Malaysian Sikhs observe Nanakshahi New Year

KUALA LUMPUR – Sikhs in Malaysia observed a low key New Year, as per the Nanakshahi calendar named after the founder of the faith Guru Nanak.

More and more Sikhs are becoming conscious of the Sikh New Year that fell Sunday, The Star newspaper said.
There were low-key celebrations in Sikh homes and in …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Malaysian Sikhs observe Nanakshahi New Year.

Cartoonist lampoons niqab, angers Muslims in Canada

TORONTO – A controversial cartoon in a Montreal newspaper at the weekend has further fuelled the niqab controversy and angered Muslims in Canada.

The controversy, which was sparked by a Muslim woman’s refusal in November to remove her veil in her French language class in Montreal, has been further inflamed by the controversial cartoon in the [..] Read the original article: here.

Conflict between European artists and Muslims fuels concern about a clash of civilizations

Culture clash: European art provokes Muslims

LONDON – With the West locked in conflicts across the Muslim world, why would anyone throw fuel on the fire?
A small group of Europeans have been doing just that – provoking death plots and at least one murder by turning out art that derides the Prophet Muhammad and the Quran … Read more >>.

Israeli leader regrets crisis with Washington, but apology gets cool reception in Washington

Israeli apology gets cool reception in Washington
JERUSALEM – Israel’s prime minister expressed regret Sunday for a crisis with the United States over plans to expand a Jewish neighborhood in east Jerusalem, even as American officials played down the apology and called for bold Israeli action to get peace efforts back on track.
With tensions … Read more : Israeli leader regrets crisis with Washington, but apology gets cool reception in Washington.

Synagogue opens in German town after 70 years

HERFORD – A new synagogue was opened Sunday in the north-western German town of Herford, more than 70 years after the old synagogue was destroyed under Nazi rule.

“I wish you and all of us that Jewish life in North Rhine-Westphalia and Germany flourishes,” Juergen Ruettgers, the state premier of North Rhine-Westphalia where Herford is located … Read more »»».

Iraq PM edges ahead of rival in partial election count, holds narrow lead over chief rival

Iraqi PM in narrow lead in partial election tally

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s prime minister edged ahead in a tight race in the country’s parliamentary elections Sunday after partial results from all of 18 provinces showed his bloc leading in seven provinces – two more than his chief rival.
The tally strengthens Nouri al-Maliki’s chances of retaining the …. Original article  : Iraq PM edges ahead of rival in partial election count, holds narrow lead over chief rival.

Israeli leader urges calm after new rebuke from US over east Jerusalem construction plans

Israeli leader urges calm over row with Washington

JERUSALEM – Israel’s prime minister tried to play down a serious diplomatic dispute with the United States on Sunday, urging calm after another stern rebuke from Washington over plans to build 1,600 new apartments for Jews in contested east Jerusalem.
Reflecting the high tension, Israel deployed hundreds of security …. Source article  : Israeli leader urges calm after new rebuke from US over east Jerusalem construction plans.

Amended Sikh calendar released in Amritsar

CHANDIGARH – After a controversy over the last few years regarding dates of important religious events in the ‘Nanakshahi’, the Sikh religious calendar, its amended version was Sunday released by the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) at Amritsar.

The dates of the previous Nanakshahi calendar did not match with the Vikrami calendar followed elsewhere in the …. Source article  : Amended Sikh calendar released in Amritsar.

Egypt cancels synagogue unveiling, citing Israeli maltreatment of Palestinians

Egypt cancels unveiling of restored synagogue

CAIRO – Egypt canceled the inauguration of a restored synagogue on Sunday citing objections to Israel’s treatment of Muslims in the occupied territories as well as alleged excesses during an earlier ceremony.
Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities spent seven months restoring the ruined Ben Maimon synagogue in Cairo’s ancient Jewish quarter …. Original article  : Egypt cancels synagogue unveiling, citing Israeli maltreatment of Palestinians.

Tripura debates Maneka’s plea against animal sacrifice

AGARTALA – Maneka Gandhi’s appeal to stop animal sacrifice in Tripura’s temples has sparked a debate with animal lovers supporting her while others dead against stopping of age-old traditions.

“We are taking opinion of the royal family, state government, priests and the civil society over Maneka Gandhi’s request to stop animal sacrifice in the temples,” South …. Original source  : Tripura debates Maneka’s plea against animal sacrifice.

Hymns to nature at the Golden Temple

AMRITSAR – Hundreds of Sikhs Sunday recited hymns devoted to the environment in the Golden Temple here to mark the coronation of their seventh guru Hai Rai.

US-based Sikh Council on Religion and Education (SCORE) and mini-parliament of Sikhs Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) observed the day as Sikh Environment Day, reciting shabad kirtan (hymns composed [..] Read the original article: here.

US Mideast envoy cancels Jerusalem trip as Israel FM calls settlement freeze ‘unreasonable’

US envoy cancels Mideast trip amid US-Israel feud

JERUSALEM – Washington’s Mideast peace envoy delayed his trip to the region as Israeli officials remained defiant on Tuesday over their plans to build more settlements in disputed east Jerusalem amid deepening feud between U.S. and Israel.
Dozens of masked Palestinians also hurled rocks at police and set tires … Read more >>>.

Bail plea of publisher in Jesus blasphemy case rejected

SHILLONG – The Shillong bench of the Gauhati High Court Monday rejected the bail plea of Indra Mohan Jha, whose publishing house had printed a blasphemous image of Jesus — holding a beer can and a cigarette — in a school textbook.

The objectionable pictures of Jesus Christ found in the cursive writing exercise copies at …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US demanding cancellation of contentious east Jerusalem building plan a center of dispute

US wants Israel to cancel Jerusalem building plan

JERUSALEM – The U.S. is pressing Israel to scrap a contentious east Jerusalem building project whose approval has touched off the most serious diplomatic feud with Washington in years, American and Israeli officials said Monday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, gave no indication he intended to cancel construction …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : US demanding cancellation of contentious east Jerusalem building plan a center of dispute.

Israel’s Netanyahu says Jewish building in east Jerusalem ‘in no way’ hurts Palestinians

Netanyahu: Jerusalem building doesn’t hurt Arabs

JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Jewish building in east Jerusalem does not hurt the city’s Palestinian residents.
Speaking to Israel’s parliament, Netanyahu said the construction of homes for Jews in the city’s eastern sector “in no way” hurts Palestinians.
Israel drew angry reactions from the U.S. and the Palestinians …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Israel’s Netanyahu says Jewish building in east Jerusalem ‘in no way’ hurts Palestinians.

Vatican official: pope will be ‘clear and decisive’ in letter responding to Irish sex scandal

Pope to be ‘clear and decisive’ in Irish letter

VATICAN CITY – A top Vatican official says Pope Benedict XVI will speak with a “clear and decisive voice” when he addresses clerical sex abuses in Ireland in a forthcoming letter.
Benedict is expected to release his letter soon in response to decades of systematic abuse in church-run …. Source article  : Vatican official: pope will be ‘clear and decisive’ in letter responding to Irish sex scandal.

Ugadi 2010/Gudi Padwa Greeting Card And SMS

CHENNAI, India (GaeaTimes.com)- The new year festival Ugadi will be celebrated this year in South India, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh on March 16. Since it marks the beginning of a new year for the Deccan states, people take the opportunity to wish happiness and prosperity to friends and family members through Ugadi greeting …. Source  : Ugadi 2010/Gudi Padwa Greeting Card And SMS.

US demanding cancellation of contentious east Jerusalem building plan, say Israeli officials

Officials: US wants Israel to cancel building plan

JERUSALEM – The U.S. is pressing Israel to scrap a contentious east Jerusalem building project whose approval has touched off the most serious diplomatic feud with Washington in years, said Israeli officials Monday.
Tensions in the city at the center of the spat were high, with police out in …. Original source  : US demanding cancellation of contentious east Jerusalem building plan, say Israeli officials.

Pope Benedict XVI to visit Scotland, England for 4 days in September

Pope to visit England, Scotland in September

LONDON – Pope Benedict XVI will visit Scotland and England in September in a four-day visit combining preaching and diplomacy, Buckingham Palace announced Tuesday.
British officials described it as an unprecedented “papal visit with the status of a state visit,” though some of the usual trappings laid on for a …. Source  : Pope Benedict XVI to visit Scotland, England for 4 days in September.

Treasures from Aga Khan collection displayed in Berlin, show underlines breadth of Islamic art

Aga Khan’s Islamic treasures go on show in Berlin

BERLIN – More than 200 items from the Aga Khan’s collection of Islamic treasures are going on show in Berlin in an exhibition spanning a millennium and covering half the globe.
A chestnut leaf delicately inscribed with golden calligraphy greets visitors at the start of the show of …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Treasures from Aga Khan collection displayed in Berlin, show underlines breadth of Islamic art.

London’s Jewish Museum reopens after major facelift, telling story of pride and prejudice

London Jewish Museum reopens after major facelift

LONDON – They are icons of Britain: a Victorian-era statesman, a World War I soldier-poet, fish and chips.
They’re also Jewish – evidence of the 1,000-year history of Jews in Britain, whose story is told in a museum reopening this week after a 10 million pound ($15 million) expansion.
“Fish and …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

St. Patrick’s Day: To Be Celebrated Tomorrow

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND (GaeaTimes.com)- With St. Patrick’s Day just round the corner, residents across the country of Northern Ireland are gearing up to celebrate the day to the fullest. St. Patrick’s Day is observed every year on March 17, and it is marked with widespread celebrations in the country as well as other nations where … Read more : St. Patrick’s Day: To Be Celebrated Tomorrow.

Egypt TV shows first images of president following operation in German hospital

First post-op images of Egyptian president appear

CAIRO – Egypt’s president appeared on state television talking with his doctors Tuesday in his first appearance since an operation in Germany 10 days earlier, quelling speculation over the state of his health.
The broadcast followed a swirl of rumors and speculation over the 81-year-old president’s health due to a … Read more >>>.

Navratri 2010 Amidst Tight Security

KANPUR, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Navratri is a festival that is celebrated in various parts of India amidst enthusiasm and gusto by the religious people. The festival draws a large crowd to the major places where temples are situated and this forces the administration to beef up the security and police patrol to avoid incidents …. Read the original article  : Navratri 2010 Amidst Tight Security.

German bishop says he did not expect so many sexual abuse cases

German bishop surprised at number of abuse cases

BERLIN – A German bishop says he is taken aback at the scope of sexual abuse in the Roman Catholic church of Pope Benedict XVI’s native Bavaria.
Bavarian Bishop Ludwig Schick of Bamberg told Bayerischer Rundfunk radio Tuesday he had not expected so many cases.
He said, “it is bitter …. Original article  : German bishop says he did not expect so many sexual abuse cases.

US Mideast envoy cancels Jerusalem trip, deepening feud with Israel

US envoy cancels Mideast trip, Israel feud deepens
JERUSALEM – A U.S. envoy’s postponement of his Mideast trip appeared Tuesday to deepen one of the worst U.S.-Israeli feuds in memory – even as Israel’s foreign minister signaled his government had no intention of curtailing the contentious construction at the heart of the row.
Hundreds of …. Source  : US Mideast envoy cancels Jerusalem trip, deepening feud with Israel.

Happy Ugadi Scraps, SMS Doing The Round

BANGALORE, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Ugadi, the beginning of a new year for the people of southern India will begin from today, March16. The day is held auspicious as it marks the beginning of a new year. While Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka mark this day as Ugadi, people of Maharashtra celebrate the same occasion but … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Happy Ugadi Scraps, SMS Doing The Round.

Gudi Padwa SMS Contest

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- In Maharastra, the festival of Gudi Padwa is celebrated each year with aplomb and enthusiasm by the residents and this year is not an exception either. The households in Maharastra are adorned with mango leaves, neem leaves and a red flower garlands. These items are all tied on the edge … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Gudi Padwa SMS Contest.

Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine’s Security Increased

JAMMU, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The security arrangements at the famous Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has been stepped up as ordered by NN Vohra, the governor of Jammu and Kashmir. The decision was taken after a meeting attended by the governor and top police officials of the state recently. The governor had said in his …. Source article  : Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine’s Security Increased.

Democrats struggle over final details of health bill ahead of weekend vote as support grows

Lawmakers struggle to finish health overhaul bill
WASHINGTON – Pushing toward a history-making vote, Democrats struggled to eliminate lingering complications standing in the way of House action this weekend on President Barack Obama’s landmark health care overhaul.
Their drive to make the nation’s health care system more efficient and extend coverage to millions …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Democrats struggle over final details of health bill ahead of weekend vote as support grows.

Australian Senate rejects call for parliamentary inquiry into Church of Scientology

Australian Senate rejects Scientology inquiry call

CANBERRA, Australia – Australia’s Senate on Thursday overwhelming rejected a call for an inquiry into allegations against the Church of Scientology made by former members who claim to have been abused, harassed or coerced into having abortions.
Sen. Nick Xenophon’s motion to authorize a senate committee to hold a wide-reaching inquiry … Read more >>.

Retired Texas bishop joins Catholic nuns in supporting Obama’s health care bill

Retired Catholic bishop endorses health care bill
WASHINGTON – A retired Catholic bishop is announcing his support for President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul, despite the church’s official opposition.
Retired Bishop John E. McCarthy of Austin told The Associated Press on Wednesday that he is as opposed to abortion as every other bishop and that …. Source article  : Retired Texas bishop joins Catholic nuns in supporting Obama’s health care bill.

Episcopal church approves election of lesbian bishop to LA post; 2nd gay bishop overall

Episcopal church approves 2nd gay bishop
LOS ANGELES – The Episcopal Church has approved the election of a lesbian assistant bishop in the Diocese of Los Angeles, making her the second openly gay bishop in the Anglican global fellowship, diocese officials said Wednesday.

Episcopal conservatives were quick to criticize the approval of the Rev. Mary Glasspool of … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Episcopal church approves election of lesbian bishop to LA post; 2nd gay bishop overall.

Iraqi PM fighting off challenge from secular candidate _ negotiations to follow vote count

Iraqi PM fights for survival as votes are counted
BAGHDAD – The man who has led Iraq for the past four years is battling for his political survival just as U.S. troops are getting ready to pack up and go home.
With about 83 …. Original article  : Iraqi PM fighting off challenge from secular candidate _ negotiations to follow vote count.

Obama’s health care bill wins support from Rep. Kucinich, Catholic nuns; Weekend vote likely

Health bill gains ground with weekend vote likely
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s sweeping health care legislation won precious support from a longtime liberal holdout in the House on Wednesday and from Catholic nuns representing dozens of religious orders, gaining fresh traction in the run-up to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Obama’s health care bill wins support from Rep. Kucinich, Catholic nuns; Weekend vote likely.

Boost for Obama’s health bill: Lawmaker signs on, nuns write their support; vote this weekend

Health bill gains ground; weekend vote likely
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s sweeping health care legislation won precious support from a longtime liberal holdout in the House on Wednesday and from a retired Catholic bishop and nuns representing dozens of religious orders – …. Source article  : Boost for Obama’s health bill: Lawmaker signs on, nuns write their support; vote this weekend.

Yemen-American radical preacher issues message calling for US Muslims to go against their govt

Yemen-American imam calls for US Muslim revolt

CAIRO – A Yemeni-American Muslim preacher known for his ties to extremists operating in the U.S. called on American Muslims in a new audio message to turn against their government because of its actions against Muslims around the world.
Anwar al-Awlaki’s latest message, excerpts of which were aired on CNN [..] Read the original article: here.

Galilee ruins, thought to be synagogue, now seen as palace of Muslim caliphs

Wrong religion: Israeli ruins re-identified

JERUSALEM – Israeli archaeologists have announced that ruins long thought to be of an ancient synagogue are actually the remains of a palace built by Arab caliphs 1,300 years ago.
The site, on the banks of the Sea of Galilee, was identified as a synagogue in the 1950s because archaeologists found a …. Original article  : Galilee ruins, thought to be synagogue, now seen as palace of Muslim caliphs.

Green globe: 70 million Irish at home, abroad cheer St. Patrick’s Day from Sydney to San Fran

Irish at home, worldwide cheer St. Patrick’s Day
DUBLIN – Much of the world is turning green Wednesday for St. Patrick’s Day, the annual celebration of all hues of Irishness.
More than a half-million people lined the 3-kilometer (2-mile) route of the flagship Dublin parade beneath unusually sunny skies in this wet, windy land. The … Read more »».

Rep. Kucinich switches to ‘yes’ on health care bill; Catholic nuns break with bishops

Obama’s health care plan picks up support
WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama’s much-challenged health care overhaul gained traction Wednesday as a liberal lawmaker became the first to switch his opposition and Catholic nuns declared their support in an unusual public break with the bishops.
Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, …. Original article  : Rep. Kucinich switches to ‘yes’ on health care bill; Catholic nuns break with bishops.

In a break with bishops, Catholic nuns say health care bill will not fund abortions

Catholic nuns urge passage of Obama’s health bill
WASHINGTON – Catholic nuns are urging Congress to pass President Barack Obama’s health care plan, in an unusual public break with bishops who say it would subsidize abortion.
Some 60 leaders of religious orders representing 59,000 Catholic nuns Wednesday sent lawmakers a letter urging them to pass …. Source  : In a break with bishops, Catholic nuns say health care bill will not fund abortions.

Vatican investigates reported apparitions of Virgin Mary at Medjugorje shrine in Bosnia

Vatican studies visions of Virgin at Medjugorje

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican has begun formally investigating reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary at the Medjugorje shrine in southern Bosnia.
An international commission of inquiry headed by Italian Cardinal Camillo Ruini – a top adviser to the late Pope John Paul II – has been formed to study … Original article on : Vatican investigates reported apparitions of Virgin Mary at Medjugorje shrine in Bosnia.

Pope hopes letter to Irish on church abuse helps process of ‘repentance, healing and renewal’

Pope hopes letter to Irish helps healing
VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI says he hopes his upcoming letter to Irish Catholics on the sex abuse scandal in the Irish Church helps with the process of “repentance, healing and renewal.”

Benedict told his weekly general audience Wednesday that he would sign the pastoral letter Friday and would … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Pope hopes letter to Irish on church abuse helps process of ‘repentance, healing and renewal’.

Fresh religious fighting reported in central Nigerian village, region where hundreds have died

Fresh fighting reported in central Nigeria

JOS, Nigeria – Officials say people are fleeing a central Nigerian village after reports that fighting took place overnight, only a week after violence in the area left more than 200 people dead.
Government spokesmen and the leader of a Christian nonprofit group told The Associated Press people were fleeing the … Read more »»».

First summit of religious leaders on AIDS in Netherlands

NEW DELHI – Some 40 Baha’, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh religious leaders will meet to discuss the HIV and AIDS in the Netherlands March 22-23.

The World Council of Churches (WCC) said: “It aims to generate greater involvement from religious leaders of many of the world’s faiths in the global response to the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : First summit of religious leaders on AIDS in Netherlands.

Czech doctors apologize to Jewish colleagues for persecution in pre-WWII Czechoslovakia

Czech doctors apologize to Jews for persecution

PRAGUE – A Czech doctors organization has apologized to Jewish doctors for the persecution they endured in pre-World War II Czechoslovakia before the Nazis invaded, an official said Thursday.
Before the war broke out, organizations of Czechoslovak doctors, lawyers and others issued a memorandum Oct 14, 1938 urging the government … Read more : Czech doctors apologize to Jewish colleagues for persecution in pre-WWII Czechoslovakia.

House Dems: Health care bill will reduce deficit by more than $10B over 10 years

House Dems on track for vote on $940B health bill
WASHINGTON – House Democrats are pushing to the brink of passage a landmark, $940 billion health care overhaul bill that would simultaneously deliver on President Barack Obama’s promise to expand coverage … Read more »»».

Guided by ‘zakat’, a village funds its road and bridge

LUCKNOW – Guided by ‘zakat’ – charity as envisaged by the Quran – villagers of Muslim-dominated Shirajpur in Uttar Pradesh have repaired roads, dug wells, established schools and are now building a bridge.

The village is located in Azamgarh, some 300 km from Lucknow, and its people say the apathy of public representatives towards their problems …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Guided by ‘zakat’, a village funds its road and bridge.

Health care overhaul fight exposes rift pitting Catholic bishops against nuns and hospitals

Health care overhaul fight exposes Catholic rift

An unusual public split between U.S. Roman Catholic bishops, nuns and hospitals over abortion in the health care overhaul could undermine the church hierarchy’s influence on the debate and give anti-abortion Democrats the political cover they need to vote for the bill.
The president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic …. Read the original article  : Health care overhaul fight exposes rift pitting Catholic bishops against nuns and hospitals.

Pravin Togadia prevented from entering Kandhamal

BHUBANESWAR – Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international general secretary Praveen Togadia was Friday stopped by police on his way to Kandhamal district in Orissa.

He was stopped at Charichhak on the border of Boudh and Kandhamal district. He was trying to head to Kandhamal district despite a ban imposed by the district administration on his …. Source article  : Pravin Togadia prevented from entering Kandhamal.

Moderate, Western-educated Islamic scholar named Egypt’s new top cleric

Islamic scholar named Egypt’s new top cleric

CAIRO – Egypt’s president named a moderate, Western-educated Islamic scholar the country’s new top cleric on Friday, the state news agency reported.
The appointment makes Ahmed el-Tayeb the new grand sheik of Cairo’s Al-Azhar, the pre-eminent theological institute of Sunni Islam, the faith’s majority sect. He takes over from Sheik … Read : Moderate, Western-educated Islamic scholar named Egypt’s new top cleric.

Muslim law board to oppose any anti-Shariat law

LUCKNOW – In a major development, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) resolved Friday evening to oppose any court verdict that goes against the tenets of the Islamic Shariat.

The decision was taken on the opening day of the three-day AIMPLB conclave at the Nadwatul Ulema University of Islamic Studies here.
Briefing mediapersons at …. Source  : Muslim law board to oppose any anti-Shariat law.

Pope signs letter on child abuse cases in Ireland

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI Friday signed a highly anticipated pastoral letter to Catholics in Ireland dealing with a child sex abuse scandal involving priests, the Vatican said.

The letter will be published Saturday and will be accompanied by a briefing on its contents by papal spokesman Father Federico Lombardi to media outlets accredited with …. Original article  : Pope signs letter on child abuse cases in Ireland.

Turkey indicts 33 more, including military officers, in alleged plot to overthrow government

Turkey indicts 33 in alleged coup plot
ANKARA, Turkey – Authorities have indicted 33 people in an alleged secularist plot to destabilize Turkey and overthrow the government.

The 33 are accused of planning assassinations of prominent members of Turkey’s Christian and Jewish minorities and other sensational attacks to foment chaos and bring down the Islamic-oriented government.
The suspects …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Turkey indicts 33 more, including military officers, in alleged plot to overthrow government.

No cut in duration of Amarnath pilgrimage

JAMMU – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has pledged to keep the duration of the annual Hindu Amarnath pilgrimage two months long, rejecting a separatist leader’s request to cut it short.

“The pilgrimage period will stay unchanged,” Abdullah said here late Thursday. “It (pilgrimage) benefits the local population economically and is a symbol … Read more >>>.

Where gold and silver locks are key to prayers

KANPUR – Flowers, fruits and incense sticks are not quite what devotees bring to a temple in Kanpur. To appease the deity, they make an offering of locks made of gold, silver and other precious metals.

This unusual way of worship has become a tradition at the Kali Mata temple in the Bangali Mohaal area of …. Source  : Where gold and silver locks are key to prayers.

Activists protest Muslim cleric’s sexist remark

NEW DELHI – Women activists Saturday staged a demonstration against a cleric who spoke against Muslim women’s participation in politics.

Around 30 activists, mostly from the Muslim community, as well as filmmaker Gauhar Raza and lyricist Javed Akhtar gathered at the Jantar Mantar observatory to protest comments made by Lucknow-based Muslim cleric Kalbe Jawad regarding women’s …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Activists protest Muslim cleric’s sexist remark.

Togadia released after trying to enter Kandhamal

BHUBANESWAR – Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Praveen Togadia, who was arrested late Friday for attempting to enter Orissa’s Kandhamal district, was released early Saturday, police said.

Togadia was stopped at Charichhak in Boudh district as he tried to head to Kandhamal, which had witnessed large-scale communal violence last year, despite a ban imposed by the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Togadia released after trying to enter Kandhamal.