It’s the time of year the modern world dedicates ONE WEEK to the Earth. One week out of 52, when we spare time to think about and honor the very planet and natural elements that sustain us. But Dharma decrees every day is for Mother Earth. So, for followers of Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, every day is Earth Day and every week is Earth Week. Hindus have venerated and worshiped the earth as Bhoomi Devi or Prithvi Devi, in the... Read more
“There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved.” These might sound like the words of modern-day progressive. Or maybe it’s the latest slogan for International Women’s Day! After all the theme for 2024 is to “Invest in Women-Accelerate Progress” However, these words date to the 19th century, from Swami Vivekananda, a iconic Hindu philosopher and monk. And in speaking as he did, one could argue, his thoughts were nothing more... Read more
For Hindu’s living in America, 2023 was the year caste dropped in with all the force of a weapon – disrupting long held assumptions of the place and life in America. And while we won some battles (California ) and lost others (Seattle) the war continues. With a new legislative session looming in the coming year, further volleys are expected. Through it all- one question comes up over and over again –WHY? Perplexed community members and bystanders continually wonder –... Read more
If the media is to be believed, America is being overrun by a new scourge – “caste discrimination” brought to our fair land by “Indians or South Asians” as they flock here in “large numbers”. This is the stated belief of many of the caste equity champions who have been driving the caste narrative from their privileged positions in academia and government – even though data on the ground shows a completely different picture. Over the past two years caste... Read more
For Hindus across the world, it’s the time to mark the festival of Basant Panchami, dedicated to the worship of Devi Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning and Music and celebrating the advent of spring. In a way it is the perfect combination because Saraswati symbolizes creativity and was herself born on this day, just like the nature itself emerges from winter and renews the world with new creativity each spring. This is also the time, swaths of the Indian countryside... Read more
Once upon a time, North America was a stranger to Diwali. Back then, we Hindus made do with what was available- like homemade sweets or off the shelf holiday decor repurposed for Diwali, and a hurried puja since the kids had to go to school just like any other busy weekday. Real festivities with family and friends had to wait for the weekend with most such festivities being private events. Public acknowledgement or large-scale celebration was far too distant an... Read more
Hindus just completed their most popular festival Diwali, which is fast becoming a staple of mainstream America. The conclusion of the five-day festival mostly marks the end of a long season of festivity for most Hindus, except for those who hail from the India’s eastern belt comprising of states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, parts of Nepal and surrounding areas. For these communities, the sixth day after Diwali is celebrated as Chhath and on a scale that rivals Diwali for... Read more
Sukhkarta Dukhharta Varta Vighnachi Nurvi Purvi Prema Kripa Jayachi (Salutations to the deity who is the giver of joy, the remover of sorrow and the one who eliminates hurdles. The one who spreads love and grace everywhere.) The harbinger of good luck, a protector and confidante, a patron of the arts and sciences, the champion of virtue and a fount of wisdom – few deities are as beloved in the Hindu pantheon as Ganesh! Also... Read more
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