KOZHIKODE, INDIA, November 27, 2002: While attending the Ninth International Symposium on Vedic Astrology, namakarana samskaras, name-giving sacraments, were given to twelve foreign nationals on November 20 and 21. The new Hindus, ten Americans and two from the UK, were welcomed into the Hindu religion, which they believe preaches “total tolerance, peace and love.” The samskaras, performed at the Arya Samaj Hall, conferred Hindu names on all 12. Many of the new Hindus said they had been following the Hindu beliefs and culture for many years but were very happy to have officially become Hindu in name as well as belief. Along with the namakarana samskara, Vignesh Vishnu Mahadeva and Gayathri Ananda Devi from the UK had their marriage solemnized following Hindu traditions.
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