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…
HPIKAUAI, HAWAII, October 1, 2003: Two HPI readers have asked us to run something special to mark Mahatma Gandhi’s birthday, which is also connected to the World Vegetarian Day. Mark Hawthorne, nga_sha_zamet@yahoo.com, writes from California, “Tomorrow, October 2, is the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi. About the only thing I can say I share with the Mahatma is vegetarianism. Gandhi was…
SourceARIZONA, USA, September 30, 2003: Photos of the colorful Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations at the Maha Ganapathi Temple of Arizona can be seen at the Ofoto site at “source” above.
Lincolnshire EchoLINCOLN, UK, September 24, 2003: In a novel project to develop their drama, art and music skills, 14 children from the Beckett School and eight from Charles Baines are teaming up. Using the Hindu, African and Apache cultures as a spring board, they are working towards a performance in March to show how they have developed confidence and communication…