Source WASHINGTON, D.C., USA, August 9, 2001 (Religion News Service): A third of the world — about 2.2 billion people — live in nations where restrictions on religion have substantially increased, according to a study just released by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life. The study also shows increasing polarization: intolerant countries are growing more hostile…
Source BOLTON, ENGLAND, August 18, 2011 (Asian Image): The Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Noel Spencer, donned traditional dress to join in the celebrations at the Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Arts and Culture Centre on Monday, which coincided with Indian Independence Day. The centre has been made a Place of Interest by the country’s tourism board, in recognition of its stunning selection…
Source LONDON, ENGLAND, August 9, 2011 (The Independent): Londoners who feel guilty about the hard-working cows that provide their milk can now soothe their collective conscience by drinking milk from cows that will only die of old age. The Hindu Ahimsa Foundation (www.ahimsamilk.org) guarantees that no cows, bulls or calves will be slaughtered in the production of its milk. Launched…
Source VISAKHAPATNAM, ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA, August 17, 2011 (Deccan Chronicle): Ninety-four feet tall and tipping the scales at over 50 tons, Visakhapatnam’s is the world’s largest Ganesh statue. Organizers are ensuring that the statue is completely eco-friendly. Arrangements are on in full swing to ready the statue for the festival, which will begin on September 1. The organizers, Sampat Vinayaka…
Source THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, INDIA, August 14, 2011 (PTI) Ten years ago, Keralas centuries-old classical Sanskrit drama “Koodiyattam” was declared a cultural “heritage of humanity” by UNESCO; but today, practitioners are struggling to make ends meet. Before this traditional theatre was selected, UNESCO had reserved the coveted tag for tangible heritages like monuments. The declaration was joyously welcomed by classical enthusiasts, and…
Source AUSTRALIA, August 11, 2011 (Stock & Land): The 2011 census collectors began their work only last night, but one result is already clear: the number of Australians who identify as Hindu is likely to have doubled since the last population survey in 2006. High immigration from the Indian subcontinent during the past five years, especially among white-collar professionals and…
Source If you don’t learn from your mistakes, there’s no sense making them.— Anonymous
Source AYAMONTE, SPAIN, August 14, 2011: Hundreds of people gathered Friday evening at the Plaza of Spain in the riverside town of Ayamonte, to kick off the Festival of the Five Senses which this year pays tribute to Indian culture. Festival goers were able to enjoy various activities including performances of a fusion of Indian dance and flamenco, Indian dancing,…
Source NEW ZEALAND, August 4, 2011: Over 20,000 people are expected to walk through the doors at the Trusts Stadium in Henderson to celebrate the Waitakere Diwali Festival – A festival of Lights on Sunday 25 September, says the Waitakere Indian Association (WIA). In Waitakere this festival is celebrated by the whole community irrespective of their background, it is an…
Source If you must be mad, be it not for the things of the world. Be mad with the love of God.— Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836-1886)