Category: Festivals
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Deepavali: UNESCO Recognizes India’s Festival of Lights
Deepavali Shines on the World Stage: UNESCO Honours India’s Festival of Lights By CitiTimes Editorial Desk New Delhi, India, December 10, 2025 At Delhi’s historic Red Fort, where centuries of India’s story are etched into stone, a new chapter was written. The 20th Session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee inscribed Deepavali, India’s magnificent Festival of Lights,…
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India Hosts UNESCO’s 20th ICH Committee: A Cultural Milestone
India Hosts the 20th Session of UNESCO’s ICH Committee: Inaugural Ceremony Sets the Stage in New Delhi India marked a significant cultural milestone today as it hosted the inaugural ceremony of the 20th Session of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) in New Delhi. The week-long Session brings together global…
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Highlights from the 56th International Film Festival of India
The 56th International Film Festival of India: A Celebration of Global Cinema in Goa By CitiTimes Editorial Desk The curtains have drawn on the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held in Panaji, Goa, from November 20–28, 2025. Over eight days, the festival reaffirmed its stature as one of Asia’s premier cinematic gatherings, bringing…
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IFFI 56: “Safe House” Captures ICFT-UNESCO Gandhi Medal
Norwegian Film Safe House Wins the ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal at IFFI 56 The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), held in Goa, has announced its prestigious ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal winner for 2025: the Norwegian feature film Safe House. The award, presented annually in collaboration with UNESCO’s International Council for Film, Television and Audiovisual Communication…
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Deepavali: India’s UNESCO Cultural Heritage Bid
Lighting the World: India’s Bid to Immortalise Deepavali as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage By CitiTimes Editorial Desk Deepawali: India’s Festival of Lights Steps Onto the UNESCO Stage When earthen lamps flicker at dusk across homes in Chandigarh, when rangoli patterns bloom at doorsteps, and when families and neighbours gather to share sweets and stories, a…
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ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal 2025: Celebrating Peace Through Cinema
Celebrating Cinema for Peace: The ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal at IFFI 2025 Each year, as the spotlight turns to the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, one special honor stands out for its moral resonance and universal appeal—the ICFT–UNESCO Gandhi Medal. More than just a cinematic accolade, it celebrates storytelling that transcends borders and…
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Diwali 2025: Presidential Message from the White House
The White House Diwali Photos: President Donald Trump participates in a Diwali celebration, Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in the Oval Office. (Official White House Photos by Molly Riley). Presidential Message on Diwali The White House October 20, 2025 Today, I send my best wishes to every American celebrating Diwali—the “Festival of Lights.” For many Americans,…
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Modi Celebrates Diwali on INS Vikrant: A Symbol of Strength
Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali on board the INS Vikrant. New Delhi, India, October 20, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed armed forces personnel during the Diwali celebration aboard the INS Vikrant today. He described the occasion as a remarkable day, moment, and sight, noting that on one side lies the vast ocean…
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Lakshmi Puja and Diwali Wishes from the President of India
Greetings from the President of India on Diwali and Lakshmi Puja. New Delhi, October 20, 2025 — The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu sends greetings to her fellow citizens on Diwali and Lakshmi Puja. In a message, the President of India stated: “On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartfelt greetings and…
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Festival of Lights: Diwali Wishes for You
CitiTimes wishes you a Happy Diwali. CitiTimes wishes a Happy Diwali to all our valued readers around the world. May this Festival of Lights fill your hearts and homes with joy, peace, and prosperity. Let the glow of the Diyas illuminate your path to new beginnings and joyful celebrations.
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President Murmu’s Greetings for Vijayadashami 2025
The President of India’s Greetings on Vijayadashami. New Delhi, India, October 2, 2025 — The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu has extended her greetings to fellow citizens on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra. In her message, the President said: “On the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami, I extend my warm greetings…
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President Murmu’s Durga Puja Greetings
PRESIDENT OF INDIA’S GREETINGS ON DURGA PUJA New Delhi, India, September 30, 2025 — The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu sends her greetings to fellow citizens on the occasion of Durga Puja. In her message, the President said: “On this auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to…
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USPS Unveils Festive Holiday Cheer Stamp Collection
USPS Holiday Stamps Spread Joy. The new Season’s Greetings collection is now available. WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2025 — The U.S. Postal Service revealed its Holiday Cheer stamps today at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. The four designs showcase classic illustrations that celebrate the spirit of the holiday season. Michael J. Elston, the USPS Vice President…
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Ganesh Chaturthi 2025: President Extends Greetings
New Delhi, India, August 27, 2025 — The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, in her message on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, has stated: “On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all Indians, both in the country and abroad. This festival is celebrated with great devotion and enthusiasm.…
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President of India’s Greetings for Janmashtami 2025
New Delhi, August 16, 2025 — The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu conveyed her message on Janmashtami as follows: “On the occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, a festival characterized by joy and enthusiasm, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all Indians, both within the country and abroad. The life and teachings…
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Modi’s Independence Day Speech 2025: Path to Self-Reliance
New Delhi, India, August 15, 2025 — On the 79th Independence Day, Prime Minister Modi addressed the nation, delivering an inspiring message that celebrated India’s remarkable journey toward self-reliance and transformation. He reflected on the significant strides the country has made over the past decade, during which India has undergone a comprehensive process of reform,…
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Join CITCO’s Grand Independence Day Celebrations in Chandigarh
Chandigarh, India, August 9, 2025 — The Chandigarh Industrial & Tourism Development Corporation (CITCO) has invited all citizens and visitors to immerse themselves in the grand celebrations of India’s 79th Independence Day. Join CITCO for a vibrant Independence Week from August 8 to August 15, 2025, where the air will be infused with patriotic fervor…
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Experience Navratri Thalis at CITCO Hotels in Chandigarh
CITCO Introduces Elegant “Navratri Thali” Options at Its Hotels. Chandigarh, India, April 3, 2025 — Chandigarh Industrial and Tourism Development Corporation Limited (CITCO) has launched an exquisite range of Thali (Plate) options at its prestigious hotels, including Hotel Mountview, Hotel Chef Lakeview, Hotel Parkview, and Hotel Shivalikview. These specially curated Thalis blend traditional flavors and…
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Chandigarh University Wins AIU North Zone Youth Festival 2025
Chandigarh University won the overall trophy at the 38th AIU Inter-University North Zone Youth Festival 2025, securing 26 awards in total. Team CU has won the Overall AIU North-Zone Trophy four times. Chandigarh University’s contingent of 49 members has qualified for the AIU National Youth Festival 2025. View the enlarged photo. CHANDIGARH, India, February 7,…
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Beating Retreat: A Grand Finale to India’s Republic Day
New Delhi, January 30, 2025 — The majestic backdrop of the setting sun over the Raisina Hills provided a stunning scene as the iconic Vijay Chowk came alive with the sounds of Indian music during the Beating Retreat ceremony. This event marked the conclusion of the 76th Republic Day celebrations on January 29, 2025. The…
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