Religion

Glossary of Hinduism terms

Aarti Pronounced “AARa-tee.” In Hinduism, the most common ritual that is performed in front of the image of a deity, whether in a temple or in a home shrine. It typically consists of waving, in a clockwise motion, various items in front of the deity. It is done in conjunction with mantras or prayers. Ahimsa Pronounced “ah-HIM-saa.” The Sanskrit word …

Let Us Be Hindus

Let Us Be Hindus By Swami Chinmayanandaji It has become a new fashion with the educated Hindu to turn up his nose and sneer in contempt at the very mention of his religion in any discussion. Personally, I too belong in my sympathies to these critics of our religion. But when this thoughtless team begins to declare that we would …

The Holiday Weigh-In

Holidays tend to bring about very rich memories for us, usually centering around the excitement of traveling and family members visiting. Every year it’s a new blur of vivid colors, bright lights, and delicious aromas. Oh the aromas!! It’s almost like every holiday has its own special scents. But the foods and drinks we indulge in don’t have to be …

Thinking About Finances at Diwali

Thinking About Finances at Diwali By Nirali Chokshi, CPA Happy Diwali! Diwali is one of the most auspicious celebrations for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists, and has many different meanings to people in addition to celebrating the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. From an accounting standpoint, many also take time to reflect, give thanks to …

Diwali: The Victory of Good Over Evil

Come the months of October – November, there is an air of festivity all around. It is the auspicious festival of Diwali that makes even the grimmest face smile in anticipation. It is indeed the time for all to usher into the light, to overcome all that is evil, and to celebrate the supreme festival of the Hindus all over …

The Spiritual Significance of Diwali

For an oil lamp to burn, the wick has to be partially immersed in the oil. If the wick is completely drowned in oil, it cannot bring light. Life is like the wick of the lamp, you have to be in the world and yet remain untouched by it. If you are drowned in the materialism of the world, you …

Lesser Known Facts about Diwali

Lesser Known Facts about Diwali Compiled and Edited by Desh-Videsh Staff Diwali or Deepavali is celebrated in many countries, and many mark it with an official holiday. In India, Kenya, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji, the holiday is celebrated by many communities, not only the Hindus. More than 800 million people …

Divali Nagar, City of Lights in Trinidad and Tobago

Divali Nagar, City of Lights is an annual exposition of Hindu culture, and it is associated with the celebration of Diwali in Trinidad and Tobago. The idea of Divali Nagar was born in 1986 out of a concept enunciated by Hans Hanoomansingh, then President of the National Council of Indian Culture and was organized by a team of dedicated individuals

125th Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech in Chicago

125th Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda’s historic speech in Chicago September 11, 2001 will always be remembered as a black day in the history of the US. But for Hindus living in the US and Hindus living all over the world, September 11, 1893 will also be remembered as a historic and memorable day. On that day, Swami Vivekananda, one of …

Love Poems by Rabindranath Tagore Compiled by Raj Shah

Love Poems by Rabindranath Tagore Compiled by Raj Shah You are about to get married. No doubt, you have many things on your mind, and expressing endearing words about your soulmate may be hard. Whether for your invitation, wedding programs, or special vows, you might need some inspiration! Often, a great quote about true love, few lines of dialogue, love …