Ever wonder why we chant “om” before our yoga practice or prayer? Check out this interesting take on how Quantum Theory can help us understand the significance of Om. This is perhaps the first time in the studies of Hinduism that an attempt has been made to establish a relationship between the sound of Om…

Since bias knows no boundaries, Manusmriti not only expounds the social distance between the upper and lower castes, but it also delineates the status of women by curbing their rights. It lists guidelines for men in selecting marriage partners and puts a stamp of their superiority by creating gender inequality. In chapter 3 with numbered…

Courtesy: The Coversation David Milledge, Newcastle University and Josh Bunce, Newcastle University The Ganges is a lifeline for millions of people who live within its catchment as a source of water, transport and food. During the Hindu pilgrimage known as Kumbh Mela the Ganges plays host to the largest human gathering on Earth as 120m…

By Promod Puri Ritualistically inspired and politically promoted by the Hindutva regime of India’s Uttar Pradesh province, the world’s largest religious congregation, the Kumbh Mela, began January 15 until March 4, 2019, in the city of Praygraj, formerly Allahabad. Devotees come to the historic city where Hindu sacred rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati confluence. It…

Lohri is a traditional Punjabi festival of pure secular nature. It is celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, and Christians. January 13th every year is the marked date for the festival in both India and Pakistan’s Punjab regions, and all over the world where Punjabis are settled. They say it is a celebration to mark the…

By Promod Puri In this part two of my interpretation of Guru Nanak’s divine message Hukam Razai Chalna, Nanak Likhyea Naal, we take another aspect of the edict. But first, let me briefly recap what was presented in the first discussion. In the previous viewpoint, the perception was when we are facing an unjust or grave…

Perhaps the most relevant message of Guru Nanak Dev as we usher into the New Year and make fresh resolutions in the conduct of our lives, is Hukam Razai Chalna, Nanak likhyea naal. In its simple meaning, as usual addressing himself, Nanak says: it is inevitably written that we conduct ourselves according to the will…

by Amy Bhatt, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Hindu texts from thousands of years ago demonstrate acceptance of a ‘third gender.’ Today, transgender Indians, or hijras, remain visible members of society. AP Photo/Bikas Das Amy Bhatt, University of Maryland, Baltimore County The Indian Supreme Court has legalized homosexuality, overturning a 157-year ban on consensual gay…