'David Attenborough' of the stars tells Hindus to skip July 26 rally

A video making the rounds on WhatsApp has issued a curious warning to Hindus: Don’t join the opposition protest on July 26 - the stars don’t align. Literally.

The video, emblazoned with the sacred Hindu symbol “Om”, is titled “Hindus, don’t attend the protest. ICCIS advises”.

This was in reference to the “Turun Anwar” rally organised by Perikatan Nasional calling for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s resignation.

It was later clarified that ICCIS stands for the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Selangor.

Narrated in a voice uncannily reminiscent of broadcaster David Attenborough - the very one known for narrating wildlife documentaries, not Vedic horoscopes - the video launched into a deep dive into the Panchangam, the traditional Hindu almanac used to decode celestial moods and moments.

The narrator explained that July 26 falls under the Ashlesha Nakshatra - a star cluster associated with serpents, secrecy, and emotional turbulence.

“Ashlesha is quite volatile, often manipulative and deeply emotional. It is associated with the nagas, serpents, the underworld, secrecy, mass unrest, and underground movements,” the voice intoned.

The voice also pointed out that the protest’s timing on a Saturday supposedly makes things even more ominous. Saturday is ruled by Saturn, the planet of karma, delays, discipline and cosmic comeuppance.

“Saturn supports discipline but also brings suffering if dharma is broken,” the narrator warned.

“With Shani (Saturn) aligned with Ashlesha (the serpent nakshatra), there could be a stirring of emotional, karmic backlash.”

Further warning

In a message to Malaysians, the narrator warned that joining a protest under the influence of turbulent cosmic forces could result in unintended fallout even if one’s intentions are noble.

“Let us not act in haste or be provoked. Instead, let’s show our unity by our silence and spiritual strength. Sometimes, not acting is the most powerful signal.

“This is not a retreat. This is wisdom. What the sky reveals on this day,” the voice added.

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (KLSICCI) honorary secretary-general C Mogana told Malaysiakini that the organisation is not involved in the making of the video.

"For your information, ours was formed in 1928. After that, along the way, for the past 10 years, there were many people who formed (many other similar business groups), such as the Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurs, Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

"Many people formed (their own groups), because everybody wants to become president of the Indian chambers, so they just keep forming.

“Some who lost elections in our chamber formed Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (group), some formed the Federation of Indian Chambers. There are way too many. So don't get confused," she said.

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