SourceCHICAGO, ILLINOIS, August 9, 2004: For thousands of Hindus in the United States, a temple in Bartlett was transformed through age-old rituals into holy ground Sunday morning. “Before the ceremonies, it was just a structure, an architectural beauty,” BAPS Shree Swaminarayan devotee Uttam Dubal said of the building, part of a $15 million, 27-acre BAPS complex in Illinois. “Now the…
Religion News Service FLUSHING, NEW YORK, August 17, 2004: The next chapter of an entrenched legal battle for control of one of the largest Hindu temples in North America will be written in federal court. The twisting tale of the Hindu Temple Society of North America in Flushing, N.Y., is one of disputed bylaws, an authoritarian board of trustees and…
SourceNEW DELHI, INDIA, August 13, 2004: Septuagenarian Guru Valmiki Banerjee is not a happy man these days. The doyen of classical dance is appalled by the denigration of art and culture in India. Referred to as the “Brahma of the dance world” by noted Odissi exponent Mayadhar Raut, Banerjee has been instrumental in introducing various dance techniques in ballets with…
Source LABASA, FIJI, August 17, 2004: A man who destroyed statues of Hindu Deities in a temple at Labasa earlier this month was yesterday granted bail by Magistrate Ramachandra Rudranathan. Onisivoro Tuiwainikai, 27, of Vunimoli, Labasa, pleaded not guilty damaging property, larceny and three counts of insult to religion. Tuiwainikai, who was represented by lawyer Harry Robinson, is alleged to…
SourceBEAVERTON, OREGON, August 15, 2004: This article in the Los Angeles Times reports on comments President Bush made during campaign meetings in Oregon. Excerpts: President Bush’s critics accuse him of wearing his religious faith on his sleeve. But this last week, the president more often seemed to be keeping it under a bushel. At town hall-style events from Niceville, Fla.,…
SourceBRISTOL, UK, August 16, 2004: A Bristol museum is hosting workshops this week that it hopes can help brothers and sisters realize their value to one another. The workshops at the British Empire and Commonwealth Museum will explore the ancient Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates the special bond between siblings. The festival includes the ritual tying a thread…
SourceCHENNAI, INDIA, July 27, 2004: The ongoing demolition work in Tirumala, as part of the works to construct a mahapraharam (large enclosed courtyard) has come in for criticism from Vaishnavites throughout the country and efforts are on by Vaishnavite acharyas to consolidate the support in a bid to halt the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) move. Addressing a press conference here…
SourceWASHINGTON, D.C., August 13, 2004: Republican Congressman and Co-chairman of the India Caucus Joe Wilson has reiterated his support for a Diwali stamp proposal, saying it would “send a positive message to the Indian American community.” “I believe the issuance of a Diwali stamp would send a positive message to the Indian American community about their assimilation and acceptance into…
SourceRICHMOND, VIRGINIA, August 10, 2004: Emma Brodeur’s mission was to introduce her two friends and suggest something for them to talk about, begins this entertaining article. “Catherine, I’d like to introduce you to my friend Taku,” 12-year-old Emma said politely. Taku Harada, 8, stood from his chair and made eye contact with Catherine McGuigan, 8. They extended hands and shook…
SourceWIMBLEDON, ENGLAND, August 12, 2004: Hundreds of Hindu devotees in traditional dress took to the Wimbledon streets to celebrate the colorful summer festival of Thiruvilzha. The event, on July 25, was organized by the Shree Ghanapathy Temple in Effra Road, South Park Estate Residents’ Association, the Metropolitan Police and Merton Council. A beautifully decorated chariot carrying the icons of sacred…