Two-Thirds of Indian Americans Are Hindus, Says Pew Survey

UNITED STATES, October 12, 2023 (New India Abroad): According to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, approximately half of Asian American adults who self-identify as Indian say they currently practice Hinduism as their religion, accounting for 48 per cent of respondents. This figure is relatively consistent with the percentage reported in 2012, which was 51 per cent.…

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Jagannath Temple in Puri to Enforce Strict Dress Code From January 1, 2024

INDIA, October 13, 2023 (Organiser): Senior servitor Binayak Dasmohapatra said Puri Jagannath temple is an important religious site among the four dhams. Binayak Dasmohapatra said, “Hundreds of thousands of devotees visit Puri for the darshan of Lord Jagannath. Therefore, implementing a dress code for all devotees is essential to upholding the temple’s spirituality and sanctity.” The Daitapati Nijog, a servitor’s…

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Akshardham in New Jersey: A Majestic Blend of Hindu Spirituality and Architectural Brilliance

ROBBINSVILLE, NEW JERSEY, October 9, 2023 (Access Wire): On October 8, 2023, the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, New Jersey was inaugurated by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS. This monumental occasion for Hindu Americans was marked by the presence of volunteers, dignitaries, and well-wishers, all coming together under a shared spirit of reverence and community…

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Women Achievers Shine at BAPS – Festival of Inspiration

ROBBINSVILLE, NEW JERSEY, October 7, 2023 (Lassi with Lavina, by Lavina Melwani–pictured above): As a journalist dedicated to covering the Indian Diaspora and documenting the struggles and successes of our community for several decades, I was content to keep writing in anonymity, with people only knowing me by my faceless byline. Now in this age of social media things have…

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Journey Back In Time: Ancient Hindu Temples of Vietnam

VIETNAM, October 7, 2023 (Outlook Traveller): Vietnam, known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant traditions, harbors a hidden gem of ancient history: a collection of Hindu temples that date back over a thousand years. These remarkable temples stand as a testament to the enduring influence of Indian culture in Southeast Asia. The presence of Hinduism in…

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The Religious “Nones”

USA, October 5, 2023 (Associated Press) In many countries around the world, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of people who are nonbelievers or unaffiliated with any organized religion. These so-called “nones” — atheists, agnostics, or nothing in particular — comprise 30% or more of the adult population in the United States and Canada, as well as…

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Thailand and Cambodia Compete for Best Ramayana Performance

AYUTTHAYA, THAILAND, September 15, 2023 (Lavan Guardia, Google translated from Spanish): In Asia there is no romance of love and war more famous than the Ramayana. The Sanskrit epic is not only the backbone of Indian culture, but permeates the folklore of all of Southeast Asia, from Laos to Bali. It doesn’t matter whether the audience is Buddhist, Hindu or…

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