Diwali, the festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness, will lead to bank holidays across India from October 29 to November 3, 2024. The specific dates for bank closures vary by state, with many observing holidays on October 31 and others on November 1 due to regional customs. Despite physical bank closures, online banking services will remain operational, allowing customers to access their accounts and perform transactions through apps and ATMs during the festive period.
Ananya Panday celebrated her 26th birthday on October 30, receiving a heartfelt message from rumored beau Walker Blanco. Sharing an affectionate post on social media, Walker referred to Ananya as "Annie," writing, "Happy birthday beautiful. You are so special. I love you, Anniee!" This declaration has sent fans into a frenzy, speculating about their relationship, which reportedly began after they met at a cruise party hosted by the Ambani family. Sources indicate that the pair has developed a close friendship, with Walker also supporting Ananya's career by promoting her Netflix film Ctrl.
Ayodhya is gearing up for a grand three-day Diwali festival with extensive security measures in place. Over 5,000 police officers and 150 commandos from elite units have been deployed at key locations, including Ram Mandir and Saryu Ghat. The city has transformed for the celebrations, featuring a command and control center for real-time monitoring and restricted access to certain areas. This year, Ayodhya will shine with an astonishing 2.8 million lamps, as it aims to secure a spot in the Guinness World Records for the seventh consecutive time. Streets, alleys, and temples will be adorned with festive decorations, creating a breathtaking atmosphere to welcome Lord Ram. The local administration is committed to ensuring a safe and memorable experience for all attendees.
Bollywood actor Salman Khan has received a new death threat, demanding ₹2 crore, prompting the Mumbai police to register an FIR against an unidentified individual. The threat was conveyed through an anonymous message received by the Mumbai traffic police, warning that Khan would be killed if he did not pay the amount. This follows a previous demand of ₹5 crore earlier in October, for which a suspect was arrested in Jamshedpur. The actor has previously faced threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, including an incident where gunfire erupted outside his residence in April, leading to enhanced security measures. Investigations are ongoing.
Dhanteras, also known as Dhantrayodashi, is celebrated a day before Chhoti Diwali and marks the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. This year, Dhanteras falls on October 29, 2024. Traditionally, the festival encourages purchases that align with one's financial capacity, ranging from jewelry to simple steel utensils, symbolizing prosperity. However, contemporary celebrations face challenges from commercialism, with e-commerce promotions overshadowing the festival’s true essence. This year’s puja timings are crucial, occurring from 7 PM to 8:49 PM. As we approach this auspicious occasion, it’s important to honor the traditions and values of Dhanteras, fostering gratitude and mindful consumerism.