Muslims observe Muharram

        Ahmedabad: Muslims took out a tazia procession here on Sunday to observe Muharram. Muharram marks the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Mohammad. The city's Muslims prayed for peace and harmony in Gujarat. "This time we can see peace in the region. We want to keep communal riots behind us and start afresh. We pray to God that he keeps his hand on Gujarat," said Chand Miyan, a Muslim resident. Muharram processions have in the past often sparked off Hindu- Muslim riots and local administration has very often clamped restrictions to avert clashes.
Feb 20, 2005

Young boy reads namaz on fire to mark Muharram

         Lucknow: A 12-year-old boy in Lucknow on Saturday read namaz while sitting on fire. Asif Ali says he learnt the verses of Koran from his uncle whose absence this year prompted him to undertake the feat. "This is the first time I did this. My uncle used to do it, he has now gone to Iran and so I wanted to follow the tradition and that's why I did it," he said. Asif's father Mohammad Ali said he was elated with Asif's feat at a very young age. "I am very happy that my son has performed such a feat," Mohammad Ali said. Every year, Muslims across the world mourn the tragedy of Karbala on the tenth day of the month of Muharram. It was on this day in the 13th century that the army of Yazid, who was said to be a usurper of the Caliphate, killed Imam Hussein. Imam Hussain was killed in the battle of Karbala alongwith 72 of his relatives, friends and supporters. But his sister is reported to have escaped along with some children from settlements set on fire by the army of Caliph. The "martyrdom" day of Imam Hussain is marked by prayers, processions led by Tazia or replica of the Imam Hussain's tomb at Karbala in Iraq, and self-flagellation by mourners.
Feb 20, 2005

Basant Panchami celebrated

           New Delhi/Kolkata/Patna: The northern and eastern parts of the country on Sunday celebrated Basant Panchami. Women and children dressed in their best visited temples in the morning and made offerings to Goddess Saraswati, the deity of learning, in New Delhi. "Sarswati Puja has special significance because children, especially school and college students eagerly wait for this day. We worship the goddess of learning on Basant Panchami," said Pradeep Mazumdar. Residents in Kolkata also thronged the temples in the early hours. Children kept books and writing instruments before the deity and sought the blessings of the Goddess. Elsewhere in Patna, people erected makeshift temples to offer their prayers. The day is also considered auspicious for initiation of children into learning. Tradition has it that children should not be helped into learning by the adults, until the initiation ceremony is performed before Goddess Saraswati. A large number of children are initiated into learning at temples or at home in front of the idol of Goddess Saraswati. "It is an important festival for students who seek blessing from the Goddess. We seek the Goddess' blessings for being successful in life," said Amit Ranjan, a student. Basant or spring which coincides with Panchami or the waxing moon at the end of January or early February is considered auspicious.
Feb 13, 2005

Hindus observe Mauni Amavasya

          Varanasi: Hindus took a holy dip in Ganga on Tuesday on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. Braving the winter chill, Hindu faithful entered the waters to purify themselves of their sins. Mauni Amavasya falls on the 15th day of the dark fortnight of Magh. The uniqueness of this festival is that it is the only day when holy men and the devout remain silent. "Taking a dip in Kashi has a great relevance as it is believed that Kashi is situated on the "trishul" of Lord Shiva. Hence, taking a dip in the Ganga on Mauni Amavasya is of great importance,"Hiranand Pande, a priest said. Bathing on this day in the holy waters like the Ganges, eating frugally, visiting temples and religious shrines, and listening to discourses by holy men are considered to be meritorious. "The importance of taking a dip in Kashi on the occassion of Mauni Amavasya has the same relevance as taking a dip in Triveni," Banshidhar Dube, a devotee said. On Mauni amavasya day, traditionally Lord Vishnu is worshipped and the "Peepal Tree" is religiously circumambulated. The purpose of observing silence on this day is said to be sharpening our concentration power and living in total communion with the Lord Almighty.
Feb 8, 2005

Previous File