What Does Muharram Mean? The word "Muharram" comes from the Arabic term "Al-Muharram," which means "forbidden" or "sacred." The month derives its name from the prohibition of warfare and bloodshed during this sacred period. Islam recognizes four sacred months in the lunar calendar: Muharram Rajab Dhul Qa'dah Dhul Hijjah These months are considered especially holy, and Muslims are encour

Ugadi, the Hindu New Year festival, will be celebrated on Thursday, March 19, 2026. This auspicious day, falling during the Chaitra month of the Hindu lunar calendar, marks the arrival of the spring season and the beginning of the harvest period. Celebrated with immense enthusiasm and devotion, particularly in Karnataka, Ugadi is a time for renewal, spiritual growth, and emotional well-being. Ugadi Timings (I

Authorities in Maryland say a man accused of killing his former girlfriend inside a Columbia apartment may have left the United States shortly after the alleged crime, prompting an expanding investigation involving federal law enforcement. Police believe the suspect departed the country just days after the fatal incident, raising concerns that he may now be overseas as investigators work to secure his arrest. Howard County Police identified the suspect as 26-year-old Arjun Sharma. According to investigators, Sharma is charged with first- and second-degree murder in connection with the death of 27-year-old Nikhita Godishala of Ellicott City. Detectives say Godishala was found dead inside an apartment located in the 10100 block of Twin Rivers Road in Columbia after officers executed a search warrant at the residence. Police said Sharma had reported Godishala missing on Friday, telling officers that he had last seen her inside the Columbia apartment. Authorities later determined that Sharma had left the United States on a flight to India on the same day the missing person report was filed. Investigators now believe the killing occurred several days earlier, on New Year’s Eve, at approximately 7 p.m. Following the discovery of Godishala’s body on Saturday, police obtained an arrest warrant for Sharma. Officials said the warrant was active by Sunday, as detectives continued to piece together the timeline leading up to the woman’s death. Medical and investigative findings led authorities to conclude that Godishala died from stab wounds inflicted inside the apartment. Howard County Police stated that there is currently no publicly identified motive for the killing. Detectives described the case as an active and ongoing investigation, noting that they are coordinating with U.S. federal law enforcement agencies to locate and apprehend the suspect. Efforts are underway to determine Sharma’s exact location and whether international assistance may be required to bring him into custody. Police have not released additional details about the relationship between the suspect and the victim beyond confirming that they were previously involved. Officials said further information would be shared as it becomes available and emphasized that the investigation remains a priority as authorities pursue the suspect across international boundaries. Anyone with information relevant to the case has been urged to contact law enforcement as the search continues.

Victoria Jones, the daughter of Academy Award-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones, was found dead in a San Francisco hotel in the early hours of New Year’s Day. She was 34. Emergency responders were called to the Fairmont hotel shortly before 3 a.m. after reports of an unresponsive woman. Paramedics arrived at the scene and confirmed that Jones had died, according to officials familiar with the response. A spokesperson for the San Francisco Fire Department said emergency crews were disp

A 25-year-old student from Telangana lost his life in Germany after attempting to escape from a fire that broke out in his apartment building on December 31, turning what should have been the start of a new year into a moment of deep grief for his family and community. The student, Hruthik Reddy, hailed from Malkapur village in Jangaon district and had been residing in Brandenburg, near Berlin, while pursuing higher studies. According to information provided by his family, a fire er

Several people are feared dead and multiple others were injured after a powerful explosion struck a popular bar in the luxury Alpine ski resort of Crans-Montana in southwestern Switzerland early Thursday, according to local police. Authorities said the blast occurred during New Year celebrations, when the venue was crowded with revellers welcoming the start of the year. Police in Wallis canton confirmed that the explosion took place at approximately 1:30 a.m. local time at Le Conste

Mass transit agencies across the tri-state area have announced special service schedules for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with adjustments aimed at accommodating holiday celebrations while maintaining essential transportation access. Riders are advised to plan ahead and review schedules carefully, as service levels will vary by mode and day. In New York City, subway service will largely operate on a regular schedule on New Year’s Eve, with additional overnight service on

As the calendar turns to a new year, New Year’s Day remains a federal holiday across the United States, bringing widespread closures for government offices, schools, banks and financial markets. At the same time, many major retailers and grocery chains plan to welcome customers on January 1, 2026, often with adjusted hours and post-holiday discounts aimed at clearing older inventory. Shoppers and consumers are encouraged to confirm local schedules in advance, as operating hours can vary by

As people across the globe prepare to welcome the New Year with countdowns, fireworks, and celebrations across different time zones, a small group of astronauts orbiting far above Earth will experience the arrival of the new year in a way unlike anyone on the planet. Aboard the International Space Station, astronauts currently in orbit will celebrate the New Year an astonishing 16 times, highlighting the extraordinary reality of life in space and the unique way time is experienced beyond Earth.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on Wednesday temporarily suspended registration for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage following an unprecedented surge of devotees during the New Year period. Officials said the decision was taken as a precautionary measure after crowd density reached critical levels at the Katra

As the New Year’s Eve ball descends in Times Square, New York City will mark more than the arrival of 2026. The iconic moment will also serve as the opening signal for a nationwide commemoration of the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary, blending tradition with a forward-looking tribute to the country’s founding ideals. Organizers say this year’s celebration will feature a distinctly patriotic theme, with the ball illuminated in red, white and blue and an additional confetti re

This New Year’s Eve marked a remarkable recovery for the restaurant industry, with occupancy rates 15-30% higher than last year, defying concerns of low consumer spending amidst persistent inflation. Many dining spots reported record-breaking sales and packed houses, especially on December 31. Zorawar Kalra, founder of Massive Restaurants Pvt., mentioned that several of their chains achieved "all-time high" sales. Rajit Shetty from the Ramee Group of Hotels also note