Page 64 - Religion Belief
Kumbh Mela '19: President Kovind, PM Modi laud UP govt's efforts
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday greeted the nation on the commencement of Kumbh Mela, which is believed to be the world's biggest religious festival, spanning over the next 50 days.Taking to Twitter, the President appreciated efforts made by the Centre and Uttar Pradesh government for conducting the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2019."As the Kumbh Mela begins, greetings to fellow citizens and to pilgrims from across the world. The Kumbh is an important part of India's spiritual and cultural heritage. Appreciate efforts of the Union and Uttar Pradesh govts in this logistically massive exercise," he said.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi tweeted: "Warm greetings of holy Kumbh Mela, starting from Prayagraj. I hope that on this occasion, the devotees of India and abroad will get to see India's spiritual, cultural and social diversity. I wish that more and more people become part of this divine and grand ceremony."The Kumbh Mela, which is celebrated four times ...
New bishop for Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church
D Daniel Jeyaraj was consecrated as the 13th bishop of Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church in a ceremony held at Tarangambadi in Nagapattinam district Monday. The consecration was held at the 300-year-old New Jerusalem Church in the presence of retired High Court judge Justice K Venkatraman, who is the administrator of Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church. Earlier, a procession was taken out from the Ziegenbalg memorial, in which students, pastors, heads of various churches across the country and abroad participated. After the consecration ceremony, a felicitation meeting was held. Thousands of religious heads and delegates from Sweden, Denmark, Germany and other countries participated on the occasion. The Tamil Evangelical Lutheran Church is a popular Christian denomination in India and was established in 1919. It is headquartered at Tiruchirappalli and theBishopsof the Lutheran Church hold the title 'Bishopof Tranquebar'. Until 1956, the church had foreigners as the ...
'Akharas' ready to steal the show at Kumbh Mela
Considered an integral part of the Kumbh Mela, 'akharas' set up at the venue virtually steal the show. The 'akharas' were formed following efforts by the eighth century Hindu seer Adi Shankaracharya to unite organisations of ascetics to protect the 'sanatan' way of life. Each 'akhara' houses followers of similar religious customs, views and ideologies, who specialise in both scriptures and armaments. According to Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) president Narendra Giri, 'akharas' may be categorised into three categories based on the deities they worship -- Shaiva, Vaishnava and Udaseen. Of the 13 'akharas', seven are Shaiva and three each are Vaishnava and Udaseen, Giri said. The word 'akhara' came from the word 'akhand' which means "indivisible", he said. Shaiva Akaharas that worship Lord Shiva in various forms are Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani (Allahabad), Shri Panch Atal Akhara (Varanasi), Shri Panchayati Akhara Niranjani (Allahabad), Taponidhi Shri Anand Akhara ...
Ayodhya dispute overshadows city's fascinating, rich history: author
For three decades and more, Ayodhya has been at the heart of Indian politics but can a 3,300-year-old town be defined only by the Ram temple dispute and seen through just one uni-religious prism? No, says journalist and author Valay Singh emphatically, stressing that looking at the holy town only through the developments that led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 would be a "great disservice" to its "multi-layered and multi-religious" history. Singh, whose book "Ayodhya - City of Faith, City of Discord" was launched recently, said the temple dispute has overshadowed the many layers to the city. "Ayodhya has an extensive history, linking this city also to Buddhism, Islam and Jainism. Its Buddhist history has been documented by Chinese travellers. It is a major Jain pilgrim spot. Amir Khusrau came to Ayodhya and wrote about it. To ignore its rich history and folklore is a great disservice to the city," Singh told PTI. "To look at Ayodhya only through the history of the ...
Row erupts over coins from Rome's Trevi fountain
A row has erupted between the mayor of Rome and the Roman Catholic Church over what should happen to coins retrieved from the city's iconic Trevi fountain.
Kumbh Mela: 'Kinnar Akhada' joins 'Juna Akhada' to participate in 'Shahi Snan'
The 'Kinnar Akhada' on Sunday formally joined the 'Juna Akhada' to participate in the 'Shahi Snan' in the Kumbh Mela, which starts on Tuesday.The 'Kinnar Akhada' will continue to be a separate 'Akhada', but will participate with 'Juna Akhada' for the event at Kumbh."We are happy to be associated with 'Juna Akhada'," said Kinnar Akhada chief Mahamandaleshwar Laxmi Narayan Tripathi.Earlier, Tripathi exhumed pride and confidence while talking of her Akhada's debut at this massive congregation of pilgrims and said, "For me, it is a wonderful situation to come to this divine Prayagraj Kumbh. For me, we are one of the most conservative societies in the world where the acceptance of the third gender is remarkably outstanding. For us, this participation is about mainstream society accepting us. This is Akhada beyond sexuality. The creator is within us and once we perish we will go back to him. Our doors are open for all."The 55-day long Kumbh Mela will end on March 4. It is the largest human .
Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti to be anointed as Mahamandaleshwar today
Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti will be conferred with the title of Mahamandaleshwar of Niranjani Akhara today.She will be anointed as Mahamandaleshwar after going through all the religious rituals, said Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad president and Niranjani Akhara's Mahant Narendra Giri Maharaj.This comes ahead of the Kumbh Mela, which starts on Tuesday.The 55-day long Kumbh Mela will end on March 4. It is the largest human congregation in the world, with over 130 million pilgrims expected to participate in the festival with the belief that taking a dip in the holy water of Ganges River will pave the way for their salvation and would redeem them of their sins.
VP Naidu inaugurates Telangana International Kyte, Sweet Festival in Hyderabad
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday inaugurated the fourth International Kite Festival and Second International Sweet Festival, organised by the Telangana government as a part of Sankranthi celebrations, at the Parade Grounds in Secunderabad.While speaking on the occasion, Naidu said that festivals are occasions for social bonding and inculcate a spirit of communal harmony and national integrity. "They symbolise renewal, rejuvenation, and revival of our traditions and heritage and bring in the sense of togetherness, unity, love and brotherhood in today's fast-paced world," he added.Calling Makar Sankranthi a "celebration of life and vitality," he said, "These festivals hold great historical and religious significance. It is the festival of Sun God who is often regarded as the symbol divinity and wisdom. Those who celebrate this occasion of thanksgiving and merry-making revel in anticipation and joy."He also urged the younger generation to understand the rich and diverse traditions
Rising intolerance severely affected religious minorities: Farooq Abdullah
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah Sundaysaid the "rising intolerance" in the country has "severely affected" religious minorities, especially Muslims. Attacking the BJP-led government at the Centre, Abdullah said the current dispensation in Delhi was "hell-bent on destroying the secular and liberal visage of India". In an official statement, the lawmaker from Srinagar was quoted as saying that the people of the country showed the BJP its "right place" by voting their governments out in the recently concluded assembly elections. He said, "Rising intolerance in the country has severely affected religious minorities, especially Muslims." He urged Muslims to forge unity and give a befitting response to "forces contriving to divide the community". Addressing gatherings at Syed Hamid Pura Nawabazar and Boulevard, Abdullah said Islam is all about love, peace, and compassion. "The name of Islam is enough to impress upon us the importance of peace as the word denotes same," he ...
Nitish offers prayers at Takht Sri Harmandir Patna Sahib
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Sunday visited Takht Sri Harmandir Patna Sahib and offered prayers on the occasion of 352nd Prakash Parv, the birth anniversary of 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Govind Singh. Addressing the people who gathered in large numbers on the auspicious occasion at a specially built 'Diwan Hall' here, Kumar said "We had organized 350th Prakash Parv of 10th Sikh Guru on a grand scale two years ago. People of Bihar had welcomed the devotees from across the world". "This (Patna) is the birth place of 10th Sikh Guru Guru Gobind Singh. It's a matter of pride for the people of Bihar. This is the same ancient Patliputra from where the entire country was ruled once. Patna Sahib site was the actual Patliputra. This is a historic place. Bihar is the place of knowledge, salvation and Nirvana," he said. Patna Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, is considered one of the holiest places by Sikhs around the world, besides being a major tourist attraction for ...
Jai Ram Thakur remembers Guru Gobind Singh
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said Sunday religion is the very essence of society and respect towards it is important. Thakur paid obeisance at Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara here. Speaking at a function organised by the Gurudwara on the auspicious occasion of 352nd Prakashotsva of Sri Guru Gobind Singh, he said the spiritual leader made great contributions to religion, society and the country. The teachings of Guru Gobind Singh are extremely relevant today, he opined. The chief minister said, "We should read the history of these great men and saints who established ideal society." Later, the president of Guru Singh Sabha Jaswinder Singh honoured the chief minister with 'saropa' and sword. Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj, MLA Balbir Verma, Deputy Mayor MC, Shimla, Rakesh Sharma attended the function.
Understand rich traditions of Indian festivals, VP tells youth
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on the eve of Makar Sankranti urged the youth to understand the rich and diverse traditions of Indian festivals and called for protecting, promoting and enriching "our exceptional" culture and folk art forms. Speaking after inaugurating the fourth International Kite Festival and second International Sweet Festival at Parade Ground in Secunderabad Sunday, Naidu said festivals are occasions for social bonding and inculcate a spirit of communal harmony and national integrity. "They symbolise renewal, rejuvenation, and revival of our traditions and heritage and bring in a sense of togetherness, unity, love, and brotherhood in today's fast-paced world," Naidu was quoted as saying in an official release. "We witness the coming together of families and communities during such festivals. They are also occasions for social bonding," he said. Calling the harvest festival Makar Sankranti a celebration of life and vitality, Naidu said it holds great historical and
Year-long celebrations of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak kicks off in US
Year-long celebrations of Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary has kicked off in the US to spread his message of brotherhood and sharing. The Indian Embassy and Consulates have chalked out a calendar of activities including musical concerts, seminars and interfaith events throughout the year, India's new Ambassador Harsh V Shringla said. The year 2019 marks the 550th birth anniversary year of Sikhism founder Guru Nanak, whose birthplace is Sri Nankana Sahib, in Pakistan. He was addressing people gathered to celebrate the occasion with colourful events where artist Bhai Baldeep Singh played devotional music Saturday. "Guru Nanak Dev ji was one of India's greatest philosophers, teachers and social reformers. Born in an epoch when the Indian society was caste-riddled, Guru Nanak's voice was an empowering call to unshackle the human mind of centuries of religious and political tyranny and for the creation of a new egalitarian order," Shringla told the gathering of some 200 people. The ...
Pak varsity to observe Sisters' Day on Valentine's Day to promote 'Islamic traditions'
A Pakistani university will celebrate Sisters' Day on February 14 to promote "Islamic traditions", according to the vice chancellor. Female students can be gifted scarves and Abayahs (clothes) as decided by Vice Chancellor Zafar Iqbal Randhawa of the University of Agriculture in Faisalabad and other decision makers, Dawn news reported. The vice chancellor believes it was "compatible with Pakistan's culture and Islam", the report said. February 14 is celebrated as Valentine's Day across the world. On the day, people express their love and affection with greetings and gifts. The university announced that it will celebrate Sisters' Day on February 14 to "promote Islamic traditions", Randhawa said. While speaking to DawnNewsTV, he said that he was not sure if his suggestion to celebrate Sisters' Day "would click or not". He said that although some Muslims have turned Valentine's Day into a threat, "My thinking is that if there is a threat, convert it into an opportunity". The report ...
Rahul Gandhi calls on Sharjah ruler; discusses range of issues
Congress President Rahul Gandhi Sunday called on Sharjah ruler Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi and held a "cordial discussion" with him on a range of issues to strengthen the bilateral ties. Gandhi was in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a two-day maiden visit to Dubai and Abu Dhabi during which he met the country's top leadership and addressed the Indian community besides meeting with the business leaders and students. He met the Sharjah ruler before his departure to India. "It was a pleasure to meet with Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, the ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah. We had a cordial discussion that covered a range of issues. I look forward to working with him to strengthen the bonds between our countries," the Congress president said in a tweet. Gandhi Friday had an "excellent meeting" with Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during which he assured the Dubai ruler that he was committed to an even stronger bilateral ties. Earlier, ..
PM Modi hails Kartarpur Corridor, promises justice to 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the decision of his government to construct Kartarpur Corridor and promised justice to the families of 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims, which shook the nation.Prime Minister Modi, who was speaking after releasing a commemorative coin to mark the 352nd birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh ji, 10th Sikh Guru, on Sunday here, said: "No binoculars are needed as the Sikh shrines of Dera Baba Nanak Sahib will now be visible with naked eyes. Sikh devotees will be able to make a visa-free pilgrimage to Darbar Sahib in Pakistan.""Kartarpur corridor project is an attempt to atone for the mistakes committed during India's partition in August 1947. We had failed to ensure that the sacred site of Guru remains on our side of the border. This project is authentic proof of compensating that loss," said Prime Minister Modi.Talking about the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, wherein around 2,700 Sikhs were killed across India, after the assassination of former Prime ...
Kovind, Modi pay homage to Guru Gobind Singh on birth anniversary
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid homage to the tenth Sikh master Guru Gobind Singh on his 352nd birth anniversary.
Devotees throng gurdwaras to mark Guru Gobind Singh's birth anniversary
Thousands of devotees thronged gurdwaras across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Patna and other places across the country on Sunday to offer prayers on the occasion of 352nd birth anniversary of tenth Sikh master, Guru Gobind Singh.
Venkaiah Naidu pays homage to Swami Vivekananda on birth anniversary
The Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu, has said that preserving the invaluable heritage of India was true nationalism and India can provide a sheet-anchor and a spiritual compass to the world witnessing unprecedented changes. He said that India could provide honey of wisdom gathered from different flowers by different bees to the world filled with bitterness.Interacting with youth on the occasion of National Youth Day celebrated to commemorate the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda at Swarna Bharat Trust in Hyderabad, Naidu said that Vivekananda believed in the upliftment of humanity, irrespective of caste or creed and emphasised the importance of spiritualism for the survival and progress of mankind. Swami Vivekananda was a social reformer and was against religious dogmas, he added.Talking about Swami Vivekananda's teachings that resonate with the youth of all times, Naidu said he wanted the youth to be healthy, enlightened, and confident. He stressed upon the need to ...
Follow Swami Vivekananda's teachings to bring positive change
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu Saturday said the teachings of Swami Vivekananda were timeless and following it can bring about a positive change in people's lives. Naidu, who spoke at the Swarn Bharat Trust here on the occasion of 156th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, said the spiritual leader was an epitome of Indian culture. Vivekananda's teachings are extraordinary, timeless and also show a way to address various problems facing the world, Naidu said. Youth can scale greater heights in life by putting the monk's teachings into practice, he added.