Imagine this: millions of people, all gathered at one place, eager to dip into sacred rivers. That's exactly what happened at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India. But the event took a tragic turn when a massive stampede left at least 30 people dead and many injured. The chaos broke out as pilgri
Early Wednesday morning, a horrific event unfolded at the Maha Kumbh Mela in the city of Prayagraj, India. Millions of Hindu pilgrims had gathered to perform a sacred bathing ritual in the waters where the Ganges and Yamuna rivers meet, considered one of the holiest spots on earth. As dawn broke, ch
Early Wednesday morning, a crowd crush occurred at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India. This happened when a barrier broke during a sacred day of the Hindu festival. Devotees were there to bathe in the holy waters of three rivers: the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Local officials s
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Nigeria, small church congregations found their routines upended by restrictions and lockdowns. This study looked at how these smaller churches, with their limited resources and social networks, handled these sudden changes. One thing became clear: the pandemic forced
Ever wondered what it's like to live a life dedicated to unity and giving? Let's take a peek into the world of the Focolare Movement. This worldwide community, rooted in the Catholic Church, encourages its members to live simple lives, focusing on love and togetherness. They take vows of chastity, p
Mariano Rivera, the renowned Yankees pitcher, and his wife Clara are embroiled in a legal battle. The couple is accused of not protecting a young girl who was sexually abused at a church camp in Florida in 2018. The girl was around 10 or 11 years old at the time. Clara, who is a pastor, promised to
Imagine you're a Syrian refugee who's just arrived in Canada with your kids. How often you talk about religion with them might depend on where you settle. A recent study looked at Syrian refugees in Quebec and other provinces. The big difference? Quebec has strict rules about public religious expres
Ever wondered how supernatural beliefs shape our behavior and social norms? Let's take a look at witchcraft in Mauritius. A recent study found that people believe witchcraft is fueled by envy, and this belief can enforce social rules about not causing envy. In the first study, involving 445 particip
Something extraordinary is happening in northern India. The Maha Kumbh festival, the world's largest religious event, has just begun. This massive celebration occurs once every 12 years, drawing millions of people. This year, the festival kicked off on Monday at the holy city of Prayagraj, where thr
In today's multicultural Germany, many young adults prefer partners from their own religious background—a trend known as religious homophily. A recent study, using data from a survey among young Christians and Muslims, found interesting patterns. Both men and women generally want partners of the sam
