Malaysian Buddhists celebrate Vesak from home during pandemic
By Alexandra Radu — May 7, 2020
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (RNS) — With all temples in Malaysia closed to the public in an effort to curb the coronavirus outbreak, the country’s 5.4 million Buddhists — the second largest faith group in the mostly Muslim nation — observed Vesak, or Buddha Day, from home this year.
Indonesian Haul festival recalls pre-Islamic culture
By Alexandra Radu — July 29, 2019
WONOTIRTO, Indonesia (RNS) — In this small village in Central Java, the end of Ramadan is an auspicious time to honor one's ancestors in a festival called Haul. The celebration is a mix of Islam, Hindu and animist traditions.
Malaysia women’s march meets disapproval from religious, political authorities
By Alexandra Radu — March 13, 2019
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (RNS) — Several hundred people marched in Malaysia's capital on Saturday (March 9) to mark International Women's Day in an event organized by activist groups and local NGOs and criticized by politicians and religious groups for its inclusion of LGBT activists.
Pro-LGBT boycotters foil Romanian referendum on marriage
By Alexandra Radu — October 8, 2018
(RNS) — LGBT groups in Romania claimed the definition of family in the measure would increase discrimination toward not only same-sex couples but also single parents or children raised by other relatives.
Malaysian Buddhists celebrate Vesak
By Alexandra Radu — May 31, 2018
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (RNS) — In Malaysia, as it is across the Buddhist world, a holiday celebrating the Buddha's birth, death and enlightenment is celebrated with floats, burning joss sticks and lotus-shaped candles. The national holiday, also known as Buddha Day or Buddha's birthday, bring together Buddhist communities from many of the country's widely diverse ethnic and social groups.
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