Ever wonder why some Indian devotees pierce their bodies or hook objects into their flesh, apparently without pain? IT'S DEVOTION, DEVOTION, DEVOTION! by Nisha Singh The most potent propitiatory rite that a devotee of Lord Muruga undertakes to perform is what is known as the "Kavadi". One of the…

  Sri RamNAUMEE dedicated to the Birth of Lord Rama by Nisha Singh The day was one of extreme celebrations in Ayodha where not only the royal family but every resident of the place heaved a sigh of relief and thanked the Almighty for this miracle, little knowing that God…

  The week leading up to easter by Keith Benjamin Within the Christian faith Easter is a crucial season – it celebrates the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The period leading up to this significant weekend starts with the Lenten Season, usually abbreviated to Lent. Lent lasts for forty…

  by Verolin Moodley "What is GOLD bought for in this day and age?” Gold is deeply entangled and interwoven with the Indian culture and no custom is complete without gold jewellery, be it marriages or any other ceremony. Marriages are costly affairs in Indian homes where many families spend…

"the Eleventh" by Raja Gopal EKADASI FASTING IS DEDICATED to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of the waning and waxing phase of the moon in a traditional Hindu calendar. This is one of the most popular fasts observed in Hinduism. On this day, devotees fast and…

  The key to the success of the annual international convention of the Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) in Durban this year is that it contributes to the process of nation building in South Africa. And there is every indication that it is going to do just…

  There are seven main energy centres (chakras) of the body. These chakras are like spirals of energy, each one relating to the others.. Colour therapy can be shown to help on a physical level; however there are deeper issues around the colours on the psychological and spiritual levels. Colour…

Even though customs and the people's languages in different countries vary, Hindu followers still maintain the same fundamental beliefs. Marriage is regarded as the most important social and religious event in Indian culture. The concept of marriage can be traced back to Vedic times. Even now, it is considered to…

Wearing nose rings is an ancient practice with a 4000 year history. Nose rings, although closely associated with Indian culture, actually originated in the Middle East. Nose rings first appeared in India during the Moghul period around the 16th century. It's only been in the last two decades that nose…

A haWan is a sacred purifying ritual in Hinduism that involves a fire ceremony. It is a ritual of sacrifice made to the fire God (Agni) consisting of prayer, chanting and offerings. It is believed that this sacrifice brings health, happiness, luck and prosperity. Such hawans are held at weddings…

On 15 April 2009, the 80th birthday of Mr Ahmed Mohamed Kathrada was celebrated with great pomp and prestige at the Trade Route Mall, in Johannesburg. The occasion also marked the introduction of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation that was established to promote the ideals that Mr Kathrada as well as…

Amongst South African Telegu/Tamils this month-long festival is the most important one dedicated to LORD VISHNU who takes on the form of LORD PERUMAL. This year Purattasi is observed from 17 September to 17 October. I personally don’t know why South Indians only observe this month. We should stop this…