Religion

Pongal 2017: Everything you need to know about the harvest festival of Tamilians

The harvest festival Pongal will be observed by Tamilians on January 14, this year.

Jan 11, 2017

Twitterati call for arrest of Kolkata Imam who threatened to behead Tarek Fatah after issuing fatwa on PM Modi [VIDEO]

Barkati, the Shahi Imam of Kolkata's Tipu Sultan Masjid, had earlier issued a fatwa, with a cash reward for the head of controversial writer Taslima Nasreen.

Jan 10, 2017

Millions of Catholics expected for Black Nazarene procession in Philippines

Hundreds of thousands of barefoot devotees joined a procession in Manila on 9 January, to honour a centuries-old black statue of Jesus Christ. The Black Nazarene, a 17th century icon carved in Mexico, is believed to have healing powers and can grant miracles. The procession has been celebrated for more than 200 years in the Philippiness capital, where around 80 per cent of the population is Roman Catholic.

Jan 9, 2017

Fatwa on Modi: Kolkata Imam to give Rs 25 lakh to whoever blackens his face [VIDEO]

Syed Mohammad Nurur Rahman Barkati, the Shahi Imam of the Tipu Sultan Masjid, was also heard saying Mamata Banerjee would soon be prime minister.

Jan 8, 2017

Christians around the world celebrate Eastern Orthodox Christmas

Christians around the world are celebrating Christmas on 7 January. Russian Orthodox, Georgian Orthodox, Serbian and Jerusalem churches celebrate Christmas 13 days after Roman Catholic Christmas.This shift was caused in the early 20th century, when the Russian Orthodox Church decided to stay on the Julian calendar instead of moving to the Gregorian calendar, like most other Christians.Russian Orthodox Christians mark the beginning of Christmas festivities with a special midnight mass. President Vladimir Putin attended a service in a monastery in Novgorod.

Jan 7, 2017

BJP leader Sakshi Maharaj blames Muslims for population boom, later says he was misquoted

The controversial saffron party leader said the increase in population was due to "people who have four wives and 40 children."

Jan 7, 2017

China bans Tibetans from attending Buddhist ceremony in Bodh Gaya

China has dismissed the 34th Kalachakra initiation at Bodhgaya as a "political tool".

Jan 6, 2017

Sikh-Americans in US Army can now wear turbans and maintain beards under new resolution

If the new resolution is approved, it will ensure that religious accommodation applies to most positions within the US Army.

Jan 5, 2017

Pope Francis calls for 'zero tolerance' of child molesters in Church, but where is the action?

The Pope says the Church weeps for "minors who were abused sexually by priests," but only calls for "complete commitment" to see such acts are not repeated.

Jan 3, 2017

'Narendra Modi, Barack Obama, Erdogan working against interests of Muslims', claims Isis video

The video, titled 'The Cross Shield', shows footage of two Turkish soldiers being dragged out of a cage and burnt alive by the Isis terrorists in Syria.

Jan 3, 2017

News wrap: J&K terror attack, steamy Fifty Shades Darker teaser, SRK to promote Raees on Bigg Boss 10 and more

Read about new Hajj app being launched, and Apple's possible offerings in 2017, including iPhone 8, iPad Air 3 and Watch 3.

Jan 3, 2017

Hajj 2017: India launches app for online registration for annual pilgrimage; last date is January 24

Registration for Hajj 2017 began on Monday, January 2, and will last until January 24, 2017.

Jan 3, 2017

Hindutva case: No political party can seek votes based on caste, creed or religion, says Supreme Court

The court also forbids the state from interfering in an individual's relationship with god.

Jan 2, 2017

Sunburn Pune could be cancelled after Hindutva group Sanatan Sanstha targets it

The hardline Hindutva organisation has accused the Sunburn festival organisers of not having paid taxes to the Goa government.

Dec 28, 2016

News Roundup: Mamata asks PM Modi to resign, Wi-Fi at 100 railway stations, Kristen Stewart's new date, and more

Read also about North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un forcing people to worship his grandma on Christmas, and Tom Hardy going naked for his new TV show.

Dec 27, 2016