pm-modi-nominates-9-people-for-swachh-bharat-abhiyan-from-assi-ghat-part-2

PM Modi nominates 9 people for 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' from Assi ghat part -2

Varanasi, Nov 08 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi from Assi ghat. Modi while speaking to mediapersons said that he has launched the cleanliness campaign in Varanasi. He added that the social organizations have assured him that the Assi ghat will be cleaned as soon as possible. He further nominated nine people to carry out ‘cleanlimess drive’ further. The list includes Raju Shrivastav, Manu Sharma, singer Kailash Kher, Padma Shri Devi Parsad Dwivedi, Swami Rambhadracharya, UP CM Akhilesh Yadav, Bhojpuri playback singer Manoj Tiwari, cricketer Mohd Kaif and Suresh Raina. Nov 8, 2014
pm-modi-nominates-9-people-for-swachh-bharat-abhiyan-from-assi-ghat-part-1

PM Modi nominates 9 people for 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' from Assi ghat part-1

Varanasi, Nov 08 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched the 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi from Assi ghat. Modi while speaking to mediapersons said that he has launched the cleanliness campaign in Varanasi. He added that the social organizations have assured him that the Assi ghat will be cleaned as soon as possible. He further nominated nine people to carry out ‘cleanlimess drive’ further. The list includes Raju Shrivastav, Manu Sharma, singer Kailash Kher, Padma Shri Devi Parsad Dwivedi, Swami Rambhadracharya, UP CM Akhilesh Yadav, Bhojpuri playback singer Manoj Tiwari, cricketer Mohd Kaif and Suresh Raina. Nov 8, 2014
it-happens-devotees-celebrate-birth-anniversary-of-sikh-guru

It Happens: Devotees celebrate birth anniversary of Sikh guru

Amritsar, Nov 7 (ANI): Devotees thronged holy Sikh shrine Golden Temple in Amritsar city of India's northern state of Punjab on Thursday to mark the 545th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikh faith. Thousands of regular devotees and pilgrims from far and near converged at the Golden Temple to pay obeisance to the holy book Guru Granth Sahib, light candles and offer prayers for the well being of their families. A devotee, Gurvinder Singh, said people from far off places visit the holy temple to seek blessings for a better future. Fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, was known for his humility, service, and deep devotion. He founded the city of Amritsar and designed the Golden Temple. On this particular day, revered as the most auspicious, devout Sikhs and even others from across the world throng Golden Temple to take holy dip on the occasion of Sikh festival Gurpurab. Meanwhile, in Poonch district of northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, devotees took part in a procession where the youths displayed their capabilities in martial arts. Sikhism was founded in the 15th century in Punjab by Guru Nanak Dev and has had 10 successive gurus. Guru Nanak was born in Nankana Saheb on this day in 1469. Nov 7, 2014
pakistan-leader-terms-border-blast-as-failed-conspiracy-pays-respect-at-golden-temple

Pakistan leader terms border blast as 'failed conspiracy', pays respect at Golden Temple

Amritsar, Nov 5 (ANI): A legislator from Pakistan Punjab Assembly, Suraiya Naseem termed the suicide attack at Wagah border as 'failed conspiracy' to create differences between the two neighbours, amid paying her respect at the Sikh shrine, Golden temple, in Amritsar recently. At least 60 people were killed and 110 wounded on November 02, when the explosion ripped through a car park about 500 metres from Pakistan's border gate just as hundreds of people left the daily performance. At least two Pakistani Taliban splinter groups have claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it was revenge for the army's military operation against insurgents in the tribal region of North Waziristan. After offering prayers at Golden Temple, Naseem said that the militancy is a threat for both India and Pakistan, which needs to be tackled through mutual cooperation. Condemning the militant attack, Naseem said the blast at Wagah border on Pakistan side was an attempt to sour the relations between the two neighbours, but has miserably failed. Nov 5, 2014
german-envoy-assures-help-for-holy-buddhist-shrine-in-bodh-gaya

German envoy assures help for holy Buddhist shrine in Bodh Gaya

Bodh Gaya, Oct 30 (ANI): German ambassador to India, Michael Steiner, visited Buddhist shrine of Mahabodhi Temple in Bihar and said his country will extend every possible help in preservation of the temple. The ambassador was accompanied by his wife Eliese Steiner while visiting the temple in holy town of Bodh Gaya. Michael said his visit to the temple was fulfilling as he loved the atmosphere there. He added the German government will encourage the formulation of the temple. Bodh Gaya is a religious site and a pilgrimage of Buddhists in Gaya district. Meanwhile, Steiner added that the temple was one of the most important places on earth. Oct 30, 2014
people-from-different-faiths-celebrate-the-urs-of-baba-gudadi-shah-in-ajmer

People from different faiths celebrate the Urs of Baba Gudadi Shah in Ajmer

Ajmer, Oct 27 (ANI): India is a multi-cultural and multi-religious country. This amazing diversity is cherished by people of all communities as they celebrate each other's religious festivals with much zeal and fervour. One such example is seen at the mausoleum of Baba Gudadi Shah in Ajmer city of Rajasthan, which attracts people from different religious beliefs. Every year devotees in large numbers gather at Baba's shrine to pay homage to him and seek blessings. Devotees from foreign countries also take pride in visiting the mausoleum. During evening, qawalls perform qawwallis, gathering people in large number who participate enthusiastically. The mausoleum of Baba Gudadi Shah showcases the spirit of harmony which is the true essence of the country. Oct 27, 2014
devotees-from-all-religions-gather-at-shrine-of-peer-monga-nath-upholding-communal-harmony

Devotees from all religions gather at shrine of Peer Monga Nath, upholding communal harmony

Jammu and Kashmir, Oct 14 (ANI): The socio-cultural ethos of Kashmir or Kashmiriyat is steeped in a tradition of religious tolerance, social harmony and brotherhood. It was influenced by the advent of saints in Kashmir in early 14th century. Saints were both popular and influential because they identified themselves with established traditions and never opposed the blending of different religious customs, practices and beliefs. As a result, they attracted many followers. Even today, several shrines dot the state, drawing people from different religions in large numbers. For instance there is the shrine of Peer Baba Monga Nath. Located 35 kms from Jammu in the border area of Satrayan village, the shrine attracts people from different communities. Peer Monga Nath was a true devotee of amity and brotherhood. Oct 14, 2014
bhutans-king-and-queen-witnesses-ganga-aarti-in-varanasi

Bhutan's King and Queen witnesses 'Ganga Aarti' in Varanasi

Varanasi, Oct 10 (ANI): Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his wife Jetsun Pema visited the holy town of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to witness the famous 'Ganga Aarti' on the at Dashashwamedh ghat of River Ganges. Earlier on Wednesday, Wangchuck and his wife Pema planted a Bodhi sapling in the Sarnath temple of Varanasi and subsequently held prayers along with the Buddhist monks. Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema landed in India on Sunday and proceeded to pray at the Buddhist shrine of Mahabodhi Temple complex in Bodh Gaya, where Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. A group of delegates from Bhutan also accompanied the royal couple. Oct 10, 2014
bhutan-king-and-queen-visit-holy-buddhist-shrine-in-varanasi

Bhutan King and Queen visit holy Buddhist shrine in Varanasi

Varanasi, Oct 09 (ANI): Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his wife Jetsun Pema recently visited the holy Buddhist site in temple town of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Wangchuck and his wife Pema planted a Bodhi sapling in the Sarnath temple of Varanasi and subsequently held prayers along with the Buddhist monks. A group of delegates from Bhutan also accompanied the royal couple. Another Buddhist monk, Bante Shivali said that people from across the world visit Sarnath which is spiritually significant. Lord Buddha had gone from Bodh Gaya to Sarnath about five weeks after his enlightenment. Oct 9, 2014
annual-urs-of-sufi-saint-wali-dad-draws-devotees-of-all-religion

Annual urs of Sufi Saint Wali Dad draws devotees of all religion

JandK, Oct 06 (ANI): Jammu and Kashmir which is known for its picturesque beauty has also a rich cultural history and varied religious diversity. People of the state practice different religions and have own their set of customs and beliefs, yet they maintain brotherhood and enjoy religious celebrations together, which has been the age-old tradition since time immemorial. A similar example is seen at the shrine of Sufi saint Wali Dad in Bhathain village of Rajouri district, where devotes belonging to different religions gather and celebrate the Urs of the saint with much religious fervour. Every year, devotees in large numbers from Rajouri and other regions of Jammu and Kashmir valley gather at the foothills of Bhaithain village to pay homage to saint Wali Dad and seek his blessings. Day-long prayers are held at the shrine where people pray for their wellbeing ness and peace in the region. Oct 6, 2014
festive-fever-grips-bangladesh-as-devout-hindus-offer-prayers-to-goddess-durga

Festive fever grips Bangladesh as devout Hindus offer prayers to Goddess Durga

Dhaka, Oct 02 (ANI): Festive fever gripped Bangladesh as devotees congregated at temples and community marquees to offer prayers to mother goddess Durga across the country. Devout Hindus of all ages offered prayers to the goddess during the celebrations for Durga Puja. Among the prominent spots was the shrine of Ramakrishna Mission in Dhaka. The rituals commenced with Kumari Puja where young girls are worshipped as incarnation of the Goddess. Hundreds of members of the Hindu community in Bangladesh performed the Kumari Puja, which is a part of their biggest festival Durga Puja. The word 'Kumari' which means virgin is a name of the goddess Durga as a child. Oct 2, 2014