|
|
|
 |
Hundreds celebrate the joyous Kite-Festival at the
BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Lilburn.
By Mahadev Desai
The new BAPS Swami Narayan Hindu Mandir in Lilburn Georgia,
celebrated its second annual Uttarayan-kite festival on January
17. Uttarayan marks the changing of the sun’s pattern and the
end of winter in India. The vibrant and colorful festival marked
with fun and gaiety drew hundreds of devotees and visitors of
diverse faiths and cultures. The immaculate parking facilities
and the huge forecourt in front of the resplendent Mandir
ensured plenty of space for the excited kite flyers. As the
biting winter wind howled, imaginatively designed, colorful
kites of ruby red, canary yellow, and emerald green went up, up
and up in the clear blue skies. The radiant laughter of
children, racing to get their kites air-borne and jubilant,
triumphant cheers of ‘kaypo chhe’ when razor-sharp manjha cut a
competitor’s kite, rant the air. Parents and elders were lost in
the precious nostalgic memories of kite-flying in their past, as
they taught their own children the art of kite-flying.

As the day progressed, the weather became warmer and more
visitors and devotees joined in the festival. Among them was
Binal Naik, 25, of Ndola, Zambia, who attended the festival at
the Mandir for the first time. “I think it was really
interesting to see the enthusiasm with which people celebrated
this festival,” she said. “Since it was my first time, it was
pretty amazing to see all the kites in the sky.” Men and women,
young and old alike, came together to celebrate this festival.
Akash Patel, 24, of Boston, commented,“This is the first time
that I have seen such an environment on Uttarayan in America,”
he said. “After moving from India, this festival brings back
childhood memories.” Mainstream community members were also
among the attendees. Ms.Sheryl Goode(a Lilburn resident) and her
friend Ms.Littleton(from Gainesville) who were attending for the
first time praised the volunteers for teaching them how to fly
the kites and also explain the significance of the festival.
They also commented that they had a very good time and looked
forward to attending the next festival.

While kites flew, music added to the festive spirit. And so did
the mouth watering Undhiu, jalebis and other delicious snacks
with hot, spicy tea !
Kite flying symbolizes spiritual, cultural and emotional bonding
of diverse nations and cultures. As famed Gujarati music maestro
Avinash Vyas put it, “Patang no parivar, jagat chhe,patang no
parivar’
The ever-courteous and hospitable PR teams of Ritesh Desai,
Mitesh Patel, and Jigar Patel together with all other committed
and dedicated volunteers deserve full plaudits for the joyous
kite-festival. Uttarayan is one of many Hindu festivals that are
celebrated at the BAPS Mandir throughout the year. The BAPS Shri
Swaminarayan Mandir keeps the spirit of Hinduism alive through
these festivals and helps nurture Indian traditions and culture
in young Indian-Americans. About BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha
The BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a worldwide
socio-spiritual organization in Consultative Status with the
Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, is dedicated
to community service, peace and harmony. Motivated by Hindu
principles, BAPS strives to care for the world by caring for
societies, families and individuals. Through a number of social
and spiritual activities, BAPS endeavors to produce better
citizens of tomorrow who have a high esteem for their roots -
their rich Hindu culture. Its 9,000 international centers,
including more than 5,000 youth centers, support these
activities of character-building. Under the guidance and
leadership of His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS
aspires to build a community that is morally, ethically and
spiritually pure, and free of addictions. About Pramukh Swami
Maharaj
His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the fifth spiritual
successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, has inspired millions of
people across the world to lead a God-centered, morally pure
life. As the present leader of BAPS, Pramukh Swami Maharaj
travels from village to village, continent to continent,
emphasizing the importance of family harmony, community service
and spiritual progress. He embodies the essence of Hindu life.
His compassion for humanity, universal wisdom and striking
simplicity have touched many world religious and national
leaders.For more details visit
www.baps.org
|
|