Religion News

Idol immersion in Ganga worries environmentalists

The annual ritual of immersing in the Ganga idols of goddess Durga and other Hindu deities has alarmed environmentalists, who point out that the practice will not only threaten the survival of the endangered river dolphin and other aquatic creatures but also increases pollution in the already polluted river.6:32 PM on October 11

Kerala town rejoices for native saint-to-be

There was much excitement in Kerala's Bharananganam town Saturday as people converged in large numbers to attend special prayers being held Sunday to celebrate the canonisation of Sister Alphonsa.4:31 PM on October 11

Government to issue coin in honour of Sister Alphonsa

The Indian government will issue a commemorative coin in honour of Sister Alphonsa, who will be canonized by the Pope as a Saint at the Vatican Sunday, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram announced Saturday.4:31 PM on October 11

Man kills son, sister and niece to appease god

A 55-year-old man allegedly killed his sister, son and niece early Saturday in Orissa's Mayurbhanj district to appease Hindu god Hanuman, the police said.4:30 PM on October 11

Orissa government appeals for peace in Kandhamal

After six weeks of violence in which 35 people were killed and thousands rendered homeless, the Orissa government Saturday formally appealed for peace in the troubled Kandhamal district. While listing out steps taken to quell the violence and protect riot victims, it said that there had been no clashes in the past 10 days.3:00 PM on October 11

Yamuna reaps toxic harvest of immersed idols

Floating plastic bags, decaying fruits, coconut shells, bamboo frames, silver and papier-mache decoration, crumpled flowers, all on frothing waters. This was the river scene after hundreds of idols of Goddess Durga and her pantheon were immersed in the Yamuna river Thursday to mark the end of the Durga Puja festival in the capital.1:32 PM on October 11

Curfew in Andhra town after communal violence

Tension prevailed in Andhra Pradesh's curfew-bound Bhainsa town Saturday, a day after four people were killed and 15 injured in communal violence and police firing.1:03 PM on October 11

Anti-Christian violence a result of Hindu anger: Rajnath Singh

While distancing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from the Bajrang Dal, party president Rajnath Singh has stopped short of blaming the rightwing outfit for continuing anti-Christian violence and attributed it to 'Hindu anger' against forcible conversions instead.11:31 AM on October 11

India's human rights monitor hamstrung by rules: NHRC chief

As rights violations and anti-Christian attacks spread across the country, many turn to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for redressal. But the statutory body to address the issues is hamstrung by rules that severely limit its role, admits its chairperson S. Rajendra Babu on the eve of the commission's 15th birthday.11:30 AM on October 11

For hands that build Durga idols, nothing has changed

Narrow, murky lanes, leaking roofs and filth are their daily companions. For some, the houses are so dingy that even a few rays of the sun are hard to come by. Nothing has changed for the artisans of Kumartuli even though another Durga Puja has come and gone.9:00 AM on October 11

Communal clashes claim three lives in Madhya Pradesh town

At least three people were killed and 21 injured in communal clashes that broke out in Madhya Pradesh's Burhanpur town Friday, that also saw shops and houses being torched despite curfew being imposed, officials said.1:02 AM on October 11

Communal tension in Madhya Pradesh town, curfew clamped

Curfew was imposed on Madhya Pradesh's Burhanpur town Friday following communal clashes that left dozens injured and resulted in shops and houses being torched, officials said.11:02 PM on October 10

Four killed in communal riots in Andhra town

Four people were killed and 15 others were injured in communal riots and police firing Friday in an Andhra Pradesh town, officials said.11:01 PM on October 10

CPI-M plays down party MP's comments on religion

The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) in Kerala Friday said it was not 'anti-religious' after parliament member A.P. Abdullakutty created a stir with his latest comments on the party's stand on religious beliefs.7:02 PM on October 10

Dalai Lama operated upon to remove gallstones

Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama, who underwent an operation for removal of gall stones at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi Friday morning, could be discharged in the next two days, a doctor at the hospital said.7:02 PM on October 10