Drawing plentifully from myth and reality, Chhath Puja honours elemental forces of nature (IANS Book Review)

Kavya Dubey | November 8, 2024 5:14 PM

New Delhi, Nov 8 (IANS) As the grand folk festival of Chhath Puja came to a close on Friday with devotees and the faithful offering prayers and salutations to the rising Sun, the four-day-long festival marked by strict adherence to rituals, not just by the 'vrati' (the person undertaking the observance) but also by their entire family, is evoking curiosity among those who do not celebrate it, given its rising prominence and observance beyond its original catchment area.

Chhath Ghats ready to welcome worshippers for first Arghya in Patna

IANS | November 7, 2024 10:47 AM

Patna, Nov 7 (IANS) The Chhath festival in Patna is truly a remarkable sight, especially along the Ganga Ghats, where the city comes alive with vibrant decorations and spiritual energy. Thursday marks the third day of this four-day festival, dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.

Don't submit report in haste: AIMPLB questions JPC's 'attitude' on Waqf Bill

IANS | November 6, 2024 7:32 PM

New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS) The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Wednesday expressed its reservations over the ‘attitude’ of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill and urged the panel to give a patient hearing to all the stakeholders and not hasten up the process for its ‘ulterior’ motives.

Badal’s woes: Crucial meeting of Akal Takht, Sikh scholars today

IANS | November 6, 2024 9:26 AM

New Delhi, Nov 6 (IANS) The political future of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) patron and former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal, will be discussed on Wednesday during a meeting called by the Akal Takht, the supreme Sikh seat of authority.

'Entire statute doesn't need to be struck down': SC upholds UP Madarsa Act's validity (Lead)

IANS | November 5, 2024 1:59 PM

New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Tuesday set aside the Allahabad High Court ruling striking down the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, holding that the law is consistent with the "positive obligation" of the state government to ensure that students studying in recognised madarsas attain a level of competency which will allow them to effectively participate in society and earn a living.

SC upholds validity of UP Madarsa Education Act

IANS | November 5, 2024 12:42 PM

New Delhi, Nov 5 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Tuesday set aside the Allahabad High Court ruling which had struck down the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 as unconstitutional and violative of the principles of secularism.