Diwali Utsav is not only an event that showcased the many talented youngsters from the mission’s different branches in New York but it is also a time when the Chinmaya Mission family come together and celebrate Diwali with one another in a festively joyous manner. Most importantly, parents are given a chance to see their children performed on stage some of the cultural activities they have learned in the Balavihar classes.
The cultural presentation consisted of mainly kirtans/bhajans, drama and skits all produced mainly by the Chinmaya Mission’s Long Island and Manhattan Balavihar groups, from age ranging from 3 to 13-years. The Manhattan Yuva Kendra group (Youth group) also participated in the program.
The event was opened with the welcoming words delivered by Dr. Jatin Kapadia, followed by the ceremonious lighting of the Diya by Acharya Krishnamoorthy and soon after, the children of the Long Island Balavihar group chanted appropriate sloks and read the meanings.
The Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Jagdish Rao, who called on AcharyaJi to give an overview of the progress of the Chinmaya Mission Worldwide. AcharyaJi, who is versed in using technology to aide his presentations via the projector, showed the audience some very powerful images of the great works of different branches of Chinmaya Mission globally.
Balavihar children lighting diyas, while smiling Pujya Gurudev looks on
Shri George Romney of the Manhattan branch captured the true essence of Diwali, also known as the “Festival of Lights,” through the words of a beautiful poem he penned and titled the “Significance of Diwali”.
The Balavihar teachers from Long Island and Manhattan must be complimented for doing such a great job in nurturing, inspiring, motivating and transforming these young minds into becoming young “Vedantins,” who dominated the program.
Balavihar children singing kirtans
One of the highlights of the evening was the performance of the Long Island Balavihar group who portrayed the enchanting Vishwaroop form of Lord Krishna, which He showed to the warrior prince Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The Manhattan Balavihar group also did some impressive skit and song, “Super Superman Hanuman” and “My God is so Great” respectively.
Long Island Balavihar children performing Vishwaroop skit
Manhattan Youth group
Manhattan Balavihar little ones performing the Aarti
The Vedanta Class taught of Dr. Jatin Kapadia in Richmond Hill, Queens, to Hindus from Guyana and Trinidad, participated in the program for the first time, by singing the first 10 stanzas from Bhaja Govindam.
Devotees of the Sanaatan Dharma Mandir of New York singing from Bhaja Govindam
A raffle was also played and gifts included books, a Nikon camera, a hamper, and a free one-year subscription to the Balavihar Children’s Magazine, among other gifts.
Diwali Utsav 2011 was a huge success; it was the culmination of hard work, dedication and perseverance, good entertainment, delicious food and good company.
May Goddess Lakshmi shower Her choicest blessing upon all. May She inspire us to share our fortunes with our less fortunate sisters and brothers.
Shubh Diwali to all!
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