Prayers for Trump: Hindu Group Marks Birthday with Rituals Amid Assassination Attempt

A Hindu group in Delhi held prayers for Donald Trump following an assassination attempt on him. The Hindu Sena, a fringe group, performed a seven-day ritual for his safety, praising him as the only leader who can tackle radical Islam. The group has celebrated Trump’s birthday annually since his political career began.

A Hindu group in Delhi held prayers for former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, following an assassination attempt, praising him as the only leader who can tackle radical Islam.

The Hindu Sena (Hindu Army), a fringe group, conducted the ceremony attended by nearly 50 people. They placed an idol of the goddess Baglamukhi alongside Trump's poster, adorned it with a holy vermillion mark, and made offerings to a fire. The rituals will continue for seven days.

The group has thrown birthday celebrations for Trump annually since he entered politics, featuring cake and party decorations. They also conducted fire rituals during past U.S. presidential elections. "Only Trump as a global leader has the courage to speak against radical Islam," said Ved Murtinand Saraswati, a leading priest in the ceremony.

The group made headlines in January for reportedly defacing road signs named after Babur, the Mughal empire's founder, whom Hindu nationalists regard as a historical invader. Their website states they seek the "welfare and upliftment" of the Hindu community.

India houses the world's third-largest Muslim population, around 200 million. However, Muslim leaders and rights groups claim persecution under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist BJP regime, allegations Modi and the BJP deny, stating they aim for the progress of all communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)