Hindus Travel To Pakistan to Teach Sivaratri Rituals

SourceLAHORE, PAKISTAN, March 8, 2005: More than 2,000 Hindu pilgrims have crossed over to Pakistan to participate in the three-day Maha Sivaratri festival at Katas Raj Mandir in Chakwal in an effort to teach the nuances of the rituals associated with the festival. “Pakistani Hindus, especially those in Punjab, do not know the proper way to worship and use photographs…

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Indian Middle-Class Youth Value Religion

Religion Watch NewsletterINDIA, March 6, 2005: Religion is alive and well among Indian youth, who generally seems to hold rather conservative values on family and motherland, and show pride of being Indian, according to a recent survey. The Indian newsmagazine India Today devoted its entire January 31 issue to what young, middle-class people in Indian cities “think, do and want…

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Mahasivaratri Festival on March 8 Celebrated by Hindus in Nepal

SourceKATHMANDU, NEPAL, March 7, 2005: (HPI note: Mahasivaratri is being celebrated by Hindus all over the world tomorrow, but no doubt Nepal has a special place in the tradition with its Pasupatinath Temple. The events here are similar–though more spectacular–to what is done at all Siva temples.) Among the numerous festivals of Nepal, Maha Sivaratrai is worthy to note in…

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UK Hindus Release New Book on Hinduism For Government Schools

SourceLONDON, ENGLAND, March 7, 2005: Jay Lakhani announced today the release of Hinduism For Schools, written by Seeta Lakhani and edited by Jay. The 133-page, all-color book is replacing the material used in UK public schools to teach Hinduism. The book is produced to a high standard of writing, illustration and color printing on glossy paper. It is one of…

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Law Sides With Students Against Corporal Punishment

SourceKOLKATA, INDIA, February 18, 2005: In 2003, acting Chief Justice Altamas directed the state to enforce a school education department circular banning corporal punishment and canning in schools. So when the headmistress of Barisha Vivekananda Balika Vidyalaya acted inappropriately and cruelly toward students at her school, the Calcutta High Court took up the issue with the state education department. The…

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Reforesting Project for the Sacred Arunachala Mountain

SourceTIRUVANAMMALAI, INDIA, March 2, 2005: Tiruvanammalai is a bustling city in the state of Tamil Nadu near the south-east tip of India. Dominating the landscape is the sacred mountain Arunachala, which is considered a form of Lord Siva. A temple was built at the base of the mountain more than 1,000 years ago, and over the centuries, millions of pilgrims…

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Hindu Temple Project Approved in California

San Bernardino SunSAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA, March 3, 2005: Apple Valley Hindus rejoiced Wednesday night as plans were approved for the only Hindu temple between Riverside, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada. The Planning commission unanimously voted to reverse its January rejection of the Krishna Valley Temple at 13356 Apple Valley Road. The approval was a victory for a growing Hindu population…

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Hinduism Today Reviewed in Arizona Newspaper

SourceARIZONA, USA, March 6, 2005: The following review of our April, 2005, issue is by Dan Kincaid of The Arizona Republic: Hinduism Today: This quarterly provides a glimpse into the ancient faith of India that has spread around the globe. You’ll find all kinds of articles and news on Hinduism and Hindus, many of them focusing on the concerns of…

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