INDIA, April 6, 2025 (India Currents, by Samyukta Shrivatsa): On one fateful Wednesday night in January, I texted a friend words I never thought I would say: “I just decided to go to Maha Kumbh. I’m leaving tomorrow”. As a chronically over-working PhD student, my connection to my Indian Hindu roots was limited to saying a quick prayer and putting…
PUNE, INDIA, April 2, 2025 (Indian Express): Over the past two months, large-scale demonstrations have erupted across India demanding that the control over the Mahabodhi temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, be handed over to Buddhists. These protests are the latest chapter in a decades-old dispute over who controls one of the holiest sites in Buddhism. Buddhists want the repeal of…
AGRA, INDIA, April 1, 2025 (RNS): In Sadhan, a rural village where Hindus and Muslims have coexisted peacefully for centuries, religious tolerance is a fundamental value. With a population of 20,000 that includes both Hindus and Muslims from various caste backgrounds, the village has maintained an environment of interfaith unity, where mixed-faith families and people with both Hindu and Muslim…
AUSTRALIA, April 4, 2025 (Hindu Council Australia): A re-elected Albanese Labor Government will invest $8.5 million to support the construction of the first ever Hindu school in Australia. The new primary school will be located in Oakville in North-West Sydney. With more than 680,000 Hindus in Australia, it is the third largest religion and the fastest growing major religion but…
JAMMU & KASHMIR, March 25, 2025 (The Hindu): Permafrost melting is emerging as a unique environmental threat in the Kashmir Himalaya. A new study has found that thawing permafrost could affect 120 miles of roads, 2,415 households, 903 alpine lakes, and eight hydropower projects in the mountainous region. Permafrost is any type of ground — soil, sediment, rock, etc. —…
INDIA, March 19, 2025 (The Commune): The Madras High Court on Friday recorded the Tamil Nadu government decision to withdraw its order allowing the use of temple funds of Pollachi Masani Amman for a luxury resort project in Ooty. The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by petitioner P. Baskar against the Principal Secretary of the Tourism…
BALI, INDONESIA, March 27, 2025 (CNN): Bali, Indonesia is one of the world’s most popular vacation destinations. The streets tingle with the whizz of motorbikes and the happy buzz of music pouring out of local cafes. But one day a year, the entire island falls silent. This is Nyepi, Balinese New Year. Unlike many other cultures, Balinese Hindus don’t mark…
BALI, INDONESIA, March 29, 2025 (Bacaini.id, Google translated from Indonesian): The celebration of Nyepi Holy Day (of silence) in Bali takes place from Saturday, March 29, 2025, to Sunday, March 30 at exactly 06.00 WIT. It turns out that the Nyepi celebration in 2025 will also coincide with the Tumpek Uduh (also known as Tumpek Wariga, Tumpek Bubuh or Tumpek…
SOUTH AFRICA, March 13, 2025 (MSN): Every year, hundreds of devotees gather to test their faith and courage by walking barefoot over burning embers in the ancient firewalking ceremony at the Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam, also known as the Cato Manor Second River Temple. Nestled on a hill amongst lush vegetation in Cato Manor, this sacred site is home to…
NEW ZEALAND, March 14, 2025 (Press Release): The timeless Hindu festival of Holika Dahan took on a profound new meaning this year at the Hindu Heritage Center, as the Hindu Women Forum led the celebrations in an inspiring display of spiritual strength, empowerment, and cultural unity. Holika Dahan, observed on the eve of Holi, symbolizes the triumph of good over…
