Muslim panel discusses Ayodhya verdict

LUCKNOW – Should the Ayodhya dispute be taken to the Supreme Court or not? The All India Muslim Personal Law Board met here Saturday to discuss the issue.

The closed-door gathering of the 51-member executive began around 11 a.m. at the Darul-Uloom, Nawa-tul-Ulema, popularly known as Nadwa here.
Chaired by Maulana Rabe Hasan Nadwi, the …. Original source  : Muslim panel discusses Ayodhya verdict.

Indigenous tribe celebrates Durga Puja in northeast

NARTIANG – Durga Puja may be one of the biggest festivals of Hindus. But Pnars, one of the indigenous tribes of Meghalaya, too worship the goddess of power with equal fervour and devotion.

Hundreds of Pnar people – as Jaintias are known – Christians, believers of indigenous faith and tourists – throng the ancient temple …. Source  : Indigenous tribe celebrates Durga Puja in northeast.

Durga Puja fervour grips north Bengal

SILIGURI – Durga Puja festivities in north Bengal, while matching the rest of the state in fervour and enthusiasm, have their own distinctive touch.

The local Nepalis have their own rituals to worship the goddess. The puja is performed by priests known as Baun Bajes.
“The worship begins on Mahalaya (Oct 7) and continues till …. Source  : Durga Puja fervour grips north Bengal.

Where a professor is Ram, a student Sita in Ramlila

LUCKNOW – A motley bunch of students, teachers and professionals in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly district have a unique way of celebrating Ramlila. They perform it themselves.

At the Ramlila held at Subashnagar, an assistant professor plays Lord Rama, a student as Sita, and a history teacher is Hanuman.
The production staff matches the starcast step … Read more >>>.

Divine battle in Kullu Dussehra has chief minister stepping in

KULLU – It is a divine battle that has been going on for decades, involving the followers of two rival deities of Kullu Valley. This time even Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has stepped in to urge for peace.

Dhumal has asked followers of the two rival deities – Shringa Rishi and Balu Nag – … Original source on Gaea Times at : Divine battle in Kullu Dussehra has chief minister stepping in.

Canterbury Archbishop hails Indian secularism

NEW DELHI – The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams Friday said India has consistently tried to define a secularism that is not hostile to multiple religious identities.

“India, in declaring itself a secular state at independence, was making a clear option for a certain kind of public and political neutrality, acknowledging that to be a …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Canterbury Archbishop for special status to Dalit Christians

NEW DELHI – The Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams Friday said he had raised the issue of granting Scheduled Castes (SC) status to the Dalit Christians of India during his meeting with the Indian leaders.

“There are concerns. Many of them (Christians) are Dalits or adivasis,” said Williams, who met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and … Read more »»».

Sea of humanity throngs Bengal streets on Mahashtami

KOLKATA – Thousands of devotees thronged Belur Math to witness ‘kumari puja’ (worship of a pre-pubescent girl) or flocked to Durga Puja pandals across West Bengal Friday to offer ‘anjali’ (special prayers) on Mahashtami – the third and most important day of the puja.

Durga Puja, the five-day autumn festival that begins with Shashti and … Read more »».

Festivals will be as peaceful as CWG, assert Delhi Police

NEW DELHI – With the conclusion of Commonwealth Games Oct 14, the focus of Delhi Police has now shifted to ensuring an equally peaceful Durga Puja and Ramlila festivities.

Over one lakh security personnel, drawn from Delhi Police and paramilitary forces like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), were deployed in the capital for the …. Original article  : Festivals will be as peaceful as CWG, assert Delhi Police.