HPITRINIDAD, October 15, 2003: Diwali will be celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday October 24, 2003. Diwali is observed as a national holiday in this twin island nation in the southern Caribbean. To commemorate this festival, the National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) hosts a nine-day celebration know as the Diwali Nagar. This year, says the Chairman Pundit Deokienanan…
SourceKAUAI, HAWAII, October 15, 2003: During the course of the Nashik Kumbha Mela, our correspondent, Mr. Rajiv Malik, interviewed Shri Arun Khonde, a journalist, on the history of the sadhu organizations at the Mela. Khonde gave a very lengthy explanation (“source” above) and we are looking for someone to read through this interview (which is in rough form) and comment…
SourceNASIK, INDIA, October 8, 2003: The District Court here released on bail two mahants of Vrindavan’s Swami Ishwarpuri Ashram — Swami Gyanprakash and Mukeshdas — against whom police had registered cases in connection with the stampede during the Kumbh Mela on August 27 in which 41 pilgrims were killed and more than 100 injured. “Judge N. V. Deshpande released both…
SourceKUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, October 14, 2003: Nineteen Hindu-based organizations came together on Saturday to honor four outstanding Hindus with the Swami Vivekananda Award. They were Malaysia Hindu Sangam (MHS) president Datuk A. Vaithilingam, Hindu Dharma Mamandram former president Lt-Kol (R) K. Sathaya, businessman and philanthropist Tan Sri Hari Narayanan Govindasamy and MHS deputy president R. Thiagaraja. Both Vaithilingam and Hari…
SourceBHUBANESHWAR, INDIA, October 6, 2003: The annual Durga festival celebrated by India’s Bengali devotees culminated last week with the sacrifice of thousands of goats, sheep, and buffaloes. At the Manikeswari temple in eastern Orissa, 2,000 animals were sacrificed. Ambika Mohapatra animal rights activist says, “Animal sacrifice is illegal under India’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act of 1960 and the…
SourceMUMBAI, INDIA, September 28, 2003: From humble beginnings when her musical abilities were used to support her mother and four younger siblings, Lata Mangeshkar’s career escalated with each decade, culminating with the prestigious “Dada Saheb Phalke Award.” In the 1940’s, she acted in eight Hindi and Marathi films while she strived to become a playback singer (“recording artist” to Americans).…
SourceUSA, October 7, 2003: Mourning elephants, altruistic lions and compassionate cows are at the heart of a unique new initiative by Compassion in World Farming Trust (CIWF Trust) to encourage a different approach to understanding the role of animals in society by understanding their inner minds and feelings. A website and interactive forum at animalsentience.com have been launched by the…
The Daily PioneerINDIA, October 5, 2003: Pujaries have been invoking Maa Durga on behalf of others for decades, but their prayers are yet to be answered. While most manage to keep on in their profession, their progeny are not willing to take up priesthood anymore. Their sole complaint — thousands are spent on decorating the puja pandals (worship places set…
SourceLONDON, ENGLAND, October 9, 2003: Indian communities across the world have celebrated Dussehra in different ways. In Slough, U.K., the effigies of the demon king Ravana, Kumbhakarna and Indrajit were burnt followed by a magnificent fireworks display. It was enjoyed by over two thousand people including the Mayor of Slough, Councillor Laurie Gleeson. An array of free entertainment kicked off…
SourceNEW YORK, USA, October 10, 2003: Thousands took part in a Diwali gala in New York that saw a bit of everything — food, craft, a photo exhibition, a health fair, cultural show and a colorful fireworks display. The annual “Festival of Lights” was held at Lower Manhattan’s South Street Seaport. Over 100,000 people visited the 70 vendors and booths…