By SONAL P LADVA
TUSTIN, CA - The week of July 2 – July 6, witnessed discourses titled The Mystery Series, by Mukhya Swami Swaroopananda, the global head of Chinmaya Mission.  Making his first visit to the U.S. as the new worldwide head of the organization, he methodically beaded the necklace of life with philosophical pearls on the Enigma...

BY DEVIKA C. MEHTA
RIVERSIDE, CA - The world-famous annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath made its debut here  on June 24 and 25, when devotees thronged to pay their respects with religious fervor and enthusiasm. Importantly, Rath Yatra (chariot festival) marks the annual journey of Lord Jagannath and is celebrated on the second day of Shukla Paksha...

​ATLANTA, GA - Devotees, community members, and dignitaries gathered on June 21 to welcome Mahant Swami Maharaj, the current spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha.  The scene at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, here was one of deep joy and excitement, asthis is Mahant Swami Maharaj’s firsttrip to North America as Guru of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, continuing the lifework and mission of his guru...

FRESNO, CA-The Fresno Chapter of the National Sikh Campaign,along with local community leaders held a press conference to announce We Are Sikhs Fresno, an initiative to improve awareness of the Sikh religion and Sikh Americans in the Fresno community. ‘We Are Sikhs Fresno’ will feature local, multi-platform advertising, community events and outreach to the local community. The two television advertisements, ‘Neighbors’ and...

WASHINGTON,D.C.-US Vice President Mike Pence has lauded the Sikhs’ contribution, saying the community should continue to give serve in the military and public offices at local, state and federal levels in the country.Pence, 58, said the community’s “issues” were close to his heart and he was aware of them. “Sikhs Community and its issues are always close to my heart and I always admire the contribution of...

BY DEVIKA C. MEHTA
DOWNEY, CA - Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal of California (SSSM) temple in Downey celebrated its Mini-Patotsav from June 9-11 in honor of Acharya 1008 Shree Rakeshprasad Maharaj’s arrival from India. The temple marked the occasion by arranging a special program ‘Shree Krishna Katha Parayan’ 

BY DEVIKA C. MEHTA
DOWNEY, CA - Hymns, chants, and prayer bells welcomed  devotees in a week-long celebration at the Shree Swaminarayan Satsang Mandal of California  temple here. The temple celebrated its 17th Patotsav (anniversary) on April 21, with the Pothi Yatra, which was attended by a couple of hundred devotees. 

CHINO HILLS, CA-The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in here, held its annual Women’s Conference themed ‘Resolutions: Bonds that Liberate.’ The onference centered on positive resolutions that transform lives by transforming habits: accepting ownership, performing hard work, and making sacrifices. Distinguished speakers discussed how positive resolutions can strengthen character and develop grit. The conference was led by...

WASHINGTON - A large contingent of Indian-Americans gathered outside the CNN office in Chicago after the channel aired a documentary that "tarnished" Hinduism, the media reported. The protest held on Sunday was attended by over 600 Indian-Americans, the American Bazaar reported. "We are here to protest against the show aired on CNN called 'Believer', directed by Reza Aslan. The community is outraged by the way he...

ISLAMABAD- The Pakistani parliament has adopted the landmark Hindu Marriage Law to regulate the community’s marriages in the country. The Hindu Marriage Bill, unanimously passed on Mar 10, will be the first personal law to regulate marriages in the Hindu community living in Pakistan. Minister for Human Rights Kamran Michael presented the bill, which was approved by the Senate in February, in the National Assembly.