News for 'priest'

'Pope Leo Greeted People With A Namaste'

'Pope Leo Greeted People With A Namaste'

Rediff.com17 May 2025

'We had prepared tapioca and crabs for him, and he enjoyed the Kerala cuisine thoroughly.'

Act cautiously: China to India over Dalai Lama's incarnation

Act cautiously: China to India over Dalai Lama's incarnation

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

China has objected to Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju's remarks on the Dalai Lama's reincarnation, urging India to be cautious on Tibet-related issues to avoid impacting bilateral relations. China insists any future Dalai Lama must receive its approval.

China angry as Modi greets Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday

China angry as Modi greets Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday

Rediff.com7 Jul 2025

China has protested to India over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings to the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday and the attendance of Indian officials at the celebrations, stressing New Delhi should appreciate Beijing's sensitivities on Tibet-related issues.

Pope Leo makes his first US pitch at White Sox Park

Pope Leo makes his first US pitch at White Sox Park

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

The pontiff, the first leader of the global Catholic Church from the United States, appeared for about seven minutes on Rate Field's jumbotron during the event, organized by the Chicago archdiocese and featuring several other local personalities, including Bulls announcer Chuck Swirsky.

Serial killer 'Doctor Death', who fed victims to crocodiles, arrested

Serial killer 'Doctor Death', who fed victims to crocodiles, arrested

Rediff.com21 May 2025

An Ayurveda practitioner-turned-criminal, 67-year-old Devender Sharma was convicted in multiple murder cases and was notorious for dumping his victims' bodies in the crocodile-infested waters of Hazara Canal at Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh.

'Writing History Is Like Solving A Jigsaw Puzzle With A Third Of The Pieces Missing'

'Writing History Is Like Solving A Jigsaw Puzzle With A Third Of The Pieces Missing'

Rediff.com12 Aug 2025

'When I undertook a study of temple desecration in precolonial India, it was not enough simply to document what temples were desecrated, by whom, when, and where.' 'It was also important to explore the total historical context of such incidents, with a view to discovering patterns, which in turn could reveal the reasons why they occurred.'

Kerala church sets up tribunal to try priest's anti-ecclesial activities

Kerala church sets up tribunal to try priest's anti-ecclesial activities

Rediff.com6 Oct 2023

The bishop, in his order, alleged that though Puthiyaparambil was appointed as vicar of a local church, he didn't accept the appointment and suddenly left after publishing a note on social media.

No air defence guns deployed in Golden Temple: Army

No air defence guns deployed in Golden Temple: Army

Rediff.com20 May 2025

The Army Tuesday said no air defence guns or any other air defence resource were deployed within the Golden Temple premises during Operation Sindoor.

Puri is the only Jagannath Dham: Odisha objects to Bengal's temple naming

Puri is the only Jagannath Dham: Odisha objects to Bengal's temple naming

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Ramakrushna Dasmohapatra, who was the chief priest during the inauguration of the Jagannath Temple at Digha on April 30, on Friday joined the voices demanding withdrawal of the 'Jagannath Dham' phrase attached to the new temple in West Bengal.

Why govt Odisha wants to copyright Jagannath rituals

Why govt Odisha wants to copyright Jagannath rituals

Rediff.com13 Jul 2025

The Odisha government is working to secure copyright for the rituals of Lord Jagannath temple in Puri to protect its traditional cultural expressions, following concerns over untimely celebrations by ISKCON and the declaration of a temple in Digha as 'Jagannath Dham'.

Indian priest who held service for Biden says he's 'very humble'

Indian priest who held service for Biden says he's 'very humble'

Rediff.com10 Sep 2023

Father Dias met Biden during a 30-minute holy communion service for the US president at a hotel where he was staying in New Delhi on Saturday, ahead of the G20 summit.

Goa Catholic priest booked over Chhatrapati Shivaji remark despite apology

Goa Catholic priest booked over Chhatrapati Shivaji remark despite apology

Rediff.com5 Aug 2023

Despite his apology, the Bajrang Dal sought his arrest, while Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said action would be taken against him as per law.

God will provide for us say TN's women temple priests

God will provide for us say TN's women temple priests

Rediff.com15 Sep 2023

Taking the opportunity to close the gender gap in the profession, three young women -- one the first graduate in a family, another a graduate and the third a postgraduate -- have chosen to take up the sacred vocation of priest in a Hindu temple.

A Mother Is Unable To Forget Daughter's Last Words

A Mother Is Unable To Forget Daughter's Last Words

Rediff.com25 Jun 2025

'Take care Maa, flight take off karne wala hai, wapas aakar baat karti hoon.'

An Odisha CM moves into official residence after 25 yrs

An Odisha CM moves into official residence after 25 yrs

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

After remaining vacant for nearly 25 years, the official residence of Odisha chief minister in the state capital welcomed a new occupant as Mohan Charan Majhi formally moved in on Thursday.

'It Was A Trial By Bajrang Dal Workers'

'It Was A Trial By Bajrang Dal Workers'

Rediff.com31 Jul 2025

'The nuns were subjected to abusive language and all types of mental torture.'

India reiterates non-interference in Dalai Lama succession plan

India reiterates non-interference in Dalai Lama succession plan

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

India has stated its neutral stance on religious matters following the Dalai Lama's announcement of his succession plan, which China has rejected. The statement comes as the Dalai Lama approaches his 90th birthday, with China urging India to exercise caution on Tibet-related issues.

Kangana's Temple Run In Karnataka

Kangana's Temple Run In Karnataka

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Kangana Ranaut visited the Shri Durgaparameshwari emple in Kateel and the Shri Hale Mariamma temple in Kapu.

Mamata hikes allowances of imams, Hindu priests; poll gimmick, says Oppn

Mamata hikes allowances of imams, Hindu priests; poll gimmick, says Oppn

Rediff.com22 Aug 2023

The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party and the Communist Party of India-Marxist dubbed it a "cheap poll gimmick" to woo minority votes.

Dalai Lama's successor must get China's nod, says Beijing; US rift likely

Dalai Lama's successor must get China's nod, says Beijing; US rift likely

Rediff.com2 Jul 2025

His successor issue is also expected to flare up fresh tensions between Beijing and Washington as China's policy comes in conflict with the US Tibetan Policy and Support Act of 2020, which reaffirmed America's steadfast support for the Dalai Lama and Tibetan Buddhism.

SC quashes fine on Poonawalla for mocking Jain monk

SC quashes fine on Poonawalla for mocking Jain monk

Rediff.com8 Apr 2025

The Supreme Court of India has quashed a fine imposed on political analyst Tehseen Poonawalla by the Punjab and Haryana High Court for mocking Jain monk Tarun Sagar. The top court criticized the high court for engaging in "moral policing" and imposing a fine despite acquitting Poonawalla. The high court had argued that the fine was necessary to deter others from mocking religious leaders. The Supreme Court disagreed, stating that courts should not be involved in moral policing.

Will die as...: Shivakumar on attending Jaggi Vasudev's Maha Shivaratri event

Will die as...: Shivakumar on attending Jaggi Vasudev's Maha Shivaratri event

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar faced criticism from within the party for his participation in Mahashivaratri celebrations in Tamil Nadu, which was also attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Shivakumar defended his attendance, asserting his Hindu faith while emphasizing his respect for all religions. He also clarified that he had not met Amit Shah and refuted claims of aligning himself with the BJP.

Pran Pratishtha 2.0: Raja Ram consecrated at Ayodhya temple

Pran Pratishtha 2.0: Raja Ram consecrated at Ayodhya temple

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

According to Hindu scriptures, Ganga Dussehra marks the day the holy river Ganga descended to Earth from Lord Shiva's locks, moved by King Bhagirath's penance. The day is considered highly auspicious and symbolises virtue, penance, and the collective well-being of humanity.

What Travel Boycott Can Teach Turkiye, Azerbaijan

What Travel Boycott Can Teach Turkiye, Azerbaijan

Rediff.com27 May 2025

Just as Gandhiji's spinning wheel became a symbol of resistance, Indian travellers today can turn their passports into instruments of peaceful protest, argues Harsh Roongta.

Havan For Brave Hearts At Maha Kumbh

Havan For Brave Hearts At Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com18 Jan 2025

On Friday, January 17, 2025, a havan was performed for brave martyrs during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

Ensure safety of Hindus: India tells B'desh on arrest of Hindu priest

Ensure safety of Hindus: India tells B'desh on arrest of Hindu priest

Rediff.com26 Nov 2024

Bangladesh police on Monday arrested Das, the leader of the Hindu group, Sammilita Sanatani Jote, from the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport area in Dhaka.

The Dupatta Killer Review: Brutal. Sad. Upsetting

The Dupatta Killer Review: Brutal. Sad. Upsetting

Rediff.com21 Mar 2025

Patrick Graham's crime documentary The Dupatta Killer gives all sides of the story and leaves it to the viewer to fill in the blanks, notes Deepa Gahlot.

Poila Baisakh celebrations canceled in Bengal town after violence

Poila Baisakh celebrations canceled in Bengal town after violence

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

The first day of the Bengali New Year, Poila Baisakh, passed without any celebrations in Dhulian, West Bengal, for the first time in over 50 years. Fear gripped the area following violence over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leading to canceled rituals, shop closures, and a sense of uncertainty. The violence, which started on April 8, left three people dead and several injured. Protesters blocked highways, torched vehicles, and disrupted train services. While the police deployed central forces and imposed restrictions, locals still fear for their safety and demand permanent security measures. The town and its surrounding areas remain tense, with many families displaced and facing significant losses.

'Japan temple ready to hand over Netaji Bose's ashes'

'Japan temple ready to hand over Netaji Bose's ashes'

Rediff.com23 Jan 2025

Descendants of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose claim they have documentary evidence to prove that the Renkoji temple authorities in Japan have always been willing to hand over the 'ashes' believed to be his, refuting perceptions of roadblocks to their repatriation. They assert that successive Indian governments have shown little interest in retrieving the remains and conducting DNA tests, despite numerous appeals from the family. The article highlights the conflicting reports and controversies surrounding Netaji's death and the ongoing mystery surrounding his remains.

Pope Francis passes away hours after delivering Easter message

Pope Francis passes away hours after delivering Easter message

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

Pope Francis has died, the Vatican said on Monday. The Pope passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican's Casa Santa Marta, according to a statement from the Vatican.

Robert Prevost becomes first American Pope, takes name Leo XIV

Robert Prevost becomes first American Pope, takes name Leo XIV

Rediff.com9 May 2025

The voice of the six bells of St Peter's Basilca announced that the Church has its new Pope.

Waqf Islamic concept but not essential to it: Centre to SC

Waqf Islamic concept but not essential to it: Centre to SC

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The Indian government defended the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025 in the Supreme Court, arguing that waqf, while an Islamic concept, is not an essential part of Islam. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stated that waqf is essentially charity, which is recognized across religions, and cannot be considered a fundamental tenet of any faith. He also argued that the amended law addresses secular aspects of waqf and activities unrelated to Islam, and that "waqf by user" does not grant ownership of public land. Mehta highlighted the extensive consultations involved in the bill's creation, including feedback from various stakeholders. The hearing will continue on Thursday.

Kedarnath priest alleges scam in gold plating of temple walls

Kedarnath priest alleges scam in gold plating of temple walls

Rediff.com18 Jun 2023

In a video that surfaced online, senior priest Santosh Trivedi alleged that the temple's sanctum sanctorum has been covered with brass plates in the name of gold plating, claiming it is a 'Rs 125 crore scam'.

Designers apologise for fashion show in Gulmarg during Ramzan

Designers apologise for fashion show in Gulmarg during Ramzan

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

Designer duo Shivan and Narresh, who are facing backlash for displaying 'obscene' garments at a fashion show in Gulmarg last week, have said their sole intention was to celebrate creativity and regret any hurt caused by the event during the holy month of Ramzan.

When Pope Leo XIV Visited Kerala

When Pope Leo XIV Visited Kerala

Rediff.com13 May 2025

'I remember our priests saying that he liked sea food. So, they cooked sea food for him without masala and spice.' 'It seems he enjoyed Kerala food very much.'

Death of Pope Francis: India declares 3-day State mourning

Death of Pope Francis: India declares 3-day State mourning

Rediff.com22 Apr 2025

The mourning will be observed across the country on April 22 and 23, and again on the day of the Pope's funeral.

Vances at Akshardham

Vances at Akshardham

Rediff.com21 Apr 2025

US Vice President JD Vance and his family began their four-day trip to India with a visit to the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in Delhi. The Vances, along with their three children dressed in Indian attire, spent an hour at the temple, admiring its intricate architecture and receiving a traditional welcome. The visit comes amid ongoing trade negotiations between the US and India.

MP principal, teacher, priest, nun booked for assaulting, molesting girls

MP principal, teacher, priest, nun booked for assaulting, molesting girls

Rediff.com5 Mar 2023

The school, situated in Junwani, some 60 kilometres from the district headquarters, is run by Jabalpur Diocesan Education Society of the Roman Catholic community, he said.

Kerala temple staffer resigns amid caste discrimination row

Kerala temple staffer resigns amid caste discrimination row

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

An employee of the famed Koodalmanikyam temple in Kerala has resigned, citing personal reasons, following allegations of caste discrimination. Balu, a member of the Ezhava community, was recruited for 'kazhakam' duties, which involve preparing garlands and performing ceremonial chores. The resignation has sparked controversy, with the Devaswom Minister assuring support for Balu and criticizing the temple's 'tantries' for their stance. The temple has two 'Kazhakam' positions, one appointed by the 'tantries' and the other filled according to the Acts and Regulations.

Phule Review: No Sensationalism Here

Phule Review: No Sensationalism Here

Rediff.com25 Apr 2025

It this era of sensationalism, we should appreciate director Anant Mahadevan for treating Phule with calm and composure and not going overboard, notes Hemant Waje.