goddes ...Read More >
Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], October 21 (ANI): On the eve of Diwali, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma celebrated Diwali by lighting lamps at his residence on Monday. The Rajasthan Chief Minister prayed to Maa Lakshmi with his family. He also visited the Rajarajeshwari Temple to seek blessings. Also Read | Diwali 2025: US President Donald Trump Extends Wishes on Deepawali, Calls It 'Timeless Reminder of Light's Victory Over Darkness'. "On the auspicious occasion of the holy festival of Deepawali during the festival of lights, the Chief Minister lit a lamp at the Chief Minister's resi ...Read More >
There has been considerable confusion over whether the Diwali bank holiday falls on Monday or Tuesday this year. To clarify, banks in certain states observed the holiday on Monday, while in others, bank branches will remain closed today, Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Income Tax Guide Income Tax Slabs FY 2025-26Income Tax Calculator 2025New Income Tax Bill 2025 Bank holiday on October 21, 2025A bank holiday will be observed in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Sikkim, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Jam ...Read More >
To manage the heavy rush of passengers and devotees during Diwali and the upcoming Chhath Puja, the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has been operating 48 festival special trains for 613 trips (overall) in its jurisdiction between September and December, officials said on Monday. NFR's Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said that to manage the massive passenger rush during Diwali and Chhath Puja this year, the NFR has been operating 48 festival special trains for 613 t ...Read More >
Kolkata: With the city still reeling from incidents of violence and noise pollution during Diwali and Kali Puja, community elders have appealed for a clean and green Chhath Puja this year. Several organisations representing residents of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh in Kolkata have urged devotees to refrain from bursting illegal crackers, playing loud music, or polluting water bodies during the festival.Mamta Singh, president of the Rashtriya Bihari Samaj, said her organisation had appealed to all members to strictly follow the administration's guidelines. "We have appealed to follow all the rules a ...Read More >
Schools across several Indian states have announced extended holidays for Diwali, with closures beginning as early as October 13 in Rajasthan. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are also observing Diwali breaks, with Bihar's holidays extending to include preparations for Chhath Puja. Meanwhile, schools in Karnataka are closed until October 18 for a state-wide caste survey. Many states have announced school holidays starting Monday, October 13 ahead of Diwali. Along with traditional Diwali vacations, some a ...Read More >
West Bengal LoP Suvendu Adhikari alleged he was attacked by goons in the Sunderbans while attending Kali Puja and Deepavali. He claimed the ruling TMC conspired to instigate illegal migrants from Bangladesh for the attacks, accusing police of failing to ensure his security despite court directives. Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Monday claimed that he was attacked by goons in the Sunderbans area of South 24 Parganas district when he went to attend the Kali Puja ...Read More >
Kolkata, Oct 19: West Bengal's Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday alleged that his car was attacked by members of the TMC in South 24 Parganas district, where he went to inaugurate Kali Puja pandals. Adhikari alleged that several attempts were made to stop his car, at least at seven locations, and an attack took place in front of the Lalpur Madrasa. "In South 24 Parganas district, today I faced repeated attacks from illegal Bangladeshi Muslims. The obstruction, vandalism and chaos were orchestrated by none other than TMC Zilla Parishad Member Rekha Gazi with the aid and supp ...Read More >
Kolkata: Several Kali Pujas across the city witnessed community bonding as people, irrespective of religious faiths, came together to celebrate the festival of lights. From planning pandal decorations and raising funds to overseeing the rituals and crowd management, members of different communities played equal roles in the celebrations.A Kali Puja on Mayfair Road spread the message of communal harmony through their celebration, in which locals from different communities participated. Sudhir Kuma ...Read More >
Kolkata: The Bengal govt on Thursday transferred Cooch Behar police superintendent Dyutiman Bhattacharya to the position of commandant of State Armed Police following allegations that the SP lathicharged women and children who were bursting crackers outside his bungalow.The incident on Diwali night led to strong protests by locals, who blocked roads on Tuesday and Wednesday demanding Bhattacharya's transfer. He will be replaced by Sandeep Karra, who was the DCP DC, West Zone, Asansol Durgapur Pol ...Read More >
Kolkata, Oct 16: Amid indications that the notification for Election Commission of India's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in West Bengal will be released soon, the Trinamool Congress has decided to go all out against the exercise with a mega rally in Kolkata soon after the current festive season is over with Kali Puja, Diwali and Bhai Photo (Bhai Dhuj). Sources in the Trinamool Congress said that the proposed mega anti-SIR rally in Kolkata is likely to be conducted in the first week of November. The main speakers during the event will be West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and party ...Read More >
Mumbai Oct 20 (SocialNews.XYZ) Actress Devoleena Bhattachrajee embraced motherhood in 2024, and the actress will be celebrating her first Diwali post-motherhood this year. Talking to IANS on her special plans for Diwali this year, Devoleena elaborated on the same. "I am looking forward to celebrating both Diwali and Kali Puja with my family this year," stated Devoleena while talking to IANS. "I will visit a Kali mandir and take blessings. We will also decorate and light our place. May goddess Lakshmi come to us and bless my home and my family. I will make festive sweets." Talking about her 9 ...Read More >
Kolkata: Several Kali Pujas across the city witnessed community bonding as people, irrespective of religious faiths, came together to celebrate the festival of lights. From planning pandal decorations and raising funds to overseeing the rituals and crowd management, members of different communities played equal roles in the celebrations.A Kali Puja on Mayfair Road spread the message of communal harmony through their celebration, in which locals from different communities participated. Sudhir Kumar Pathak, secretary of Mayfair Youth Organisation, said, "Our puja started in 1970 with two members ...Read More >
Kolkata, Oct 20 (PTI) Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly Suvendu Adhikari on Monday claimed that he was attacked by goons in the Sunderbans area of South 24 Parganas district when he went to attend the Kali Puja and Deepavali festival. He alleged that the attack was a conspiracy of the ruling TMC. Adhikari said that his lawyer has lodged separate complaints with the concerned local police stations, sharing copies of those in a post on X. The BJP leader claimed that he was "attacked" by goons when he was travelling by his vehicle, at Kashinagar, Kultali, Khutibazar, Raidighi, Nabad ...Read More >
Patna, Oct 27 (PTI) A large number of people congregated on the banks of the Ganga river for evening 'arghya' (offerings) to the Sun God on the occasion of Chhath puja on Monday. As the sun set, people offered arghya at several ghats in the state capital, filling the air with hymns. The shimmering diyas floating on the river, and the echo of prayers created a mesmerising atmosphere at Kali Ghat, Kadam Ghat, Patna College Ghat and Krishna Ghat in Patna. Devotional songs dedicated to the Sun God were also sung. Arrangements were made for changing clothes by the devotees after offering evening ...Read More >