Tibetans in-exile pay homage to victims of China earthquake

Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh), May 19 (ANI): Tibetans in-exile held a candlelight vigil and offered special prayers in Himachal Pradesh”s Dharamsala city for their comrades, who died in the devastating earthquake that hit China on April 14.

They paid homage to the victims in a candlelight procession and finally gathered at the main Buddhist temple, Tsuglagkhang.

Buddhist Monks held prayer sessions for the rebirth of the victims and will continue to offer prayers for seven weeks, in keeping with tradition.

“Today is the fifth week of those who have died on April 14 during the earthquake. So we are showing our solidarity for them. Those who have lost their lives, we are offering prayers for their rebirth,” said Tsering Phungchok, Tibetan settlement officer.

The official death toll climbed to 2,046 people, with 193 still missing in the strong quake that toppled hundreds of homes and schools.

Meanwhile, the Dalai Lama has appealed to the Chinese Government to allow him to visit China for the first time in 51 years and see the quake zone in Qinghai province, where he was born. (ANI)

Jharkhand tribals celebrate ‘Koka Festival’

Ranchi, Apr 29 (ANI): The aboriginals living in the hilly tracts in Tamar village of Jharkhand celebrated the ‘Koka Festival’ devoted to Lord Shiva.

The highlight of the festival is the marriage procession of Lord Shiva.

Thousands of villagers from nearby villages gathered in the compound of ancient Mahadeo Temple to witness the annual colourful procession.

“In the marriage procession of Lord Shiva, the guests were dressed up as Koka (disguised ghosts). When the procession reached the house of the bride, then the mother-in-law and others asked the guests to change their disguised look,” said Ratan Lal Rai, a priest.

The festivities continue throughout the night with dance-drama performances and prayer sessions followed by a fair.

Devotees also observe fasting for the fulfillment of their wishes.

“Devotees observe fasting for the sake of their wishes. Some observe five-day fasting while some observe seven-days fasting,” said Sandip Kumar Mandak, a devotee.

Koka festival is also known as ‘Chaitra Parv’ because of its celebration in Chaitra month as per Hindu calendar. By Girija Shankar Ojha (ANI)

Madge turns to Kaballah for Mercy

London, April 29 (ANI): Queen of Pop Madonna has reportedly turned to top-ranking Kaballists to help her secure the Malawian girl she now calls ‘my child’.

The 50-year-old star’s plea to adopt Mercy James was turned down by a judge in the African country last month because Madonna had not lived there for 18-24 months, as required by law.

However, the singer is keen to become Mercy’s mother and is said to be holding private Kaballah prayer sessions at her home in New York, hoping that it will help her secure the four-year-old.

“She even arranged a private prayer session at a wealthy friend’s house in Southampton after she spent a few days there recovering from a fall from a horse last week,” the Daily Star quoted a source as saying.

“The prayer sessions include her three children, often with a focus on 12-year-old Lourdes, who has been praying for her new sister every day.

“They involve the cream of the Kaballah, a small, select group who are key movers in her charity Raising Malawi.

“Madonna has become more deeply involved with Kaballah since her adoption bid was rejected and believes that the combination of the muscle of Raising Malawi and her power of prayer and spirituality will give her Mercy at the appeal.

“The top people at the New York Kaballah, who have extensive power in Malawi because of massive funding which they have sunk into schools, homes and small businesses, are working behind the scenes in an attempt to get a favourable verdict.

“At the same time they are working on the spiritual and religious side of things with their powerful private sessions in Madonna’s home.

“Madonna is convinced she will win this time and has called on the Kaballah to fight this for her with everything they’ve got. She wants that child desperately and intends to get her,” the source added. (ANI)