On Sunday 2 March 2014, Samaj members gathered in the Temple Hall at the Jaspar Centre, Harrow to celebrate Maha Shivratri.
The event began with a Lingum Abhishek that was wonderfully arranged by Girishbhai and Krishnaben Thanki. Over 110 people (approximately 42 families) participated in the puja by pouring Panchamrit over the Lingum and then offering bilva patra. Samaj members marked the end of the puja with an arti that was led by Nehaben Joshi, one of our very talented youth members.
Following the puja, Jayeshbhai Rajyaguru and Nareshbhai Joshi gave a concise speech on the importance of Maha Shivrati. Jayeshbhai explained that on this auspicious day, Lord Shiva in his Nataraja swaroop, did the Tandav dance marking the end of the universe, the pralaya after which Lord Brahma recreates the samsara (the universe).
Next, Nareshbhai led on a dhyan session as a means of remembrance for the day that Trikamji Bapu took Samadhi (his disappearance day), chanting the Om Namo Bhagavate Rudraya mantra 108 times (which is in the Shree Rudram from the Yajur Veda). Shortly after, members enjoyed light refreshments and Prashad that was kindly donated by many members and companies such as Gayatri Sweet Mart and Lavish Fruit and Veg.
The afternoon ended with lively satsang led by Akhilbhai Raithatha and Group, in addition to bhajans and dhuns performed by some of our youth members.
Thanks to Karunashankerbhai Joshi and Harshadbhai Modha who kindly offered their services to take photos throughout the event.
Thank you also to all members who helped out on the day and those who attended - together you helped make this a successful event!
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Members' Feedback
After each event the Committee is committed in seeking feedback from all attendees so that we can take on board your suggestions and improve subsequent events to serve the Samaj's needs.
A ballot box style vote held at the end of this event resulted in a unanimous "thumbs up" given by all.
Please see below the written feedback received for this event:
I was very impressed with the programme, organization & friendliness. Keep up the good work.
Thumbs up, very very well done. Our samaj wants something like this.
Keep up the good work
Very very good program. Keep it up xxx
Congratulations to all the Committee members for staging a wonderful Shivratri event. Everyone had a good time. Keep up the good work. Best wishes.
Suggested Improvements:
2 members commented as follows
Bigger hall
A longer bhajan session