Religion News – Monthly Newsletter January 2011

Hanukkah Begins

WASHINGTON, (GaeaTimes.com)- Today marks the beginning of the Jewish ‘Festival of Lights’, Hanukkah. The festival is, however, not just restricted to the Jews as people of all races, religion and communities participate in the celebrations. Families get together and light hundreds of candles and enjoy hearty traditional Jewish feasts.
Video producer Elizabeth Tenety explains that …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Hanukkah Begins.

Kerala Jews come to relive past, as present fades

KOCHI – From thousands, the number of Jews in Kerala has dwindled to a mere 10 and they too live only in Kochi. The exodus of the community started over 60 years ago, though many visit this city to discover their roots and relive the past.

Sarah Cohen, 89, the oldest Jewish woman here who …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Kerala Jews come to relive past, as present fades.

Jew Fraternity Celebrates Happy Hannukkah 2010

BROOME COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (GaeaTimes.com) — On Wednesday, starting from sundown, Jew fraternity from the Southern tier has come together to celebrate the holy festival of Lights, Hanukkah. For the next eight day, Jewish families will observe this great festival with great joy and harmony.
Hanukkah, or the Chanukkah, celebrates the re-dedication of the Temple in …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Spiritual leader Sri Daya Mata dies in US

WASHINGTON – Sri Daya Mata, successor to Indian spiritual leader Paramahansa Yogananda, has passed away after heading the worldwide religious movement founded in 1920 for over half a century. She was 96.

One of the first women in modern history to head an international religious movement, Daya Mata who died Monday in Los Angeles served …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Ravi Shankar asks NGOS to join effort against corruption

BANGALORE – Spiritual guru and founder of the Art of Living (AoL) Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said Friday that Indians were torn between “slum India and scam India” and urged NGOs to join the effort to root out corruption in the country.

“”We are torn between slum India and scam India. We need to keep …. Original source  : Ravi Shankar asks NGOS to join effort against corruption.

Carol practice, goodies, prayers – Kerala’s in Xmas mood

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – The Christmas trees are up, choir practice sessions are on in right earnest, bakers are planning their culinary best and the truly devout are immersed in prayers – the yuletide spirit has already set in and Christians in Kerala are doing all it takes to ring in the Christmas cheer.

The various churches … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Carol practice, goodies, prayers – Kerala’s in Xmas mood.

Yeddyurappa seeks divine grace, hopes to complete term

TIRUCHENDUR – Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa Saturday offered prayers at temples in Tamil Nadu and said that he would complete his term and the Bharatiya Janata Party would return to power in his state.

He was here to seek the divine grace of Subramania Swami, the main deity at the Thiruchendur Murugan temple, around …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Yeddyurappa seeks divine grace, hopes to complete term.

Sukhbir Badal urges PM to take up turban ban with Sarkozy

CHANDIGARH – Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal Saturday urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take up with visiting French President Nicolas Sarkozy the issue of the ban on wearing turbans in French schools and get it lifted.

In a letter to the Prime Minster, Badal said that it … Read more : Sukhbir Badal urges PM to take up turban ban with Sarkozy.

Hit by delays, Sikh heritage project gets another deadline

CHANDIGARH – It promises to be a landmark monument of Sikhism. But six years have passed since work on the Khalsa Heritage Complex (KHC) started at Anandpur Sahib and the Punjab government has now given it yet another deadline for completion.

Announced in April 1999, it is now in its final phase and the Punjab …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Hit by delays, Sikh heritage project gets another deadline.

Shutdown in parts of Hyderabad on Babri anniversary

HYDERABAD – Parts of Hyderabad Monday remained shut in response to a call given by Muslim organisations to mark the 18th anniversary of the demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.

Shops, business establishments and educational institutions remained closed in Muslim-majority areas while few vehicles were seen plying on the roads.
Markets around the historic Charminar …. Original source  : Shutdown in parts of Hyderabad on Babri anniversary.

Deepak Chopra launches graphic novel on Buddha’s life

WASHINGTON – New age guru Deepak Chopra is all set to publish a graphic adaptation of his New York Times bestselling novel “Buddha: A Story of Enlightenment” in collaboration with Liquid Comics and Dynamite Entertainment.

The 160-page, hardcover graphic novel will be available in bookstores across the US Dec 14 with a digital Apple iPad … Read more : Deepak Chopra launches graphic novel on Buddha’s life.

Books to celebrate India’s spirituality

NEW DELHI – India’s ancient wisdom, culture and knowledge will be documented in Ananda, a new imprint of books on spirituality and heritage.

Ananda was launched this week with three books — “A Treasury of Indian Wisdom”, a selection of writings edited by Karan Singh, “Fingers Pointing to the Moon”, a series of talks on …. Source article  : Books to celebrate India’s spirituality.

World’s largest floating Christmas tree lighted

Rio de Janeiro, Dec 6 (IANS/EFE) Thousands of Brazilians and visitors gathered at Rio de Janeiro’s Rodrigo de Freitas Lake to witness the lighting of the world’s largest floating Christmas tree with 3.3 million lights.

The enormous tree, supported by a metallic structure and standing 85 metres tall has already been acknowledged by the Guinness …. Source  : World’s largest floating Christmas tree lighted.

PM attends pre-Christmas function

NEW DELHI – Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Tuesday night attended a function organised by parliamentarians to celebrate the Christmas season.

“The PM was glad to attend the function to mark the Christmas season,” an official in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) told IANS.
Former Union minister Dhanuskodi Athithan, chairman of the committee to host … Read more : PM attends pre-Christmas function.

Dalai Lama is Lord Buddha of this era: Dhumal

DHARAMSALA – Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal Thursday called Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama the greatest living monk and the Lord Buddha of the present era.

“He (the Dalai Lama) is the greatest living Buddhist monk and is the Mahatma Budha of the era,” Dhumal said at a breakfast reception hosted by … Read more : Dalai Lama is Lord Buddha of this era: Dhumal.

‘Dalai Lama will remain religious, temporal head’

DHARAMSALA – Expressing full faith in his leadership, the Tibetan government-in-exile based here Friday again reiterated that the Dalai Lama would remain the Tibetans’ religious and temporal head.

“The Kashag (cabinet) would like to offer the wholehearted prayers of Tibetans, beseeching His Holiness (the Dalai Lama) to remain as ever the religious and … Original article on : ‘Dalai Lama will remain religious, temporal head’.

Growth rate of Tibetan exiles plummets

DHARAMSALA – The exiled Tibetan population’s growth rate has declined drastically in the last decade even as literacy levels have gone up, reveals a census report, which also notes that over 94,000 Tibetans now live in India.

The population growth rate of the community has declined from a healthy 2.8 percent, which was maintained for … Original article on : Growth rate of Tibetan exiles plummets.

Nepal celebrates ‘marriage made in heaven’ with India

KATHMANDU – Bands played joyously, Brahmins chanted mantras and women showered flowers as Nepal Friday celebrated a “marriage made in heaven” thousands of years ago and forming one of its earliest social links with India.

The temple town Janakpur in southern Nepal along the Indo-Nepal border, where Hindu epic Ramayana comes alive this time every …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Nepal celebrates ‘marriage made in heaven’ with India.

Early marriage my right, says 14-year-old Malaysian girl

KUALA LUMPUR – A 14-year old Malaysian girl, who married a 23-year-old man, has asserted that early marriage was her individual decision and right.

Marriage is the right of the individual and I am well-prepared to take up the duties of a wife, said Siti Maryam Mahmood, the teenager fondly called Maya by her … Original article on : Early marriage my right, says 14-year-old Malaysian girl.

Sunni Waqf board files appeal on Ayodhya in Supreme Court

NEW DELHI – The Sunni Central Waqf Board Tuesday filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court for setting aside the Allahabad High Court judgment on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit.

Our appeal on behalf of Sunni Waqf Board was filed today, Zafaryab Jilani, the board’s lawyer, told reporters here.
A three-judge …. Source  : Sunni Waqf board files appeal on Ayodhya in Supreme Court.

Dawoodi Bohra head conducts Moharram discourses at 99

MUMBAI – Setting a record of sorts at 99 years, the spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohra community Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin is conducting the annual Moharram discourses in Mumbai for the second consecutive year, an aide said here Tuesday.

This year, around 200,000 Dawoodi Bohras have gathered from all over the world and different parts …. Source article  : Dawoodi Bohra head conducts Moharram discourses at 99.

Obama skipping Golden Temple in Time’s ‘Top 10 Religion Stories’

WASHINGTON – US President Barack Obama’s decision to skip a planned visit to the Golden Temple during his India trip has been listed ninth among Time magazine’s ‘Top 10 Religion Stories’.

Explaining why it put “Obama Decides Not to Visit the Golden Temple” on the list, the US magazine wrote: “The Golden Temple in Amritsar … Read more : Obama skipping Golden Temple in Time’s ‘Top 10 Religion Stories’.

Seek stop to US turban checking, Badal urges PM

CHANDIGARH – Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal Monday urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to ensure that Sikh turbans were not checked and Sikhs were not humiliated in US airports.

After India’s UN envoy Hardeep Singh Puri was patted down by security officials at the Austin airport and his turban checked, Badal said the …. Source  : Seek stop to US turban checking, Badal urges PM.

Argentine cleric attacks Santa Claus as `fat, red man’

BUENOS AIRES – Worshippers at the Catholic cathedral in Resistencia in north-western Argentina could barely believe their ears when their archbishop demonised Christmas’ jolliest figure.

Archbishop Fabriciano Sigampa called Santa Claus a “fat, red man” who had no business in the Christmas celebrations of Christianity.
Even little children “should know that they get presents only … Read more : Argentine cleric attacks Santa Claus as `fat, red man’.

Sri Lanka destroying statues of Tamil kings: Canadian Tamils

TORONTO – The Sri Lankan Tamil diaspora in Canada has reacted angrily to Colombo’s decision to scrap the Tamil version of the country’s national anthem and alleged that the “Sri Lankan government is systematically destroying the statues of Tamil kings”.

The Sri Lankan cabinet under President Mahinda Rajapaksa has decided that “the current Tamil version …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Sikh panel plans protest outside US embassy

CHANDIGARH – The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC), the mini-parliament of Sikh religion, Tuesday said its members will protest outside the US embassy in Delhi Dec 23 against turban checks at American airports.

SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar said committee members will ‘gherao’ (lay seige to) and protest outside the US embassy Dec 23.
The … Read more »»».

Citing Diwali in Mumbai, Obama plugs new era of engagement

WASHINGTON – Citing his India visit when he and First Lady Michelle celebrated Diwali with children in Mumbai, US President Barack Obama has said his administration has pursued a new era of engagement by building partnerships between peoples.

Joining holiday celebrations at the State Department for diplomats Monday, he said: “As you know, my administration …. Original article  : Citing Diwali in Mumbai, Obama plugs new era of engagement.

Muslim woman whipped in public for wearing trousers

LONDON – A Sudanese Muslim woman was publicly whipped for wearing trousers, a video released on the internet shows.

The woman was apparently punished under the Sharia law for wearing trousers under her Islamic clothing, Sky News reported Tuesday.
The footage shows her crawling on the ground, raising her arm to try to ward off …. Source article  : Muslim woman whipped in public for wearing trousers.

Act to stop turban checks, Akali Dal tells government

CHANDIGARH – The ruling Akali Dal in Punjab Tuesday termed Indian diplomat Hardeep Puri’s ‘pat down’ episode in the US as an outrage and urged the central government to launch a diplomatic initiative to ensure that Sikhs’ turbans were not checked anywhere in the world.

Puri, India’s permanent representative to the UN, was screened by … Read more »».

Now follow a Moharram ‘majlis’ on your cell

LUCKNOW – Members of the Shia community can now follow a ‘Majlis’ addressed by leading clerics during the month of Moharram on their mobile phone within half an hour of the event.

Gurgaon-based IT company Anagha Communications has developed a software to bring the Moharram majlis straight to your mobile phones within 30 minute of … Read more : Now follow a Moharram ‘majlis’ on your cell.

Sunni Waqf Board moves apex court against Ayodhya order

LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI – The Sunni Central Waqf Board Tuesday moved the apex court against the Sep 30 order of the Allahabad High Court in the Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit, raising several issues against the verdict, including that it relied heavily on belief.

“We have sought to draw the Supreme Court’s attention to the fact …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Sunni Waqf Board moves apex court against Ayodhya order.

Dalai Lama recalls Tibet’s relations with India

DHARAMSALA – Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has recalled Tibets past relations with India and said these are still close to heart.

Tibets past relations with Kalimpong and Darjeeling are still close to heart. As a child I was delighted to hear from Tibetan merchants and officials about their journey to Kalimpong, Sikkim, Darjeeling … Original article on : Dalai Lama recalls Tibet’s relations with India.

Thousands weep as Bohra chief, 99, conducts Moharram discourse

MUMBAI – A sea of humanity, many moved to tears, sits in rapt attention at the Saifee Mosque and outside in the bylanes as the spiritual head of the Dawoodi Bohra community, 99-year-old Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin, conducts the annual Moharram discourse.

The live Ashara Mubaraka discourse by the Syedna – for the second consecutive year [..] Read the original article: here.

Muharram Being Observed Today

AHMEDABAD, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The occasion of Muharram is being observed in many parts of the country on Friday with mourning processions being taken out in a number of cities all over India. While a curfew has been declared in many parts of the Jammu & Kashmir’s capital Srinagar to avoid any uncalled for incident, … Read : Muharram Being Observed Today.

Muharram Being Observed In Pakistan

KARACHI, PAKISTAN (GaeaTimes.com)- Like every year, the city of Karachi in Pakistan was witness to a mourning procession on Thursday to commemorate the occasion of Muharram which honors the sacrifices that were made by Hazrat Iman Hussein and his companions. The mourning procession that was carried out in Karachi commenced from Nishtar Park and … Read more : Muharram Being Observed In Pakistan.

Jolie-Pitt Hindu wedding tickles Canada

TORONTO – The reported decision by Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie to have a Hindu wedding in an ashram in Rajasthan next year to formalize their live-in relationship has drawn curious reaction from the Canadian media and readers.

Isn’t Hollywood’s hottest couple, like other celebrities, trying to appropriating Hindu culture to make their wedding look …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Jolie-Pitt Hindu wedding tickles Canada.

Delhi-Agra highway choked with devotees

MATHURA – The Delhi-Agra national highway has been choked for the last three days as devotees of a local spiritual leader make their way on foot and in packed buses and trucks for a four-day religious discourse that ends here Friday.

The followers of Baba Jai Gurudev have been coming to his grand white … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Delhi-Agra highway choked with devotees.

Tamil NGO denies links with spectrum scam

CHENNAI – The founder of an NGO linked to DMK MP Kanimozhi that was raided by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) insisted Thursday that it did not receive any money linked to the 2G spectrum scandal.

Jegath Gaspar Raj told a news conference here that he strongly condemned insinuations that the scam money may …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Tamil NGO denies links with spectrum scam.

Pakistani officials in Saudi Arabia to probe Haj scandal

ISLAMABAD – A team of officials from Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) left for Saudi Arabia Thursday to investigate the Haj corruption scandal that led to the sacking of two federal ministers.

The team led by FIA deputy director Khalid Rasool will visit Makkah and Madina to find out the exact situation regarding accommodation provided …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

US cable praises India’s secular society

NEW DELHI/LONDON – A diplomatic cable sent by the US embassy here to Washington says America can learn a lot from the Indians’ tolerance for all faiths, according to whistleblowing website WikiLeaks.

An April 2006 cable posted in The Guardian newspaper said that in the Indian context, secularism was synonymous with tolerance for all faiths, …. Source article  : US cable praises India’s secular society.

Hindu terrorism phrase coined by vested interests: VHP

PANAJI – Hindu or saffron terrorism was a “figment of imagination” and a phrase coined by vested interests who were working against the nation, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) said here Friday.

VHP’s all-India vice president Ashok Chowgule said the parishad will discuss the issue of ’saffron terrorism’ at its international conference in Goa … Original source on Gaea Times at : Hindu terrorism phrase coined by vested interests: VHP.

Vatican condemns China’s interference in church affairs

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican Friday condemned a unilateral gathering earlier this month of China’s state-supervised Catholic church – saying bishops and priests had been forced to attend.

The Vatican’s protest, contained in an eight-point statement, is the latest salvo in a growing rift with Beijing, one that appears to reverse an improvement in relations [..] Read the original article: here.

Peaceful Moharrum in Mumbai

MUMBAI – Muslims Friday peacefully observed Yaum-e-Ashoora, the 10th day of the Muslim month of Moharrum, remembering the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, and his followers in the battle of Karbala about 1,400 years ago.

While Shia Muslims observed the day Thursday, Sunnis observed it Friday by fasting. The city also …. Original article  : Peaceful Moharrum in Mumbai.

Thousands join Muharram processions across Kashmir Valley

SRINAGAR – Muharram processions were taken out peacefully in many parts of the Kashmir Valley Friday except for the main procession which couldn’t be taken out due to the imposition of curfew in Srinagar.

Thousands joined the processions at different places to pay rich tributes to the grandson of the Prophet and commemorate his … Read more >>.

Yaum-e-Ashoora observed in Hyderabad with procession

HYDERABAD – Muslims Friday observed Yaum-e-Ashoora or the 10th day of the Muslim month of Moharrum remembering the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, and his followers in the battle of Karbala about 1,400 years ago.

While Shia Muslims in this historic city observed the day by taking out the traditional ‘tazia’ … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Yaum-e-Ashoora observed in Hyderabad with procession.

WikiLeaks: 85,000 Tibetans reach India since 1980

NEW DELHI/LONDON – More than 85,000 Tibetans have arrived in India in the past 30 years and 46,000 of them returned to Tibet, says a US cable put out by WikiLeaks.

The New Delhi American embassy cable of Feb 22 this year and reproduced by The Guardian said that “an average of 2,500-3,500 refugees from …. Original article  : WikiLeaks: 85,000 Tibetans reach India since 1980.

Congress launches frontal attack on ‘insidious’ RSS, BJP

NEW DELHI – Days after the WikiLeaks disclosures of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s take on Hindu terror, the party Sunday went a step further, launching a fierce attack on the RSS, likening the right-wing group to Nazis for its “hatred” of Muslims and also called for a probe into its terror links. BJP leader L.K. … Read more »»».

Bhopal to host international Quran recitation competition

BHOPAL – The seventh international competition in traditional style rendition of the Holy Qur’an will be held here Dec 22-23 and will see participants from countries like Britain, Iran and Pakistan.

The two-day ‘Aalamee Musabiqa Qirat-e-Qur’an’ will be held at the historic Iqbal Maidan.
Qaris, or people who recite the Quran in traditional style, … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Bhopal to host international Quran recitation competition.

Americans mull whether to buy real or fake Christmas tree

WASHINGTON – Over 40 million Christmas trees are expected to be sold in the US this season but Americans are divided over whether to buy a fake or a real tree.

With some 13 million artificial trees and 30 million real ones are expected to be sold in the US this year, a lot is …. Original article on Gaea Times at  : Americans mull whether to buy real or fake Christmas tree.

Bhopal to host largest Muslim gathering after Haj

BHOPAL – A tented township is coming up near here for one of the world’s largest Muslim gatherings, the 63rd Aalmi Tablighi Ijtema, with speical arrangements for the stay of an estimated 400 physically challenged people.

The global congregation by Tablighi Jamaat is to be held Dec 25-27 at Itkhori in Islam Nagar, around 12 …. Source article  : Bhopal to host largest Muslim gathering after Haj.

Mexicans attribute miracles to late Pope

Monterrey (Mexico), Dec 22 (IANS/EFE) An exhibition of personal items belonging to the late Pope John Paul II is drawing thousands here, with some claiming that the pilgrimage has helped them overcome illness.

“People who come here feel very touched, even moved to tears. They say they feel the presence of John Paul II,” said …. Original article  : Mexicans attribute miracles to late Pope.

Hindu spiritual leader kidnapped in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD – A leading Hindu spiritual leader of Pakistan was kidnapped at gunpoint in Balochistan province while he was on his way to officiate a wedding.

Eightytwo-year-old Lakki Chand Garji, who is the `maharaja’ of the Kali Mata Mandir in Kalat town, is considered to be one of Pakistans most revered Hindu spiritual leaders. He … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Hindu spiritual leader kidnapped in Pakistan.

President stresses on harmony, unity on Christmas eve

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil Friday greeted the nation on the eve of Christmas Friday and urged people to work for “harmony and unity in society”.

On the joyous occasion of Christmas, I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to all citizens, Patil said in her message to the nation.
The day symbolises …. Original source  : President stresses on harmony, unity on Christmas eve.

Jayalalithaa woos Christians

KANYAKUMARI – In a bid to woo Christian voters, AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaa Thursday promised travel assistance to those who want to undertake pilgrimage to Israel, extension of reservation benefits to Dalit Christians and permission to Christians to build churches on their own lands.

Speaking at a Christmas function held here, around 630 km … Read : Jayalalithaa woos Christians.

China rejects Vatican’s criticism as ‘imprudent’

BEIJING – China has rejected as “imprudent” the Vatican’s criticism of a recent national congress of Chinese Catholics, blaming the Vatican for damaging relations between the two sides.

A spokesperson for the State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) said Wednesday the Vatican’s criticism was very imprudent and ungrounded, Xinhua reported.
In a statement dated Dec … Read more : China rejects Vatican’s criticism as ‘imprudent’.

Punjab to provide land for burial grounds

CHANDIGARH – Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal Thursday announced that his government will provide land for burial grounds for Christian and Muslim communities in all towns and villages of the state.

He was addressing a gathering of the Christian community at a first of its kind state-level function to mark Christmas at the … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Punjab to provide land for burial grounds.

Christmas carols, cakes and gifts, it’s merrymaking in Delhi!

NEW DELHI – Soaking in the festive spirit while wrapped in layers of clothing, Delhiites Saturday visited various decked up churches, sang carols, exchanged presents and gorged on fruit plum cakes to celebrate the festival of Christmas.

Braving chilly winds, denizens of the city assembled for the midnight mass at the churches Friday night on [..] Read the original article: here.

Kerala Christmas low key after Karunakaran’s death

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – Thousands of devout Christians attended mass at churches across Kerala Saturday and headed home for a special breakfast of appam, stew, baked bananas and cakes, but the usual public revelry was low key following four-time chief minister K. Karunakaran’s death.

While in some churches the mass began soon after midnight, in others it …. Source article  : Kerala Christmas low key after Karunakaran’s death.

Israel braces for tourist influx on Christmas

JERUSALEM – Israel has made all arrangements to provide easy access to its religious places and ensure full security of around 90,000 tourists who are expected to visit the country on Christmas this year.

Israeli tourism ministry estimates the arrival of nearly 2.4 million Christian tourists by the year’s end. One-third of them are pilgrims …. Original source  : Israel braces for tourist influx on Christmas.

Pope leads midnight Christmas Mass amid tight security

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI led the Vatican’s Christmas celebrations late Friday with the traditional midnight Mass, which began amid tightened security measures following last year’s intrusion by a mentally disturbed woman.

Thousands of people flocked to St Peter’s Basilica as Benedict began presiding over the ceremony. Many more followed the proceedings on giant … Read more >>>.

Thousands flock to Bethlehem for Christmas festivities

BETHLEHEM – Thousands of Christian faithful from around the world converged Friday on Bethlehem to celebrate Christmas in the town where, according to the Biblical account, Jesus was born.

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Fouad Twal, arrived in the city in the afternoon, at the end of the traditional procession from Jerusalem.
The first part …. Original article  : Thousands flock to Bethlehem for Christmas festivities.

Mumbai ushers in Christmas with faith

MUMBAI – Thousands of worshippers gathered in gaily decorated churches across Mumbai at midnight Friday to usher in Christmas.

Churches across the city wore a welcoming look, decorated with stars and fairy lights. The Archbishop of Mumbai Cardinal Oswald Gracias conducted the midnight mass at the Holy Name Cathedral in Colaba in south Mumbai.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Pope to lead midnight Christmas Mass amid tight security

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI was Friday set to lead the Vatican’s Christmas festivities by celebrating the traditional midnight Mass.

The ceremony was expected to take place under tight security in the wake of an incident at the same event last year when a mentally disturbed woman jumped over a barrier and lunged at … Read more >>>.

Luxury train on Sikh pilgrimage across India sold out

CHANDIGARH – A unique pilgrimage of Sikh shrines across India on board the Deccan Odyssey luxury train is all sold out. Never mind if the nine-day journey costs a minimum of Rs.210,000 ($4,665) per person.

Titled ‘A spiritual journey to the Guru’s abode’ on the Deccan Odyssey, all 80 seats for the first trip of … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Luxury train on Sikh pilgrimage across India sold out.

Sikhism’s spiritual high seat: Journeying through Anandpur Sahib

NEW DELHI – If Mecca is Islam’s high seat of spirituality, then the picturesque town of Anandpur Sahib in Punjab is the religious heartbeat of the Sikh faith. The holy town is the subject of an illustrated volume “Heaven of Bliss, Anandpur Sahib: A Miracle of Human Spirit” published earlier this month.

Pilgrims walk through …. Read the original article  : Sikhism’s spiritual high seat: Journeying through Anandpur Sahib.

Archbishop of Canterbury welcomes royal wedding

LONDON – The Archbishop of Canterbury, principal leader of the Church of England, in his Christmas Day sermon Saturday welcomed next year’s royal wedding of Prince William and his girlfriend Kate Middleton.

According to the Daily Mail, Rowan Williams said: “Next year, we shall be joining in the celebration of what we hope will be … Read more »»».

Diplomat pat down: Punjab minister urges PM to act

CHANDIGARH – Almost two weeks after senior Sikh diplomat Hardeep Puri was asked to remove his turban at a US airport for a security check, a Punjab minister Saturday urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take up the issue with US President Barack Obama.

Punjabs Industries and Commerce Minister Manoranjan Kalia said the US security …. Read the original article  : Diplomat pat down: Punjab minister urges PM to act.

Pope issues Christmas message of peace and solidarity

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI, in his traditional Christmas Day message, Saturday expressed hope for global peace and solidarity and offered words of comfort to the faithful in China who live with “limitations imposed” on their freedom of religion.

During a noon ceremony, the 83-year-old pontiff also pronounced Christmas good wishes in 65 languages … Read more : Pope issues Christmas message of peace and solidarity.

Hindu leaders want law to build Ram temple in Ayodhya

CHANDIGARH – Hindu leaders and members of a city-based NGO Sunday demanded the enactment of a law for constructing a Ram temple at the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya.

Ayodhya is national pilgrimage centre. Everyone, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, should support the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya as a mark of respect … Read more »»».

Woman claims to see Christ’s image in her X-ray

LONDON – Christians believe that Jesus Christ lives within all of us — but one woman in the US claims to have photographic evidence. She says she saw in her chest X-ray a clear image of Christ just above her heart.

Karen Sigler from Elwood, Indiana, was in hospital Dec 12 with pneumonia when …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : Woman claims to see Christ’s image in her X-ray.

Goa archbishop quotes from Vedas in pre-New Year address

PANAJI – Goa archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao has quoted extensively from the Sama Veda, an ancient Hindu scripture, in his pre-New Year address to underline the importance of “unity of mankind”.

In his address, which was released to the media Thursday, the spiritual leader of the Catholics in Goa, said the genuine development of people … Read more >>.

Don’t date Arab men: Rabbis’ wives to Israeli girls

Rome, Dec 30 (IANS/AKI) Wives of around 30 rabbis in Israel have published an open letter asking jewish girls to avoid dating Arab men because their courtship will result in maltreatment.

The letter comes three weeks after an uproar sparked by a religious ruling signed by 50 state-appointed rabbis telling Jews not to rent or …. Read the original article  : here.

5,000 initiated into Tibetan Buddhism at Bodh Gaya

BODH GAYA – More than 5,000 people from across the globe sought refuge in the compassionate light of Gautam Buddha in a six-hour initiation ceremony conducted by one of the oldest schools of Tibetan Buddhism, Karma Kagyu sect, at Bodh Gaya Wednesday.

Trinley Thayle Dorje, the 17th Karmapa of the Karma Kagyu sect, conducted the …. Original source  : 5,000 initiated into Tibetan Buddhism at Bodh Gaya.

Tibetan Buddhist sect’s 900th anniversary celebrations end

BODH GAYA – The 22-day commemoration of the 900th anniversary of the Karma Kagyu sect of Tibetan Buddhism Thursday ended at the historic Kalachakra ground in the holy town of Bodh Gaya – the seat of Gautama Buddha’s enlightenment – with an impressive ceremony and a special “wishing prayer”.

The two-day closing ceremony …. Original source  : Tibetan Buddhist sect’s 900th anniversary celebrations end.