AP PHOTOS: Hindu festival draws Mormon crowds

AP ^ | 3-29-2014 | Associated Press

[fishtank]

"Revelers with colored corn starched hands celebrate during the 2014 Festival of Colors, Holi Celebration at the Krishna Temple Saturday, March 29, 2014, in Spanish Fork, Utah. Nearly 70,000 people are expected to gather starting Saturday at a Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork for the annual two-day festival of colors. Revelers gyrate to music and partake in yoga during the all-day festival, throwing colored corn starch in the air once every hour. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the large majority of participants are not Hindus, but Mormons. Thousands of students from nearby Brigham Young University come to take part in a festival that is drug and alcohol free. The event stems from a Hindu tradition celebrating the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil. (AP Photo - Rick Bowmer)"

[fishtank]

I tried to find the AP link, but couldn't at their site. This is from the Earthlink page.

[Zeneta]

Joseph Campbell and Shirley MacLaine would be proud.

A celebration of the unknown. The possible?

The impossible?

[Mastador1]

We saw a lot of people in a local park a week or two ago, very colorful and must say some of the most well behaved children I have seen in a while. I was however disappointed, no one was chanting. : )

[fishtank]

I’m not surprised at all.

Both religions (hinduism and mormon-smithism) are polytheistic.

[aMorePerfectUnion]

Hindus - 350 million gods.

Mormonism - Billions or trillions or quadrillions - unlimited, with more being made all the time.

[fidelis]

Of course young Utah Mormons are going to make it a point to swarm here. Where else in Utah can you find such a large crowd of non-Mormons who could be ripe for proselytization?

[Rebelbase]

Nothing religious about it for those who are non Hindu. It’s just a big party.

Video from 2 years ago: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hh-o5g4tLVE

[353FMG]

Somehow I fail to see myself partake in that foolishness even when I was a foolish teenager.

[Zeneta]

Hindus - 350 million gods.

Mormonism - Billions or trillions or quadrillions - unlimited, with more being made all the time.

---

Just like modern Liberals.

All things to everybody all the time.

What could go wrong.

[ApplegateRanch]

They put on a good (vegan) feed there, free for donations. We toured it to see the architecture & artwork just prior to its completion.

As long as you walk with Jesus, and do not partake in, or do anything to advance, their doctrines/rituals; nor cause a weaker brother to stumble, you are safe. CF Paul re eating meat dedicated to idols.

OTOH, this is something else entirely; and these Mormon students seem to have a lot to learn, but they already do anyway, considering their own doctrines.

[Tennessee Nana]

Noah from Utah on shore...

[reaganaut]

Actually, when I was at BYU, we used to go down there for the free buffets. They also had a radio station when I lived there that was fun.

[Graybeard58]

They put on a good (vegan) feed there, free for donations.

I could probably live on mashed potatoes, if they were buttery enough but then that's not vegan is it.

[ApplegateRanch]

Actually, I technically misspoke about “vegan”; it’s only vegetarian since, they used honey & raise goats for milk.

[Elsie]

Hindu festival draws Mormon crowds

Well; since the MORMONs are ALWAYS on the lookout for even yet more 'revelations' from GOD; why WOULDN'T they be there?

[Elsie]

... why WOULDN'T they be there?

Although; to be fair; I, myself, would probably go, for I am always wanting to learn how other folks understand their chosen religion.

[Elsie]

A celebration of the unknown.

That's EXACTLY what Mormonism is built upon..

[Elsie]

As long as you walk with Jesus, and do not partake in, or do anything to advance, their doctrines/rituals; nor cause a weaker brother to stumble, you are safe.

That's the way I read it as well.

(I would be on the look out for MORMONs who seem to be doing a LOT of handshaking...)

---

 Doctrine and Covenants       Section 129

 

Instructions given by Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, 9 February 1843, making known three grand keys by which the correct nature of ministering angels and spirits may be distinguished (see History of the Church, 5:267).

1–3, There are both resurrected and spirit bodies in heaven; 4–9, Keys are given whereby messengers from beyond the veil may be identified.
1 There are two kinds of beings in heaven, namely: Angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones;
2 For instance, Jesus said: Handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
3 Secondly: the spirits of just men made perfect, they who are not resurrected, but inherit the same glory.
4 When a messenger comes saying he has a message from God, offer him your hand and request him to shake hands with you.
5 If he be an angel he will do so, and you will feel his hand.
6 If he be the spirit of a just man made perfect he will come in his glory; for that is the only way he can appear;
7 Ask him to shake hands with you, but he will not move, because it is contrary to the order of heaven for a just man to deceive; but he will still deliver his message.
8 If it be the devil as an angel of light, when you ask him to shake hands he will offer you his hand, and you will not feel anything; you may therefore detect him.
9 These are three grand keys whereby you may know whether any administration is from God.

       Joseph Smith

[Elsie]

Actually, I technically misspoke about “vegan”; it’s only vegetarian since, they used honey & raise goats for milk.

I raise mine for fun(?)

Any milk I get (maybe a 1/2 pint every day or so) goes to the cats.

Jack, Casper, Gracie, EllieMae

The one on the right is the one who gives milk...

[little jeremiah]

Hinduism actually is monotheistic. Some Hindus are ignorant of their own scriptures.

There are many “devas” - subgods, really heads of various elements or departments if you will, in the created universe. But they honor and worship the Supreme Ishwara, or Supreme Lord, aka God.

Some ignorant Hindus think the devas are equal to the Supreme Lord, but if you talk to them politely, you might be surprised what they understand.