Latest news with #BAPSShriSwaminarayanMandir
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Reprehensible act': Indian temple in US vandalised; consulate seeks probe
A Hindu temple in the United States has been vandalised, prompting condemnation from the Indian Consulate in Chicago. In a post on X, the consulate described the desecration of the main signboard of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood, Indiana, as 'reprehensible' and confirmed it had raised the matter with law enforcement for prompt action. The Consul General met devotees, local leaders and the Mayor of Greenwood, urging unity, solidarity and vigilance against 'miscreants'. The incident comes less than 6 months after a similar act of vandalism at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino Hills, California. At the time, ministry of external affairs condemned the act 'in the strongest terms' and urged local authorities to act swiftly and ensure security at places of worship. BAPS Public Affairs said the Hindu community would 'stand steadfast against hate' and 'never let hate take root'. The Coalition of Hindus of North America also linked such incidents to rising hostility towards Hindus, noting the timing ahead of a planned 'Khalistan referendum' in Los Angeles. Previous attacks on BAPS temples were reported in Sacramento and New York last year, fuelling concerns over repeated targeting of Hindu places of worship across the US.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Janmashtami celebration in US, Canada: Date, auspicious time to know
Getting ready for Janmashtami 2025 in the US or Canada? Whether you're in New York, Toronto, Vancouver, or anywhere else in North America, this easy guide will help you celebrate the festival of Lord Krishna's birth with all the right dates, times, and traditions. Janmashtami is the super joyful Hindu festival that marks the birth of Lord Krishna, the playful, flute-loving, butter-stealing avatar of Lord Vishnu. It's huge for Indian communities across the US and Canada, bringing people together with music, fasting, bhajans, dancing, and colorful decorations. For many living far from India, it's the perfect way to keep the culture and traditions alive. When is Janmashtami in 2025? Janmashtami's date changes each year because it follows the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, Janmashtami falls on August 16, 2025, so mark your calendars! This is when most temples, Indian communities, and families in the US and Canada will host pujas, celebrations, and cultural events. What's the best time to celebrate Janmashtami? Timing is everything for Janmashtami. The most sacred moment is midnight, the believed exact time when Lord Krishna was born. The main celebration falls on Friday, August 15, with Nishita Puja happening late at night from 12:40 AM to 1:21 AM on August 16—about 41 minutes of special rituals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Then, Dahi Handi events are on Saturday, August 16, adding fun and excitement. For those fasting, Parana (breaking the fast) can be done after 12:04 PM on August 16, according to traditional Dharma Shastra rules. Some follow alternate timings like after 6:08 AM or even just after midnight, especially in modern society or different regions. (as per Drik Panchang) During this time, devotees fast, perform special pujas, sing bhajans (devotional songs), and offer Krishna's favourite sweets like butter and peda. How do people celebrate Janmashtami in the US and Canada? Even miles away from India, Janmashtami is celebrated with loads of enthusiasm by the Indian diaspora. Here's how it usually goes down: Hindu temples like the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto, Hindu Temple Society of North America in New York, and Chinmaya Mission centers across North America host grand midnight pujas, Krishna stories, dance dramas, and bhajan nights. Many people fast all day, then break their fast at midnight with delicious sweets like laddoo, kheer, and creamy butter treats, Krishna's all-time favs. Even if you're not fasting, the feast is a highlight you won't want to miss. Homes and temples get decked out with diyas, flowers, and colorful rangoli patterns. Kids especially love dressing up as Krishna or Radha, total cuteness overload! Some communities organize Dahi Handi events, a fun tradition where groups form human pyramids to break a hanging pot filled with curd or butter. It's a high-energy and super entertaining part of the festival in some US and Canadian cities. Singing devotional songs and chanting mantras last deep into the night, creating an uplifting and spiritual atmosphere. Tips to celebrate Janmashtami in the US & Canada Check local temples online: Dates and event details can vary, so look up your nearest temple or cultural group's website or social media. Join virtual events: If you can't make it to a temple, many offer live streams of their pujas and bhajans. Get your puja ready early: Stock up on flowers, incense, sweets, and an idol or photo of Krishna to make your home puja special. Get kids involved: Dress them up, tell Krishna's stories, and let them help with decorations or rituals for a memorable experience. Understand fasting rules: Some fasts allow only water; others avoid grains or salt. Know what works best for you before starting. Celebrating Janmashtami in the US or Canada isn't just about tradition, it's a powerful way to stay connected with Indian culture, pass down values to your kids, and build a loving community wherever you live. Plus, it's a fantastic excuse for singing, dancing, and enjoying tasty sweets! Whether you're joining a big temple party or having a cozy puja at home, Janmashtami is all about joy, devotion, and embracing the playful spirit of Krishna. So save the date , August 16, 2025, and don't forget to wake up for the magical midnight moment. Wishing you a Happy Janmashtami filled with love, laughter, and lots of yummy butter (because, that's what Krishna loved)!
Chicago Tribune
02-08-2025
- Chicago Tribune
Adventure begins at home for architecture buffs who want to explore the Elgin area
If a staycation is on the schedule for this summer, Explore Elgin has created an 'Architecture Adventure' designed to appeal to residents and visitors alike. The three-day itinerary is one of nine tours that tourism branch of the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau put together to encourage people to check out what the city and its environs has to offer. Each itinerary includes places to stay, dine and explore in the communities it receives funding to promote: Elgin, Bartlett, Burlington, Carpentersville, East Dundee, Gilberts, Hampshire, Pingree Grove, Sleepy Hollow, South Elgin and West Dundee. While other 'adventures' encourage visits to places with scenic beauty, great fishing, underground art and other attractions, the architecture tour is designed for those wanting to dive into the history of the Elgin area through its buildings. 'The area has several unique buildings and beautiful architectural features that call us back to a different time and place,' said Mary Dulabaum, the convention and visitors bureau's marketing and community outreach manager. 'We try to call attention to remarkable and unusual buildings, often raising awareness of some locations that even long-term residents may not know about,' she said. 'We also highlight locations where the current owners are willing to have the attention and even offer tours.' If you follow the suggested three-day itinerary, it will recommend a visit to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a Hindu temple in Bartlett, on the first day. Dulabaum calls the traditional place of worship that opened in 2005 a must-see. It was built in the traditional style using hand-carved Italian marble and Turkish limestone, she said. No trip to Elgin is complete without a trip to downtown historic district, which has architecture dating back to the 1800s, Dulabaum said. Its architectural highlights include the Elgin Tower building, Elgin Professional building and Elgin National Watch Co. Observatory. Day two takes visitors to the Elgin History Museum located in 'Old Main,' a Greek Revival-style building that dates back to 1856 and features exhibits illuminating different aspects of the city's development and changes over the years. Another recommendation is the Elgin Public Museum and Lord's Park pavilion in Lords Park. The museum, with exhibits on natural history and anthropology, was built in 1907 and is the oldest museum building in Illinois still in use as a museum. After that, head out to Hampshire to see the only farmhouse designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Tours of the Muirhead Farmhouse are available but must be made online with a three-day notice. On the third day, take a walking tour of the homes listed on the National Register of Historic Places found in the city's historical districts, which run the gamut from painted ladies to houses ordered through the Sears catalog. 'Our main priority is to call attention to destination-style architecture that we think visitors would drive in to see,' Dulabaum said. '(The idea is to) lead someone who is not familiar with our area around so they can explore. We want them to spend a weekend exploring our region and have so much to do that they stay overnight in one of our hotels.' Explore Elgin's Architecture Adventure itinerary is available on its website, and as part of the convention and visitors bureau's new brochure.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
California's largest Hindu temple defaced with graffiti containing political messages
The Brief The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir was defaced with vulgar messages against India's prime minister. Authorities estimate repair costs exceed $15,000. The Hindu American Foundation urged federal authorities to investigate. CHINO HILLS, Calif. - An investigation is underway in Chino Halls after the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, the largest Hindu temple in California, was vandalized with graffiti containing political messages. What we know Deputies responded to the temple located at 15100 Fairfield Ranch Road just after 9 a.m. to investigate a report of vandalism. Photos published on X by the Hindu American Foundation show the entrance to the temple covered with spray-painted graffiti containing vulgar messages against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, the cost of repairing the damage exceeds $15,000. What we don't know No video surveillance was released, and no suspects have been identified. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking information from the public. What Is BAPS? Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith established by Bhagwan Swaminarayan in the early 20th century, according to the faith's website. The faith has over 5,000 centers worldwide and over 100 centers in the U.S. What they're saying The Hindu American Foundation called on federal authorities to investigate the defacement in its post. BAPS Public Affairs account posted on X that the Hindu community would stand "steadfast against hate." "Together with the community in Chino Hills and Southern California, we will never let hate take root. Our common humanity and faith will ensure that peace and compassion prevail," the post read. Condemning the incident, the Coalition of Hindus in North America (CoHNA) said that it was "just another day in a world where media and academics will insist there is no anti-Hindu hate and that Hinduphobia is just a construct of our imagination". While calling for an investigation, the advocacy group listed 10 temples across the U.S. that have been vandalised or burglarised since 2022. What's next Deputies have notified Chino Hills Code Enforcement about the incident. The Chino Hills Police Department is encouraging anyone with information to come forward. Anonymous tips can be reported via the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or online at The Source Information for this story is from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the Hindu America Foundation.
CBS News
10-03-2025
- CBS News
Investigation launched after BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple vandalized in Chino Hills
Authorities are searching for the two alleged vandals who were caught on camera as they vandalized the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir temple in Chino Hills early Saturday. Footage shows the suspects as they spray-painted graffiti messages on the marble sign outside of the temple, a brick wall and a city sidewalk. Deputies were dispatched to the temple, which is located just off SR-71 at 15100 Fairfield Ranch Road, at around 9:15 a.m. after receiving reports of the vandalism, according to a statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. "BAPS is deeply saddened that we find ourselves compelled again to call for peace in the face of hate and intolerance," said a statement from BAPS Mandir leaders. Temple officials estimated that the total cost of the repairs could be over $15,000. They say that the hateful messages contain wording directed towards India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. They say that this is one of many similar acts occurring at different Hindu mandirs across the country, including in Long Island, New York and Sacramento. Thus far, investigators have not yet identified either suspect. Anyone who knows more is asked to contact authorities at (909) 364-2000. On Sunday morning, temple leaders hosted a unity prayer and call for peace. "We strongly denounce these actions and pray for peace among all communities. The values of peace, respect, and harmony for all people, regardless of background or faith, form the foundation of religious freedom in the United States," said a statement from BAPS. "We also offer our heartfelt prayers for those responsible for this crime, that they may be freed from their hatred and recognize our shared humanity."
