Barak own

US has first African American as President, catholic as Vice-Prez.Overcoming their nation’s torturous racial history, American voters overwhelmingly elected Barack Obama as the first black president of the United States, turning to the inspiring young senator as their best hope to revive a country weary from economic turmoil and war.Obama tore up the US political map as he defeated John McCain, the veteran Republican senator who had struggled in vain to distance himself from George W Bush’s unpopular presidency. Obama captured states once seen as Republican strongholds, including Florida, Indiana and Virginia, while defending all traditionally Democratic states.The election of Obama, the son of black Kenyan man and a white Kansan woman, is a remarkable turning point for a nation that denied the vote to many African Americans just decades ago.“If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer,” Obama said at a victory rally before more than 100,000 supporters in Chicago’s Grant Park. After almost two years of campaigning on a theme of hope and change, Obama told the crowd, “Change has come to America.”Obama scored a decisive win the in the electoral vote, the state-by-state tally that determines the winner. Needing 270 votes to claim the presidency, Obama had 349 to McCain’s 163, with Missouri and North Carolina too close to call.By comparison, Bush won the White House twice, and never tallied more than 286 electoral votes. The largely symbolic popular vote was much closer: Obama had 52 per cent to 46 per cent.Voter turnout, still being counted, was expected to shatter records. The race was the most rivetting in memory, and certainly the longest and most expensive. Obama and McCain had been on the campaign train for almost two years.McCain called his former rival to concede defeat and mark the end of his own 10-year quest for the White House. “This is an historic election, and I recognise the special significance it has for African-Americans and the special pride that must be theirs tonight,” McCain told supporters in Arizona.“These are difficult times for our country. And I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face.” Bush added his congratulations from the White House and promised a smooth transition.“What an awesome night for you,” he told Obama, who picked a seasoned Senate veteran, Joseph Biden of Delaware, as his running mate. Biden will be the first Roman Catholic vice president.Vital stats•Obama secured 349 electoral votes to McCain’s 163•Popular vote was much closer: Obama 52 pc; McCain 46 per cent•Obama earned 62.98 million votes nationwide and McCain, 55.78 million

19 days of pro-democracy movement

Assessing that more than 70,000 devotees will take part in the celebration Chhath festival

Assessing that more than 70,000 devotees will take part in the celebration, preparations for the Chhath festival has been completed in the Kathmandu Valley on Monday.
The number of Chhath celebrants has increased in the Valley this year because of obstruction of the East-West Highway by the devastating Koshi deluge and adoption of the festival by people other than that of the Mithila descent. Many people from the eastern Terai across the Koshi River could not return home to celebrate this festival this year.
More than 40,000 devotees are believed to be participating in the religious carnival of Chhath at Thapathali Ghat along the Bagmati River alone Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning, said Satish Jha, secretary of Chhath Pooja Committee. “This will be double of the last year’s participation,” he added.
Devotees, principally women, throng the river banks and the ponds to worship the setting sun on the eve and the rising sun on the main day of the festival to break their fast.
According to Shree Prasad Sah, coordinator of the Chhath Festival Celebration Main Committee, preparations have been made for 35,000 devotees for the Chhath celebration at Ranipokhari.
To perform the rituals of the festival last year about 25,000 people thronged the artificial pond built by King Pratap Malla three centuries ago at the hub of the capital city.
A study shows that 15 per cent of total devotees who take part in the carnival are non-Terai people. “Because of the participation of other communities in this festival, communal harmony and brotherhood have been developed,” Jha said.
Taking into the increasing number of devotees into consideration, the area for performing rituals have been increased up to one kilometre at Thapathali along the Bagmati.
Besides Thapathali and Ranipokhari, the Chhath pooja will be performed at Guheshwori, Manahara, Kuleshwor Mahadev, Naxal Nagpokhari, Chiplekhola at Nagdhunga, and Balaju

Some pictures of nationalwide Victory rallies of Nepal

Bhai Tika observed

Bhai-Tika, the final day of the Yama Panchaka, has been observed with great zeal across the country on Thursday.
Concluding the five-day long festival, people from all walks of life received well wishes and prayers form their sisters to mark the Bhai-Tika today.
Sisters offer seven colours as Tika on the forehead of their brothers, and put garland of marigold and Makhamali around latter’s neck. Prior to that they inunct brothers with mustard oil. Oil and Makhamali flowers are symbols of longevity.
Sisters pray for long life and prosperity of their brothers with Lord Yamaraja this day.
Likewise, brothers also offer gifts such as clothes and Dakshina (money) to sisters while sisters give a special gift known as Sagun (which is a mixture of curd, dried fruits, nuts, and candies).
The time between 11:35 am to 12:55 noon was the most auspicious for Bhai-Tika, according to astrologers. The sisters could however offer Tika at any time on the day.
Nonetheless, Bhai-Tika has always been auspicious during noon time.
According to the Hindu mythology, even Yamaraja, the god of death, visits his sister Yamuna during the five days of Yama-Panchaka and receives Tika from her.
Hindu legends mention a story of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, offering Bhai-Tika to King Bali during noon this day which is the second day of the waning moon in the holy month of Kartik.