Oprah Winfrey cancels Indian trip over swine flu fears
By ANIThursday, May 7, 2009
WASHINGTON - Talk show queen Oprah Winfrey has cancelled a low-key trip to India over fears of the swine flu epidemic, it has emerged.
It was believed that Winfrey would visit the birthplace of Hindu monkey god Hanuman and then fly to Goa on May 5 and meet up with her guide, Bollywood actress Mallika Sherawat.
However, the trip was cancelled at the last minute after Winfrey was advised to stay at home, reports Contactmusic.
U.S. Hindu statesman Rajan Zed says: “She was planning to visit Hanuman’s birthplace near Hampi, about 300 kilometres from Goa airport. Anjanadri Hill near Anegundi is believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman. There is a Hanuman Temple on the hilltop.
“There has been increased interest in Hanuman the world over ever since President Barack Obama carried tiny Hanuman as a lucky charm during his 2008 electioneering for good luck.
“Lord Hanuman is greatly revered and his worship is very popular among Hindus; there are numerous temples dedicated to him.”
Winfrey is not the only celebrity who axed her travel plans because of the flu pandemic - Heidi Klum and Seal have called off their trip to Mexico, where they renew their wedding vows annually.
The swine flu crisis is believed to have started in Mexico City. (ANI)
