Hinduism in Malta

Hinduism is a minority religion in Malta. It is officially recognised as a cult but not as a religion in the country.[1].

Community life

There are nearly 100 Hindu families in Malta that practise their Hindu faith, but there are no Hindu temples and the Hindu deceased are often buried in Malta instead of being cremated. There is a Maltese-Indian Community Centre in Triq Bella Vista, San Gwann that serves as a base for religious meetings. This community also organises an annual Diwali ball with live performances and celebrations.[2]

Hindus in Malta celebrate Diwali, Holi[3] Onam[4] and other Hindu festivals.

Official recognition of Hinduism

Hinduism and Judaism are recognised as cults but not as religions in Malta. In 2010, Hindu and Jewish groups urged Pope Benedict XVI to intervene to ensure that Malta treats all religions equally before the law.[1], but the Pope did not intervene. Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, and Rabbi Jonathan B. Freirich, a Jewish leader in California and Nevada in the US, said in a statement in Nevada that he believed the Catholic Church in Malta was not serious about sharing the minority religious viewpoint, and that he was disappointed that they did not want to discuss issues of religious equality with minority religions and denominations.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 "Hindus seek Pope's intervention to bring equality of religions in Malta". Timesofmalta.com. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  2. ↑ "Religious Communities To Join If You've Just Moved To Malta". lovinmalta.com.
  3. ↑ "Malta's Indian community heralds spring with colour". Timesofmalta.com. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  4. ↑ "WATCH: Kerala Indians in Malta celebrate Onam Festival in a big way - TVM News". Tvm.com.mt. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  5. ↑ "Pope Disappoints members of the Hindu and Jewish Community - ChakraNews.com". chakranews.com. 19 February 2010.
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