Page 207 - Religion Belief
2 lakh witness 'Ratha Sapthami' festival in Lord Balaji shrine
Around two lakh devotees from across the country today took part in the annual "Ratha Sapthami" festival conducted with religious pomp at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara at Tirumala near here on the occasion of Surya jayanthi. As part of the festivity, the centuries old 'utsav' idol of Lord Venkateswara adorned with several gem set ornaments was taken out in procession around the temple mounted on seven sacred golden 'vahanas' (carriers) at different intervals from dawn to night. The holy spectacle began just before the crack of dawn with the idol of Lord being carried on the majestic golden 'Surya' (Sun) 'vahana' followed by the other six carriers -- "Chinna Sesha, Garuda, Hanuman, Kalpavriksha, Sarvabhupala and Chandra." Rathasapthami festival was observed annually as one of the most sacred events at the over two millennia old shrine on the occasion of 'jayanthi of Lord Surya (Sun), a temple official told PTI. Tens of thousands of devotees took a holy ...
1,687 people changed religion in Maha in nearly 4 years: RTI
As many as 1,687 people opted for religious conversion in Maharashtra in the last 43 months, with 1,166 Hindus embracing other faiths, including Islam, Christianity and Buddhism, reply to an RTI query has revealed. As many as 44 per cent people (749 out of 1,687) chose to embrace Islam between during this period, it added. The information was provided by the Directorate of Government Printing and Stationery (DGPS), Mumbai in response to a query filed by activist Anil Galgali. "As per the information recorded between June 10, 2014 and January 16, 2018, around 44 per cent (749 out of the total 1,687) embraced Islam, while only 21 per cent people converted to Hinduism," it said. Of the 1,166 Hindu people, 664 converted to Islam, followed by Buddhism (258), Christianity (138), Jainism (88), Sikhism (11) and other religions (seven). Total 263 Muslims converted their religion, of which 228 people (87 per cent) chose to become Hindu, while 12 embraced Buddhism, 21 Christianity ..
Thousands take a holy dip at Chandrabhaga amidst shutdown in
Thousands of devotees today took a holy dip at the Chandrabhaga beach near the famed Konark Sun Temple as part of Magha Saptami celebrations amidst a state-wide shutdown in Odisha by opposition Congress and BJP. The day is celebrated as the birthday of the Sun God. The devotees waited at the beach for the sun to appear in the sky before taking the dip, after which they offered prayers. According to mythology, Lord Krishna's son Samba was cured of leprosy by offering prayer to the Sun God at Chandrabhaga beach. The devotees take a holy dip on the seventh day of the new moon of the month of 'Magha' in the belief that this ritual will cleanse them of their sins and rid them of skin diseases. The police, who made elaborate security arrangement for the festival, said the devotees had a tough time returning to their homes due to the strike. They had to wait for long hours to catch a bus. The opposition parties have called the bandh to protest against the alleged suicide by a .
Hry minister asks people to hoist tricolour on religious
A cabinet minister in the Haryana government today urged people to unfurl national flag on religious places on the occasion of Republic Day on January 26. "I request people to unfurl national flag on religious places, including temples, mosques, churches, on the occasion of Republic Day," Vipul Goel, who holds portfolios of industries and commerce, told reporters here. This will help in creating a 'new India' as it will imbibe spirit of patriotism among the people, he said. "We will unfurl national flag on all religious places," he said adding that he would initiate the process from his home constituency Faridabad. "I along with people will visit religious places and request the concerned to put a national flag atop the shrines," he said. "This will further strengthen the spirit of nationalism among the people," he said, . "Our biggest religion is nation's interest," he said, adding that "its the agenda of the people of the country and not of any individual." Refuting ...
Ramrajya is governance sans fear, corruption, discrimination:
Advocating Ramrajya, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu today said that the name of Lord Ram should not be associated with religion as governance minus fear, corruption and discrimination is Ramrajya and for this everyone should unite transcending caste, religious and political barriers. "The name of Lord Ram should not be related with any particular religion. He should be seen as an ideal person. Hinduism is not a religion but a life style and that is why India is named Hindustan," Naidu said at the first UP Diwas programme here in the presence of Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, among other dignitaries. "Ramrajya is the governance minus fear, corruption and discrimination and for this everyone should come above caste, religion and politics and unite. All those living in the country are brothers irrespective of their belief and religion. Attacking anyone on the basis of caste and religion is not good," he said. Noting that the concept of Ramrajya was .
CPC members in China's Muslim majority region sign atheism
Members of the ruling Communist Party of China in a Muslim-majority region in the northwest, often dubbed as "China's Mecca", have signed an atheism pledge to proclaim their devotion to the pursuit of Marxist purity, official media reported today. Top regional Communist Party of China (CPC) officials and party members of the Linxia Hui Autonomous Prefecture in Gansu Province last weekend signed the commitment at a Party meeting, state-run Global Times quoted Linxia committee of the CPC as saying. Linxia with a population of about two million is an autonomous prefecture for the Muslim Hui people. The prefecture also includes two autonomous counties for other Muslim groups, namely Dongxiang, Salar and Bonan. Linxia is sometimes dubbed as "China's Mecca" as more than half of the residents are the Muslim Hui, a large Chinese ethnic group, the state-run Xinhua news agency had reported. According to unofficial accounts, China has over 21 million Muslims, mostly the Uyghurs in .
Sikh leader banned from participating in community activities
The Sikh clergy on Tuesday banned former Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD) chief Charanjit Singh Chadha, alleged to be involved in a sex scandal, from participating in religious, political and educational functions of the community for two years.
Arunachal CM vows to fight corruption
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Tuesday vowed to fight corruption tooth and nail so that welfare programmes percolate down to the needy and the state progressed on all fronts.
Pence visits Western Wall, says 'very inspiring'
US Vice President Mike Pence visited Jerusalem's Western Wall, one of the holiest sites in Judaism, today, as he wrapped up a trip to the disputed city Washington has declared Israel's capital. Pence and his wife Karen visited the wall separately as required by the ultra-Orthodox Jewish authorities who govern the site under strict interpretation of religious law. The vice president, wearing a black skullcap, inserted a piece of paper inside a crack in the ancient wall's stones in accordance with the tradition of leaving a prayer. He then placed his right hand on the wall before stepping backwards and gazing at the site for a few moments and signing the guest book. "It is my great honour to pray here at this sacred place. God bless the Jewish people and God bless the state of Israel always," he wrote. "Very inspiring," Pence said after leaving. The Western Wall is among the last remnants of the second Jewish temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD. It lies in east ...
Spiritual leader Amritanandamayi denounces communal violence
Kerala-based Spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi today denounced communal violence and batted for selfless service, living in harmony with nature and service to the mankind. Stating that there was no dearth of threat of terrorism, and crimes like murder, she said "in the middle of this, we also have communal and religious violence." The entire world "looks up to those who have the heart to do selfless service," Mata Amritanandamayi, on a two-day visit to the city which would end tomorrow, said. Addressing her devotees, who affectionately call her "Amma", the spiritual leader prayed for selfless work for society. While the modern world taught selfishness, the nature always had the message of living in harmony with fellow human beings and nature. God would take care of those who serve both humankind and the nature, she said. "Compassion is the unconditional law of creation. The beginning, sustenance and culmination of every individual, of society and of the world are in .
Basant Panchami: Festive fervour grips Braj
Although the nation celebrates the festival of Basant-Panchami all over the world, but this festival has its own significance in Braj Bhoomi, Mathura.As per the religious beliefs, with the arrival of the spring, the people in Mathura start celebrating Holi from 40-45 days ahead of the festival of colour.The day is celebrated with great fervour in all the temples including Vrindavan's world-famous Banke Bihari temple.According to the tradition, the devotees and saints perform arti in the temple and worship God Banke Bihari and thereafter they play with Gulal."The atmosphere becomes really pleasant after the Holi celebration in the temple. We can see Gulal all over in the temple. The devotees also celebrate the festival with great fervour and play Gulal with each other," said Ashishkrishna Goswami, a saint of Shreebankehihari Temple, Vrindavan.
Father of arrested terrorist Qureshi cries foul
Father of terrorist Abdul Subhan Qureshi, who was arrested by Special Cell of Delhi Police on Monday, said his son was not involved in any terror activities."He was never involved in any terror activities, the authorities can continue to say what they want," Qureshi's father said.The Delhi Police on Monday arrested Qureshi, the co-founder of Indian Mujahideen (IM) and ideologue of Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).Qureshi, one of the 'most wanted' fugitives of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), carried a reward of Rs. 4 lakh on his head.He is the alleged mastermind of 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts, which claimed 56 lives.Interpol had issued a red notice against him for his role as the main conspirator in the serial blasts. He is also a suspect in the 2006 Mumbai train blasts.
Pope offers 'apologies' for comments on accused bishop
Pope Francis today offered "apologies" to victims of sexual abuse after he caused outrage by appearing to support a controversial Chilean bishop. The pope acknowledged he had "hurt" people by suggesting there was no "proof" against Juan Barros, who is accused of covering up another priest's abuse of boys. "The day they bring me proof against Bishop Barros, then I will speak. There is not a single piece of proof against him. Everything is slander. Is this clear?" the Argentine pontiff said abruptly on Thursday when questioned by journalists in Chile. The pope also shocked many by giving Barros a hug during his visit. "I have to present my apologies because the word 'proof' has hurt so many victims of abuse," Francis said at a press conference on the flight back to Rome. "To hear the pope tell them to their faces, 'bring me a letter with the proof', it's a slap and I realise now that my expression was unfortunate," he said. However, Francis said the Vatican had ...
Confluence: Nizamuddin dargah turns yellow with 'Sufi basant'
Delhi's Nizamuddin dargah today was bathed in yellow, as people of multiple faiths gathered at its hallowed premises to celebrate 'Sufi basant', a festival that symbolises confluence of cultures. "This festival, popularly known as 'Sufi Basant', dates back to the 12th century when celebrated poet Amir Khusro dedicated songs of spring to his Khwaja (spiritual master) Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. "We have been celebrating this festival every year at the shrine. It is a 750-year-old tradition that we still continue. People from all religions come here to celebrate this festival, and it fosters peace and harmony," said Syed Afsar Ali Nizami, a representative of the Dargah Sharif in Nizamuddin area. He said on this festival, people wear yellow turbans and 'peeli chaadar' is offered to the Auliya. Mustard flowers are also offered. "It is a very beautiful festival and bridges hearts of humanity. We did the main celebrating yesterday but today on Basant Panchami, we also ...
Those ignoring majority community won't be forgiven, Aditynath tells Rahul
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday took potshots at Congress president Rahul Gandhi for his recent visits to temples and for sporting a 'janeyu' (sacred Hindu thread), saying that people will never forgive those who set aside welfare of the majority community.
President praises BAPS
President Ram Nath Kovind today praised the BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) sect for its activities towards the welfare of the society. "Our country is fortunate to have saints who had made social service their life's main aim for the welfare of the people. Many saints have formed organisations which are leading in public welfare and BAPS is one of them," the president said while addressing followers of the sect in Gondal town in Gujarat's Rajkot district. The president was invited to take part in the 'Akshar Deri Sardh Shatabdi Mahotsav' (celebration of 150 years of Akshar Deri). The place, Akshar Deri, holds significance for the BAPS followers, as one of the sect's prominent spiritual heads, Gunatitanand Swami, was cremated here. BAPS is a worldwide religious and civic organisation within the Swaminarayan branch of Hinduism. "The organisation has launched many projects for the public welfare. It also works in health, education, ...
'Sufi Basant' celebrated at Delhi's Nizamuddin Dargah
Delhi's Nizamuddin dargah was abuzz with activity as devotees embraced the colour yellow through various forms to celebrate the spring festival of Basant Panchami on Monday.This festival, which is also popularly known as Sufi Basant, dates back to the 12th century when celebrated poet Amir Khusro dedicated his songs of spring to his Khwaja (spiritual master) Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya.Every year as winter recedes, Sufi Basant or Basant Panchami takes over Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya's dargah.Special qawwali programmes are organised and songs related to the onset of spring are dedicated to Hazrat Nizamuddin."We have been celebrating this festival every year here. It is a 750-year-old tradition. People from all religions come here to celebrate this festival. Special qawwali programmes are organised on this day and spring songs are dedicated to Hazrat Nizamuddin. People will not find such celebrations anywhere in India," dargah in-charge Syed Kashif Ali Nizam told ANI.Devotees pay homage to ..
Punjab to showcase 'Sangat and Pangat' on Republic Day
'Sangat and Pangat', signifying the love for humanity with the spirit of communal harmony, is the theme of the tableau of the Punjab government on the Republic Day this year, an official spokesperson said today. Disclosing this here today, the spokesperson said that the tableau of the state government at the Republic Day-2018 parade on January 26 will be in the form of 'Sangat and Pangat', depicting the oneness of humanity perfectly in keeping with the teachings of the great 'Guru Sahiban'. The tableau would showcase the humane traditions in which 'Sangat', the congregation of people who sit together transcending the boundaries of caste, creed and religion in 'Pangat', meaning partaking langar (community kitchen), the spokesperson said. He detailed that the tableau would also exhibit the way in which the free community kitchen called 'langar' is prepared through the voluntary efforts of the people, thus lending in their minds a feeling of supreme bliss regarding the ...
Meghalaya people fortunate to have own state: Governor
Meghalaya Governor Ganga Prasad today said the people of Meghalaya are fortunate to have a state of their own and it is their responsibility to strive towards progress and development of the state. "The statehood movement was a people's movement and in spite of numerous challenges, the united efforts of the visionary leaders and the desire of the people for the recognition of the traditions and values ensured the people a state of their own," said the 46th statehood day programme. The official Meghalaya Day celebration did not take place yesterday as it was a Sunday when most people of the Christian dominated state attend church. The governor also acknowledged the sacrifice and contributions of the leaders and forefathers to protect the heritage, customs, traditions and practices of the state. The Governor also gave away the Meghalaya Day Excellence Awards of the year to 15 employees of various government departments for their outstanding performance. Yesterday Prime ...
BJP MP to conduct Rashtriya Raksha Mahayagya at Red Fort
The 'Rashtriya Raksha Mahayagya' led by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Maheish Girri will be performed in 108 ceremonial fires at Delhi's Red Fort grounds from March 18-25.President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have been invited to the event where over 1,100 priests will perform the mahayagya.Many Delhi-based businessmen have contributed to funding the ritual."There are external and internal forces who are trying to harm the interest of the nation. We are organising the 'yagya' (ceremonial fire) following our ancient traditions to push away such attempts and to create a 'New India'," Girri told media in a press conference here.He added that a temporary Vedic village will be set up in the area for this event."It will be attended by prominent political leaders, religious gurus, bureaucrats, Bollywood celebrities and corporate people," Girri stated.This event is being conducted to rid the nation of vices like casteism and communalism.