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INDIA, February 12, 2026 (Hindu Tone): Maha Shivaratri, the “Great Night of Lord Shiva,” is one of Hinduism’s most sacred festivals. Devotees across India, Nepal, Mauritius, Indonesia, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and the Pacific unite in fasting, meditation, night-long vigils (jaagaran), mantra chanting of “Om Namah Shivaya” and abhishekam rituals using milk, water, panchamrit and bilva…

TAMIL NADU, INDIA, February 15, 2026 (The Hindu): Lord Shiva temples in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts witnessed unprecedented rush on Maha Sivaratri, celebrated today. Temples such as Ramateertham, Punyagiri, Dwadasa Jyotirlinga Sahitha Pasupathinadeswara Swamy temple in Vizianagaram, Mudu Kovellu in Vizianagaram and others wore a festive look with special prayers offered to the presiding Deities. Pilgrims thronged the Pasupathinadeswara temple…

BHUBANESWAR/LUCKNOW/VARANASI, February 15, 2026 (mathrubhumi): Hundreds of thousands of devotees thronged major Shiva temples across Odisha and Uttar Pradesh to celebrate Maha Shivaratri with chants, prayers, and elaborate rituals. In Odisha, prominent shrines such as the Lingaraj Temple in Bhubaneswar, Loknath Temple in Puri, Chandrashekhar Temple at Kapilash, and Dhabaleswar Temple in Cuttack district witnessed massive crowds from early morning,…

THAILAND, November 16, 2025 (the witty passport): Thailand’s temples are places of serene beauty and deep spiritual significance. Visitors are welcome to experience their tranquility. However, you must show respect through your attire. Understanding the dress code is essential for a smooth and meaningful visit. It shows reverence for Thai culture and Buddhist traditions. There are basic guidelines that will…

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, February 11, 2016 (SAYS, by Sadho Ram): My family traces its roots to the Marwar region of Rajasthan, and my early understanding of Hinduism was shaped by that geography and by the eastern part of India in which I was raised. Ours was a faith practiced through Rajasthani customs and eastern Indian beliefs. We prayed to Surya,…

INDIA/NEPAL, OCTOBER 29, 2022 (YouTube): This video explores how social media activism is being used to pressure museums, auction houses, and private collectors to return cultural artifacts that were taken from their countries of origin—often during colonial eras or periods of conflict. Activist groups and online sleuths are leveraging platforms like Twitter and Instagram to track down looted statues, challenge…

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…