After a 20-year wait, Germany's biggest Hindu temple is set to open in Berlin this Diwali. Spearheaded by 70-year-old volunteer Vilwanathan Krishnamurthy, the Sri-Ganesha Hindu Temple overcame funding challenges through donations from the Indian diaspora. Krishnamurthy hopes the temple can be inaugurated in November as part of a 6-day celebration. The temple diversifies Berlin's religious landscape. Craftsmen are making idols to be delivered before opening. The temple will finally provide a gathering place for Hindus in the German capital to celebrate together. (Image courtesy: @dw_hotspotasia on X)

Indian leg spinner Yuzvendra Chahal recently visited Bageshwar Dham in Rajasthan to meet spiritual leader Dhirendra Shastri, after being omitted from the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup and ODI World Cup. Chahal had lacklustre performances during India's recent West Indies tour, with Kuldeep Yadav taking his spot as lead wrist spinner. Having faced disappointing selection snubs, especially for the Asia Cup, Chahal shared a video of his spiritual meeting on social media, seeking divine help to regain his form and place in the Indian team.

BK Asha, Director of the Brahma Kumaris organization, shared Rakshabandhan's joy by tying rakhi on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. Brahma Kumaris sisters globally continued the celebration, tying rakhis on the envoys of Indian Missions worldwide, including High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami and Deputy High Commissioner Sujit Ghosh in London. These festivities, uniting Indian community members and local dignitaries, aimed to fortify cultural bonds and people-to-people connections between India and various nations. The event was a testament to the organization's commitment to strengthening global ties and showcasing the richness of Indian traditions on an international stage. [photo courtesy: @BrahmaKumaris]

This year, Raksha Bandhan falls on August 30 and 31. According to Drik Panchang, the two dates are because of Bhadra Kaal, during which one should not perform Raksha Bandhan rituals. Therefore, you can tie Rakhi on these two dates. The Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Kaal end time is at 9:01 pm on August 30. Thus, you can perform rituals from this time. This year, the Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Poonch will last from 5:30 pm to 6:31 pm on August 30, and the Raksha Bandhan Bhadra Mukha will begin at 6:31 pm and end at 8:11 pm on August 30. The Poornima Tithi (Full Moon) starts on August 30 at 10:58 am and ends on August 31 at 7:05 am. (All times in IST)

Shorts91 wishes all its readers a Happy and Prosperous Onam! In this special animated video for Onam world-renowned humanitarian, spiritual leader, and ambassador of peace and human values Gurudev Shri Shri Ravi Shankar tells us the story of the auspicious festival and why Onam is celebrated. Through his life and work, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar has inspired millions around the world with a vision of a stress-free and violence-free world. Gurudev founded The Art of Living, a non-profit organization that is engaged in stress management and service initiatives across the world.  

Taiwan gets a new Hindu temple "Sabka Mandir", that holds profound significance, strengthening cultural bonds with India. Established by Indian expat Andy Singh Arya, the temple exemplifies Taiwan's dedication to fostering harmonious ties with the Indian community. Dr. Priya Lalwani Purswaney of IIT- Indians in Taiwan highlights its value for both Indians and Taiwanese. Amidst growing diplomacy, including plans for the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre, and an upcoming migration pact, the temple's inauguration amplifies connections. This spiritual and cultural milestone mirrors the flourishing economic collaboration between Taiwan and India, encompassing substantial trade and investment. [pic: from Andy Singh Arya's FB page]

Mark your calendars for the rare "Once in a Blue" full moon occurring on August 31, 2023. A Blue full moon is a rare happening that occurs when there are two full moons in a calendar month. The term “blue” does not really refer to the colour of the moon. The blue moon's spiritual meaning relates to enhanced communication and self-expression. This remarkable moon reminds us to trust our intuition, guiding us toward purpose. Don't miss the chance to witness this magical blue moon and utilize its profound meanings to spark positive changes next Thursday.

Noted spiritual leader Morari Bapu expressed jubilation at the successful landing of the Vikram Lander on the moon's surface on Wednesday evening. Morari Bapu, attending a Tulsi Janmotsav event in Mahuva, said the momentous event coincided with Tulsi Jayanti. He was confident of the mission's success as saints and the country prayed for it. Morari Bapu congratulated ISRO scientists, PM Modi and 140 crore Indians. He offered prayers to Lord Hanuman for the mission's success, leading celebratory chants. Earlier, he had prayed for the soft landing and mission's completion.