Hindu Heritage Day 2016

   Bhakti

यस्य देवे परा भक्तिः यथा देवे तथा गुरौ ।
तस्यैते कथिता ह्यर्थाः प्रकाशन्ते महात्मनः ॥ २३ ॥^[37]

He who has highest Bhakti of Deva (God),
just like his Deva, so for his Guru (teacher),
To him who is high-minded,
these teachings will be illuminating.

The Governor of Massachusetts has proclaimed May 21, 2016 to be Hindu Heritage Day (HHD). On this day, over 2,000 Hindu Americans are expected to come together at Marlboro Middle School (located at 25 Union St, Marlboro, MA 01752) to celebrate a rich common heritage and culture, a precious inheritance passed down from our Vedic scientists called Rishis. This is the 20^th consecutive year that a team of volunteers from VHPA (World Hindu Council of America) has organized HHD for the residents of greater Boston area, which is an inclusive event connecting almost all Boston area organizations and institutions, large and small.

The theme of this year’s HHD is Bhakti or Devotion. Bhakti has many interpretations. "Bhakti, in Hinduism, refers attachment, participation, devotion, fondness, homage, faith or love, worship, piety to a personal god or a representational god by a devotee. In ancient texts the term simply means participation in, devotion, and love for any endeavor, or it refers to one of the possible paths of spirituality and moksha as in Bhakti Marg mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita.

Also, Bhakti means selfless devotion or love in its purest form. It may be towards guru, one’s parents, or a personal God. It may be “Sagun” or “Nirgun”, both leading to the same end goal of achieving true Ananada or bliss, where one forgets I or Me. Bhakti is devoid of grandeur. Bhakti may be expressed in various forms. Jaap, bhajan, keertan, singing, dancing when performed with devotion and selflessness frees one from “self” and simplifies the path to Moksha.

The cultural program is organized around the theme of “Bhakti.” As in past years, it promises to be a superlative program, holding the audience captive by its excellence, variety of programming, and educational content. Almost all the music and dance schools and master teachers of the greater Boston area will be represented by their best students, replete with creatively designed colorful costumes. Additionally, local artists of international repute will also be performing. The program is a feast for the mind and the senses, keeping the audience virtually glued to their seats, taking in all the production. There will be dances, songs, bhajans, and plays that enthrall the audience.

The Mela section of the day will feature many booths, ranging from the latest fashion in Indian clothing and jewelry, to information available on virtually every aspect of life that a Hindu American may need. There are booths displaying a myriad of jewelry and clothes of every color, hue and description, a feast for the senses. It is possible to get just the right clothes, jewelry and accessories being sold in many booths.

There is information on the popular VHPA August Family/Children’s camp held in Tolland, Massachusetts.. There is information on three greater Boston area Bal Vihars (schools) operating in Newton, Southborough, and Lexington, where children learn and discover their heritage while playing.

There will also be a large variety of snacks, including samosas, pakoras and chaat. Dinner will also be available. There will also be kite-flying, face painting, mehndi, exhibition on Bhakti. There will be something for everyone, young and young at heart. It is an event not to be missed. So please mark your calendars for May 21, 2016, and plan to attend the program which starts at 3 PM.

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