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Source ROBBINSVILLE, NEW JERSEY, October 16, 2017 (India West): Amidst a large gathering of devotees, BAPS leader HH Mahant Swami Maharaj inaugurated the Svaminarayana-siddhanta-sudha, a traditionally composed Sanskrit text, at the Swaminarayan Akshardham temple Sept. 17 here. The assembly was a celebration of three events: inauguration of the Svaminarayana-siddhanta-sudha; the Sri Kasi Vidvat Parisad recognizing Sri Svaminarayana’s Vedanta as Aksara-Purusottama…

Source DURBAN, SOUTH AFRICA, October 16, 2017 (Daily News): A Diwali festival celebration was held in Durban, South Africa on October 14th. The popular Hindu festival of lights celebrates good over evil and, symbolically, light shining in darkness. The festival attracts over 100,000 visitors who get to participate in the parading of floats and chariots, singing devotional songs, dances, games…

Source LONDON, ENGLAND, October 15, 2017 (ITV): There was dancing in Trafalgar Square on Sunday as people gathered to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. Around 35,000 came to central London for the event, which has been hosted at Trafalgar Square on 16 occasions. The sunny setting was the perfect atmosphere for people from around the world to join…

Source AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND, October 4, 2017 (Stuff): Tens of thousands of people packed Aotea Square and upper Queen Street in celebration of the 16th annual Indian festival of light – one of Auckland’s biggest and most colorful festivals. The sound of rhythmic drumming and sumptuous smells filled the air, growing more intense the closer you came to the heart…

Source KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, October 13, 2017 (New Strait Times): Pos Malaysia Bhd has released its fourth Festival Food series comprising stamps and other products to highlight the upcoming Festival of Lights or Deepavali celebration. The fourth edition stamps feature festive foods that are usually being enjoyed during Deepavali including Vadai, Muruku, Paal Kova and Payasam, Thosai and Idli, and…

Source TELANGANA, INDIA, October 11, 2017 (Money Control): The K. Chandrasekhar Rao government in Telangana has allotted US$274 million, to develop Yadadri, a centuries-old hill temple, in a bid to build something on the lines of Tirumala’s Tirupathi temple in the neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple that lies two hours away from Hyderabad is dedicated to Hindu Lion…

Source Let me tell you the truth: there is nothing wrong in your being in the world. But you must direct your mind towards God; otherwise you will not succeed. Do your duty with one hand and with the other hold to God. After the duty is over, you will hold to God with both hands.— Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa (1836-1886)

Source TRINIDAD/TOBAGO, October 10, 2017 (Trinidad Express): The celebrations National Council of Indian Culture (NCIC) Divali Nagar opened on Monday and will conclude on October 17. Each night will feature various performances ranging from dance, tassa music, singing and guest speakers. Express Chief Photographer Dexter Philip was there and captured these images last evening on the opening night. View photos…

Paras Ramoutar PORT-OF-SPAIN ,TRINIDAD, October 7, 2017 (by Paras Ramoutar, special to HPI): “Hindu Symbolism” is the theme for the 31st edition of the annual Divali Nagar which commences on Monday Oct. 4 to Tuesday Oct. 17 with a network of cultural, religious and social activities, according to Surujdeo Mangaroo, public relations officer, National Council of Indian culture (NCIC). And…

Source Even in search of extraordinary gains, the wise will never speak trivial or useless words.— Tirukkural 198