Thousands of Kerala kids initiated into world of letters

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Thousands of tiny tots across Kerala were initiated into the world of letters Sunday at temples, institutions and even churches on Vijayadashami day, celebrated as Dussehra in north India.

During the ceremony, known as ‘Vidyarambham’, academics, litterateurs, teachers and politicians hold the children’s hands and help them write Malayalam letters on a plate … Read more : Thousands of Kerala kids initiated into world of letters.

Durga Puja fever soars in West Bengal

KOLKATA – Thousands of people poured onto the streets of Kolkata, which looked magnificent bathed in bright lights and twinklers, as the Durga Puja celebrations reached a feverish pitch across West Bengal Saturday, day four of the festivities.

Almost all big-ticket puja pandals drew large crowds, which only increased as the day progressed …. Original source  : Durga Puja fever soars in West Bengal.

Muslim panel to appeal Ayodhya verdict but open to compromise (Third Lead)

LUCKNOW – The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) Saturday said it had decided to appeal in the Supreme Court against the Ayodhya verdict given by the Allahabad High Court last month, but clarified it was not opposed to an out-of-court compromise – though with certain conditions.

“We have no objection to considering any …. Read the original article  : Muslim panel to appeal Ayodhya verdict but open to compromise (Third Lead).

Where arms and not Durga idols are worshipped

RANCHI – Arms like AK-47 and Insas and not goddess Durga idols are worshipped at the Jharkhand Armed Police ground here during Navratri – an auspicious period for the Hindus.

There is a myth that idol worship in the ground invited the wrath of Goddess Durga.
Kalash Sthapana is done on the first day …. Read the original article  : Where arms and not Durga idols are worshipped.

Muslim panel to appeal against Ayodhya verdict (Second Lead)

LUCKNOW – The All India Muslim Personal Law Board Saturday said it had decided to appeal in the Supreme Court against the Ayodhya verdict given by a three-judge bench of the Allahabad High Court last month.

The decision was taken at a closed-door gathering of the 51-member executive held at the Darul-Uloom, Nawa-tul-Ulema, popularly known …. Source  : Muslim panel to appeal against Ayodhya verdict (Second Lead).

Muslim panel to appeal against Ayodhya verdict

LUCKNOW – The All India Muslim Personal Law Board Saturday resolved to appeal in the Supreme Court against the Sep 30 Ayodhya verdict given by a three-judge bench of the Allahabad High Court, Board sources here said.

No consensus could be obtained on going for an amicable out-of-court settlement even though some members of the …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Labour of love for capital’s idol makers

NEW DELHI – They take long leaves from their jobs, set up shacks, at times travelling thousands of miles, passionate and devoted to what they do. Meet Delhi’s Durga Puja idol makers.

The ‘kumars’ as they are called throng the capital every year before the five-day autumn festival when beautiful idols of … Read : Labour of love for capital’s idol makers.

West Bengal celebrates Mahanavami

KOLKATA – Thousands of people poured onto the streets of Kolkata, community feasts were organised and celebrations were held across West Bengal Saturday on Mahanavami, the fourth day of the Durga Puja festivities.

Long queues were seen at several big-ticket puja pandals since early morning. Those who went for a whole night party on the …. Original source  : West Bengal celebrates Mahanavami.

Grand worship of goddess Durga in Maoist belt

KOLKATA – After an year’s hiatus, Durga Puja is again being celebrated with traditional pomp in the Maoist-affected areas of West Bengal’s West Midnapore district with large crowds seen at the marquees.

The frequent Maoist attacks and operations conducted by the joint forces to flush out the leftwing rebels from their hideouts had forced many …. Original article  : Grand worship of goddess Durga in Maoist belt.

Mysore decked up for Sunday’s ‘Jamboo Savari’

MYSORE – This city of palaces, culture capital of Karnataka and home to Brindavan Gardens is decked up for the culmination of 10-day Dasara festival with Jamboo Savari (elephant procession) Sunday.

The procession of 12 caparisoned elephants will be led by the majestic tusker Balarama, which stands tall at 2.7 meters and weighs around 4,900 … Read more : Mysore decked up for Sunday’s ‘Jamboo Savari’.