Religion News – Weekly Newsletter for January 10-17, 2011

Horror films in Malaysia irk Islamic scholars

KUALA LUMPUR – Portraying of religious preachers as ghost-busters using verses from holy Quran in horror films being made in Malaysia has irked Islamic scholars.

The preachers, called “ustaz” are shown appeasing spirits of ghosts in many horror films that are made locally and are popular with the cine-goers.
Islamic scholars and preachers have called … Read more >>.

Parliament must empower Ram temple construction: VHP

RAMNATHI – The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Sunday appealed for a parliamentary act empowering the construction of a grand Ram temple in Ayodhya and claimed it had received letters of support from 353 non-BJP members of parliament.

The three-day conclave of VHP trustees and members of the governing council has also vowed to create awareness …. Source  : Parliament must empower Ram temple construction: VHP.

Pope calls on world leaders to protect Christians

Vatican City, Jan 11 (IANS/AKI) Pope Benedict XVI has called on world leaders to step up efforts to shield Christians from discrimination and violence.

In his annual message for World Day of Peace to the diplomatic corp accredited to the Holy See Monday, he said countries must guarantee “religious freedom as the fundamental path to … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pope calls on world leaders to protect Christians.

Vivekananda movement grows in Nepal on 148th anniversary

KATHMANDU – More than a century after his death, the electrifying ideology of 19th century Indian philosopher and social reformer Swami Vivekananda is gathering momentum in neighbouring Nepal with people as diverse as police officers, the president of the national boxers’ association, and top bankers and businessmen coming together to spread the thoughts of the …. Original source  : Vivekananda movement grows in Nepal on 148th anniversary.

Pope urges respect for religious symbols

VATICAN CITY – Pope Benedict XVI appealed Monday for freedom of faith in Egypt, Pakistan, China and the Middle East, and urged greater respect in Western countries towards religious symbols and beliefs.

The right to religious freedom “is indeed the first of human rights”, the pontiff told ambassadors and envoys of some 179 states which …. Original source  : Pope urges respect for religious symbols.

Pakistani imam, son jailed on blasphemy charges

ISLAMABAD – A Pakistani court has sentenced to life imprisonment a mosque’s chief clergy and his son for violating the country’s blasphemy law, days after Punjab province governor Salmaan Taseer was killed for his remarks on the controversial religious legislation.

Justice Roy Ayub Marth of the anti-terrorism court in Dera Ghazi Khan also handed down … Read : Pakistani imam, son jailed on blasphemy charges.

Egypt recalls envoy over Pope’s comments on church attack

CAIRO – Egypt Tuesday recalled its ambassador to the Vatican over “interfering” comments made by Pope Benedict XVI following the bombing of a Christian Coptic church in Alexandria.

“Egypt considers the latest statement by the Vatican to be an unacceptable interference in its domestic affairs,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
Ambassador Lamia Mekheimar … Read more »».

President, vice president greet nation on Makar Sankranti, Pongal

NEW DELHI – President Pratibha Patil and Vice President Hamid Ansari Thursday greeted the nation on Makar Sankranti and Pongal and wished prosperity and happiness to the people.

“May these festivals bind the communities and regions of India in a bond of love and affection and inspire us to work for the unity and … Read this article on Gaea Times at : President, vice president greet nation on Makar Sankranti, Pongal.

Do Vedic rites impact environment? Scientists head for Kerala village

NEW DELHI – Can ancient mantras induce rains? Do Vedic chants impact the surrounding environment? A team of scientists will attempt to find out the answers when they descend on the ancient village of Panjal in Kerala to study the 3,100-year-old Vedic ritual called Athirathram in April.

A team of Vedic scholars from Panjal village, … Original article on : Do Vedic rites impact environment? Scientists head for Kerala village.

Normalcy amid heavy security after Delhi mosque demolition

NEW DELHI – Heavy security was deployed in parts of south Delhi Thursday, a day after protests and stone pelting following the demolition of an illegal mosque by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).

According to police, the situation in Jangpura area is normal and things are being monitored closely.
“Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Rapid …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary Celebrations

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The nation is celebrating the birth anniversary of the great spiritual and social saint Swami Vivekananda. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the nationwide celebrations today in honor of the Neo-Vedantist’s 150th birth anniversary. Prior to the birth anniversary of the saint on January 12, the Prime minister has ensured that … Read more »»».

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.

Over five lakh pilgrims take holy dip at Gangasagar

SAGAR ISLAND – Over five lakh pilgrims from across India and even abroad took a holy dip in the river Ganga, braving the icy cold water and a chilly wind at the annual Gangasagar Fair here on Makar Sankranti Saturday.

About 150 km from Kolkata in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, this island is … Original article on : Over five lakh pilgrims take holy dip at Gangasagar.

Pope John Paul II Will Be Beatified

VATICAN CITY (GaeaTimes.com)- The citizens of Rome are all set to witness the beatification of Pope John Paul II on May 1, the Vatican City officials announced the news on Friday. The media outlets reported that Pope Benedict XVI signed an official document and gave permission to beatify Pope John Paul II. The media … Original source on Gaea Times at : Pope John Paul II Will Be Beatified.

Pongal Celebrations In Full Swing

CHENNAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The month of January in India sees traditional harvest festivals being celebrated in various parts of the country. While the western states celebrate Lohri, a number of states gear up for Makar Sankranti and for the South Indians the time is set for Pongal. The festival is being celebrated by Tamilians …. Read the original article  : here.

Assam celebrates Bihu festival with bonfires, feasting

GUWAHATI – Bonfires and community feasts were held across Assam as the state celebrated the harvest festival of Magh Bihu Saturday.

Magh Bihu also known as Bhogali Bihu is a two-day festival and dedicated to Lord Agni, the Hindu fire god.
People across Assam early Saturday made bonfires of ‘mejis’ and ‘bhelaghars’.
The ‘meji’ …. Read the original article  : here.

Sankranti Spirit Grips India

MUMBAI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The Indians are still enjoying the festive flavor of Makar Sankranti, the harvest festival that has sent celebration mood countrywide. The fact that it comes at the same time with Pongal, a major South Indian festive event, has spread the joy and spirit among Indians even more. People are expecting a … Read more »»».

Land reclaimed after mosque demolition, DDA tells court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Friday told the Delhi High Court that it had complied with its orders for demolishing a mosque built illegally on public land in Jangpura in south Delhi and had reclaimed 350 sq metres of its land.

The DDA also pleaded with the court to drop its … Read the original article on Gaea Times at : Land reclaimed after mosque demolition, DDA tells court.

‘Sikhs should expect screening of turbans at US airports’

WASHINGTON – A Sikh community advocacy group has warned the community to be prepared for the “reality that Sikhs should now always expect to be secondarily screened at American airports.”

The warning was issued by The Sikh Coalition in its revised guidance for “Airport Screening Procedures as Applied to Sikh Travellers and Your Rights as …. Source article  : ‘Sikhs should expect screening of turbans at US airports’.

Vatican to beatify Pope John Paul II May 1

VATICAN CITY – The Vatican said Friday Pope John Paul II is to be beatified – the penultimate step in the process to make the late pontiff a saint – at a ceremony in Rome May 1.

Pope Benedict XVI approved, through a decree, a miracle attributed to John Paul, the head of the Vatican’s …. Source article  : Vatican to beatify Pope John Paul II May 1.

We have reclaimed land from mosque, DDA tells court

NEW DELHI – The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) Friday told the Delhi High Court that it had complied with its orders on demolition of a mosque built illegally on government land in Jangpura in south Delhi and had reclaimed 350 sq metre of its land.

Facing a contempt threat from the high court, the DDA, … Original source on Gaea Times at : We have reclaimed land from mosque, DDA tells court.

‘Dalai Lama will continue to work for Tibet cause’

DHARAMSALA – Tibetan prime minister-in-exile Samdhong Rinpoche has said there is no need to worry about the Dalai Lama’s retirement plan as he would continue to work for the cause of Tibet, an official statement said here Friday.

“His Holiness (the Dalai Lama) has recently clarified his statement on retirement that except some changes in … Read this article on Gaea Times at : ‘Dalai Lama will continue to work for Tibet cause’.

Three former Anglican bishops ordained in Catholic Church

LONDON – In a history-making ceremony, three former Anglican church bishops — all married and with children — were Saturday ordained as Catholic priests, a move they took to protest female ordination in the Anglican Church.

Westminster Bishop Vincent Nichols, leader of Catholics in England and Wales, ordained the three men — Andrew Burnham, Keith … Read more »»».

Mosque demolition: Contempt plea filed against Dikshit

NEW DELHI – People from a south Delhi neighbourhood Saturday moved the Delhi High Court seeking initiation of contempt of court proceedings against Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari for allegedly instigating people to offer prayers at the site of a razed illegal mosque.

Prayers were offered on …. Source  : Gaea News Network.

Assam celebrates Bihu festival with bonfires, bird fights

HAJO – For a prize comprising traditional bell metal utensils, up to 200 birds and their owners were locked in a bitter fight Saturday — an event that marks Bhogali Bihu, the harvest festival in Assam.

Since morning, this dusty roadside village, some 30 km west of Guwahati, came alive with an estimated 200 red-vented [..] Read the original article: here.