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…
INDIA, March 16, 2025 (India Herald): According to the Pew Research Center’s “The Future of World Religions” report, Islam is expected to overtake all other religions as the most popular worldwide by 2050. The number of Muslims is predicted to decrease in one area of the world, though. By 2050, the Asia-Pacific region’s Muslim population is expected to have decreased…
TRINIDAD and TOBAGO, March 14, 2025 (Newsday): Temples and venues will come alive with vibrant celebrations of Phagwa/Holi. While Phagwa is today (March 14), the celebrations will continue over the weekend. Phagwa represents the triumph of good over evil and positive over negative, said pundit Navin Omadath Maharaj, president of the SDMS Pundits Parishad and spiritual leader of the Munroe…
KARACHI, PAKISTAN, March 14, 2025 (NDTV): Hindus in Pakistan’s biggest city Karachi celebrated Holi, the festival of colors, on March 13, in an annual ritual marking the beginning of spring. More than five hundred Hindus gathered in Karachi’s Hindu temple of Shri Swaminarayan for the celebration. An ancient Hindu tradition, the annual festival represents a time of forgiveness, renewed friendship…
UNITED STATES, March 13, 2025 (RNS): Thursday marked the start of Holi, the colorful festival welcoming in springtime. But it’s not just for Hindus anymore. Anshul Virmani, a software consultant in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, said his colleagues at work begin asking about Holi long before his children do. “They always ask, ‘When is the color festival? When are you guys gonna…
SRI LANKA, March 9, 2025 (Eurasia Review): The human-elephant conflict in Sri Lanka continues unabated. Although efforts by successive governments since the 1970s have reduced the rate of attrition, the issue remains a pressing concern. Various mitigation methods have been attempted with mixed success. Given this, it may be worthwhile for the Sri Lankan government to consider adopting Thailand’s Bajrasudha…
