India's Places of Worship Act, 1991, which preserves the religious status of sites as of 15 August 1947, faces legal challenges from Hindu groups seeking to reclaim mosques allegedly built over demolished temples. A court-ordered survey of the 16th-century Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, sparked violent clashes, resulting in five deaths and numerous injuries. The Supreme Court has halted such surveys nationwide, pending review of the Act's constitutionality. Critics argue the law infringes on religious freedoms and judicial review, while supporters warn that altering it could incite communal unrest. The controversy underscores escalating tensions over religious heritage and India's secular framework. (PC: The Independent & Getty Images)

Tensions flared in Kanpur's Rawatpur area as Hindu organizations protested the police removal of loudspeakers installed for the upcoming Ram Navami procession. Authorities cited administrative reasons for dismantling the sound systems, leading to immediate demonstrations. Protesters blocked roads and chanted slogans against law enforcement, prompting a heavy police deployment, including the Provincial Armed Constabulary, to maintain order. Senior officers engaged with protest leaders to defuse the situation, while BJP MLA Rahul Bacha Sonkar urged calm, assuring that grievances would be addressed promptly. (PC: CNBC & Hans India)

As Ram Navami approaches, Indian states are intensifying security measures to ensure peaceful celebrations. In Maharashtra, drones will monitor sensitive areas, while in West Bengal, authorities have established a 'Peace Room' to coordinate efforts. Kolkata Police have deployed 3,500 personnel, including senior officers, with additional forces on standby. In Howrah, drones will oversee processions, and liquor shops are ordered to close. The Hindu Jagran Manch plans 5,000 processions across West Bengal, prompting police to enforce strict regulations, including bans on public weapon displays. These precautions aim to prevent incidents like last year's clashes during the festivities. (PC: News 18 & Newsx)

The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has mandated the closure of illegal slaughterhouses and prohibited the sale of meat within 500 meters of religious sites ahead of the Chaitra Navratri festival, commencing March 30. Special restrictions will be enforced on Ram Navami (April 6), with a complete ban on animal slaughter and meat sales. District-level committees, chaired by District Magistrates and comprising officials from various departments, have been established to ensure compliance. Violators will face strict punitive actions under relevant laws. (PC: Leader Biography & Wander On)

Two days after a grenade attack on Amritsar's Thakurdwara Temple, Punjab Police engaged in a confrontation with the suspects on March 17. The primary accused, Gursidak Singh, was fatally wounded during the encounter and later pronounced dead at a hospital. His accomplice, Vishal, managed to escape and is currently at large. The incident occurred in the Rajasansi area, where the suspects, upon being intercepted by law enforcement, abandoned their motorcycle and opened fire. This led to an exchange in which Head Constable Gurpreet Singh sustained injuries. The initial grenade attack on March 15 caused damage to the temple but resulted in no casualties. Authorities are investigating potential links to cross-border elements.

The Akal Takht-appointed committee has called upon Punjabis to gather at the Golden Temple in Amritsar on March 18 to commence a new membership drive for the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). This initiative, led by members including Manpreet Singh Ayali and Gurpartap Singh Wadala, aims to rejuvenate the party by involving Sikhs, Punjabis, and Panth supporters. The drive will begin at 11 am following an 'ardaas' (prayer). The existing SAD leadership, which started its membership campaign on January 20, has expressed concerns over this parallel effort, citing potential legal issues. SAD spokesperson Daljit Singh Cheema emphasized that unauthorized membership drives under the party's name could have legal ramifications, as the SAD is a registered entity with the Election Commission.

The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, the world’s largest spiritual gathering, concludes on February 26, coinciding with Maha Shivratri. Devotees flock to the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj for the final holy dip, marking the end of six weeks of religious rituals. This year’s Kumbh included six special ‘snan’ days, with the final one on Maha Shivratri. Authorities have enhanced security, deploying 37,000 police officers, 14,000 home guards, and advanced surveillance. Railways have arranged additional trains for safe travel, while the region remains on high alert to manage the massive influx of devotees and avoid incidents.

  The 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is set to make history with three Guinness World Records over three days. The event will feature the longest human chain, the largest synchronized yoga session, and the biggest group hymn chanting. These monumental efforts blend the spiritual significance of the festival with modern milestones, overseen by the official Guinness World Records team. With millions of pilgrims attending, the Mela combines sacred tradition with contemporary achievements, offering a chance for participants to be part of this unique historic event.  

Using state-of-the-art scientific expertise, a team of Indian scientists orchestrates a remarkable 'Surya Tilak' ceremony at Ayodhya's Ram Temple. Employing a specially designed instrument, a precise 5.8 centimetre beam of sunlight is directed onto the deity's forehead, marking a significant engineering feat. The mechanism, developed by collaboration between institutions like CBRI Roorkee and IIAP Bengaluru, involves sophisticated opto-mechanical systems and solar tracking principles. With meticulous planning and technical prowess, the ritual is flawlessly executed, showcasing India's prowess in merging tradition with innovation.

On Ram Navami, the Sun's rays adorned the forehead of Ram Lalla with a 'surya tilak' at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir. This marked the first celebration since the idol's consecration at the new temple inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The mesmerizing event, witnessed for around two to two-and-a-half minutes, was displayed on large LED screens across Ayodhya. Achieved through an intricate setup of mirrors and lenses, the 'Surya tilak' directed sunlight into the sanctum sanctorum from the temple's third floor, enriching the spiritual ambiance of the occasion.