Connecting Global Threads of Faith Newsletter # 2 December

Editor’s Note

As systematic violence, targeted killings, and social exclusion push Hindus in Bangladesh toward erasure, regional and global silence continues to embolden persecution. From lynchings such as that of Dipu Chandra Das to the everyday fear of being openly identified as Hindu, this is not episodic unrest but a sustained dismantling of a people’s right to belong.

Over the past year, the Global Hindu Temple Network has tracked these patterns across borders. In November 2024, we submitted an analytical report on Bangladesh to international organizations and private-sector corporations engaged with the country, underscoring repeated cycles of violence against religious minorities and reminding stakeholders of their obligations under the UN Global Compact. Our monitoring has also documented grave but underreported crimes, including the abduction, forced conversion, and sexual violence against minor Hindu girls in Pakistan, findings we carried to World Bank and IMF-linked civil society forums in 2025.

This final issue reflects a continuum of persecution and resilience, loss and service. From South Asia to the West, the Hindu experience today stands at a moral crossroads. To record these truths is not merely to inform, but to remember, resist erasure, and affirm that faith, dignity, and justice cannot be ignored by history...…

December Newsletter – 2

(December 15 – December 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."

North America

United States of America

2025 Sewa Diwali drive donates 970K pounds of food

The 2025 Sewa Diwali Food Drive mobilized over 3,000 volunteers to donate more than 970,000 pounds of food across the U.S., embodying the Hindu principle of selfless service and unity across communities.

Acknowledging rising Hinduphobia’: 1st ever US university to recognise Hindu Heritage Month revealed

UC Berkeley has become the first US university to officially recognise Hindu Heritage Month, marking a historic step amid growing concerns over Hinduphobia and attacks on Hindu temples.The move, achieved after sustained student advocacy, also formally acknowledges the term Hinduphobia and affirms Hindu identity as cultural and civilizational rather than political.

Africa

South Africa

Death toll climbs to 5 in South African temple building collapse

A building under illegal construction at a Hindu temple site in Verulam, near Durban, collapsed last week, raising the death toll to five as rescue and recovery operations continue.Authorities have launched an inquest into the incident, which has deeply traumatized the local Hindu community, for whom the temple was a sacred space of worship and refuge.

Asia

Thailand

Thai army regains control of Ta Kwai Temple, situation remains volatile

Thai forces have regained control of the historic Ta Kwai Temple in Surin province after pushing out Cambodian troops, though the situation remains volatile amid continued counterattacks. The clash has raised serious concerns over violations of international laws protecting cultural heritage, as the temple was used as a military base and suffered significant damage.

‘We respect Hinduism, Vishnu statue not religious site’: Thailand responds to India's wrath over Cambodia demolition incident

Thailand clarified that the demolition of the Lord Vishnu statue on the Thai Cambodian border was not aimed at Hinduism, stating the structure was not a registered religious site and was removed purely for security and territorial management after regaining control of the area.

Bangladesh

NDTV Ground Report: What's It Like To Be A Hindu In Bangladesh

Hindus in Dhaka report being systematically targeted and othered, facing attacks, discrimination, and constant threats despite being Bangladeshi citizens, with recent lynchings, including Dipu Chandra Das, highlighting the extreme vulnerability of the community.Residents describe the violence as religiously motivated rather than political, underscoring deep-rooted communal tensions and the failure of authorities to provide adequate protection.

Tied to tree and set on fire’: Father of Hindu man lynched by mob in Bangladesh

A 27-year-old Hindu man, Dipu Chandra Das, was lynched, tied to a tree, and set on fire by a mob in Bangladesh’s Mymensingh district amid post-unrest violence, his father has alleged. The incident has deepened fears over minority safety, with the family citing lack of government assurance even as authorities say seven suspects have been arrested.

Pakistan

Hindu Minority Protests Temple Demolition in Sindh | Women, Children on Streets

Members of Pakistan’s Hindu minority, including women and children, staged a protest in Hosri near Hyderabad in Sindh, over the demolition of an ancient Hindu temple by an influential landlord. Demonstrators accused those responsible of issuing death threats and assaulting women who tried to stop the demolition.

India

Saint community resents attachment notices to Varanasi mutts, temples over tax arrears

The saint community expressed strong resentment over the Varanasi Municipal Corporation issuing attachment notices to several mutts and temples in the city over pending tax dues.

New temple in Bandra among key decisions by Tirumala board this week

The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams board approved construction of a Sri Venkateswara temple in Mumbai’s Bandra, along with priest salary hikes, expanded devotee facilities, and major investments in healthcare and education.

Gold crown other jewellery stolen from Thawe temple in Bihar's Gopalganj

Thieves stole gold jewellery from two Hindu temples in Bihar, including the revered Thawe Durga temple in Gopalganj, prompting police to form a special investigation team and launch a manhunt.

Kanakadurga Temple planning Tirupati TTD-like online booking service after record footfalls on Bhavani Deeksha Viramana

After record footfalls during Bhavani Deeksha Viramana (vow culmination ritual), the Kanakadurga Temple in Vijayawada plans to introduce TTD-style online booking and digital services to streamline darshan, prasadam, and devotee facilities year-round.

Kerala: Devotees witness Mandala Pooja at Sabarimala Sree Dharma Sastha Temple

At Kerala’s Sabarimala temple, devotees marked Mandala Pooja, the culmination of a 41-day spiritual pilgrimage, witnessing Lord Ayyappa in golden attire before the shrine closes ahead of the Makara Vilakku season.

CPDCL snaps power supply to Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada citing non-payment of ₹3.08 crore dues

Power supply to the Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada was temporarily cut after the state power utility cited ₹3.08 crore in unpaid electricity dues, despite the temple supplying free solar power to the grid.The issue was resolved after discussions, with electricity restored and essential services maintained through backup arrangements in the interim.

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