This year, NESSP's Palki Utsav had a very special beginning. The Palki Utsav commenced on 24th May, the same day as the "Bhoomi Shuddihikaran Pooja" for the proposed permanent temple in Groton, MA. The pooja started in the existing temple location, and all the devotees involved in the Shuddhikaran Pooja, carried the Kalash Jal, all the way to the new temple site in Groton.
From the road-point, climbing all the way up the hillock, one could already feel the presence of the upcoming temple. Around 50 families attended the pooja at the new site. As the kalash Jal was poured all over the proposed site, some devotees could not help shedding tears of joy, at the vision of the new temple and Baba's permanent finally coming true, after almost 9 long years.
The Palki procession started right after the Bhoom Shuddhikaran Pooja, and the Palki visited the houses of several devotees during the memorial day weekend. Owing to the tremendous response from the devotees, the Palki Utsav which started on the Memorial Day weekend, will continue all the way through end-July, concluding with Guru Poornima on 31st July. 200 families are expected to participate in the Palki procession this year covering all the six states of the New England region.
9 years ago, from a small bhajan group, very few could imagine that the temple would grow from 1000 sq.ft. rented space to a 28 acre own space. From one prayer hall to several halls for prayers, religious and cultural activities. This is but the beginning. The temple needs lots more help from devotees and volunteers, to take its final shape. And we are confident that this will happen soon, with blessings from our beloved Baba.
NESSP is an independent local organization that has been serving the devotee needs for last nine years. In addition to temple related activities, NESSP also believes in helping the community that its part of. The organization has an active Charitable and Philanthropy charter. The different charitable activities NESSP has undertaken in the past are: Disaster Relief, Annadaan (food donation) to the homeless, Winter Clothes drive – Collection and distribution of warm winter clothes to the needy. Red Cross Blood donation drives, Lowell General hospital cancer center walks. NESSP Conducts Free health camp and Dental camps, Meditation and Yoga sessions. For kids, NESSP Conducts chess classes, Annual Academic competitions. NESSP is run by a dedicated team of volunteers
Pictures captured during the occassion of Bhoomi Shuddhikaran and Palkhi Initatiation:
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