shiite-muslims-flock-to-iraqs-karbala-for-religious-festival

Shiite Muslims flock to Iraq's Karbala for religious festival

Shiite Muslims are flocking to the Imam al-Hussein shrine in Karbala in preparation for the Arbaeen religious festival marking the 40th day after Ashura which commemorates the seventh century killing of Prophet Mohammed's grandson. Duration: 00:46 Dec 12, 2014
pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-c-rajagopalachari-on-his-136th-birth-anniversary

PM Modi pays tribute to C Rajagopalachari on his 136th birth anniversary

New Delhi, Dec 10 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes to freedom fighter, scholar and thinker C Rajagopalachari (Rajaji) on his 136th birth anniversary. The Prime Minister took to twitter to pay his tributes to Rajaji. He tweeted saying, "I offer my tributes to the great freedom fighter, scholar and thinker par excellence, Shri C Rajagopalachari on his birth anniversary. Rajaji was known for his administrative and political skills as well as for his literary and cultural pursuits. A remarkable personality!" he added. Born in 1878, Rajagopalachari was the last Governor-General of India. He also served as the Union Minister for Home Affairs, Premier of the Madras Presidency, Chief Minister of Madras State and Governor of West Bengal. Dec 10, 2014
lord-raghunaths-17th-century-idol-worth-crores-stolen-from-kullu-temple

Lord Raghunath's 17th century idol worth crores stolen from Kullu temple

Kullu, Dec 10 (ANI): A 17th century idol of Lord Raghunath, worth crores of rupees was stolen from a temple located on the premises of Kullu Palace in Kullu town's busy Sultanpur locality. It was in wee hours that temple priests Pappu and Hemraj noticed the missing idol and immediately informed Dhanvender Singh, son of Maheshwar Singh-- who is the principal guardian of the deity. The idol made of pure gold, which measured a little more than three inches, was removed from the shrine on the intervening night of December 08 and December 09. Burglars also took away the idols of Lord Ganesha, Hanuman, Narsangh and Salig Ram from the temple along with some silver and gold ornaments. Inspector General of Police, PL Thakur said the thieves had broken the roof to enter the premises. Dec 10, 2014
people-from-all-faiths-congregate-at-annual-urs-of-sheikh-noor-ud-din

People from all faiths congregate at annual Urs of Sheikh Noor-Ud-Din

Budgam, Dec 08 (ANI): Kashmir, besides being called as paradise on earth, also houses shrines of various Sufi saints. These saints have preached oneness on the soil of Jammu and Kashmir which is a mix of different religious faiths. Their spirituality and simple life attracted people of different faiths and they embraced their teachings, besides holding them in high regard. It is these teachings of oneness and brotherhood that bind people together and they celebrate them with utmost religious fervor. A similar example is seen at the Shrine of Sheikh Noor Ud Din Noorani (RA) at Chara-i-Sharief in Budgam district of central Kashmir, where devotees pay obeisance to saint and seek his blessings. Thronging the shrine in thousands, the devotees hold the day-and-night-long prayers to pay homage to the saint, besides asking for fulfillment of their wishes. Women, men and children chant hymns and offer prayers in the week long celebrations. Dec 8, 2014
urs-of-sai-akbar-draws-hindu-and-muslim-devotees-promotes-interfaith-harmony

Urs of Sai Akbar draws Hindu and Muslim devotees, promotes interfaith harmony

Rajouri, Dec 02 (ANI): Sufism in India has served to promote a common way of understanding the world. People from different faiths and all walks of life congregate at Sufi shrines to pay their respects. One such place is the Mausoleum of Sufi Saint Sai Akbar in Rajouri district of India’s northern state of Jammu and Kashmir that attracts Hindu and Muslim devotees. Every year large number of people visit the shrine to pray for the well-being of their loved ones. Though devotees throng the shrine throughout the year, the Urs or the death anniversary of the saint attracts a large number of people. During the Urs people from different faiths sit together, eat, drink and pray with equal devotion. Mass prayers are held on the occasion, which present a perfect picture of religious amity. Dec 2, 2014