MALAYSIA, October 19, 2025 (YouTube): When Deepavali arrives in Kampung Chetti, Melaka, it’s a unique celebration that lights up a 500-year-old Peranakan heritage. The Chettis–meaning traders–are a unique Indian Peranakan community descended from Tamil merchants who settled in Melaka centuries ago. Though many no longer speak the Tamil language, they have incorporated Malay and Chinese influences, while preserving their Hindu…
CENTALLO, ITALY, October 20, 2025 (La Stampa, translated from Italian): “Jai Shri Krishna,” is a Sanskrit expression that translates to “Glory to Krishna,” one of the main Deities of Hinduism. The phrase is displayed at the temple’s entrance on a colorful banner, flanked by Ganesha, the elephant-headed God revered for His wisdom, intelligence and ability to remove obstacles, and Hanuman,…
AYODHYA, INDIA, October 19, 2025 (Gulf News): Ayodhya once again dazzled the world with a record-breaking Deepotsav celebration, illuminating the banks of the Saryu River with more than 2.6 million oil lamps on Sunday — the largest display of diyas ever recorded. According to officials, 2.617 million diyas were lit simultaneously at Ram Ki Paidi and 56 ghats, while 2,128…
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 2, 2025 (pewresearch.org): Over the past decade, the share of people affiliated with a religion has fallen by at least five percentage points in 35 countries, including drops of 17 points in Australia and Chile, and 13 points in the United States. The article explains this pattern by drawing on a recent study published in Nature Communications,…
CEUTA, SPAIN, October 16, 2025 (El Faro De Ceuta, translated from Spanish): Ceuta was once again filled with light and color for Diwali, the great Hindu festival. This Thursday afternoon witnessed the official lighting of the lights, announcing the beginning of one of the most anticipated celebrations for this community. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, represents the…
NEW DELHI, INDIA, October 19, 2025 (NDTV): Canada Post has released a new stamp to celebrate Diwali 2025, continuing an annual tradition which began in 2017. The stamp showcases a Rangoli pattern and features the word Diwali in both Hindi and English. It’s been released in recognition of the country’s cultural diversity, Canada Post said. Diwali is a major festival…
BALI, September 20, 2025 (Bali Portal News): Hindus across the archipelago once again celebrated the Holy Day of Tumpek Landep on Saturday (September 20, 2025), which falls every 210 days (six months). On this day, various metal objects, such as motorcycles, cars, and computers, are decorated with coconut leaves and flowers, and offerings (banten) are offered as a symbol of…
PENANG, MALAYSIA, October 5, 2025 (MSN): Penang Arulmigu Sri Maha Mariamman Temple’s new chariot for the Navarathiri festival is being unveiled today. The 23.6 foot-high chariot bearing Goddess Durga will begin its processional journey from the temple in Queen Street, circle Little India and return to the temple. Designed specifically for this nine-day festival, it replaces the temple’s 20-year-old wooden…
LOS ANGELES , CALIFORNIA, October 7, 2025 (Santa Maria Times): California has become the third U.S. state to designate Diwali — the Hindu “Festival of Lights” — as an official statewide holiday. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law Tuesday to go into effect on Jan. 1. It would authorize public schools and community colleges to close on Diwali.…
JAMMU AND KASMIR, October 4, 2025 (Organiser): For the first time in over three decades, Srinagar, the summer capital of J&K, came alive with the grandeur and fervor of Dussehra (the tenth day, after the nine-day Navarati festival). On October 2, thousands of Kashmiri Hindus, alongside Hindus and people from other communities, gathered at the Sher-e-Kashmir cricket stadium to celebrate…
