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Hinduism

Humanist Purnendu Goswami, 49, at his ashram in the pilgrimage town of Vrindavan, India. Goswami runs a school for underprivileged children on the ashram grounds.

‘Fanaticism is all about aggression’: One man’s journey from a Hindu nationalist to a humanist

Sacred Nation

As a young man, Purnendu Goswami was a proud Hindu nationalist who went to extremes to promote his beliefs. Now 49, he describes himself as a humanist who practices “radical love.”

Kolkata's artists had to burn the midnight oil to get their Durga pujas ready early for the special art preview for visiting dignitaries. 

Art and religion remix at this goddess festival in Kolkata

Religion
Women lie on a green cloth and practice aiming their guns while wearing red sashes.

Good wives, good soldiers: Durga Vahini women take up arms to protect Hindu identity

Global Politics
A photograph of Swami Vivekananda in 1893 during his visit to Chicago. On the left, Vivekananda wrote: "One infinite, pure and holy – beyond thought, beyond qualities, I bow down to thee."

How a long-dead Hindu swami influences India’s prime minister

Culture
An artist applies the finishing touches on an idol of the Hindu goddess Durga in preparation for a yearly festival for Bengali Hindus.

For Bengali Hindus, radio is an unchanging part of a religious tradition

Media
Rakhia are "sacred threads" that sisters tie onto their brothers' wrists for the Hindu festival of Raksha Bandhan.

I’m supposed to be my sister’s keeper, but she’s the one who looks after me

Culture

The Hindu festival Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of brothers and sisters. This year, Indian-American writer Deepak Singh feels lucky to be able to celebrate with his sister back home in India.The Hindu festival Raksha Bandhan is a celebration of brothers and sisters. This year, Indian-American writer Deepak Singh feels lucky to be able to celebrate with his sister back home in India.

In Maine, a Hindu American Community Comes Into Its Own

How a church in Maine became a Hindu temple

Lifestyle & Belief

New immigrant footholds are emerging in less traditional parts of America. This story takes us to Maine, home to an increasing number of Hindu Americans, now establishing their own ethnic and religious roots in the state.

For People and Leopards Outside Mumbai, it’s Largely Live and Let Live

Environment

Belha village, in India, has the distinction of being home to a whole lot of carnivores — leopards, wolves and other large animals that are traditionally considered dangerous to humans. But, with just a few exceptions, the big predators and the humans have learned to co-exist.

Polluted waters, deforestation complicate India’s cremation rituals

Environment

India’s ritual of cremation is causing environmental complications. The Ganges River, where many are cremated, is remarkably polluted. And the country is rapidly being deforested as families collect thousands of pounds of wood to use in their funeral pyres.

India struggling with role of the guru in changing society

In India, the guru has long been a spiritual leader. Now, however, times are changing and they’re assuming a more political or psychological role. Yet, some in India remain uneasy.