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Attacks on Hindus continue unabated in Bangladesh, Azharul vandalises and beheads idols of deities

OpIndia Staff
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Attacks on Hindus continue unabated in Bangladesh, Azharul vandalises and beheads idols of deities

Amid the ongoing Islamist onslaught on the Hindu community, a 37-year-old Muslim man identified as Azharul vandalised several idols of deities in Haluaghat Upazila in the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh.

According to sources, the incident occurred on Thursday night (19th December). In visuals that have now surfaced on social media, it could be seen that the accused beheaded the Hindu deities.

The idols were being prepared for the upcoming Hindu festival inside the premises of a temple.

According to the Officer-in-Charge of Haluaghat Police Station Abul Khair, Azharul was arrested in connection to the case. He stated, “We will produce him in court today.”

Attack on Hindus in Bangladesh

There have been at least 205 attacks on Hindu temples, shops and businesses within days of the fall of Dhaka.

We previously exposed how Muslim students have forced as many as 60 Hindu teachers, professors and government officials to resign from their positions.

Human rights activist and exiled Bangladeshi blogger, Asad Noor, has recently revealed that the minority community is now being coerced into joining ‘Jamaat-e-Islami’.

On 6th September, a procession of Hindu devotees carrying the idol of Lord Ganesha came under attack in the Kadam Mubarak area in Chittagong city of Bangladesh.

Ahead of the Durga Puja celebrations, a radical Muslim man named Yasin Mia vandalised the idols of Goddess Durga and other Hindu deities in Gouripur town in the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh on 25th September.

In the latest series of attacks, idols of Goddess Durga and other Hindu deities were vandalised at the Rishipara Barwari Puja Mandap and the Manikadi Palpara Barwari Pujamandap on 28th September and 1st October respectively.

The attacks were carried out in Sujanagar upazila in Pabna district in Rajshahi Division of Bangladesh. While a total of 4 idols were defaced at the Rishipara Barwari Puja Mandap, another 5 Hindu idols were destroyed at the Manikadi Palpara Barwari Pujamandap.

On 3rd October, 7 idols of Hindu deities were destroyed at the Gopinath Jiur Akhara Durga Puja mandap. The incident occurred in Kishoreganj in the Dhaka Division of Bangladesh.

On 5th November, the Hindu community came under attack from police and law enforcement authorities in Hazari Goli in Chittagong city of Bangladesh.

There have been multiple instances of attacks on Hindus under the pretext of ‘blasphemy.’ The recent cases of Hridoy Pal, Utsab Mandal, Partha Biswas Pintu and Utsab Kumar Gian are shining examples of targeted persecution.

On 29th November, a violent Muslim mob attacked Hindu minorities and vandalised 3 temples in Patharghata in Chittagong district of Bangladesh.

The Hindu religious sites that were targeted by the Muslims included the Shantaneshwari Matri Temple, the Shoni Temple, and Shantaneshwari Kalibari Temple. The attack took place immediately after the conclusion of Jumma Namaz. 

On 30th November, a prominent Hindu journalist named Munni Saha was arrested by the police from Karwan Bazar in Dhaka city of Bangladesh.

So far, there have been many attempts to downplay violence against Hindus as ‘fake‘, ‘exaggerated‘ or ‘politically motivated‘.

The recent arrest of Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu and his aides, attempts at banning Hindu organisation ISKCON and stiffling Hindu protests with cases of ‘sedition’ highlight systematic persecution under the interim government of Muhammad Yunus.

Pro-Khalistan Canadian leader Jagmeet Singh vows to bring down Justin Trudeau’s government

OpIndia Staff
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Pro-Khalistan Canadian leader Jagmeet Singh vows to bring down Justin Trudeau’s government

On 20th December (local time), the chief of Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) and pro-Khalistani leader Jagmeet Singh announced plans to introduce a motion of no-confidence against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government in the new year. With this decision, the NDP ended its support for Trudeau’s minority government.

Notably, the shared political priorities between the Liberal Party and the NDP had led to the latter’s support for the Trudeau-led government. However, recent events in Canada’s political landscape have marked a dramatic shift, with the NDP now determined to remove Trudeau.

Singh shared a letter declaring his plans on the social media platform X. In the letter, he said, “The Liberals don’t deserve another chance. That’s why the NDP will vote to bring this government down and give Canadians a chance to vote for a government who will work for them.” Singh further criticised Trudeau and asserted that the PM has failed to address critical issues such as affordable healthcare, housing, and the cost of living.

Trudeau under pressure after cabinet shake-ups

The past week has been notably troubling for the Trudeau-led Canadian government. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation brought significant turmoil for Trudeau. Freeland publicly cited differences between herself and Trudeau over economic strategies, especially regarding the tariff threats posed by the incoming President of the United States, Donald Trump.

In a statement, Freeland accused Trudeau of relying on “costly political gimmicks” and noted that he had not adopted fiscally responsible measures. Following her resignation, reports suggest that at least 19 Liberal MPs have sought Justin Trudeau’s resignation. Toronto MP Robert Oliphant stated in a statement that Trudeau’s leadership has become “a key obstacle” to the success of the Liberal Party in the upcoming general elections scheduled for October 2025.

Jagmeet Singh joined opposition against Justin Trudeau

The Conservatives and Bloc Québécois have now been joined by the NDP in calling for Trudeau’s resignation as Prime Minister. A non-confidence motion, if brought to the table in the Canadian Parliament at the beginning of next year, is most likely to succeed, ensuring the removal of the Trudeau-led Canadian government. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet have also demanded an immediate election, which, in the event of Trudeau’s removal, would become inevitable.

In his statement, Jagmeet Singh doubled down on his opposition and stated, “Justin Trudeau failed in the biggest job a prime minister has: to work for people, not the powerful.” Furthermore, he claimed that his party, the NDP, is the “champion of everyday Canadians” and pledged to fight for free birth control, affordable housing, and dental care. He further warned against the conservative policies of Poilievre, making it clear that while his party will join the opposition to bring down Trudeau, any support for the Conservatives in the upcoming elections is not a possibility.

Trudeau’s uncertain future

There has been no official response to the letter issued by Jagmeet Singh from Justin Trudeau or his office. However, reports suggest that he has told Liberal MPs that he would use the holiday break to reflect on his leadership. Trudeau, in an attempt to address the crisis within the party and the government, has already replaced Freeland and reshuffled the cabinet.

The Canadian Parliament, known as the House of Commons, will resume its operations in late January when the motion of non-confidence is likely to be tabled. If Trudeau fails the motion, general elections will take place in Canada much earlier than the scheduled month of October 2025.

Population of Rohingyas surges in Jammu: Alarming demographic shift, rising crimes, and growing security concerns

OpIndia Staff
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Population of Rohingyas surges in Jammu: Alarming demographic shift, rising crimes, and growing security concerns

In the past 15 years, there has been a dramatic surge in the Rohingya population in Jammu. The number has increased from a paltry 200 to approximately 11,000. The increase has raised serious concerns about the demographic changes in the area.

Furthermore, there are allegations that the Rohingya settlements in Jammu are linked to local political motives. With the increase of Rohingyas in the region, there has been a surge in crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and theft. Reports suggest that Rohingyas are largely involved in these crimes, bringing an entirely new level of security concerns among the local public.

The increase in the Rohingya population

According to a report in Amar Ujala, the influx of Rohingyas in Jammu started in 2009 when the Congress-NC government was in power. The first Rohingya who entered Jammu and settled in Bathindi area was identified as Sayeed Hussain. Since then, the number of Rohingyas has increased substantially in the region.

By 2012, the Rohingyas were granted ration cards and Aadhaar cards. There were reportedly no efforts made by the local government to curb the migration of the Rohingya population in Jammu. There have been concerns that the influx of Rohingyas has been politically motivated, aiming at altering the demographics of Jammu. Several NGOs in the state are also accused of facilitating the settlement of these illegal Rohingya immigrants.

Speaking to Amar Ujala, former Brigadier Vijay Sagar said that Rohingyas were deliberately settled in Jammu rather than Srinagar, reflecting a demographic conspiracy. In the past five years, at least 65 cases involving theft, drug trade, and human trafficking were registered against Rohingyas in Jammu, pointing towards their involvement in serious criminal activities.

J&K CM Omar Abdullah wants to have a ‘humanitarian approach’ while dealing with Rohingyas

In a recent statement, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, emphasised a “humanitarian approach” to the issue of Rohingyas living in the state. He stated that Rohingyas cannot be left to starve or perish in the cold. His statement came after the Jammu administration launched a campaign against illegal Rohingya settlers in the region.

He further urged the central government to decide the fate of the Rohingyas, insisting that they should be treated with “dignity” while in India. On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) labelled their settlement a “political conspiracy” and called for a CBI inquiry into the matter.

Meanwhile, a United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) delegation, led by Senior Protection Officer Tomoko Fukumura, visited Rohingya camps in Jammu. The development took place amidst a contentious debate about whether or not to supply water and power to unlawfully settled immigrants.

Javed Ahmed Rana, Jal Shakti Minister for J&K, stated that water supplies to these settlements would not be cut off unless directed by the central government. His statement resulted in criticism of the ruling party as they openly supported illegal settlers in the state.

Past reports revealed a massive influx of Rohingyas in Jammu and Kashmir

In a 2019 report, Dainik Bhaskar highlighted the sharp increase in Rohingyas in Jammu and Kashmir. The report alleged there were over 10,000 Rohingya in the state with majority of them living in districts of Samba, Poonch, Doda and Anantnag. Shockingly, the report alleged that they established camps near Army Camps, Police Lines and Railway Lines without any intervention from the authorities. A 2018 report noted that 6,523 Rohingyas were living at 39 locations in the state, with 6,461 in Jammu alone. Notably, the report highlighted that the Rohingyas were allegedly receiving preferential treatment over local workers in Jammu.

The report alleged that over 200 Rohingyas were employed by the Jammu Municipal Corporation and were paid higher wages compared to local labourers for tasks including cleaning drains. The local workers, at that time, protested via unions against the disparity and accused contractors of favouring illegal settlers over locals.

Even in 2019, there were calls for biometric data collection and strict action on the illegal immigrants to curb the influx of Rohingyas in Jammu. However, due to the lack of any concrete action, their number almost doubled in five years.

Uttar Pradesh: Devotees perform puja at Hindu temple discovered in Aligarh

ANI
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Uttar Pradesh: Devotees perform puja at Hindu temple discovered in Aligarh

Devotees performed puja at a recently discovered Hindu temple in Aligarh, following its restoration after being neglected for years. Activists have launched a campaign to identify and restore such temples.

Speaking to ANI on Friday, an activist said, “In the past riots, Hindus from this area fled, leaving this temple neglected. We’re now conducting a campaign to identify such temples. This is the second temple. Cleaning and worship have been performed today in this temple.”

Another activist told ANI, “Yesterday this place was cleaned and in the same sequence today, Hanuman Chalisa was recited and Hanuman’s Aarti was performed. We will also ensure that every day people of Sanatan Dharma take care of this temple and come here to perform the puja and rituals.”

As a precautionary measure, police personnel have been deployed outside the temple premises.

Earlier, on December 20, prayer rituals were held at the Shiv-Hanuman temple in Sambhal. The temple, which had remained closed since 1978, was reopened on December 14 following efforts by the administration.

The temple was uncovered during an anti-encroachment drive led by local district police and administration.

During the restoration process, three idols were found near a well close to the temple. These idols are now being preserved as part of the efforts to restore the temple to its original splendor.

On December 18, Geeta Pradhan, a former member of Uttar Pradesh’s Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Commission and a BJP leader, visited the temple to offer prayers.

On December 15, Sambhal’s Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishan Kumar and District Magistrate (DM) Rajender Pensiya also visited the newly uncovered Shiv-Hanuman Temple to offer their prayers.

Vishnu Sharan Rastogi, patron of the Nagar Hindu Sabha, confirmed that the temple had reopened after 46 years, explaining that the closure was due to the absence of a resident priest.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Germany: Saudi Arabian ‘doctor’ kills 2 in planned terror attack, had threatened to bring ‘justice’ in Twitter post. Here is what happened

Dibakar Dutta
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Germany: Saudi Arabian ‘doctor’ kills 2 in planned terror attack, had threatened to bring ‘justice’ in Twitter post. Here is what happened

On Friday (20th December) evening, a Saudi Arabian ‘doctor’ deliberately rammed his car into multiple people at a Christian market in Magdeburg city in Saxony-Anhalt state of Germany.

As per reports, at least 2 people were killed and 60 others were injured in the terror attack. One of the deceased was a young child.

According to the premier (Saxony-Anhalt) Reiner Haseloff, the attacker has been identified as a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia.

The accused has lived in Germany for about 20 years and has a permanent residency. The police have now arrested him in connection to the case.

Premier Reiner Haseloff remarked, “It is a catastrophe for the city of Magdeburg, for the state and for Germany in general…As things stand at the moment, we are talking about a lone offender, which means that there is no further danger to the city because we were able to arrest him.”

According to a report by Reuters, Saudi Arabia had warned German authorities about the attacker after he had posted about his radical views on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

According to journalist Tim Röhn, the attacker has been identified as Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen. He informed that Taleb openly posted threats on X (formerly Twitter) but the platform did not act against him

“I seriously expect to die this year. Reason: I will bring justice at any cost. And German authorities are impeding all peaceful pathways to justice. If you are a concerned German citizen, you should demand justice now. If you are not concerned, then ok but don’t complain later,” a tweet by the attacker read.

In the meantime, the Foreign Ministry of Saudi Arabia has condemned the terror attack.

The CCTV footage of the incident is now doing the rounds of the internet.

The police have so far not found any explosive device attached to the vehicle of the attacker. A team was dispatched to Bernburg town, where Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen resided.

In 2016, a Tunisian refugee Anis Amri rammed his truck at a Christian market in Berlin and killed 12 people.

How Germany exacerbate the refugee crisis

At the height of the migrant crisis in Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that the country had the ‘economic strength’ to take in refugees.

She also claimed that there was no upper limit to the number of refugees that the country could take in. Angela Merkel had come under fierce criticism for not consulting the federal States.

Seehofer, the leader of the Christian Social Union in Bavaria (CSU), had criticised the Chancellor and estimated that 30% of all refugees were from Syria.

He had called upon the EU to cut funding to member States that reject mandatory refugee quotas.

A German study in 2018 found that the country’s fourth-most-populous state, Lower Saxony, witnessed an increase in violent crimes due to incoming migrants.

Between 2007 and 2014, the region saw a 21.9% decline in such crimes. However, there was a 10.4% hike by 2016 end. It was found that Lower Saxony had about 7.5 lakh residents without German citizenship.

By 2016 end, only 1.5 lakh migrants had applied for asylum. 92.1% of the total increase in crimes in Lower Saxony was attributed to the incoming migrants.

Bloomberg reported, “Between 2014 and 2016, the share of solved violent crimes attributed to asylum seekers increased to 13.3 percent from 4.3 percent — a disproportionately high share compared with the state’s foreign population…The breakdown of specific crimes committed by the asylum seekers is equally thought-provoking. In some 91 percent of murders and three-quarters of cases involving grave bodily damage, the victims are other migrants.”

The liberal, open-border policies of German Chancellor Angela Merkel had turned the country into the most sought after destination for refugees.

Between January and December 2015, a whopping 1.091 million asylum-seekers registered with the German government for their distribution among federal States.

However, in February 2016, the government conceded that it lost track of 13% of the asylum seekers.

Reportedly, the migrants did not move to their accommodation and instead migrated to other European countries or kept living in the country illegally.

The result of left-liberal indoctrination was such that a German politician by the name of Selin Gören lied about the racial identity of the 3 perpetrators who raped her in 2016.

The woman was caught off guard by the men at night in a playground and forced to perform sexual acts. She had concealed the fact that the accused spoke in Arabic /Farsi.

She claimed that she did not want to stoke hatred against migrants in Germany. The policies of the German government to wholeheartedly welcome the refugees proved costly.

Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai and other party leaders arrested for protest against glorification of Coimbatore bomb blast mastermind SA Basha

OpIndia Staff
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Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai and other party leaders arrested for protest against glorification of Coimbatore bomb blast mastermind SA Basha

Several BJP leaders and workers including Tamil Nadu BJP president Annamalai were arrested on Friday in Coimbatore while taking out a Black Day rally against the DMK govt. BJP had launched the protest against the DMK govt’s alleged support of the accused in the Coimbatore bomb blast case.

Annamalai and other BJP leaders were arrested while leading the rally protesting against the glorification of the terrorist responsible for the tragic loss of 58 lives in the 1998 Coimbatore bomb blasts. Notably, the bomb blast mastermind SA Basha died on 17 December months after he was released on parole on health grounds. Basha was serving a life sentence after his conviction in the bomb blast case, but died in hospital during his parole.

Thousands of people came out to mourn the dead and joined the funeral procession amid heavy police security. BJP has been targeting the DMK govt for allowing the funeral procession for a convicted terrorist responsible for death of 58 people. As part of the protest, a Black Day rally was held in Coimbatore today to condemn the DMK government for supporting the terrorists behind the Coimbatore bomb blast.

Apart from Annamalai, BJP Mahila Morcha president Vanathi Srinivasan, State General Secretary A.P. Muruganandam and other BJP leaders have been arrested by Tamil Nadu police for the protest.

BJP Tamilnadu posted on X, “We will not rest! We will not rest! We will not rest until we put an end to the DMK’s tyranny!”

Responding to the arrest, Annamalai’s official X handle posted, “We condemn the cowardly act of the DMK Government for arresting the leaders & cadres of @BJP4TamilNadu for carrying out a rally condemning the glorification of a terrorist who was the reason for the loss of 58 lives in the peace-loving city of Coimbatore in 1998.”

Basha’s funeral procession was taken from South Ukkadam to the Hyder Ali Tippu Sultan Sunnath Jamaath Masjid at Flower Market in North Coimbatore for the last rites. Shockingly, despite it being public knowledge that he was a terrorist and the mastermind of the Coimbatore serial blasts that killed 58 people and injured 231, thousands of Muslims joined his funeral procession on 17th December in Coimbatore.

BJP has blasted the DMK for allowing the glorification of the convicted terrorist after the death, alleging that Basha was given a status of martyr by the govt. Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai on Wednesday said that the DMK government allowing Basha’s funeral procession shows that the ruling party was indulged in “minority appeasement.” .”He had said, “The DMK government is promoting terrorism. The Chief Minister should take appropriate steps to control terrorism. Islamic terrorists were behind the car cylinder blast incident in Coimbatore, and the police failed to control them.”

SA Basha, the founder of Al-Ummah, was the mastermind behind the Coimbatore bombings. Supported by ISI agents like Azam Ghauri, Saleem Junaid, and Farooq Ahmed, Basha used his organisation’s network to execute the attacks. His extremist agenda was fuelled by a desire to avenge communal violence against Muslims. In addition to his role in the Coimbatore blasts, Basha was implicated in the 1993 RSS office bombing in Chennai and had been arrested for inciting communal riots the same year.

Basha had also threatened to kill then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi in 2003 ahead of his visit to Coimbatore. He was further convicted in murder of a Hindu Munnani leader.

Mysterious to the world, but everything is recorded in our Puranas: Know what is the astronomical importance of Maha kumbh, how ancient is this Sanatani tradition

श्रवण शुक्ल
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Mysterious to the world, but everything is recorded in our Puranas: Know what is the astronomical importance of Maha kumbh, how ancient is this Sanatani tradition

The grand festival of Prayagraj Maha Kumbh will begin on the 13th of January 2025 with the Magh Mela. The Prayagraj Maha Kumbh will be the biggest festival of Indian Hindu culture and spirituality, which will start in the holy month of Magh and will last for about two months.  During this period, crores of devotes will take a dip here. The preparations for the Maha Kumbh are ongoing in full swing with a special focus on the construction of new ghats, traffic and security management, expansion of drinking water and health services, as well as cleanliness and environmental protection.

This celestial event, known as Kumbh, is not only a symbol of religious faith, but it also exemplifies Indian democratic principles, diversity and tolerance. The article explores the unique aspects of Mahakumbh.

Puranic and historical context of Maha Kumbh

The Maha Kumbh Mela is a revered celebration in Indian culture, with echoes from ancient scriptures to the modern era. Maha Kumbh Mela is a unique blend of history, religion, philosophy, and society. This fair is not just a symbol of faith, but also a remarkable blend of Indian philosophy, culture, and astronomical science. According to Puranas, drops of Amrit Kalash from Samudra Manthan fell on the holy sites of Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik. This is the reason why Kumbh Mela is held at these four locations. This fair has a long history, however the exact time of its inception is unclear.

Maha Kumbh is mentioned in Vedas, Puranas and epics. The story of Samudra Manthan is told in detail in Shrimad Bhagwat Purana, Vishnu Purana and Mahabharata. According to the story of Samudra Manthan, the gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain Amrit. There was a fight between the gods and demons over the Amrit Kalash that came out of the churning, in which drops of Amrit fell at four places.  

Similarly, Vishnu Purana also mentions that when Jupiter enters Aquarius and the Sun is in Aries, Kumbh is held in Haridwar. Similarly, when the Sun and Jupiter are in Leo, Kumbh takes place in Nasik. Kumbh takes place in Ujjain when Jupiter enters Aquarius. In Prayagraj, on the day of Magha Amavasya, the Sun and Moon are in Capricorn and Jupiter is in Aries. This astronomical calculation is followed precisely even today.

Historians are of the view that Kumbh Mela is older than the Indus Valley Civilisation. According to some historians, the organisation of Kumbh Mela started in a systematic form in the Gupta period (3rd to 5th century). Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang has also described the Kumbh Mela of Prayagraj during the reign of Emperor Harshvardhan in 629-645 AD. Tsang described it as a huge and grand event, in which innumerable sages, scholars and devotees participated. The form of Kumbh under the modern administrative structure started from the Gupta period and Shankaracharya made it a medium to connect religion and society.

Religious leaders believe that Kumbh Mela is ancient. It did not start from a single event but its tradition evolved along with human civilisation. This event is a heritage of humanity, in which there is a wonderful amalgamation of religion, culture and society.

Astronomical significance of Kumbh Mela

The Kumbh Mela is based on astronomical events. The positions of the Sun, Moon, Jupiter, and Saturn among the nine planets are believed to be significant for this event. The Puranas specifically underline the planets’ role in protecting the Amrit. The Kumbh Mela takes place every three years at four sacred sites: Haridwar, Prayagraj, Ujjain, and Nashik. After 12 years, the fair returns to its original venue.

The Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj is particularly important as it is the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati. The Kumbh Mela is held every 12 years, while the Ardh Kumbh is held every 6 years and the Maha Kumbh every 144 years. The Maha Kumbh, held every 144 years, is seen as a joint festival of gods and humans. According to the scriptures, one year on earth is equal to one day of the gods. Based on this calculation, the interval of 144 years is celebrated as Maha Kumbh.

Mahakumbh: A mystery

Maha Kumbh is a unique event not only in India but in the whole world. In Western religions, social and political events are given more importance, but there is no such recognition of any philosophical or spiritual event. The astronomical basis of Kumbh Mela and its spiritual significance is a mystery for Western ideology.

This fair reflects the depth and vision of Sanatan Dharma, in which the search for truth is given priority. Unlike the Abrahamic religions, in Hindu dharma, no one imposes his beliefs on anyone, rather everyone has the right to believe in his own method of worship. This is a wonderful example of respect for diversity and tolerance.

Kumbh Mela today is not limited to Indians only. Foreign journalists, devotees, and tourists also participate in it. For them, it is an introduction to Indian culture and spirituality. From the Western point of view, this fair is an attempt to understand the esoteric concepts of the universe and life. Foreign writers and journalists call this fair ‘the world’s largest peaceful event’. They believe that Kumbh Mela reflects the vastness of Indian philosophy and spirituality.

Image via AmarUjala

Fair of saints in Maha Kumbh, a golden opportunity for householders too

The Kumbh Mela connects saints, ascetics, and householders (Grahasth). The Kumbh Mela offers a one-of-a-kind chance for both saints and ordinary people as it is a centre of sadhana, wisdom, and faith, where householders can learn about the core of religion through the satsangs of Sadhus. Sant Samaj makes an essential contribution to Kumbh by sharing its knowledge and expertise with ordinary people.

Some saints do not leave their places of worship and only appear during Kumbh. Devotees learn about the deep mysteries of life and the essence of religion from the saints. This festival is a unique confluence of Sadhna tradition, Grihastha tradition, and Kumbh Shastra.

Image via Kumbh.gov.in

In the city of Maha Kumbh, the tradition of Katha and Pravachan has given direction to the society for centuries. Katha and Pravachan are the medium of conveying difficult knowledge to the common people in simple language. Kathas organized by various Akharas and sects in Maha Kumbh shows the path of truth and religion to the devotees. Religious storytellers believe that these stories affect society at a deep level. Representatives of Akharas say that Katha and Pravachan are the medium of explaining the deep mysteries of life. Sociologists consider it a means of awakening the collective consciousness of Indian society. Devotees say that these Pravachans give them new vision and energy to life.

The Maha Kumbh is a meeting place of state power, social power and religious power

In the Kumbh Mela, there is no place for conversion or the imposition of any certain way of worship or theology. Everyone is allowed to come here and practice their own faith and way of worship. It is a living embodiment of the Indian tradition of unity in diversity.

Beyond the religious or spiritual aspect, the Kumbh Mela also represents a rare convergence of political power, social power, and religious power. Kumbh Mela exemplifies the peculiarity of Indian society, in which state power, social power, and religious power all operate together. Religious leaders, spiritual gurus, and administrators work together to operate the fair systematically. This event symbolises the foundation of an ideal society.

Maha Kumbh is such a confluence of Indian culture, religion and society, which gives the message of unity and tolerance not only to India but to the entire world. This event is mythologically, historically and philosophically invaluable. Maha Kumbh is a symbol of the spirit of coexistence and cultural prosperity of Indian society. It is not only a festival of faith, but also a platform where humanity, knowledge and consciousness meet.

India raises security concerns with US govt after Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatens Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra

ANI
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India raises security concerns with US govt after Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatens Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra

Following the threats issued by US-based Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun against Indian Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized India’s serious approach to such security threats.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that these matters are promptly raised with the government of the United States.

At the weekly MEA press briefing in New Delhi on Friday, Jaiswal said, “As in when such threats are issued, we take the threats very seriously and we raise it with the US government.”

He also expressed confidence in the US addressing India’s security concerns.

Jaiswal added, “In this case, also, we have raised it with the US government, and it is our expectation that the US government will take our security concerns seriously.”

Gurpatwant Singh Pannun is an India-designated terrorist who holds American and Canadian citizenship.

Earlier in October, the MEA had confirmed that the individual named in the US Justice Department’s indictment case in a foiled assassination plot against Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun was no longer an employee of the government of India.

“The US State Department informed us that the individual in the Justice Department indictment is no longer employed by India. I confirm that he is no longer an employee of the Government of India,” Jaiswal had said.

The US Justice Department had claimed that an Indian government employee (named CC-1), who was not identified in the indictment filed in a federal court in Manhattan, recruited an Indian national named Nikhil Gupta to hire a hitman to carry out the assassination of Pannun, which was foiled by US authorities, according to prosecutors.

According to the allegations levelled earlier, the accused Nikhil Gupta, is an associate of an employee of the Indian government and together they and others helped plot the assassination of Pannun in New York City.

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Archaeological Survey of India inspects 5 shrines and 19 wells in Sambhal including the rediscovered Shiv-Hanuman Temple, 3 idols recovered

ANI
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Archaeological Survey of India inspects 5 shrines and 19 wells in Sambhal including the rediscovered Shiv-Hanuman Temple, 3 idols recovered

A 4-member team from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) inspected five ‘teerth’ (shrines) and 19 wells in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh on Friday. This included discreet carbon dating of the Shiv-Hanuman Temple which was rediscovered recently during an operation against power theft.

DM Dr Rajender Pensiya informed that the inspection continued for 8-10 hours adding that a total of around 24 areas were surveyed. The inspected shrines included Bhadrak Ashram, Swargadeep, Chakrapani, and the ancient Shmashan Temple.

The ASI team also did a detailed study of the condition and historical importance of the 19 ancient wells present in the area. ASI had requested the administration to keep this inspection away from media coverage.

“It was a 4-member team. In Sambhal, 5 ‘teerth’ and 19 wells were inspected by ASI. The new temple that was found was also inspected. The survey took place 8-10 hours…the ancient temple that was opened was also surveyed. ASI will submit its report to us…total around 24 areas were surveyed,” DM Pensiya said.

Meanwhile, the Shiv-Hanuman Temple in Sambhal, which was uncovered during an anti-encroachment campaign by the district police and administration on December 14, held its morning aarti on December 20. Heavy security has been deployed outside the temple.

Geeta Pradhan, a former member of Uttar Pradesh’s Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Commission and a BJP leader visited the temple to offer prayers on Wednesday. The temple, which had remained closed since 1978, was reopened on December 14 following efforts by the administration.

Pradhan shared, “We are very happy. With the efforts of Honorable Yogi ji, an ancient temple has been rediscovered with the support of the administration. Everyone is here to offer prayers, and there is a wave of happiness among people. Many idols were installed outside the temple, all of which were demolished, and houses were built on the temple land.”

She further explained, “When the police administration came to investigate an electricity theft, they found the ancient temple. Today, the Hindu community is very happy.”

Three idols were recovered from a well near the ancient Shiva-Hanuman Temple in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, following the temple’s reopening during an anti-encroachment drive. The temple premises were cleaned, electricity connections were restored on Sunday, and CCTV cameras were installed for security purposes.

Vishnu Sharan Rastogi, patron of the Nagar Hindu Sabha, confirmed that the temple had reopened after 46 years, explaining that the closure had been due to the absence of a resident priest.

(With inputs from ANI)

Allahabad HC stays arrest of Mohammed Zubair accused of creating social disharmony, restrains him from leaving the country

OpIndia Staff
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Allahabad HC stays arrest of Mohammed Zubair accused of creating social disharmony, restrains him from leaving the country

On Friday (20th December), the Allahabad High Court stayed the arrest of Alt New co-founder Mohammed Zubair, accused of creating social disharmony through a social media post.

The matter was heard by a 2-judge Bench of Justices Siddhartha Varma and Nalin Kumar Srivastava. The court stayed the arrest till the next hearing scheduled on 6th January 2025.

Mohammed Zubair has been directed to not leave the country and cooperate with the police in the investigation process.

The Allahabad High Court has further asked the Uttar Pradesh government to file a detailed counter in the case by 6th January 2025.

During the hearing, the government had submitted how Mohammed Zubair threatened to undermine India’s sovereignty and integrity through a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter).

Additional Advocate General Manish Goyal highlighted, “The FIR shows what your conduct has done. It caused so much damage and has created a threat to the sovereignty and integrity of the country. He (Zubair) is giving half-baked information on his X post. He is not checking that the court gave the bail to Yati Narsinghanand.”

For the unversed, the dubious ‘fact checker’ was accused of promoting enmity and inciting violence by sharing old and edited video clips of Yati Narsinghanand.

The Uttar Pradesh police had booked Mohammed Zubair under Section 152 of BNS.

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