14 Essential Religion and Faith Stories for Indian Readers
According to Press Monitor's tracking of Indian publications, today's news on religion and faith reflects the diversity and complexity of India's spiritual landscape. This media monitoring review brings you 14 essential stories from print media, covering controversy, community, and celebration across the country.
1. Athawale Condemns VHP Garba Ban
A front-page report in The Pioneer says Union minister Ramdas Athawale has publicly opposed the Vishva Hindu Parishad directive to exclude Muslims from garba events in Maharashtra during the Navratri festival. He stated that the prohibition violates the Indian Constitution, which mandates equal rights and justice for all faiths, and stressed that Indians of differing religions should freely celebrate each other festivals. Drawing parallels to the inclusive nature of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, the minister called for continued communal harmony and national unity. Union minister Ramdas Athawale has publicly opposed the Vishva Hindu Parishad directive to exclude Muslims from garba events in Maharashtra during Navratri. He stated that the prohibition violates the Indian Constitution, which mandates equal rights and justice for all faiths. The Pioneer reports from Delhi that Athawale stressed Indians of differing religions should freely celebrate each other's festivals, drawing parallels to the inclusive nature of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The minister called for continued communal harmony and national unity.
Why it matters: Athawale's stand positions him as a voice for constitutional religious equality amid rising communal tensions.
Key detail: The VHP directive to bar Muslims from Navratri events has drawn condemnation from within the ruling coalition.
Source: The Pioneer, Delhi
Next step: Watch for reactions from other political leaders and community organizations on the garba ban controversy.
2. Fadnavis Champions Inclusive Garba
A front-page report in Statesman says on the ninth of September in Mumbai, Maharashtra First Lady Amruta Fadnavis declared the Garba festival inclusive and open to people of any faith. When questioned about restrictions proposed by state officials and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, the Bharatiya Janata Party clarified that Navratri remains a Hindu festival while condemning alleged social manipulation at religious gatherings. Maharashtra First Lady Amruta Fadnavis declared the Garba festival inclusive and open to people of any faith, directly countering the Vishwa Hindu Parishad's decision to bar Muslims from Navratri events. The Statesman reports from Mumbai that when questioned about restrictions proposed by state officials, the Bharatiya Janata Party clarified that Navratri remains a Hindu festival while condemning alleged social manipulation at religious gatherings.
Why it matters: Fadnavis's inclusive stance provides a counter-narrative to the VHP's exclusionary directive, highlighting tensions within the ruling coalition.
Key detail: BJP leader Nitesh Rane supported the VHP move by alleging that love jihad cases increase during such festivals.
Source: Statesman, Delhi
Next step: The contrast between Athawale's and Fadnavis's positions may shape the political discourse on religious freedom in Maharashtra.
3. Sharma Holds Roadshow for ULB Polls
A front-page report in First India says Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma held a roadshow in Jaipur on the final day of campaigning for the second and last phase of urban local body elections on September 11. Sharma said his government has taken steps to address the problem of love jihad and promulgated an anti-conversion law, while also bringing in the Disturbed Areas Bill to prevent forced migration from Jaipur's walled city. Additionally, parties have begun resort politics after phase one, moving candidates to hotels and farmhouses to secure numbers for the mayoral race. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma held a roadshow in Jaipur on the final day of campaigning for the second phase of Rajasthan's urban local body elections. The First India report notes that Sharma's government has taken steps to address the problem of love jihad and promulgated an anti-conversion law, while also bringing in the Disturbed Areas Bill to prevent forced migration from Jaipur's walled city. The first phase saw 162 bodies voted with 76.04% turnout.
Why it matters: The ULB elections could reshape urban governance in Rajasthan ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.
Key detail: Parties have begun resort politics after phase one, moving candidates to hotels and farmhouses to secure numbers for the mayoral race.
Source: First India, Jaipur
Next step: The anti-conversion law and Disturbed Areas Bill remain contentious policy tools in the election campaign.
4. Kerala Muslim Women Assert Political, Social Space
A front-page report in Times of India says influential Sunni cleric and Grand Mufti of India Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar stated that the Quran teaches women should remain within their homes, sparking widespread criticism in Kerala. The Indian Union Muslim League described the remarks as a scholarly expression, while Chief Minister VD Satheesan rejected the interpretation as a misreading of Islam. The controversy has exposed tensions within the state's Muslim community as young women claim greater visibility through education, politics, and Onam celebrations. Influential Sunni cleric and Grand Mufti of India Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar stated that the Quran teaches women should remain within their homes, sparking widespread criticism in Kerala. The Times of India reports from Kochi that the Indian Union Muslim League described the remarks as a scholarly expression, while Chief Minister VD Satheesan rejected the interpretation as a misreading of Islam. Young women in Kerala are claiming greater visibility through education, politics, and Onam celebrations.
Why it matters: The controversy exposes deep tensions within Kerala's Muslim community over gender roles and religious interpretation.
Key detail: CM VD Satheesan explicitly rejected the cleric's remarks as a misreading of Islam.
Source: Times of India, Kochi
Next step: The debate may influence policy discussions on women's participation in religious and public life across southern India.
5. Opposition Concerned Over Mosque Demolitions
A front-page report in The Hindu says opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh expressed concern that targeting mosques will intensify ahead of the upcoming Assembly election to polarise voters. The concern follows the demolition of a century-old mosque in Saharanpur on September 5 and a recent notice issued to the Mustafa Mosque in Moradabad as an unauthorised construction. Opposition parties in Uttar Pradesh expressed concern that targeting mosques will intensify ahead of the upcoming Assembly election to polarise voters. The Hindu reports from Lucknow that the concern follows the demolition of a century-old mosque in Saharanpur on September 5 and a recent notice issued to the Mustafa Mosque in Moradabad as an unauthorised construction.
Why it matters: The demolitions raise serious questions about religious freedom and the use of municipal power against minority communities during election season.
Key detail: A notice was issued to the Mustafa Mosque in Moradabad as an unauthorised construction.
Source: The Hindu, Delhi
Next step: Opposition parties are expected to raise the issue in the Assembly and demand a judicial inquiry into the demolitions.
6. Sabarimala Verdict May Decide Muslim Inheritance
A front-page report in Free Press Journal says the Waluj police held a coordination meeting with Ganesh mandals ahead of the upcoming ten-day festival to manage traffic, noise, and public safety. Officials confirmed that each of the approximately seventy-eight mandals will receive a dedicated police officer for communication, alongside strict limits on amplified sound systems and overnight music. Local representatives presented demands covering road repairs, uninterrupted power supply, sanitation improvements, and cracking down on illegal substance sales during the celebrations. The Supreme Court indicated that petitions challenging Muslim inheritance rules as discriminatory towards women may await the verdict in the nine-judge bench reference from the 2018 Sabarimala judgment. Hindustan Times reports from New Delhi that a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and justices Joymalya Bagehi and V Mohana stated the constitutional questions in both proceedings could overlap. The court also identified whether the issue is for Parliament or the judiciary under Article 25(2)(b) as the central question.
Why it matters: The Sabarimala verdict could set a precedent for Muslim personal law reform and women's inheritance rights across India.
Key detail: The nine-judge bench reference from the 2018 Sabarimala judgment is central to both proceedings.
Source: Hindustan Times, New Delhi
Next step: Legal experts are watching closely as the court navigates the intersection of religious freedom and constitutional equality.
7. 50 Youth Craft Eco Ganesha Idols
A front-page report in Free Press Journal says over 50 youth and school students attended an eco-friendly Ganesha idol-making workshop at Free Press House in Mumbai, organised with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation as part of the newspaper's green campaign. The session served as a preliminary event for the seventh FPJ Eco Ganesha Mayor's Award, with expert sculptors from Sir J.J. School of Architecture guiding participants in clay-modelling techniques and natural pigments. Attendees, including members of NGOs and actors Vaishnavi Andhale, Siddharth Menon and Tejas Raut, learnt how clay idols dissolve harmlessly in water, reducing pollution in Mumbai's water bodies. Over 50 youth and school students attended an eco-friendly Ganesha idol-making workshop at Free Press House in Mumbai, organised with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation as part of the newspaper's green campaign. The session served as a preliminary event for the seventh FPJ Eco Ganesha Mayor's Award, with expert sculptors from Sir J.J. School of Architecture guiding participants in clay-modelling techniques and natural pigments. Attendees, including members of NGOs and actors Vaishnavi Andhale, Siddharth Menon and Tejas Raut, learnt how clay idols dissolve harmlessly in water, reducing pollution in Mumbai's water bodies.
Why it matters: The initiative highlights how religious festivals can embrace environmental sustainability without compromising tradition.
Key detail: Expert sculptors from Sir J.J. School of Architecture guided participants in clay-modelling techniques.
Source: Free Press Journal, Mumbai
Next step: The eco-Ganesha movement is gaining traction among young Indians seeking to celebrate faith responsibly.
8. School Circular Sparks Row
A front-page report in Times of India says a school in Bhayander, owned by MLA Narendra Mehta of BJP, issued a circular forbidding non‑vegetarian food and certain root vegetables for the eight‑day Jain festival, sparking a row. The MNS has lodged a complaint alleging religious imposition, while Mehta claims the move promotes healthy eating. An education department official warned such a decision must have approval from parent‑school representative bodies, and a parent complained that beliefs should not be imposed on children. A school in Bhayander, owned by MLA Narendra Mehta of BJP, issued a circular forbidding non-vegetarian food and certain root vegetables for the eight-day Jain festival, sparking a row. The MNS has lodged a complaint alleging religious imposition, while Mehta claims the move promotes healthy eating. An education department official warned such a decision must have approval from parent-school representative bodies, and a parent complained that beliefs should not be imposed on children.
Why it matters: The incident raises questions about the boundary between personal dietary choices and institutional authority in schools.
Key detail: The MNS lodged a complaint alleging religious imposition by the school.
Source: Times of India, New Delhi
Next step: The education department may issue statewide guidelines on religious accommodations in schools.
9. Sikhs in US After 9/11
A front-page report in Tribune says Sikh Americans faced suspicion and hostility after 9/11, with turbans and beards mistaken for enemy symbols. The murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi in Arizona highlighted the backlash, while others like Dr Navinderdeep Singh Nijher served at Ground Zero despite facing discrimination. Sikh organisations responded by building civic engagement and interfaith programmes to combat hate crimes and promote understanding. Sikh Americans faced suspicion and hostility after 9/11, with turbans and beards mistaken for enemy symbols. The Tribune reports that the murder of Balbir Singh Sodhi in Arizona highlighted the backlash, while others like Dr Navinderdeep Singh Nijher served at Ground Zero despite facing discrimination. Sikh organisations responded by building civic engagement and interfaith programmes to combat hate crimes and promote understanding.
Why it matters: The story underscores the ongoing struggle for religious freedom and racial justice in the diaspora community.
Key detail: Dr Navinderdeep Singh Nijher served at Ground Zero despite facing discrimination.
Source: Tribune, Delhi
Next step: Sikh advocacy groups continue to push for greater awareness and protection against hate crimes in the United States.
10. Annual Kailash Yatra Begins
A front-page report in State Times says the three-day annual Kailash Yatra began in Bhaderwah on July 18 2026 with devotees embarking on a journey in praise of Vasuki Naag. Local Member Legislative Assembly Daleep Singh and ADC Sunil Kumar oversaw the pilgrimage which paused at several villages before reaching the holy destination on September 9 2026. Tehsildar Davinder Kumar and SDPO Kamal Preet Singh confirmed elaborate arrangements for drinking water and security have been put in place to ensure the safety of pilgrims. The three-day annual Kailash Yatra began in Bhaderwah with devotees embarking on a journey in praise of Vasuki Naag. Local Member Legislative Assembly Daleep Singh and ADC Sunil Kumar oversaw the pilgrimage which paused at several villages before reaching the holy destination on September 9, 2026. Tehsildar Davinder Kumar and SDPO Kamal Preet Singh confirmed elaborate arrangements for drinking water and security have been put in place to ensure the safety of pilgrims.
Why it matters: The yatra reflects the deep-rooted spiritual traditions of Jammu and Kashmir's rural communities.
Key detail: The pilgrimage paused at several villages before reaching the holy destination on September 9, 2026.
Source: State Times, Jammu
Next step: Authorities are ensuring all safety and logistical arrangements are in place for the thousands of expected devotees.
11. Sabarimala Gold Theft Accused Welcomed in Bengaluru
A front-page report in Free Press Journal says Unnikrishnan Potty, the principal accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, was received with a garland at the Srirampuram Ayyappa Temple in Bengaluru. He obtained a twenty-day bail relaxation to attend religious ceremonies at the site where he previously worked as a priest. The reception underscores his historical ties to the institution while probes continue into alleged gold misappropriation involving several officials and contractors. Unnikrishnan Potty, the principal accused in the Sabarimala gold theft case, was received with a garland at the Srirampuram Ayyappa Temple in Bengaluru. He obtained a twenty-day bail relaxation to attend religious ceremonies at the site where he previously worked as a priest. The reception underscores his historical ties to the institution while probes continue into alleged gold misappropriation involving several officials and contractors.
Why it matters: The warm welcome raises questions about the relationship between temple administration and criminal allegations in Hindu religious institutions.
Key detail: Potty obtained a twenty-day bail relaxation to attend religious ceremonies at the Srirampuram Ayyappa Temple.
Source: Free Press Journal, Bengaluru
Next step: Investigators are expected to continue probing the gold misappropriation case amid public scrutiny.
12. Ganesh Festival Features 15-Tonne Modak Display
A front-page report in First India says that thousands of devotees gathered at Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple in Jaipur on Wednesday morning for Ganesh Janmotsav pre-festivities. The event was highlighted by a grand Modak Jhanki featuring two 25-kilogram sweet dumplings alongside over a thousand smaller ones, prepared using more than 15 tonnes of ingredients including ghee, besan, and sugar. Cultural performances added to the celebrations before prasad was distributed among worshippers. Thousands of devotees gathered at Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple in Jaipur for Ganesh Janmotsav pre-festivities. The event was highlighted by a grand Modak Jhanki featuring two 25-kilogram sweet dumplings alongside over a thousand smaller ones, prepared using more than 15 tonnes of ingredients including ghee, besan, and sugar. Cultural performances added to the celebrations before prasad was distributed among worshippers.
Why it matters: The massive display showcases the scale of devotion and cultural heritage associated with Ganesh worship in Rajasthan.
Key detail: More than 15 tonnes of ingredients including ghee, besan, and sugar were used for the Modak Jhanki.
Source: First India, Jaipur
Next step: The festival celebrations are expected to draw even larger crowds as the main Ganesh Chaturthi day approaches.
13. Azad Nagar Pandal Features Ayodhya Temple
A front-page report in Free Press Journal says organisers have invested Rs 23.5 crore to insure the annual Azad Nagar Ganeshotsav pandal in Mumbai, which showcases a detailed replica of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. Established in 1966 by tobacco factory workers, the Andhericha Raja idol will exit the venue on September 29 and undergo immersion at Versova on September 30 to honour local fasting customs. Organisers have invested Rs 23.5 crore to insure the annual Azad Nagar Ganeshotsav pandal in Mumbai, which showcases a detailed replica of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya. Established in 1966 by tobacco factory workers, the Andhericha Raja idol will exit the venue on September 29 and undergo immersion at Versova on September 30 to honour local fasting customs.
Why it matters: The pandal's Ayodhya theme reflects the cultural and political significance of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in contemporary Hindu festivals.
Key detail: The Andhericha Raja idol will exit the venue on September 29 and undergo immersion at Versova on September 30.
Source: Free Press Journal, Mumbai
Next step: The immersion procession is expected to draw massive crowds, continuing a decades-old tradition of communal celebration.
14. Samuel Suiam 2nd Death Anniversary
A front-page report in Deccan Chronicle says the second death anniversary of Samuel Suiam is being observed at Dawakhana Lane, Faelinana, Hyderabad. Funeral services including a mass at Saint Mary's Basilica, Secunderabad, at 3 PM will be followed by burial at Bhoiguda Catholic Cemetery at 4:30 PM. The notice is inserted by his mother Margaret Sulam, sister Kamini, brother Samanth Sulam, and other family members. The second death anniversary of Samuel Suiam is being observed at Dawakhana Lane, Faelinana, Hyderabad. Funeral services including a mass at Saint Mary's Basilica, Secunderabad, at 3 PM will be followed by burial at Bhoiguda Catholic Cemetery at 4:30 PM. The notice is inserted by his mother Margaret Sulam, sister Kamini, brother Samanth Sulam, and other family members.
Why it matters: The observance highlights the role of Catholic communities in Hyderabad's religious and social fabric.
Key detail: A mass at Saint Mary's Basilica, Secunderabad, at 3 PM will be followed by burial at Bhoiguda Catholic Cemetery at 4:30 PM.
Source: Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad
Next step: Family and community members will gather to remember Suiam's contributions and offer prayers for his soul.
These 14 stories from Indian print media illustrate the intersection of faith, politics, and community in today's India. How do you see these developments shaping the conversation on religious freedom and identity? Share your thoughts with Press Monitor.