UTSAV

O Parvati, you who makes all desires possible, the most auspicious of the auspicious;
My refuge, Triambika, Gauri, Narayani (sister of Lord Narayana), Salutations to You.

World Hindu Council of America (VHPA) organizes Hindu Heritage Day. This year it was celebrated on May 24th at the Marlboro Middle School in Marlboro, MA. The Governor of Massachusetts as well as the Mayor of Marlboro proclaimed May 24, 2014 to be the Hindu Heritage Day. On this day, over 2,000 Hindu Americans came together to celebrate a rich common heritage and culture, a precious inheritance passed down from our Vedic scientists called Rishis. This is the 18^th consecutive year that a team of volunteers from VHPA led by Sanjay Kaul has organized HHD which is an inclusive event connecting almost all Boston area organizations, large and small.

It turned out to be a lovely get-together of like-minded members of Hindu community in Boston area. The ambience was beautiful. With decorated tables, flowers, Natraj, and tastefully decorated stage for musicians and little children greeting guests by applying kumkum tilak created a warm atmosphere.

The program was started with a traditional sounding of the Shankh Naad (participants: KG Narayanan & Samir Asthana). A specialty of the shankh is that the vibrations emanating on blowing it destroys the disease causing germs in the atmosphere. That is the reason it has an important place in all group gatherings and auspicious occasions.

After the auspicious start of the program, evening festivities began with “Deep Prajwalan.” The lighting of the ceremonial lamp was done by Mr. & Mrs. Tej & Prem Tanden (Prominent community activists), and Dr. Abhaya Asthana (National President, VHPA). Lighting the lamp symbolizes the movement from darkness to light, in the spirit of the common Hindu prayer: Asato Ma Sad Gamaya, Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya, MRatyorma Amratam Gamaya which means: May we go to the path of good, from light to darkness, from death to immortality.  As they light the lamp the children recited this shloka.

This was followed by recitation of Ekta Mantra and the Bahv Geet by the children from Southboro Bal Vihar and Bal Vidya Mandir. The idea that the whole is one family – this vision is the one of the great thoughts that emerged from Hindu civilization, culture and heritage.  Thousands of years of Hindu traditions have provided invaluable lessons to all and has served as a source of inspiration, reflection, and contemplation for the millions of individuals who look upon Hinduism for spiritual guidance.

Our culture and values of reverence to elders, affection for families and young children was evident in the manner the four MC’s Apeksha Tripathi, Padmini Narayan, Chitra Kumar Subramanian and Archana Garur conducted the program.

The theme of this year’s mela was Utsav or Festivals – Celebration, which was in abundant display at the mela. An Utsav is a festival - an exuberant expression of enjoyment (Kama) and prosperity (Artha) bound by duty (Dharma). Festivals are at the heart of Indian culture and lives. Their seasonal occurrences provide a periodic opportunity to remove (“ut”) worldly sorrow (“sava”), and break up the monotony of day-to-day life by infusing excitement to look forward to, fun to be had, and hallmarks to be made. The occasion was marked by an extensive poster display of all the festivals that make up the colorful landscape of India.

The cultural program organized around the theme of “Utsav” held the audience captive by its excellence, variety of programming, and educational content. Almost all the dance schools and master teachers of the greater Boston area were represented by their best students replete with creatively designed colorful costumes. The cultural program covered items representing "Kashmir to Kanniyakumari and Arunachal Pradesh to Gujarat.” It was a feast for the mind and the senses, keeping the audience virtually glued to their seats, taking in all the production. Also, there were bhajans and plays that enthralled the audience.

The green rooms and the corridor leading to the stage were abuzz with excitement as the parents and coaches prepared the participants/performers of all ages for the stage, ensuring all costumes and make up were in place. This in itself was a sight to behold. There were families everywhere.

In the 37 booths placed in different corridors there was information available on virtually every aspect of life that a Hindu American may need. There was information on VHPA’s children’s camp held in Tolland, Massachusetts every year. There were booths selling a variety of children’s books, including difficult to find educational comic books and spiritual children’s books introducing dharmic concepts. The books geared towards adult readers were just as numerous. There was 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 were numerous booths displaying a myriad of jewelry and clothes of every color, hue and description, a feast for the senses. It was possible to get just the right jewelry and clothes being sold in many booths.

The cafeteria was a hub of activity all the time, first serving snacks and then dinner. The snacks of samosas and pakoras were most popular in the afternoon. To keep the children in the cafeteria entertained, there were educational videos played on a large screen on the Ramayana and life of Sri Krishna. In spite of the larger than expected number of people, the food vendor was well prepared with extra supplies of prepared food. A big hit of the day was Kulfi in exotic flavors. This was a favorite with young and old alike.

Volunteers including Dr. Charu Patel accompanied by Mr. & Mrs. Nimesh & Sangeeta Singh sold chai (tea) to raise funds for VHPA’s Support-A-Child program. There was kite flying activity organized outdoors by Shri Brij Garg for enthusiasts, with kites and dori provided. Even the sporadic rain did not dampen their enthusiasm. VHPA’s membership desk was managed by Shri Vishwanath Khaitan. Many non-members took this opportunity to find more about VHPA’s activities in the greater Boston area and some signed up for membership there and then.

Due to the large attendance, many people reconnected with acquaintances after a long interval of time. For the newcomers, HHD event come as a pleasant surprise providing a glimpse of their heritage away from home. For most families, it is difficult to participate in all the varied activities going on simultaneously. However, the nice part of this event is that this traditional get together is organized every year so there is always an opportunity to engage in different activities each year.

On behalf of VHPA’s Boston and Merrimack Valley Chapters, this event was organized by Sanjay & Bela Kaul as the event convener who thank all supporters, volunteers and media partners (The vFoundations TV, Lokvani, Sounds of India and Gunjan Radio) for making this event possible. If you missed this annual event, then look for it next year in the month of May. For participating in the cultural program, please plan early and contact Smt. Jaya Asthana at jasthana@hotmail.com. For securing a booth, please contact Mr. Kaushik Patel at ck8288@gmail.com. For volunteering, please contact Mr. Sanjay Kaul at sanjaykaul@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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