USA, September 23, 2011: [HPI note: Quite some time has passed since The Atlantic, a literary and cultural commentary magazine for the intellectual elite, first used the word “Hindoo.” It was in 1857, the year the magazine started, used in the context of a commentary on British colonialism.
The Hindu — or “Hindoo” — religion was mentioned as such on February 1859, as a passing example of a backwards culture — ironically, in an article in which the civilized writer debated the merits and perils of the prospect of teaching American women… the alphabet.
From such a disappointing start, it is encouraging to see how far Hindus have come in the way they are seen in America. Today Hindus are seen as doctors, IT engineers, personal friends and even, sometimes, as the future in-laws of many American families. There is genuine interest, and even admiration, for Hinduism.
154 years after that first lackluster mention in the Atlantic, Hindus can see how far their religion has come in a slideshow published by The Atlantic on its website this week. A few photos may be objectionable to some readers, but overall it focuses on the unrivaled beauty of the Hindu faith.
What follows is the opening paragraph of the slideshow.]
Hindus around the world — from South Asia to Britain and beyond — observe many colorful holidays throughout the year. Recent festivals include the Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrating the birth of the elephant-headed deity, and Janamashtami, the birth anniversary of the God Krishna. The range of experiences at these celebrations runs from joyfully loud and spectacular to solemn and contemplative. Each devotee celebrates in a distinct, personal way even while joining the larger community. Hinduism is the world’s third-largest religion; the majority of its one billion adherents are concentrated in India, but sizable communities exist all over the globe. I hope you enjoy these vivid, intriguing glimpses of Hindu festivals photographed over the past few months.
See it here.