SourceGUWAHATI, INDIA, November 5, 2004: Hundreds of VHP protesters went on a rampage in Guwahati after police tried to stop them from holding a march to protest the demolition of two ancient Hindu temples by the civic administration. The protesters ran through the streets pelting stones, burning tires and smashing a bus before they were arrested. Police have tightened security…
SourceSAYREVILLE, NEW JERSEY, October 28, 2004: When the Dwarkadhish Hindu Temple on Washington Road wanted to close down a major thoroughfare for a 10th anniversary celebration parade from Kennedy Park to the temple, Borough officials were initially somewhat reluctant to allow the parade. The officials were concerned about the safety of residents in the Lakeview senior community as well as…
SourceBANGALORE/LUCKNOW, INDIA, November 6, 2004: With the Hindu festival of lights, “Deepavali,” round the corner, pottery makers of Bangalore, famous for their craftsmanship, are working round the clock to meet the festive rush. While “diyas,” or earthen lamps, are made all over the country, the ones made here are considered to be the best in southern India. Potters here have…
HPIKAUAI, HAWAII, November 7, 2004: HPI reader Steven Pheiffer is seeking a source for the traditional Deepavali lamps, “small clay diyas with wax and wick inside, painted and decorated in a festive manner.” If someone knows a mail-order source, kindly write him at skanda2@earthlink.net.
SourceCOLOMBO, SRI LANKA, November 6, 2004: Life in the Muslim stronghold of Katthankudy in eastern Sri Lanka was brought to a standstill for five days recently as the orthodox Jamiat- ul-Ulema indulged in violent protests against a “Sufi” group, which was allegedly spreading “Hindu” ideas. The followers of the Jamiat-ul-Ulema demolished the Rahmaniya and Ibrahimiya madrasas (theological schools) in Katthankudy,…
SourceLONDON, ENGLAND, November 2, 2004: The following press release is from Jay Lakhani of the Hindu Council UK. The new National Framework for Religious Education was launched on 28th October by the Secretary for state for Education, Charles Clarke. Hindu Council UK had been fighting hard to incorporate some key Hindu ideas in the new framework. Full details can be…
SourceKOLKATA, INDIA, November 4, 2004: Chinese lamps have taken over the market of traditional Deepavali diyas (oil lamps) and candles in Kolkata. These “Made in China” bulbs are cheaper compared to the indigenous lights, and they are also available in a wide variety of designs like grapes, flowers and rice that give a psychedelic effect. This is affecting local artisans…
SourceNEW DELHI, INDIA, November 4, 2004: Leftist parties have mounted pressure on the UPA government (ruling coalition led by the Congress Party) to impose a cess (tax assessment) on all religious institutions to fund rural development projects. The proposal is part of the Left’s tax-reform blueprint to be discussed with the government before the budget exercise for the next fiscal.…
SourceKATHMANDU, NEPAL, November 4, 2004: An Indian spiritual leader who has followers worldwide plans to reform Nepal’s Maoist insurgents with love and a breathing technique. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, the 46-year-old founder of the Art of Living Foundation in India, who preaches conquering anger and other negative emotions through philanthropy and breathing practices, was in Nepal on a three-day visit…
SourceASSAM, INDIA, November 2, 2004: Monkeys lurking at an ancient Hindu temple in India’s northeast have attacked up to 300 children over three weeks, temple officials said Tuesday. “They hide in trees and swoop on unsuspecting children loitering about in the temple premises or walking by, clawing them and even sucking a bit of blood,” Bani Kumar Sharma, a priest…