
Connecting Global Threads of Faith
Editor’s Note
As the new calendar year unfolds with Maha Kumbh, millions converge at the sacred confluence, carrying hopes, seeking redemption, and celebrating the timeless dance of faith, culture, and eternity. It is here that tradition and devotion flow as ceaselessly as the rivers themselves …
January Newsletter – 1
(January 1– January 15)
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South-East Asia
India
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 witnessed the first ‘Amrit Snan’ led by 13 Akharas, integral to the event's spiritual and cultural fabric. These traditional monastic orders, preserving Hindu traditions since the 8th century, play a key role in organizing rituals and maintaining the sanctity of this grand confluence of faith.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, has begun in Prayagraj, India, marking the start of the grand version of the 12-yearly Hindu pilgrimage after 144 years. With more than 400 million devotees expected, the event celebrates the sacred confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers at Triveni Sangam. Pilgrims, sadhus, and ascetics gather to participate in the holy bathing rituals, believed to purify the soul. The Kumbh Mela has historical significance linked to the ancient legend of Samudra Manthan, where drops of immortality elixir were spilled. The festivities are expected to last for 45 days, with advancements in infrastructure and technology to aid the smooth conduct of the event.
India ushered in 2025 with vibrant celebrations, including temple visits, grand aartis, and cultural festivities across cities like Ayodhya, Vrindavan, and Puri, alongside spectacular fireworks and joyous gatherings nationwide.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar called for the abolition of VIP darshan in temples, highlighting that such practices undermine the Hindu ethos of equality before divinity. He emphasized preserving the sanctity of religious spaces and urged Hindus to uphold values of inclusivity and fairness in spiritual practices.
Laurene Powell Jobs, now known as Kamala, began her spiritual journey in India with prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Temple and plans to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj. Her visit reflects a deepening connection to Hinduism, guided by Swami Kailashanand Giri.
Ayodhya is witnessing a massive influx of devotees as the city celebrates the first anniversary of the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony of the Ram Temple. To commemorate the occasion, various spiritual events and cultural programs have been organized at the temple premises.
A tragic stampede at Tirupati during the Vaikuntha Ekadasi festival claimed six lives as crowds gathered for free darshan tokens at the Sri Venkateswara Temple.
While Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced ex-gratia and jobs for victims' families, concerns over inadequate planning and poor crowd management were raised by opposition leaders, highlighting the need for improved coordination during high-profile religious events.
At the Karnataka Temple Convention, pro-Hindu organizations called for the establishment of a "Sanatan Hindu Board" to unify and manage Hindu temples under the leadership of religious figures. The convention also passed resolutions advocating for budgetary support to restore neglected temples and ensuring the protection of Hindu cultural and religious practices.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad's 'Haindava Sankharavam' in Vijayawada called for freeing Hindu temples from government control, emphasizing autonomy for temple management. Leaders highlighted the adverse impact of state interference on temple systems and advocated for devotion-driven administration by the Hindu community.
Bangladesh
The Global Bengali Hindu Coalition (GBHC),a Toronto based rights body has raised alarm over the rising persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, citing demographic decline, state-backed communalism, and increasing violence against minorities, including sexual assaults on Hindu women. They urged India, global leaders, and the UN to intervene by deploying peacekeeping forces and creating secure zones to protect persecuted communities.
The European Union (EU) has failed to address the ongoing violence against Hindus and other minorities in Bangladesh, despite the escalating attacks since August 2024, following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This inaction, coupled with the EU's silence on the country's drift toward authoritarianism, undermines its credibility in promoting human rights and democracy.
______________________________________________________________
Hozzászólások