Dalai Lama’s 75th birthday celebrated in Dharamsala

DHARAMSALA – Braving heavy rains thousands of Tibetan exiles Tuesday attended celebrations to mark the 75th birthday of their spiritual leader the Dalai Lama here in Himachal Pradesh.

Large crowds began to assemble since morning at the Tsuglagkhang temple to join the birthday celebrations.
“Special prayer sessions were held for the well-being and long life … Read more >>.

Nepal cracks down on Dalai Lama’s birthday celebrations

KATHMANDU – Mindful of China’s displeasure, Nepal’s caretaker government Tuesday cracked down on the birthday celebrations of exiled Tibetan leader, the Dalai Lama, preventing mass prayers in monasteries and asking its own lawmakers to stay away.

Hundreds of riot police personnel were deployed in the Swayambhunath and Boudhanath areas of Kathmandu valley, where some of the …. Source  : Nepal cracks down on Dalai Lama’s birthday celebrations.

Catholic Church seeks pardons in Chile, including some guilty of crimes against humanity

Church asks Chile pardons, including rights abuses

SANTIAGO, Chile – The Roman Catholic Church is petitioning Chile’s government for prisoner pardons that would include people responsible for crimes against humanity, angering rights activists and some conservatives.
The church is asking for the pardons as part of the commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Chile’s independence on Sept. …. Read the original article  : here.

Another 12,500 pilgrims head for Amarnath

SRINAGAR – Over 12,500 pilgrims left for the Amarnath cave shrine Monday from south Kashmir’s Nunwan (Pahalgam) and Baltal base camps.

Despite incidents of violence in the Valley, the annual pilgrimage has been proceeding normally here since it began July 1.
According to sources, 6,949 pilgrims left for the holy cave, located at the height of … Read more : Another 12,500 pilgrims head for Amarnath.

Indian dies after Kailash pilgrimage

KATHMANDU – A 60-year-old Indian from Gujarat died after pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, one of the holiest religious sites venerated by Hindus, Jains and Buddhists.

Himmat Lal Chudasama from Rajkot town died in his plush Kathmandu hotel Sunday, within 24 hours of returning from the mountain in Tibet, considered the abode of the gods themselves.
The … Original source on Gaea Times at : Indian dies after Kailash pilgrimage.