GRAND ‘DHARMA & YOGA FEST’ IN HONOR OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA’S 150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

The positive energy of the people was tangible. One could feel the peace, warmth and friendly vibes emanating from all corners of the main hall – the Bhakti Yoga room. People turned out from all walks of life, far and near, to learn and to acquaint themselves with this towering, legendary personality. It was a grand affair organized to honor and celebrate the life of one of India’s most iconic Hindu spiritual monks of the highest order – Swami Vivekananda.  

Swami Vivekananda at the Parliament of World Regions in 1863

It was appropriately titled “Dharma & Yoga Fest,” with the theme focusing on the “spiritual celebration of Universal Oneness.” The event was held to commemorate Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary on Saturday September 21, at the majestic Highlands Middle School in White Plains, New York.

“Dharma & Yoga Fest” was held under the aegis of the White Plains Cares Coalition, in conjunction with the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), a US-based non-profit organization which helps to organize social, cultural and educational activities for Hindus and non-Hindus throughout the United States of America.

HSS was instrumental in coordinating similar cultural and educational programs like this one throughout the United States. All of them were held to pay homage to this Indian spiritual giant whose contribution to mankind is immeasurable.



Dignitaries of stage at Bhakti Yoga track

 The day’s event was officially opened with the sacred lighting of the lamps by the invited dignitaries at 1 p.m. and was followed by a rich cultural program in the Bhakti Yoga track. Throughout the day, various local officials took to the stage to address the gathering, including Mayor Thomas M. Roach, who conducted the official inauguration.

There were four tracks running parallel in different rooms, covering the four major branches of Yoga – an ancient Indian school of thought that stated if followed in the truest form, the teachings help the individual become a Self-realized person while still alive, like Swami Vivekananda. The four types of Yoga are Bhakti Yoga (Devotion), Jnana Yoga (Spiritual Knowledge), Karma Yoga (Selfless Action) and Raja Yoga (or Hatha Yoga which is physical postures aim towards keeping the human body and mind healthy and balanced). All four branches were beautifully showcased at the program.
 

Kuchipudi dancers at their best on the talis



 At the Bhakti Yoga track, the program consisted of eloquent chanting of sloks from the Bhagavad Gita by two young kids, mesmerizing Indian Odissi and Kuchipudi dances, including dancing on talis by highly skilled dancers and kirtan singing by several groups. The introductory part of the cultural show was competently chaired by Rudra Upadhyaya, who is an official of the New York chapter of HSS.

At the Jnana Yoga track, a lively panel discussion was held on the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scriptural text written in Sanskrit and whose dynamic teachings surpass boundaries of all kinds because its universal appeal to humanity as a whole. The Bhagavad Gita is being studied by students from all over the world, from all walks of life, from ancient time to present day modern time. The panelists included Dr. Graham Schweig, Dr. Yashwant Pathak, Dr. Rakesh Shreedhar and Reverend Mathew Wright.


Ready, steady ...  here I come!

It was Kids Kingdom at the Karma Yoga track and selfless service in action. There was the Fancy Costume competition where infants to eleven years-old participated for prizes. They were fancifully dolled up as prominent Indian historical and religious figures, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Meera Bhai and Shri Rama, among others. Here also were various game stalls for the children and prizes if they won at their specialties. There were also several vendor stalls marketing their brands and products to the passing crowd. Children were treated to some story-telling of the Native American Story, there was a Yoga session and a Puppet show.

At the Raja Yoga track, the Science of Breathing was explained by Dr. Sarita Patel, the Techniques of Stress-free living was presented by the Brahma Kumaris, Laughter Yoga (you read correct!) was demonstrated by Beth Kaplan Bangor to the uproar of the audience, Everyday Yoga was demonstrated by Dr. Vimala Bhatt and a Q & A session by one of Yoga’s living legend, Tao Porchon-Lynch.

Kiran from Sanaatan Dharma Mandir of NY as Swami Ji

The highlight of the day’s event was the much anticipated skit depicting several critically important aspects of Swami Vivekananda’s life. The skit was spearheaded by Dr. Sai Patel, who heads the women branch of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh in New York. Portions of the skit was enacted by children from different HSS groups from different areas, including, Connecticut, Westchester and Queens. Sanaatan Dharma Mandir of New York, a mandir based in Richmond Hill, Queens, was the only mandir that participated in the skit.



Kids performing one of the scenes of the skit

The children performed their roles as if they were professional actors. Emphasis was placed on all of them to know their many lines by memory and that they did. They depicted Swami Ji’s life in India, his meeting with Professor John Henry Wright of Harvard University and his historical speech at the first ever held Parliament of World Religions held in Chicago in 1893.


Swami Ji’s famous opening lines, “Sisters and Brothers of America” not only captivated the audience but he received a standing ovation from the entire congregation. The inherent message was that of universal brotherhood and tolerance – principles taught in the ancient Hindu philosophy “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which translated to mean “The whole world is one family.” The children did justice to their roles and held the audience spellbound to the end. Compliments must go to Sai Ji and her team of hard working individuals for putting this huge skit together.



Swami Ji was hailed as The New Spiritual Rock Star

Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863 as Narendranath Dutta in Calcutta to parents Vishwanath and Bhuvaneshwari Devi Dutta. As a child, Swami Ji was extremely close to his mother who was a very religious person. She taught him stories from the Ramayan, Gita and Mahabharat. These were scriptural texts he grew up to love and enjoy reading himself. Thus, began his undying quest to find God. Ever so often, when he had opportunities to meet saints and sages, he would ask them the million dollar question, “Sir, have you seen God?”



His desire to see God came to a halt when he met Swami Ramakrishna Ji, who eventually became his Guru. When he asked Swami Ramakrishna Ji, “Sir, have you seen God?” The Swami replied, “Yes, I’ve seen God just as I’m seeing you.” Finally, he found the spiritual master he was looking for and the rest, as they say, is history. Swami Ji gave up the mortal coil on July 4, 1902 but his principles of universal tolerance, goodwill, harmony and brotherhood for mankind live on in hearts of all of us.

Devotees of the Sri Chinmoy Center

 Devotees of the Sri Chinmoy Center of New York conducted an enchantingly soul-stirring and fitting tribute for Swami Ji. Their inspiring presentation of soothing kirtans and lovely short messages brought a sense of serenity, peace and tranquility in the Bhakti Yoga room, as the curtain was about to be drawn on a day jam-packed with programs.


"Dharma & Yoga Fest” was extremely well planned, thought out and skillfully executed by the HSS officials. Everyone involved in the planning of this event must be lauded for the hard work, effort, dedication, energy and selfless service they put in to create a program so richly deserving of Swami Ji’s exemplary life.

And as Swami Vivekananda once said, “Blessed are those whose bodies get destroyed in the service to others.”

Hats off to all of you for a job well done!

Dr Graham Schweig during his presentation at Jnana Yoga