The replica, which has been approved by the Vatican, is open to the public until June 30.

The replica was created using more than 2.7 million photographs printed on cloth and hung from a metal framework.

The replica includes the frescos of Michelangelo, and sculptures and decorations also adorn the model.

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Each diocese in Ireland has been directed to have guidelines governing the filming and photography of children while they are on church grounds.

The move derives from standards issued by the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland (NBSCCC) in 2008.

"It's to avoid a situation whereby photos get into the wrong hands of potential abusers," said Ger Kenny, spokesman for the NBSCCC.

"The risk issue is people will be taking pictures of kids who are not related to them, and for inappropriate reasons."

Annette O'Donnell, spokeswoman for the Dublin archdiocese, said there is a ban on taking photographs during any religious ceremony in the archdiocese.

These include Confirmations, Baptisms and weddings.

"The guidance issued to all churches is that no photography is allowed during Mass," she said.

"Parents are not allowed take pictures during Mass.

"Our child protection officers tell our parishes not to allow photography without parental consent."

But parental consent is impossible to give while the Mass is ongoing, she explained.

Ms O'Donnell said the guidelines have a twofold objective.

"One is for child protection reasons, the other is that it would be a huge distraction for the religious ceremony taking place."

She said the photo ban is "best practice" for anyone dealing with groups of children, whether they are in "churches, schools or sports clubs".

Church officials in Northern Ireland said the photo ban will not be extended there.

A spokesperson for Clogher Diocese said: "Our safeguards are always under review and at this moment a blanket ban is perhaps at one extreme."

"We discourage photography during the service," the Clogher spokesperson said.

"However, we work with parents and schools and we come to some arrangement which safeguards the children, which is fundamental."

Sources

• Global Pulse
• Irish Independent
• Belfast Telegraph
• Image: Tripadvisor

The festival of Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over dark, good over evil and knowledge over darkness.

Diwali is one of the biggest festivals in the Hindu calendar and there are multiple reasons why Hindus celebrate this festival.

The most popular narrative, based in the ancient Sanskrit epic Ramayana, is of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana returning to their kingdom Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. On that dark new moon night, the residents of Ayodhya joyfully lit oil lamps to welcome Rama, Sita and Lakshmana back to the kingdom.

Following in that tradition, Hindus celebrate Diwali by lighting oil lamps, bursting firecrackers, cleaning and decorating their homes, distributing sweet delicacies and gathering with friends and family.

In Hindu homes around the world, people gather to offer prayers to Sita and Rama, Radha and Krishna, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, Ganesh, the god of auspiciousness.

For many in the Hindu community, Diwali is also the beginning of a new year. A popular greeting around this time is "Shubh Diwali."

In the Sikh tradition, Diwali commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, who was imprisoned by the Mughal emperor Jahangir.

Continue reading and see images of Diwali being celebrated around the world.

Source: Huffington Post

Image: AP Photo/Rajanish Kakade