Religion News – Newsletter for November 5, 2010

Delhi celebrates Diwali with zeal

NEW DELHI – Forecourts and threshholds of houses decorated with colourful rangolis and marigold flowers, prayers conducted at homes, shops and temples, and people exchanging sweets with their near and dear ones – Delhiites are celebrating Diwali with joy and a pinch of grandeur this year.

“I went to the temple with my parents … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Delhi celebrates Diwali with zeal.

Nitish hits poll trail on Diwali, rivals in festive spirit

PATNA – While his political rivals are in a festive mood, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is campaigning Friday for the ongoing state assembly polls instead of celebrating Diwali.

“Nitish Kumar will address three public rallies for campaign till 2-3 p.m. Friday instead of usual 5-6 p.m. to seek people’s votes on Diwali,” an official …. Read the original article  : here.

Tamil Nadu celebrates Diwali with great fervour

CHENNAI – Tamil Nadu woke up to the sounds of crackers and the visual treat of diyas on Diwali – the festival of lights.

People across the state exchanged sweets, savouries and the special Diwali Leghium — herbal jam — with friends, neighbours and relatives, and celebrated the day with fervour.
Relatives and friends asked …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Say no to crackers, Himachal CM urges children

SHIMLA – Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal Friday appealed to children to say no to crackers and celebrate Diwali with lights.

“To prevent pollution and reduce our carbon footprints for a cleaner Himachal, let us spread the light and not smoke. Celebrate a safe and pollution-free Diwali,” Dhumal said in a message in …. Original source  : Say no to crackers, Himachal CM urges children.

In Sabarimala, donkey can hope for better times

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Thanks to the judiciary, donkeys which ferry tonnes of foodstuff to the hill shrine at Sabarimala in Kerala, often falling ill and becoming prey to wild animals, are about to get a new deal.

Moved by a petition from an animal lover, a Kerala High Court division bench has decreed that all donkeys … Read more >>>.

Thousands protest Pope’s visit to Spain

BARCELONA – Thousands of people demonstrated Thursday against the upcoming visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Spain, demanding a clear separation between church and state.

Carrying signs with slogans against the Roman Catholic Church’s child molestation scandals and its ban on condoms, demonstrators gathered at a central square in Barcelona, the second stop of the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Thousands protest Pope’s visit to Spain.

First woman rabbi since Holocaust ordained in Germany

BERLIN – Alina Treiger, the first woman rabbi in Germany since the Holocaust, was ordained by liberal Jews near Berlin Thursday with the country’s president, Christian Wulff, welcoming her.

Germany’s very first woman rabbi, Regina Jonas, was ordained in 1935. She died Sep 12, 1944 at the Nazis’ Auschwitz death camp. Orthodox Jews reject women …. Original article  : First woman rabbi since Holocaust ordained in Germany.

Julia Roberts wants Diwali celebrated worldwide

LONDON – Hollywood actress Julia Roberts says the whole world should celebrate Diwali because it “celebrates self-confidence, love for humanity and peace”.

“Diwali should be celebrated unanimously throughout the world as a gesture of goodwill,” femalefirst.co.uk quoted Roberts as saying.
“It not only belongs to Hinduism but is universal in nature and in its essence … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Julia Roberts wants Diwali celebrated worldwide.

Mumbai lights up for Diwali, shoppers flood markets

MUMBAI – Mumbai wore a vibrant look Thursday, a day ahead of the festival of lights. People were seen thronging shopping centres, malls and small street bazaars for their last minute Diwali shopping.

Stalls selling rangoli colours and firecrackers dotted the city and gave it a colourful, festive look. With more and more people … Original article on : Mumbai lights up for Diwali, shoppers flood markets.

Happy Diwali? Nine out of 10 of Delhi’s sweet shops unhygienic

NEW DELHI – Look closely at the pack of sweets you may have bought from a shop in the capital. Chances are the sweets were made in unhygienic conditions in a shop without proper water and drainage connections, a senior official said.

“Only 10 percent of Delhi’s shops which are selling sweets and confectionery have [..] Read the original article: here.

No crackers after 10 p.m.: Delhi Police

NEW DELHI – No bursting of firecrackers would be allowed in the capital after 10 p.m., the Delhi Police said Thursday.

“Bursting of firecrackers that emit a loud noise are banned from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. ahead of Diwali. Firecrackers generating noise level exceeding 125 decibels are also prohibited,” a police official said.
The …. Source  : No crackers after 10 p.m.: Delhi Police.