Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the government is working to get Chhath Puja included in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Speaking in his monthly Mann Ki Baat radio address, he said the festival dedicated to the Sun God has become global. Modi noted that millions celebrate it in India and abroad. He added that when included, the world will witness its grandeur and divinity. He recalled that Kolkata’s Durga Puja was earlier added to UNESCO’s list. Modi said India’s festivals keep culture alive and global recognition will help people everywhere understand and join them. (PC: The Hindu)

A stampede at Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief Vijay’s rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, killed 40 people and injured dozens. The crowd, much larger than expected, caused panic and fainting, forcing Vijay to pause his speech and call for police help. Police have filed cases against TVK district secretary Mathiazhagan, general secretary Bussy Anand, and joint general secretary C T Nirmal Kumar under charges including culpable homicide and endangering life. Chief Minister MK Stalin visited victims, announced compensation, and set up an inquiry. Vijay expressed sorrow and promised support to families, while Prime Minister Modi condemned the tragedy. (PC: India Today)

In Varanasi’s Madanpura, a unique Durga Puja tradition continues for 260 years. The Durga idol at Purana Durga Bati, made in 1767 with Ganga clay, straw, bamboo, and jute, is still worshipped every year. Legend says the idol refused to move during visarjan. Even 15 strong men could not lift it. That night, Maa Durga appeared in the dream of Kali Prasanna Mukhopadhyay, saying she wished to stay in Kashi. Since then, the Mukherjee family and locals worship the same idol each year. The six-foot idol remains with her children—Laxmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesh. (PC: India Today)

The Chitrakoot Ramlila of Kashi claims to be the world's oldest Ramlila, reportedly started 485 years ago by Megha Bhagat, a disciple of saint-poet Tulsidas. This traditional 22-day festival preserves ancient customs including the Mukut Pujan ceremony and Nakkataiyya procession. The performance takes place in Varanasi's Chitrakoot area, maintaining centuries-old theatrical traditions that dramatize episodes from the Ramayana. The festival represents one of India's most enduring cultural continuities, blending religious devotion with community theater. Local performers and audiences participate in rituals that have been passed down through generations, making it a living repository of Hindu religious and cultural practices that connects contemporary devotees with medieval spiritual traditions.

Delhi's IGI Airport and several schools received bomb threat emails on Sunday, prompting heightened security measures. The sender claimed affiliation with terrorist group "Terrorise 111," warning that bombs had been planted with potential explosions within 24 hours. Institutions targeted included CRPF Public School and Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, with police, fire, and bomb disposal teams conducting thorough searches. Authorities later declared the threats hoaxes after comprehensive investigations. Similar incidents have occurred previously in Delhi, with over 50 schools receiving threats from "Terrorizers 111" demanding cryptocurrency ransom in August. Police suspect the sender used VPN to hide their identity. Security agencies remain vigilant despite the hoax nature.

Self-styled spiritual leader Chaitanyananda Saraswati was arrested by Delhi Police in a hotel in Agra, after evading authorities since early August. He is accused of sexually harassing 17 female students at a management institute in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj. Investigators say he allegedly monitored students via CCTV, withheld their certificates, and used coercion. During the arrest, fake visiting cards claiming diplomatic status (UN, BRICS) were seized. A court has already denied his anticipatory bail in an associated fraud case involving multiple bank accounts and fixed deposits. (PC: ANI)  

Survivors of the tragic stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur described the scene as a “human flood.” At least 39 people—including 10 children, 17 women, and 12 men—lost their lives, while over 80 were injured. Attendees from distant districts like Theni, Madurai, and Virudhunagar were caught in the chaos when ropes and hoardings along the Karur-Erode highway blocked escape routes. Many were trapped, and some injured while trying to flee. The incident has raised serious concerns about crowd management, prompting a government inquiry and relief measures.  

A terrifying stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, left at least 39 dead and over 80 injured. Chaos erupted when the massive crowd surged after Vijay’s delayed arrival, causing panic and suffocation. Disturbing footage shows teenagers ripping the roof off a hut in a desperate bid to escape the crushing crowd. Many attendees collapsed due to heat and overcrowding. The Tamil Nadu government has launched an official inquiry and deployed relief teams. The tragedy has sparked nationwide shock and condolences.

A tragic stampede at actor-politician Vijay’s TVK rally in Karur, Tamil Nadu, claimed 39 lives, including 10 children, 17 women, and 12 men, while leaving more than 80 injured. The incident occurred after Vijay’s delayed arrival, when the restless crowd surged toward his bus. Escape routes were reportedly blocked by ropes and hoardings, worsening the chaos. Many collapsed due to suffocation and heat. The state government has announced an inquiry led by a retired judge and promised compensation and medical aid for victims. Political leaders nationwide expressed shock and condolences, calling for stricter crowd management at political events. (PC: PTI)  

At least 31 people, including children, died in a stampede at TVK chief Vijay's political rally in Tamil Nadu's Karur, with dozens more injured. The tragedy occurred when massive crowds attended the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam leader's campaign event. Videos showed sea of people extending hundreds of meters, with several fainting due to overcrowding. Vijay was seen addressing crowds from his election vehicle, announcing ambulances were en route as people collapsed. Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin deployed ministers and ordered immediate medical assistance, while requesting public cooperation with authorities. Opposition leaders including AIADMK's Palaniswami and BJP's Tamilisai Soundararajan expressed condolences and questioned government preparedness. The incident highlights crowd management failures at major political gatherings in the state.