We had been trying hard to convince many Hindu temples in New Jersey to adopt veganism and stop using dairy in their rituals. This would be the most ethical behavior for a Hindu organization. So far, our requests for meetings with temple managements to discuss this progressive action were ignored. Change is uncomfortable and most people are afraid of change.
However, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Nitin Vyas, Dir of Public Relations at World Vegan Vision, the Siddhivinayak Temple in Lawrenceville NJ agreed to celebrate Ram Navami 2023 on April 2, 2023 in a 100% vegan way. No dairy was used in the ceremonial Puja and of course the Prasad was entirely vegan. When some devotees brought their own milk and other dairy we requested them to not use it and they gladly complied. This also gave us an opportunity to explain why dairy was forbidden. Over 100 devotees came in response to the p[ublic announcement and participated in this pioneering Hindu religious ceremony.
Here is the album containing photos and short videos of the event – 2023-04-02 Vegan RamNavami NJ.
This is a small but important step for Hindus to consider going vegan. This was the first and only public Mahashivartri celebration in a Hindu temple that was entirely vegan. Only plant based milk, ghee and yogurt were used in the Puja and Prasad. We hope that this will linspire and encourage all the members and supporters of World Vegan Vision to work hard on making their organizations and events 100% vegan in the future.
This is the second vegan celebration at this temple. The first one was Maha Shivaratri on March 18, 2023.
For those who are still not aware of or do not accept the serious issues with dairy consumption, especially for Hindus who conider the cow a holy animal, here are 2 short videos to watch. https://bit.ly/cruelmilk and https://bit.ly/uholycow
Can you consume dairy and still call yourself a true Hindu or a compassionate human being?
#GoVegan
#GoVeganForTheAnimals
#GoVeganForThePlanet
#DitchTheDairy
#DairyIsCruel
#peacebeginsonyourplate