An estimated five hundred people thronged Waltham High School on Saturday May 22, to enjoy a colorful cultural program, visited booths set up by various organizations, and dined on a sumptuous dinner while viewing an art exhibit and rooting at a raffle for children. The theme of the annual event this year was Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (May There Be Happiness Everywhere). In recognition of this event, His Excellency Governor Mitt Romney and Honorable Jeannette A. McCarthy, Mayor of Waltham had proclaimed May 22, 2004 as Hindu Heritage Day in Massachusetts and City of Waltham, respectively.

Eighteen booths were set up in the lobby to cater to diverse interests of the visitors. Five volunteers were kept busy applying Mehndi (henna) designs on hands and arms of a long line of eager subjects. Children had the opportunity of reading culturally rich and entertaining comic books known as Amar Chitra Katha. Four booths set up by Vivekananda Camp, Learnquest, Balgokulam and VHP Youth Books provided information about recreational and educational activities being organized in the area specifically for children. Seven organizations: ISKCON, Saundarya Lahari, Art of Living Foundation, Samskrita Bharati, Yoga Variations, Hindu Students Council and Vishwa Hindu Parishad that teach practices inspired by Hindu Heritage had timely information on their various programs and activities. Ekal Vidyalaya foundation which has established ten thousand one teacher schools to promote literacy in difficult to reach rural areas of India informed visitors about their service (seva) programs and invited their participation. Representatives from two financial institutions, Mass Mutual and Citizen’s Bank, offered financial information about their services. Tasty Samosas and soft drinks were available at a snacks booth. And, Saheli Selections booth much to the delight of ladies displayed latest designs in jewelry and clothing from India.

Early part of the cultural program in the auditorium honored venerated 92 year old Swami Sarvagatananda of Ramakrishna Vedanta Society with Samskriti Saurabh Samman. Swamiji has been giving spiritual guidance and teaching Vedanta for the last 50 years in Boston and Providence, RI. Two priests, Pandit Narayan Dutt Sharma and Shri Laxman Shastry, who have helped the community in holding many poojas, were recognized for their invaluable service. Colorful classical dances by accomplished students of master Bharatnatyam teachers Ms. Ranjani Saigal and Ms. Neena Gulati followed. Children’s groups, Balgokulam and Balvihar presented group dances, a song and a play that highlighted the importance of education. Well known artists from the area treated the audience to melodious music in two different styles Carnatic and Hindustani.

A new beginning was made this year with the exhibition in the cafeteria of twenty one paintings depicting various aspects of the Hindu culture. These paintings were selected from a unique collection of paintings commissioned by famous archeologist and indologist Padmashree Dr. Wakankar. While attendees enjoyed the dinner that was jointly catered by six metropolitan area restaurants, a raffle was held for children who had completed a word puzzle. Prizes for the raffle were sponsored by Sounds of India radio program.

The theme for the event: Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (May there be happiness everywhere) highlighted Hindu concept of all inclusiveness. The world is not separated into two camps, Hindu and non-Hindu. The entire creation is one family (Vasudhaiv Kutumbam) and happiness of the whole creation is the goal. Additional explanation has been published in the souvenir booklet designed for the event.

The theme for the event: Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah (May there be happiness everywhere) highlighted Hindu concept of all inclusiveness. The world is not separated into two camps, Hindu and non-Hindu. The entire creation is one family (Vasudhaiv Kutumbam) and happiness of the whole creation is the goal. Additional explanation has been published in the souvenir booklet designed for the event.

The event was organized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America’s Massachusetts and Merrimack Valley chapters in collaboration with various area organizations. For information, please send email to hhdboston@yahoo.com.

|