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May 2004
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'Pitcher March' to save Ganga

         Varanasi: Sadhus and residents of Varanasi on Sunday took out a pitcher march to save the holy Ganga, one of the most polluted rivers in the world. The holymen along with the devotees held the pitchers filled with water from the Ganga on their heads and walked through the city's narrow streets reminding people of the sacred origin of the mighty river. Revered as mother Goddess by Hindus, the Ganga, it is believed, cleanses people of their sins but in recent years a massive influx of human and industrial pollution has turned its waters into a liquid hell. Though numerous action plans are in place, very little has changed. The river is used by millions, mostly pilgrims, and experts say the only way to sustain conservation is people's involvement. "Our population has increased so much... we have to make people aware that the Ganga, is our holy river, it should be shielded from pollution," Shashikant Dixit, organiser of the event, said. Though the Ganga Action Plan was set up by the federal government in 1985 to cleanse the river, much of the action remains on paper. Angry residents say they have little choice but to seek divine intervention to save their holy river. "The main objective of the Kalash yatra is to prevent pollution of the Ganga. So we pray to Lord Shiva to protect the river from getting polluted because even the government has failed in the task," Umashankar Jaiswal, a volunteer, said. The Ganga runs its course of over 2,500 kilometers from Gangotri in the Himalayas to Ganga Sagar in the Bay of Bengal through 29 cities with population of over 100,000 each.
May 30, 2004

Vatican gives boost to Kerala hilltop shrine (Go to Top)

          Malayatoor (Kerala): Pilgrims are jubilant with the Vatican's announcement declaring St. Thomas shrine at Malayatoor hilltop in Kerala as an international sanctuary. Authorities say the move can help boost foreign tourism. The hilltop shrine where one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, St. Thomas, is believed to have spent many days in prayer, is the only shrine in India which has been given the prestigious status by the Vatican. Following the declaration, the Malayatoor shrine now occupies a place among other famous Christian shrines like the Lady of Lourdes shrine in France. Cardinal Verkey Vithayathil, Major Archbishop of Syro Malabar, said the decision by the Vatican came after a long study. "It took a long time for the Holy See to take a decision because they had to make a study of the history and various circumstances of the shrine," said Vithayathil. Vithayathil said he filed a petition in the Vatican in 1998 to declare Malayatoor as an international shrine. Malayatoor hilltop, situated 1,208 feet above sea level, was considered to be the caravan route to the third century's Chola kingdom. S.t Thomas shrine is adjacent to Kalady, the birthplace of renowned saint-reformer Sri Adi Shankaracharya. The Malayatoor shrine attracts about four million pilgrims every year specially during the lent season which falls in April during Good Friday. "People come here during the lent season and that is the importance of this place. And now we can come here with full faith especially with the announcement," said Devasi Velleiparimbill, a pilgrim. The document of congregation for the clergy on Malayatoor states that it is an "historic centre of Christianity in India, linked with the preaching of St. Thomas the Apostle and the first evangelization of the sub-continent."
May 26, 2004

Tourists throng Rohtang pass (Go to Top)

          Rohtang Pass (HP): A large number of tourists, both Indian and foreign, are thronging the snow-clad Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh as a severe heat wave sweeps across northern plains and southern peninsula. Temperatures have already soared 4 to 5 degrees above normal across large parts of the country. With its snow clad slopes overlooking lush green meadows, Rohtang Pass at an altitude of 13,050 feet is the highest motorable road in the world. Tourists in thousands travel to these snow-bound slopes to enjoy the breath-taking natural scenic beauty. "It is so hot in Rajasthan. We are feeling very nice here. In Rajasthan it feels as though we are in boiling temperature. I have seen snow for the first time, I am really feeling great," said Rajesh Sinha, a tourist from northwestern desert state of Rajasthan. Rohtang offers not only an idyllic spot, but also an excellent destination for adventure sports, skiing in particular. "Rohtang Pass is very beautiful and cold, we are coming here for the first time," said Emily, another tourist. The strategically important Rohtang Pass was declared open early in April, almost a month ahead of schedule. The pass runs close to the India-Tibet border across dizzy Himalayan heights. The Rohtang Pass literally means the "mound of dead," because of the extremely cold weather conditions which have claimed innumerable lives over the years. The weather changes unpredictably, and temperatures dip to as low as minus 40 degrees Celcius.
May 25, 2004

Hindus, Muslims throng Kashmir temple festival (Go to Top)

         Srinagar: Devotees from different religions across the country have reached the Kheer Bhawani temple in Jammu and Kashmir to take part in its annual festival. The shrine is located at Tullamulla, 24 km north of Srinagar and is dedicated to Goddess Rajnya Devi, popularly also known as Kheer Bhawani. The main festival day falls on May 27. "The arrangements are very good this time. We believe that this time more than 50,000 pilgrims are expected to visit the temple as people from various parts, including Delhi, are coming here," Ramdev Sharma, a devotee from Jammu, said. The festival ends with a Maha Yagna to be attended by over 50,000 devotees. Around Rs. 15 crore has been spent in arranging facilities for the devotees. May 25, 2004

Goa houses the largest parish in Asia (Go to Top)

          Panaji: India's favourite tourist spot now also holds the distinction of having Asia's largest parish. Navelim church in Goa, though not the largest, caters for the needs of over 30,000 people. "In fact, the parish, not the church as such, is the biggest in Asia. It comprises all the community who are affiliated to the church," said Joel, a parishoner. "This church does not need much change as it is already 400 years old. It is the biggest parish in Asia as well as in Goa," said Merina, another devotee. The church was founded by a French priest Jao De Sena unlike the other churches in the former Portuguese colony.

          The church is believed to have been built on the ruins of a Hindu temple, and as a result it was attacked on two occasions in 1717 and 1739 by Maratha ruler Vyakatra Ghorpade. Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Rosary, the church was known as "Igreja De Nossa Senhora Do Rosario", in Portuguese. Around 27 masses are conducted on Sundays. The church also has six altars. The Navelim feast is celebrated on the third Wednesday of November every year, though the feast of our lady of Rosary is celebrated on October 7th all over the world. With its golden beaches, swaying palms, and old churches, Goa, is one of the most preferred tourist destinations in India.
May 22, 2004

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