Oxygen levels in River Ganges dip alarmingly

Oxygen levels in River Ganges dip alarmingly

                                                Submitted by Girish Kumar Dubey on Sat, 04/05/2008 - 09:48.

Varanasi, Apr 5 : Even though millions have been spent to preserve the sacred River Ganges, the pollution level in the river has reached an alarming level. The oxygen level in the river water has dripped to alarmingly low levels.

The banks of the river present an ironical picture where on one side religious activities like prayers, recital of hymns and fire-rituals take place and on the other side, heaps of garbage lies unattended to.

Dirty buffaloes are being washed in the same water body where humans take their 'holy dip'. The flora and fauna are also facing danger.

"If water level is depleted, this means that indirectly oxygen content is depleted and oxygen content is life-bearing substance. It is on this that the entire aquatic life and environment is dependent," said Ramshankar Singh, President, Rakshat Gangam Andolan.

According to reports, while funds are being allocated for the noble and much required river cleaning projects, the many projects have not seen the implementation stage as yet.

While the pollution data has made the environmentalists pull up their socks, the religious seers in the country have been protesting against the increasing pollution levels for quite some time now.

"The trees are being cut, there is imbalance in the ecology. The glaciers that used to feed the river are melting today. It is an alarming situation. If things don't improve, we are scared that the river might no longer be a perennial one. We hope the water level doesn't drop further and Ganga doesn't dry up," said Swami Swarupa Nand, a seer.

Nearly 88 per cent of the pollution originates in the 27 cities that are located along the river's banks and the banks of its tributaries.

According to a recent official report, only 39 percent of the primary target of the Ganga Action Plan, which the Central Government had started in 1985, has been met so far.

The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) was originated from the personal intervention and interest of the late Prime Minster Indira Gandhi, who requested a comprehensive survey of the situation in 1979.

After five years, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) published two comprehensive reports, which formed the ba (ANI)

River Ganges turns turbulent with rains in Varanasi; rituals disrupted

River Ganges turns turbulent with rains in Varanasi; rituals disrupted

Varanasi , Mon, 02 Aug 2010 ANI                                   By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi, Aug 2 (ANI): Following incessant rains in Varanasi, the water level of the River Ganges has risen causing making it difficult for devotees to offer prayers on the banks of the river.he water level in the River Ganges in Varanasi

is about 3.78 metres above normal.ejected devotees at Varanasi said they hope the raging river gets calm soon.

"I remember in 2002 the river water entered vegetable market. Even now the water level is increasing," said Puran Singh, a devotee.

The devotees said that the authorities have put in all measures to safeguard the devotees in premises of the temples dotting the riverbanks. 

"All the banks are cut off from each other. The devotees are taking detours through by-lanes to reach the temple premises. The authorities have however made the arrangements for the devotees who come here for bathing," said Surendra Gupta, another devotee.

  According to Hindu calendar, the month of Shravan or Sawan is considered auspicious. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the month sees a large number of devotees take holy baths and offer prayers.  (ANI)

BJP/VHP shutdown paralyses normal life

BJP/VHP shutdown paralyses normal life

by Girish Kumar.Dubey

    Varanasi: Normal life was paralysed in the temple town of Varansi as a shutdown call sponsored by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad took effect on Wednesday, a day after twin bomb blasts left at least 20 killed and about 50 injured. Markets wore a deserted look as shops and other business establishments throughout the city remained closed in protest against the blasts. Vehicular traffic in the city was thin with people not venturing out on the roads apprehending law and order problems. Schools, colleges and other educational institutions were closed following an order from the district administration in view of the bandh. The academic institutions would remain closed till further orders, official sources said. Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the city, particularly at the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple-Gyanvapi Mosque complex and other places of worship and also at the airport, railway stations, bus stands, they said. Patrolling has also been been intensified to maintain law and order and also to monitor the activiites of the anti-social and other criminal elements, the sources said adding no untoward incident had been reported anywhere in the district and other adjoining areas.

Demand for honey leaf picks up due to its anti diabetes properties

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                                             By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi, Mar 18 (ANI): Stevia or honey leaf, known for its antidote properties against diabetes, is becoming popular as a cure for the disease in Varanasi.

Also known by the names of sweet leaf or sugar leaf, these leaves provide cure in many health disorders.

"Diabetic patients can use these leaves as an alternate for sugar. These sweet leaves provide the taste of sugar without increasing the sugar or glucose level in the body. Besides this, these leaves are also good for heart patients as it smooth the cardiovascular function," said Amit Yadav, an Ayurvedic practitioner.

He also added that since Stevia contains fewer concentrations of carbohydrate and calories, they are also helpful in obesity and high blood pressure.

Diabetic patients said Stevia helped them in controlling their blood sugar level.

"I have tried many medicines for treating diabetics, but I was unable to control my blood sugar level. Someone told me about this Stevia leaf and I started consuming the boiled extract of these leaves. This not only controlled my blood sugar level but also provide relief to my body," said Yogendra Pratap Singh, a diabetic patient.

According to reports, India has around 37 million diabetic patients out of the total 150 million in the world and it is growing rapidly. If nothing is done to reverse the trend, then India would become the diabetic capital of the world by 2025 with estimated 70 million diabetic patients.

As the graph of diabetic patients is increasing, farmers prefer cultivating Stevia to traditional crops.

"The percentage of diabetic patients is increasing day-by-day. Stevia leaf is helpful in controlling blood sugar level and obesity as well. So there is a huge demand for this. We foresee a bright future in Stevia cultivation. That is why we prefer Stevia to other crops," said Mahendra Pratap Singh, a cultivator of Stevia plants.

Diabetes sets in when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Sugar then cannot be properly stored or used and it builds up in the bloodstream, resulting in diabetes. (ANI)

Popularity: 1% [?]

Varanasi witnesses high demand for flowers on the occasion of Diwali

October 15th, 2009 - 8:57 pm ICT by ANI ( Leave a comment )

                                 By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi, Oct.15 (AN): Ahead of Diwali, the festival of lights, flowers are in high demand in the holy city Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

The wholesale flower market of Varanasi is popular in north India. Every year in comparison to other Hindu festivals, sale of flowers is very high particularly during the festival of Diwali and Dhanteras, when people decorate their houses and also buy utensils or jewellery.

"Diwali and Dhanteras festivals are considered major festive occasions. And, during these two festivals, sale of flowers is high. Unlike other festivals, Diwali is celebrated by masses," said Pawan Kumar, a flower seller.

Flowers like rose and marigold are particularly in high demand, as people wish to ensure that they welcome the Goddess Laxmi, worshipped on the occasion of Diwali, in floral decorated homes.

Lord Ganesha, who is revered as the symbol of good omen and wisdom, is also worshipped on this occasion along with Goddess Lakshmi during evening.

A large number of people are converging in markets and buying marigold garlands for decorative and worship purposes.

"Offering prayers without flowers is useless. Moreover, Diwali and Dhanteras are incomplete without floral garlands. Flowers are a vital part of prayers," said Ritesh Kumar Jaiswal, a buyer. (ANI)

Varanasi Muslim lady makes idols of Hindu gods

Varanasi Muslim lady makes idols of Hindu gods

http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/9110
Varanasi, Wed, 30 Jul 2008 ANI
                                                By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi, July 30 (ANI): Despite occasional conflicts in the name of religion, there have been so many examples of communal harmony between Hindus and Muslims when people have risen above communal considerations and emerged clear winners.
One such winner is Nanhi Begum, a resident of Varanasi, who despite being a Muslim earns her livelihood by making idols of Hindu gods.

She has been making the idols of Hindu gods for the past 15 years after she lost her husband. In fact, it was her husband who introduced her to the art of making idols. She took to it as a vocation after her husband's demise. She feels proud that even after being a Muslim she is making idols of Hindu gods.
"My experience has been really good. I love carving these idols. I feel proud that I do such a noble deed. This is even what our culture teaches us; to stay untied," said Nanhi.
In this endeavour, she has full support of her family and peers. They help her in everyway from giving finishing touches to taking the products to the market.
"We feel proud that even after being a Muslim, we do this work," said, Maykash, a relative.
That idols of Hindu god's made by a Muslim lady and worshipped by Hindus with full faith clearly indicates that religion is not a dividing force. (ANI)

Dipika Patel of Varanasi new teenage shooting star

Friday, April 4, 2008,15:04 [IST]

 

 

                                               By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi, Apr 4 : Teenaged sharp shooter Dipika Patel from Varanasi is doing Uttar Pradesh proud with her superb marksmanship, as she is poised to participate in an international shooting competition to be held at Sulh in Germany later this month.

Dipika is an ardent acolyte of the likes of ace shooters Bhuvaneshwari (daughter of Maharaja Karni Singh of Bikaner), Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee Anjali Bhagwat and Sima Sirur and wants to make a mark in the sport.

Dipika, 16, will participate in the under-18 Category shooting competition to be held from April 28 to May 4.

The opportunity to participate at an international level competition has lent her an effective platform bringing her closer to her dream of participating in the Olympics.

"This is just the beginning. I will be trying to make it to the Olympics as well and make my country proud of me," said Dipika.

A 12th standard student and a resident of Awsan Ganj, Dipika started shooting at the tender age of eight years. She has been participating in various national shooting competitions on a regular basis.

She had participated in five consecutive national championships, winning an individual bronze at Hyderabad (2005) and team bronze at Ahmedabad (2007-08).

Dipika is practicing vigorously and has also constructed a ten-meter long shooting range on the terrace and practices for two hours everyday.

The proud parents of the teenage shooter have been encouraging her to the hilt and feel that girls are no less than boys in performance.

"We do not differentiate between our son and daughter. We would like everyone to treat their daughters with pride as they bring honour to the family. I am extremely proud of her and cannot express my joy in words," said Pradeep Singh Patel, Dipika's father.

The ace shooter is determined to hit the bull's eye.

ANI

Modern-day gyms are no match for Varanasi's traditional wrestling centres

Tue, 01 Jan 2008   By Girish Kumar Dubey (ANI)

Varanasi, August 7 (ANI): Youngsters in Varanasi have always been keen to exercise in Akharas, the traditional centres for wrestling and exercising, despite the emergence of modern-day gyms and health centres.

 

The joy of developing a healthy body with the help of traditional exercises and wrestling in the dig pits is something the youth of Varanasi appear to prefer.

The fact that there are 41 Akharas and only 17 modern gyms in Varanasi, speaks for the former's popularity.  

Men, regardless of age, arrive at these Akharas at dusk and can stay there till seven or eight o'clock. These Akharas are also visited by persons from various walks of life.The entry of women is strictly prohibited.  

These Akharas have served as centers for wrestlers' preparations for generations and a key rule for them is to remain celibate.

The fact that no fees is charged to join these Akharas make them all the more attractive in comparison to modern gyms or health centers which charge large sums of money and prove costly to the middle class families.  

"I like this soil surface. I don't like the gym. When we go for gym we only develop a single part of our body, but here I get to exercise the complete body. I also advice our youth that they must come here instead of going to gyms. Great wrestlers like Gama, Dara Singh and Khali have been products of these Akharas," said Shivnath Prasad, a regular at a local Akhara.

Those visiting the Akharas have to work out rigorously, using traditional exercising methods. It is only after the warm up exercises that most of them take to the wrestling pits.  
According to Ravi Shankar, a wrestler, gym-made bodies offer an appealing look quickly, but for a temporary time.  

"It doesn't last for long. In a competition of strength, it is almost impossible that a person trained in an Akhara would lose out to anyone trained in a gym," he says.

Gayasuddin, a gym instructor, however, challenges this view, saying: "People come here because they get more results in less time. No one wants bodies like Pehalwans (wrestlers) these days." (ANI)

DOCTORS IN VARANASI ENDORSE COW URINE THERAPIES

                                                                 Girish Kumar Dubey

Report from Asian News International brought to you by HT Syndication.

Varanasi, Dec. 18 -- (ANI): Some doctors here claims that cow urine treatment can lower blood-sugar levels and cure diabetes. The doctors also claim that it can cure many diseases and can be helpful to cancer patients.

In 2008, a study by scientists in Bangalore found that cow urine has anti-diabetic properties.

Researchers say that there are many salts like gold and copper in cow urine that have healing properties.

"Cow urine has properties that are good for the …

Varanasi tabla player attempts to make world's largest tabla.

Varanasi tabla player attempts to make world's largest tabla.

Byline: Girish Kumar Dubey( ANI )

VaranasiVaranasi (vərän`əsē), formerly Benares (bənä`rĭz), city (1991 pop. 1,030,863), Uttar Pradesh state, N central India, on the Ganges River.
..... Click the link for more information., Sep 15(ANI): Ganesh Shankar Mishra, a tabla tabla

Pair of small drums, the principal percussion in Hindustani music of northern India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The higher-pitched daya, played with the right hand, is a roughly cylindrical one-skinned drum, usually wooden, normally tuned to the raga's tonic.  player, has designed a three and a half feet long tabla in Varanasi, which he claims is the world's largest.

Mishra's tabla is unique in the sense that it can play various musical notes, be it classical, drum fighting, fusion or spiritual.

Mishra's father was a famous singer and a sitar sitar (sĭtär`), fretted string instrument with a gourdlike body and a long neck, similar to the lute. It has from 3 to 7 gut strings, tuned in fourths or fifths (or both), and a lower course of 12 wire strings that vibrate sympathetically with  player and his sister is famous vocalist. He has featured in a number of television, and radio programmes, and performed at EuropeanEuropean

emanating from or pertaining to Europe.

---

..... Click the link for more information. Music festivals too.

"Most of the time, I used to experiment with the tabla. My idea was to keep on creating different musical instruments. Although all musicians can play their musical instruments, but I thought of creating one. I want to use this tabla in the world of music," Mishra said.

Vikas Trivedi, a student of Mishra, credit's Mishra's hard work and research for the creation of the tabla.

"He had this idea of making this tabla many years back. A lot of hard work and research has gone into making this instrument. In this regard, we met many people and faced many hardships. It is a three and a half feet long tabla. We have checked on the Internet Internet

Publicly accessible computer network connecting many smaller networks from around the world. It grew out of a U.S. Defense Department program called ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network), established in 1969 with connections between computers at the  and asked many musicians and found out that nobody has made such a huge tabla," Trivedi said.  (ANI)

Development activities in Sonbhadra to curb Naxalism

Naxal Terror Watch

This Blog monitors all terror activities of Indian Naxals ie., PWG (Peoples War Group) and Government policies to tackle naxal menace . PWG's current goal is to destablize India and Sub-Continent by a well coordinated strategy with the help of international revolutionaries and covert support from Pakistan and China .

Development activities in Sonbhadra to curb Naxalism

By Girish Kumar Dubey


Sonbhadra (U.P.)June 20: Development activities in Sonbhadra district of Uttar Pradesh hope to contain the spread of naxalism in the area.

Inhabited by a large proportion of tribals, the area has been home to Naxalites for a long time. The Naxalites usually hide in jungles and to effectively chase them, proper roads are a must.

Likewise, police stations are being upgraded alongside building of helipads to ensure a hassle-free transportation during any crisis.

Explaining this action plan, the Inspector General of Police (Varanasi Range), Praveen Singh said that the Union Government has earmarked ample funds for the projects.

"The central government has chosen some regions under the scheme for special infrastructure development in which Uttar Pradesh's Sonbhadra District is included. Under the scheme, roads, police stations, and helipad aids would be provided," said Praveen Singh, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Varanasi Range.

Experts believe that the Maoists spread their influence where people are backward. Keeping these aspects in view, infrastructure development in tribal belts has been given prime importance.

"Some anti-social elements are exploiting their feelings and provoking them to act against the law. Our endeavor is to connect these people to the mainstream and make them aware of the things that government is doing for them," Praveen added.

Local tribals, however, doubt whether such initiatives are likely to benefit them.

"The government has been turning a deaf ear towards us. There is no doctor, no teacher and no IAS officer to serve them. Where should tribals go? Only making roads so that police can reach on time during an attack is not the solution?." said Vibhusha Patra, the coordinator of the Association for Democratic Rights.

Villagers say that despite much progress across the country, the condition of tribals in Sonbhadra hasn't improved. They still live without education, economic development, and proper infrastructure. The zest of the youth to live a better life has taken a violent shape because of the lack of support from administration.

"When the police turns a deaf year to our demands, we fight against such forces. We have to fight for our rights," said, a Naxalite requesting anonymity.

Tribals in Sonbhadra are hopeful that development projects will change the lives of the people in the area.

Pet parrot''s birthday celebrated in Uttar Pradesh

Pet parrot''s birthday celebrated in Uttar Pradesh

Submitted by Girish Kumar Dubey on Tue, 05/12/2009 - 05:06.

• Featured
• Uttar Pradesh
• Varanasi

Varanasi, May 12 : A musical band, hordes of sweets and a cake, made a perfect birthday bash thrown up by painter Baijnath Sharma, for his pet parrot.

The birthday bash was held in traditional style as Sharma offered prayers at one of the numerous temples dotting the landscape of Varanasi, for a long life of his pet on the occasion of the parrot''s 25th birthday.

The aging parrot, which has lost all his hair, was garlanded and made to eat sweets on his birthday.

"We have prepared sweets for him and also cut a cake. We are celebrating its 25th birthday," he said.

The birthday party took the devotees visiting the temple by surprise and the children were even treated to birthday sweets.

"We had come to pay obeisance to the deity. We saw that a parrot''s birthday was being celebrated here. We pray that all the hair that the parrot has lost grow back," said Sakshi, a devotee.

No one however asked Baijnath how he came to know about the bird''s birthday. (ANI

Upcoming general elections affect inflow of tourists to Uttar Pradesh

                                                            By Girish Kumar Dubey

World | Munna | April 2, 2009 at 6:44 am

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Varanasi, Apr 2(ANI): The upcoming general elections have taken a toll on the tourism sector in Varanasi as tourists chose to stay away owing to security problems and other operating difficulties.

The river banks and the hotels which used to be buzzing with tourists at this time of year are now lying vacant.

The tourist operators and guides are all citing the hassles encountered during the elections as chief reason for the lack of tourists in the city.

"Due to elections, there are certain restrictions on the movement of the tourists. They cannot go everywhere and the tourists feel scared and confused in such a scenario. They don't feel at ease and prefer to go to other locations," said Neel Pratap, a tourist guide.

Despite majority of the tourists aborting their tours, there are few who have trickled into Varanasi.

These are economy tourists who have been forced to undertake the trip as rules and regulations of certain airlines and hotels prevent them from getting a refund on canceling their tours.

"The tourists who have come here are the people who had made their bookings in advance due to the certain policies and rules of the airlines. Hotels cannot get a refund on cancellation of their reservations.

In such a case, these people are forced to undertake their tours. They are all economy tourists who have come here at their own risk, but so far no untoward incident has been reported, so we are quite hopeful," said Ronald Nadar, a travel assistant.

After the Mumbai terror attacks and the global recession, the general elections have emerged as new hurdle in the once booming tourism industry in the city.

Varanasi is a hot spot for foreigners visiting India. With its scenic riverbanks and plenty of religious sites, the holy town is quite popular with the tourists. Tourism is one of the major sources of revenue in the city.( ANI)

Children's Parliament in Varanasi to give voice to kids' rights                                              By Girish Kumar Dubey

2010-05-26 22:00:00

A unique parliament comprising children in the age group of five to 14, organized the nomination process for the first ever elections of Children's Parliament in Varanasi city on Wednesday. large number of children turned up for the nomination process. The children discussed their manifestoes, which enumerated the atrocities committed on children worldwide. "Today, we are hosting the nomination procedure for the children's parliament. It's a type of parliament, which is the first of its kind in the whole world. In no country, anyone is so enlightened about the rights of the children as it is here in India. And it is for the first time in India we tried to analyze the minds of the children," said Rajiv Srivastava, Chairman, Vishal Bharat Sansthan (Great India Organization), which houses the children's parliament. The city has been divided into six zones for the elections slated to be held on June 4. The candidates represent regional Bal Vikas Party (Children's Development Party), Bharatiya Baccha Party (Indian Children's' Party) and Bal Janata Party while three are independent candidates. Prospective children's representatives displayed a lot of enthusiasm to project fellow kids' concerns. "We are ready to stand in the elections for children and win. We will try to lower the school fees, reduce the costs of books and stationery. We will provide clean drinking water. We will try to reduce the crime rate and also provide food to the school children, which they are not getting," said Tazim Ali. The budding parliamentarians read out speeches, debated and raised slogans against everyday problems such as child hunger, domestic violence, and caste discrimination. The children's parliament aims at protecting the rights of the children around the world. (ANI) SEARCH

Families earning a living from a cremation ground in Varanasi

Families earning a living from a cremation ground in Varanasi
                                              By Girish Kumar Dubey

 Sat, 11/14/2009 - 13:34.

Varanasi, Nov. 14 : Apart from functioning round the clock as a cremation ground, the ''Manikarnika Ghat'' is also a source of income for many families.

Everyday, at least four hundred funerals take place at the Manikarnika Ghat, which stands out for its mythological importance.

"Souls of the people cremated here attain salvation as soon as their remains are immersed in holy Ganges," claimed Saidvagish Dutt Mishra, a priest practicing on the ghat.

It provides steady income to the priests and others.

"Families are exclusively dependent upon the earnings from the funeral processions on the cremation ground. Funerals provide livelihood and the families could even conduct marriages from the income coming directly from the crematorium." Said Gajanan Chowdry, a conductor at the cremation ground.

People even take half burnt wood for use at home.

"We take wood to the crematorium and then prepare the pyre. We wait for the incineration to complete and if some wood is left partly combusted we take it to our household to use it as fuel." said Ramchandar a labourer. (ANI)

Upcoming general elections affect inflow of tourists to Uttar Pradesh

Ani                                    By Girish Kumar Dubey

April 2nd, 2009

VARANASI - The upcoming general elections have taken a toll on the tourism sector in Varanasi as tourists chose to stay away owing to security problems and other operating difficulties.

The river banks and the hotels which used to be buzzing with tourists at this time of year are now lying vacant.

The tourist operators and guides are all citing the hassles encountered during the elections as chief reason for the lack of tourists in the city.

"Due to elections, there are certain restrictions on the movement of the tourists. They cannot go everywhere and the tourists feel scared and confused in such a scenario. They don't feel at ease and prefer to go to other locations," said Neel Pratap, a tourist guide.

Despite majority of the tourists aborting their tours, there are few who have trickled into Varanasi.

These are economy tourists who have been forced to undertake the trip as rules and regulations of certain airlines and hotels prevent them from getting a refund on canceling their tours.

"The tourists who have come here are the people who had made their bookings in advance due to the certain policies and rules of the airlines. Hotels cannot get a refund on cancellation of their reservations.

In such a case, these people are forced to undertake their tours. They are all economy tourists who have come here at their own risk, but so far no untoward incident has been reported, so we are quite hopeful," said Ronald Nadar, a travel assistant.

After the Mumbai terror attacks and the global recession, the general elections have emerged as new hurdle in the once booming tourism industry in the city.

Varanasi is a hot spot for foreigners visiting India. With its scenic riverbanks and plenty of religious sites, the holy town is quite popular with the tourists. Tourism is one of the major sources of revenue in the city.(ANI)

Bhatti, a village of Judo champions near Varanasi

Bhatti, a village of Judo champions near Varanasi

                               By Girish Kumar Dubey

Bhatti (Varanasi), Feb.1: Bhatti, a non-descript village near Varanasi, is today home to 15 national level judo champions who have brought glory to their native place by bagging over 100 gold, silver and bronze medals.

Bhatti (Varanasi), Feb.1: Bhatti, a non-descript village near Varanasi, is today home to 15 national level judo champions who have brought glory to their native place by bagging over 100 gold, silver and bronze medals.

This year's national Republic Day brought Bhatti another medal through Ram Ashray, a constable in Uttar Pradesh Police. He had won gold medal in the 73-kilogram category at the Commonwealth Judo Championship in Mauritius.

Twenty five-year-old Ram Ashray happens to be the son Shyam Lal Yadav, who earned a big name in the neighbouring Jaunpur and Ghazipur Districts for being a remarkable wrestler in his prime.

Son Ram Ashray just carried on the legacy and also done his village proud by winning medals in international competitions held in China, Bulgaria, France, Thailand and Vietnam.

In India, Ram Ashray has already won gold medal and the best judoka award during Mumbai Nationals in 2006. Earlier to that, he had won top honours at the Junior Nationals even held in Warangal (Andhra Pradesh) in 2004.

Representing India, as an Indian Railways employee, Ram Ashray won a silver medal during the World Railway Games. Elder brother German Yadav has also been equally good Judoka. He is working with the Central Reserve Police Force.

The duo share between them, over 30 medals, won at the State, national and international levels.

Another is Ravi Yadav is a buddying Judoka, who won bronze at the 2007 National School Games held in Mizoram. He washes cars at a workshop in Chowkaghat in Varanasi. He is disappointed that the government hasn't provided suitable ties for Judo at his village that has potential of turning out many more champions.

"We don't have any facility here. We can't practice here in Akhara (traditional gym and wrestling arena) during rainy season. There are no tin sheds, no water facility. There is no means of transportation," says Ravi.

"The boys come here through uneven terrains but then also we want to continue our practice. We can achieve similar to Ram Ashraybhai who did it while practicing in this Akhara only," he added.

There are many players who spend their evenings in gruelling practice sessions on the judo mats at Varanasi stadium

"The children here are overjoyed about Judo. They are so excited if they get some support and facility from the Government, they will return with a medal from the Olympics," claims Bharat Lal Yadav, one of the Panchayat (village committee) members in Bhatti Lohta.

"German Yadav used to graze the cows. Later, he started practicing Judo and the art got him a job too. So, all the boys here are confident of getting jobs by learning judo. Hence they all are practicing hard," said Shankar Prasad, a local resident.

There are many others who have shown promise at the relatively preliminary stages of sports career while playing in school national events in sub-junior, junior or senior categories.

Also on the list are Subhash Yadav, Rahul Rai, Kanhaiya Yadav, Manoj Pal, Ganesh Yadav, Shiv Kumar, Radhey Pal, Avdhesh Kumar are medal winners at various events. But Shambhu Pal was lucky to have been employed with the Sashastra Seema Bal (or, the border guarding force).

Bhatti Village, for its glory, is today looked upon as a big motivation for neighbouring villages to take sports a bit seriously. The influence is visible when one witnesses scores of promising judokas from Bakharia, Kaparporwa and Akelwa areas training at the Varanasi stadium here.

Uttar Pradesh now has three international judokas: Garima Chaudhary from Meerut, Arjuna Awardee Akram Shah from Saharanpur and Ram Ashray.(ANI)

Read more: http://www.andhranews.net/India/2008/February/1-Bhatti-village-31795.asp#ixzz0x7bSdjW0

Varanasi craftsmen make a flag symbolizing communal harmony

Varanasi craftsmen make a flag symbolizing communal harmony

Keen to reduce the differences between Hindus and Muslims, craftsmen in Uttar Pradeshs Varanasi have made a flag symbolizing communal harmony.

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), May 5 : Keen to reduce the differences between Hindus and Muslims, craftsmen in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi have made a flag symbolizing communal harmony.

"The Hindu-Muslim differences should lessen down. The differences, which are created in our hearts by the politicians and Muslims, are always termed, as militants. So, all these misunderstandings, which are created by the politicians, should be finished," said Mohammad Shamin Raza, one of the flag makers.

"Keeping all these aspects in mind, we made this flag," he added.

The flag is made of three colours green, white and saffron.

This flag has been made with lot of enthusiasm, as the workers assert that it would be a strong message for Hindu-Muslim unity.

"The flag is made up of three colours. The green colour symbolizes our religion i.e., Islam, white colour symbolizes peace and saffron is the colour of Hindus. All the colours will send a healthy message," said Azam Ali Bhutto, another flag maker.

"In our group also there are both Hindu and Muslim workers, but we work together and everybody cooperates among each other," he added.

The flag costing Rs 1,50,000 would be given to the holy shrine of Varanasi on June 5.

Read more: http://www.andhranews.net/India/2010/May/5-Varanasi-craftsmen-make-flag-15818.asp#ixzz0x7duskBm

Tallest Buddha statue coming up in Sarnath

Tallest Buddha statue coming up in Sarnath

                                                         By Girish Kumar Dubey

Its height will be second only to the Bamiyan Buddhas

SARNATH (UTTAR PRADESH): A number of sculptors in Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh are busy chiselling an eighty feet tall statue of the Buddha, which will be the world's tallest Buddha statue after the ones demolished in Afganistan's Bamiyan valley under the Taliban regime.

Thailand support

The tallest Buddha statue is part of an old project, which started ten years ago but had to be put on hold in the wake of financial problems. The work was resumed three years ago with the assistance after the Government of Thailand extended its help for the project. It will take three more years to complete the statue.

``We are making a statue of Lord Buddha with the help of Thailand government. It will be the tallest statue of Buddha in a standing position and it comes second in height only to the Bamiyan Buddhas [statues]. It has been more than 10 years since we began work, and now we are also creating awareness about its construction,'' said Mohan Lal, designer of the statue.

``At least 20- 25 artisans are working on this statue for over three years.... it will take three to four more years to complete. Right now, we are through with the stomach, feet and the face. Two or three months will be taken for the finishing work,'' said Jyoti Singh Khushwaha, the contactor undertaking the construction of the statue.

Workers at the site said the statue would use over 635 blocks of sandstone and would be made in the Gandharva style, which laid great significance to it. The Buddha attained enlightenment at the age of 35 in Bodh Gaya in Bihar and finally departed from the world at the age of 80 in Kushinagar. Situated 10 kilometres away from Varanasi, Sarnath is the place where the Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon in 500 B.C. The place has a number of stupas (hemispherical domes) and monasteries. In the early days of Buddhism, stupas were built to honour important events including Buddha's enlightenment — ANI

Condition of Varanasi's Sarnath zoo and its inmates is deteriorating

Condition of Varanasi's Sarnath zoo and its inmates is deteriorating

Varanasi, Wed, 09 Dec 2009 ANI

Varanasi, Dec 9 (ANI): Visitors at the Sarnath zoo in Varanasi complain that the condition of inmates and the park has deteriorated in the recent past.

  The park in holy city houses three alligators, one crocodile, two swans, 130 small birds and ducks, 70 chital deer and five blackbucks. 

Visitors are of the view that because of the deteriorating condition of the park, the inmates depend on the visitors for food and fodder.

 "It is seen that all the deer present here are dependent on the visitors for their feed. Feed situation for them is not good and I believe that they (zoo inmates) are satisfying their hunger with the food served by visitors. I think the authorities and officials are not paying due attention, which should not be the case," said Hemant Srivastava, a local visitor. 

"I have come here earlier also and the condition here looks bad compared to past. Earlier tickets were cheaper; the entry pass, which was earlier of rupees three, now costs rupees five. The condition here really looks deteriorating if we see trees and zoo inmates.

Number of visitors has also come down," said Sachin, a visitor from Mumbai.However authorities of the zoo say proper arrangement is made for feeding the inmates. 

"Grains are served to birds and swans. Two kinds of fish are fed to inmates, the larger ones are served to crocodile, alligators and swans while smaller ones are fed to other birds," said Ram Vinay Singh, caretaker of the park.

Being the only wildlife park of the region, it attracts large number of visitors every year. (ANI)

Dalai Lama holds special prayers in Sarnath for world peace Sarnath (UP), Wed, 14 Jan 2009ANI Sarnath (UP), Jan 14 (ANI): Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, along with hundreds of Tibetan monks from across the world, offered special prayers for world peace here on Tuesday.   The congregation of praying monks and other devotees expressed concern over the recent terror attacks in Mumbai and elsewhere including the alleged Chinese repression in Lhasa.     " We are offering prayers for harmony due to several terrorist activities that takes place in the country such as the recent Mumbai terror attack. A few days back, you must have heard of Chinese repression in Tibet as well, and still there are Tibetans imprisoned there. So we are also offering prayers for their freedom," said Laanga Shite, a monk.   Tibetans living-in-exile have contended that the Chinese atrocities have increased since the Tibetan uprising in Lhasa whereas China blamed the Dalai Lama and his 'clique' for instigating such unrest.   This situation had resulted in riots, which later spilled over to the rest of Tibet and Chinese provinces.   At this congregation of prayers, the monks reiterated that Buddhism is a religion of non-violence and its followers want human beings to live in peace and harmony.   "Buddhism is a religion of non-violence. Buddhism followers across the world want peace to prevail in entire universe. We want that human beings should live in peace and should live together with love. This is our main motive and this is the motive of today's prayers," noted Morogin Sheen, another monk.   The Dalai Lama recently arrived in Varanasi to inaugurate a week-long meditation-teaching programme that was attended by his followers from India as well as abroad.   Sarnath is the place where Lord Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermon. (ANI)

Varanasi holds fire ritual to prevent global warming

                                         By Girish Kumar Dubey

A large number of devotees have participated in a Maha Yajna, a major sacred fire ritual, here in the holy city of Uttar Pradesh, organized to seek divine intervention to prevent global warming.

Varanasi, Feb.6 : A large number of devotees have participated in a Maha Yajna, a major sacred fire ritual, here in the holy city of Uttar Pradesh, organized to seek divine intervention to prevent global warming.

In the specially prepared 101 fire pits, 62 Himalayan herbs have been used, as part of the yajna ceremony. The religious ritual has been performed amidst chanting of Vedic Shlokas (verses) by priests while a large number of devotees joining them in the recitation of Shlokas.

"...Yajna is a part of worship of Lord Vishnu and this ritual will help overcome all types of pollutants prevalent in the atmosphere," said DP Sharma, the organiser.

It is believed that the smoke emitted from the burning herbs destroys carbon dioxide.

"These types of Yajnas are being carried out at the national level. I think we can repair the Ozone layer' hole in the atmosphere through such yajna. We can purify the polluted atmosphere," said Amita Dubey, a devotee.

The two-day event culminates on Saturday (February 6).

Read more: http://www.andhranews.net/India/2010/February/6-Varanasi-holds-fire-ritual-87.asp#ixzz0x7ernyx3

Villagers in Varanasi opt for solar lamps to save electric energy

By Girish Kumar Dubey
Published: January 19, 2009Posted in: ANI News, NationalTags:

Jaunpur (Varanasi), Jan 19 (ANI): In the Damodar village of Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh, one can see electric poles and wires, but the villagers don't get proper electricity. In order to solve their problem, the villagers instead of using electricity have started using solar energy for the lamps.

Most of the houses have solar plates placed on their terrace to tap solar energy and charge the lamps. After getting charged, these solar lamps work for almost four hours continuously.

"We used to receive high electricity bills. Sometimes it happened that in a whole day, there would be no current for either one or two hours or else even for a whole week. For that neither the Government took any responsibility nor the local administration came up with any solution. Therefore, this lamp is proving beneficial for us," said Nagendra Singh, a villager.

Earlier, people of this village used to light earthen lamps and oil lamps to lighten their houses. But because of the fear of fire from earthen lamps and electric shocks from electricity, the villagers have started using solar lamp.

Many self- help organizations are also contributing with their help to the villagers. One such organization is Pendraq International. It introduced this project in this village to provide electricity to the poor people

"The objective behind this project is to provide lights to those villagers who either belonged to margins of poverty line or rather below it. Therefore these lamps were introduced at rupees 250. Initially, people were not aware of solar energy. But after proper propagation, now every family owns a solar lamp," said Omprakash Tiwari, a worker, Pendraq International.

Damodar village and the Dalit slums situated in this village have become shinning examples of putting solar energy to proper use.  (ANI)

8th century stolen Buddha idol recovered, five nabbed in Varanasi By Girish Kumar Dubey, ANI, Oct 12, 2006 Varanasi, India -- Uttar Pradesh Police have arrested five people in possession of a stolen ancient Buddha idol while allegedly planning to smuggle it out of the country, said Police officials here. The Buddha idol, believed to be of 8th century, has an estimated value of nearly 75,000 dollars (over rupees 34,00,000) in the international market. It was recovered from the accused on Tuesday in Varanasi. Made of 'Ashtadhatu' or eight metals, the idol is one foot in height and weighs 26 kilograms. Acting upon a tip off about the smugglers, the police laid a trap and sent a team as decoy customers. "(We received information) that a gang engaged in stealing of antiques was in Nagwan area. The gangsters were in a park and going to sell the idol off. Some policemen posed as businessmen met them. Once the team confirmed that the idol was rare and a stolen piece, the gangsters were apprehended immediately," said Manoj Pant, a police official. One of the five arrested individuals revealed about their modus operandi, but claimed ignorance about the actual worth of the idol. "Our accomplice Pervez and the rest of us, went to Bihar and stole antiques from a Museum. One, we sold of for 1,50,000 rupees (3,287 dollars), of which each of us took 25,000 rupees (548 dollars) each. This is the second statue, which we were about to sell for 500,000 rupees (10,957 dollars), when we were caught in Nagwan. We do not know the market value of the idol," said Awadhesh Patel, one of the five arrested. Unauthorized dealing in antiques is banned under the Antiquity and Art Treasure Act (AATA). Under the Act, no object more than 100 years old, can be taken out of the country.

Devotees lament hike in temple fees at Kashi Vishwanath Temple

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) (ANI): Devotees in Uttar Pradesh"s Varanasi city are disappointed with the trustees of the famous Hindu shrine "Kashi Vishwanath Mandir", for increasing fees to attend prayers and other rituals.

The fees to attend prayers and perform other rituals at the famous Kashi Vishwanath Mandir have been raised by Rs 50.
The trustees have also hiked the entrance fee to attend the morning and evening rituals and other prayers.

The temple trustees contend that the income from the increased fees would be utilised in the maintenance and other improvements in the temple.

"The money that will be received as a part of the fee will be used for the repair and maintenance of the temple and offerings to Lord Shiva. And people will be fortunate to contribute in the development of the temple of Lord Shiva," said Harihar Tripathi, President, Kashi Vishwanath Temple Trust, Varanasi.

"So, the development committee members of the temple trust have decided to use the money for the development of the temple," he added.

The locals, however, said the increase in fees would discourage the devotees from attending the morning and even prayers.

"Amidst the rising prices of everything, the decision of increasing the temple fee is not at all fair. And it is not at all in favour of devotees. The members of the temple trust have made the temple a source of their personal income and this has really affected the sentiments of the devotees," said Gulshan Kumar, a local.

Temple holds five Aartis in a day.

The Managl Aarti (the morning devotional offering), Bhog Aarti (the devotional offering of food to the deity), Saptrshi Aarti (devotional offering dedicated to the Seven Seers), Shringar Aarti (the offering after decorating the deity) and Shayan Aarti (the last offering before the deity retires for the day) are the prime five daily events at this temple.

The fees for attending the Aarti, except the Shayan Aarti, have been increased from Rs 101 to Rs 201. (ANI)

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Global recession may spell doom for Banarasi saree industry

Thaindian News

Global recession may spell doom for Banarasi saree industry

Wednesday, November 05, 2008 7:31:20 AM by ANI ( Leave a comment )

By Girish Kumar Dubey
Varanasi, Nov.5 (ANI): It appears the global meltdown being witnessed prominently in the financial markets is all set to devastate the famous Banarsi Saree industry, which is currently facing a tough time.
At one side the prepared saris are not getting sold off in abundance like before, on the other side the export orders appears to face a downward trend in near future.
The Silk industry, which was facing a tough time due to other factors, is likely to face a major jolt in the days to come leading to literal starvation of several people.
Be it handlooms or power looms both methods of preparing sarees are threatened by crisis following the present situation in which the people related to this industry are failing to get work even for whole month. They just work for 15 days these days, which affects daily wages of a lot of people here.
Exporters are also facing a tough time due to skewing demand for the Banarasi Sarees
"Business of Banarsi sarees has come down due to economic recession around the globe in many ways. Because all the fabrics made here are luxury items. All those who purchase these are the ones who are rich, either from India or from abroad. Among the most influenced are of the same class. People, who buy the stuff eventually, are actually influenced by this financial crisis. And therefore this influences us," said Maqbool Hasan, a Banarsi saree Exporter.
In the recent past, Banarsi sarees have been among the most sought after articles by women across the globe. The Banarsi fabric is an essential material, traditionally used for bridal and party wear clothes. .
Initially, Banarsi fabric used to be woven with real gold thread called Zari. The artisans, who designed the floral motifs as well as the full "pallu" of the sarees, cherished authority over intricate designing as well as colour combinations.
But these artists are today afraid of facing perhaps the toughest phase of their professional life. The suppliers are unable to meet the demand due to rise in inflation rate.
It is also feared that if nothing is done on time for survival of the artisans here, these already poverty-stricken people may have a real impossible time to carry on in this work.
"The business is not doing well. We work for 15 days and there is no work for another 15 days. Initially the labour was 500 rupees today, it is only 400 rupees. The inflation has come up and we have only 15 days work," said Javed, Weaver.
Business of Banarsi sarees had already been facing crises for different reasons for a few years and the recent global setback to business centers proved a body blow to the industry here.
"The market is not responding well, and the conditions here are not good. The prices of raw material are rising and material is not being sold. Hence, people are turning to other businesses. The art is facing threat of extinction," said Abdul Salam, a Banarasi Saree wholesaler.
The local artisans complain that though they length of the sarees has increased by one metre of late, meaning almost double work, but their wages have not increased a bit.
Today, the weavers and the artisans don"t get enough work. There were times when they were remain heavily occupied for entire month. But presently they dont have work beyond 15 days a month. (ANI)

Photo exhibition on terrorism hosted in Varanasi

Photo exhibition on terrorism hosted in Varanasi
Tuesday, January 8, 2008

                             By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi, Jan.6 (ANI): Having witnessed the holy city Varanasi
becoming the target of terrorists' attack in the recent past, a social
organisation here has organised a photo exhibition to showcase how
terrorism is affecting society and the nation.

Organised under the banner of Hindu Janjagruti Manch (HJM) at a
Varanasi court, the objective of the three-day photo exhibition is to
spread public awareness about terrorists' evil intentions.

"The purpose of this exhibition is based on real-life experience.
Everybody, mainly the Hindu society, should understand the menace of
terrorism affecting the religious places. They should be aware about
it. We want the people to rise to challenge posed by terrorists," said
Nilesh Singh, a member of the Hindu Janjagruti Manch.

Through this exhibition, the HJM hopes that the general public will
unite in countering terrorism through a collective fight.

The photo exhibition which started on Friday (January 4) has put on
display various photographs depicting tragedies occurred in the
Kashmir Valley due to terrorist activities and the horrific faces of
individuals misguided by Taliban. (ANI)

The exhibition concludes on Sunday (January 6). (ANI)--

Varanasi witnesses anti water pollution campaign on Nag Nathiya festival

Varanasi witnesses anti water pollution campaign on Nag Nathiya festival
                                                  By Girish Kumar Dubey
11/15/2007 6:34:00 PM

Varanasi, Nov.15 (ANI): People in Varanasi were made aware about water pollution affecting the holy River Ganges on Wednesday, as the holy city marked Nag Nathaiya, the over 400 years old festival here.

Apart from the religious aspects, the prime purpose of performing Nag Nathaiya was to highlight the rising pollution in River Ganges.

It is said that that many decades ago, the organisers of Krishna Leela and Nag Nathaiya festival had a sort of premonition about the deterioration which the River Ganga may have to endure.

According to Prof. Kaushal Kishore Mishra of Benaras Hindu University (BHU) said that the Nag Nathaiya festival has been spreading awareness about the problem which they might face due to contamination, if not checked on time.

The condition of Ganges is deteriorating day by day. This Nag Nathaiya based on Krishna Leela is basically meant for this purpose in contemporary scenario, said Prof. Kaushal Kishore Mishra.

Enactment of Nag Nathaiya--depicting the taming of the dark and venomous cobra with several hoods by Lord Krishna--was the event's hallmark.

Legend has it that Lord Krishna accidentally threw a ball in the River Ganges while playing with his friends. To retrieve the ball, he dived into the river and fought with Kala, the dark cobra that had created havoc in the neighbourhood.

Krishna ultimately defeated the ferocious cobra and danced on its hoods denoting his superiority over the serpent. The entire episode has since then been named as Nag Nathaiya and marked as a festival by devotees.

Thousands of devotees led by the priests performed rituals and witnessed the enactment of Nag Nathaiya. The common belief is that devotees' wishes are fulfilled on this particular day and hence the mass participation of public.

Since childhood, I am visiting this festival. I have seen wishes of people coming true here. And since then my faith has further deepened, said Ashok Pandey, a devotee. By Girish Kumar Dubey (ANI)

Koreans on a hugging campaign in Varanasi

Koreans on a hugging campaign in Varanasi

Submitted by Sahil Nagpal on Tue, 01/22/2008 - 11:49.

• India News
• Varanasi

Varanasi, Jan 22: The Korean students of Gyanjoo University are spreading the message of love by hugging poor people in Varanasi, as a part of their "Free Hug Campaign."

They believe that their method can eradicate social divide by giving dignity to the deprived.

"Hugging each other is a small step to understand each other without speaking, without being violent. It may work over all castes but only if they hug each other more and more," said Frank, a student,

The Korean students spoke passionately about the urgent need to bring a change in the mindset of the people so that they could think beyond barriers of castes.

The students not only hugged the people but also washed the feet of those belonging to Musahar caste, which is considered one of the lower social groups.

"If we need to focus on anything at this point, it is the mindset of people. If we can change the mindset of the people and people start understanding each other, then it would be perfect," said Saisna Inko, a resident.

The Korean students have planned to visit 40 countries to propagate the message of brotherhood in the memory of those fellow countrymen who participated in the fight in
1985 to end the military dictatorship in Korea. (ANI)

River Ganges turns turbulent with rains in Varanasi; rituals disrupted

Monday, August 02, 2010 4:55:58 PM by ANI ( Leave a comment )

By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi, Aug 2 (ANI): Following incessant rains in Varanasi, the water level of the River Ganges has risen causing making it difficult for devotees to offer prayers on the banks of the river.

The water level in the River Ganges in Varanasi is about 3.78 metres above normal.

Dejected devotees at Varanasi said they hope the raging river gets calm soon.

"I remember in 2002 the river water entered vegetable market. Even now the water level is increasing," said Puran Singh, a devotee.

The devotees said that the authorities have put in all measures to safeguard the devotees in premises of the temples dotting the riverbanks.

"All the banks are cut off from each other. The devotees are taking detours through by-lanes to reach the temple premises. The authorities have however made the arrangements for the devotees who come here for bathing," said Surendra Gupta, another devotee.

According to Hindu calendar, the month of Shravan or Sawan is considered auspicious. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the month sees a large number of devotees take holy baths and offer prayers. (ANI)

More at : River Ganges turns turbulent with rains in Varanasi; rituals disrupted http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/india-news/river-ganges-turns-turbulent-with-rains-in-varanasi-rituals-disrupted_100405847.html#ixzz0vSnbEuKv

Holy men, scientist to develop eco-center in Varanasi

Tuesday, March 02, 2010 11:46:58 PM by ANI ( Leave a comment )

By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi, March 2 (ANI): In a first of its kind, holy men and a scientist have joined hands to prepare a model of an eco-center for sustainable development through an integrated production system.

The initiative is based on a holistic approach and aims to completely utilize nature's products and by-products, using best environmental practices and sustainable farming.

The eco-center, known as the Amrit Sagar Eco-Center, is in the process of being developed across the River Ganges in Ramnagar city, with an objective to promote an integrated system of agricultural production.

"There is a holistic approach towards this initiative. We want to tell the young farmers and teach the young generation that in a disciplined manner, seven persons can make a living out of a one-acre land using nature's products and minus any artificial products," said Professor Saket Kushwaha, an expert on agricultural economics from the Institute of Agricultural Sciences of Banaras Hindu University (BHU), who also volunteered for the project.

The Aghor Foundation in Varanasi is responsible for developing the eco-center. The Foundation receives donations from both domestic and foreign patrons. (ANI)

Varanasi holds fire ritual to prevent global warming

Saturday, February 06, 2010 8:29:43 PM by ANI ( Leave a comment )

By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi, Feb.6 (ANI): A large number of devotees have participated in a Maha Yajna, a major sacred fire ritual, here in the holy city of Uttar Pradesh, organized to seek divine intervention to prevent global warming.

In the specially prepared 101 fire pits, 62 Himalayan herbs have been used, as part of the yajna ceremony. The religious ritual has been performed amidst chanting of Vedic Shlokas (verses) by priests while a large number of devotees joining them in the recitation of Shlokas.

"…Yajna is a part of worship of Lord Vishnu and this ritual will help overcome all types of pollutants prevalent in the atmosphere," said DP Sharma, the organiser.

It is believed that the smoke emitted from the burning herbs destroys carbon dioxide.

"These types of Yajnas are being carried out at the national level. I think we can repair the ozone layer' hole in the atmosphere through such yajna. We can purify the polluted atmosphere," said Amita Dubey, a devotee.

The two-day event culminates on Saturday (February 6). (ANI)

More at : Varanasi holds fire ritual to prevent global warming http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/feature/varanasi-holds-fire-ritual-to-prevent-global-warming_100315980.html#ixzz0vSoszdxt

Parents of missing children in Varanasi not to celebrate Eid

By Girish kumar Dubey(ANI)

Varanasi, Oct.12: While Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid with their kids and family, Mohammed Ali-ur-Rehman, a resident of Varanasi, cannot do so on this most awaited day of the year.

Rehman's six-year-old son Babloo was kidnapped from his doorstep nearly two years ago after he failed to pay 500,000 rupees (.5 million) ransom to the abductors. Rehman has not heard from his child ever since.

"How can I celebrate Eid when my son is missing? Nobody in my family is celebrating the festival this time. I am only concerned about the whereabouts of my child," said a distressed Rehman.

Anguished over their missing children and the local administration's inability to help them, about 14 families with missing children have decided to observe a solemn Eid this year.

Scores of children have been abducted during past two years in Varanasi, but authorities have failed to trace them. Disappointed from all quarters of help, these parents have no alternative but conduct prayers and silent protests.

The parents are being supported by a self-help group Vishal Bharat Sansthan in their endeavour to boycott the festivities.

"We are praying for the return of the missing children. It is festive occasion of Eid but, all the families who have lost their children will not celebrate Eid this year and we have also decided that we would support them," said Nazma Parveen, Administrative Officer of Vishal Bharat Organisation.

Thousands of Muslims across the world celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr meaning "the feast of breaking fast". During Ramadan, Muslims observe a month of fasting during daylight hours. Muslim clergy decide the date of Eid, on the basis of sighting of moon.

But, as preparations are on full swing in India and as festive spirits are reining high, these parents silently pray and look forward to the safe return of their kids with a hope to bring festive fervour back in their lives on this Eid.

http://www.dailyindia.com/show/182076.php/Parents-of-missing-children-in...

The special Chadar for Ajmer Sharif is made at Varanasi

Monday, June 16, 2008 10:01:40 PM by ANI -

By Girish Kumar Dubey

Varanasi, June 16 (ANI): Every year hundreds of thousands of people regardless of their caste or creed visit the famous Ajmer Sharif shrine in Rajasthan during the annual Urs. And, many of them offer a Chadar or ornament spread at this shrine for Hazrat Khwaja Mu`inuddin Chisti.
Though various Chadar or ornamental sperads representing different States are offered at the Ajmer Sharif, the one that is sent from Varanasi has its own significance.
It holds distinction for carrying the respect and contribution of all religious communities.
Be it Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian, all contribute to the preparation of this fascinating spread meant for religious offering at the famous shrine in Rajasthan.
Prepared by the craftsmen belonging to all castes and communities, the Chadar is viewed as a privilege by the Anwar family, which has been entrusted the responsibility to prepare it for the last 25 years for Varanasi.
Though it is the Anwar's family which gets the order to prepare the Chadar but people from all castes make hearty contributions in its making.
"About two dozen people of different caste, creeds and religious faith are preparing the Chadar (spread). There are Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and Christians contributing to its preparation and anyones caste holds no meaning here. This Chadar is meant for Khwaja, who fulfills everyones wishes whoever visits his Darbar (court), said Anwar, in-charge of preparing the sacred Chadar in Varanasi
It takes about one to one-and-a-half month to prepare this full Chadar. On July 6th, this Chadar will to Khawajas court, said Anwar.
The craftsmen are required to maintain cleanliness and hygiene during the month long preparation of the Chadar. And, none of them charges any money and contributes his labour as personal respect for the Hazrat Baba Muinuddin Chisti.
Its been a month when about 15-20 individuals started working to prepare this Chadar while carrying out intricate designs of fine embroidery work.
Similar ornamental spread or chadar are prepared in all States of the country and sent to the famous shrine in Ajmer.
The craftsmen work as team and everyone is entrusted a responsibility to finish one aspect or feature of the Chadar. Like a Hindu craftsman is doing the decorative work with stones, a Sikh craftsman is doing the embroidery work and so on.
" This is Khwaja's Chadar. People from all religions are involved in its making. We believe in all religions. People appreciate this Chadar a lot. We want our Chadar to be number one in Varanasi. The Chadar takes 42 meters of cloth and has a dimension of six by seven meters," said Mushtaq Ahmed, one craftsman.
Though Muslim craftsmen give the final touch to the Chadar, the complete work involves respect and contribution of all communities.
It takes about rupees 25, 000 to prepare this sacred Chadar.
The specially decorated spread will be presented at the Ajmer Sharif shrine on the occasion of Urs, the death anniversary of Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti that happens to be falling on July 6 this year. (ANI)

Incessant rains submerge Banaras Ghats in Varanasi

Incessant rains submerge Banaras Ghats in Varanasi

                                    By Girish Kumar Dubey
27 Jun 2008, 2012 Hrs

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Varanasi, June 27 (ANI): The last three days' incessant rains have left the River Ganga swollen in Varanasi and has led to the submergence of the famous bathing Ghats and several temples situated along the banks here.

The water level has risen so much that the steps where daily rituals are performed and the temples located on the riverbanks have been submerged.

The condition is so bad that it has led to suspension of the Ganga Aarati at Dasaswamedh, one of the prime attractions of Varanasi that draws tourists from across the country.

Local shopkeepers selling articles used in the worship at the riverbank by devotees have also been badly affected.

"The situation here has upset our lives as we had to shift our shops that we run by the river banks. We sell things required for performing daily rituals here. Some of them have been submerged in the water. We are performing all activities at the top. There is very limited space. Shopkeepers are compelled to move away and half of their things get damaged," said Vinod Kumar, a local.

Tourists, who had arrived here from far off places to have a feel of Varanasi and experience the Hindu rituals being performed at the Ghats, are disappointed to find half of the city affected due to rainwater and the main attraction, the Ghats, submerged in water.

"We came here to see Varanasi's Ghats but because of the monsoon rains and water level rising, we have missed watching them here," said Sichowiki, a Korean tourist.

Many tourist guides say the swollen river has affected their business.

"When the water level was low, it felt nice as I could show the Ganga Ghats to tourists. Now as it has increased, it has created a lot of obstacles to tourists who want to visit the ghat and enjoy its beauty. Boating this time is also not so safe as the current is really strong," said Sunil Sharma, one tourist guide.

Ganga Aarti is the prime attraction of all religious rituals performed here every day.

Boating is also one of the prime attractions of the place. But as the current is very strong boating too has been suspended for sometime until the current is back to normal.  (ANI)