A judge ruled ICE must allow Catholic clergy to give ashes and Communion to detainees at a Illinois facility on Ash Wednesday, upholding religious freedom.

On Feb. 16, 2026, Indian fitness influencers Milind Soman and Ankita Konwar fasted for 36 hours during Mahashivaratri, hosting events that merged faith, fitness, and women's empowerment.

Mandi, India, launched its seven-day Mahashivratri Festival on Feb. 16, 2026, marking the 500th anniversary of its founding with processions, rituals, and cultural events.

Journalist Georgia Fort and activist Trahern Crews pleaded not guilty to disrupting a church service in St. Paul, sparking debate over protest and press rights.

The Hajj Village at Ghana's Kotoka Airport is 55% complete and on track for 2026 completion, offering pilgrims a centralized, modern departure hub.

Ash Wednesday began Lent in Texas and North Carolina, with churches using pre-made ashes due to a burn ban in San Antonio.

Pakistan mandates registration of public iftar gatherings for Ramadan 2026, requiring location and ID details for security and approval.

A curfew in Noshki, Balochistan, since Feb. 6 disrupts Ramadan meals, trade, and travel, sparking calls for change.

Pope Leo XIV, Feb. 16, 2026: Global conflicts and inequality threaten healthcare as a human right, urging global cooperation.

Over 70 people sickened in India after eating contaminated buckwheat flour during religious festival, sparking food safety concerns.