Bay Area cities moved quickly to strengthen security measures after reports of a deadly shooting during a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney, Australia, where two gunmen opened fire and killed 15 people. The incident sent shockwaves through Jewish communities worldwide and prompted heightened vigilance in cities across the United States as the Festival of Lights began. The tragedy weighed heavily on members of the Bay Area Jewish community as families and congregations gathered to mark

Halloween, celebrated every year on October 31, is one of the world’s most recognizable festivals, combining ancient traditions, spiritual symbolism, and modern fun. What began thousands of years ago as a harvest festival in Celtic Europe has transformed into a global celebration of creativity, costumes, and community gatherings. In 2025, Halloween will be celebrated on Friday, October 31, bringing a weekend of festivities across several countries. The origins of

A social media post by an Australian woman has triggered widespread outrage after she described Diwali decorations in a Sydney neighbourhood as a “threat” to Western culture. The remarks have sparked an intense online debate over cultural coexistence, diversity, and the meaning of multiculturalism in modern Australia. The controversy began when Kobie Thatcher, an Australian resident, posted a short video on X (formerly Twitter) showing several homes in Nirimba Fields, a suburb i

A Diwali celebration in New Jersey turned into an online controversy after a video of Indian students bursting fireworks on a public street drew criticism from social media users. The short clip, uploaded by 20-year-old Mukul Verma, showed a group of young people celebrating the festival of lights when local firefighters arrived and began spraying water on the fireworks. What was intended to be a joyful cultural celebration soon became a subject of heated online discussion over safety, legali

Date: Thursday, 23 October 2025 Tilak Muhurat (Auspicious Time): 1:13 PM to 3:28 PM (IST) Dwitiya Tithi Begins: 22 October 2025 at 8:16 PM Dwitiya Tithi Ends: 23 October 2025 at 10:46 PM What is Bhai Dooj? Bhai Dooj (also known as Bhaiya Dooj, Bhau Beej, or Bhai Phota) is

Dhanteras 2025, also known as Dhantrayodashi, marks the spiritual beginning of the five-day Diwali festival, celebrated with joy and devotion across India and by the Indian diaspora worldwide, including the USA. This sacred day falls on Saturday, 18 October 2025, and is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Lord Kubera, the god of riches. Devotees perform special Lakshmi-Kubera Puja, light diyas, and purchase gold, silver, and utensils as a sign of prosperity and

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The city of Circleville is gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors to one of Ohio’s most beloved autumn traditions. The 118th annual Circleville Pumpkin Show will officially begin on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, continuing through Saturday, October 18, and bringing with it a celebration of pumpkins, parades, contests, and community spirit. Known as “The Greatest Free Show on Earth,” this long-standing event will once again fill do

Maryland, USA — The Maryland Renaissance Festival, one of the state’s most popular cultural events, has found itself in a new kind of battle — not with knights or swords, but in courtrooms. The festival is taking legal action against ticket scalpers accused of reselling entry passes for exorbitant prices, far beyond their original face value. Over the years, the festival has grown into a massive attraction, drawing visitors from across the region for its lively per

With cleanup crews hard at work and major streets reopening, another year of Lollapalooza has officially wrapped in Chicago. The four-day festival drew approximately 115,000 attendees per day, offering a wide range of music, food, and entertainment in Grant Park while maintaining a relatively calm public safety profile. Preliminary figures released by event organizers show that despite the massive turnout, only 12 arrests were made throughout the duration of the festival. This arr

Indian festivals are a grand celebration of culture, tradition, and food. The joy of gathering with family and friends is often enhanced by a delicious spread of special dishes that are prepared for every occasion. Whether it's the festive fervor of Diwali, the vibrancy of Holi, the devotion of Navratri, or the sacred observances of Eid, every Indian festival is marked by mouth-watering dishes that are as rich in flavor as they are in tradition.

Business leaders in South Dallas are preparing to capitalize on a major global event as plans for the FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park continue to take shape. The month-long celebration, tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is expected to bring tens of thousands of fans to the area each day from June 11 to July 19, creating what many local stakeholders view as a rare economic opportunity. Organizers are in the process of submitting a proposed festival layout to FIFA for review. If appro

As the countdown begins for the highly anticipated Lollapalooza festival in Chicago, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning fans to stay vigilant against a surge in ticket-related scams. With the four-day music event set to take over Grant Park from July 31 to August 3, scammers are expected to exploit the urgency of last-minute ticket buyers with fake websites, counterfeit tickets, and fraudulent merchandise. BBB President and CEO Steve J. Bernas cautioned that scammers prey o

A recent rath yatra procession held in Toronto has sparked diplomatic concern after a video surfaced online allegedly showing eggs thrown at the religious gathering. The incident, which occurred during the annual chariot procession dedicated to Lord Jagannath, has prompted India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to issue a formal response, describing the act as “regrettable” and urging Canadian authorities to take appropriate action against those involved.

Celebrate Independence Day in Dublin, CA, with an array of exciting events and fireworks shows to enjoy. The 4th of July, falling on a Friday in 2025, offers an extended weekend of fun across the Bay Area, and Dublin is no exception. Whether you’re looking for fireworks displays, parades, or community festivals, there’s something for everyone. In Dublin itself, you can find safe and sane fireworks booth s

Getting to one of the region’s most iconic outdoor summer music festivals is easier and more affordable than ever in 2025. For the fifth straight year, attendees of the Ravinia Festival can enjoy complimentary train travel to the event, simplifying the journey for thousands of concertgoers. The partnership allows anyone heading to the Ravinia Festival to ride the Union Pacific North Line at no cost, simply by presenting their event ticket to the train conductor. There is no

As summer unofficially kicks off, central Ohio is buzzing with vibrant events and family-friendly activities. From world-class golf to community festivals and interactive zoo experiences, there's something for everyone to enjoy throughout Columbus this weekend. Whether you're a sports enthusiast, a fan of local culture, or simply looking to make memories with your family, this lineup of events will not disappoint. The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club c

The much-awaited Livermore Downtown Street Fest is back for 2025, taking place on May 17-18 in the heart of Livermore, California. This free, family-friendly festival promises a weekend full of live entertainment, local shopping, delicious food, and refreshing beverages. Hosted by Livermore Downtown Inc. (LDI), the event has been a cherished tradition for over 30 years. Despite its evolving format, the essence of the festival remains the same supporting small businesses and fostering communit

Akshaya Tritiya 2025, one of the most revered and spiritually significant days in the Hindu calendar, will be celebrated this year on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Observed annually on the third tithi of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month of Vaisakha, the day is also known as Akti or Akha Teej. It is marked by a strong belief that any good deed performed on this day—be it charity, religious rituals, or financial investments like buying gol

 Chicago’s iconic Ravinia Festival returns in 2025 with a star-studded lineup and more than 100 concerts scheduled throughout the summer. As one of the region’s most beloved music traditions, the festival will once again bring music lovers to Highland Park to enjoy an eclectic mix of performances under the open sky. Tickets officially go on sale Thursday at 8 a.m. Central Time, with anticipation already building among fans eager to secure their seats. This year&rs

 As spring unfolds in Chicago, the cherry blossoms in Jackson Park have reached their peak, offering a breathtaking display of pink and white hues. Located just south of the Museum of Science and Industry, the approximately 190 cherry trees surrounding the Columbia Basin are in full bloom, attracting visitors from across the region. These trees, planted in 2013 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the World’s Columbian Exposition, have become a seasonal highlight on Chicago's S