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Posters have appeared on the campus of WesleyanUniversity (Middletown, Connecticut, USA) suggesting that students who havebeen celebrating Hindu festival of Holi were not allowed in Usdan, “a focalpoint of activity” on the campus. Posters say “NO COLORED PEOPLE ALLOWED IN USDAN.”

University’sfirst official celebration of Holi reportedly took place on Foss Hill onFriday, April 27, when these flyers appeared.

Highlyselective Wesleyan University, on a 316-acre campus overlooking the ConnecticutRiver and with students from around the world, offers 47 major fields of study,including various doctoral programs. Annual expenses for a student now add to$58,371, while tuition was only $36 when it was founded in 1831 by Methodistleaders. Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. reportedly visited this campus severaltimes. Its Usdan University Center is a “central programming space for thecampus community” and provides a “comfortable gathering place for students,staff, faculty, alumni and visitors”.

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Hindus have welcomed the reported unanimous approval of about $18.5 million Hindu temple and high-tech community complex by Northampton (East Midlands, United Kingdom) Borough Council’s planning committee on May 29.

Called “Northampton Kutumbh Centre” (wider family), besides a spectacular Hindu temple, it also reportedly plans to include state-of-the-art and eco-friendly sports, recreation and leisure, education, enterprise, arts and entertainment facilities on about 4.3 acres; providing structure for events, exhibitions, meetings, indoor and outdoor sports, clubs, crèche and nursery, housing complex for seniors, elderly daycare, library, etc.; and using solar and geo-thermal pump technology. It reportedly plans to include a cinema to exhibit Bollywood films and will have facilities for badminton, indoor cricket, five-a-side football, etc., sports; classes in yoga, pilates, martial arts, gymnastics, reiki, dancing and music; health workshops; vegetable gardens; etc. It will reportedly use green and organic material for roof to attract wildlife habitation. Construction will reportedly be launched next year, completing in 2014.

It is being built by Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation, a voluntary charity organization established in 1996 and focused on enriching the lives of Northampton’s Hindus by meeting their social, cultural, welfare and health needs. Neelam Aggarwal is the Chairperson while Atul Karavadra is the Treasurer.

Northampton, about 67 miles north-west of London, is a large market town in England on the River Nene. It has Britain's largest market square dating from 1235, its Northampton Museum and Art Gallery has a world-class collection of historical footwear, and Diana-Princess of Wales (1961-1997) is buried at Althorp. About five percent of its population is of South Asian descent and it hosts University of Northampton. Roger Conroy and Les Marriott are Mayor and Deputy Mayor respectively of Northampton Borough Council.

Each year Northampton has a public celebration of Diwali, which includes procession around town center lead by dhol drums, workshops and performances in Market Square, henna painting, sari-tying, etc.

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Unique, one of a kind baccalaureate service in the world, was held at University of Nevada-Reno (UNR) in USA on April 15 evening.

“Fifth Annual Hindu Baccalaureate Service of UNR (Dikshant Utsav)” blessed the graduating class in the traditional Hindu style, complete with applying tilak (religious mark) on the foreheads of graduates, participatory reading of Gayatri Mantra in Sanskrit, keynote address by a Swami and kirtan (sacred chant). In addition, it also included blessings by Christian (various denominations), Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, Native American, Baha’i, etc., representatives who recited prayers in Arabic, Pali, Hebrew, Paiute, besides English.

Organized by Universal Society of Hinduism (USOH) in collaboration with Indian Student Organization of UNR, it started with lighting traditional lamp before the statue of goddess Saraswati, patron of learning and the arts, and included blessing of the upcoming graduates with wisdom from Vedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita—all ancient Hindu scriptures, by well-known Hindu monk Swami Vedananda from California (USA). Prominent musician Jim Eaglesmith chanted kirtan number “Hare Krishna, Hare Rama” and the audience followed him on the chant.

Besides Vedananda, those who blessed the graduating class in their own traditions included Rita Sloan of Roman Catholic Diocese of Reno, Toni de Salvo of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Nicholas F. Frey of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Northern Nevada Muslim Community President Sherif A. Elfass, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, Buddhist Priest Jikai’ Phil Bryan, Jewish Rabbi ElizaBeth W. Beyer, Nevada Clergy Association President Right Reverend Gene Savoy Junior, Native American elder of Paiute Tribe Ralph Burns and Baha’i Roya Galata. While Vedananda read a universal prayer, all these religious leaders repeated after him and raised their hands blessing the graduating students who stood in front of them and all other upcoming graduates in absentia.

United Stages (US) Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, US Senator Dean Heller and US Congressman Mark E. Amodei sent recognition certificates for the Baccalaureate Service. Mormon choir of Sparks (Nevada) Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lead by Emily Hollenbach presented a blessing number. Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd gave a musical number “Here I am, Lord” from Isaiah Chapter six of The Bible directed by Gloria Melms. Palkin Zed, Executive Director of non-profit Project Solution, was master of ceremonies.

USOH President Rajan Zed, who recited Gayatri Mantra (the most sacred mantra of Hinduism from oldest scripture Rig-Veda) in Sanskrit and audience repeated after him, said on the occasion that the purpose of this baccalaureate service was to root the graduating class in divine spiritual tradition so that they had a spiritually meaningful life in addition to material success.

Education in Hindu tradition had been deep rooted; Rajan Zed pointed out and added that after many important universities in ancient India, like Taxila, Nalanda, Sarnath, Amaravati, Banaras, Kanchi and Ujjain; great Indian universities also flourished in medieval period, like Odantapura (745 CE), Vikramasila (810 CE), Somapura (480 CE), Jagaddala (1090 CE).

Washoe County issued a special Resolution to mark the significance of First Annual Hindu Baccalaureate Service of UNR.

Baccalaureate service basically means service where a sermon is delivered to the graduating class. In use since at least the eighth century, origins of the baccalaureate service point to an Oxford University statute of 1432, which required each bachelor to deliver a sermon in Latin as part of the academic exercise.

The flagship institution of the state established in 1874, UNR is one of the top 120 universities in America for funded research having internationally known researchers in renewable energy, earthquake engineering, environment, etc. It is helping to create the world’s most accurate atomic clock and is home to one of the largest earthquake-simulation labs. Various Hollywood movies have been shot at UNR, which has about 18,000 students with Marc Johnson as interim President.

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An imposing 17,000 square-foot three-story Krishna Hindu Temple has reportedly been planned for Salem (New Hampshire, USA).

Town of Salem Planning Board is said to be considering its plans submitted by Temple backer Dr. Deepak Sharma during its May eight meeting. On approval, construction is proposed to begin this year and it is claimed to take about nine months. Besides a sanctuary for worship, it also plans to offer language and yoga classes.

New Hampshire already has a Hindu Temple of New Hampshire in Nashua and a Hindu Temple at Ivy League Dartmouth College in Hanover.

Salem, incorporated in 1750, is known for Canobie Lake Park, America's Stonehenge, and Rockingham Park. Patrick M. Hargreaves and James S. Keller are Chairman and Vice-Chairman respectively of the Board of Selectmen of Town of Salem while Keith R. Hickey is Town Manager.

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A fourth Hindu temple in Wisconsin (USA) has reportedly recently been established after over five hours of “shuddhikaran” (purification) ceremony in a former marketing firm in Kaukauna.

Known as Hindu Temple of North East Wisconsin, this ceremony included Ganapathipuja, Mandaparadham, Rudrabhisekam-Alankaram-Sivaastottaram- Nerajanam-Mantrapuspam-Pradakhanam, Homa, Agnisamskaram, Ganapathihoma, Vastuhomam, Navagraha Avahana Devatahomam, Rudrahomam, Maha Sudarsana Lakhmihoam, Jayadiprayaschittahomam, Mahapurnahuthi, Agnipradakhanam, Maha Arathi Mandapavudwsanam, etc.

This new temple on four acres of land has planned 17 major events for 2012 and is holding Hindi and Bharatnatyam classes. Temple Vision includes: “provide an identity for the Hindu community”. Its “Objective” includes providing religious, social, and cultural activities; foster the teachings of Hindu scriptures and the Vedas; conducting yoga and spiritual educational programs; provide location for satsangs, poojas, festivals, and related religious activities; and to provide goodwill and friendship amongst all people. Before this temple, area Hindus reportedly used to travel to Chicago (200 miles) and Pewaukee (100 miles) for worship services or had home shrines. It is said to be the result of about four years of fundraising efforts and now the project leaders reportedly want to build a “real” temple. Ram Turlapati and Rashmi Patel are Chair and Vice-Chair respectively of Temple Board while Rakesh Kaushika and Nila Vaishnav are President and Vice President respectively of Temple Executive Committee.

Other Hindu temples in Wisconsin include: Hindu Temple of Wisconsin in Pewaukee, The Hindu Temple of Madison in Sun Prairie and Hindu Temple & Cultural Center of Wisconsin in Fitchburg.

Incorporated in 1885, Kaukauna, also known as "The Friendly City", has its 17 locations listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Eugene J. Rosin and Lee Meyerhofer are Mayor and Common Council President respectively of this city, which was mainly served by Roman Catholic and Lutheran churches. Notable people associated with Kaukauna include, football player Norbert Hayes, poker player Steve Badger and talk-show host Mark Belling.

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City of Bristol in United Kingdom (UK)is considering River Avon as possible site for dispersing cremated remains of Hindus. Bristol’s Lord Mayor Peter Main was quoted as saying that providing a consecrated site was one of his first priorities and reports suggested that Bristol City Council and Environment Agency were trying to identify a suitable site.

Bristol, most populous city in South West England and built around River Avon, received Royal Charter in 1155. There are said to be 34 other populated places in the world named Bristol. About 60% of city's population is Christian, while about 25% are reportedly non-religious and there is a Bristol Hindu Temple. Prominent people associated with Bristol include actors Cary Grant, Kevin McNally, Michael Redgrave and Robert Stephens; comedian Lee Evans; graffiti artist Banksy; and Fry family. Geoffrey Gollop is Bristol’s Deputy Lord Mayor. River Avon in the south west of England had been navigable from Bristol to Bath in early 13th century.

There are reportedly about 10,000 Hindus in the area.

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Women perform nude worship near Tumkur - The Times of India

TUMKUR: Though banned by the state government, nude worship by women continues in Handanakerae village of Chikkanayakanahalli taluk of Tumkur district, as recently as Friday night. It's a remote village in the district, about 100km from Tumkur.

The whole village was euphoric as residents were celebrating the festival of goddess Gonimaradamma. For many decades, women clad only in neem leaves have worshipped her during this festival. The women take a vow that if their prayers are answered, they'll perform bettale seve (nude worship). As per tradition, women wear neem leaves, and with a lock on their mouths, go once around the village. On Friday night, over 100 women worshipped the goddess in this manner, with men looking on.

One such worshipper Rangamma told TOI: "I prayed to goddess Gonimaradamma for my family's well-being. She fulfilled my demands and that's why I performed this service. No family member or any villager forced me to do this ritual. I've been getting good things from the goddess and so I do this service for her. What's wrong in it?"

Another villager Ravi said women wearing neem leaves were treated like the goddess and if anyone misbehaved, the goddess would punish them. Deputy commissioner RK Raju and assistant commissioner of Tiptur division Shilpa denied the incident had taken place but ordered Chikkanayakanahalli tahsildar to probe and submit a report.

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Desecration of Hindu temple in Peshawar: PHC dispatch team to take first hand account - The Times of India
Pakistan Hindu Council (PHC) has dispatched a high-powered team to Pehswar , capital of frontier province Khyber Pakhtunhwa to take a first hand account of incident of desecration of a Hindu temple by a group of unidentified persons.

Talking to the TOI, Ramesh Kumar Vankwani, founder, PHC, said that Pakistan's minuscule Hindu community was resentful of the unprovoked incident.
Giving details of the incident, Vankwani informed that he had reports that on Sunday a group of unidentified persons attacked the Hindu temple, smashed statue of Lord Shiva and other deities besides burning of holy scripture Gita. He said that Pakistan's Hindu community had demanded immediate arrest of vandals and strict action against them.

According to PHC, there were around 70 Lakh Hindu's in Pakistan who were largely settled in Sindh province. He informed that the Guru Gorakhnath temple which came under attack was more than 150 years old.

A few months ago Peshawar high court had handed over the custody of temple to Hindu community, which was in control of various government departments since Indo Pak partition in 1947.

The local Hindu community had imported deities figurines from India after taking control of management of the temple. While Condemning the incident, All India Hindu Shiv Sena has demanded deployment of heavy security around Hindu temples in Pakistan which were under threat from Taliban's and fundamentalists. Sena's president Surinder Kumar Billa said: "Peshawar is burning and has become unsafe for minority Hindu community and that's why they are migrating to India."

He informed that the temple was re-opened on court's directions after Phool Wati , daughter of cleric of temple, proved in court that the temple belonged to their family which was being used by Evacuee Trust Property Board, police and archaeology department.

Billa has urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to immediately take up the issue of security of Hindu temples in Pakistan with Pak Prime Minister and issue statement in Parliament about the efforts taken by the government.

Meanwhile, as many as 40 Pakistani nationals, mostly from Peshawar, got themselves registered with district administration for initiating the process of seeking Indian citizenship.

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Hinduism is the predominant religion is on of its indigenous religions. Hinduism includes Shivism,Vaishnavis and Srauta among the numerous other tradition.Hinduism is a conglomeration of distinct intedellectual or philosophical point of view,rather than a rigid common set of beliefs.

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Portland (Oregon, USA) based Burnside Brewing Company, which earlier announced to release its “Kali-Ma” beer on May 15; has apologized, postponed the release and would rename it.

In an announcement published on their Facebook page today, the Company wrote: In response to pleas from the Hindu community we have decided to postpone the limited release of "Kali-ma" our imperial wheat ale flavored with Indian spices and Scotch-Bonnet peppers. It is NEVER our intention at Burnside to offend or alienate any race, creed, religion or sexual orientation. The inspiration for the beer label simply came from a favorite childhood movie in the "Indiana Jones" series and we were unaware that it could be offensive to anyone. We are currently scrambling to re-name the beer and intend to release it soon afterwards…to anyone we have offended we sincerely apologize.
Burnside Brewing is excited to finally release the highly anticipated beer ‘Kali-Ma’ in 150 very limited 1ltr Magnum sized swing top bottles and on draft on Tuesday May 15th at their pub.

Kali-Ma, is inspired by the Hindu goddess and her tribute in the movie Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. The name Kali comes from kāla, which means black, time, death, lord of death, Shiva. Kali-Ma the beer is an Imperial wheat ale or wheat wine made with toasted cardamom, fenugreek, and cumin spices added in addition to almost 400 pounds of apricot. Fermented with a Belgian ale yeast harvested from Upright Brewing. We then dry hop it with 8 pounds of scotch bonnet and native India dandicut peppers.

Come worship “the black one” Kali as the ultimate reality or Brahman this Tuesday!

Burnside Kali Ma, in addition to all Burnside Beer is unfiltered. This requires an increased time commitment, but pays dividends in the depth, character, and flavor profile of our offerings.
8.6% ABV
13.2 I.B.U.’s Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, who spearheaded the protest, calling identifying of the beer with Goddess Kali as “inappropriate”, has thanked and commended the Company for showing responsibility, respect and maturity by taking quick action and for having an understanding for the hurt feelings of Hindu community. It was a step in the right direction, he added in a statement in Nevada (USA) today.

“Kali-Ma” the beer was earlier announced as spiced wheat ale involving cardamom, fenugreek, cumin, India dandicut peppers, etc., and showed the picture of Goddess with four arms and three severed heads. Jason McAdam is the brew-master at the Company which is also organizing Annual Portland Fruit Beer Festival on June 9-10.

Goddess Kali, who personifies Sakti or divine energy, is widely worshipped in Hinduism. She is considered the goddess of time and change. Some Bengali poets described her as supreme deity. Moksh (liberation) is the ultimate goal of Hinduism.

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Buddhist and Hindu groups have grown steadily in United States of America (USA) since changes in immigration laws in 1965 and 1992, with particularly high concentrations in Texas, California, the New York Metropolitan Area, Illinois and Georgia; according to a Baylor University (Waco, Texas, USA) release quoting its professor who helped compile the recently released U.S. Religion Census.

Professor J. Gordon Melton, who was in charge of assembling the data on both groups, was quoted as saying: "Both Buddhists and Hindus, though still relatively small compared to the large Christian groups, have grown to the point that they are beginning to exert significant influence on the key issues that most affect their lives”.

Both Hindus and Buddhists have temples in most states, and "the groups now regularly voice their opinions on U.S. relations with predominantly Hindu and Buddhist countries," Melton said in this release. “…Hindus and Buddhists are found in every part of the country, but they are concentrated in the big cities and still have not begun to appear in the smaller cities and rural areas."

Meanwhile, welcoming the growing influence of Hindu community, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, urged Hindus to participate in interfaith dialogue, assist the different communities in their neighborhoods, build trust and help create harmony in the society.

Baylor University is a private Christian university and a nationally ranked research institution. Kenneth Winston Starr is the President while Neal T. "Buddy" Jones is Chair of its Board of Regents.

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It was nearly two years ago when Oscar winner Hollywood star Julia Roberts (Pretty Woman) confessed of being a “practicing Hindu”, and she seems to be sticking to it devotedly.

In her recent interviews to Indian media, she was quoted as saying: “I've received real spiritual satisfaction through Hinduism and I'm a practising Hindu” and “…ever since I’ve started practicing, the festivals (especially Diwali) attract me a lot too”.

Roberts also stated in these reports that she shared a common aspect of finding peace and tranquility of mind in Hinduism similar to Patsy of The Razor's Edge by Somerset Maugham. “I would love to return to this sacred land again and visit some key pilgrimage spots, like Haridwar or Puri”, she added while talking about India.

Roberts, who grew up with a Catholic mother and Baptist father, revealed for the first time in September 2010 issue of women’s fashion magazine Elle that she was “definitely a practicing Hindu”. She later revealed on ABC that she became interested in Hinduism after seeing a picture of Hanuman devotee Hindu guru Neem Karoli Baba, who died in 1973.

According to reports, Roberts has been interested in yoga for quite some time. She was in Haryana (India) in September 2009 to shoot “Eat, Pray, Love” in an ashram (retreat). In January 2009, she sported a “bindi” (vermillion mark on forehead) during her trip to India when she also visited Taj Mahal with husband Danny Moder. She has a production company called “Red Om Films”, and “Om” in Hinduism is the mystical syllable containing the universe.

Julia Fiona Roberts, 44, one of the most successful Hollywood actresses besides a producer and fashion model, has won best actress Oscar for “Erin Brockovich” and earned Oscar nominations for “Pretty Woman” and “Steel Magnolias”.