MASSIVE TURN OUT OF DEVOTEES AND REVELERS AT 2019 HTA “NAVODAYA FESTIVAL”

By Ravi Ponangi

Atlanta, GA: Hindu Temple of Atlanta (HTA, Riverdale) organized its signature event 16th annual “Navodaya” to celebrate 2019 New Year at the temple in Riverdale on Tuesday, January 1, 2019. As the weather getting better several thousands of devotees and revelers thronged twin temples of Balaji and Siva and offered prayers for a prosperous and healthy 2019. Navodaya that started 15 years ago is the signature event of Hindu Temple of Atlanta and the community not only from Georgia but also from neighboring states come to a home away from home, Hindu temple of Atlanta with great joy in large number with families and friends.

All Murthis (deities) in the Balaji and Siva Temples were well decorated in their ornate fineries and colorful garlands. Temple priests in both the temples performed Archanas and Pujas all day along and distributed Teertha, Prasadam and given Ashirwad to the satisfaction of all the devotees, who came to offer their prayers. Throughout the day, both temples echoed with soul-soothing Bhajans, prayers, chanting of Vedic mantras and devotional songs.

Newly elected Executive Committee of the temple assumed office on Jan 1 for 2019 and 2020

President Sheela Lingam

The Festival was kicked off with Suprabhatham (Suprabhatham is a collection of hymns or verses recited early morning to awaken the presiding deities of the temple). Then the newly elected executive committee headed by Ms. Sheela Lingam as president assumed office for managing the affairs of the temple for a term of two years (2019 & 2020). The newly elected committee has taken a pledge in sanctum sanctorum (in front of presiding deities) in the presence of a large gathering of devotees. The newly elected E.C. members pledged to attend meetings regularly to fulfill their duties as an officer of the temple and to help with various needs of the temple without any expectation of personal gain. The committee further pledged to promote good will and fellowship among the temple community considering their office as a responsibility and not as a position of power. Ms. Kusuma Kotte, out going president conveyed her greetings and wished the new committee all the best in discharging their duties in the best interest of the temple. She exhorted the devotees present to extend their support to new committee to take the temple to next level.

Ms. Sheela Lingam is a Software professional and a long-time resident of Atlanta. She is well known among Telugu speaking community in US. She was actively involved in the activities of TAMA, TANA etc., Ms. Sheela’s journey in temple activities were started right from its beginning and she held various positions in the temple as chair to Public Relations, Joint Secretary, Secretary and Vice President. This time she was elected as President unanimously by the trustees of the temple.

As the day progressed more and more devotees arrived inside the two temples and offered prayers, went around visiting and shopping at the HTA Gift Shop and vendor booths inside the auditorium, where vendors sold Indian apparel, household appliances and gadgets, jewelry, artwork etc., Isha Yoga offered meditation and yoga classes in different spells throughout the day. Many shown interests and attended the classes enthusiastically. Temple Gift shop distributed many useful spiritual books free of cost to devotees. ISKON also distributed Bhagavadgita books to devotees. Vendors mall was colorful with display of jewelry, housewares, garments, and accessories. The nonprofit organizations Isha, Art of Living (AOL), SRIM Center, ISKON, Gudiya Vaishnava Association and a Non-Profit from India “Santi Niketan” dedicated in the service of disabled spread their messages to attentive devotees.

Indian festivals and food go together! The varied menu of South Indian vegetarian dishes prepared in the temple’s kitchen was served in the spacious banquet hall by the dynamic team of volunteers. With virtually no standing room in the Banquet Hall, organizers were forced to announce repeatedly requesting devotees to make room for others to eat by leaving the room as soon as they finish eating and also requests made not to leave any spaces vacant in between. The flow of devotees was nevertheless ably managed by devoted volunteers. Several volunteers helped in food preparations for several days and delectable Indian food served on the day was testimony to their efforts. Children enjoyed many fun activities like face painting and balloon twisting.

Parking lots were so full that shuttle service was provided to parking lots in nearby shopping malls and schools. Police, security staff, and volunteers managed the parking areas. Both temples and facilities were specially prepared to accommodate thousands of devotees.
Ms. Sheela Lingam, president of the temple welcomed the entire Indian community to the temple not only on January 1st but throughout the year to participate in all the events and get Lord's blessing. She also briefed various activities of the temple and ongoing projects. She said Navodaya is the biggest event every year. Each year it is growing larger and larger. She thanked the leadership and volunteers of the temple.

The Hindu Temple, an iconic resplendent landmark in Riverdale, Georgia, is well known for its spiritual, cultural, and educational services to the Indian community. The Temple has played a sterling role in enriching the religious diversity and enhancing the multicultural image of Georgia.
This year festivities included bhajans, Vishnu Sahasranama Parayana, recitation of sacred texts, a food bazaar, a vendor mall, gift shop, meditation, yoga asana classes and children's activities. Temple welcomed the New Year with a full day of prayers, variety of food, family fun, beginning with Suprabhatham. It was fun for all ages. It was very, very busy with the presence of 10,000 plus devotees and revelers; a hectic pace all day along. The temple premises wore festive look and all deities were decorated colorfully.

Hindu temple of Atlanta, Riverdale has grown tremendously over the years catering to religious, spiritual, cultural and educational needs of the Indian community in the Southeast. The Hindu temple of Atlanta, Riverdale has two temples in the same premises, one temple is dedicated to Lord Balaji and another dedicated to Lord Siva, Sri RamaLingeswara and Parvata Vardhini. Temple had also one educational center and priest quarters. The temple had been a leader in the community service. The temple is actively involved in providing humanitarian services both in India and here.