Page 41 - Religion Belief
Citing Maundy Thursday, TN Bishops' Council seeks change in poll date
The Tamil Nadu Bishops' Council has moved the Madras High Court seeking re-scheduling of the April 18 Lok Sabha elections and assembly bypolls in the state, saying the date clashed with Easter Triduum, a key religious event for Christians, and polling percentage may be affected. In his petition, Madurai Archbishop and president of the bishops' council Antony Pappusamy submitted that there were around 50 lakh Christians in the state and for them the Holy Week starts with the Palm Sunday on April 14 and culminates with Easter Sunday on April 21. The election date coincided with Maundy Thursday, when the Last Supper takes place on the eve of crucifixion and death of Jesus on Good Friday, the petitioner submitted. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter were called Holy Triduum (holy three days), he said, adding thousands of faithful will visit churches and prayers would continue throughout the night on these days. Hence it may affect the turn out of voters, the petitioner said. He also ..
Muslim litigant in Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute meets Hindu saint to extend Holi greetings
Three days ahead of Holi, Iqbal Ansari, the litigant in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute met Mahant Dharam Das on Monday to extend Holi greetings.Speaking to ANI, Ansari said, "This has been a tradition. In Ayodhya, Hindus and Muslims stay together. We do not always talk about religion we believe humanity is our religion. We respect the Hindu saints and seek their blessings. We want to give a message to the world that there should be no politics on the name of religion, caste, temple or mosques."Das also echoed similar sentiments and said all festivals irrespective of their faiths are celebrated with full fervor in Ayodhya.He said, "We consider Holi as the most auspicious festival. All of us celebrate all festivals together. It is not that Ram belongs to only Hindus. During our meeting, we spoke about Holi and Ram Mandir. We are certain that the Ram Temple will be built at the earliest."Holi, also known as the festival of colours, is celebrated across India to mark the .
Resume talks with Dalai Lama, aides, US tells China
The US Ambassador-At-Large for International Religious Freedom Samuel Brownback has said the US will continue to support the Dalai Lama's 'middle-way' approach and urged China to resume formal dialogue with him or his representatives, the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) said on Monday.
Australia boosts security for mosques, places of worship
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday announced more funding to defend religious establishments against potential attack in the wake of the mosque massacres in neighbouring New Zealand. Morrison said he would provide Aus$55 million (US$39 million) in "community safety grants" with a priority placed on security at "religious schools, places of religious worship and religious assembly". The funding, he told the Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce, would include "CCTV cameras, lighting, fencing, bollards, alarms, security systems and public address systems". "I so wish we didn't need this on places of worship in Australia, whether they be at temples or schools or mosques or churches," said Morrison. "It grieves me that this is necessary. But, sadly, it is." The gunman accused of killing 50 people at two mosques in Christchurch hails from Australia.
Poll process begins in both Telugu states
The process for elections to the 42 Lok Sabha seats in both the Telugu states and the 175-member Andhra Pradesh Assembly began on Monday with the election authorities issuing the notifications.
Amid tensions, Israel detains 2 guards at Al-Aqsa mosque
Israeli police on Sunday detained two security guards at East Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque complex, amid mounting tensions.According to Jerusalem's Religious Endowments Authority, a Jordan-run agency tasked for overseeing the city's Muslim and Christian holy sites, one guard was arrested after he stepped out from Al-Majlis gate, one of the gates situated in the Al-Aqsa mosque complex. The guard was taken into custody for questioning, Anadolu News Agency reported.Israeli police detained the second guard while entering the mosque, said Firas al-Dibs, spokesperson of Jerusalem's Religious Endowments Authority.It is yet to be ascertained why the two guards were detained, which came hours after an Israeli court had extended the closure of Bab al-Rahma mosque, which is situated in the Al-Aqsa mosque complex, according to Anadolu News Agency.The Bab al-Rahma mosque was first shut down by Israeli authorities back in 2003. A court here had extended the closure order in 2017.Tensions have been ...
Festive fervour marks Holi celebrations in Brijbhumi
The streets of Vrindavan were Saturday splashed with colours as thousands celebrated Holi accompanied by singers belting out traditional Rasias and artistes performing folk dances to the beat of thumping drums. "Not only Lathamaar Holi of Rawal village, but other region-specific Holi celebrations were organised here. More than 50,000 people took part in the festivities," the secretary of Srikrishna Janmasthan Kapil Sharma said. Hundreds of domestic as well as international tourists were seen near Sri Krishna Janmasthan. Maximum rush was at Bankey Behari temple in Vrindaban where merrymakers were seen vying for Behari Ji Maharaj's time. The streets of Goverdhan were full of colour and Gulal as lakhs performed circumambulations around the Goverdhan, Rameshwar, head priest of Dan Ghati temple said. Keeping with the rainbow theme, the Holi organisers set up a pulley system which sprayed 'gulal' (rose-colour powder) on the crowds. Internationally acclaimed Charkula and Maharas dances were .
Parrikar consulted Church in major decisions: Archbishop
Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who passed away on Sunday, often sought out influential Catholic Church leaders for opinions before taking "far reaching decisions" for the benefit of Goa, Archbisop Filipe Neri Ferrao said.
NZ's foreign min calls Qureshi to condole death of 9 Pakistanis in shooting in Christchurch mosques
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Winston Peters on Sunday called his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mahmood Qureshi and expressed his deepest condolence over the death of nine Pakistani nationals killed in a terror attack on two Christchurch mosques, Foreign Office said. At least 50 worshippers were killed on Friday in attacks on the Al Noor Mosque in central Christchurch and the Linwood Mosque in the city's outer suburb on Friday, in what appeared to be the worst attack on Muslims in a western country. Among the dead, there were nine Pakistani nationals. Speaking to Qureshi over telephone, Peters, who is also Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand, conveyed his condolences and sympathies with the bereaved families of the innocent victims. "Peters conveyed his condolences and sympathies with the bereaved families of the innocent victims," Pakistan Foreign Office said. Condemning the attack, Qureshi termed it a "heinous" and "cowardly" act and expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the Government .
Odisha CM condoles death of Parrikar
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday condoled the demise of Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. "Deeply saddened by news of the passing away of former Defence Minister of India & Chief Minister, Goa #Manohar Parrikar. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends & followers. May his soul rest in peace," Patnaik wrote on Twitter. A host of other leaders, including Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) President Niranjan Patnaik, also expressed grief over the death of Parrikar. "Extremely saddened at the passing away of a dear friend & colleague, Shri Manohar Parrikar. A wonderful human being, his dedication towards his duty & passion for the welfare of his people will always remain an inspiration for all of us," Pradhan tweeted. "He will be deeply missed. Pray to the Almighty to give strength to his near and dear ones in this hour of grief," he said.
New Zealand's Dunedin airport temporarily closed after suspicious package found
Dunedin International Airport in the Southern Island of New Zealand was temporarily closed on late Sunday after a suspicious bag was found on the airfield."Dunedin Airport is currently closed," Geo News quoted the New Zealand Police as saying in a statement."Police are at the scene and specialist teams have been deployed to determine the nature of the package," the statement said.As the scare came in the late evening, Air New Zealand flight 691 from Wellington circled around the city for almost an hour before returning to its destination.New Zealand is currently on a state of high alert after a gunman, who is believed to have lived in Dunedin, killed 50 people in two mosques in Christchurch on Friday morning.Using automatic weapons, the 28-year-old gunman launched a "well-planned" attack on the mosques when devotees had assembled for the weekly prayer on March 14, following which mosques across the country were advised to shut down across the country."Mosques are welcome to open their
Former Kerala PSC chairman Radhakrishnan joins BJP
Former Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman K. S. Radhakrishnan on Sunday joined the Bharatiya Janata Party here in the presence of party chief Amit Shah.
Protesters hold symbolic funeral in Istanbul for New Zealand victims
Hundreds of protesters held a symbolic funeral in Istanbul on Saturday to mourn the deaths of 49 people murdered in attacks on two New Zealand mosques. The right-wing extremist charged over the attacks in Christchurch apparently published a manifesto online that Turkish media said contained specific references to Turkey and ridding the famed Hagia Sophia in Istanbul of its minarets. On Saturday around 500 protesters gathered outside the Hagia Sophia, which is now a museum but was once a church before being turned into a mosque during the Ottoman empire. The crowds of mainly nationalist and Islamic groups unfurled banners that read "Muslims, stand tall!" and "Muslims, unite!" and conducted a short prayer service for the victims. Police stepped up security around the building, with dozens of officers flanking the demonstration, some on horse back and others carrying riot shields. "Everyone is aware of the rising Islamophobia all over the world; assailants find the courage to launch such
Man found dead in Ghantasala canal
A 26-year-old man was found dead in a canal in Krishna district's Ghantasala mandal on Saturday, police said. The deceased, identified as Akkhar Akhim, was a welder in Challapalli mandal in Krishna district, said Ghantasala Sub-Inspector Shanmukha Sai. Locals found his body wrapped in a sari in the canal, he said. The police found a suspected suicide note, where Akhim is believed to blame the family of his lover for the extreme step. The girl, who belongs to the same mandal, was set to be engaged on Saturday, police said. The body was sent to Avanigadda Government Hospital for post-mortem. A case was registered and investigation is on, police said.
Apna Dal Krishna Patel faction joins Congress
Apna Dal's Krishna Patel faction forged an alliance with Congress on Saturday and finalised seat-sharing arrangement for upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh.As per the arrangement, Apna Dal will be contesting from Basti and Pilibhit parliamentary constituencies of Uttar Pradesh.Pankaj Niranjan Singh Chandel, son-in-law of Krishna Patel, has also taken membership of the Congress.Earlier on March 16, Apna Dal (S), a faction led by Anupriya Patel had entered into an alliance with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for upcoming Lok Sabha elections and will be contesting on two seats in Uttar Pradesh.
Missing Hyderabad man Farhaj Ahsan killed in New Zealand terror attack
A man from Hyderabad, who was missing since Friday following the "well-planned" terror attack on Al Noor mosque in Christchurch in New Zealand, has been declared dead by the authorities in New Zealand on Saturday.The deceased, named Farhaj Ahsan, went to the mosque for Friday's prayers but went missing after the attacks.Ahsan's father had earlier told ANI: "My son went to the mosque to offer Friday prayers. My son has not returned yet."Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased are planning to go to New Zealand. Nobody was willing to speak to the media amid the sad reports of Ashan's death.In the worst ever terror attack in New Zealand, multiple gunmen carried out indiscriminate shootings at two mosques in Christchurch during the Friday prayers, leaving 49 people dead and at least 48 wounded.Using automatic weapons, the gunmen, four of whom have been taken into custody, launched a "well-planned" attack on the mosques when devotees had assembled for the weekly prayers.External ...
Cong seals alliance with Apna Dal, gives 2 Lok Sabha seats in UP
The Congress on Saturday finalised the seat-sharing agreement with the Apna Dal led by Krishna Patel and allocated it two Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. The Apna Dal will contest from two parliamentary constituencies -- Basti and Gonda, the Congress announced. Pankaj Niranjan Singh Chandel, the son-in-law of Patel, joined the Congress in the presence of party president Rahul Gandhi and general secretaries Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Jyotiraditya Scindia. Patel was also present there. Krishna Patel's daughter and union minister Anupriya Patel, who leads the Apna Dal (Sonelal), has tied up with the BJP on Friday. BJP president Amit Shah announced the agreement on Twitter, saying that Apna Dal (S) leader and Union minister Anupriya Patel would again contest from Mirzapur. Shah said the second seat would be finalised later after deliberations between leaders of both the parties. Uttar Pradesh has 80 Lok Sabha seats.
Kerala nun rape case: Nun who protested against Bishop Mulakkal receives show cause notice from FCC
Sister Lucy Kalappura, one of the nuns who had participated in the protest against rape-accused Bishop Franco Mulakkal, received fresh show cause notice from Franciscan Clarist Congregation (FCC) on March 12. As per the notice, she has to give an explanation before April 16.The 18-page letter, written by Superior General Ann Joseph, states that she has "prima facie violated vow of obedience".Alleging that the replies given so far are not adequate and satisfactory, the letter said, "His/her rights about marriage and family are conditioned by the obligations undertaken by that marriage. He/she cannot simply argue based on the fundamental human rights that I have the right and freedom to share my love and life with anyone of my choice".The letter has also accused Kalappura of not paying salary to the congregation since December 2017. It claims that she was enjoying the fruits of FCC membership like free food and accommodation and has also stated that she can leave the congregation if she
Muslim man assaulted in London post-New Zealand terror attack
A Muslim man here was beaten with a hammer and a batten outside a mosque in east London on Friday, hours after 49 people were killed in the terror attack on two mosques in New Zealand.The assaulters shouted abusive words with Islamophobic content as they drove past the mosque and called people attending Friday prayers as terrorists, Al Jazeera reported citing sources.In a video filmed by eyewitnesses, one of the attackers climbed out of a blue car and attacked a worshipper with a hammer. The 27-year-old victim suffered head injuries.When others started chasing, the attacker was seen clinging to the car's bonnet in an attempt to get away.Following the attack at Christchurch in New Zealand, British police have beefed up security around mosques.In a statement issued, London's Mayor Sadiq Khan said the city stands with the people of Christchurch in the face of this horrific terror attack."London will always celebrate the diversity that some seek to destroy ... I want to reassure the ...
Pak high commissioner offers prayers at Ajmer Sharif
Pakistan High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood offered prayers at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan on Saturday, where the 807th Urs festival is currently underway. The Urs is an annual festival held at the dargah to commemorate the death anniversary of Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti. Mahmood presented the traditional chadar on behalf of the people and the Pakistan government, a statement by the Pakistan High Commission said. The high commissioner said Sufi saints like Khwaja Ghareeb Nawaz, Hazrat Baba Farid and Nizamuddin Auliya formed an immutable and eternal bond between the peoples of Pakistan and India, the statement said. Mahmood expressed the hope that the message and illustrious example of these Sufi saints would continue to serve as a guiding light in tackling present-day challenges and also help the two countries develop a relationship based on better mutual understanding, it added.