Religion News – Newsletter for February 8, 2011

Saraswati Puja: Many Patna Institutes To Leave Out

PATNA, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Just like educational institutions all across the nation, schools, colleges and other centers of learning in Patna would be celebrating Saraswati Puja with much elan on Tuesday. The goddess of learning, wisdom as well as knowledge would be worshiped by students in all these educational centers while many households would be …. Original source  : Saraswati Puja: Many Patna Institutes To Leave Out.

Saraswati Puja Being Celebrated Today

NEW DELHI, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- Saraswati Puja is being celebrated with much fanfare all over the nation today. The spirit of the festivities is palpable across various educational institutions where pujas are being held for Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and learning. On the eve of Saraswati Puja, idol-makers in cities across the country … Original article on : Saraswati Puja Being Celebrated Today.

Cyber chatting against Islam, says Malaysian preacher

KUALA LUMPUR – Cyber chatting is against Islam, a Muslim preacher in Malaysia has said.

Preacher and motivational speaker Mohammed Zawawi Yusoh told Harian Metro newspaper that people who engage in chats even on cyberspace were vulnerable to temptation.
It is akin to committing ‘khalwat’ (close proximity), which is an offence under the Islamic … Original source on Gaea Times at : Cyber chatting against Islam, says Malaysian preacher.

Hanuman idol perched atop pole in Trinidad and Tobago

Port-of-SPAIN – A massive idol of Lord Hanuman perched atop a pole has been unveiled in Trinidad and Tobago.

The idol was unveiled by Minister of Education Tim Gopeesingh at the Todds Road Hindu Temple in central Trinidad. Rudy Indarsingh, a minister, was present.
The idol, 12 feet long and 24 feet high, in a … Read more »».

UAE firms to shut on Prophet’s birthday Feb 17

Abu Dhabi, Feb 7 (IANS/WAM) All private sector companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will close Feb 17 to mark Prophet Mohammad’s birth anniversary, a government announcement said Monday.

A circular issued by the labour ministry also greeted the people of the UAE on the occasion.
–IANS/WAM
…. Source article  : UAE firms to shut on Prophet’s birthday Feb 17.

21st century should be century of dialogue: Dalai Lama

PANAJI – Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama Monday said that the 21st century should be known as the century of dialogue.

Speaking here in a Goa government sponsored lecture series, the Tibetan leader also said that this century should convince people that any problem in the world can be resolved by dialogue.
…. Original source  : 21st century should be century of dialogue: Dalai Lama.

Have libraries in places of worship, says Dalai Lama

PANAJI – Buddhist spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama Monday suggested that the numerous temples of worship mushrooming across the country should also house libraries along with statues of deities.

“There should be libraries in temples instead of just statues,” the Dalai Lama said, adding India has been a storehouse of information for the last …. Source  : Have libraries in places of worship, says Dalai Lama.

Hindu temple at centre of Thai-Cambodian border battle

BANGKOK – Preah Vihear, an ancient Hindu temple located at Monday’s border skirmish between Thailand and Cambodia is at the centre of an escalating row between the two southeast Asian nations.

The site’s history dates back to the 9th century, when a place of worship dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva was constructed. Khmer King … Read this article on Gaea Times at : Hindu temple at centre of Thai-Cambodian border battle.

Embrace Islam or face gallows: Afghan worker told

LONDON – An Afghan Red Cross activist, who had embraced Christanity, faces death sentence handed down by a court in Afghanistan.

Physiotherapist Said Musa, 45, will be executed within three days, the Daily Mail reported Monday.
Musa, who has been held for eight months in a Kabul prison, claims he has been tortured and sexually …. Read the original article  : Embrace Islam or face gallows: Afghan worker told.

Dalai Lama blames Karmapa aide for cash, land scam

PANAJI – Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama Monday gave a clean chit to Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje, whose public trusts have been accused of a land scam and illegally stashing foreign currency in his monastery.

The Dalai Lama blamed one of the Karmapa’s attendants for the scandal which he described as not serious.
…. Source  : Gaea News Network.