Maha Kumbh Overview

PRAYAGRAJ, INDIA, January 25, 2025 (The Hindu, by Ishita Mishra): On a cloudy day in January, millions of saffron-clad people stand on the banks of the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Yamuna and the mythical river Saraswati in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. They wait patiently to immerse themselves in the icy waters. The pilgrims believe that taking…

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Kumbh Mela’s Drone Show a Hit

PRAYAG, INDIA, January 24, 2025 (Hindustan Times): Over 2,500 drones depicted the Samudra Manthan, churning of the ocean, in the sky over the Kumbh Mela site today. It the scene above, Lord Siva is drinking the poison unexpectedly released during the churning which ultimately released amrita, the nectar of immortality. The drones displayed many other things, such as “Happy Uttar…

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Sabarimala Pilgrimage Season Draws to Close

INDIA, January 20, 2025 (The Hindu): Marking the conclusion of a pilgrimage season that witnessed an unprecedented influx of devotees, the Ayyappa temple at Sabarimala closed its portals on Monday after a Pandalam Palace representative visited the temple and offered prayers here in the morning. The temple was opened in the morning at 5am and a Ganapati homam was performed.…

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Satellite Images of Kumbh Mela

PRAYAG, INDIA, January 24, 2025 (nrsc.gov.in): See spectacular satellite photos of the Sangam area here. Pull down the blue dot at top to compare the photos from September, 2023, and December 29, 2024: https://www.nrsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Swipe_Kumbhmela2025/slider_kumbh_mela.html

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Temples Prepare for Kavady Festival

SOUTH AFRICA, January 16, 2025 (South Coast Herald): During Thai Poosam Kavady, a Hindu religious festival, the Hindu Deity, Lord Muruga, is worshipped. The festival is one of the biggest on the South African Indian festival calendar. The Umbango Sri Siva Soobramoniar Temple invites all to their annual Thai Poosam Kavady festival from February 2 to 16. The flag hoisting…

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Steve Jobs’ Letter on His India Experience in the 1970’s Sold at Auction

INDIA, January 17, 2025 (Economic Times): Steve Jobs’ handwritten letter, offering a rare glimpse into his spiritual and poetic side, has made history as the first personal letter by Jobs–the late co-founder of Apple–to be auctioned, fetching an impressive US$500,312, according to India Today. Written on Jobs’ 19th birthday, February 23, 1974, the letter was addressed to his childhood friend…

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Maha Kumbh 2025 In Pictures

PRAYAGRAJ, INDIA, January 16, 2025 (Swarajya, by Ankit Saxena): Are you a devotee wanting to know your route to the Sangam in Prayagraj? Here is your pictorial guide. Considered the largest spiritual gathering on Earth, the Maha Kumbh 2025 began on 13 January in the city of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. This once-in-144-year event, steeped in centuries-old traditions, will continue until…

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Hindu Spiritual Care

UNITED STATES, January 17, 2025 (Chinmaya International Foundation): A 24-credit Certificate in Hindu Spiritual Care (CHSC) has been developed by Chinmaya International Foundation (CIF) to train Hindu Spiritual Care Providers, or Chaplains, to address the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals of Hindu faith in various secular settings, such as hospitals and hospices, schools and universities, communities, the military, corporations…

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