sachin-tendulkar-flags-off-run-in-kerala-ahead-of-national-games

Sachin Tendulkar flags off run in Kerala ahead of National Games

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 20 (ANI): Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar participated in mass 'Run Kerala Run', which was held as a prelude to the 35th National Games, in Thiruvananthapuram city on Tuesday (January 20). Tendulkar, who is also the brand ambassador of the Games, thronged god's own country to flag off the event. Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Governor P Sathasivam were also present. The race, endorsed by all political parties and social organisations, besides schools and colleges, would give a final push to the games preparations, creating excitement among the people to become part of the event being hosted by the state after 1987. The nation commences on January 31 at venues at seven districts in Kerala. Jan 20, 2015

Devotees take holy dip in sacred River Ganges on 'Mauni Amavasya'

Allahabad/ Varanasi, Jan 20 (ANI): Thousands of devout Hindus on Tuesday gathered at the confluence of sacred River Ganges in Uttar Pradesh and took silent holy dip on the occasion of No Moon Day, or 'Mauni Amavasya'. The auspicious day is celebrated every year as a spiritual ritual in the month of January or February on No Moon day as per the traditional Hindu calendar. Devotees thronged the banks of River Ganges early morning for ritual bath to wash away their sins and sought salvation. This day marks the end of a month - long period of silence, a priest Hiranand Pandey said. Meanwhile, braving the biting cold, Hindus converged at temple town of Varanasi and made religious offerings as well. It is believed that the water of the Ganges turns into nectar on Mauni Amavasya. It is derived from the word 'Muni' that literally means an ascetic who practices silence. Jan 20, 2015