Bodh Gaya, Nov. 3 : A group of Buddhist monks in Bodh Gaya conducted prayers for the world peace in a special annual ceremony, which was attended by about
100 visiting Buddhist devotees from Thailand on Sunday.

Monks chanted Mantras to seek peace across the world at the ceremony called ‘Kathin Cheeva Daan’.

The occasion also drew attraction of the devotees when monks created a tall Lord Buddha statue in just 12 hours time from dawn to dusk.

Bodh Gaya (Bihar), Nov 3 : Monks from Thailand offered prayers for world peace and sculpted out an idol of Lord Buddha in Bodh Gaya on Sunday.

The 33-member delegation offered prayers for the well being of the people of the entire world.

"We have come from Thailand to build Lord’s Buddha idol," said Payap Shinawatra, a monk from Thailand.

Later, the monks got together and worked continuously for 12 hours to sculpt out a statue of Lord Buddha.

Washington, Oct 24 : Those who simply pray or meditate are more likely to keep depression at bay, compared to the people who frequently visit church and offer religious services, suggest a new study.

The new research led by Temple University researchers has revealed that a person''s religiousness – also called religiosity – can offer insight into their risk for depression.

In the study involving 918 participants, lead researcher Joanna Maselko, Sc. D., characterized the religiosity in three domains.

New York, Oct 23 : Sam Lal’s home has turned into a pilgrimage of sorts, as neighbours and friends are flocking his Queen’s home to catch a glimpse of the strange plant that resembles Hindu Lord Ganesha.

Lal, who first noticed the purple plant, from the amaranth family, claimed that the plant relieved him of his chronic back pain.

And now, everyone on Lal''s block in Jamaica wants to get a peek at the incredible flower.

"I''m amazed - I actually got goosebumps when I saw it. I feel the presence of God," The New York Daily News quoted Hansannie Singh, 41, of Bellerose, Queens, as saying.

Istanbul, Oct 23: An archaeological dig at the Augustus Temple in the Ulus area in Turkey is re-examining historical evidence that was uncovered almost a century ago, in an attempt to bring a wealth of new history to light.

According to a report in Today’s Zaman, the dig was sparked by the need for certain factors at the historical site: a new detailed plan of the site, refurbishment of broken or damaged pieces of the building and restoration of the site.

Within this framework, the archeological dig at Augustus will allow experts to examine historical evidence that was uncovered almost a century ago.

Amritsar, Oct. 20: While Hindus around the world celebrate their biggest festival of lights Diwali with full enthusiasm, Sikhs celebrate the day as `Bandi Chor Diwas'' or, the day of release of detainees.

Sikh history traces these celebrations way back to the 17th century. It was during the reign of the Mughal emperor Jahangir when they got into conflict with Sikhs.

The Sixth Guru, Guru Hargobind secured the release of not only himself but also 56 other kings who had been imprisoned at the Gwalior Fort. And, on this day the Guru and the Kings returned to Amritsar to a glorious welcome.

Since then Diwali festival means the marking of the historical event for the Sikhs.