Obama to visit Golden Temple, college in Amritsar

AMRITSAR – When US President Barack Obama lands in India next month, his itinerary will include a visit to the Golden Temple here, the holiest Sikh shrine. This is being seen as a recognition of the importance and influence of the large Sikh community in the US.

Obama will arrive in this Sikh holy city … Original article on : Obama to visit Golden Temple, college in Amritsar.

Durga Puja reaches its peak with Mahashtami

KOLKATA – Thousands of devotees thronged Durga Puja pandals across the city Friday to participate in the ‘anjali’ or special prayers amid the beats of the traditional dhak drums on Mahashtami – the third and most important day of the puja.

Durga Puja, the five-day autumn festival that begins with Shashti and ends with Dussehra, … Read : Durga Puja reaches its peak with Mahashtami.

Durga Puja celebrations continue for second day

KOLKATA – Thousands of people from all parts of the state thronged Durga Puja “pandals” here Thursday to offer prayers on Mahasaptami – the second day of puja.

Durga Puja, the five-day autumn festival beginning with Shashti and ending with Dussehra, is being held with great passion at colossal puja pandals (marquees), where idols of …. Source  : Durga Puja celebrations continue for second day.

Pranab takes time out from busy schedule for Durga Puja

MEERATI – It was Pranab Mukherjee in a different role. Taking time off from his duties as India’s finance minister, Mukherjee was busy overseeing the arrangements for the traditional Durga Puja at his ancestral home in this village in West Bengal’s Birbhum district.

Mukherjee was Thursday morning (Mahasaptami) seen guiding the other priests to carry …. Source article  : Pranab takes time out from busy schedule for Durga Puja.

Saris, kurtas preferred wear during Durga Puja

KOLKATA – Tradition trumps modernity when it comes to fashion during the Durga Puja festivities in the city.

The traditional red-bordered white sari is the preferred attire for Bengali women during the five-day gala. Shopping for Puja wear, a hallowed tradition among Bengalis, begins weeks in advance. A new sari for each of the five … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Saris, kurtas preferred wear during Durga Puja.

Archbishop of Canterbury to lead memorial service in Delhi

NEW DELHI – The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams will lead a commemorative service at the Indian Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (ISPCK) in the capital Friday to mark 300 years of service to the Indian community by the society.

The society that owns several book shops across the country is engaged in several charity …. Original source  : Archbishop of Canterbury to lead memorial service in Delhi.

Tight security in Tripura for Durga Puja

AGARTALA – Security has been stepped up in Tripura on account of Durga Puja.

Over 12,000 security personnel and quick reaction teams (QRTs) besides bomb and dog squads have been deployed for the five-day festival that began Wednesday, Inspector General of Police K. Nagraj told reporters.
The Border Security Force has been asked to …. Source  : Tight security in Tripura for Durga Puja.

President Patil greets people on Durga Puja

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil Thursday greeted the nation on the occasion of Durga Puja, saying the festival represents the “triumph of good over evil”.

In her message, Patil said: “Durga Puja represents the triumph of good over evil. May this joyous festival herald the spirit of peace, harmony and unity among our people …. Source article  : President Patil greets people on Durga Puja.

Tight security in Tripura for Durga Puja celebrations

AGARTALA – It’s festive season in the northeastern state of Tripura, with colourful and artistic marquees and prayers amid beating of drums as the state celebrates Durga Puja. On the occasion, the state government, combating insurgency, has heightened security to foil any subversive attempt.

“The Border Security Force (BSF) has also been asked to maintain …. Original source  : Tight security in Tripura for Durga Puja celebrations.