Religion News – Weekly Newsletter for November 1-8, 2010

Sikh Americans disappointed at Obama skipping Golden Temple

WASHINGTON – Sikh Americans are still upset over US President Barack Obama’s decision to skip a visit to the Golden Temple in Amritsar, saying the reasons given by the White House were not satisfactory.

“I deeply regret President Obama missed the opportunity to send a powerful message of global peace and harmony in the South … Read more : Sikh Americans disappointed at Obama skipping Golden Temple.

Say no to crackers this Diwali, Dikshit tells kids

NEW DELHI – Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit Sunday appealed to children not to use firecrackers this Diwali and instead make it bright and colourful with diyas and rangoli for the festival celebrations Nov 5.

The message was published in various newspapers Sunday. Against a green backdrop, the message titled ‘Let the cracking good …. Original article  : Say no to crackers this Diwali, Dikshit tells kids.

Obama better than Bush, so no protests, say Indian Muslims

NEW DELHI – Barack Obama is “better” than George Bush, say Indian Muslims though they don’t consider the US as Muslim-friendly yet, adding when the American president arrives he can expect a warm welcome from the community members.

There would be no demonstrations by the community to protest the high-level visit from Nov 6, say …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Obama better than Bush, so no protests, say Indian Muslims.

Airport in the offing near Guruvayoor temple

GURUVAYOOR – A new airport is all set to come up near the famed Guruvayoor temple in Kerala to facilitate the thousands of devotees, said an official Saturday.

Speaking to IANS, Guruvayoor legislator K.V. Abdul Khader said a four-member high level official delegation from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) Saturday visited the four sites … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Airport in the offing near Guruvayoor temple.

Sikhs want Obama to raise 1984 riots issue in Indian parliament

NEW YORK – Ahead of US President Barack Obama’s India visit, hundreds of Sikhs held a protest rally in front of the United Nations, asking him to raise the issue of the 1984 anti-Sikh riots before the Indian parliament.

“He (Obama) must raise this issue in his speech to the India parliament,” said Gurpatwant … Original source on Gaea Times at : Sikhs want Obama to raise 1984 riots issue in Indian parliament.

Day Of The Dead 2010 Celebration Photos

MEXICO (GaeaTimes.com) — The Day of the Dead (El Da de los Muertos in Spanish) happens to be a Mexican and Mexican-American celebration of deceased ancestors which takes place on the November 1 and November 2, coinciding with the much similar Roman Catholic celebrations of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
There are numerous … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Day Of The Dead 2010 Celebration Photos.

24,000 Chinese Haj pilgrims to visit Mecca in 2010

BEIJING – Over 24,000 Chinese Muslims will visit Mecca in Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrimage this year, Xinhua reported Monday.

A total of 11,200 Chinese Muslims have already left for the holy city, the State Administration for Religious Affairs said.
Thirteen thousand more are expected to leave on 41 chartered flights from Beijing, …. Original source  : 24,000 Chinese Haj pilgrims to visit Mecca in 2010.

Pakistani Hindu woman moves court over temple

PESHAWAR – A Hindu woman in this northwestern Pakistani city has moved the high court to stake claim over an old temple. The court Tuesday directed the archaeology and revenue departments to present the temple records.

A two-member bench of the Peshawar High Court directed the Peshawar district revenue officer and the director of archaeology …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Dead in Italy honoured with 400 mn euros worth of flowers

Rome, Nov 3 (IANS/AKI) Italians spent 400 million euros on flowers to place on the graves of family and friends Tuesday, All Souls Day, or Day of the Dead, according to a report by Coldiretti, an Italian agriculture trade group.

People from the overwhelmingly Catholic country will mostly pay between 1.5 euros and 15 euros … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Dead in Italy honoured with 400 mn euros worth of flowers.

Oklahoma voters ban shariah law

WASHINGTON – The central US state of Oklahoma is to become the first state in the US to ban Islamic sharia law.

That’s the result of a voter initiative in the state that passed by a heavy majority in the midterm election Tuesday night.
State Question 755 amends the Oklahoma constitution to forbid courts in … Original source on Gaea Times at : Oklahoma voters ban shariah law.

BJP demands punishment for guilty in anti-Sikh riots

NEW DELHI – The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by its senior leader Arun Jaitley Tuesday took out a candle-light march here to demand punishment for those guilty in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Addressing the workers, Jaitley blamed the Congress for the murder of thousands of Sikhs in the aftermath of the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : BJP demands punishment for guilty in anti-Sikh riots.

Obama visit will reflect Diwali spirit: envoy

NEW DELHI – President Barack Obama’s visit “will reflect the spirit of Diwali as it symbolizes the warm, close and strong shared values between the US and India”, the American ambassador said Thursday.

“I already sense that the people of India will welcome him with the incredible warmth, grace and goodwill I have seen in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Obama visit will reflect Diwali spirit: envoy.

Security tightened in Delhi for a safe Diwali

NEW DELHI – Delhi Police are on their toes to keep the capital safe and secure this Diwali. Extra police personnel have been deployed in various parts of the city, especially markets and malls, an official said.

“Strict checking is done on the roads as an increase in the number of drunk driving cases …. Source  : Security tightened in Delhi for a safe Diwali.

Metro crowded due to ‘Dhan Teras’

NEW DELHI – Some Delhi Metro stations witnessed a huge rush Wednesday evening owing to the Dhan Teras festival, leading to snags and minor delays in movement of trains which overflowed with commuters.

Managing the crowd was very difficult today. The numbers were overwhelming; we had to let men into the reserved ladies coaches, said … Read more >>.

Metro service to end at 8 p.m. Diwali

NEW DELHI – Delhi Metro will close its services on all six routes at 8 p.m. on Diwali.

Friday’s last train will start at 8 from Dilshad Garden, Rithala, Saritar Vihra, Jahangirpuri, Huda City Centre, Central Secretariat, Dwarka Sector-21, Noida city centre, Yamuna Bank, Anand Vihar, Inderlok and Mundka.
“The service will …. Source  : Metro service to end at 8 p.m. Diwali.

Sri Lankan cardinal calls for peace

COLOMBO – A newly appointed Catholic cardinal called Wednesday on the Sri Lankan government to speed up a search for a political solution to the country’s long-standing ethnic tensions, which led to a 26-year military conflict.

Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, testifying before a commission investigating alleged war crimes committed at the end of the conflict, said …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Abhishek likely to unveil 108-ft Hanuman idol in Shimla

SHIMLA – Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan will be present along with Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal at the unveiling ceremony of a 108-foot-high idol of Hindu god Hanuman in this Himachal Pradesh town Thursday, an official said Wednesday.

“Abhishek is coming on a private visit and will fly-in on a chartered flight Thursday morning,” Deputy …. Original source  : Abhishek likely to unveil 108-ft Hanuman idol in Shimla.

Meira Kumar extends Diwali greetings

NEW DELHI – Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar Wednesday prayed for the prosperity of India and greeted people on the occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights to be celebrated Friday.

In her message, she said: “On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I convey my warmest greetings to everyone in India and abroad.
She … Read more >>.

Catch the last Metro ride at 8 p.m. on Diwali

NEW DELHI – Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will close its services on all the six lines three hours ahead of the usual schedule on Diwali.

The last train on Friday will start at 8 p.m. from terminal stations of all the six lines — Dilshad Garden, Rithala, Jahangir Puri, Huda City Centre, … Read more : Catch the last Metro ride at 8 p.m. on Diwali.

Delhi Lt Governor extends Diwali greetings

NEW DELHI – Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna Wednesday wished peace, good health, happiness and prosperity to the people of Delhi ahead of Diwali.

I hope the auspicious festival of lights will enlighten the minds and hearts of all citizens so that they live in mutual harmony and contribute positively towards societal and national development, he … Read more >>.

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.

Govardhan Pooja Is Being Celebrated Today

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The fourth day of Dipawali is called the Govardhan Pooja or the Vishvakarma Day. This particular day is dedicated for the worship of divine architect Vishwakarma and Lord Krishna.
According to the Hindu Mythology, Vishwakarma had built the Maya Sabha for the Pandavas. He is also worshiped skills of making weapons for … Read more : Govardhan Pooja Is Being Celebrated Today.

India celebrates Diwali with diyas, sweets and pujas (Round up)

NEW DELHI – The new moon night twinkled with thousands of diyas and candles as India celebrated Diwali Friday. Traditional fervour, aesthetic rangoli and marigold flower patterns at thresholds, illuminations at houses, and exchanges of sweets and greetings with near and dear ones marked the festivities.

Diwali, also called Deepawali or celebration with … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : India celebrates Diwali with diyas, sweets and pujas (Round up).

West Bengal celebrates Diwali, Kali Puja

KOLKATA – With Diwali and Kali Puja falling on the same day Friday, it’s double celebrations for people in West Bengal.

People across the state exchanged sweets with friends, neighbours and relatives, and celebrated the occassion with traditional fervour.
Thousands of people visited Kalighat and Dakhineshwar temples since morning to offer their prayers to the …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : West Bengal celebrates Diwali, Kali Puja.

Security scare before pope’s visit to Spain

BARCELONA – A Barcelona resident found on the street police documents related to the security of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Spain this weekend, the radio station Rac-1 reported Friday.

The resident found 11 pages of documents scattered on the street, as he was taking his dog for a walk late Tuesday.
Benedict XVI is …. Original article  : Security scare before pope’s visit to Spain.

Tihar inmates celebrate Diwali

NEW DELHI – Away from their loved ones and families, inmates of the Tihar Jail Friday celebrated Diwali by preparing candles and sweets, and listening to poems.

“The sweets and candles made by them will be distributed among them and will also be sold outside. They will be lighting the candles in the evening … Original source on Gaea Times at : Tihar inmates celebrate Diwali.

Dikshit, Delhi Police call for safe, pollution-free Diwali

NEW DELHI – Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Delhi Police Friday appealed Delhiites to celebrate a clean and pollution-free Diwali.

In a message published in leading newspapers, Dikshit said: “Let the cracking good times continue without firecrackers.”
She called upon children to enjoy the festival of lights with diyas, rangoli, sweets and gifts instead of …. Source  : Dikshit, Delhi Police call for safe, pollution-free Diwali.

RSS to stage nationwide protest rallies Wednesday

CHANDIGARH – The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will Wednesday stage rallies in defence of one of its leaders involved in the Ajmer blast case and against what it termed as the Congress-led central government’s anti-RSS and anti-Hindu religion politics.

“Senior leaders of the Congress-led UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government are unlawfully associating RSS with terrorism …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Islam distorted by a few extremists, Obama

MUMBAI – Islam is a great religion but there is a need to isolate those who have distorted its vision, US President Barack Obama told a huge gathering of college students here Sunday.

“We recognise this great religion…This great religion, in the hands of a few extremeists, has been distorted….One of the challenges we face … Original article on : Islam distorted by a few extremists, Obama.

Pope calls on Europe to ‘open itself to God’

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA – Pope Benedict XVI launched a strong appeal to Europe to reclaim its Christian roots instead of confining religion to the private sphere.

“Europe must open itself to God,” the 83-year-old pontiff said Saturday at a mass he celebrated in the north-western town of Santiago de Compostela on the first day of …. Read the original article  : here.

Slight increase in Delhi’s pollution during Diwali-week

NEW DELHI – There was a marginal increase in air pollution in the capital during the Diwali-week, the Delhi government’s pollution monitoring body said Saturday.

“Carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide concentration have seen an increase during the week of Diwali in Delhi,” a statement by Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) said.
The rise has been …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Delhi Metro to make extra trips Sunday

NEW DELHI – Delhi Metro will run 453 extra trips on Bhai Duj Sunday, an official said Saturday.

“We are expecting extra rush as it is a weekend too,” a Metro spokesperson said. The Metro saw a 46 percent jump in footfall on Bhai Duj last year.
… Read more >>>.

Delhi Metro to make extra trips on Bhai Duj

NEW DELHI – Delhi Metro will make 453 extra trips on Bhai Duj Nov 7, an officials said Saturday.

“The Metro will provide extra 453 trips Sunday on all lines, as the national capital celebrates Bhai Duj. We are expecting extra rush as it is a weekend,” a Delhi Metro spokesperson said.
The Metro normally … Original source on Gaea Times at : Delhi Metro to make extra trips on Bhai Duj.

Delhi women to get free bus ride on Bhai Duj

NEW DELHI – Women in the national capital will be allowed to travel free in state-run public transport buses Sunday on the occasion of Bhai Duj, the Delhi government announced Saturday.

According to Transport Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely, women will be allowed free rides in all Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) ordinary and green low-floor …. Original source  : Delhi women to get free bus ride on Bhai Duj.

Unique Himachal ritual: Pelting stones to appease goddess

SHIMLA – A day after the festival of lights, a unique stone pelting fair was organised Saturday as part of an annual ritual in the former princely state of Dhami in Himachal Pradesh.

In local parlance it is known as “pattharon ka mela” (fair of stones). During the fair, male adults gathered in a ground … Read : Unique Himachal ritual: Pelting stones to appease goddess.