UNITED STATES, February 23, 2026 (RNS): With more than 20 South Asian cultural and religious organizations on the campus of University of Illinois, where 25% of the student population is Asian, Connecticut native Rishabh Bhandari felt spoiled for choice as an eager freshman. Yet despite the widespread popularity of large-scale Diwali and Holi events, Bhandari said he felt there was…
INDIA, February 24, 2026 (Indian Express): Fewer than 8% of India’s 22,446 elephants – spread across six states – are responsible for nearly half of all human-elephant conflict casualties nationwide. Most belong to nomadic herds displaced from shrinking forest habitats and forced into croplands. In fact, four of the new elephant areas, located across central India – south Bengal, Chhattisgarh,…
INDIA, February 27, 2026 (Times of India): Phalguna Amavasya in 2026 fell on February 17, with the new moon tithi beginning the previous evening and ending late afternoon on the 17th. In Hindu tradition, Amavasya each month is regarded as especially suitable for honoring one’s ancestors, and this observance in the Phalguna month carries particular devotional importance. Many devotees mark…
INDIA, FEBRUARY 19, 2026 (BBC): India’s philanthropy story is usually told from the top down. It features corporate social responsibility (CSR) budgets, billionaire pledges and splashy foundations. But a new report argues that the real engine of Indian generosity is far more prosaic – and vastly larger. The How India Gives 2025 report, produced by the Centre for Social Impact…
TAMIL NADU, February 17, 2026 (Times Now News): At least seven people were injured in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, when a 60-foot temple chariot collapsed during the Mayana Kollai festival last night (February 16). Thousands of devotees had gathered to enjoy the festivities, but celebrations turned chaotic after the collapse. Police, rescue teams and locals rushed to assist those caught in…
INDIA, May 13, 2025 (The India Tourism): Temples in India are not just tourist spots—they’re sacred spaces. What you wear matters, as it reflects respect for culture, spirituality, and tradition. TheIndiaTourism.in created a complete guide on what to wear when visiting temples in India—across regions, seasons, and religions. Tamil Nadu & Kerala have strict traditional attire rules. Men may have…
INDIA, February 18, 2026 (MSN): The Kedarnath Temple in Uttarakhand will reopen for devotees on April 22, marking the end of its winter closure. The announcement was made after traditional rituals were held on the occasion of Mahashivratri at the temple’s winter seat. The date and time were finalised at the Omkareshwar Temple in Ukhimath, where Lord Kedarnath is worshipped…
INDIA, January 12, 2026 (Anuradha Goyal): Culture is a part of our DNA, especially for those who trace their lineage to the culturally rich land of Bharat. They carry it with them wherever they go. Just like a plant uprooted and replanted, sheds a few leaves before it grows new ones, Indian diaspora is also embracing its root culture with…
NEPAL, February 15, 2026 (Spotlight Nepal): Today is Maha Shivaratra, an official holiday in Nepal. Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most revered Shiva temples, is decorated particularly for the auspicious day of Shivaratri. Over a million devotees from home and abroad visit Pashupatinath temple for Maha Shivaratri. Prakash Mani Sharma, Member Secretary of Pashupati Development Trust, said that they started…
INDIA, February 12, 2026 (Hindu Tone): Maha Shivaratri, the “Great Night of Lord Shiva,” is one of Hinduism’s most sacred festivals. Devotees across India, Nepal, Mauritius, Indonesia, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and the Pacific unite in fasting, meditation, night-long vigils (jaagaran), mantra chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya” and abhishekam rituals using milk, water, panchamrit and bilva…
