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…

Continue reading

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…

Continue reading

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…

Continue reading

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…

Continue reading

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…

Continue reading

In Tamil Nadu Supreme Court Case on Agama, the Contested History of Temple Priesthood and the Government’s Role

CHENNAI, INDIA, October 1, 2023 (Indian Express by Arun Janardhanan): The Tamil Nadu state Supreme Court this week ordered status quo on the appointment of archakas (priests) in Agamic temples in Tamil Nadu. The Srirangam Koil Miras Kainkaryaparagal Matrum Athanai Sarntha Koilgalin Miraskain-karyaparargalin Nalasangam, an association of archakas, had challenged reforms introduced by the DMK government, which are seen as…

Continue reading

World Culture Festival 2023: Hundreds of Thousands Gather for Art of Living’s Event in Washington DC

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 30, 2023 (India TV News): The Art of Living foundation conducted its World Culture Festival 2023 at the National Mall in Washington DC, United States. Hundreds of thousands of people from across the world came together for the event. Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is in the United States abd former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon…

Continue reading