More than 2,000 Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in eastern Pakistan on Tuesday, marking the first major border crossing between the two countries since the brief war in May. Hundreds of pilgrims made their way across the border with luggage in tow where were welcomed by Pakistani officials, who threw rose petals over them and gave them flowers. Last week, Pakistan's High Commission in New Delhi announced that visas had been granted to more than 2,100 pilgrims. They will attend a 10-day festival to commemorate the 556th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith. Read More New Decision on Umrah Visa Brings Major Change Pakistan facilitates pilgrimage In May, a conflict erupted after New Delhi accused Islamabad of backing a terror attack that killed 26 people in Pahalgam, in Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistan denied the accusations. The Wagah border crossing had been closed for months due to the border conflict, but was reopened by Pakistani authorities to facilitate the pilgrimage, according to government official Nasir Mushtaq. "Granting visas to Sikh pilgrims and reopening the border demonstrates Pakistan's respect for religious minorities and commitment to fostering cultural ties, despite ongoing political disputes," Mushtaq said. On Wednesday, the pilgrims will gather in Nankana Sahib, Guru Nanak's birthplace, which is located west of Lahore. Then, they will visit other sacred sites in Pakistan, including Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak is buried. The Wagah border crossing had been closed for months. -Deutsche Welle Photo Sikhs in India and Pakistan Sikhs are a tiny minority in Pakistan. Sikhism, a monotheistic religion, originated in the 15th century in the Punjab region, which spans parts of modern-day India and Pakistan. Most Sikhs migrated to India during the 1947 Partition when the subcontinent was divided into Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan at the end of British rule. However, some of the holiest Sikh sites ended up in Pakistan. These include the shrines in Nankana Sahib and Kartarpur. "It doesn't feel like we are in another country. It feels like we are among our own people," one Sikh pilgrim from India told the AFP news agency. "We pray to God that when Pakistanis visit our side, we can reciprocate the same warmth and respect."

The Saudi Arabian government has made a new decision regarding the validity period of the Umrah visa, introducing a significant change. The visa's validity is being reduced from the previously set three months to one month. This new policy is set to take effect starting next week, according to reports. Gulf News reported this information on Friday (October 31), citing Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Key Details of the New Umrah Visa Rules Validity Period: The period for a pilgrim to enter the Kingdom after the Umrah visa is issued will be reduced from three months to one month (30 days). Automatic Cancellation: Under the revised regulations, the Umrah visa will be automatically canceled if the pilgrim does not register to enter Saudi Arabia within 30 days of the visa being issued. Duration of Stay: The permitted length of stay for pilgrims after arrival in Saudi Arabia will remain unchanged at three months. Hajj Visa: The validity of the Hajj visa will also remain unchanged at three months. Reason for the Change The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that this step is being taken to streamline visa management and facilitate the entry process for Umrah pilgrims. Ahmed Bajaeifer, an advisor at the National Committee for Umrah and Visit, said the decision is part of the ministry's preparations to handle the anticipated surge in Umrah pilgrims, especially during the cooler months when more people typically travel to Makkah and Madinah. The aim is to prevent overcrowding in the two holy cities. Earlier Initiatives Earlier this month, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced that holders of various other visa types—including personal and family visit visas, e-tourist visas, transit visas, and work visas—are also now eligible to perform Umrah. A statement said this decision was part of efforts to simplify procedures for pilgrims and expand the scope of services, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus greeted the Buddhist community of the country on the occasion of the Kathin Chibar Dan (Robe Offering Ceremony), one of the most important and biggest religious festivals of the Buddhist Community in Bangladesh, at Rajban Vihara in Rangamati. In a message on Wednesday, Professor Muhammad Yunus said, “I extend my greetings and congratulations to the Buddhists and other communities of Vihara on the occasion of the Kathin Chibar Dan Festival of Rajban Vihar in Rangamati. I extend my warmest greetings to the monks and all the pilgrims gathered for this festival. At the same time, I congratulate everyone involved in the publication of this souvenir.” He said hundreds of pilgrims will take part in the 49th two-day-long festival which will be held between October 30 and 31. Read More Romania Opens World's Biggest Orthodox Church CA said the offering of the Robe of the Rangamati Rajban Vihar is a shining example of the tradition of Buddhists. The offering of the Robe is not just a religious ritual; it is a festival of charity, restraint and human welfare. The teachings of Buddha - friendship and compassion for all living beings, transcending borders, caste and religion, are a universal truth. This teaching is a guide for humanity in today's turbulent world.  The Chief Adviser further said its relevance in building a conflict-free, peaceful, equal and just society is even more profound today. Compassion, cooperation and peaceful coexistence are necessary for sustainable human welfare and development, which can be achieved through the Kathin Chibar Dan.  He wished the overall success of all the events organized on the occasion of Rajvan Vihara's Kathin Chibar Dan 2025.

The construction of the largest Orthodox Christian church in the world took 15 years, with thousands flocking to the opening. It has an interior capacity for up to 5,000 worshippers. Thousands of pilgrims flocked to Romania's capital to consecrate religious paintings inside the world's largest Orthodox Christian church. The People's Salvation Cathedral, known as the National Cathedral, was opened after 15 years of construction as worshippers and officials arrived in droves. At its highest point the cathedral stands more than 125 meters (410 feet) and has an interior capacity for 5,000 worshippers in the conservative country. The cathedral's interior has been covered with frescoes and mosaics depicting saints and icons, which cover an area of 17,800 square meters (191,000 square feet), according the National Cathedral's website.   Read More First Female Archbishop Appointed to Lead Church of England Mega cathedral 15 years in the making Romania is one of the most devout countries in the European Union, with around 85% of the population identifying as religious. Construction for the cathedral began in 2010, and its altar was consecrated in 2018. It has so far cost a reported €270 million (USD 313 million), with the majority having been drawn from public funds. Some works are still yet to be completed. Sunday's service was attended by President Nicusor Dan and Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan. Many worshippers watched via TV screens set up outside the cathedral.  With one of the largest budget deficits in the EU, there has been some unhappiness about the cost of the project. Critics have bemoaned that the massive church has drawn on public funds, which could have been spent on schools or hospitals.

Shree Shyama Puja, one of the major religious festivals of the Bangladeshi Hindu community, will be celebrated across the country tomorrow (Monday).  Shyama Puja, also known as Kali Puja, features a special ritual called Deepavali -- the festival of lights. The Hindu community lights lamps (Pradeep) or candles at their houses, temples and crematoriums in memory of their ancestors during this ritual.  Goddess Kali signifies strength, wisdom and enlightenment. The ritual mainly starts on the night of Amavasya (new moon) of the Bengali calendar month Kartik. According to Hindu mythology, goddess Kali is the powerful and forceful aspect of Durga. Kali emerges as an aspect of the goddess Durga and fought a battle between divine and anti-divine forces.  Read More CA Meets Buddhist Community Leaders on Probarona Purnima During the battle, Kali was on a killing spree, and she began destroying everything that came into her sight. To stop her, Lord Shiva threw himself under her feet. Shocked by this, Kali stuck out her tongue in astonishment and put an end to her rampage. The main purpose of the puja is to seek the help of the goddess in destroying evil, both in the outside world and within human beings. Dhakeshwari National Temple, Ramkrishna Math and Mission, Siddheshwari Kali Mondir, Ramna Kali Mandir, Sri Sri Baradeshwari Kalimata Temple, Radha Gobinda Jeo Temple, Postogola crematorium, Biharilal Jeo Temple at Sutrapur, Gautam Mandir, Ramseeta Mandir, Shibmandir at Shankharibazar, Tanti Bazar and Bangla Bazar will arrange Kali Puja in the capital.  The largest Kali Puja celebration takes place in Shakhari Bazar and Tanti Bazar in the old part of the capital. A festive mood is already prevailing in the air of Shakhari Bazar and Tanti Bazar area as makeshift pandals were erected and temples were gorgeously decorated.