Source: Edmonton Journal
EDMONTON, ALBERTA, August 17, 2002: A group of thirteen young men ranging in age from twelve to twenty-four were honored with a special samskara or rite of passage — bestowal of the sacred thread — at the North Indian Temple in Alberta, Canada. Entering the temple on the north side, the participants, bare-footed and in yellow robes, were showered with flower petals and mantras while they were instructed to avoid negative words to others. The article says, “Temple members placed sacred threads over the participants, the threads bestowing strength, radiance and illumination upon the recipients.” Hindu Society of Alberta members said, “The rite marks a young person’s spiritual birth and his obligation to help society as well as being responsible for his own well-being. It’s required before a Hindu man can marry and is one of 16 purification rites performed throughout a person’s life.”