Pakistan's Gandhara conference dismissed as attempt to monetise ruins and not honour heritage: Report

IANS | April 19, 2026 9:43 PM

Islamabad, April 19 (IANS) Pakistan announced the International Gandhara Conference on Buddhist Heritage from March 27-31, inviting delegations from Buddhist‑majority countries like Myanmar, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Japan. However, the event aimed to revive tourism by attracting Buddhist pilgrims, secure development grants for heritage preservation and showcase Pakistan as protector of Buddhist heritage was cancelled due to underwhelming international response and credibility issues faced by Pakistan, a report said.

U'khand CM Dhami flags off Char Dham Yatra; extensive arrangements in place for devotees

IANS | April 18, 2026 4:39 PM

New Delhi, April 18 (IANS) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday flagged off the annual Char Dham Yatra from the Char Dham Yatra Transit Camp in Rishikesh, marking the formal commencement of one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Sanatan Dharma. The Chief Minister interacted with devotees, extended his greetings, and wished them a safe and spiritually fulfilling journey.

Prayagraj witnesses sea of faith as devotees take holy dip at Sangam on Vaishakh Amavasya

IANS | April 17, 2026 8:55 AM

Prayagraj, April 17 (IANS) On the sacred occasion of Vaishakh Amavasya, thousands of devotees thronged the holy city of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on Friday, immersing themselves in deep spiritual fervour. Revered as the “City of Faith,” Prayagraj, home to the sacred confluence of rivers, witnessed devotees taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam from the early hours of Brahma Muhurat.