Page 219 - Religion Belief
Patna: Devotees gather in number to celebrate Guru Gobind Singh's birthday
On the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday, Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurdwara in Bihar's Patna witnessed a heavy rush of devotees, who gathered to celebrate the 351st birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh.On Monday, the three-day-long 'Shukrana samaroh' or 'thanksgiving', which marks the closing ceremony of 'Prakash Parv', a year-long celebration of the 350th birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh, came to an end.The year long celebration was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Patna earlier this year.Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh guru was born in Bihar's Patna on December 22, 1666 and his birth place has been converted into Takht Sri Patna Sahib Gurdwara.Guru Gobind Singh had immensely contributed to Sikhism, in which founding the warrior Sikh community-Khalsa in 1699 was the most prominent one.Several religious and spiritual events were held during the three days of Shukrana Ceremony.Earlier on December 24, the Prime Minister paid tribute on 350th Prakash Parva of ...
Pope focuses on children in war-torn countries in Christmas message
Pope Francis I on Monday called on Christians to pray for all the children living in places ravaged by war and conflict in his traditional Christmas Day message.
RSS doesn't play politics: Mohan Bhagwat
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat today said his organisation is committed to "Hindutva" and does not play politics. "RSS does not play politics. It is committed to Hindutva, which means tolerance," he said at an event which was attended by Union ministers Jual Oram and Dharamendra Pradhan and a large number of RSS workers. Hinduism is a way of life and not just a religion. Hindus across the world have always given a message of peace and never tried to interfere in the independence of any country, Bhagwat said. "When the western world looks east, they find India and China. But they (western world) do not have faith in China due to its aggressive attitude. All have faith in India. India can emerge as a global leader," he said. He claimed that minorities are safe in India and Muslims "live happily here". The RSS chief is on a three-day visit to Odisha.
"Thanka Anki" reaches Ayyappa temple
The ceremonial procession carrying the sacred 'Thanka Anki' (golden attire) of Lord Ayyappa reached the Sabarimala temple here this evening. The procession, which had set off four days ago from Sree Parthasarthy temple at Aranmula, reached the Lord Ayyappa temple by around 6.30 pm, temple sources said. The idol of Lord Ayyappa would be adorned with the sacred attire tomorrow for the 'Mandala pooja' and after the 'Athazha pooja' in the evening, the shrine will be closed for two days, marking the culmination of the 41-day pilgrimage season. The shrine will re-open on December 30 for the 'Makaravillaku' festival, which falls on Jan 14. There has been a heavy rush of pilgrims today also to offer prayers to lord Ayyappa after the arrival of the golden attire.
In Christmas message, Pope focuses on children in war-torn countries
Pope Francis on Monday called on Christians to pray for all the children living in places ravaged by war and conflict in his traditional Christmas Day message.
Christmas celebrated in Odisha
Christmas was celebrated with traditional fervour in Odisha today as thousands thronged churches for special prayers. Churches across Odisha were decorated with lights, candles, Christmas trees and bells. Besides the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, Christmas was celebrated in a big way in the districts of Gajapati, Kandhamal, Sundergarh, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and other places where Christians live in large number. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wished the people of the state on the festive occasion. "Warm greetings and best wishes to all on this joyous occasion of #Christmas. May the spirit of Christmas be the harbinger of prosperity, abundance and peace in your lives. #MerryChristmas", Patnaik tweeted Not only believers of Christianity, people from other religious beliefs also attended the midnight mass singing Christmas hymns and prayers at churches across the state.
Christmas fever grips Mizoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Bengal
Exchange of greetings and merriment marked Christmas in three Christian- dominated north-eastern states -- Mizoram, Meghalaya and Nagaland -- as well as in West Bengal today. The day was marked by prayers and special services and singing of carols at the churches. In Meghalaya, government buildings, residential areas and churches were spruced up with lights and illuminated stars. At the Shillong Cathedral of the Catholics, a special midnight service was led by Arch Bishop Rev. Dominic Jala. Extending his wishes to the people on the occasion, Meghalaya Governor Ganga Prasad said, "As we celebrate Christmas, let us resolve to revere the spirit of Christmas by treating one another with love and compassion and to share and care for the mankind." Chief Minister Mukul Sangma said, "May this season of goodwill further strengthens the bond of friendship and camaraderie and brings bountiful blessings to all." In neighbouring Nagaland, people started thronging the churches to ...
Christmas celebrated with traditional gaiety in Telangana
Christmas was celebrated with traditional gaiety and fervour in Telangana today. A large number of worshippers thronged churches, including Wesley church, St Bapist church among others in Hyderabad, and at several other places in Telangana to offer prayers. Christmas was celebrated in the TDP office here and Telangana unit president L Ramana and other party leaders took part in the celebrations. State Excise Minister T Padmarao participated in a Christmas programme in the city. Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana ESL Narasimhan, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao extended greetings on the occasion of Christmas.
Hyderabad showered with blessings on Christmas
As Christmas is being celebrated with fervour and gaiety across the world and India, celebrations are witnessed in Hyderabad as well.The churches of the city have been decorated and thousands of people visited the holy places to celebrate the Pagan holiday.Speaking to ANI, Ganapathi, a devotee said, "I have been coming to the church since my childhood. Jesus has been with me all the time -even in the worst stages of my life. Christmas is celebrated grandly all over the city."Another devotee, Vijay, said, "Christmas is a festival of giving. We give gifts, clothes and many other things to each other. It is not mandatory to give gifts as we can even share a word with each other."Vinay, a local, said people invite friends to their homes on this occasion and different types of dishes are prepared."We then come to church and pray to the lord to fulfill all our dreams," he added.His brother Anil told ANI: "We celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus Christ. It's a symbolic meaning that ...
Am not attempting to divide any religion, says Siddaramaiah
Amidst raging differences onthe issue of separate religion status to Veerashivas/Lingayats, Karnataka Chief Minister today said he was not making any attempts to divide any religion. "I'm not attempting to divide religion. Five (forums) of themhave given petitions, I have sent the five petitions to the(state) minorities commission," he told reporters at Hubbali in north Karnataka. Veerashaiva/Lingayat is a numericallystrong and politically-influential community concentrated largely in the northern part of Karnataka and pays allegiance to the 12th century "social reform movement"initiated by philosopher Basaveshwara. Siddaramaiahsaid Veerashiva Mahasabha says they want a separate religion,but it should be Veerashiva-Lingayata dharma, while Lingayatsmaintain they want only Lingayat dharma. "What should I do, tell me? As a government, as theyhave given the petition, with responsibility, I have referredall the petitions to the minority commission," he added. Siddaramaiah's .
Thanka Anki reaches Ayyappa temple
The ceremonial procession carrying the sacred 'Thanka Anki' (golden attire) of Lord Ayyappa reached the Sabarimala temple here this evening. The procession, which had set off four days ago from Sree Parthasarthy temple at Aranmula, reached at the Lord Ayyappa temple by around 6.30 pm, temple sources said. Lord Ayyappa would adorn the sacred attire tomorrow for the 'Mandala pooja' and after the 'Athazha pooja' in the evening, the shrine will be closed for two days, marking the culmination of the 41-day pilgrimage season. The shrine will re-open on December 30 for the 'Makaravillaku' festival, which falls on Jan 14. There has been a heavy rush of pilgrims today also to offer prayers to lord Ayyappa after the arrival of the golden attire.
Nation gets into celebratory mood with Christmas festivities
Midnight masses and carols in praise of Lord Jesus marked Christmas today as the country got into a festive mood with people thronging markets donning Santa Claus caps and gospel bands enthralling the merry-makers. Worshippers across the country gathered in churches and cathedrals decorated with twinkling lights for the midnight service to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Persons dressed up as Santa Claus cheered the revellers at several places such as malls, markets and parks. Christmas trees, bells, gifts and cakes were flooded in the markets where several people wearing Santa Claus' signature cap could be seen enjoying the festive spirit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished people on Christmas, saying, "We remember the noble teachings of Lord Christ". "Merry Christmas to all fellow citizens, especially our Christian brothers and sisters. May the festival bring happiness to our families and our shared society," President Ram Nath Kovind said on his official Twitter .
Grand celebrations mark Christmas in Meghalaya
Christians in Meghalaya, as in the rest of the world, on Monday celebrated Christmas with fervour and spirit, exchanging greetings and gifts with friends and relatives.
Electricity adds glow to Christmas celebrations in Assam village
Christmas festivities on Monday had an added glow at Assam's Shalmari Hatigarh and on the faces of the village residents -- courtesy supply of electricity.
J-K churches lit up for Christmas celebrations
With the spirit of Christmas in the air, the people of Jammu and Kashmir celebrated the festival today.Christmas is celebrated as a commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ universally by the Christian community.The churches across the Valley were decorated with ribbons and lights yesterday to mark the celebrations.Undeterred by freezing temperature, devotees joined the prayers in churches which were decorated for the occasion.The main Christmas function was held at Maulana Azad Road, Lal Chowk in Srinagar where devotees joined the mass prayers.Father Roy at the Holy Family Catholic Church on MA Road said, "The celebrations this year are more upbeat than the last year. Last year, the celebrations were low-key due to the unrest and were restricted to the spiritual part only. This year also we are not making it so big, but colourful celebrations are taking place."Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti felicitated people on Christmas and expressed hope that the holy
Delhi celebrates Christmas with fervour
Dressed in Santa Claus hats and red outfits, the people of Delhi celebrated Christmas with much grandeur and fervour on Monday.
Tanvi Foods (India) acquires land at Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh
For setting up a new processing facility
Gaiety, Yuletide spirit mark Christmas in Bengaluru
Thousands of devout Christians on Monday celebrated Christmas with prayers and carols in churches across the city to mark the birth of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago.
Seculars don't have 'their own identity': Union minister Hegde
Union Minister Ananth Kumar Hegde has again stoked a controversy, saying those who consider themselves secular and intellectual do not have "their own identity" and they were also unaware of their parentage. Hegde, a five-time Lok Sabha member from Uttara Kannada, is no stranger to controversies. A case was registered against him for allegedly using derogatory language against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Kittur in Belagavi district. He had been slapped with cases for his "hate speeches", including one where he allegedly equated Islam with terrorism. Hegde, 49, said a new tradition was in vogue, where people project themselves as secular, but asserted he would feel "happy" if someone claims with pride that he is a Muslim, or a Christian, or a Lingayat, or a Brahmin, or a Hindu. "I feel happy because he (the person) knows about his blood, but I don't know what to call those who claim themselves secular," the minister for skill development and entrepreneurship ..
Israeli PM Netanyahu wishes citizens, pledges for peace
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wished the people of Israel by posting his Christmas greetings on Facebook, on Sunday night.According to Al-Jazeera, addressing the video message, Netanyahu said, "It's a pleasure for me, on Christmas eve, to be here, standing in Jerusalem, the holy city. I also promise Christians around the world to personally welcome them to Israel and give them a tour of the country's holy sites.""I'm very proud to be the prime minister of Israel. A country that says Merry Christmas, first to its Christian citizens, and to our Christian friends around the world," added Netanyahu.The Israeli leader pledged for peace and unity to be achieved in the country and warned people to not fall prey to anti-social rumours.Security has been beefed up at various churches across Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Bethlehem.