SourceLEICESTER, UK, October 26, 2004: With the flick of a switch, 6,000 bulbs will illuminate this city to mark the start of one of the biggest Deepavali celebrations outside of India. More than 70,000 people are expected to attend official events in this Asian dominated city over two days beginning October 31. The switch-on will follow a ceremony with cultural…
SourceYORKVILLE, ILLINOIS, October 26, 2004: In keeping with the Hindu values of unity and dharma, over 50 youth from across 9 Midwestern states and representing 14 different universities and 3 high schools came together at the Hindu Youth Retreat this past weekend (October 16-17, 2004). A core team of vibrant youth, led by the Hindu Students Council (HSC, “source” above)…
SourcePARIS, FRANCE, October 23, 2004: The UNESCO Executive Board unanimously decided to take action on the misuse of religious symbols and expressions at its 170th session in Paris on October 12 on a proposal by Sri Lanka. Fifteen countries cosponsored Sri Lanka’s proposal recommending that the UNESCO General Conference in 2005 adopt a Resolution on this issue that has received…
SourceRAJASTHAN, INDIA, October 21, 2004: A unique art form was discovered in Jaipur where the canvas is not cloth or paper, but sheer water. Sanjhi — paintings that float on water — are made as a tribute to Lord Krishna during this festive season. Over 200 years old, this rare art and has been kept alive by just one family…
SourceTHIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA, INDIA, October 25, 2004: HPI note: The following is an example of what the Christians call “inculturation,” the adoption of Hindu customs, beliefs and practices into a Christian setting in order to make the church as a whole more palatable to possible Hindu converts. St. George Orthodox Syrian Church in Thiruvananthapuram conducted Vidyarambham or the ceremony to initiate…
Source USA, October 25, 2004: HPI note: The following article appeared on the conservative Christian newsletter Religion Today. It claims to show how religious freedom is regularly curtailed in the US, though more specifically it reports mostly incidents of Christians being restricted from expressing their religion in public schools and other public settings. It shows the degree to which the…
SourceBATTICALOA, SRI LANKA, October 24, 2004: The Maha Kumbabishekam (dedication ceremony) of the unique Saptha Rishi temple, the Maha Mehru temple and the Maha Vishnu temple of Batticaloa will be held on October 30. It has been built under the divine instructions and guidance of Saptha Rishis and Maharishis. In this connection, a Maha Yagna will be conducted for a…
SourceJAMNAGAR, GUJARAT, INDIA, October 22, 2004: In Junagadh in Gujarat, the Garba is performed on a different rhythm, rather than a traditional one. A group of Africans, who came to India around the 12th century, have now assimilated the culture of their adopted home into Garba tunes. Most members of the band are ethnic or Sidhi Africans. And the Navaratras…
SourceBANGALORE, INDIA, October 23, 2004: Tribal and dalit arts and crafts tend to get neglected when compared to urban classical art forms. But in Bangalore an effort has been on for the last five years to bring together troupes and craftspeople from all over the country to make them self-sufficient, without the need for middlemen. For the folk artists and…
SourceDURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA, September 20 2004: Mahatma Gandhi continues to evoke reverence in South Africa, but his legacy is in danger of fading with some not seeing him as a hero and some simply unaware of his role. Key landmarks in Pietermaritzburg, Durban and Johannesburg have become pilgrimages for every visiting Indian dignitary, but Gandhi’s memory weakens each generation of…