INDIA, February 9, 2026 (NT by Leila Saldanha and Sheela Krishnaswamy): This academic article examines how vegetarianism in India is deeply rooted in the country’s religious and cultural traditions, with about 83% of the population belonging to religions founded in India (Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism and Sikhism) that promote vegetarian dietary practices and about 39% of Indians self-identify as vegetarians —…
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, January 31, 2026 (New Straits Times): Thousands of devotees and tourists converged on Batu Caves today for a Thaipusam celebration filled with color and faith. From as early as dawn, streams of worshippers clad in bright attire made their way up the 272 steps leading to the main temple cave, while curious visitors looked on, cameras in…
INDIA, January 29, 2026 (Daily Pioneer by Rahul Kaushik): The article argues that opposition to redeveloping Hindu sacred spaces follows a recurring historical pattern: projects meant to improve temples and pilgrimage sites are initially condemned as betrayals of tradition, only to be revered generations later as timeless heritage. Using the example of Ahilyabai Holkar’s 18th-century works at Kashi—now universally celebrated…
SHILLONG, INDIA, January 28, 2026 (Deccan Herald): India has submitted to UNESCO in Paris the nomination dossier of Meghalaya’s living root bridges for consideration to be included in the World Heritage list 2026-27. A statement said. “We are hopeful that the living root bridges will be inscribed this year, ensuring that the indigenous communities, the true guardians of this living…
GEORGE TOWN, MALAYSIA, JANUARY 31, 2026 (Malay Mail): Chetti Pusam, celebrated by the Chettiar community on the eve of Thaipusam in Penang, was captivating with the elaborately decorated chariots and colorful procession accompanied by 90 peacock kavadi, around the Chettiar community in conjunction with Thaipusam tomorrow (February 1). The Thaipusam celebration in this state continues to captivate as the Golden…
MALAYSIA, January 28, 2026 (SAYS): Every Thaipusam, while much of the country is asleep, Malaysia’s roads quietly transform. From Kuala Lumpur to Penang, from Johor to Kuantan, ordinary streets turn into pilgrimage routes. Hundreds of thousands of barefoot devotees walk through the night towards hilltop temples dedicated to Lord Murugan, including Batu Caves, Waterfall Hill and many others across the…
PENANG, MALAYSIA, January 22, 2026 (SAYS): With Thaipusam less than two weeks away, Penang is preparing to once again become a focal point for one of Malaysia’s largest Hindu religious gatherings. More than one million devotees are expected to throng the Sri Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple along Jalan Kebun Bunga, popularly known as Thaneer Malai, for Thaipusam on 1 February 2026.…
TAMIL, NADU, INDIA, January 28, 2026 (The Hindu): Thousands of devotees from various parts of Madurai, Dindigul, Theni and Sivaganga districts are on padayatra (pilgrimage on foot) towards Sri Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani for the Thai Poosam festival which is scheduled on February 1. Men, women and children were seen walking along the road early in the morning carrying…
INDIA, January 26, 2026 (The Hindu): Uttarakhand’s religious leaders and temple caretakers have asked the state government to prohibit the entry of non-Hindus in the Char Dham temples of Bardinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. These shrines, situated at heights of over 9,842 ft. above sea level, are the backbone of the state’s economy and are visited by millions of people…
UNITED STATES, January 22, 2026 (India West by Dr. Jai G. Bansal): On a typical weekend in many American cities, the Hindu presence is easy to see. Newly built temples rise in suburban landscapes. Diwali celebrations fill convention centers and public squares. Yoga studios, Sanskrit terms and Hindu symbols circulate comfortably in mainstream culture. By outward measures, Hindu identity in…
