So most Christians, the origin of Christmas is tied directly with the birth of Jesus Christ as detailed in the bible. But there are a number of customs and traditions related to Christmas which have absolutely nothing to do with the celebration of the birth of Christ.

For example Dec. 25th is the Christmas day. However no one is actually sure exactly when Christ was born. It was most likely in late summer or early fall about 2,000 years ago. So the use of this date probably originated with the ancient birthday of the son god Mithra who was a pagan deity. The significance of this deity became widespread in the Roman Empire during the first few centuries after the birth of Christ.

This lead to a celebration of various Pagan deities around this time of year. Eventually Rome converted this Pagan celebration to a celebration of the god Saturn and the rebirth of the god during the winder solstice period. This winter holiday became known as Saturnalia and it began a week prior to December 25th. This festival was characterized by gift giving, feasts and merriment. It was a very joyous and festive time.

Variations of this holiday flourished during the first few centuries of the new millennium. But in 336AD, Emperor Constantine officially converted this pagan holiday into the Christian holiday of Christmas.

Many people think that President Obama is Muslim, and while that may be part of his childhood, he has professed on many occasions that he does practice Christianity and has for at least 20 years. He says that he and his family regularly attend church and they use the Bible. He has stated this fact many times, but it is still widely reported that he is an avid Muslim which has turned out to be false information.

Many people also wonder about Michelle Obama. The First Lady is 5’11” tall which makes her one of the tallest First Ladies in history. She has reported this information herself on some of the most popular morning shows. She met Barack at a law firm where she was employed as a lawyer at the time and they were then married in 1992.

There are many facts about Barack Obama that are incorrect, and finding accurate information may prove to be a challenge. If you are looking for more facts about this interesting President you may have to do some looking to find the facts that are relative and true.

Hijab wearing female in the country have told Radio Free Europe (RFE) that police have already initiated approaching them (women) for identity papers. The police have particularly said the women not to get the hijab on first September as their loose-fitting garments can be used by terrorists to hide explosives or their identities

In a video message, Obama said ‘These rituals remind us of the principles that we hold in common, and Islam’s role in advancing justice, progress, tolerance, and the dignity of all human beings.’ He told the US will keep on isolating violent extremists. He added ‘America will always stand for the universal rights of all people to speak their mind, practice their religion, contribute fully to society and have confidence in the rule of law.’

The Indian High Commission makes a set-up all over Trinidad and Tobago to provide opportunities for everybody to learn, understand and practice Hindi. The diplomat was talking on Tuesday at the twenty-sixth anniversary celebrations of the Edinburgh Hindu Temple, Chaguanas. Mohan Persad, Leela Jugmohan, Indra Juman, and Suresh Jaisir were addressee of this temple’s anniversary awards. He said: ‘Its (Hinduism) teaching is universal and cuts across ethnic, cultural, social or geographical limitations. Hinduism in inclusive and welcoming.’ More than 24 percent in 1.3 million populations are practicing Hindus, and there are around 200 temples spread in the country.

Mishra said that Hinduism has three facets such as mythology, ritual and philosophy all which combined build it eternal and outstanding. He said ‘One must delve in Hinduism for self-discovery and the full meaning and interpretation of life.’

Spiritual leader, Pundit Ramesh Tiwari said the Edinburgh Hindu Temple always provides spiritual as well as social services to its devotees. Tiwari told ‘We have been able to do this with a dynamic team of Hindus. We understand that whatever education you might have acquired, if one does not have human kindness then all schooling and accomplishments amount to nothing. Service to humanity is one of the important virtues of a human being.’ Hinduism was appeared by immigrants who landed here between 1845 and 1917 to job on the sugar plantations.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki told he would review security arrangements all over the country to fight the current threat of terrorism. The US administration has been gradually withdrawing troops from the country and handed control of major cities and towns to the Iraqi military. To say about yesterday blasts, the Pentagon told the attacks could not manipulate the US withdrawal policy.

Conservative Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has sealed the Jeddah bureau of Lebanese channel LBC TV network as it broadcasted an interview with a Saudi man talking about his sexual experiences.After on aired the shocking interview, law enforcing agency arrested 32-year-old Mazen Abdul-Jawad last month from the Red Sea city of Jeddah. Jawad recounting details of his personal sexual escapades on Lebanon-based LBC channel. He spoke in front of camera about how couples can bring spice up their sex lives. Divorced Jawad gave the interview from his bedroom in Jeddah.

He said “Everything happens in this room,” before starting descriptions of foreplay techniques, practices and tricks for cruising ladies on Jeddah’s streets. The father of four disclosed that on an episode of the Salacious Show “Ahmar Bilkhat al-Areed” (Wide Red Lines).

The Ministry of Culture & Information in Riyadh said a powerful committee had taken decision to lock the Jeddah office of LBC due to airing the interview. Additionally, authorities closed other offices in the kingdom of LBC that is chiefly owned by Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal reported the daily al-Watan

Abdul-Jawad was charged with exposing vice publicly and attorneys say he can sentence the capital punishment. Like many traditional Arab countries, KSA makes illegal sexually explicit content on Media.

Girls dressed in fineries and daubed foreheads of the brothers with vermilion. After that tied colorful Rakhis on brother’s wrists with prayed for their happiness. A student of Jawaharlal Nehru University Riti said “It is a festival which is so close to my heart. I woke up early in the morning and offered puja for my elder brother. Then I tied a Rakhi on his hand in turn he pledged to protect me from all adversities.”

On the other hand, citizen from South India are celebrating today the Avaniatam festival. In this festival Brahmins go to temples to make puja and afterwards change their holy threads. Among the participant in the festival, an engineering student G. Arvind said “We went to the nearby temple for the puja to change our poonal (sacred thread). The rituals went on for around two hours. A lot of delicacies are being prepared at home and I am waiting to feast upon them.”

To maintain to the extra rush of devotees, Delhi Metro has decided to operate today 60 extra trips. Besides, the DMRC will deploy additional staff to serve to the further rush of commuters. The administration has offered today free travel for women in the DTC buses and low-floor buses to ease their trip to the houses of their brothers. For the festivals, tight security has been imposed on streets and crowded places. A lot of security forces have deployed in markets, popular hangouts like India Gate and amusement parks to avoid any unpleasant incident. All security system is centrally monitored.

Temple Chairman S Sinnathamby said the temple is the first glass temple of its type over the world and built at the expenditure of RM3 million Sinnathamby told 95% of the temple’s walls, domes, pillars and ceiling were adorned with above a million pieces of colorful glasses which imported from Japan, Thailand, and Belgium. He said “The glassworks were carefully placed together by nine Myanmar workers. Motifs and symbols like Swastika, Namam and Sri Chakra were created from the glasswork in seven colors.” Sinnathamby mentioned the glass temple was built on the land awarded in 1922 by the Sultan of Johor and in 1996, renovated for the first time.

It was for long time maintained by a local association of Kashmir Pandits guided by Pandit Radha Krishen. In 1989 after Krishen’s migration from Kashmir, the Mamalaka temple became a protected monument and property of the state Archaeology, Archives & Museum Department. At the time of leaving, Pandit handed the charge over the temple to his Muslim friend Abdul Bhat. Pandit requested Bhat to keep the temple’s gates open and keeping the promise, Abdul Bhat took care of this temple until he transferred from the region in 2004.

After the migration of Pandits from a nearby village, 2 Muslim priests were appointed here. The priests are Ghulam Hassan and Mohmmad Abdullah. They kept the temple’s doors open & bells continued to toll. Ghulam Hasan said to a visiting reporter “We not only took care of temple but also held ‘Aartis’ everyday.” They are ensuring the safety of “Shivling” (3 ft-long black stone). The priests have also ensured no devotee leave the place without Prasad.

Abdullah and Hassan both were entrusted with the duty of maintaining this temple. They said “We have faith in Lord Shiva. We not only maintained the temple, undertook repairs but also ensured that the temple remains fully functional despite threats from the militants.” They added “We have fulfilled our task of guarding this shrine for Kashmiri Pandits. It is theirs. We wish they return and take back the control of the temple.”