festival of sacrifice

Celebrity hairstylist Aalim Hakim has taken a strong stand against toxic behaviour in the entertainment industry, announcing that he will no longer work with celebrities whose managers allegedly disrespect or mistreat creative professionals and crew members behind the scenes. His statement quickly struck a chord with several members of the film industry, many of whom extended their support in the comments section.

Google's Mother's Day Doodle honors mothers globally with a handcrafted card design featuring paper-cut letters and symbols of protection. This artwork, visible in countries like India and the US, celebrates the nurturing bond and sacrifices of mothers. Users can click the doodle to explore Mother's Day traditions and ways to celebrate this cherished occasion.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann accused the BJP of attempting to brand patriotic Punjabis as anti-nationals and conspiring to destroy the state's social harmony for electoral gains. He warned that the BJP's divisive politics, seen in West Bengal, was being replicated in Punjab, but asserted that Punjabis would never allow such forces to succeed.

Thousands of transgender women participated in the Koothandavar festival, reenacting the Mahabharata legend by marrying and then mourning the symbolic sacrifice of Lord Aravan. This annual event in Koovagam serves as a vital space for the transgender community to assert identity and foster solidarity, culminating in rites of widowhood and purification.

Mother's Day 2026 continues its tradition of quiet reflection, moving beyond grand gestures to personal gratitude. People are increasingly recognizing the profound, often unseen, efforts mothers make daily. The focus is shifting towards simple, real expressions of appreciation, acknowledging the deep, personal impact mothers have, making the day uniquely meaningful.

India's Tirumala Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati is a global spiritual magnet, attracting tens of millions annually and standing as the most visited temple by April 2026. Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, the temple offers a profound experience beyond darshan, with unique rituals like hair offerings and a GI-tagged laddu prasadam.

Mother's Day in 2026 continues to be a personal occasion that encourages reflection and genuine appreciation, moving beyond fleeting digital trends. It emphasizes recognizing the often-overlooked efforts and quiet support mothers provide, highlighting that simple, honest messages hold more weight than grand gestures. The day serves as a reminder to express gratitude before opportunities are lost.

Thousands of transgender women, dressed in fine silk saris and adorned with traditional jewellery and flowers, participated in a symbolic mass wedding.

At the Venice Film Festival, Nicole Kidman faced an unthinkable moment of sorrow when she received the news of her mother's death just hours before accepting her Best Actress accolade. In the midst of grief, she drew upon her mother’s enduring spirit, embracing the powerful reminder to rise above adversity.

Matatirtha Aunsi, celebrated yesterday in Nepal, honors mothers with rituals and gift-giving. Known as "Aama ko Mukh Herne Din," it's a day to express gratitude for unconditional love. The festival also involves remembering deceased mothers at the Matatirtha temple, reinforcing the profound spiritual connection between children and their mothers.

Two contemporary Bengali films, 'Bisarjan' adapted from Tagore and 'King in the Land of the Princess' exploring Bangladeshi jatra culture, are at the Moscow International Film Festival. 'Bisarjan' tackles faith versus compassion, while the Bangladeshi film critiques societal desires in entertainment. Both films highlight the power of cinema to reflect contemporary issues.

How Subodh Kerkar’s Ocean Odyssey ignited Hooligaanism’s most ambitious project yet