Page 109 - Religion Belief
Bastar: 'Kaachan Devi' grants permission for 75-day Dussehra
India, a country of diverse cultures and identities, is also a well-known land of festivals. Not only the country has large number of festivals but it also celebrates them in several ways.One such regional festival is 'Kaachangudi' meaning 'swing of thorns' which is celebrated in Jagdalpur area of Bastar district.The prime ritual of this festival is providing the throne to 'Kaachan Devi'. On the day of Ashvin Amavasya at Kaachan Devi temple located on Patharaguda road, a young girl takes seat on a swing made of thorns. As a form of Goddess herself, she then blesses her devotees and gives permission to celebrate the festival of Dussehra without any chaos.The festival marks the beginning of 75-day long Dussehra celebrations as it is only after the Goddess Kaachan Devi grants permission, the celebration starts in Bastar.As part of this ritual, the head of erstwhile royal family carries out a procession from the family palace to Kaachangudi temple to pay his respects to the Devi. Bastar ..
Yogi attends Navaratri Puja at Gorakhnath Temple
On the first day of Navaratri festivities Wednesday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took part in traditional puja ceremonies at Gorakhnath temple here. The traditional Navaratri Puja began in the presence of the CM. The ritual began amidst vedic chants. First the puja of Godess Durga was conducted, which was followed by the 'saptshati path'. Later, chief pujari Kamalnath led a grand Kalash Yatra in the temple premises. According to the CM's schedule, Adityanath will return to Lucknow on Thursday morning, Gorakhnath Temple authorities said. The UP CM will be back here on October 16 and in total he will stay six days at the Gorakhnath temple during the Navaratri days. On October 16 night, Adityanath will perform 'mahanisha pujan' and 'hawan'. He will also participate in the puja on October 17. On October 18, Mahanavmi will be celebrated and the CM as per tradition will perform 'kanya pujan'. After 'pujan' of Srinath ji at the main temple on October 19, the devotees will ...
Belgian bishop calls for married men in priesthood
A Belgian bishop called Wednesday for married men to be allowed into the priesthood, a hot-button topic within the Roman Catholic church as it grapples with falling priest numbers and sexual abuse scandals. "I am convinced that some young people, who have drawn from the baptismal vocation their call to wed, would gladly say 'here I am' if the church were to call them to the priestly ministry," Bishop Jean Kockerols told a global meeting of bishops being held at the Vatican. He said the ordination of married men would help attract more priests to the calling. Kockerols, Auxiliary Bishop of Brussels, was speaking on behalf of all Belgian bishops, a spokesman of the Belgian episcopal conference told the religious website "CathoBel". The debate as to whether celibacy fosters sexual dysfunction and abusive behaviour in prelates has intensified in recent years. Pope Francis has signalled that he is open to considering changing the doctrine to allow the ordination of married men. But Belgian
Guj HC seeks govt reply on PIL against Pavitra Yatradham Board
The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday sought the government's reply on a public interest litigation which calls setting up of the Pavitra Yatradham Board illegal as it promotes pilgrimage sites of only one religion. A division bench of Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice V M Pancholi asked the government pleader to seek instructions from the state government, and adjourned the hearing to December 12. The Pavitra Yatradham Board was set up by the Gujarat government in 1997 to promote pilgrimage sites in the state. The PIL filed by Mujahid Nafees said the Board announced its first list of six religious sites -- Ambaji, Dakor, Girnar, Palithana, Somnath and Dwarka -- for promotion as "Pavitra yatradham" (holy pilgrimage sites) in August 1997. Over time, the list grew to 358 places, but "not a single religious site of other religions (apart from Hinduism) has been included", said the PIL, filed through advocate K R Koshti. "The action of the state government in selecting only a ...
Brahmotsavam commences in Lord Venkateswara temple
The annual "Navaratri Brahmotsavam" commenced Wednesday at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara in nearby Tirumala with religious pomp and fervour. High priests of the temple performed special rituals at the ancient shrine marking the beginning of the nine-day festivities. The sacred golden "Pedda Sesha Vahana" procession of Lord Venkateswara was taken out in a grand manner around the shrine with an estimated around one lakh devotees taking part in it, a temple official said. The entire Tirumala wore a festive look with a large number ofcolourfulelectric illuminated cutouts, depicting several Hindu Gods and Goddesses put up at many places. The most auspicious event of the festival, "Garuda Seva", that attracts lakhs of devotees, would take place on the night of October 14. Tight security arrangements, including installation of sophisticated surveillance cameras, had been put in place in and around the temple complex and on the routes leading to the hills, the ...
Canada's leader of opposition pays obeisance at Golden Temple
Leader of Opposition of Canada Andrew Scheer along with his wife Jill Scheer paid obeisance at the Golden Temple here Wednesday. He was also accompanied by Canadian MP Bob Saroya. Andrew Scheer also visited the Community kitchen of the Golden Temple and partook the langar. Andrew and Jill Scheer were honoured by SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal at the Information Centre of the Golden Temple. They were given sets of Sikh religious books, woolen shawl and replica of the Golden Temple.
Protest in Thiruvananthapuram against SC's Sabarimala verdict
A protest march was held here against the Supreme Court's ruling on the entry of women in the Sabarimala temple on Wednesday. The march was led by Nair Service Society (NSS).Many Lord Ayyappa devotees took out the march from the state secretariat to Palayam.Earlier on Tuesday, the Indian Union Muslim League took out a rally in Changanassery in support of the top court's verdict.On September 28, the apex court allowed women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala temple saying that "no physiological and biological factor can be given legitimacy if it doesn't pass the test of conditionality".The verdict has received mixed reactions from people across the nation. While many including the Kerala state government welcomed the decision, a large number of devotees held protests, demanding to retain the age-old tradition.Sabarimala temple, a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site had earlier barred women of menstruating ages to enter the temple premises.
Karachi police chief warns officers against asking couples for 'nikahnama'
Pakistan's most populated city's newly appointed police chief Wednesday warned that strict action will be taken against police officers who harass young couples and ask them for marriage certificates. In a letter written to the deputy inspector-generals (DIGs) of the three zones in Karachi, Additional Inspector General of Police Amir Sheikh called for immediate action against such police officers. "There is a general complaint that policemen in mobiles and motorcycles harass and humiliate couples by asking them to show 'nikahnama' to prove their credentials as husband and wife," Sheikh said in the letter posted on the website of The News. "You are hereby directed to issue strict instructions to the subordinate staff not to demand 'nikahnama' from any person," he warned. Sheikh further warned that complaints regarding police officers asking for proof of marriage especially from females should not be heard again. Karachi, the capital of the Sindh province, is the most populous city in ..
Portals of Hemkund Sahib closed for winters
The sacred portals of Hemkund Sahib, one of the most revered Sikh shrines in Garhwal Himalayas, were closed for winters on Saturday. Over 2,000 pilgrims braved the cold weather to take part in the prayers that preceded closure of the gates of the shrine, located at a height of 16,000 feet. The gates were closed at 1:30 pm after the traditional prayers concluded. Utsav Yatra, a 21 Km religious foot procession, will go through Ghangariya to reach Govindghat. Sardar Seva Singh, Manager of the Gurdwara Trust, said over two lakh devotees visited the shrine this season. The gates of Hemkund Sahib are closed every year in October due to heavy snowfall only to be reopened in May-June next year.
Modi, Rahul extend wishes on Navratri
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his greetings for the festival of Navratri, which commenced on Wednesday.
Cops can't enter Puri's Jagannath temple with guns, shoes, says SC
The Supreme Court said Wednesday that no policeman should enter the Jagannath temple at Puri "with weapons and shoes" after the issue was brought to its notice following the October 3 violence at the famous shrine. A bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta took note of the violence which took place during a protest against the introduction of queue system for devotees at the temple. A lawyer, representing an organisation which has filed an application for intervention in the matter, alleged in the apex court that during the violence, policemen had entered the temple with guns and boots on. "Last time, in Golden Temple, the Army had entered. We know that," the counsel said. To this, the bench said, "Do not compare it with Golden temple." In June 1984, Indian Army had carried out operation Blue Star, ordered by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, to remove religious extremist leader Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his armed followers from the Golden temple complex. The bench then
B-Town wishes fans on Navratri
With the auspicious nine-day period of Navratri commencing on Wednesday, Bollywood stars took to social media to send wishes to their fans and followers.Also known as Sharad Navratri, the occasion is believed to mark Goddess Durga's victory over demon Mahishasura, which signifies victory of good over evil.Celebrating the onset of the festival, Bollywood diva Sushmita Sen wrote, " #duggadugga A blessed #navratri to you & all your loved ones!!! May we all celebrate the #Shakti within us & choose to live a life filled with #love & #courage. No greater way to honour #her JAI MATA DI. I love you all sooooooo sooooooo much!!!!"Here's what the other celebs posted:Shilpa Shetty Kundra: Happy Navratri to all my Instafam, may the nine forms of Durga destroy all your hurdles, negativity and fill your life with renewed vigour, positivity, happiness and good fortune.Juhi Chawla: Navratri, this 9-day festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil, removes all negativities, purifies .
China launches anti-halal crackdown in Xinjiang city
Chinese authorities have launched a campaign against halal products in the name of fighting extremism in the capital of Xinjiang, the fractious northwest region where Muslims are facing a raft of religious restrictions. Beijing has in recent years launched a security crackdown in Xinjiang against what it calls separatist elements, and a UN report has cited estimates that up to one million ethnic Uighurs and other Muslim minorities are held in extra-judicial, political re-education camps. Halal -- Arabic for "permissible" -- refers to a set of rules guiding Muslims on what is allowed according to the religion. It is frequently applied to food and drinks but also includes other personal hygiene products like toothpaste and cosmetics. Communist Party leaders in Urumqi, the regional capital, on Monday led cadres in swearing an oath to fight the "pan-halal trend to the end". In an article posted on the city's official WeChat social media account, party cadres were told to post the same ...
No policeman should enter Puri Jagannath temple with weapons, shoes: SC
The Supreme Court Wednesday took note of the October 3 violence at Puri's Jagannath temple during a protest against the introduction of a queue system for devotees and said no policeman should enter the temple with weapons and shoes. A bench comprising Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta was informed by the Odisha governmentt that 47 persons were arrested in connection with the violence in the temple and the situation was under control now. The state government also told the bench that no violence had taken place inside the temple premises and the office of the Jagannath temple administration, which is situated around 500 meters from the main temple, was attacked and ransacked during the violence. The counsel appearing for an organisation, which sought to intervene in the matter, claimed before the bench that policemen had entered the temple with guns and boots during the violence. Nine policemen were injured as violence broke out on October 3 during a 12-hour bandh called by a ..
Trudeau extends greetings on Navaratri
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has extended his greetings to the people in Canada and abroad on the occasion of Navaratri, or the festival of nine nights.In a statement, Trudeau said, "This evening, Hindu communities in Canada and around the world will celebrate the beginning of one of their most important festivals, Navratri. The celebrations, which symbolize the triumph of good over evil, take place over nine nights and ten days. Throughout the festivities, families and friends come together to pray, dance, and observe traditions in hundreds of different forms passed down from generation to generation.""The festival is now celebrated globally by Hindus and non-Hindus alike. It is a joyful time that reminds us of the invaluable contributions the Hindu community makes every day to our national fabric. On behalf of our family, (wife) Sophie and I wish everyone celebrating a happy Navratri," he added.Navaratri falls in the lunar month of Ashwin during autumn. The festival, which
2,000-year-old inscription spells Jerusalem as Israel does today
Israel unveiled Tuesday a stone pillar engraved with an ancient inscription showing that the spelling of Jerusalem in its present-day Hebrew form was already in common use some 2,000 years ago. During construction work in February in Jerusalem, archaeologists unearthed the pillar with the inscription "Hananiah son of Dodalos of Jerusalem," written in Aramaic with Hebrew letters. The Hebrew spelling of the city -- pronounced Yerushalayim -- is the same today. The name of the city in that form appears only rarely from the period of the second Jewish temple (first century AD) and usually in religious and political contexts, said David Mevorach of the Israel Museum, where the stone is now being exhibited. The city's name appears several hundred times in the Bible, almost always in the slightly different form of Yerushalem and only five times as Yerushalayim, said Yuval Baruch of the Israel Antiquities Authority. Yerushalayim is also used on a Jewish coin dating from the time of the Great
SC declines early hearing of Sabarimala review plea
The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined an early hearing of petitions seeking recall of a constitution bench judgment allowing entry of women in the age group of 10 to 50 years into the Sabarimala temple in Kerala dedicated to Lord Ayyappa.
Pakistan's Mithi, an oasis of Muslim-Hindu tolerance
Cows roam freely in the Pakistani city of Mithi, as in neighbouring India. Considered sacred animals among Hindus, they embody the religious tolerance of this community in conservative Muslim Pakistan, where minorities face heavy discrimination. Here, "Muslims respect the beliefs of Hindus," said Sham Das, a 72-year-old pensioner. "They do not kill cows, or only in remote places, but not in Hindu neighbourhoods." Unlike in the rest of Pakistan, cattle in Mithi live very well. They eat as they please, often from rubbish bins, and fall asleep on the roads. At times tuk-tuks and motorcycles navigate a weaving path around the animals. At others the traffic waits patiently for them to wake. Mithi is a mostly Hindu city of 60,000 people, a rarity in a country where some 95 percent of the population is Muslim. As they enter Shri Krishna temple, the Hindu faithful ring a bell, the sound of which mingles with the azan, the call to prayer for Muslims sounded just a few streets away. A relaxed ..
North Korea wants Pope to visit, South to tell Vatican
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has invited Pope Francis to visit, saying he would be "ardently welcomed", South Korea's presidency said Tuesday, adding it would pass on Pyongyang's message to the Vatican. South Korean President Moon Jae-in will have an audience with the Pope during a visit to the Vatican from October 17 to 18. "During the meeting with Pope Francis, he (Moon) will relay the message from chairman Kim Jong Un that he would ardently welcome the pope if he visits Pyongyang," Moon's spokesman, Kim Eui-kyeom, told reporters. Moon is embarking on a nine day tour of Europe from October 13 to 21 that will include stops in France, Italy and Denmark on top of the Vatican. The doveish Moon has pushed rapprochement with Kim, meeting him three times in the last year. During the most recent face to face -- a visit to Pyongyang last month -- Moon was accompanied by South Korean Archbishop Hyginus Kim Hee-joong. During a conversation with the visiting archbishop, Kim urged him to let .
SC declines urgent hearing on plea seeking review of Sabarimala Temple verdict
The Supreme Court Tuesday declined an urgent hearing on a plea seeking review of its verdict allowing women of all age groups entry into the Sabarimala Temple. A bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, Justices S K Kaul and K M Joseph had considered the submission of Shylaja Vijayan, president, National Ayyappa Devotees Association through lawyer Mathews J Nedumpara, which contended that the five-judge Constitution bench verdict lifting the ban was "absolutely untenable and irrational". "It will be listed in due course RPT course," the bench said, adding that in any case, the review petition will be heard in chamber and not in open court. The lawyer, appearing for the Devotees Association, also sought a stay on the verdict and said the temple would be opening on October 16 for pilgrimage. The bench, however, said the review petition can only be taken up after the Dussehra vacation. Besides the Association, another petition seeking review of the September 28 verdict of the apex ...