Page 13 - Religion Belief
Eid to be celebrated on Wednesday
Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the culmination of the fasting month of Ramzan, will be celebrated across the country on Wednesday as the moon was sighted here Tuesday evening. Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari made the announcement after a meeting of the moon-sighting committee here. "The moon was sighted today. That means Eid will be celebrated on Wednesday in Delhi and other parts of the country," a senior official at the city's historic mosque told PTI. Eid-ul-Fitr symbolises peace and brotherhood. The festival is marked with feasts and the faithful offers prayers at mosques and idgahs to seek blessings of the divine. People, especially children dress up in their traditional fineries to mark the festival.
Shias in Kargil celebrate Eid, Sunnis to do Wednesday
The Shia Muslim community of Jammu and Kashmir's Kargil district celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, on Tuesday.
J-K Guv extends Eid greetings to people
Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik Tuesday conveyed heartiest wishes to the people of the state on the eve of Eid-ul-Fitr, which is likely to be celebrated on Wednesday. "The governor has prayed to the almighty to keep the humanity firm in its faith and good deeds and bless people with a good life," a Raj Bhawan spokesperson said. Malik has expressed hope that this occasion would be the harbinger of peace, progress, prosperity and happiness and would strengthen the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood and amity, which are the hallmarks of J&K's glorious pluralistic traditions, the spokesperson added. Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of fasting month of Ramzan, is likely to be celebrated on Wednesday. The Arab world and Muslims in some other parts celebrated Eid on Tuesday.
Assam governor, CM greet people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr
Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi and Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Tuesday greeted the people of the state on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr is an occasion for sharing happiness and merrymaking and is marked by the spirit of universal brotherhood, the governor said in a message. "Eid-ul-Fitr teaches us about compassion and love for fellow beings. May the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr bind us all with universal brotherhood and motivate us to rededicate ourselves for the cause of humanity," he added. The governor hoped that the festival would further strengthen the bonds of communal harmony and camaraderie and usher in a period of sustained peace, progress and prosperity. The chief minister in his message said that the festival is celebrated on the completion of the holy month Ramadan and is also celebrated as the feast of breaking fast. He hoped that the festival which symbolises peace and tranquility would further strengthen the bond of age old ...
WB governor, CM greet people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr
West Bengal Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi Tuesday conveyed his greetings and best wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. "May this joyous festival provide an opportunity to reaffirm our faith in the country's cultural heritage, unity, spirit of friendship and fraternity among all sections of society," Tripathi said in a statement issued by Raj Bhavan. On Monday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who took part in several Iftar parties over the last few days, prayed for unity, peace and happiness on this occasion. "Today, like previous years, I took part in Iftar organised by Kolkata Municipal Corporation. People from all communities and all walks of life were present. My prayers for unity, peace, prosperity and happiness for all," she tweeted.
Preposterous to detach science from religion: Pak minister chides clerics ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr
Pakistan's Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry has hit out at clerics for trying to detach science from religion, saying the religious leaders must use "common sense" when it comes to sighting the moon to determine Eid-ul-Fitr. Chaudhry, a close aide of Prime Minister Imran Khan, has angered the clerics by discontinuing the traditional moon sighting methods used by the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee to end the moon sighting controversy during all important Islamic festivals. Till now, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, the department which announces the sighting of the new moon, used to determine when Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated in Pakistan. Chaudhry last month announced that the Government of Pakistan will observe Eid on June 5 unlike in Saudi Arabia where Eid-ul-Fitr is being celebrated on Tuesday. The National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament, was informed last month that Pakistan spent Rs 3.06 million on the sighting of the moon for Muharram, Ramazan, Eid-ul-Fitr and ...
Jagan Reddy seeks blessings of Swami Swaroopananda Saraswati
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy on Tuesday visited Sarada Peetham here and sought the blessings of Swami Swaroopananda Saraswati.Later, he also offered prayers at Rajya Shyamala Temple in Sarada Peetham.Reddy took oath as Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh on May 30 after defeating the TDP led by N Chandrababu Naidu in the recent Assembly elections.
Punjab Governor greets people on Id-ul-Fitr
Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator V.P. Singh Badnore on Tuesday greeted people on the eve of Id-ul-Fitr.
Venkaiah Naidu offers prayers at Lord Venkateswara shrine
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu Tuesday offered prayers at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala near here. Naidu arrived here with his family members last evening on a two-day spiritual visit and stayed at a heavily guarded Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) guest house on the hills. On his arrival at the shrine at the crack of dawn, he was accorded a warm welcome. He spent about half an hour in the shrine, temple sources told PTI. After offering prayers, the vice president was honoured with a sacred silk cloth and 'prasadam' by the management of the shrine. Later, talking to reporters, he said Lord Venkateswara was his family deity and thus he was named after the Lord.
VP Naidu offers prayers at Lord Balaji temple in Tirumala
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu along with his family members offered prayers at Lord Balaji temple here on Tuesday morning.TTD priests accorded a traditional welcome to the Vice President and his family members on their arrival at the main entrance of the holy shrine.After being led into the sanctum sanctorum, Naidu will attend special cultural and literary programs. He will also have lunch with the general devotees of Lord Balaji.As per the schedule, he will return to the national capital tomorrow (June 5) morning.
VHP, saints meet over Ram Temple, say will pressurize govt
Following a meeting of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders with saints over the Ram Temple issue, Ram Janma Bhoomi Nyas president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das on Monday said they will pressurise the government for the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya.Speaking to reporters, Das said, "We will pressurise the government and encourage them for construction of the temple. Steps as necessary will be taken."VHP international vice president Champat Rai also took part in the meeting and asserted that only BJP can get the temple built."This is Lord Ram's birthplace. Foreign invaders broke it and we want it back. They will do it. Only Modi Ji will do it," he said.He also asserted that the solution of the issue is 'already there' but talks are premature.Former MP and Ramjanambhoomi Nyas member Ram Vilas Vedanti also participated in deliberations and said, "Crores of people say Jai Shri Ram, hence it will win and those who betray Ram will lose."In the middle of June, a large meeting of saints is
CM urges Modi to recommend late Sivakumara Swami's name for Bharat Ratna
Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to recommend the name of late Lingayat seer Sivakumara Swami for the highest civilian award Bharat Ratna (posthumously).The 111-year-old iconic seer passed away in January this year after a protracted illness. He was laid to rest with state honours at the Sidhaganga Mutt, which he headed. Thousands of devotees bid their 'walking god' a tearful farewell at the ceremony that was attended by top political leaders. A three-day state mourning was also declared in Karnataka by the Chief Minister Kumaraswamy."Dr Sivakumara Swamiji's service to the people deserves recognition at the highest level through the award of Bharat Ratna. Innumerous memoranda have been received from all political parties and civilians, Institutions and Associations, to confer the title of 'Bharatha Rathna award,'" reads the letter."He has rendered remarkable service to the society for over seven decades through ...
Dave Bautista slams priest calling for Pride Month boycott
Dave Bautista is not in a mood of letting anybody ruin the spirit of Pride Month. The actor, on Monday, clapped back at a bishop for denouncing the event that celebrates the LGBTQ community.Rhode Island bishop Thomas Tobin recently sent out a tweet urging his Catholic followers not to participate in any Pride-related activities.Bautista, in a tweet, stated that her mother is a lesbian and that the bishop does not "speak for most Catholics"."My mom's a lesbian. I think I turned out ok. And the activities she chooses is to help the homeless and people suffering from mental illness. I admit I'm not perfect but at least I was never a judgmental hypocrite! I'm sure you don't speak for most Catholics. Have a nice day," he wrote.Urging Catholics to not support or attend Pride Month Tobin, on Sunday, tweeted, "A reminder that Catholics should not support or attend LGBTQ "Pride Month" events held in June. They promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and ..
Dream of Hindus for Ram temple in Ayodhya to be fulfilled: Ram Vilas Vedanti
Ram Vilas Vedanti, a member of the Ramjanambhoomi Nyas, on Monday said that with BJP's return to power, the "dream of crores of Hindus" to have a Ram temple in Ayodhya will be fulfilled.He also said that a mosque should not be constructed next to the temple but built in Lucknow instead."Seers will hold a meeting soon. Crores of Hindus want a temple to be built at the place where Lord Ram was born. However, the Supreme Court has said that a mosque too should be built next to the temple which we do not agree with. The mosque can be built in Lucknow. Amit Shah had said that if BJP crosses the 300-mark in Lok Sabha, they will build the temple. And now they have crossed it," Vedanti told ANI here.He said after the construction of the temple in five phases, the idol of Lord Ram will be placed there."More than 80 per cent of the Muslims favour the construction of a Ram temple," Vedanti said.The meeting of the seers in Ayodhya will deliberate on three issues-- temple construction, abolition ..
Dalai Lama hails secularism, freedom of religion in India
The Dalai Lama Monday hailed secularism and freedom of religion in India, saying the country promoted and respected all religions and accorded freedom of faith to one and all. He also expressed his indebtedness to ancient Nalanda University for spread of Buddhism across the world. The Dalai Lama hailed India's Fundamental Right of freedom of religion during his day-long teachings on Gyalsey Thokme Sangpos' 37 practices of Bodhisattva to Tibetan youths. Thirty seven practices of the Bodhisattva is an important text by Gyalsey Thokme Sangpo. According to the Central Tibetan Adminstration's official website, the 37 verses give instructions on how to follow the Bodhisattva path. As per the website, Gyalsey Thokm Sangpo implying the "son of the victorious ones" is a referance to the Bodhisattvas. "Through training along the path, the Bodhisattvas reach enlightenment therefore they are called sons or children of victorious ones, it says. During his teachings at the main Tibetan temple in ...
Declare Guru Nanak birth anniversary as 'national tolerance day': Amarinder
The Punjab government urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to declare the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak as national tolerance day, citing the Sikhism founder's message of love and compassion. In a letter to Modi, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said: "Since the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev are as relevant today as they were in his times, the 550th 'Parkash Utsav' of Guru Nanak Dev, to be observed on November 12 this year, should be declared as National Tolerance Day as a befitting tribute to the great master." Singh suggested that the birth anniversary of the first Sikh Guru be observed in this manner every year thereafter, according to a statement. The chief minister pointed out that Guru Nanak travelled far and wide during his lifetime, spreading the message of inclusion and tolerance. Besides, Singh said, Guru Nanak set up a unique spiritual and social platform based on equality, fraternal love, goodness and virtue,. Highlighting the fundamental beliefs of Sikhism, Singh ...
Andhra CM to seek seer's blessings in Vizag
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy will visit Visakhapatnam on Tuesday to seek the blessings of Hindu seer Swamy Swaroopanandendra Saraswati.
Punjab CM requests PM to declare Guru Nanak Prakash Purab as National Tolerance Day
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the auspicious 550th Guru Nanak Prakash Purab as National Tolerance Day.The CM wrote a letter to the Prime Minister seeking that the auspicious day is declared National Tolerance Day for the re-dedication of people to Guru Nanak Dev's message of love, compassion and tolerance."Since the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev are as relevant today as they were in his times, the 550th Parkash Utsav of Guru Nanak Dev, to be observed on November 12 this year, should be declared as National Tolerance Day as a befitting tribute to the great Master," said the Chief Minister in his letter.He further suggested that the birth anniversary of the first Guru be observed in this manner every year thereafter.The Chief Minister mentioned that Guru Nanak Dev, during his lifetime, travelled far and wide, spreading the message of inclusion and tolerance, besides setting up a unique spiritual and social platform ...
Car bomb kills 13 in rebel-held northern Syrian town
A car bomb killed at least 13 people Sunday night near a mosque in a northern town held by Turkey-backed fighters, and wounded dozens of people, Syrian opposition activists said. The blast in the town of Azaz occurred Sunday as scores of people were leaving the mosque of Maytam, wounding dozens including children, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory said the blast killed at least 14 people. It said the dead included four children. The Azaz Media Center, a local activist collective, reported at least 13 deaths, along with many others wounded. The blast occurred after the "iftar" meal that breaks a daylong fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The attack came a few days before Muslims celebrate the end of the holy moth with Eid el-Fitr, one of Islam's most important feasts. The town, which was once controlled by rival Kurdish fighters opposed to Turkey, has been hit by similar attacks in the past.
Pope Francis apologises to Roma for Catholic discrimination
Pope Francis has apologised to the Roma people on behalf of the Catholic Church for the persecution they have faced historically, during his visit to Romania.