(CHAKRA) The bright (and we literally mean bright) auspicious festival of Deepavali (also widely known as the modern name Diwali) is by far the largest and most widely celebrated festival for Hindus and Indians globally. Diwali is also celebrated with strong festivities by Sikhs, Jains and even some Buddhist communities. Countries that celebrate Diwali include the United […]
The Scary Rise of Hinduphobia in Indian Media and the Group of Elite Journalist Influencing it
Hinduphobia is the dislike of or prejudice against Hinduism or Hindus, especially as a political force – So how can it be a problem in India where the population is approximately 80% Hindus? Simple, although the majority of Indians are Hindu by birth or spiritual faith; majority of Indians are divided by divisive politics and power hungry […]
Happy Karwa Chauth (Shubh Karva Chauth) – October 2013
What is Karva Chauth? Karva Chauth (also pronounced as KarWa Chauth) is a Hindu celebration, mostly followed by Hindus and also many Sikhs. In 2013, it is celebrated on Tuesday, October 22nd. Northern parts of India see a higher rate of participation in the festival, mainly the following states: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu […]
Happy Onam, the Kerala Harvest Festival – August 2012
In the Indian state of Kerala the biggest festival is called Onam, which is also referred to Kerala’s harvest festival. Most commonly celebrated by Hindus and Malayalees based around the state of Kerala and signifies the home-coming of King Mahabali. Onam is also celebrated as the day of advent of Vamana and Bali. It marks the […]
How Relevant is Raksha Bandhan (Rakhi) in Modern Society?
By Sucheta Rustgi (CHAKRA) Raksha bandhan has been celebrated over generations with sisters tying rakhis-a symbolic string-around the wrist of their brothers. The significance of the string is to maintain a strong relationship or ‘bandhan’ between the siblings where a sister ties a string on her brother’s wrist to give him her blessings and love […]
Happy Holi! (Shubh Holi!) – The Festival of Colors – March 2012
(CHAKRA) – Happy Holi! Also greeted as Shubh Holi, is the festival of colors celebrated mainly in India, along with a presence in Nepal. Holi is being celebrated on March 8th, 2012 across the world by Indians around the world. Holi is one of the biggest celebrations for Hindus and Indians. According to the Hindu calendar, Holi is […]
April 12th, 2011 – Ram Navami (RamNomi), Lord Ram’s Birthday
India (CHAKRA) – Ram Navami (RamNomi) is the birthday of Lord Ram. This year (2011) Ram Navami will be celebrated on April 12th. It is the 9th day of the Hindu calender and coincides with the last day of Navaratras. The day begins with the prayers dedictated to Sun. It is celebrated with the procession […]