Religion News – Newsletter for January 14, 2011

Gulf-based Hindu builds mosque in Kerala

NEW DELHI – A Qatar-based Hindu businessman is constructing a mosque in Kerala with the aim of promoting communal harmony. He claims it will be the first mosque to be built in the state by a Hindu in over 1,200 years.

“Construction is going on. The mosque will be ready in two-three months. Over 400 … Read more : Gulf-based Hindu builds mosque in Kerala.

Millions celebrate Makar Sankranti in Bihar

PATNA – Millions of people in Bihar took a dip in the holy Ganga river Friday to mark the annual harvest festival of Makar Sankranti.

The people celebrated it with traditional fervour.
Braving the biting morning chill, they thronged the Ganga banks and other water bodies and offered prayers.
People across Bihar joined …. Read the original article  : Millions celebrate Makar Sankranti in Bihar.

Agra warms up with tourists, festival cheer

AGRA – After nearly a fortnight of biting cold, Agra has perked up with the Lohri and Makar Sankranti estivals heralding warmer weather and more tourists.

The sunshine is back in the city since the past two days and so is the bustle. Agra, where the mercury plummeted to a freezing 1 degree Celsius Tuesday, [..] Read the original article: here.

Delhi celebrates Lohri with bonfires and drumbeats

NEW DELHI – Crackling fires and beating drums were prevalent throughout Delhi Thursday evening as residents gathered around roaring bonfires to celebrate the harvest festival of Lohri.

Traditionally associated with the harvest of the rabi crop, Lohri is celebrated with mirth and enjoyment. People celebrated the occasion with feasting, exchange of gifts and songs and … Read more >>.

Delhi mosque demolition: DDA to file report in court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will Friday submit its report to the Delhi High Court on the mosque built illegally on its land in the Jangpura area in 2005 and which was demolished Wednesday.

Facing a contempt threat from the high court, the DDA – after several failed attempts – succeeded … Read : Delhi mosque demolition: DDA to file report in court.

With bonfires and bonhomie, Delhi set to celebrate Lohri

NEW DELHI – Firewood has been stacked up to be lit into a bonfire in the evening, popcorn, peanuts and sweetmeats bought and the mood is upbeat as the capital prepares to celebrate the harvest festival of Lohri Thursday.

Traditionally associated with the harvest of the rabi crop, Lohri is celebrated with mirth and enjoyment. …. Source article on Gaea Times at  : With bonfires and bonhomie, Delhi set to celebrate Lohri.