Source INDIA, April 2012 (dw.de): For centuries, the Bishnoi have sworn by the preservation of plants and animals. Some have even lost their lives to defend this cause. The “eco-religion” was founded in the 15th century, when a farmer, who is now known as Guru Jambheshwar, retreated after a long drought and formulated 29 tenets according to which the farmers…
Source BELADU, BALI, May 9, 2012 (The Jakarta Post): Thousands of Balinese Hindu devotees and tourists are expected to flock into the historical Samuantiga temple in Bedulu, Gianyar, where the Siyat Sampian ritualistic battle will be held today from early morning until around 1:00 p.m. Samuantiga occupies an important place in the history of Balinese Hinduism. In the 11th century,…
Source SRINAGAR, INDIA, April 30, 2012 (Kashmir Observer): The Department of Posts will also register Shri Amarnathji Yatris on behalf of Amarnathji Shrine Board, a major boon to the Amarnathji Yatris. 100 post offices across the country have been identified in this regard. This facility will be in addition to the 174 Bank Branches and the Internet based e-Registration System…
Source Desire is a very dangerous thing. Sometimes we think we have killed all selfish desire, but somewhere in our mind there lingers some remnant; and as from a spark left in the corner of the hearth may come again a big fire, so out of that small remnant may spring a huge fire of desire.— Swami Ramakrishnananda (1863-1911), disciple…
Press Release PITTSBURGH, PA, USA, March 3, 2012 (Press Release, full report): Over 32 Pandits and 40 adult and youth delegates representing more than 20 Mandirs (Temples) and Hindu organizations, from across the county, participated in the First annual Hindu Mandir Pandits’ (Priest) Conference (HMPC), from April 27th through 28th, 2012 in Pittsburgh, PA. The Theme of the conference was…
Source UNITED STATES, May 3, 2012 (USA Today): Holland America’s latest plan to draw more customers: Serve more vegetables. The Seattle-based cruise operator on Wednesday announced that it is revamping its food offerings to offer more options for vegetarians and vegans than any other line. The changes include the addition of a new, all-vegetarian menu that will be available in…
Source SRINAGAR, INDIA, May 1, 2012 (ibn live): The Meteorological Department will establish three advanced warning systems (AWS) at Amarnath holy cave, Pahalgam and Baltal base camps to ensure better forecast of weather conditions for the smooth conduct of Amarnath Yatra this year, a spokesman of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) said after a high level meeting. The establishment…
Source JAMMU, INDIA, May 7, 2012 (ibn live): Registration for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage, set to begin from June 25, commenced today. Registration of pilgrims visiting the shrine from both Baltal and Chandanwari routes began across the country through 174 bank branches and Internet based e-registration system. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board has set up registration counters at 121 designated…
Source USA, May 4, 2012 (NY Times): [HPI note: This is a long piece about how McDonalds slowly reversed its negative image of the world’s largest seller of unhealthy food. Read the whole article at the source, above. The core of it is summarized below.] The company’s bottom-line success in recent years has been unmatched by its traditional burger-chain competitors.…
Source UTTARAKHAND, INDIA, May 3,2012 (India Today): Heavy snowfall has badly affected the annual pilgrimage to Kedarnath this year in Uttarakhand. The portals of this famous Hindu shrine, located in Rudraprayag, were opened for visitors on April 28. But it’s been snowing in Kedarnath ever since, creating problem for the local administration. Situated at an altitude of 3,581 metres, the…