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…
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, March 11, 2025 (The Citizen): Joburg residents gathered on Sunday to celebrate the traditional Indian Holi festival with dance performances and colorful activities. India Club South Africa and the Consulate General of India hosted an informal Holi celebration at the Shree Radhe Shyam Mandir, Marlboro. Attendees were treated to traditional songs and dancing, along with the usual…
INDIA, March 9, 2025 (Indian Express): The Maha Kumbh may be over for pilgrims and the Akharas, but for the government authorities, a mammoth task awaits: dismantling the temporary city spread over 9,884 acres on the banks of the Ganga. According to various authorities and agencies involved in the uninstallation and cleanup, while the deadline to bring the entire area…
BALI, INDONESIA, March 3, 2025 (YouTube): A Hindu temple in Singaraja, Bali was broken into last April. Twelve figurines of Hindu Gods and Goddesses, a dagger and two silver plates were stolen. The thieves were eventually caught but the items were never recovered. These objects have been passed down for generations and now they are gone. Such theft is not…
