Religion News – Weekly Newsletter for February 21-28, 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

Goa pulls out play from Shivaji Jayanti celebrations

PANAJI – The Goa government was forced to pull out a Marathi play from events marking Maratha king Shivaji’s birth anniversary celebrations after right-wing Hindu groups claimed that it denigrated Hindu gods and saints.

A government spokesperson Tuesday said the play ‘Ghalin Lotangan’, sponsored by the state information and publicity department, …. Source article on Gaea Times at : Goa pulls out play from Shivaji Jayanti celebrations.

Suriname observes festival similar to India’s Mahakumbh

Port-of-SPAIN – Hindus in Suriname enthusiastically observed Surya Kumbha Parvaa, a festival that is similar to India’s mammoth Mahakumbh.

The Surya Kumbha Parvaa began Jan 14, the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti.
The festival is similar to the Kumbha Mela Mahotsav celebrated in India in Haridwar, Prayag, Ujjain and Nashik. Millions of people take … Read more : Suriname observes festival similar to India’s Mahakumbh.

Happy my father has been vindicated: Umarji’s son after acquittal

GODHRA – Saeed Umarji was just 25 when his 55-year-old cleric father Maulana Umarji was picked up by the police and made the main accused in the 2002 Godhra train carnage case.

I was a raw youngster enjoying my youthful days in this small town at the back of beyond. And suddenly my world …. Source article : Happy my father has been vindicated: Umarji’s son after acquittal.

Government to meet Muslim MPs on Haj facility reforms

NEW DELHI – The government Thursday said it will soon call a meeting of Muslim members from both houses of parliament to seek suggestions on reforming Haj pilgrimage facilities.

“I plan to convene a meeting in the next few days of Muslim members from both houses so that we can have their views on reforms …. Original article on Gaea Times at : Government to meet Muslim MPs on Haj facility reforms.

Karmapa’s ‘Chinese connection’ leaves Himachal police red-faced

DHARAMSALA – Claims by Himachal Pradesh Police of a possible “Chinese connection” to the activities of Tibetan religious leader, the Karmapa, are falling apart with the Karmapa’s office giving out details that there was nothing amiss in the money found from his monastery.

The 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, who resides at his temporary abode … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Karmapa’s ‘Chinese connection’ leaves Himachal police red-faced.

Vastanvi to stay till Deoband panel submits report

DEOBAND – The controversial Ghulam Mohammad Vastanvi will continue as vice chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband till a three-member subcommittee of clerics constituted Wednesday takes a final call on him.

The decison was taken by the Majlis-e-Shoora, the seminary’s highest decision making body, which set up the subcomittee.
According to a spokesman of Darul … Read more : Vastanvi to stay till Deoband panel submits report.

Judicial custody of Karmapa’s aide, 6 others extended

DHARAMSALA – A Himachal Pradesh court Thursday extended the judicial custody of seven people, including the Karmapas aide Rubgi Chosang, also known as Shakti Lama, a police official said.

“The judicial custody of all the seven people arrested in connection with the Karmapa controversy was extended by Una’s Chief Judicial Magistrate Rajesh Tomar,” Superintendent of …. Read the original article : here.

PM thanks nation for communal harmony

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Thursday congratulated the people of India for showing maturity and maintaining communal harmony in the country, especially following the verdict on the disputed site in Ayodhya.

The communal situation in the country is very satisfactory, the prime minister said, in his reply to the debate on the presidents …. Source article : PM thanks nation for communal harmony.

Everest hero finds incredible religious treasure trove in Nepal

KATHMANDU – In 2004, two years after he climbed Mt Everest for the seventh time, American mountaineering legend Peter Athans took part in a charitable cataract operation project in northern Nepal that changed the lives of nearly 300 beneficiaries.

Today, the event has led to a stupendous discovery that, once fully understood, could throw light …. Source : Everest hero finds incredible religious treasure trove in Nepal.

Everest hero finds incredible religious treasure trove in Nepal

Today, the event has led to a stupendous discovery that, once fully understood, could throw light … Read more >>.

The Karmapa case: Lies, plants and damage control (Comment)

Now that Ogyen Trinley Dorje, better known as the 17th Karmapa, has been cleared of money-laundering charges by the Indian government, it is in order to take a look at the inept handling of a matter of great national importance and religious sensitivity.

But first a recap: A random police check on a car carrying …. Original article : The Karmapa case: Lies, plants and damage control (Comment).

A congregation of deities in Himachal

MANDI – It will be a divine gathering! More than 200 gods and goddesses will ‘congregate’ here next week to participate in the centuries-old Mahashivratri Fair.

The week-long Mahashivratri Fair, one of the biggest traditional and religious festivals of the country, begins in Mandi March 3 — the day the festival is celebrated in …. Read the original article : A congregation of deities in Himachal.

File petition on Makara Jyothi in high court: Apex court

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking directions to the Kerala government and the Sabarimala Shrine Board to stop defrauding devotees by presenting ‘Makara Jyothi’ as a divine miracle, saying the matter can be raised in the state high court.

The apex court bench of Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia, Justice K.S. …. Source article on Gaea Times at : File petition on Makara Jyothi in high court: Apex court.