communal-harmony-a-way-of-life-in-natungram

Communal Harmony- A way of life in Natungram

West Bengal, Nov 3 (ANI): Communal harmony has been a way of life in India since ages. And Natungram in West Bengal is yet another place where people follow the legacy till date. Known for pumpkin farming culture, the village houses farmers belonging to Hindu as well as Muslim communities, who have been working here from past twenty three years together. The demand of pumpkin is high in Kolkata, especially during the festive season, as devotees use it as a substitute for banned animal sacrifice. Farmers from different religious backgrounds work in the farm with a great spirit of brotherhood and shows the essence of communal harmony which is a reflection of our Indian culture. Farming has not only being the source of livelihood for the farmers in Natungram village but has also become a reason of bringing together people from vivid cultural background and bringing smiles on their faces. Nov 3, 2014
faith-fades-away-religious-differences

Faith fades away religious differences

Barielly, Nov 3 (ANI): India is a land of rich tradition and mix culture where people spread the message of love with the essence of communal harmony and brotherhood persisting among them. One such example is of Chunna Miyan temple in Bareilly city of Uttar Pradesh, whose foundation had been laid by Fazrull Rehman, a Muslim by religion. Also famous by the name of Lakshmi Narayan temple, the temple reflects the true essence of communal harmony which is still being continued by people of different religions who visit the temple. The walls of the temple have the paintings of the founder which is a mark of respect to him. Devotees come here with utmost dedication and their wishes are being fulfilled. Nov 3, 2014
nita-ambani-performs-ganga-aarti-in-varanasi-on-birthday

Nita Ambani performs Ganga Aarti in Varanasi on birthday

Varanasi, Nov 02 (ANI): Reliance Industries chief and billionaire Mukesh Ambani's wife, Nita Ambani celebrated her 51st birthday in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency, Varanasi. Nita Ambani is also the Founder and Chairperson of the Reliance Foundation, which is the philanthropic arm of Reliance Industries. As a part of the celebrations, Ambanis also attended a special prayer service (religious rituals) at Kashi Vishwanath temple in the holy city. Nita Ambani also performed the Ganga Aarti at the bank of River Ganges. Highlight of the day the famous ritual of lights 'Aarti' at the Dashashwamedh bank of river Ganges, witnessed by the Ambanis and the guests seated in four houseboats, which were especially decked up for the occasion. Nov 2, 2014
at-least-six-dead-and-seven-missing-after-boat-capsizes-in-bihar

At least six dead and seven missing after boat capsizes in Bihar

Jamui, Nov 1 (ANI): At least six people died and seven are missing after a boat capsized in Bihar on Saturday (November 01). The incident took place in Jamui district of the state, when a country boat carrying 16 people capsized in deep waters of Garhi dam. Six dead bodies have been recovered which includes three children, one woman and a youth. A villager Amit Kumar, living near the dam said few people on the boat tried to swim through, with the help of logs being ferried. Reportedly, the commuters from Kauwakol village were on way to Garhi village to attend a religious function. Nov 1, 2014
millions-across-philippines-honour-their-dead

Millions across Philippines honour their dead

Millions across the Philippines pack into cemeteries to pay respects to their dead, in an annual tradition that combines Catholic religious rites with the country's penchant for festivity. Duration: 00:40 Nov 1, 2014
foundation-laid-for-worlds-tallest-statue-of-sardar-vallabhbhai-patel

Foundation laid for world's tallest statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Narmada, Nov 01 (ANI): Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel laid foundation stone of the Statue of Unity - the world's tallest statue of Iron man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The statue is a part of an ambitious project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to his political idol. Patel, marking the 139th birth anniversary Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, laid the foundation of "Statue of Unity" near River Narmada in the state. Patel performed religious rituals before laying the foundation of the ambitious project. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the deputy of first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru as well as his home minister, but was often at odds with him. Nov 1, 2014
indians-worship-sun-god-for-betterment-of-family

Indians worship Sun god for betterment of family

Mumbai/Varanasi/Allahabad, Oct 31 (ANI): Scores of devotees across India, thronged banks of rivers and other water bodies to celebrate Hindu religious festival, 'Chhath', and prayed to the rising sun. 'Chhath puja', the four day festival, is celebrated on sixth day after Diwali and holds significance for married women who observe fast and stand in waist-deep river water, present religious offerings to the Sun god. According to tradition, on the first day, devotees, mostly women, take a dip in the river, pray to the setting sun and begin fasting. The following day, devotees abstain from eating anything and worship the setting sun. Next day, devotees worship the sun early in the morning and break their fast. The Sun, considered as the god of energy and life-force, is worshiped for well-being, prosperity and progress. The rituals observed during 'Chhath puja' include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water, standing in water for long hours and giving offerings to the setting and rising sun. Devotees across the country celebrate this festival with great gusto as women wear jewellery and bright coloured traditional attire. Chhath is considered as one of the most significant and auspicious festivals of eastern Bihar state and in parts of the neighbouring northern Utta Oct 31, 2014
indians-worship-sun-god-for-betterment-of-family-during-chhath-puja

Indians worship Sun god for betterment of family during Chhath Puja

Bihar/ Maharashtra/ Uttar Pradesh/New Delhi, Oct 30 (ANI): Scores of devotees across India, on Thursday (October 30), thronged banks of rivers and other water bodies to celebrate Hindu religious festival, 'Chhath', and prayed to the rising sun. 'Chhath puja', the four day festival, is celebrated after Diwali and holds significance for married women who observe fast and stand in waist-deep river water presenting religious offerings to the Sun god. A resident of Mumbai, Sinta Devi, said that people mark this festival after their wishes get fulfilled. A resident of Varanasi, Parmeshwari Kumar, said that people pray to goddess Chhath and offer fruits during the festival. Oct 30, 2014