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Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Int'l Day of the Romanian Blouse commemorated
Attendees don the culturally-prized, traditional Romanian blouse called ie on the International Day of the Romanian Blouse which was celebrated at the Embassy in Islamabad as an ode to the country's rich heritage and history. PHOTO: EXPRESS The Embassy of Romania in Islamabad organised, for the first time in Pakistan, the celebration of the International Day of the Romanian Blouse on June 24, bringing together members of the Romanian community, representatives of the diplomatic corps and distinguished Pakistani guests. Held in the spirit of cultural appreciation and friendship, the event highlighted the timeless beauty of the Romanian traditional blouse, known as the ie, a symbol of national identity and artistic heritage. Guests were invited to wear traditional blouses and garments not only from Romania but from various cultures around the world, underlining the universal power of folk art to connect people beyond borders. The celebration included an exhibition of authentic Romanian blouses, many handmade and passed down through generations, as well as traditional music and culinary delights. Attendees had the opportunity to taste Romanian dishes and drinks, experiencing the richness of Romania's rural traditions and hospitality. In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Dan Stoenescu emphasised, "The Romanian blouse is more than a piece of clothing. It is a cultural treasure, a bridge between past and present and a celebration of women's creativity and resilience. By sharing this tradition in Islamabad, we celebrate both our identity and our friendship with the people of Pakistan and the international community." The International Day of the Romanian Blouse, marked each year on 24 June, coincides with Sânziene, a midsummer Romanian folk celebration with deep roots in pre-Christian traditions. Initiated by the cultural movement La Blouse Roumaine, this day has grown into a global celebration of Romanian heritage, with events held in cities across Europe, the Americas and Asia. The Embassy's event in Islamabad adds Pakistan to the growing list of countries where the Romanian ie is honoured, strengthening the cultural ties and mutual understanding between Romania and its partners worldwide.
News18
02-05-2025
- General
- News18
Adi Shankaracharya: The Resurgent Sun Of Sanatan Dharma
Today, as we commemorate the birth anniversary of Adi Shankaracharya, we reflect upon the extraordinary life and profound contributions of a sage who, in a short span, reshaped the spiritual landscape of Bharatvarsha and continues to inspire millions across the globe. Born in a time when the tenets of Sanatan Vaidik Dharma faced challenges, Shankaracharya emerged as a formidable scholar, tireless traveller, and brilliant philosopher whose teachings resonate with unparalleled clarity and depth even today. Born in Kalady, a serene village in present-day Kerala, sometime around 200 BC or the 8th century CE (many scholars date him to the pre-Christian era), the young Shankara's life was steeped in legend from the very beginning. His father, Shivaguru, passed away early, leaving his upbringing to his devout mother, Aryamba. Even as a child, Shankara displayed an exceptional intellect and a deep yearning for spiritual knowledge. Stories abound of his prodigious memory, his ability to grasp complex scriptures with ease, and his unwavering determination to renounce worldly life in pursuit of ultimate truth.
Telegraph
25-04-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Sacred Mysteries: Why Pope Francis chose his place of burial
Pope Francis was the first pope to take the name of St Francis of Assisi, 'the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation'. A mosaic of St Francis is prominent in the church where he has chosen to be buried, St Mary Major. The mosaic was put up in the apse inside the church by Pope Nicholas IV, the first member of the Franciscan Order elected pope, dying four years later, two days before Easter 1292. That pope appears as a smaller kneeling figure amid the mosaics of saints against gold, signifying heaven. He is buried in St Mary Major as 'A son of St Francis'. This is not, however, why Pope Francis wanted to be buried in the basilica, which he visited dozens of times as pope, always before and after a foreign trip. He came in first place to pray before the ancient icon of the Virgin Mary and Child, entitled Salus Populi Romani. This title, signifying both the health and the salvation of the Roman people, is a pre-Christian idea. The icon, of Byzantine convention, is reputed to have arrived in Rome early in the reign of Pope Gregory the Great (590-604), who sent St Augustine of Canterbury to convert England. Gregory was said to have invoked God by the virtue of the icon to quell a plague in Rome. Most icons of that period in the East were destroyed in outbreaks of iconoclasm. This icon's style is said to be more that of the 9th century or later, but it has been battered and amended over the ages. Restoration that ended in 2022 gave it a more or less satisfactory form. It has been much loved, not least by Pope Francis, who though bang up to date in matters of climate change and liturgy, embraced ancient devotions. This led to the memorable scene in the rain on Friday March 27 2020 during the Covid pandemic. The Pope stood alone in St Peter's Square, with the icon Salus Populi Romani and a large crucifix from the church of St Marcellus (invoked in the early 16th century against plague). Some complained later that rain had damaged the paint on the crucifix, which in the circumstances sounds like complaining that seawater damaged the paintwork of a lifeboat. In the wet the Pope limped to the icon and said a silent prayer, then to the crucifix, the wounded feet of which he kissed. He blessed the city and the world, Urbi et Orbi, with a monstrance displaying the Blessed Sacrament. His flabby Italo-Argentine face reflected his determination. He insisted on appearing outdoors when all Italy was locked down, not because he didn't believe in Covid, but because he did believe in God. It was an anti-Lear effect: instead of raging like the tragic king with the storm, he stood, an envelope of calm in the tempest of the city and the world. He spoke a short meditation on the passage in the Gospel (Mark 35-41) where Jesus is asleep in the boat in the storm. Of Covid he said: 'Thick darkness has gathered over our squares, our streets and our cities; it has taken over our lives, filling everything with a deafening silence and a distressing void.' He quoted the appeal of the frightened Apostles in the boat with Jesus, 'Do you not care if we perish?', and his reply after calming the seas: 'Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?' Pope Francis pointed out we were all in the same boat and had better row together. 'I would like this evening to entrust you all to the Lord, through the intercession of Mary, Health of the People and Star of the stormy Sea.' In a niche marked 'Franciscus' near the entrance to the chapel at St Mary Major where the icon is revered, he is to be buried today.
Daily Record
24-04-2025
- Daily Record
Scottish whirlpool that nearly killed George Orwell is world's third largest
One of the most powerful natural wonders in the UK lies off the west coast of Scotland and it is as fascinating as it is fearsome. The Corryvreckan Whirlpool, located between the islands of Jura and Scarba, is considered the third largest of its kind in the world. The whirlpool comes with an unsurprisingly deadly reputation. Its swirling vortex is created by fast-moving tides colliding with a colossal 200 metre underwater pinnacle, which forces the water violently upwards. The result is a churning maelstrom so dangerous it has been known to drag in swimmers and even small boats. The whirlpool's roar can be heard up to ten miles away at its most ferocious, according to Argyll Cruising. The legendary phenomenon has even brushed with literary history . Celebrated author George Orwell , who wrote his iconic novel 1984 while living on Jura, is said to have nearly lost his life to the powerful whirlpool during a boating accident, The Express reported The BBC spotlighted the natural marvel in its documentary Scotland's Sacred Islands with Ben Fogle. During the show, the intrepid presenter sailed close to the raging vortex and reflected on the mix of wonder and fear it has long inspired. Fogle said: 'A pre-Christian Celtic myth has it that this powerful maelstrom is where Cailleach Beira 'The Hag of Winter' washes her great cloak in the churning waters. When it emerges white and clean, she drapes it over the land to bring Scotland its first snow.' He also noted that St Columba, the Irish abbot who founded a historic monastery on the nearby island of Iona and helped spread Christianity across Scotland, was well aware of Corryvreckan's peril. Fogle explained that St Columba believed 'that God had created it to make seafarers pray harder', a testament to the awe and dread long associated with the Corryvreckan Whirlpool. Despite its fearsome reputation, tour operators do run trips to view the whirlpool up close. Yet its dangers are very real. Tales of sailors dragged to their deaths have lingered in local folklore for generations, though the exact number of lives claimed by the vortex remains unknown. One of the most famous brushes with Corryvreckan's deadly power came in 1947, involving none other than George Orwell. The celebrated author was living on Jura at the time, working on his final and most famous novel, 1984 . During a break from writing, Orwell and his son Richard were reportedly caught near the whirlpool in a small boat. According to BBC Scotland, they were nearly dragged in, narrowly escaping by scrambling onto a nearby rocky islet. Their luck held, as a passing lobster fisherman spotted the pair and rescued them. It was a dramatic close call that could have robbed the world of one of the greatest dystopian novels ever written. Instead, Orwell lived to finish 1984 , which remains a cornerstone of twentieth century literature.
Local Germany
14-04-2025
- Climate
- Local Germany
Will Germany's Easter bonfires be cancelled this year due to drought?
Europe's hottest March on record , on top of a very dry start to the year, has left German farmlands and forest particularly dry and increased the risk of wildfires. On Saturday, firefighters were busy fighting fires in western regions, such as one southwest of Dortmund that burned around 20 square kilometres. Now Easter bonfires may need to be called off in many parts of the country, unless there are sizable rain showers before then. "Easter fires can be prohibited from warning level 4 in the event of a high risk of forest fires," says the Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz (BUND). When vegetation in forests and grasslands are too dry, there is a high risk that flying sparks from a fire could trigger a larger wildfire. Where could Easter bonfires be cancelled? In many parts of Germany Easter bonfires, or Osterfeuer, are intended to welcome spring and symbolically drive away winter, and have been part of the holiday tradition that dates back to pre-Christian times. For many, the Easter fire is a highlight around this time of year. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Andreas Arnold Today, larger fires hosted by various municipalities are registered with the local authorities or specially approved. This year a final decision is still pending in some places. Authorities will make their decision based on whether it rains in the coming days. READ ALSO: What's on over the Easter holidays in Germany in 2025 DPA reported over the weekend that a number of municipalities in North Rhine-Westphalia are discussing whether the fires can take place this year. In several districts, such as in the Sauerland, the public order offices are in contact with the fire department. "Unless weather conditions change significantly in the coming week and noticeable rainfall is recorded, the three municipalities of Bad Berleburg, Bad Laasphe and Erndtebrück will have to prohibit the Easter fires from a risk point of view," the city of Bad Berleburg in southeastern Westphalia has announced. Advertisement In the state of Brandenburg, the fire brigade association does not consider a blanket ban to be appropriate - but have warned people to take caution. "No one wants an Easter bonfire to turn into an Easter fire," said Frank Kliem, vice-president of the state's fire brigade association. The Federal Environment Agency estimates that between 10,000 and 20,000 Easter fires are lit each year in Germany. READ ALSO: Drought prompts rethink for ancient trees at Potsdam's Sanssouci palace Showers forecast in the coming days Germany's weather service (DWD) confirms that this past March was one of the driest since records began. So far, April has continued in the same vein, but weather experts predict this could change later this week. Starting from Tuesday or Wednesday, DWD predicts that western Germany will see a spell of wet, rainy weather. Advertisement According to forecasts, there will likely be some regional showers ahead of the holiday weekend. Rain showers certainly increase the likelihood of Easter bonfires going forward, as immediate fire warning levels would go down. However, it would take significantly more rain than has been predicted to put an end to the current drought conditions in the country, which have also affected shipping lanes along the Rhine River. READ ALSO: ' Denial of reality' - Is Germany's future government ignoring the threat of climate change? With reporting by DPA.
