Page 523 - Video Gallery

Stone-pelting ritual observed in HP's Dhami to appease Goddess Kali

Shimla (HP), Oct 29 (ANI): Several devotees recently gathered in Dhami village of Shimla to appease Goddess Kali through the ancient practice of stone pelting. The historic ritual involves devotees hitting each other with stones till they bleed. Their blood is then offered to Goddess Kali as a symbol of victory of good over evil. Devotees from different tribes participated in procession, beating drums and playing flutes. They form teams and pelt stones at each other. Goddess Kali is the first of the ten incarnations of goddess Durga. She is regarded as more aggressive form of Goddess Durga and is known to destroy all evil for the cause of justice

3500 types of dishes offered at Swaminarayan Temple in Vadodara on 'Govardhan Puja'

Vadodara (Gujarat), Oct 28 (ANI): The Swaminarayan Temple in Vadodara celebrated 'Govardhan Puja' in a unique way on October 28. 3500 different types of food items were offered to the deities at the temple to celebrate the festival. The different types of dishes were made as a part of 'Annakoot Puja'. Devotees thronged to the temple in large numbers to offer prayers. 'Govardhan Puja' also known as 'Annakoot Puja', is a Hindu festival that is celebrated a day after Diwali. Govardhan Puja is celebrated to worship Lord Krishna who lifted Govardhan hill to prevent Lord Indra from causing havoc through heavy showers.

Haji Ali Dargah : An epitome of communal Harmony

Mumbai, Oct 28 (ANI): The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque located on a small island off the coast of Worli in the southern part of Mumbai metropolitan city of India. Built in the year 1431 in memory of a Saint Sayyed Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, the Dargah has served as a cynosure of communal harmony for generations. Saint Haji Ali Shah Bukhari was a wealthy merchant from present Uzbekistan, who gave up all his wealth to serve the humanity. A narrow causeway of about one kilometer links the shore with the island of Haji Ali Dargah. The cause way gets submerged during high tides and during low tides, the Dargah becomes accessible to lakhs of visitors coming from different religious backgrounds and communities. On Thursdays and Fridays, the shrine is visited by an enormous number of pilgrims. Irrespective of faith and religion, people visit the Dargah to get the blessings of the legendary saint. India has remained the epicenter of many such sites that strengthen the bond of secularism, as pe

Sikh warriors display horse riding skills in Amritsar to celebrate 'Bandi Chhor Diwas'

Amritsar (Punjab), Oct 28 (ANI): As the continued celebration of Bandi Chhor Diwas, armed Sikh warriors gathered to show their skills. Armed Sikh warriors who are also called 'Nihang' displayed their horse riding skills. They also carried their weapons with them. People come in large number to witness the magnificent display of ancient art. Bandi Chhor Diwas is celebrated to mark the release of Guru Hargobind Singh from imprisonment of Mughals in 17th century.

Delhiites enjoy 3rd day of laser light show at Connaught Place

New Delhi, Oct 28 (ANI): Delhiites flocked to Connaught Place to witness 3rd day of mega laser show event. The event was organised by Delhi govt to encourage people shun crackers to cut down pollution in the national capital. The circles of Connaught Place and adjoining areas were decked up with lights. People from all walks of life thronged the heart of the city to witness the unique show. The laser show will culminate on October 29.

PM Modi embarks on two-day visit to Saudi Arabia

New Delhi, Oct 28 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia. He will hold bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Riyadh. He will also attend the third session of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Forum.

Sufism promotes brotherhood and secularism in Jammu and Kashmir

Srinagar (JandK), Oct 28 (ANI): Popularly known as 'Pir Waer' or Alcove of Sufis and Saints, Jammu and Kashmir tasted the sweetness of Sufism nearly 700 years back, when it had reached the pinnacle of its development. With its eclectic emphasis on mutual tolerance and peaceful co-existence, it started forming an integral part of the people ethos and guiding their lives. Today, Sufism has got itself entrenched at the centre of cultural and spiritual life of the state especially the Kashmir valley. Mir Sayyid Ali Hamdani popularly known as Shah-i-Hamdan, a Persian Sufi of the Kubrawiya order is believed to be the first saint who visited Kashmir along with his seven hundred followers to preach Sufism. They then got settled in different parts of the Kashmir valley and spread the message of love and humanity among all. Later as a mark of respect shrines were constructed at the places where these saints use to meditate or where they lie buried. It is said that these shrines have so much blis

Flat of NCP leader attached by bank over non-payment of Rs 70 lakh loan

Pune/Baramati (Maharashtra), Oct 28 (ANI): A flat of Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Dhananjay Munde in Pune was attached by Shivajirao Bhosale Sahakari Bank for non-payment of a loan of Rs 70 lakh. Speaking to media persons, Dhananjay Munde said, "I had told the officers of the bank before elections that I am busy with elections and I will settle the matter after the elections. I will decide tomorrow what to do about the action they have taken."

People celebrate grand 'Deep Mahotsav' at Surajkund Dham in Gorakhpur

Gorakhpur (UP), Oct 28 (ANI): A Grand 'Deep Mahotsav' was organised at Surajkund Dham in Gorakhpur on Oct 28. People illuminated thousands of diyas and celebrated 'Deep Mahotsav' with great fervour. Celebration happened on the occasion of 'Govardhan Puja'.

This is disrespect to sovereignty of Parliament: Congress' Anand Sharma on allowing EU delegation to visit JandK

New Delhi, Oct 28 (ANI): Congress leader and Chairman of Parliamentary Standing Committee (RS) on Home Affairs Anand Sharma slammed Centre on the upcoming visit of European Parliament delegation to Jammu and Kashmir. Anand Sharma said, "This is disrespect to sovereignty of Indian parliament. Government must answer why it violated parliamentary privileges, the committee was not briefed on this." The delegation will visit Jammu and Kashmir on October 29.

Stubble burning continues in Haryana's Fatehabad

Fatehabad (Haryana), Oct 28 (ANI): Even after prohibition, farmers continued to burn stubble in Haryana's Fatehabad. Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana has become a major cause of air pollution not only in the states but also in the national capital. Earlier, farmers who were identified for burning stubbles had been sent legal notice to stop the practice.

P Chidambaram discharged from AIIMS, taken back to ED office

New Delhi, Oct 28 (ANI): Senior Congress leader and former union minister of finance, P Chidambaram brought back to Enforcement Directorate (ED) office from AIIMS on October 28. He was taken to AIIMS earlier today for gastrointestinal health complications and was discharged subsequently. P Chidambaram is in custody in connection with the INX Media money laundering case.

Badruddin Ajmal should not defame whole Muslim community: Manoj Tiwari on '2-child policy' row

New Delhi, Oct 28 (ANI): Recently, All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal said that Muslims will not listen to anyone and can produce as many children as they want. It came after Assam cabinet passed cleared 'two-child policy' where no person having more than two children would be eligible for government employment from January 2021 onwards. Speaking on the matter, Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari said, "This is a negative feeling and those who are saying so are defaming the Muslim community. I know a lot of Muslim families who are following 'Kam Parivar, Sukhi Parivar'. Do not impose the mentality of some people on everyone. Assam has come up with a positive way and a historic one. 'Hum do, Hamare do' is for everyone and not for a single community. One should oppose it if it was for a particular community." He further said, "Only Badruddin ji can tell his problem but Badruddin ji should not defame the whole Muslim community."

Devotees offer prayers at Dwarkadhish Temple in Mathura on 'Govardhan Puja'

New Delhi, Oct 28 (ANI): As multi-starrer movie 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil' clocked three years of its release on Monday, the film's director Karan Johar marked the day by sharing a picture of the hit movie. Karan shared a poster of the movie on Instagram and wrote: "A film closest to my heart...had the best time filming it and have indelible memories! Thank you to the entire cast and crew that made this experience so memorable...it's about the liberation of a broken heart." The story of the film revolved around musician Ayan's (Ranbir Kapoor) quest for true love. His desire, however, remains unfulfilled as his love Alizeh (Anushka Sharma) does not reciprocate his feelings. In his journey, he comes across different people who make him realize the power of unrequited love. Directed and written by Karan Johar, the film grossed Rs 152.60 crore at the box office. The flick also featured Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Fawad Khan in important roles.

If PM can invite EU delegation to JandK, why object to Opposition leaders' visit: Jaiveer Shergill

New Delhi, Oct 28 (ANI): National spokesperson of Congress, Jaiveer Shergill objected to the visit of European Parliament delegation to Jammu and Kashmir quoting it as an internal matter of India. He said, "There are two aspects to the visit of European Parliament delegation. First, no foreign nation or a member of foreign nation or a Parliament has a right to interfere in Jammu and Kashmir, which is internal matter of India." He further added, "Second, the nation, especially the opposition wants to know, if PMO can host EU member delegation and facilitate their visit to JandK, then why are they not extending same courtesy to opposition here? Why Centre objects to opposition leaders visiting JandK." Post abrogation of Article 370 on August 05, Jammu and Kashmir saw clampdown in form of restricted internet and transport services. Indian delegation at 42nd UN Human Rights Session maintained that Jammu and Kashmir was entirely internal matter of India which needs no intervention from outs

Vice President Naidu meets EU delegation in Delhi

New Delhi, Oct 28 (ANI): A delegation of European Union (EU) parliamentarians called on Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu at his residence. The delegation will visit Jammu and Kashmir on October 29. The delegation met Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day. The decision of inviting EU delegation to JandK has met with sharp criticism from Opposition leaders.

9 injured in grenade attack in JandK's Sopore

Srinagar (JandK), Oct 28 (ANI): Nine people were injured after a grenade was hurled near a bus stand in Sopore in Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on October 28. Two of the injured have been brought to a hospital in Srinagar. The attack comes ahead of a visit to Kashmir by a delegation of Members of European Union Parliament. According to Jammu and Kashmir Police, the information is preliminary and more details are currently awaited.

Villagers allow cows, bulls to run over them during 'Gaai Gohri' festival in Gujarat's Dahod

Dahod (Gujarat), Oct 28 (ANI): A unique and superstitious 'Gaai Gohri' festival was celebrated in Gujarat's Dahod district on October 28. The villagers allowed cows and bulls to run over them as a way of expressing gratitude to the almighty. The ritual is celebrated after Diwali, which also marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. The animals were coloured and decorated with peacock feathers. Bells were tied on the legs of the cows and bulls.

JNU students allegedly disrupt IHA meeting to raise hostel fee hike issue

New Delhi, Oct 28 (ANI): Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students allegedly interrupted Inter-Hall Administration (IHA) meeting on October 28. They staged protest over various issues such as hostel fee hike, electricity charges and water charges among others. Students who were not member of IHA were also reportedly got involved in the protest. The councilor of IHA also reportedly got a blood pressure attack and the ambulance, carrying him, was allegedly stopped by the protestors. Later, the way was cleared for the ambulance.

'Not appropriate' to say anything before SC verdict in Ayodhya case: BJP's Kalyan Singh

Aligarh (UP), Oct 28 (ANI): Speaking on the long-pending Ayodhya case, BJP leader and former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Kalyan Singh, said that it was 'inappropriate' to say anything before the verdict by the Supreme Court. Kalyan Singh said, "The matter is in Supreme Court and I believe that may be before November 17, the Supreme Court will announce its judgement on Ayodhya. All should wait for the Supreme Court verdict as saying anything before it by any of the parties concerned is not appropriate."