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The Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF), in collaboration with Jewish advocacy organization B’nai Brith Canada, has achieved a critical milestone in the ongoing effort to educate and inform the public about the accurate distinction between the sacred Swastika  and the Nazi-associated Hakenkreuz  symbol. B'nai B'rith Canada Supports Separating the B'nai B'rith Canada Supports Separating the Swastika from the Nazi Hate Symbol For generations, the Swastika has been revered by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs as a symbol of peace, prosperity, and divinity. It is deeply rooted in spiritual and cultural traditions across South Asia and beyond. However, decades of confusion, largely stemming from the misuse of terminology, have led many media outlets and institutions to wrongly associate the Swastika with the atrocities of the Nazi regime. Recognizing the harmful effects this misrepresentation has on billions of individuals and communities who hold the Swastika sacred, HCF launched an advocacy campaign urging accurate nomenclature and responsible dialogue. After mounting efforts, interfaith collaboration, and community advocacy, one of Canada's most respected Jewish organizations, B’nai Brith, stepped forward to correct this narrative. In a public statement issued by B’nai Brith Canada, accessible here , the organization clarified the difference between the two symbols and formally adopted the term Hakenkreuz  when referring to the Nazi hate symbol. This was not just a policy change, it was a gesture of understanding, solidarity, and respect. This win marks a historic moment for Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh communities, validating their voice in a cultural space where misrepresentation has often gone unchallenged. It also sets an example for media institutions, educators, and policymakers to approach sacred symbols with nuance and responsibility. HCF extends heartfelt thanks to B’nai Brith Canada , its leadership, board, and supporters for their willingness to engage, learn, and stand with us. This milestone would not have been possible without the united efforts of many individuals and organizations who advocated tirelessly to ensure our traditions are not conflated with histories they do not represent. The journey for truth continues, but today, we celebrate a powerful step forward, a step toward greater interfaith respect, cultural clarity, and the preservation of sacred meaning. Statement snip from HCF: In a March 24 statement, Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF) President Arunesh Giri added his organization’s endorsement to the campaign. “[HCF], representing over a million Hindu Canadians, stand firmly alongside our Jewish friends in their fight to ban the public display of the Nazi hate symbol Hakenkreuz . We deeply value our shared commitment to correct the misnaming of the Nazi hate symbol as ‘Swastika.’ For Hindus in Canada and more than a billion Hindus globally, the Swastika holds profound sacred significance. Together, we will address this misrepresentation and work to educate society at large.” Read BnaiBrith Press Release HERE : B'nai B'rith Canada Supports Separating the Swastika from the Nazi Hate Symbol, Hakenkreuz Take Action: Stand for Cultural Integrity and Respect We urge every Hindu Canadian  to sign and support this vital petition initiated by B’nai Brith Canada : Sign Here → This petition calls for the banning of Nazi hate symbols and promotes accurate terminology, distinguishing the Hakenkreuz  (Nazi hooked cross) from the sacred Swastika , a revered emblem of peace in Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh traditions. Make your voice heard. Sign today. Share widely. Protect our heritage.

In recent communications, including a press release dated March 3, 2025, the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) reported incidents involving hate symbols, referring to them as "swastikas." Reference: https://www.drps.ca/news/police-investigating-hate-motivated-mischief-in-clarington/ Screenshot from DPRS Website as of March 04 2025 Twitter Post Screenshot, Similar Posts are made on other social media platforms It's important to distinguish between the ancient Swastika, a symbol of auspiciousness in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, and the Hakenkreuz, or hooked cross, appropriated by the Nazi regime as a symbol of hate. Mislabeling the Nazi symbol as a "swastika" not only misrepresents a sacred emblem but also perpetuates misconceptions that can harm the Hindu community. This conflation has been a concern globally, leading to calls for more accurate terminology. Therefore, we respectfully request that the DRPS revise their communications to replace the term "swastika" with "Nazi symbol" or "Hakenkreuz" when referring to hate symbols. This change will promote cultural sensitivity and prevent the unintentional association of the Hindu community with hateful ideologies. Our Call to Action: Contact Detective Micallef:  Reach out to Detective Micallef of the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1615 to express concerns and request the appropriate terminology be used. Email the DRPS Webmaster:  Send an email to webmaster@drps.ca  requesting the correction of terminology in their communications. Suggested Email Content: "Dear Durham Regional Police Service, I am writing to express concern over the use of the term 'swastika' in your recent communications to describe hate symbols. The Swastika is a sacred symbol in Hinduism, representing auspiciousness and well-being. The symbol associated with hate is the 'Hakenkreuz' or Nazi symbol. I respectfully request that you revise your communications to reflect this distinction to prevent misconceptions and promote cultural sensitivity. Thank you for your attention to this matter." By collectively addressing this issue, we can foster a more inclusive and respectful community that acknowledges and honors the significance of cultural symbols. Global Call to Differentiate Sacred Swastika from Nazi Symbol

On World Human Rights Day, Canadian Hindus Protest Atrocities Against Minorities in Bangladesh December 10, celebrated globally as World Human Rights Day , marks the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, a commitment to equality, dignity, and justice for all. However, the situation in Bangladesh paints a starkly opposite picture. Hindu minorities in the country are facing an alarming wave of violence and persecution, targeted by Islamist groups under a radical regime. In response, Hindu Canadians assembled today outside the Bangladeshi Consulate in Toronto (2235 Sheppard Avenue East)  to protest these atrocities. The demonstration shone a spotlight on the ongoing human rights abuses in Bangladesh and demanded urgent action to end this violence. To date, over 1,000 Hindus have been killed , with many women raped and murdered. Centuries-old temples, sacred to millions, are being desecrated and destroyed. Hindu priests have been assassinated or unjustly imprisoned, while professionals are being systematically forced out of their jobs, plunging families into poverty. Women and children are subjected to brutal sexual violence, homes are looted, and lives are lost—all in the face of deafening global silence. These atrocities are part of a calculated campaign to wipe out the Hindu community and erase its cultural and spiritual heritage, echoing similar tragedies in other countries. The Hindu minority in Bangladesh is on the brink of extinction, enduring immense suffering that stands as a stark violation of universal human values. Hindu Canadians are urging the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC)  to recognize and act upon these crimes against humanity. They are also calling on Canadians to write to their elected representatives, urging them to address this crisis in Parliament and press for diplomatic measures, including sanctions, against the Bangladeshi regime. The plight of Hindus in Bangladesh is not just a minority issue; it is a global human rights crisis. On this World Human Rights Day , let us reaffirm our commitment to justice, equality, and the protection of minority rights. Every voice counts, and every action matters. Together, we can stand against these injustices and work toward a world where no community is left to suffer in silence.

[Toronto, Canada] – The Hindu community strongly urges Walmart to immediately remove the following products from its website due to their offensive and insensitive representations. These items—featuring Celestial Bhagwan Shri Ganesh Blessings patterns in swimwear—are offensive to the religious sentiments of over 1.2 billion Hindus worldwide, including over 5 Million Hindus living in North America. Products in question are available at https://www.walmart.com : Mens Swim Trunks - Celestial Ganesh Blessings Pattern Women’s One-Piece Swimsuit - Celestial Ganesh Blessings Pattern Ruffle One-Shoulder Women’s Swimsuit - Celestial Ganesh Blessings Print These products violate the sacred and religious symbols of Hinduism by incorporating representations of Shri Ganesh—one of the most revered deities within the faith—into swimwear, which is inherently disrespectful and offensive. Such merchandise trivializes centuries of tradition, faith, and cultural values and sends the wrong message to consumers, further marginalizing the spiritual beliefs of billions of Hindus. Amazon's Precedent and Responsibility: This is not the first time companies have faced concerns regarding offensive merchandise. In the past, Amazon demonstrated their corporate responsibility by cooperating with organizations like the Hindu Canadian Foundation to return and address damaged Murti (pratima) incidents. This act of sensitivity and respect highlighted Amazon’s commitment to addressing cultural concerns and upholding values of inclusivity and understanding. Walmart must now follow suit by taking immediate action to remove these products and demonstrate similar sensitivity and respect. As a global retail leader, Walmart has a unique opportunity to lead by example by addressing this issue promptly and showing solidarity with diverse faith communities and their sacred traditions. We demand Walmart immediately remove these products as a necessary act of goodwill and cultural respect. Failure to act will only result in further division and heightened feelings of hurt and marginalization. We expect a swift and responsible response from Walmart. Walmart Contradicts It’s Own Policy: Amazon Sets a Benchmark in Respecting Religious Sentiments – It's Time for Walmart to Uphold Corporate Social Responsibility: Controversial Products: Imp Links: Walmart Policy: https://corporate.walmart.com/policies#human-rights-statement Product Link 1: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Uemuo-Celestial-Ganesh-Blessings-Pattern-Women-s-One-Piece-Short-Sleeve-Swimsuit-Rash-Guard-Surfing-Modest-Quick-drying-Swimsuit-Beach-Essentials Product Link 2: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ocsxa-Celestial-Ganesh-Blessings-Print-Ruffle-One-Shoulder-Swimsuits-for-Women-One-Piece-Bathing-Suit-Swimwear-Medium/10472008164?classType=VARIANT&from=/search Product Link 3: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lsque-Mens-Swim-Trunks-Celestial-Ganesh-Blessings-Pattern-Bathing-Suit-Compression-Liner-Beach-Shorts-Swimwear-S-3XL-Stretch-Quick-Dry/13364658189?classType=REGULAR&from=/search Download the Full Release and Letter sent to Walmart. Support Our Work. Become a Member Donate (Daan)

Hindus around the world and in CANADA are deeply distressed by the recent conspiracy surrounding the Tirupati Mandir, one of the holiest temples in Hinduism. Reports have emerged that beef fat and fish oil were used in the preparation of prasad, a sacred offering to Hindus in Tirupati Temple, which goes against the core beliefs of Hindus. This revelation has caused immense pain and outrage within the global Hindu community, as it is not only a violation of religious sentiments but also an attack on the sanctity of our sacred spaces. A Larger Conspiracy Unfolding? What makes this incident even more alarming is the suggestion that it may be part of a larger conspiracy, potentially involving state forces. In a Hindu-majority nation like India, such actions raise serious concerns about the intent behind these violations. It seems that these aren’t isolated incidents but rather deliberate attempts to disrupt and desecrate Hindu religious practices, which is unacceptable. Hindu Temples: Why Government Control is a Problem One of the key issues highlighted by this incident is the fact that Hindu temples remain under government control, unlike religious institutions of other faiths in India. This control opens the door for mismanagement and manipulation of sacred practices, as seen in this case. The Tirupati controversy has reignited the demand from Hindus worldwide for the release of our temples from state control. It is unacceptable that our places of worship are subject to government interference while those of other faiths remain free to operate independently. The Call for Strict Action HCF (Hindu Canadian Foundation) stands in full condemnation of this act and demands that strict action be taken against those responsible. This isn’t just a question of religious mismanagement; it’s about the respect and protection of Hindu beliefs in a country where Hinduism is the majority religion. The Indian government must ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future and that the sacredness of Hindu temples is preserved. Free Our Temples The time has come for Hindu temples to be free from government control. Our sacred institutions should be managed by Hindu religious bodies that respect and uphold the traditions and values of the faith. We call upon the Indian government and the Andhra Pradesh state government to take immediate action and ensure the autonomy of our temples. This will prevent future incidents that hurt the sentiments of Billions of Hindus worldwide. Join the Movement We are asking all concerned individuals to support our cause by signing the letter we are sending to the Indian and Andhra Pradesh governments, urging them to free Hindu temples from state control. Together, we can ensure that our places of worship remain protected and governed in line with Hindu values. Let’s unite to preserve the sanctity of our temples and ensure that our beliefs are respected and honored. We Urge to All Hindu Canadian to Sign the petition today  to make your voice heard. We at HCF will be sending and coordinating with state government to have Hindu Canadians Voice Heard. #FreeHinduTemples #ProtectOurHeritage #RespectHinduFaith #tirupati #temple #freetemple #mandir #india #hindu #mandir #tirupatibalaji #Tirupathi #Devasthanam

As we celebrate Canada Day on July 1st, Let's take a moment to recognize and honor the immense contributions of the Hindu community to Canada's economy, culture, and social fabric. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all everyone on this joyous occasion. Long live Canada, Happy Canada Day. The Hindu community in Canada, now over a million strong and growing exponentially, has played a vital role in the nation's development. Guided by the belief in "Karm Bhoomi"—the land of duty—Hindus exhibit an unwavering dedication to the country they call home. This principle of karmic duty fosters a deep sense of loyalty and commitment to Canadian values and traditions. Economically, Hindu Canadians have made significant contributions across various industries. From entrepreneurship to IT, healthcare to academia, and finance to arts, Hindus have contributed to the nation's prosperity and innovation. Their work ethic, rooted in the principles of diligence and integrity, has helped build a robust economy, creating jobs and driving progress. Culturally, the Hindu community enriches Canada's multicultural fabric. Festivals such as Deepawali , Holi, and Navratri (Garba), Hindu Heritage Month, Kawad Yatra, Food Festival, Ganesh Chaturthi Celebration have become integral parts of the Canadian cultural landscape, celebrated with enthusiasm by people from all backgrounds. These vibrant festivals promote unity, joy, and understanding among diverse communities, reflecting the inclusive spirit of Canada. Socially, Hindus in Canada are known for their community service and humanitarianism efforts. Numerous Hindu organizations and temples actively engage in charitable activities, supporting causes such as education, healthcare, and disaster relief. This dedication to service strengthens the social fabric of the nation and exemplifies the Hindu ethos of "Seva" (selfless service). Hindus are quick to adopt new ways of living and seamlessly integrate into the broader Canadian society. Their adaptability and openness to embrace other cultures and traditions underscore the harmonious coexistence that characterizes the Canadian way of life. Hindu faith and religious practices do not impose restrictions on engagement with other cultures; rather, they encourage mutual respect and understanding. As we celebrate Canada Day, let us acknowledge the dynamic and positive influence of the Hindu community in Canada. Their contributions reflect the values of diversity, inclusion, and unity that Canada stands for. On this special day, the Hindu Canadian community proudly joins in the celebrations, wishing everyone a Happy Canada Day. Long live Canada! May our nation continue to thrive and prosper, enriched by the diversity and contributions of all its people. Participate in HCF Quick Poll to let us know what excites you for Canada Day Celebration. Canada National Anthem: Jai Canada, Long Live Canada.

Hindu Canadian Foundation (HCF), extends warm greetings to everyone on the auspicious occasion of the 10th International Yoga Day. This day holds special significance as we join millions worldwide in celebrating the profound benefits of yoga for mind, body, and spirit. To mark this day, the Hindu Canadian Foundation proudly hosted a vibrant yoga event at Mississauga's Erindale Park. In collaboration with Radio Dhishum, the Consulate General of India, and Little Yogis, this event aimed to promote the ancient practice of yoga and its immense contribution to holistic wellness. In addition to the event, HCF has taken proactive steps to spread awareness about yoga among school children by publishing informative materials and instructional guides. These resources are designed to encourage the integration of yoga into school curriculums, promoting mental and physical well-being from a young age. Moreover, as part of our commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of yoga, HCF is supporting various yoga events organized by other organizations across Canada. We believe in highlighting the authentic teachings of yoga, rooted in ancient techniques from Bharat (India). It is our strong recommendation to engage with trained yoga instructors who uphold these traditional practices, ensuring a genuine and enriching yoga experience. We invite you to explore our informative yoga video and banners, which underscore the profound benefits of yoga and delve into its rich history. Let us collectively embrace yoga as a timeless path to harmony, health, and inner peace. As we celebrate the 10th International Yoga Day, let us recommit ourselves to the practice of yoga and its transformative power in our lives and communities.

Celebrating the Hindu New Year with kids and families was truly remarkable. Witnessing our children immerse themselves in our culture and embrace a sense of belonging fills us with pride and joy. During the event, we had the pleasure of welcoming Emily Brown, who shared her vision and dedication to fostering a stronger and more inclusive community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Marble Slab Creamery - Burlington for generously sponsoring this memorable family gathering. Special thanks to Arun Gupta ji for his support. A big thank you to Neeraj Tripathi ji for sponsoring the kids' gift prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. We are immensely grateful to all parents and guardians for their enthusiastic participation and for encouraging their children to create beautiful artworks. These cherished memories will be treasured for a lifetime. #hinducanadianfoundation #hinducanadian #hindu #festival #burlington #newyearseve2024 #hindunewyear #CulturalHeritage #indigenous #civilization #hindutva

Hanuman Ji is one of the eminent personalities mentioned in Ramayana. He is represented with a face like monkey and also with a tail. Naturally this doubt will come into mind of an inquisitor. Did Hanuman Ji really resembled a monkey? This question is important as many people make mockery of Hanuman Ji by addressing him as ape god. I started researching about Veer Hanuman in Valmiki Ramayana . I was surprised to learn about the reality. I am putting forward my analysis for the readers. Hanuman ji belonged to Vanara community. The famous meaning of the word Vanara is Monkey but the literal meaning is one who dwells in the forest and lives on that food that grows in a forest. So, instead of considering him as a monkey why cannot we consider him as a forest dweller? It seems that the word Vanara is misinterpreted. We can also understand this logic with the help of another example. Another name of mountain is Giri and the persons living on the mountain are called as Girijan. So, if Girijan can be mountain dwellers than why cannot Vanara be forest dwellers? Thus, Hanuman ji was Human not a monkey living in forest. Apart from Hanuman ji Sugariv, Bali all others are portrayed as monkey with a tail. While their wives are portrayed as common women without any tail and monkey like facial appearance. Isn’t it strange that all males of Vanara community resembles monkey while all females resemble Human being. We do not find any species in the whole world with such difference between males and females of same species. So, depicting Hanuman as monkey seems to be a mere imagination of an artist. This, Hanuman ji was a Human not a monkey. After meeting Hanuman on Rishimukh mountain in Kishkindha Kand of Ramayana Hanuman is depicted by Shri Rama to Lakshmana. न अन् ऋग्वेद विनीतस्य न अ यजुर्वेद धारिणः | न अ-साम वेद विदुषः शक्यम् एवम् विभाषितुम् || 4/3/28 Rama says that the person with whom i just talked was well trained in the RigVeda , have enormous power to remember Yajurveda, scholarly knowledge of Samaveda. This type of impressive and heart touching talk is impossible without a scholarly command on Vedic grammar and related texts. Thus, Shri Rama acknowledged that Hanuman ji was an enlightened scholar of the Vedas. Is it possible for any monkey to attain such scholarly treat? No. So, Hanuman ji was a Human being not a Monkey. In Sundar Kand of Valmiki Ramayana When Hanuman saw Sita in Ashok Vatika. He wanted to converse with Sita. But he was thoughtful. He says यदि वाचं प्रदास्यामि द्विजातिरिव संकृताम् रावणं मन्यमाना माम सीता भीता भविष्यति सेमयालोक्य मे रूपम जानकी भाषितं तथा रक्षोमिस्त्रासिता पूर्वं भूयस्त्रासं गमिष्यति ततो जातपरित्रासा शब्दम कुर्यान्मनिस्विनी जानाना माम विशालाक्षी रावणं काम रूपिणम् सुन्दर ३०/१८ , २० “If I use Sanskrit language like a Brahmin, Sita will get frightened, thinking me as Ravana. Certainly, meaningful words of a human being are to be spoken by me. Otherwise, the virtuous Sita cannot be consoled. Looking at my figure and the language, Sita who was already frightened previously by the demons, will get frightened again." Sundar Kand 30/18–20 This reference proves that Hanuman ji was a scholar in Sanskrit. Is it possible for any monkey to attain such scholarly treat? No. So, Hanuman ji was a Human being not a Monkey. The most famous doubt regarding Hanuman ji is how he flied over the ocean to reach Lanka. Some considers that he was all powerful and blessed with the powers to fly. Some says that he was possessing a flying machine.Some says he used his tail to fly. The answer to this query is given by the few shaloks from kishkindha kanda. मारुतस्य समो वेगे गरुडस्य समो जवे | अयुतम् योजनानाम् तु गमिष्यामि इति मे मतिः || ४-६७-२७ In this shalok Angad praised Hanuman Ji of his powers and requested him to cross the ocean. Hanuman ji said "I who am a coequal of Air-god in speediness, and of Garuda in fleetness, can traverse (swim) ten-thousand yojanas at a stretch,that is my certitude. This shalok proves that Hanuman ji crossed the ocean by swimming. There is a Hindi proverb havā sē bātēṁ karanā (हवा से बातें करना) which means anyone who move with so great speed as he is flying in air. Hanuman ji with his power of celibacy crossed the ocean by swimming with high momentum. This lead to a confusion among readers that he was flying rather than swimming. So, this proves that Hanuman ji was a human being with enormous stamina and strength. He was not a monkey but a human being. There are several other instances which proves that the other characters of Ramayana like Sugriva, Angad, Jatau, Jamvahan etc were humans. By logic, true interpretations and evidences from authentic resources we can easily reach this conclusion that Hanuman ji was not a monkey but a Human being. Credit - Dr. Vivek Arya Ji 21 Interesting Facts About Hanuman 1. Meaning of the name Hanuman When Lord Hanuman was a child, he mistook the Sun as a ripe mango and flew into the space to consume it. When he swallowed the sun, there was darkness everywhere. To save the world, Lord Indra (king of the Gods) came to rescue the Sun and used his weapon Vajra on Hanuman. Vajra hit Hanuman on his jaw (Hanu in Sanskrit), thus, disfiguring it. Hence, he got the name Hanuman which means one with a disfigured jaw. 2. Hanuman’s promise to Lord Rama When it was time for Lord Rama to go back to his eternal abode, Vaikuntha, he asked all his devotees to come along with him but Hanuman declined. He said that chanting the holy name “Rama” is sweeter than even heaven. So, he promised Lord Rama that he would stay on Earth as long as there is even a single person chanting his Lord’s name and protect them from all misery and pain. 3. Hanuman prohibited Yama from claiming Rama When it was time for Rama to depart to his eternal abode, Hanuman wouldn’t allow Yama to enter Ayodhya and claim Rama. To Allow Yama’s entry, Rama had to trick Hanuman to make him understand that it was time for him to leave. 4. Lord Hanuman and Bhima were brothers Hanuman is also known as Vayuputra meaning son of the wind God. Bhima was born to Kunti, through the mantra of Lord Vayu. Thus, he is a Vayuputra too. Hence, Lord Hanuman and Bhima were brothers. 5. There are 108 names of Lord Hanuman in the Sanskrit language When Lord Hanuman was a child, he mistook the Sun as a ripe mango and flew into the space to consume it. When he swallowed the sun, there was darkness everywhere. To save the world, Lord Indra (king of the Gods) came to rescue the Sun and used his weapon Vajra on Hanuman. Vajra hit Hanuman on his jaw (Hanu in Sanskrit), thus, disfiguring it. Hence, he got the name Hanuman which means one with a disfigured jaw. 6. Hanuman applied Sindoor all over his body for Rama’s long life Once, Hanuman saw Mother Sita applying Sindoor in her hair. He asked Mother Sita for doing so. Mother Sita replied that it was for the long life of Lord Rama. Hanuman thought if just a pinch of sindoor in the hair can increase the longevity of Lord Rama’s life then why not apply to the entire body. Thus, he is also known as Bajrang Bali. 7. Hanuman also created his version of Ramayana After Lord Rama won the war against Ravana, Hanuman went to a mountain and started writing Ramayana with his nails. When Valmiki came to know about this, he asked Hanuman about it. Hanuman carried him on his shoulders, showed him what he had written and asked for his feedback. Tears roll down Valmiki’s eyes as it was so real, so perfect, far superior to Valmiki’s one. He said, “Now who would care about my Ramayana?”. Hearing this, Hanuman destroyed his version without a second thought. 8. Lord Rama gave death penalty to Hanuman Once, great sages like Narada, Vasishta and Vishvamitra met in Ayodhya. They were debating if Rama himself was stronger than his name (Rama Nama). Sage Narada claimed that Rama Nama was indeed stronger than Rama himself, and decided to prove it. On Narada’s advise, Hanuman respected all the sages except Vishwamitra since he was a king. Angered Vishwamitra went up to Lord Rama and demanded that Hanuman be given a death penalty for his unforgivable behavior. Since Vishvamitra was the guru of Lord Rama, he couldn’t refuse his orders. Hanuman was confused as to why Rama would want to take his life. But then Narada told him not to worry and to keep chanting the Rama Naam. Rama came and shot his arrows one after the other but Hanuman didn’t get even a scratch. Narad Muni who was watching the whole spectacle admitted that he had provoked Hanuman. When Rama came to know about Narad’s trickery, he stopped. Thus, it was proved that the Rama Naam was even greater than the Lord himself. 9. Hanuman received boons from various Gods Here are some of the boons given to Lord Hanuman – Lord Brahma granted him the boon of long-life, invulnerability to his rod of chastisement and curses uttered by Brahmanas. He was also given the power to kill fear in good people and induce fear in enemies as well as the ability to transform his body as per will. Lord Shiva gave him the boon of Invulnerability to death by Shiva or his weapons. Indra gave him the boon of Invulnerability to Indra’s most powerful weapon “Vajra”. Varuna gave him protection from water. Agni granted him immunity against fire. Lord Rama gave Hanuman the boon of immortality so that he could protect the devotees of Lord Rama till the end of the world. Yama granted him the boon of health and invulnerability to his rod of chastisement. Kubera gave him the boon that his mace would not harm him and he would not become tired in combat. Vishwakarma granted him the boon of being invulnerable to the weapons made by him. Vayu gave him the blessing of being faster than Vayu himself. 10. Hanuman heard the Bhagavad Gita directly from Krishna During the Mahabharata, when Lord Krishna delivered the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna, three other people heard it as well including Hanuman. 11. Hanuman is an incarnation of Shiva Hanuman’s mother Anjana and father Kesari prayed to Lord Shiva for a child. Lord Shiva was impressed by their prayers and instructed Vayudev to transfer his divine energy into Anjana’s womb. Hence, Lord Hanuman is known as Vayuputra as well as an incarnation of Lord Shiva. 12. Despite being a Brahmachari, Hanuman had a son named Makardhwaja After burning the entire Lanka with the fire on his tail, when Hanuman had dipped his tail in the sea to cool off his body, a drop of his sweat fell into the mouth of a mighty fish named Makardhwaja. This fish gave birth to Hanuman’s son Makardhwaja. 13. Numerous saints have seen Hanuman over the last few centuries including Madhvacharya (13th Century), Tulsidas (16th Century), Shri Samarth Ramdas (17th Century), Raghavendra Swami(17th Century). 14. Once, Lord Hanuman Discarded Mother Sita's Gift. Once, Mother Sita gave a beautiful pearl necklace as a gift to Lord Hanuman but he politely refused to accept it as anything that is devoid of Rama’s name is of no use to him. To prove his eternal love for Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, he ripped off his chest to show that both of them are always present in his heart. 15. Hanuman’s Curse As a child, Hanuman was blessed by various gods who gave him various boons. He didn’t know how to control his new-found powers and being a very mischievous child, he used to disturb the sages praying in the forest. But on one occasion, the angry sages knowing that he was a child, placed a mild curse on him, that he would forget all his powers and would only be able to remember them once someone reminds him. 16. Hanuman’s Insatiable Hunger Once, when Mother Sita was living in Sage Valmiki’s cottage, she invited Hanuman for a lunch cooked by her. Sita was overwhelmed with happiness when she saw Hanuman and cooked numerous dishes for him. He loved the food so much that he finished all the food in the kitchen. All the groceries were almost finished but he was still hungry. In despair, Mother Sita prayed to Lord Rama for his help. Rama advised her to add a Tulsi leaf to the food being served to Hanuman. Sita Ji did the same and Hanuman’s hunger was thus satisfied. 17. Lord Hanuman’s Role In The Mahabharata 1. Hanuman met Arjuna in the form of a small monkey at Rameshwaram. On seeing the Ram Setu bridge, Arjuna wondered why Lord Rama would need the help of monkeys to build the bridge instead of building the bridge by himself using his arrows. The monkey criticized Arjuna saying that a bridge built with arrows wouldn’t be able to bear the weight of even one monkey like himself. Arjuna took it as a challenge and vowed that if the bridge built by him did not suffice, he would jump into the fire. So, Arjuna built a bridge with his arrows and as Hanuman stepped on it, it fell apart. Arjuna tried again and again but failed. He was really depressed. Just then, Lord Krishna appeared in front of them and asked Arjuna to rebuild the bridge. This time when Hanuman stepped on it, the bridge did not break. Hanuman came in his original form and promised to help Arjuna in the war. During the entire battle, Lord Hanuman was present on the flag of Arjuna’s chariot. On the last day of the war, Lord Krishna asked Arjuna to step down from the chariot and thanked Hanuman for protecting them throughout the battle. Hanuman Ji appeared in his original form, bowed to Lord Krishna and left the place. As soon as he left, the chariot blew into ashes. Krishna explained to an astonished Arjuna that the chariot would have burnt long back if Hanuman had not protected it from the attacks of celestial weapons used in the war. 2. Bheem had become extremely proud of his strength and considered himself to be the strongest person in the world. To teach his younger brother (Bheem) a lesson, Hanuman took the form of an old monkey and sat in his way. When Bheem asked Hanuman to get his tail out of the way, Hanuman asked him to do it himself. Bheem tried to his full strength but failed. Hanuman then appeared in front of Bheem in his original form and a timely lesson in humility was taught. 18. PanchMukhi Hanuman During the battle between Rama and Ravana, Ravana asked the king of Patala Lok – Mahiravana to help him out. Mahiravana took the form of Vibheeshana, kidnapped Rama and Laxmana and took them to the Patala Lok. Hanuman entered the Patala Lok to rescue them. He fought a fierce battle with Mahiravana but was unable to defeat him. He then found that in order to kill Mahiravana, he would have to extinguish five lamps in five different directions. So, took the form of Panchmukhi Hanuman (Hanuman with five faces), extinguished all the 5 lamps and rescued Rama and Laxmana. 19. Lord Hanuman’s mother, Anjana was an apsara (celestial being) in God Indra’s court named Punjikasthala. She was cursed by a sage to be born as a vanara (female monkey) on Earth and this curse could only be removed if she gave birth to Lord Shiva’s incarnation. So, she took birth as a vanara princess and married Kesari, a vanara chief. 20. Surya was Hanuman’s Guru Hanuman was fascinated with Surya from birth. He was a great devotee of the Sun God, Surya. So, he selected Surya as his teacher and requested him to teach the scriptures. Surya agreed to teach Hanuman if he could follow his pace. Hanuman did so and became his disciple. He completed the entire scriptures in just 60 hours. 21. Hanuman invented the “Surya Namaskar” Hanuman offered to pay his “Guru Dakshina” to his Guru Surya but he politely declined. So, Hanuman decided to honor his teacher by offering his gratitude and namaskars, imitating Surya’s movements across the sky each and every day. Thus, the Surya Namaskar was born as Hanuman’s Guru Dakshina to his teacher, Surya. Wishing you all, Mangalmay Hanuman Janmotsav. May Bhagwan Hanuman Ji Full fill all your dreams and desires. Jai Bajrang Bali, Jai Hanuman.

Promoting Unity: Hindu and Sikh Communities Celebrate Vaisakhi in Brampton In a time of growing division, the Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada came together to celebrate Vaisakhi in Brampton, Ontario. The event, organized by the Hindu Sikh Unity Forum (HSUF) with the support of the Hindu Canadian Foundation and Vishwa Jain Sanghthan Canada, aimed to foster solidarity and understanding. Prominent figures from the Sikh diaspora and Hindu community leaders joined the celebration. Speakers emphasized the importance of recognizing the small number of forces attempting to sow discord by spreading misinformation. They urged attendees to stand united against these divisive tactics, highlighting Canada's values of peace, inclusion, and truth. The event featured insightful speeches alongside vibrant cultural performances that showcased the shared heritage of the Hindu and Sikh communities. Energetic Bhangra dances added to the festive atmosphere, bringing everyone together in joyous celebration. The presence of politicians who advocate for community unity further solidified the message of the event. This gathering served as a powerful testament to the enduring bond between the Hindu and Sikh communities in Canada. Event Glimplse, A few Shots: About Vaishakhi: Vaishaki is the day when Guru Govind ji established Khalsa force to fight against the tyrant Islamic Invaders. The significance of Vaisakhi as a Sikh religious festival started after the execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur for refusing to convert to Islam under the orders of the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. This triggered the ascension of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of Sikhism, who subsequently inaugurated the Khalsa on Vaisakhi of 1699. The increased persecution of Sikhs by Mughal authorities followed a period of increasing strength of the Sikh movement in the Malwa region of Punjab during the period of Guru Tegh Bahadur, which would lead to his execution and the resulting foundation of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh,to defend religious freedoms. This gave Vaisakhi the added dimension of being observed as a celebration of the formation of the Khalsa, and is also known as Khalsa Sirjana Divas or Khalsa Sajna Divas. The Birth of the Khalsa Panth was on 30 March 1699. (Source Wikipedia and Sikh History) Wishing everyone a very happy Vaishakhi, Wahegur Ji Ka Khalsa, Waheguru Ji ki Fateh. Jai Shri Ram.

Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, also known as Mahavir Jayanti, is one of the most significant festivals in Jainism, celebrating the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Thirthankara of Jainism who propagated Dharma in Jainism. It is the most important day for the Jain community and it champions truth and nonviolence, and also spreads the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir. He was born on the Trayodashi (13th) date of Shukla Paksha (the bright half) of the Hindu month of Chaitra, which falls in late March or early April as per the Gregorian calendar. On this day, Jain devotees devote their time to visiting temples and reciting religious rhymes seeking blessings from divinity. Jain temples are adorned with flags and decorations, and alms are offered to the poor. Mahavir Jayanti is a reminder of non-violence and preaching of love and respect for all living beings. A Brief History of Mahavir Jayanti According to the Jain texts and religious scriptures, Bhagwan Mahavira was born on the 13th day of waxing moon on the Chaitra month (Hindu calendar) in Kundalagrama (now Kundalpur) in Bihar, a few kilometres from Patna Vaishali was then the capital of the state. As per Jains, Bhagwan Mahavira was born in 599 BC. He was named Vardhaman by his parents - King Siddhartha and Queen Trisala. As per Swetambar's beliefs, Mahavira's mother had 14 dreams, later interpreted by astrologers that Mahavira would either go on to become an emperor or a sage (Tirthankara). When Mahavira reached age 30, he left his throne and family in search of truth. He lived in exile for 12 years as an ascetic. During this time, he preached non-violence treated everyone with reverence. He got his name "Mahavira" after showing exceptional skills in controlling the senses. It is widely believed that when Mahavira was 72, he attained enlightenment (Nirvana). Mahavir Jayanti Celebration: The demonstration of an idol of Bhagwan Mahavir is the most important festivity of Mahavir Jayanti. The effigy of Mahavir is washed by the people with fragranced oil denoting the purity of the Bhagwn. Devotees visit Jain temples and ancient spots connected to the community of Jainism. One of the renowned destinations visited during the festival is Gomateshwara. Jains bestow money on the top accompanied by devotees singing hymns and reciting prayers. Jain temples are decorated with flags while the Jains offer food and clothes to the needy. Jainism vehemently opposes animal slaughter and hence donations are made to stop animal killings. Prayers are offered in temples dedicated to Bhagwan Mahavira. Some devotes engage in meditation—a practice championed by Mahavira. Teachings of Mahavira and Jainism are recited by monks and nuns. As we celebrate his 2622nd birthday, let’s remember his teachings which are needed in today’s world. Significance of Mahavir Jayanti The significance of Mahavir Jayanti celebrations lies not only in strengthening community and family bonds through shared rituals and cultural practices but also in promoting the universal message of peace and non-violence. In essence, it is a day to reflect on one’s spiritual journey and strive to attain the highest level of enlightenment. Jai Jinendra, Jai Shri Ram ..!

Hindu New Year is celebrated on the Pratipada of Chaitra Shukla which comes in the spring. In the spring, trees are filled with creeper flowers, which is also called Madhumas. Not only this, this spring season brings joy, ecstasy and intoxication of the New Year to the people by embellishing the whole earth with different types of flowers. Hindu New Year, also called Vikram Samvat, is an important celebration for billions of Hindus around the world. This year, in 2024, it's on April 9. People in India and worldwide celebrate it with lots of excitement and traditional customs. It's a special time for starting new things, like businesses and feeling hopeful. The festival has its origins in ancient Hindu stories and customs. People celebrate the day in various ways across the country, but the main idea is the same – to welcome the New Year with positivity and optimism. History of Vikram Samvat Legend has it that Vikramaditya, a respected king of Ujjain, freed his people from the Sakas' rule and started Vikram Samvat 2080 years ago. Vikram Samvat is the traditional calendar for all Hindus in India, and it's generally 57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar. This year, it will be Vikram Samvat 2081. The Hindu New Year, or Vikram Samvat, is celebrated on the first day of the Shukla Paksha of the Chaitra month and is considered mathematically accurate. In many states, it also starts on the first day of the Hindu month of Baishakh. Significance of Vikram Samvat It's a time when people look forward to new beginnings, fresh starts, and fixing relationships. During the festival, people follow various traditions like cleaning their homes, making delicious Veg Food, and praying to their Bhagwan. Many also share gifts and greetings with their loved ones. Besides being culturally and religiously significant, the Hindu New Year also signals the beginning of the new harvest season in many parts of India/Bharat. New Year's Eve In Andhra Pradesh this truth is declared by saying Yugadi or Ugadi Tithi. In the Indus province, this new year is called 'Cheti Chando', the moon of Chaitra, which Sindhi celebrates with gaiety. In Kashmir, this festival is celebrated in the name of 'Nauroj'. 'Nauroj' i.e. new auspicious morning in which boys and girls wear new clothes and celebrate with great pomp. Huh. According to Hindu culture, after setting the Kalash on the Nav Samvatsar, fasting for nine days, worshiping Maa Durga and worshiping Maa Durga is performed on the Navami day and praying for happiness, peace and well-being is offered to Maa Bhagwati. In which everyone celebrates with great enthusiasm by tying new saffron flags on the pylon gate after fasting, eating fruits. In this way, Indian culture and life is closely related to Vikrami Samvatsar, people also give up tamasic food, meat and liquor on these days.