Source Hinduism was organized for peaceful and harmonious coexistence, not for continued confrontation with external enemies in the shape of unbelievers. It is no accident of history that, though Hinduism knew internal feuds like any social polity, it never crossed its borders to wage wars against people simply because they worshiped different Gods. Organized on such nonmilitary principles, there is…
Source MALAYSIA, August 21, 2020 (The Star): There will be no chariot processions for the Vinayagar Chaturthi festival tomorrow, says Malaysian Hindu Sangam president. Datuk R.S. Mohan Shan explained that temples had decided to cancel their customary chariot processions as it would be very difficult to follow the National Security Council’s (MKN) standard operating procedures (SOP) under the recovery movement…
Source JAMMU, INDIA, August 16, 2020 (Indian Express): After nearly five months, the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage in Trikuta hills of Jammu and Kashmir resumed on Sunday morning, with 244 pilgrims proceeding to the holy shrine from Katra till 6.30 pm. The Vaishno Devi pilgrimage had been suspended on March 18 in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. On August 4,…
Source “Here, the stones shall inspire spirituality.” — His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, said of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, London
Source LONDON, ENGLAND, August 20, 2020 (BAPS.org): In August 1995, His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj inaugurated BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, creating history — it was the first traditional Hindu mandir of its kind in the western hemisphere — and crafting the future for thousands of worshippers and well-wishers. Affectionately known as “London Mandir” and “Neasden Temple,” this mandir continues…
Source I have nothing new to teach the world, Truth and nonviolence are as old as the hills.— Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)
Source BENGALURU, INDIA, August 13, 2020 (Deccan Chronicle): Youth, including those from the Muslim community, decided to protect a temple when a mob was going on a rampage here after being irked over a social media post on an allegedly communally sensitive issue. A video of the youth quickly forming the human chain to protect the Hanuman temple on Shampura…
Source INDIA, August 8, 2020 (Swarajyamag by Ashwin Sanghi): Hindus do not expect an apology from anyone. But my generation is equally unwilling to apologize for being Hindu. We are also tired of being the ones who have to regularly prove how secular we are. August 5, 2020 marked the bhoomi pujan of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. I have…
Source AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, August 8, 2020 (Indiatimes.com): Hindu Press International readers may enjoy this charming video of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s visit to the Shri Radha Krishna temple where, after removing her shoes, she is welcomed by the temple officials, a loud conch and honored by the priest. According to this report on indiatimes.com, “The video has…
Source LAHORE, PAKISTAN, August 10, 2020 (by Yaqoob Khan Bangash, a historian at Information Technology University Lahore): It has now become fashionable to quote Jinnah’s August 11, 1947 speech every year on its anniversary to feel good that Pakistan was created on broad-based liberal principles, and also to give a sop to the minorities that there is hope – still.…