Connecting Global Threads of Faith Newsletter -1 October
Editor’s Note
As the perimeter contracts, from targeted plots on American soil to a 15% rise in British hate crimes, we are reminded that Dharma is sustained not by stale safety or repeating old words, but by the fierce, unyielding refusal to let our spaces shrink out of existence.
October Newsletter – 1
(October 1 – October 15, 2026)
"In a connected world, Hindu struggles and resilience amid violence often remain unseen. This fortnightly report sheds light on these overlooked realities, offering a global overview of incidents affecting Hindus and celebrating our heritage, advocating for Hindu rights and religious freedom worldwide.
North America
United States of America
A 19-year-old Illinois man was arrested and charged after law enforcement foiled an alleged mass shooting plot targeting a Hindu place of worship in the Aurora area.
Authorities recovered a manifesto and weapons following tips from co-workers, leading to felony terrorism charges.
A Hindu temple in Richmond Heights, Ohio, was targeted on a Friday afternoon by perpetrators who hurled bricks at the structure, shattering windows while priests and devotees were inside. The Hindu American Foundation (HAF) has labelled the incident a "possible hate crime" and alerted the FBI's Civil Rights Division, which is currently reviewing available surveillance footage. In response, advocacy groups like the Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA) are urging local municipal leaders and police to publicly condemn the attack and swiftly apprehend those responsible.
Europe
United kingdom
UK Home Office data reveals a 15% increase in religiously-motivated hate crimes against Hindus, alongside an overall 13% rise in religious hate crimes affecting multiple faith groups. Advocacy groups note that many serious assaults go unreported due to a lack of trust in authorities and highlight a disparity in government security funding for Hindu temples.
France
An internal probe confirmed that the BAPS Hindu group did not request the removal of female staff during their Eiffel Tower visit, blaming the incident on distorted, word-of-mouth instructions.
Asia
India
A row has erupted in Karnataka's Bagalkot district after a Muslim family was allegedly seen consuming non-vegetarian food near Basavanna's Aikya Mantapa and the Sangamanatha Temple at Kudalasangama.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has ordered 100% background and police verification for all temple staff following a restructuring under new CEO Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra and a prior theft incident.
During the Pitru Paksha fair in Bihar's Gaya Ji, foreign pilgrims from countries including Germany, Russia, Ukraine, and Ghana performed traditional Pind Daan rituals on the banks of the Falgu river. Dressed in traditional Indian attire, the devotees offered prayers and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to honour their deceased ancestors and help their souls attain liberation.
Ludhiana has entered a festive spirit as residents transition from Shradh Paksh to Navratri, marked by traditional kalash sthapana, barley sprout planting, and ongoing 10-day community fairs. The nine days of celebration will feature nightly Ram Leela enactments and daily processions, culminating on October 20 with the traditional burning of Ravana effigies across the city.
Bangladesh
Four idols prepared for Durga Puja were vandalised at a temple in Kumarkhali municipality of Kushtia. The incident occurred sometime after 2:00am at Khayerchara Sarbajanin Matrimandir, when no one was inside the temple, said Kumarkhali police station officer-in-charge Jamal Uddin.
The Bangladesh government has extended official Durga Puja holidays to three days and increased funding for major puja mandaps to 5 crore Taka. Security measures have also been strengthened nationwide with a specialized monitoring mobile app following the vandalism of seven under-construction idols.
Bangladesh's Durga Puja pandal count has increased by 1,460 over last year to reach a total of 33,851 due to a renewed sense of security and government safety assurances. The minority Hindu community feels less intimidated than in previous years, noting a drop in tensions despite idol desecration incidents being reported across at least 11 districts last year.
Unidentified miscreants vandalised seven under-construction Durga Puja idols at an 85-year-old temple in Tangail's Mirzapur, prompting a police investigation and heightened local security measures.
Pakistan
A man has been arrested in Pakistan's Sindh province after idols were found smashed and parts of the Mata Jog Maya Temple were vandalised in the Nagarparkar area.
Sri Lanka
A 24-year-old Sri Lankan Hindu migrant worker, Sivarasa Anojan, faces the death penalty in Saudi Arabia over a Facebook comment about Prophet Muhammad, posted during an online religious dispute and later deleted with an apology
His family, Sri Lankan political leaders and religious figures are seeking clemency, while a Sri Lankan legal team pursues an appeal and diplomatic intervention.
Sri Lanka’s Archaeology Department is seeking control of 260 acres around Vedukkunaari Hill, home to a historic Hindu temple, amid concerns over Buddhist-led efforts targeting a second Hindu temple in the region.
Middle East
United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi’s BAPS Hindu Mandir held special prayers and devotional gatherings for flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, honouring his courage during a cockpit terrorist attack and praying for his recovery.
Oceania
Australia
Brisbane’s Hindu Council of Australia will host HCA Deepavali 2026 on 31 October at Mount Gravatt Showgrounds, featuring Ramleela, Ganesh Pooja, cultural performances, fireworks and the burning of a 30-foot Ravan effigy.
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