Connecting Global Threads of Faith Newsletter #2 June
- Editorial Team GHTN
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Connecting Global Threads of Faith
Editor’s Note…
As the mighty chariot of Lord Jagannath rolls forth, it reminds us that even in an age of fear and flight, His boundless love gives us the strength to stand, the courage to endure, and the grace to hope.In every exile and return, in every wound and worship, the Lord of the Universe rides with us silently bearing, eternally protecting.
June Newsletter – 2
(June 15 – June 30)
In an era of unprecedented global connectivity, the struggles and resilience of Hindus facing violence and persecution often go unrecognized. This fortnightly report brings these overlooked narratives to light by providing an unbiased and comprehensive selection of news agencies’ reports offering an overview of incidents impacting the Hindu community worldwide, while also celebrating Hindu heritage. Through this initiative, we seek to raise awareness and advocate for the protection of Hindu rights and religious freedom globally.
Pacific
New Zealand
On June 21, 2025, flags representing Hinduism and other religions were desecrated during a protest in Auckland led by Christian leader Brian Tamaki.
South Asia
Bangladesh
India has formally condemned the destruction of a Durga temple in Khilkhet, Dhaka, placing responsibility squarely on Bangladesh’s interim government for failing to protect its Hindu minority and their religious sites
Pakistan
In Shahdadpur, Pakistan, three Hindu sisters and their minor male cousin were abducted and forcibly converted to Islam by their muslim teachers. Despite the family's pleas and community outrage, Pakistani courts downplayed the incident as voluntary conversion, while the accused were granted bail—highlighting ongoing concerns about institutional apathy towards Hindus in Pakistan.
Balochistan has announced plans to designate the historic Hinglaj Mata Temple as a global religious tourism site, drawing over 250,000 pilgrims annually.
India
Four men were arrested in Prayagraj’s Nevada village for allegedly attempting religious conversion to Christianity during a Satsang by luring Hindus with promises of healing, jobs, and money.
Bihar government has unveiled plans to construct a grand Janaki Temple at Punaura Dham, Sitamarhi—birthplace of Mata Janaki—modeled on Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, with the aim of boosting spiritual tourism and local employment.
In Assam’s Goalpara district, five individuals from a particular community were arrested for allegedly throwing beef near a Hindu temple to incite communal tension post-Eid. The act, condemned by locals, follows similar incidents in nearby Dhubri, raising concerns over targeted provocation against Hindu sentiments.
Following a June 3 clash in Azamgarh’s Muslim-dominated Chhota Pura area, around 40 Hindu families, citing fear and ongoing harassment during religious functions, have put up "house for sale" posters.
Four idols, including those of Lord Ganesha and Rahu-Ketu, were found defaced at Sri Plague Mariamman Temple near Chinniyampalayam in Coimbatore, prompting a police investigation and public outrage.
The Jagannath Temple Committee in Puri has urged ISKCON to strictly observe Snana Yatra and Rath Yatra only on the dates prescribed by Hindu scriptures, warning that deviations by ISKCON temples abroad violate sacred traditions.
The Ambubachi Mela is held annually at the Kamakhya Temple, situated atop Nilachal Hills in Guwahati, Assam. In 2025, the temple will remain closed from June 22 to June 25, marking the believed menstrual period of Goddess Kamakhya, and will reopen on June 26 with the Nivritti ceremony.
A 15th-century copper plate inscription dated June 28, 1456 CE, found at the Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh, contains India’s earliest known epigraphic reference to Halley’s Comet. Issued during the Vijayanagara reign of King Mallikarjuna, it links a land grant to the comet’s appearance.
Russian soldier Sergey Grablev, a long-time Hindu devotee, was cremated with full Hindu rites at Sri Mahabaleshwara Temple in Gokarna after his death in the Russia-Ukraine war. Unable to travel, his family joined the Narayanabali and Pinda Daan rituals virtually from abroad.
Goa Tourism is launching the ‘Ekadasha Teertha Yatra’ to promote spiritual tourism through a pilgrimage circuit of 11 iconic temples across the state.
INTACH has raised concerns about low-flying aircraft from Bhubaneswar airport posing a structural threat to the 11th-century Lingaraj Temple due to close flight paths.
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