|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Atlanta Vedic Temple celebrates Dushehara – Triumph of Good over
Evil |
 |
Irrepressible was the enthusiasm among the
ever-swelling crowd gathered at Atlanta Vedic Temple (AVT)
on Sept. 27 6.30 PM, to celebrate Dussehra – the
festival signifying the Triumph of Good over Evil. The
spectators were overjoyed at the sight of the imposing
20 feet tall effigy of Ravan – the king of evil, soon to
be consumed by the flames of righteousness (Dharma). The
sight awakened Shree Rama -representing Godliness in
everybody’s heart, which wanted the evil Ravan
vanquished, The children as expected were boisterous and
excitedly partook in the fun, Some of them were dressed
up as Shree Rama, Laxman, Sita and Hanuman.
Before starting the process of slaying Ravan, Acharya Ji
of the temple recited Vedic Mantras to invoke the divine
blessings, strength and inspiration so that we may
always conquer evil. The young but a highly precocious
Rishi (age 13) reminded the crowd that the evil King
Ravan of Treta-Yuga might have been destroyed, but his
lieutenants are still active in this Kaliyuga to negate
our Vedic Sanatan Dharma. It is our duty to protect our
true Dharma. Another young star - Havishkrit (age 6)
playing the role of Shree Rama, shot the final lethal
arrow at Ravan. The 350 plus crowd burst into cheers, to
the accompaniment of exploding firecrackers. The flame
consumed the whole of Ravan. The burning ashes leapt
into the sky, as if signaling the whole world to rejoice
the new beginning, as the evil is now gone.
The ceremony continued with the participants greeting
one another of Happy Dushera. This was followed by the
customary sharing of sweets and delicious food. Some
imaginative members in the audience were educating
children, about the other legends, that coincidentally
also mark this Dussehra day.
a. On this day, Shree Arjuna took the vow to engage in
war against Kaurav-s
b. Artisans do Pooja on this day praying for success and
prosperity.
c. The mythological trinity of Durga – Goddess of power,
Lakshmi – Goddess of wealth and Saraswati - Goddess of
learning is worshiped on this day.
d. Farmers celebrate the beginning of new cultivation
season.
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
