Connecting Global Threads of Faith Newsletter # 2 August
- admin
- Sep 5
- 3 min read
Connecting Global Threads of Faith
Editor’s Note…
Temples are not just stone structures but living vessels of memory,
devotion, and Dharma. From Janmashtami celebrations across borders
to legal safeguards of temple wealth and struggles to uphold tradition,
each moment reflects the temple’s eternal role as sanctuary of faith and
mirror of society’s duty…
August Newsletter – 2
(August 15 – August 31)
"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."
Asia
Bangladesh
The Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council has condemned attempts to encroach on the sacred land of Chandranath Dham in Sitakunda, warning against efforts to spark communal tension by proposing mosque construction near the Hindu pilgrimage site. This comes amid outrage over the demolition of the Khilkhet Durga Mandir in Dhaka by railway authorities, which minority groups allege was carried out under mob pressure, further deepening fears of targeted attacks on Hindu temples and religious harmony.
ISKCON Bangladesh has begun three-day Krishna Janmashtami celebrations at its Dhaka temple with devotees participating in pujas, kirtans, and cultural programmes under tight security. While Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus emphasized Lord Krishna’s message of peace and communal harmony, ISKCON leaders also voiced concerns over attacks on Hindus and temples, assuring the community of continued support and resilience.
Nepal
Thousands of devotees in Nepal observed Gokarne Aunsi, performing ancestral rites at Gokarneshwar temple and celebrating it as Father’s Day with rituals, offerings, and family traditions.
Pakistan
Janmashtami, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna, is being observed with devotion not only across India but also in Pakistan, where Krishna temples still host festivities. The festival’s spirit extends worldwide through ISKCON and countless temples, uniting millions of devotees in Krishna’s message of love and devotion.
India
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court quashed government orders to use ₹80 crore of temple surplus funds for constructing marriage halls. The judges held that temple donations belong to the deity and can only be used for temple maintenance and religious purposes, not commercial projects. They ruled that diverting funds violates Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments law and the devotees’ intent.
Sri Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated with devotion at the Sri Durga Malleswara Swamy Devasthanam in Vijayawada, where special rituals, pujas, and traditional festivities drew large numbers of devotees.
Hindu organisations including VHP, Sabarimala Karma Samithi, and Hindu Aikya Vedi opposed the Kerala govt’s plan to host the Global Ayyappa Sangamam, calling it unconstitutional and politically motivated. They alleged the event was meant to involve atheists and women in Sabarimala, accusing the CPM of using it as a vote-bank strategy.
The SIT probe into the Dharmasthala controversy has revealed that the shocking allegations of secret burials were a staged conspiracy, with false evidence planted to malign the temple. For Hindus, this episode is not just an attack on Dharmasthala, a sacred seat of Lord Manjunatha and a model of seva, tradition, and cultural preservation, but also an attempt to undermine a unique institution that has integrated Hindu and Jain traditions while serving people across communities through education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Ahead of Vinayaka Chavithi, activist Diddi Praveen Kumar is distributing pooja materials to 711 ancient temples and Vinayaka Pandals across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka.The initiative, funded personally, also promotes cultural discipline by urging devotees to follow traditional dress codes at temples.
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