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| HHD 2011 - Shiva -Shakti Theme |
Mona Khaitan
04/25/2011
HINDU HERITAGE DAY 2011
Shiva-Shakti
“Mind-intellect-thought-ego I am not, nor am I ears, tongue, nostrils, or eyes for that matter, I am not the five prime elements either; I am simply the Atman, I am the pure all-pervading consciousness alone.â€
The annual Hindu Heritage Day will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2011, from 3 pm to 8 pm at Marlboro Middle School in Marlboro, Massachusetts. The focus of this day is on Shiva-Shakti, the inseparable latent and dynamic form of energy representative of universal wholeness. When the energy principle is equipoised it is called Shiva, when it becomes active it is represented by Shakti. Just as fire and heat are inseparable, similarly, the concept of Shiva-Shakti is indistinguishable. Together, the duality of both masculine and feminine fails to exist, as Atman is neither he nor she. Adi Shankaracarya in his famous composition declares that I am the Atman alone and I am none other than pure infinite consciousness. 
The HHD format adopted last year proved to be a resounding success. A similar mela complete with activities focusing on this attractive theme will be held. A nominal entrance fee of $3 covers all activities being held through the day. There are going to be an assortment of non-profit organizations and cultural schools present to give out information, along with vendors of goods and services with different products geared to cater to Indian taste. Organized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, over 40 organizations plan to participate in this year’s mela. At this time, a limited supply of booths remains available. The cost of each booth is $50 with a discounted cost of $25 for non-profit organizations. For booth information, contact Kaushik bhai Patel (508-789-3548).
Dr. M. Hari Haaren, a Music Therapist & Healer, and Concert Performing Artist and Vedic Astrologer would be available for consultation and therapy. For more details, visit http://www.indianmusictherapy.org.in/.
There are a number of entertaining activities being held for all ages. The popular mehndi application will have dedicated space for the full duration of the program. An informative and enlightening exhibition on Shiva-Shakti currently being designed will be on display. An exhibit devoted to giving brief life histories of Hindu sants will have educational content for all, especially youth. Children can engage in face painting, kite flying, various contest booths, picture coloring, and viewing movies on Om Namah Shivaye. The cafeteria would serve a complete dinner for $8 as well as favored snacks of bhel puri, samosa, chole bhature, and chaat to cater to individual taste. Freshly made dosa, idli, and uttapam would be available to cater to different food tastes along with chai, lassi, soft drinks, and bottled water.
A cultural variety performance begins at 4.00 pm in the main auditorium choreographed by different dance and music studios and performed by their talented students. This two hour program has a special skit on Shiva-Shakti.
The day will conclude with this variety program. If you or your organization would like to participate in any way in this inclusive mela, contact jasthana@hotmail.com.
VHP of America is a national organization which has among its objectives to unite Hindus by instilling in them devotion to the Hindu way of life, to cultivate self-respect and respect for all people, and to establish contacts with Hindus all over the world. For more information please visit http://www.vhp-america.org/
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