In pics: Reclusive Naga sadhus a huge draw at Kumbh Mela

A unique theatre festival that unites the villages of Assam

<p>Hindu refugees from Myanmar living in a camp in Bangladesh have been celebrating the festival of Durga Puja for the first time since fleeing violence in northern Rakhine state last year.</p>

<p>More than 500 Hindus escaped their homes last August along with over 700,000 Rohingya Muslims as Myanmar's army launched a brutal crackdown that the UN says amounted to "ethnic cleansing".</p>

<p>Hindu community leader Jibon Sharma told AFP that the terrifying circumstances of their escape prevented them from celebrating the annual festival last year.</p>

<p>But now local authorities in southeastern Bangladesh and the country's Hindu minority have helped them, including with materials to build the pavilions housing displays of the many-armed goddess Durga.</p>

<p>"When we were in Myanmar we used to worship regularly. But it's different here. Bangladeshis helped us beyond imagination with money and clothes," Sharma told AFP.</p>

<p>"We are very grateful to them."</p>

<p>The Hindu refugees say that their community was attacked in August 2017 in northern Rakhine state by Rohingya militants, and relations with the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh remain tense.</p>

<p>The Hindus are camping only a kilometre or two (a mile) around away from the world's largest refugee camp -- Kutupalong near Cox's Bazar -- where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have been living.</p>

<p>"We have full-time security posted at this camp. We are well aware of the tension between them," said police official Jahangir Alam.</p>

<p>The festival includes 10 days of music and cultural performances, as well as clothes being gifted to cheering children.</p>

<p>"I forgot when was the last time we had such a great Puja (prayer ritual). I am seeing my kids' happy faces... I am very happy," Suma Paul, a Hindu refugee, said as she cried happy tears.</p>


Hindu refugees from Myanmar living in a camp in Bangladesh have been celebrating the festival of Durga Puja for the first time since fleeing violence in northern Rakhine state last year.

Hindu refugees from Myanmar living in a camp in Bangladesh have been celebrating the festival of Durga Puja for the first time since fleeing violence in northern Rakhine state last year. More than 500 Hindus escaped their homes last August along with over 700,000 Rohingya Muslims as Myanmar's army launched a brutal crackdown that the UN says amounted to "ethnic cleansing". Hindu community leader Jibon Sharma told AFP that the terrifying circumstances of their escape prevented them from celebrating the annual festival last year. But now local authorities in southeastern Bangladesh and the country's Hindu minority have helped them, including with materials to build the pavilions housing displays of the many-armed goddess Durga. "When we were in Myanmar we used to worship regularly. But it's different here. Bangladeshis helped us beyond imagination with money and clothes," Sharma told AFP. "We are very grateful to them." The Hindu refugees say that their community was attacked in August 2017 in northern Rakhine state by Rohingya militants, and relations with the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh remain tense. The Hindus are camping only a kilometre or two (a mile) around away from the world's largest refugee camp -- Kutupalong near Cox's Bazar -- where hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims have been living. "We have full-time security posted at this camp. We are well aware of the tension between them," said police official Jahangir Alam. The festival includes 10 days of music and cultural performances, as well as clothes being gifted to cheering children. "I forgot when was the last time we had such a great Puja (prayer ritual). I am seeing my kids' happy faces... I am very happy," Suma Paul, a Hindu refugee, said as she cried happy tears.

Myanmar's Hindu refugees mark festival in Bangladesh camp

<p>India’s largest travelling film festival - Jagran Film Festival, which is in its 9th&nbsp;edition this year,&nbsp;has received movie entries across 116 countries.</p>

<p>The festival has received a total of 3,080 movie entries so far, wherein 967 are from India, 249 from Iran, 243 from the United States, 123 from Spain, 118 from Brazil, 118 from France and 107 from Turkey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides these countries, other participating countries include - Pakistan, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Poland, Malaysia and many more.</p>

<p>Scheduled to be inaugurated in New Delhi from&nbsp;June 29th, 2018, the festival invites film entries from filmmakers across several categories.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All the films in the competition sections would be previewed by the pre-selection panels comprising of filmmakers and film critics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This panel includes names like Shivani Pandey, Sujata Shiven, Vinod Kapoor, Manjula Shirodkar, Sanjay Dattani and Sharad Dutt.</p>

<p>The festival will begin in New Delhi in June this year and will continue to tour in Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Dehradun, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bhopal, Indore, Gorakhpur, Agra, Ludhiana, Hissar, Meerut, Raipur before concluding in Mumbai in&nbsp;September 2018.</p>

<p>9th edition Jagran Film Festival has incessantly carried the ‘Cinematic Culture’ from metro cities to smaller cities thereby spreading and promoting the appreciation of the cinematic art at the grass root level.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="ko.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/ko.jpg" width="770" /></p>

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The festival has already received a total of 3,080 movie entries from around the world

India’s largest travelling film festival - Jagran Film Festival, which is in its 9th edition this year, has received movie entries across 116 countries. The festival has received a total of 3,080 movie entries so far, wherein 967 are from India, 249 from Iran, 243 from the United States, 123 from Spain, 118 from Brazil, 118 from France and 107 from Turkey. Besides these countries, other participating countries include - Pakistan, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Poland, Malaysia and many more. Scheduled to be inaugurated in New Delhi from June 29th, 2018, the festival invites film entries from filmmakers across several categories. All the films in the competition sections would be previewed by the pre-selection panels comprising of filmmakers and film critics. This panel includes names like Shivani Pandey, Sujata Shiven, Vinod Kapoor, Manjula Shirodkar, Sanjay Dattani and Sharad Dutt. The festival will begin in New Delhi in June this year and will continue to tour in Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Dehradun, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bhopal, Indore, Gorakhpur, Agra, Ludhiana, Hissar, Meerut, Raipur before concluding in Mumbai in September 2018. 9th edition Jagran Film Festival has incessantly carried the ‘Cinematic Culture’ from metro cities to smaller cities thereby spreading and promoting the appreciation of the cinematic art at the grass root level.

India’s largest travelling film festival, Jagran to kickstart in June this year

<p>The festival of colours is upon us and its time to bring out your white kurtas, gujjias, gulaals and pichkaaris to go all out during this auspicious day. Although, several parts in India celebrate the festival with absolute rigour, people around the world equally go all out. From Bollywood dances to marathons to the age old water and colour fights, people in these countries are no strangers to the festivities.</p>

<p>This is how some countries celebrate Holi:</p>

<p><strong>Nepal</strong></p>

<p>Nepal holds a vast majority of Hindu population which is why Holi is a celebrated with much grandeur in the country. In Kathmandu, the streets of Thamel and Durbar Square hold the best celebrations. Children and adults, everyone dedicatedly play Holi to their heart&rsquo;s content. Durbar Square can be absolutely packed with people whereas the small streets of Thamel are filled with kids looking to sneak up with water-guns and balloons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Traditional natural dyes were used such as turmeric and sandlewood paste mixed with extracts of Neem, Haldi and Bilva to give the pasts colour.</p>

<p><strong>United Kingdom</strong></p>

<p>The presence of Indians in England is widespread, Indians are said to be the second largest ethnic majority in the UK. Major cities like Birmingham, Leicester and Newcastle see people stepping out with spray cans and tons of gulaal. There are Holi parades in the streets. Manchester usually puts up several food stalls and dance sessions, while Redaing will have singing and a Holika play.</p>

<p>One can get a taste of Holi in London, where &#39;The Colour Run&#39; festival takes place. Participants run in a five-kilometre street, wearing a white shirt and as the colours are sprayed at them they, get covered from head to toe with every kilometre of the course. The event takes place in the cities of London, Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The Colour Run festival (Others)</p>
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<p><strong>United States</strong></p>

<p>The United States also sees a vast majority of Indian population which is why Holi is celebrated across different states with full enthusiasm. A number of festivals are organised throughout the country - one of the biggest colour festivals, &quot;Life In Colour&quot; started out as a college festival in Florida in 2011, later progressing into a worldwide colour party, another famous event is &quot;Colour Music Festival&quot; in Texas.</p>

<p>Religious groups in Utah organise the festival on a big scale to provide a platform to the young to have fun, but in an untainted way. People from all walks of life are welcomed to play with colours to the tunes of music.</p>

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<p>Life in Color festival (Photo Courtesy: www.lifeincolor.com) (Others)</p>
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<p><strong>Mauritius</strong></p>

<p>Just as the many other major Hindu festivals, the large Indian majority, (about 63 per cent) celebrate Holi with a lot of enthusiasm in the island of Mauritius. Hindus, here duly perform the tradition of Holika Dahan or lighting of bonfire on the eve of Holi and celebrate the victory of good over evil. Next day people revel and play with colours and drench everybody with water jets called pichkaris that are from Mauritian bamboo stalks.</p>

<p>The crowds sing and dance to music, which is accompanied by jhal (cymbals) and dholak (drums). In the evening, people greet each other with tilak and exchange sweet dumplings like gujjia.</p>

<p><strong>Australia</strong></p>

<p>This one day in the whole time span of 365 days has the power to leave behind memories to rejoice and fill colour in your life. Not only the those who are in India enjoy this festival of colours wholeheartedly but the Indian Diaspora residing in different parts of the world, equally take pleasure in celebrating this festival of colours in the similar manner.</p>

<p>One such country, where the people of India are present in a quite large numbers, is Australia. Melbourne specifically organizes for the Holi festival event which is the best way for the Indians to quench their desire to be drenched in multi colours. Holi is celebrated in the Victorian capital for it being kaleidoscopic in nature.</p>

<p><strong>Spain</strong></p>

<p>There is&nbsp; a town in Spain that has been celebrating Holi for the past seven years. Sadabell, a town located 20 kilometers north of Barcelona, receives almost 10,000 people from all ethnicities for the Holi festivities. The town doesn&rsquo;t have a large Indian population, but members from Indian communities in nearby cities like Barcelona, Olot and Llort de Mar stop by.</p>

<p>The most popular one being the &quot;Holi Garden Festival&quot; which termed the brightest festival in Ibiza and goes on throughout the summer, with events taking place as long as the warmth lasts. It stays true to its origins with colour, white outfits, music and food. A huge crowd participates in dances, where choreographed groups perform moves to bhangra and Bollywood beats.</p>

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<p><strong>UAE</strong></p>

<p>Same as in many parts of the world, Holi is additionally celebrated by individuals having a place with the Hindu people group living in UAE. The festival there in UAE incorporates trading welcome by conveying blessings and desserts with each other, heaving different sorts of hues on each other both in fluid and powder shape. Individuals move on the colorful Bollywood numbers and numerous conventional Holi melodies. The Indian ostracizes here in UAE, turn out in a greater part, wearing conventional Indian garments; white Kurta Pajama for men and delightful Salwar kamij and sari for ladies.</p>

<p>Alongside the playing with hues individuals in UAE likewise appreciate flavorful Indian dishes which are renowned especially for Holi festivity which incorporate malpuas, gujiya, Puran, dahi vadas, and policy.</p>

<p><strong>Trindad and Tobago</strong></p>

<p>Holi is said to have come to Trinidad around 1845 by the Hindus who relocated from Bihar as authoritative workers on the sugarcane field. From that point forward it is being raised each year with incredible eagerness.Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago praise the celebration with hues, tunes, music, and move. An assortment of water hues are blended and splashed on each one of the individuals who take an interest in the festivals, till they end up noticeably unrecognizable. Individuals trade desserts and welcome with each other</p>

<p>A unique sort of people melody called Chowtal is sung throughout the celebration and the music is generally played with just two instruments. The dholak (a hand drum) and the jeera (cymbals or percussion instrument) are the main two instruments utilized. Chowtal tunes are sung rather uproariously and are piercing. Quick paced music welcomes individuals to shake their hips and influence the cadence.</p>

<p><strong>South Africa</strong></p>

<p>The energetic Gujarati&rsquo;s and other Indians settled in South Africa have made it a point to keep the custom of observing Holi alive in the nation. They play hues, light blazes called Holika, sing Holi melodies and make joyful.</p>

<p>It might be noticed that South Africa is situated at the southern tip of the landmass of Africa. It had the biggest worker Indian people group on the planet 10 years before the colonisation by the United States of America. Indians record of right around one million in the nation. The vast majority of them are packed in the eastern locales of Natal and Transvaal of the nation. Around 65% are Hindus, 15% Muslims and 20% of Christians live here.</p>

<p>The &ldquo;Holi Festival of Colors&rdquo; festival takes place in cape town each year. It is an international festival with dance, music and colours. This two-month festival happens every year at different locations across the world every week of its run. Every year has a different theme. The &ldquo;Holi One&rdquo; festival is also one of the famous events in the country.</p>

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<p>Festival of Colours Tour (Photo Courtesy: www.holifestival.com) (Others)</p>
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The festival of colours is upon us and its time to bring out your white kurtas, gujjias, gulaals and pichkaaris to go all out during this auspicious day. Although, several parts in India celebrate the festival with absolute rigour, people around the world equally go all out. From Bollywood dances to marathons to the age old water and colour fights, people in these countries are no strangers to the festivities. This is how some countries celebrate Holi: Nepal Nepal holds a vast majority of Hindu population which is why Holi is a celebrated with much grandeur in the country. In Kathmandu, the streets of Thamel and Durbar Square hold the best celebrations. Children and adults, everyone dedicatedly play Holi to their heart’s content. Durbar Square can be absolutely packed with people whereas the small streets of Thamel are filled with kids looking to sneak up with water-guns and balloons. Traditional natural dyes were used such as turmeric and sandlewood paste mixed with extracts of Neem, Haldi and Bilva to give the pasts colour. United Kingdom The presence of Indians in England is widespread, Indians are said to be the second largest ethnic majority in the UK. Major cities like Birmingham, Leicester and Newcastle see people stepping out with spray cans and tons of gulaal. There are Holi parades in the streets. Manchester usually puts up several food stalls and dance sessions, while Redaing will have singing and a Holika play. One can get a taste of Holi in London, where 'The Colour Run' festival takes place. Participants run in a five-kilometre street, wearing a white shirt and as the colours are sprayed at them they, get covered from head to toe with every kilometre of the course. The event takes place in the cities of London, Manchester, Glasgow and Birmingham. The Colour Run festival (Others) × United States The United States also sees a vast majority of Indian population which is why Holi is celebrated across different states with full enthusiasm. A number of festivals are organised throughout the country - one of the biggest colour festivals, "Life In Colour" started out as a college festival in Florida in 2011, later progressing into a worldwide colour party, another famous event is "Colour Music Festival" in Texas. Religious groups in Utah organise the festival on a big scale to provide a platform to the young to have fun, but in an untainted way. People from all walks of life are welcomed to play with colours to the tunes of music. Life in Color festival (Photo Courtesy: www.lifeincolor.com) (Others) × Mauritius Just as the many other major Hindu festivals, the large Indian majority, (about 63 per cent) celebrate Holi with a lot of enthusiasm in the island of Mauritius. Hindus, here duly perform the tradition of Holika Dahan or lighting of bonfire on the eve of Holi and celebrate the victory of good over evil. Next day people revel and play with colours and drench everybody with water jets called pichkaris that are from Mauritian bamboo stalks. The crowds sing and dance to music, which is accompanied by jhal (cymbals) and dholak (drums). In the evening, people greet each other with tilak and exchange sweet dumplings like gujjia. Australia This one day in the whole time span of 365 days has the power to leave behind memories to rejoice and fill colour in your life. Not only the those who are in India enjoy this festival of colours wholeheartedly but the Indian Diaspora residing in different parts of the world, equally take pleasure in celebrating this festival of colours in the similar manner. One such country, where the people of India are present in a quite large numbers, is Australia. Melbourne specifically organizes for the Holi festival event which is the best way for the Indians to quench their desire to be drenched in multi colours. Holi is celebrated in the Victorian capital for it being kaleidoscopic in nature. Spain There is a town in Spain that has been celebrating Holi for the past seven years. Sadabell, a town located 20 kilometers north of Barcelona, receives almost 10,000 people from all ethnicities for the Holi festivities. The town doesn’t have a large Indian population, but members from Indian communities in nearby cities like Barcelona, Olot and Llort de Mar stop by. The most popular one being the "Holi Garden Festival" which termed the brightest festival in Ibiza and goes on throughout the summer, with events taking place as long as the warmth lasts. It stays true to its origins with colour, white outfits, music and food. A huge crowd participates in dances, where choreographed groups perform moves to bhangra and Bollywood beats. × × UAE Same as in many parts of the world, Holi is additionally celebrated by individuals having a place with the Hindu people group living in UAE. The festival there in UAE incorporates trading welcome by conveying blessings and desserts with each other, heaving different sorts of hues on each other both in fluid and powder shape. Individuals move on the colorful Bollywood numbers and numerous conventional Holi melodies. The Indian ostracizes here in UAE, turn out in a greater part, wearing conventional Indian garments; white Kurta Pajama for men and delightful Salwar kamij and sari for ladies. Alongside the playing with hues individuals in UAE likewise appreciate flavorful Indian dishes which are renowned especially for Holi festivity which incorporate malpuas, gujiya, Puran, dahi vadas, and policy. Trindad and Tobago Holi is said to have come to Trinidad around 1845 by the Hindus who relocated from Bihar as authoritative workers on the sugarcane field. From that point forward it is being raised each year with incredible eagerness.Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago praise the celebration with hues, tunes, music, and move. An assortment of water hues are blended and splashed on each one of the individuals who take an interest in the festivals, till they end up noticeably unrecognizable. Individuals trade desserts and welcome with each other A unique sort of people melody called Chowtal is sung throughout the celebration and the music is generally played with just two instruments. The dholak (a hand drum) and the jeera (cymbals or percussion instrument) are the main two instruments utilized. Chowtal tunes are sung rather uproariously and are piercing. Quick paced music welcomes individuals to shake their hips and influence the cadence. South Africa The energetic Gujarati’s and other Indians settled in South Africa have made it a point to keep the custom of observing Holi alive in the nation. They play hues, light blazes called Holika, sing Holi melodies and make joyful. It might be noticed that South Africa is situated at the southern tip of the landmass of Africa. It had the biggest worker Indian people group on the planet 10 years before the colonisation by the United States of America. Indians record of right around one million in the nation. The vast majority of them are packed in the eastern locales of Natal and Transvaal of the nation. Around 65% are Hindus, 15% Muslims and 20% of Christians live here. The “Holi Festival of Colors” festival takes place in cape town each year. It is an international festival with dance, music and colours. This two-month festival happens every year at different locations across the world every week of its run. Every year has a different theme. The “Holi One” festival is also one of the famous events in the country. Festival of Colours Tour (Photo Courtesy: www.holifestival.com) (Others) ×

This is how the world celebrates Holi!

<p>The festival of colours is here, and individuals are getting ready to splash the extra bit of joy with bright gulal. &nbsp;</p>

<p>People are set to witness the sight of adults running around, throwing coloured powder and water at each other exclusively on March 2, 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On this joyous occasion, wish your friends and family with these Whatsapp/SMS/Facebook messages:</p>

<p>1: So here comes the time to celebrate life with colours and enthusiasm. Lots of Love. Enjoy! Happy Holi 2018</p>

<p>2: On this festival occasion love all, hate no one, forgive, forget and enjoy! Wishing you a joyous and colourful Holi.</p>

<p>3: Life is full of colours, may this HOLI festival, you get even more colours in your life, and enjoy them at their brightest shade.. Happy Holi 2018!</p>

<p>4: The festival of colours is finally here, Let out your inner child and play, Forget about what people say! Happy Holi!</p>

<p>5: They say hearts meet during this festival, but I say that each beating heart is felt more strongly, amidst the mirth and merriment, life presents its most beautiful element- Colours! Happy Holi 2018</p>

<p>6: The festival of colours is finally here, forget about what people say, let out your inner child and play! Happy Holi!</p>

<p>7: Hope your life always remain dipped in hues and blues. Wish you a very Happy and Colourful Holi!</p>

<p>8: The festival of Holi is to share happiness, so keep that mode on and leave behind all the negativity. Make this day memorable and play safe Holi with your friends and family.</p>

<p>9: Time to take out those old clothes, And wear them out in public cause, Holi Hai!</p>

<p>10: A very Happy Holi to you and your family!May the cheerful festival lift your spirits and leave a smile on your face.</p>


People are set to witness the sight of adults running around, throwing coloured powder and water at each other exclusively on March 2, 2018.

The festival of colours is here, and individuals are getting ready to splash the extra bit of joy with bright gulal. People are set to witness the sight of adults running around, throwing coloured powder and water at each other exclusively on March 2, 2018. On this joyous occasion, wish your friends and family with these Whatsapp/SMS/Facebook messages: 1: So here comes the time to celebrate life with colours and enthusiasm. Lots of Love. Enjoy! Happy Holi 2018 2: On this festival occasion love all, hate no one, forgive, forget and enjoy! Wishing you a joyous and colourful Holi. 3: Life is full of colours, may this HOLI festival, you get even more colours in your life, and enjoy them at their brightest shade.. Happy Holi 2018! 4: The festival of colours is finally here, Let out your inner child and play, Forget about what people say! Happy Holi! 5: They say hearts meet during this festival, but I say that each beating heart is felt more strongly, amidst the mirth and merriment, life presents its most beautiful element- Colours! Happy Holi 2018 6: The festival of colours is finally here, forget about what people say, let out your inner child and play! Happy Holi! 7: Hope your life always remain dipped in hues and blues. Wish you a very Happy and Colourful Holi! 8: The festival of Holi is to share happiness, so keep that mode on and leave behind all the negativity. Make this day memorable and play safe Holi with your friends and family. 9: Time to take out those old clothes, And wear them out in public cause, Holi Hai! 10: A very Happy Holi to you and your family!May the cheerful festival lift your spirits and leave a smile on your face.

Happy Holi 2018: Best Holi Festival WhatsApp Messages, wishes and greetings to share with friends

<p>Hindus all across the country are gearing up for one of the most widely celebrated and much-waited festivals of the year -- Maha Shivaratri.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The day is celebrated to honour Lord Shiva and translates into the &#39;Great night of Shiva&#39;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Every year the festival falls in the Hindu month of <em>Phalgun,&nbsp;</em>usually between&nbsp;January-February. This year the auspicious festival will be celebrated on 13 February.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shiva devotees all across observe a fast and worship him to seek blessings and prosperity. Devotees offer prayers, visit Shiva temples and offer him white flowers, milk-based desserts, milk and <em>bael</em> leaves. Worshippers also wear white cloths on the day and avoid consuming non-vegetarian items or indulging in alcohol, tobacco consumption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to legends Maha Shivratri is celebrated because of many reasons. Some believe that Shiva drank the poisonous potion to protect the world, others say that the Lord performed &#39;<em>tandava</em>&#39; -- the dance of creation, preservation and destruction on this night while many believe Shiva and Parvati to have got married on this auspicious day.</p>

<p>For those who would be observing a fast this Maha Shivaratri, we bring to you some of the most readily and easily available ingredients that can be a part of your <em>vrat</em>-menu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fasting does not mean you have to compromise on good food, work up these <em>vrat</em>-friendly ingredients in the comfort of your kitchen and cook up a storm this Maha Shivaratri.&nbsp;</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BfFmy3MhHy7/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Asma Khatoon (@asma.khatoon27)</a> on <time datetime="2018-02-12T07:04:40+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Feb 11, 2018 at 11:04pm PST</time></p>
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<p><strong>Potatoes</strong></p>

<p>Undeniably, most of us love potatoes. This versatile ingredient can easily be cooked into sumptuous delicacies and is absolutely <em>vrat</em>-friendly.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Nuts and dry fruits</strong></p>

<p>Whip up sumptuous shakes and smoothies with the added goodness of nuts and dry fruits of your choice. Nuts and dry fruits are loaded with essential micronutrients and give an instant energy boost in just small helping -- something that revs up the energy level on the day of fasting.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Sabudana</strong></p>

<p>Alternatively known as sago pearls, these are one of the most-loved <em>vrat</em>-friendly ingredients. Use them in making lip-smacking desserts, delectable <em>vadas</em> and <em>tikkis</em> to soul-stirring <em>khichdis</em>.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Happy Maha Shivratri 2018!&nbsp;</p>


The day is celebrated to honour Lord Shiva and translates into the 'Great night of Shiva'

Hindus all across the country are gearing up for one of the most widely celebrated and much-waited festivals of the year -- Maha Shivaratri. The day is celebrated to honour Lord Shiva and translates into the 'Great night of Shiva'. Every year the festival falls in the Hindu month of Phalgun, usually between January-February. This year the auspicious festival will be celebrated on 13 February. Shiva devotees all across observe a fast and worship him to seek blessings and prosperity. Devotees offer prayers, visit Shiva temples and offer him white flowers, milk-based desserts, milk and bael leaves. Worshippers also wear white cloths on the day and avoid consuming non-vegetarian items or indulging in alcohol, tobacco consumption. According to legends Maha Shivratri is celebrated because of many reasons. Some believe that Shiva drank the poisonous potion to protect the world, others say that the Lord performed 'tandava' -- the dance of creation, preservation and destruction on this night while many believe Shiva and Parvati to have got married on this auspicious day. For those who would be observing a fast this Maha Shivaratri, we bring to you some of the most readily and easily available ingredients that can be a part of your vrat-menu. Fasting does not mean you have to compromise on good food, work up these vrat-friendly ingredients in the comfort of your kitchen and cook up a storm this Maha Shivaratri. A post shared by Asma Khatoon (@asma.khatoon27) on Feb 11, 2018 at 11:04pm PST × Potatoes Undeniably, most of us love potatoes. This versatile ingredient can easily be cooked into sumptuous delicacies and is absolutely vrat-friendly. Nuts and dry fruits Whip up sumptuous shakes and smoothies with the added goodness of nuts and dry fruits of your choice. Nuts and dry fruits are loaded with essential micronutrients and give an instant energy boost in just small helping -- something that revs up the energy level on the day of fasting. Sabudana Alternatively known as sago pearls, these are one of the most-loved vrat-friendly ingredients. Use them in making lip-smacking desserts, delectable vadas and tikkis to soul-stirring khichdis. A post shared by Anusha Praveen| Tomato Blues (@tomatoblues) on Dec 28, 2017 at 2:45am PST × Happy Maha Shivratri 2018!

Maha Shivratri 2018: Fasting today? Here are vrat-friendly ingredients you can try

<p>In a horrifying video that has surfaced on the internet, a&nbsp;Brazilian DJ was captured&nbsp;getting trapped&nbsp;under&nbsp;the stage as he performed&nbsp;at the&nbsp;Atmosphere dance music festival in Esteio, Brazil, on Sunday afternoon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a terrible storm that&nbsp;erupted&nbsp;in&nbsp;the area, the stage collapsed on&nbsp;DJ Kaleb Freitas while he was playing music for the festival attendees.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Watch the video:&nbsp;</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="pt">Rave que estava rolando no parque de exposi&ccedil;&otilde;es Assis Brasil <a href="https://twitter.com/metsul?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@metsul</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MetroclimaPOA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MetroclimaPOA</a> <a href="https://t.co/kicb7WnNnf">pic.twitter.com/kicb7WnNnf</a></p>
&mdash; Rafael Maroni (@rafamaroni) <a href="https://twitter.com/rafamaroni/status/942443091654529025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<p>All of this was captured on fans&#39; mobiles while they watched in horror as the entire metal structure holding the stage together fell down and struck his head.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to local media reports, the 30-year-old was rushed to the hospital but due to severe head injuries, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Three others at the event were injured.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The festival had almost 5000 in attendance when the incident happened.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although the sage-collapse has been blamed on severe weather conditions, authorities are conducting a thorough investigation on the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The organisers of Atmosphere dance music festival issued a statement after the horrific incident: &quot;We always cherish the safety of our attendees, following all the processes, reports and authorizations requested by the local authorities. We lost a friend, an artist. Our priority is to assist the wounded and their families.&quot;</p>

<p>Kaleb Freitas had been very excited about the event and he&nbsp;even took to his Instagram profile to announce his performance at the festival:</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BckhBrQgVYq/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Preparados para a ATMOSPHERE ?????? #kaleb #dj #djlife #amazing @atmospherefestival #vamoquevamo</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kaleb_freitas/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Kaleb Freitas</a> (@kaleb_freitas) on <time datetime="2017-12-11T17:36:32+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 11, 2017 at 9:36am PST</time></p>
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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcn3FgFgA1U/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">HEYY SOLDADOS!!!! Prontos pra essa MISS&Atilde;O ??? #KalebNaAtm #video #take #amazing #dj #atm @atmospherefestival</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kaleb_freitas/" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Kaleb Freitas</a> (@kaleb_freitas) on <time datetime="2017-12-13T00:50:59+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Dec 12, 2017 at 4:50pm PST</time></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Metal structure over the stage fell down and killed DJ Kaleb Freitas during the Atmosphere dance music festival

In a horrifying video that has surfaced on the internet, a Brazilian DJ was captured getting trapped under the stage as he performed at the Atmosphere dance music festival in Esteio, Brazil, on Sunday afternoon. After a terrible storm that erupted in the area, the stage collapsed on DJ Kaleb Freitas while he was playing music for the festival attendees. Watch the video: Rave que estava rolando no parque de exposições Assis Brasil @metsul @MetroclimaPOA pic.twitter.com/kicb7WnNnf — Rafael Maroni (@rafamaroni) December 17, 2017 × All of this was captured on fans' mobiles while they watched in horror as the entire metal structure holding the stage together fell down and struck his head. According to local media reports, the 30-year-old was rushed to the hospital but due to severe head injuries, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Three others at the event were injured. The festival had almost 5000 in attendance when the incident happened. Although the sage-collapse has been blamed on severe weather conditions, authorities are conducting a thorough investigation on the matter. The organisers of Atmosphere dance music festival issued a statement after the horrific incident: "We always cherish the safety of our attendees, following all the processes, reports and authorizations requested by the local authorities. We lost a friend, an artist. Our priority is to assist the wounded and their families." Kaleb Freitas had been very excited about the event and he even took to his Instagram profile to announce his performance at the festival: Preparados para a ATMOSPHERE ?????? #kaleb #dj #djlife #amazing @atmospherefestival #vamoquevamo A post shared by Kaleb Freitas (@kaleb_freitas) on Dec 11, 2017 at 9:36am PST × HEYY SOLDADOS!!!! Prontos pra essa MISSÃO ??? #KalebNaAtm #video #take #amazing #dj #atm @atmospherefestival A post shared by Kaleb Freitas (@kaleb_freitas) on Dec 12, 2017 at 4:50pm PST ×

Video: Brazilian DJ dies after stage collapses on him mid-concert

<p>Dentist couple Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, who were yesterday <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2008-aarushi-murder-case-timeline-22357">acquitted by the Allahabad High Court of the charge of murdering their daughter </a>and domestic help Hemraj are likely to be released from a prison in Ghaziabad at 4 pm today, their lawyer said.</p>

<p>The couple will be released once the prison authorities receive the court order, the jailer confirmed.</p>

<p>&quot;We have not received the court order as yet. We will release them once we get it,&quot; Dasna Jail Superintendent Dadhiram Maurya told reporters here.</p>

<p>&quot;I think release orders will be received by jail superintendent by afternoon and the Talwars will be released by 4 pm,&quot;&nbsp;the Talwars&#39; lawyer, Tanveer A Mir told ANI.</p>

<p>The couple have been serving life imprisonment in Dasna jail since 2013, after they were held guilty of murdering their daughter by a CBI court.</p>

<p>The jailer told PTI there were two methods to complete the process of releasing a prisoner from jail.</p>

<p>&quot;Either the Allahabad High Court sends its order copy directly to jail authorities or it is sent through the CBI court concerned which awarded them life sentence,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>The Allahabad High Court had yesterday acquitted the Talwars of the 2008 sensational murder <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aarushi-talwar-murder-case-what-allahabad-hc-said-while-acquitting-talwars-22342">on the grounds that neither the circumstances nor the evidence </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aarushi-talwar-murder-case-what-allahabad-hc-said-while-acquitting-talwars-22342">was</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/aarushi-talwar-murder-case-what-allahabad-hc-said-while-acquitting-talwars-22342"> enough</a> to hold them guilty.</p>

<p>The verdict ends, at least for now, the nine-year ordeal of the Noida couple who were sentenced to life by a Ghaziabad CBI court on November 28, 2013.</p>

<p>With the acquittal, the central question in the bizarre mystery resurfaces - <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/court-judgement-leaves-twitter-clueless-users-ask-who-killed-aarushi-22348">who killed the 14-year-old teenager and the 45-year-old</a>&nbsp;domestic help.</p>

<p>&quot;There is a strong possibility that (the) incident was caused by some outsider,&quot; a bench comprising justices B K Narayana and A K Mishra had said, upholding the Talwars&#39; appeal against the CBI court verdict.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Chhath Pooja, an eco-friendly festival that highlights the enduring and devotional capabilities of women

Dentist couple Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, who were yesterday acquitted by the Allahabad High Court of the charge of murdering their daughter and domestic help Hemraj are likely to be released from a prison in Ghaziabad at 4 pm today, their lawyer said. The couple will be released once the prison authorities receive the court order, the jailer confirmed. "We have not received the court order as yet. We will release them once we get it," Dasna Jail Superintendent Dadhiram Maurya told reporters here. "I think release orders will be received by jail superintendent by afternoon and the Talwars will be released by 4 pm," the Talwars' lawyer, Tanveer A Mir told ANI. The couple have been serving life imprisonment in Dasna jail since 2013, after they were held guilty of murdering their daughter by a CBI court. The jailer told PTI there were two methods to complete the process of releasing a prisoner from jail. "Either the Allahabad High Court sends its order copy directly to jail authorities or it is sent through the CBI court concerned which awarded them life sentence," he said. The Allahabad High Court had yesterday acquitted the Talwars of the 2008 sensational murder on the grounds that neither the circumstances nor the evidence was enough to hold them guilty. The verdict ends, at least for now, the nine-year ordeal of the Noida couple who were sentenced to life by a Ghaziabad CBI court on November 28, 2013. With the acquittal, the central question in the bizarre mystery resurfaces - who killed the 14-year-old teenager and the 45-year-old domestic help. "There is a strong possibility that (the) incident was caused by some outsider," a bench comprising justices B K Narayana and A K Mishra had said, upholding the Talwars' appeal against the CBI court verdict.

Chhath, an all-women festival of the sun

<p>Pumpkin sales are peaking&nbsp;ahead&nbsp;of&nbsp;Halloween&nbsp;festivities, and&nbsp;farmers&nbsp;are expecting to do a brisk trade in the upcoming weeks.</p>

<p>Halloween&nbsp;is the second largest retail festival in the UK after Christmas.</p>

<p>Fox&#39;s Farm Produce grow and sell between 50,000-100,000&nbsp;pumpkins&nbsp;a year - all in the lead up to&nbsp;Halloween, and sell both directly to consumers and shops.</p>

<p>&quot;We love&nbsp;Halloween. It has always been in the family, my dad used to grow them and we just capitalised on this as well. It is very Americanised, a growing market and we just love&nbsp;pumpkins,&quot; says Guy French, who grew up on a potato and vegetable farm and has run Foxes Farm Produce since 2003.</p>

<p>Millions of&nbsp;pumpkins&nbsp;are grown in the UK each year, and up to 90% of orange ones are sold in the lead up to&nbsp;Halloween.</p>


Fox's Farm Produce grow and sell between 50,000-100,000?pumpkins?a year - all in the lead up to?Halloween, and sell both directly to consumers and shops

Pumpkin sales are peaking ahead of Halloween festivities, and farmers are expecting to do a brisk trade in the upcoming weeks. Halloween is the second largest retail festival in the UK after Christmas. Fox's Farm Produce grow and sell between 50,000-100,000 pumpkins a year - all in the lead up to Halloween, and sell both directly to consumers and shops. "We love Halloween. It has always been in the family, my dad used to grow them and we just capitalised on this as well. It is very Americanised, a growing market and we just love pumpkins," says Guy French, who grew up on a potato and vegetable farm and has run Foxes Farm Produce since 2003. Millions of pumpkins are grown in the UK each year, and up to 90% of orange ones are sold in the lead up to Halloween.

British farmers prepare pumpkins ahead of busy Halloween period

<p>Onam is an annual Hindu festival that is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm in the southern-most state of Kerala in India. It is a harvest festival that is welcomed particularly by the farming community.</p>

<p>The festivals falls&nbsp;in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam, which in Gregorian calendar overlaps with August&ndash;September. This year, Onam starts from tomorrow on 25th August and ends on 6th September.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It&nbsp;is a major annual event for Malayali people in and outside Kerala.</p>

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<p>Snake boat race (Others)</p>
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<p>It marks the summer harvest and is celebrated with numerous festivities. It includes Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Pookkalam (flower arrangement), Onathappan (worship), Onam Kali, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal (women&#39;s dance), Kummati kali (mask dance), Onathallu (martial arts), Onavillu (music), Kazhchakkula (plantain offerings), Onapottan (costumes), Atthachamayam (folk songs and dance), and other celebrations.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances performed by women on Onam (Others)</p>
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<p>It is the New Year day for Malayali Hindus.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Food plays an important part in the festivities. About 22 to 26 dishes are made and are served on the green leaf. (Others)</p>
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<p>The state celebrates the festival by giving public holidays to people that start four days from Onam Eve (Uthradom).</p>

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<p>People wear new clothes and decorate their homes in Onam (Others)</p>
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<p>Interestingly, even though it is a Hindu festival, Onam is celebrated across non-Hindu communities of Kerala.</p>

<p>During the Onam, Keralite Hindus install an image of Thrikkakara Appan or Onatthappan (Vishnu in the form of Vamana) in their home&nbsp;just as Hindus install images or murtis of Lord Ganesha on the Ganesha Chaturthi festival elsewhere.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


Get to know Kerala's biggest and the most important festival that celebrates harvest and the joy it brings with it

Onam is an annual Hindu festival that is celebrated with a lot of enthusiasm in the southern-most state of Kerala in India. It is a harvest festival that is welcomed particularly by the farming community. The festivals falls in the Malayalam calendar month of Chingam, which in Gregorian calendar overlaps with August–September. This year, Onam starts from tomorrow on 25th August and ends on 6th September. It is a major annual event for Malayali people in and outside Kerala. Snake boat race (Others) × It marks the summer harvest and is celebrated with numerous festivities. It includes Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali (tiger dances), Pookkalam (flower arrangement), Onathappan (worship), Onam Kali, Tug of War, Thumbi Thullal (women's dance), Kummati kali (mask dance), Onathallu (martial arts), Onavillu (music), Kazhchakkula (plantain offerings), Onapottan (costumes), Atthachamayam (folk songs and dance), and other celebrations. Kaikotti kali and Thumbi Thullal are two graceful dances performed by women on Onam (Others) × It is the New Year day for Malayali Hindus. Food plays an important part in the festivities. About 22 to 26 dishes are made and are served on the green leaf. (Others) × The state celebrates the festival by giving public holidays to people that start four days from Onam Eve (Uthradom). People wear new clothes and decorate their homes in Onam (Others) × Interestingly, even though it is a Hindu festival, Onam is celebrated across non-Hindu communities of Kerala. During the Onam, Keralite Hindus install an image of Thrikkakara Appan or Onatthappan (Vishnu in the form of Vamana) in their home just as Hindus install images or murtis of Lord Ganesha on the Ganesha Chaturthi festival elsewhere. (WION)

Onam: Boat races, tiger dance and more...

<p>When my husband and I began hunting for our first home together earlier this year, I was full of the na&iuml;ve and clich&eacute;d optimism of one fatted on popular media narratives. I wanted an airy home where my curtains would flutter with the wind and natural light would flood the rooms. I wanted tasteful fixtures and woodwork, roomy balconies to retire to with a glass of wine while I watched the sun set over uninterrupted vistas. I may as well have been a lithe pixie flitting about in a home d&eacute;cor ad.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>We rented a place on the twenty-sixth floor and surprisingly many of those flighty wants on my list got checked. I got my balconies with uninterrupted views. I got nice fixtures and woodwork. The curtains do flutter on occasion. Sunlight does flood the rooms, to the point of being the unbearable light of my being in the summer. But, while I was concentrating on trying to re-create a Manhattan penthouse in good old Noida, I forgot about the everyday realities I&rsquo;d have to grapple with.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are many: the uninterrupted supply of dust that demands closed windows and doors (bye bye fluttery curtains), exorbitant electricity bills on account of those closed doors and windows. But the mother of them all has been and continues to be an aural assault of a multi-hued kind.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Our apartment overlooks a massive tract of land that was once, or perhaps still is an ashram (a spiritual hermitage). It&rsquo;s dotted with structures, some just a storey high, others a few levels higher, and most of them seem to be inhabited.</p>

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<h5>If my objection to the articulation of your faith is viewed as an intrusion on your right to practice religion, do the reverberations of yours not impose on my right to not &ldquo;practice&rdquo; my own?</h5>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also on the land are a few temples. Beyond the boundaries of the ashram are two mosques, one to the right of the landscape, the other hidden to the left but I know it is there, and this is how: see shortly after the muezzin of the mosque on the right begins his not-so-tuneful azan, the muezzin of the one on the left seems to jerk to attention and begins his own call to prayer, the stress of delay often apparent in the quivers of his notes. The flat lay of the land between us and them brings their speaker-amplified voices to the threshold of our home five times a day, every day. And in this case, perhaps ten.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Not to be outdone though are the pandits&nbsp;(priests) of the ashram below. The quiet between the azan is ruptured by the totally tuneless aartis of the priesthood. Their cacophony falls short of banging on our windows to let itself in. The last month has been particularly awful. The navratras&nbsp;(nine-day festivity dedicated to Hindu goddess Durga) have pumped our priests full with what seems like a fresh resolve at discordant displays of devotion. I am filled with fear of Diwali.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>If all this wasn&rsquo;t enough, our building&rsquo;s society thought it would be just peachy to have a dandiya night two weeks back. I drove into the compound thinking I had gate-crashed a Delhi wedding do. Yo Yo Honey Singh&rsquo;s horrendous songs were being belted out on loudspeakers, crashing against walls and trees only to find themselves amplified further. This carried on till at least eleven at night. But what time things finish have no impact on what is to occur the next day. The azans began before sunrise, the aartis a little later, and then the azan, and then another aarti&hellip;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here&rsquo;s the irony: the last time we had a few friends over for dinner, we received a call from our tower&rsquo;s guard about a &ldquo;noise&rdquo; complaint. It appeared that our bluetooth speaker&rsquo;s output had caused offense, as did perhaps the cheery voices of eight people talking and laughing in our living room and balcony. If only we&rsquo;d been singing paeans of religious virtue to one another we too could have carried on till later like the cool dandiya kids.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The azan and the aarti had seemed a nice balance at the start for our own inter-religious marriage. They had punctuated the balance of our own union which saw neither faith take precedence over the other. Perhaps it was the hubbub of our initial days of setting up the&nbsp;home that kept us from realising how soon they&rsquo;d be fighting for our attention. With neither of us interfering or enquiring even in to the way the other practices their faith, these daily renditions seem like nothing short of an intrusion.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>In all that&rsquo;s said and written about the &ldquo;freedom&rdquo; to practice religion in this great secular nation of ours, I&rsquo;d like to make the case for those whose faith doesn&rsquo;t manifest itself tangibly. If my objection to the articulation of your faith is viewed as an intrusion on your right to practice religion, do the reverberations of yours not impose on my right to not &ldquo;practice&rdquo; my own? All I&rsquo;m asking is, do my ears not count?</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>(WION)</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


I tried to re-create a Manhattan penthouse in good old Noida, but I forgot about the everyday realities I?d have to grapple with

When my husband and I began hunting for our first home together earlier this year, I was full of the naïve and clichéd optimism of one fatted on popular media narratives. I wanted an airy home where my curtains would flutter with the wind and natural light would flood the rooms. I wanted tasteful fixtures and woodwork, roomy balconies to retire to with a glass of wine while I watched the sun set over uninterrupted vistas. I may as well have been a lithe pixie flitting about in a home décor ad. We rented a place on the twenty-sixth floor and surprisingly many of those flighty wants on my list got checked. I got my balconies with uninterrupted views. I got nice fixtures and woodwork. The curtains do flutter on occasion. Sunlight does flood the rooms, to the point of being the unbearable light of my being in the summer. But, while I was concentrating on trying to re-create a Manhattan penthouse in good old Noida, I forgot about the everyday realities I’d have to grapple with. There are many: the uninterrupted supply of dust that demands closed windows and doors (bye bye fluttery curtains), exorbitant electricity bills on account of those closed doors and windows. But the mother of them all has been and continues to be an aural assault of a multi-hued kind. Our apartment overlooks a massive tract of land that was once, or perhaps still is an ashram (a spiritual hermitage). It’s dotted with structures, some just a storey high, others a few levels higher, and most of them seem to be inhabited. If my objection to the articulation of your faith is viewed as an intrusion on your right to practice religion, do the reverberations of yours not impose on my right to not “practice” my own? × Also on the land are a few temples. Beyond the boundaries of the ashram are two mosques, one to the right of the landscape, the other hidden to the left but I know it is there, and this is how: see shortly after the muezzin of the mosque on the right begins his not-so-tuneful azan, the muezzin of the one on the left seems to jerk to attention and begins his own call to prayer, the stress of delay often apparent in the quivers of his notes. The flat lay of the land between us and them brings their speaker-amplified voices to the threshold of our home five times a day, every day. And in this case, perhaps ten. Not to be outdone though are the pandits (priests) of the ashram below. The quiet between the azan is ruptured by the totally tuneless aartis of the priesthood. Their cacophony falls short of banging on our windows to let itself in. The last month has been particularly awful. The navratras (nine-day festivity dedicated to Hindu goddess Durga) have pumped our priests full with what seems like a fresh resolve at discordant displays of devotion. I am filled with fear of Diwali. If all this wasn’t enough, our building’s society thought it would be just peachy to have a dandiya night two weeks back. I drove into the compound thinking I had gate-crashed a Delhi wedding do. Yo Yo Honey Singh’s horrendous songs were being belted out on loudspeakers, crashing against walls and trees only to find themselves amplified further. This carried on till at least eleven at night. But what time things finish have no impact on what is to occur the next day. The azans began before sunrise, the aartis a little later, and then the azan, and then another aarti… Here’s the irony: the last time we had a few friends over for dinner, we received a call from our tower’s guard about a “noise” complaint. It appeared that our bluetooth speaker’s output had caused offense, as did perhaps the cheery voices of eight people talking and laughing in our living room and balcony. If only we’d been singing paeans of religious virtue to one another we too could have carried on till later like the cool dandiya kids. The azan and the aarti had seemed a nice balance at the start for our own inter-religious marriage. They had punctuated the balance of our own union which saw neither faith take precedence over the other. Perhaps it was the hubbub of our initial days of setting up the home that kept us from realising how soon they’d be fighting for our attention. With neither of us interfering or enquiring even in to the way the other practices their faith, these daily renditions seem like nothing short of an intrusion. In all that’s said and written about the “freedom” to practice religion in this great secular nation of ours, I’d like to make the case for those whose faith doesn’t manifest itself tangibly. If my objection to the articulation of your faith is viewed as an intrusion on your right to practice religion, do the reverberations of yours not impose on my right to not “practice” my own? All I’m asking is, do my ears not count? (WION)

Do my ears count?

Contestants climb up a greasy pole to mark Malta's annual festival. Will they be able to make it? Watch and find out!

Malta greasy pole: The big fall

Nine people were killed in a stampede at a party in central Ghana to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, a public official told reporters today.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&quot;We so far have nine people who are dead, six females and three males,&quot; said Nurudeen Hamidan, the head of the Asokore Mampong municipal assembly, in the city of Kumasi.<br />
<br />
There was no immediate comment from the police in the city, which is 255 kilometres (160 miles) northwest of the capital, Accra.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
But Hamidan said three bodies have been identified so far and six people were injured, one of them critical and were receiving treatment in hospital.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The party was organised on Wednesday at a community centre in the Asawase area of Kumasi as the climax to the Eid-ul-Fitr festival, which marks the end of a month of fasting and prayer.<br />
<br />
Local member of parliament Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka said carnivals were often held to celebrate the occasion but in the past have been marked by clashes between youths.<br />
<br />
Organisers had told police the carnival would end by 9:00 pm (2100 GMT) and a group, thought to number about 300, moved to the community centre, where a fight reportedly broke out, he added.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&quot;In a bid for people to rush out... there was this stampede,&quot; said Muntaka, from President John Dramani Mahama`s National Democratic Congress.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
But Hamidan said there were conflicting reports about the cause of the tragedy and a security meeting had been called today afternoon to determine what happened.<br />
<br />
&quot;People are saying so many things. Some are saying that there was a lights out and the meter sparked and the sound of the meter made people agitated,&quot; he said.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
&quot;Others are saying that they finished the programme, they were leaving and there was a stampede along the way.<br />
<br />
&quot;As to what caused the actual stampede the security agencies are working to unravel what happened and we will take it on from there.&quot;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
(AFP)

The party was organised on Wednesday at a community centre in the Asawase area of Kumasi as the climax to the Eid-ul-Fitr festival

Nine people were killed in a stampede at a party in central Ghana to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, a public official told reporters today. "We so far have nine people who are dead, six females and three males," said Nurudeen Hamidan, the head of the Asokore Mampong municipal assembly, in the city of Kumasi. There was no immediate comment from the police in the city, which is 255 kilometres (160 miles) northwest of the capital, Accra. But Hamidan said three bodies have been identified so far and six people were injured, one of them critical and were receiving treatment in hospital. The party was organised on Wednesday at a community centre in the Asawase area of Kumasi as the climax to the Eid-ul-Fitr festival, which marks the end of a month of fasting and prayer. Local member of parliament Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka said carnivals were often held to celebrate the occasion but in the past have been marked by clashes between youths. Organisers had told police the carnival would end by 9:00 pm (2100 GMT) and a group, thought to number about 300, moved to the community centre, where a fight reportedly broke out, he added. "In a bid for people to rush out... there was this stampede," said Muntaka, from President John Dramani Mahama`s National Democratic Congress. But Hamidan said there were conflicting reports about the cause of the tragedy and a security meeting had been called today afternoon to determine what happened. "People are saying so many things. Some are saying that there was a lights out and the meter sparked and the sound of the meter made people agitated," he said. "Others are saying that they finished the programme, they were leaving and there was a stampede along the way. "As to what caused the actual stampede the security agencies are working to unravel what happened and we will take it on from there." (AFP)

Nine dead in Eid party stampede in Ghana

<p>German prosecutors are investigating claims by 26 women that they were sexually harassed at a music festival in the western city of Darmstadt at the weekend and police have arrested three men with Pakistani backgrounds, a police spokesman said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>By late on Tuesday, 26 women had come forward and 14 formal complaints had been made.</p>

<p>&quot;The women complained that they were surrounded by small groups of men who then touched them inappropriately,&quot; the spokesman said, adding the matter was now with prosecutors.</p>

<p>The incident has set off alarm bells in Germany after mass sexual attacks on women at New Year&#39;s Eve in Cologne, which fuelled a backlash against Chancellor Angela Merkel&#39;s open-door migrant policy.</p>

<p>Hundreds of women said they were groped, attacked and robbed outside the Cologne train station and police said the suspects were mainly of North African and Arab appearance.</p>

<p>Darmstadt police said they had on Sunday arrested three male suspects aged between 28 and 31. Two are seeking asylum, and a third is also from Pakistan but has been living in Germany for a long time. It is unclear if he was also seeking asylum.</p>

<p>More women came forward once they heard about the arrests at the four-day music festival which attracted a total of 300,000-400,000 people, the spokesman said.</p>

<p>Despite a fall in her own and her conservative party&#39;s popularity since her welcome to migrants, Merkel told Bunte magazine that even with hindsight, she would allow people in humanitarian need to enter Germany again, as she did last year.</p>

<p>&quot;I recommend anyone who is fearful to take the opportunity to personally get to know someone who has fled to us. These are people who have experienced and suffered a lot and have their worries and hopes just as much as we do,&quot; she told Bunte.</p>


German prosecutors are investigating claims of 26 women who say they were were sexually harassed in a music festival in Darmstadt

German prosecutors are investigating claims by 26 women that they were sexually harassed at a music festival in the western city of Darmstadt at the weekend and police have arrested three men with Pakistani backgrounds, a police spokesman said on Wednesday. By late on Tuesday, 26 women had come forward and 14 formal complaints had been made. "The women complained that they were surrounded by small groups of men who then touched them inappropriately," the spokesman said, adding the matter was now with prosecutors. The incident has set off alarm bells in Germany after mass sexual attacks on women at New Year's Eve in Cologne, which fuelled a backlash against Chancellor Angela Merkel's open-door migrant policy. Hundreds of women said they were groped, attacked and robbed outside the Cologne train station and police said the suspects were mainly of North African and Arab appearance. Darmstadt police said they had on Sunday arrested three male suspects aged between 28 and 31. Two are seeking asylum, and a third is also from Pakistan but has been living in Germany for a long time. It is unclear if he was also seeking asylum. More women came forward once they heard about the arrests at the four-day music festival which attracted a total of 300,000-400,000 people, the spokesman said. Despite a fall in her own and her conservative party's popularity since her welcome to migrants, Merkel told Bunte magazine that even with hindsight, she would allow people in humanitarian need to enter Germany again, as she did last year. "I recommend anyone who is fearful to take the opportunity to personally get to know someone who has fled to us. These are people who have experienced and suffered a lot and have their worries and hopes just as much as we do," she told Bunte.

Germany investigates sexual attacks on women at music festival

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