Religions Around The World

In the early morning hours, monks can be seen walking on their alms round in Kanchanaburi, Thailand
Showing humility and detachment from worldly goods, the monk walks slowly and only stops if he is called. Standing quietly, with his bowl open, the local Buddhists give him rice, or flowers, or an envelope containing money.  In return, the monks bless the local Buddhists and wish them a long and fruitful life.
Christians Celebrate Good Friday
Enacting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in St. Mary's Church in Secunderabad, India. Only 2.3% of India's population is Christian. 
Ancient interior mosaic in the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora
The Church of the Holy Saviour in Istanbul, Turkey is a medieval Byzantine Greek Orthodox church.
Dome of the Rock located in the Old City of Jerusalem
The site's great significance for Muslims derives from traditions connecting it to the creation of the world and to the belief that the Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey to heaven started from the rock at the center of the structure.
Holi Festival in Mathura, India
Holi is a Hindu festival that marks the end of winter. Also known as the “festival of colors”,  Holi is primarily observed in South Asia but has spread across the world in celebration of love and the changing of the seasons.
Jewish father and daughter pray at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem, Israel.
Known in Hebrew as the Western Wall, it is one of the holiest sites in the world. The description, "place of weeping", originated from the Jewish practice of mourning the destruction of the Temple and praying for its rebuilding at the site of the Western Wall.
People praying in Mengjia Longshan Temple in Taipei, Taiwan
The temple is dedicated to both Taoism and Buddhism.
People praying in the Grand Mosque in Ulu Cami
This is the most important mosque in Bursa, Turkey and a landmark of early Ottoman architecture built in 1399.
Savior Transfiguration Cathedral of the Savior Monastery of St. Euthymius
Located in Suzdal, Russia, this is a church rite of sanctification of apples and grapes in honor of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord.
Fushimi Inari Shrine is located in Kyoto, Japan
It is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. Fushimi Inari is the most important Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice.
Ladles at the purification fountain in the Hakone Shrine
Located in Hakone, Japan, this shrine is a Japanese Shinto shrine.  At the purification fountain, ritual washings are performed by individuals when they visit a shrine. This ritual symbolizes the inner purity necessary for a truly human and spiritual life.
Hanging Gardens of Haifa are garden terraces around the Shrine of the Báb on Mount Carmel in Haifa, Israel
They are one of the most visited tourist attractions in Israel. The Shrine of the Báb is where the remains of the Báb, founder of the Bábí Faith and forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh in the Bahá'í Faith, have been buried; it is considered to be the second holiest place on Earth for Bahá'ís.
Pilgrims praying at the Pool of the Nectar of Immortality and Golden Temple
Located in Amritsar, India, the Golden Temple is one of the most revered spiritual sites of Sikhism. It is a place of worship for men and women from all walks of life and all religions to worship God equally. Over 100,000 people visit the shrine daily.
Entrance gateway of Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple Kowloon
Located in Hong Kong, China, the temple is dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, or the Great Immortal Wong. The Taoist temple is famed for the many prayers answered: "What you request is what you get" via a practice called kau cim.
Christian women worship at a church in Bois Neus, Haiti.
Haiti's population is 94.8 percent Christian, primarily Catholic. This makes them one of the most heavily Christian countries in the world.

World Religions News

Sewa Diwali Food Drive: 553 organizations partner for celebrations through charity

Collaborative initiative collected and donated over 970,000 pounds of food to 350+ pantries, embodying ‘Sewa’ (service)

Diwali is one of the most important festivals celebrated by followers of Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Adding the theme of “sewa” (selfless service) to this celebration, the Sewa Diwali Food Drive of 2025 donated over 970,000 pounds of food items to those in need across the country. This year’s drive witnessed the partnership of 553 organizations, Dharmic communities, faith groups, and compassionate individuals uniting for charity. Volunteers of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) actively participated in this initiative, coordinating the collection and donation efforts at both regional and national levels.

In its eighth consecutive year, Sewa Diwali continued to demonstrate the collective will and active partnership of Dharmic organizations in addressing America’s food insecurity. Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh temples, schools, and community groups donated generously to help fellow Americans, regardless of their beliefs and backgrounds. Around 3,000 volunteers of all ages hosted food drives, coordinated logistics, and spread awareness. Together, they extended aid to over 350 food pantries, shelters, and community centers, ensuring that thousands of families could celebrate the holidays with dignity and hope.

In a heart-warming note to the Sewa Diwali organizers in North Carolina, Jennifer Gordon, Federal Security Director with the Transportation Security Administration, expressed “Your thoughtful contributions had a profound impact on our workforce during this challenging time”. “You are a blessing to people that need you…”, said Cristian Salgado of the Hillsboro City Council recognizing the food donations by Oregon’s Sewa Diwali volunteers. New Jersey Governor, Phil Murphy, and Monroe, New Jersey Township Mayor, Stephen Dalina issued proclamations appreciating the Sewa Diwali drives of 2025.

Sewa Diwali national coordinators Mahadesha Swamy from California and Prasanna Jog from Pennsylvania thanked all volunteers, donors, and partner organizations. “This year’s Sewa Diwali efforts underscored the message of unity and service that transcends cultural and religious boundaries, putting the Dharmic concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (the world is one family) into action”, they said.

The drive’s success in 2025 builds on Hindu community’s progressive contribution to addressing food insecurity with a cumulative donation of nearly 4 million pounds over the years and growing with more partners and donors.

###

Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS) is a voluntary, non-profit, social, cultural, and educational organization. HSS aims to organize a diverse and vibrant Hindu American community to practice, preserve, and advance ideals and values of Hindu Dharma. Through its chapters nationwide, HSS conducts regular programs to promote self-discipline, self-confidence, and a spirit of selfless service for humanity.

For more information, please visit hssus.org.

Contact:
Vikas Deshpande
Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of RNS or Religion News Foundation.

Original Source:

https://religionnews.com/2025/12/29/sewa-diwali-food-drive-553-organizations-partner-for-celebrations-through-charity/