SourceKATHMANDU, NEPAL, October 2, 2003: Maoist rebels in Nepal have reportedly begun a nine-day truce called as a goodwill gesture during the country’s biggest Hindu festival. The temporary ceasefire was due to begin on Thursday morning, and by late afternoon security officials had reported no unrest. Maoist leader Prachanda last week announced the October 2-10 ceasefire during the Dasain festival,…
SourceNEW ZEALAND, October 4, 2003: Asia 2000 held its first Diwali Festival, India’s Festival of Lights, in Wellington and Auckland last year. Around 70,000 people attended these exciting events and 2003 is shaping up to be just as popular. Diwali gives Aucklanders and Wellingtonians a chance to experience a traditional Indian festival right here in New Zealand with scrumptious food,…
SourceBAHRAIN, October 2, 2003: The Bongiyo Samaj began its annual celebration of Sharad Utsav, part of the Navaratri Festival, yesterday. The celebration will continue until October 24 at the Thattai Hindu Mercantile Community Hall in Manama, capital of Bahrain in the Gulf region. An Indian priest/astrologer will be conducting the rituals, said club president Gopinath Mandal. Cultural shows will also…
SourceNEW DELHI, INDIA, October 2, 2003: Durga Puja is a grand annual ritual, and this year Milan Samiti of CR Park in New Delhi has added a special touch by going eco-friendly. Hogla patta (dry leaves from the Sunderbans) have been used for decoration. A clever play of lights, procured from Chandanpur, tells a story graphically, and terra-cotta is used…
Religion News Service 2003CLEVELAND, OHIO, September 23, 2003: Many Hindu priests are in America on a “religious worker” visa, and the following case report will be of interests to temple trustees overseeing this visa for their priests: Ever since Sisters Mary Cecilia and Mary Catharina Laboure received a rejection notice from the Department of Homeland Security’s immigration division denying them…
SourceSAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, October 1, 2003: The San Francisco Vegetarian Society (“source” above) is one among many organizations celebrating a “World Vegetarian Day” at the beginning of October, which is also World Vegetarian Month. Their announcement states, “We are celebrating our 4th World Vegetarian Day Festival and 35th Anniversary Celebration at the San Francisco County Fair Building (Hall of Flowers…
The Times, LondonLONDON, U.K., September 23, 2003: The ancient Indian tradition of Kathak is bringing myth and a magical glow to British stages. Nobody knows the exact origins of kathak dance. Nurtured in the Hindu temples and village squares of northern India, it was performed by an itinerant community of storytellers. Their subjects were epic mythological and moral tales, usually…
SourceORISSA, INDIA, September 27, 2003: Goddess Durga, depicted as wearing jeans and a short top while pointing to products like ladies garments and fashion jewelry, has been the subject of much outrage in Bhubaneswar. Devotees are particularly sensitive at this time of the year when Navaratri celebrations honor the Goddess with ten hands. The article says, “Sanskruti O Sanskruti, a…
SourceGUWAHATI, INDIA, September 26, 2003: Despite protests from animal rights activists, Durga puja at the Kamakhya temple will incorporate the sacrifice of animals again this year. The article says the rituals encompass traditions from local tribals, Shakti cults, and Buddhist tantric practices. Khagen Sikdar, a priest at the temple says, “Several animal sacrifices are made here. Goats, pigeons, ducks and…
Evening Herald (Plymouth)PLYMOUTH, UK, September 26, 2003: A major Hindu festival will be celebrated in Plymouth next week and everyone is invited to join in. The Navaratri Festival, traditionally celebrated for nine days, will be marked on Sunday, October 5, at the city’s Religious Cultural Resource Center in Watts Road, Lipson. The South Asian Association has celebrated the festival for…