From Ambia Bano to Ambia Mala, a spiritual journey to seek salvation
Varanasi:
Ambia Bano
, a Muslim woman of Bangladeshi origin from London, embraced
Sanatan Dharma
in Varanasi on Monday.She changed her name to
Ambia Mala
and performed the ritual of '
Pind Daan
' at Dashashwamedh Ghat in
Kashi
, praying for the salvation of her daughter who was lost 27 years ago during pregnancy.
The ritual was conducted by five Vedic Brahmins under the guidance of Kashi priests.Before the ritual began, Santosh Ojha, founder-secretary of the social organisation Aagman, invited her to accept Sanatan Dharma after a bath in the Ganga.
She underwent a purification process by consuming Panchagavya. After becoming a follower of Sanatan Dharma, her name was changed from Ambia Bano to Ambia Mala.On the occasion of Vaishakh Purnima, Acharya Pandit Dinesh Shankar Dubey initiated the 'Shraddha' ceremony with peace prayers in the afternoon, aiming for the liberation of her daughter who was lost in the womb. He was assisted by Pandit Sitaram Pathak, Krishnakant Purohit, Ramkrishna Pandey and Bhandari Pandey.Ambia Mala, 49, was originally from Srirampur, Bangladesh, and grew up in London. She married Neville Born Jr, a follower of Christianity, in London. Neville converted to Islam to marry Ambia. About a decade after their marriage, they divorced according to Islamic customs.Ambia said that in recent years, her daughter appeared in her dreams, asking for liberation. This led her to learn about Kashi through various media and reach out to the social organisation Aagman. After the ritual, Ambia feels not only happy but considers this a homecoming to Sanatan Dharma. She said that Sanatan Dharma emphasises peace, happiness, and the welfare of all.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Time of India
Justice Teekaa Raman retires from service
Chennai: The 20-year judicial career of Justice R M T Teekaa Raman, including nine years in , comes to an end on Friday. During his stint in the high court, he disposed of 43,550 cases — 20,307 cases in the principal seat in Chennai and 23,243 cases in the Madurai bench. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This includes 10 cases as part of a full bench, 8,979 as part of a division bench, and 14,254 as a single bench. A native of Vellore, Justice Teekaa Raman joined the Tamil Nadu judicial service in 2005 as a district judge. He was elevated as a judge of the Madras high court in 2016. His important judgments include the one he had passed in Dec 2023, holding that the removal of a wife's uterus due to ovarian cancer would not constitute mental cruelty, a ground for a husband to seek divorce. In July 2017, he held that family courts cannot treat husbands as 'armless soldiers' and pass maintenance awards in a mechanical manner. In an order dated Dec 22, 2023, Justice Teekaa Raman held that though Islamic law permits polygamous marriage, the husband must treat all the wives equally. In June 2024, the judge held that a live-in relationship with a married man cannot be treated as a relationship in the nature of marriage. In Dec 2016, he upheld the right of a Muslim woman to be the legal guardian of her child. In 2019, Justice Teekaa Raman was instrumental in permitting senior citizens to directly approach the RDO, instead of the civil courts, to cancel settlement deeds registered in favour of their children.
India Today
a day ago
- India Today
‘Eco-friendly bakra' for Id? What a Bhopal Hindu group's drive is all about
A Bhopal-based Hindu outfit that claims to represent Sanatan followers has prepared what it calls 'eco-friendly bakras' ahead of Bakrid and appealed to the Muslim community to 'sacrifice' these instead of living male Tiwari of the Sanskriti Bachao Manch told INDIA TODAY that Hindus are often reminded that their major festivals, such as Holi, Diwali and Ganesh Puja, add to environmental degradation. 'We have started using dry colours and organic gulal on Holi; we are using Ganesh idols made from eco-friendly material; and we have also reduced sound and air pollution by bursting fewer crackers on Diwali. We now appeal to the Muslim community to shun the sacrifice of animals and instead perform symbolic sacrifices,' said Tiwari, adding that the onus of being environment-friendly was on all 'eco-friendly bakra' being pitched is a life-size model of a goat. It is made of mud with hair plastered on it. How has the response to Sanskriti Bachao Manch's appeal been? Well, the 'eco-friendly bakras' have not found any takers yet in claimed he wanted to retail the models at half the cost price of Rs 2,000, the subsidy aimed at promoting the concept. When asked if he had the same advice for those Hindus who offer animal sacrifices, Tiwari said the practice of 'bali' (sacrifice) had waned and it was mostly being done symbolically using a pumpkin instead of an animal. 'We are even against meat shops and killings of any kind, including by Hindus,' he said. Tiwari has four 'eco-friendly bakra' models in his inventory, but said he could supply more at short notice if orders were placed. 'I also appeal to Hindus not to sell goats on Id,' he to India Today Magazine
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Eid Al Adha 2025: Date, History, Celebration and Significance of Bakrid
Eid ul Adha 2025: Eid ul Adha is a significant festival celebrated globally by the Muslim community. This day is regarded as the most auspicious occasion for all Muslims across the world. It is known as the Festival of Sacrifice. According to the Islamic calendar, Bakrid is observed on the 10th day of Dhul Hijjah. The date of the celebration changes each year based on the sighting of the crescent moon. In India, Eid ul Adha will be celebrated tomorrow, June 6, 2025 . Bakrid 2025 : Significance The festival of Eid ul Adha is commonly referred to as Bakrid. This day commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's readiness to sacrifice his son in obedience to Allah's command, demonstrating his unwavering devotion to Allah. It is believed that he faced temptation from the devil, yet his commitment to Allah was so strong that nothing could deter him from the act of sacrifice. In recognition of his faithfulness, Allah provided a sheep to be sacrificed in place of his son. Bakrid 2025: How it is celebrated? People from the Muslim community begin the day by offering prayers, or Namaz, to Allah early in the morning. Some individuals travel to Mecca during Eid, while others visit significant locations to seek Allah's blessings. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Descubra ofertas de voos imperdíveis Voos | Anúncios de Pesquisa Saiba Mais Undo The Eid prayer consists of two Rakat (two units of prayer), during which the Takbeer (Allah-u-Akbar) is proclaimed seven times. Following the prayer rituals, the act of sacrifice is performed. People exchange greetings and gifts, and engage in charitable acts by providing food, clothing, and money to those in need. Both men and women don new attire and celebrate the day by enjoying meals, with the giving of Eidi being a key tradition during Eid. Sweets are distributed among relatives, friends, and neighbors. Key Traditions and Celebrations of Bakra Eid Eid Prayers (Salat al-Eid): The day commences with a unique congregational prayer conducted in mosques or open spaces. This prayer includes two units (rak'ahs) followed by a sermon (khutbah). The sermon highlights themes of sacrifice, compassion, and community. Qurbani (Sacrifice): After the prayers, Muslims, who are financially sound, perform the ritual sacrifice of an animal, usually a goat, or sheep. The meat is divided into three portions: one-third for the family, one-third for relatives and friends, and one-third for the less fortunate. Charity and Giving: Eid al-Adha is the day for making donations and charity. Muslims are urged to support those in need, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festivities. This includes distributing meat from the sacrifice and providing financial help to those who require it. Family and Community Gatherings: Families unite to share meals, exchange gifts, and celebrate together. Traditional dishes are prepared, and homes are frequently adorned to commemorate the festive occasion. Applying henna and donning new attire are also an integral part of the celebrations. Public Festivities: In nations such as the UAE, Eid al-Adha is celebrated as public holiday and grand festivities, including cultural events. Bakrid 2025: FAQs When will Eid Ul Adha be celebrated in India? In India, Eid ul Adha will be celebrated on June 6, 2025. Why Eid Al Adha is known as Bakrid? Eid ul Adha is commonly referred to as Bakrid. On this day, individuals perform the sacrifice of an animal in devotion to Allah.
