Stories about Religion from September, 2009
Nepal: Towards A More Humane Dashain Festival
Nepal's biggest religious festival Dashain is celebrated all around the world by the Nepalese diaspora. This year's Dashain in Nepal was a bit controversial, with animal rights activists calling for an end to the tradition of animal sacrifice during the festival.
India: Durga Puja: A Daughter Comes Visiting
The Durga Puja is an annual festival that celebrates worship of the Hindu goddess Durga. Bengalis believe that Durga is the daughter of Bengal and during the 5 days of festivities she visits her parental home along with her 4 children and 2 close friends.
Czech Republic: The Pope's Visit
The Reference Frame writes about the Pope's visit to the Czech Republic.
Israel: “Ajami” Reveals Nuanced Look at Israeli Society
The film "Ajami" was the big winner at last night's Ophir Prizes and will continue on to international audiences as Israel's foreign film nominee for the 2010 Academy Awards. Israeli bloggers comment on the film, which touches on coexistence between people of different religions.
Israel: Dealing with Israelis During the Holiday Season
“Every fall, millions of Israelis stop what they are doing (aka “working”) and spend several weeks watching and sending Shana Tova (Happy New Year) greetings to one another.” Gila Weiss of My Shrapnel offers a crash course on what you need to know about dealing with Israelis during the holiday...
Israel: Preparing for Yom Kippur, Day of Atonement
Jerusalem Diaries’ Judy Lash Balint records and remarks upon various traditions preceding the holiest day of the Jewish year: Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
Kyrgyzstan: Celebrations of Eid al Fitr
Aravanski tells his readers how Muslim holiday Eid al Fitr was celebrated in Kyrgyzstan (with photos).
Bangladesh: Durga Puja at Dhakeswari Temple
Ideas R Bulletproof posts some pictures of Durga Puja (Moha Shaptami) celebrations at Dhakeswari Temple in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Botswana: Churches targeted by crime syndicates
Are international criminals targeting churches in Botswana?: “There are fears that some churches in Botswana may fall prey to international crime syndicates who launder money under the guise of donations and sponsorship.”
Pakistan: Adventurous Eid Rides
Owais Mughal at All Things Pakistan posts pictures of some adventurous rides available in Pakistan during the Eid festivities.
Trinidad and Tobago: GLBT religious service
gspottt reports on a recent Anglican religious service in Trinidad “targeted to GLBT [gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender] people and their loved ones on the theme of peace, human rights and inclusion…. The sermon challenged GLBT people to not see our struggle as so unique … and to recognize that...
India: Where is the crowd?
Is it the heat? Is it the rain? Is it the recession? Sukanya from Kolkata, India wonders why the usual crowds for the Durga Puja festivities are not building up.
Pakistan: Vanishing Parks
Faisal at Deadpan Thoughts writes about the encroaching religious institutions and the vanishing parks of Karachi.
India: A Minister And A Twitter Message
Indian Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor was caught up in a controversy for replying a twitter message. Über Desi has details.
Trinidad and Tobago: tranquil temple
Now Is Wow Too posts a tranquil, meditative video filmed near the famous Temple in the Sea in central Trinidad. “In the background, water laps, a bird sings in the tree and a woman sings in the Temple.”
Bhutan: Climate Change And Religion
“For Bhutanese, there is an even stronger reason to believe in climate change. Our own religion, Buddhism prophecies climate change,” comments YesheyP at Kuzu Bhutan Weblog.
South Asia: Celebrating Eid-Ul-Fitr
Yesterday Muslims in many South Asian countries celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr marking the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. Many bloggers exchanged greetings and shared their rituals and traditions.
MENA: Thanks “Khawater” from Japan
Television viewers across the Arab world were in for a treat this Ramadan, with the airing of a special programme on Japan. In its fifth season, Khawater (Thoughts) visited Japan, where a young Saudi preacher Ahmed Al Shugairy explained the Japanese success story to Arab and Muslim viewers. Here are some blogger reactions to the one month show.
Egypt: Will Farouk Hosni be Unesco's Next Director General ?
Egypt's culture minister Farouk Hosny is vying for Unesco's top post. Marwa Rakha sums up the reactions of bloggers towards this nomination and the election process.
Guyana: celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr
Lifespan of a Chennette describes her family's elaborate preparations for celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr in Guyana — complete with menus.
Uzbekistan: Freedom of faith questioned
Musa tells about the persecution of minor grouping of Bahá’í religion in Uzbekistan.
