Why do we chant OM?
AUM is one of the most chanted sound symbols for Hindus. It has a profound effect on the body
and mind. Most mantras and Vedic prayers start with AUM. It is even used as a Greeting - AUM,
Hari AUM, etc. Its form is worshipped as an auspicious sign. AUM is the universal name of the Lord.
It is made up of the letters A (phonetically as in "around"), U (phonetically as in "put") and
M (phonetically as in "mum") . The three letters symbolize the three deities
(Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva), the three Vedas (Rig, Yajur, and Sama) and the three worlds
(bhub, bhuvab, suvab). It is said the Lord created the world after chanting AUM, which
symbolizes everything - the means and the goal of life, the world and the Truth behind it,
the material and the Sacred, all forms and the Formless.
THE CELEBRATION OF UGADI
Ugadi (or Yugadi) was celebrated this year on April 2nd. The beginning of the New Year is
believed to be the day that Lord Brahman started his creation of the world. Also, the great
Indian mathematician Bhaskaracharya’s calculations proclaim that Ugadi from sunrise onwards
is indeed the beginning of a new year, new month and new day. Spring is considered the first
season and signifies the heralding of new growth, prosperity and well-being. Ugadi is the day
when mantras are chanted for, and predictions are made in, the new year. People celebrate
Ugadi with religious zeal and merriment. Neem flowers and tender leaves mixed with jaggery
are offered as naivedya to the almighty and is eaten by all family members. The neem and
jaggery reflect the combination of sweet and bitter aspects of life, and prompt us to work
towards equanimity.
THE CELEBRATION OF RAM NAVAMI
Ram Navami, which falls on the ninth day of the new year after Ugadi, is a festival that
celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, the son of King Dasharatha. He was a dream come true for
the king, the people of Ayodhya and all other sages who were greatly troubled by Ravana.
Symbolic of evil forces, Ravana wreaked havoc on the earth, but was not restrainable since
he was granted lots of boons that made him virtually immortal. It was then that the supreme
personality, Lord Vishnu descended on earth as Prince Rama to vanquish the head of evil forces
(Ravana). Most Indians irrespective of caste, creed and religion worship Lord Rama.
Rama is a leading figure of worship in many distant countries having different cultures.
The avatar of Rama was not only for the destruction of Ravana but also for the destruction
of all forms of evil. Rama always stood for bravery, forgiveness, truth and righteousness.
Let us all pray to Lord Rama to lead us towards that light of honored sublime values of
human culture and civilization, and away from devious acts and thoughts.
SPIRITUALITY - NUTRIENTS FOR THE MIND
The American Hindu Association (AHA) has been running its spiritual program for the last five years.
The program blends a variety of content to satisfy the spiritual needs of devotees of different ages. Besides Bhajan/Kritan, every
other week there is a Yoga program, which synchronizes body and mind, and helps us establish a
personal relationship with Satchidananda Paramatma (Supreme God). Professionally certified Yoga
teacher, Jonathan Garber, teaches Yoga for half an hour every other week. In the non-yoga weeks
there are intensive discussions on spiritual topics with audience participation.
Besides the weekly program this association also organizes several special programs to celebrate
Hindu festivals such as Nawaratri, Deepawali, New Year, Ramnawami, Shivaratri etc. Special programs
are also dedicated to specific deities. Every Summer the AHA organizes a children’s workshop in
collaboration with the Chinmaya Mission in Chicago. This daylong camp is designed to educate
children through the medium of entertainment. Children thoroughly enjoy learning about Hinduism.
NEW YEAR CELEBRATION
The New Year celebration is a tradition of all cultures, societies, religions, and nations. Since
Hinduism is a world religion, devotees from different countries celebrate the New Year at different
times depending on their native land. However, the American Hindu Association has put together a
program to celebrate the Hindu New Year once each year in the spring. This year’s program was on
Friday at the Fitchburg Community Center, Fitchburg. A large number of devotees
of different age groups were gathered for the celebration.The program started with worship and
prayer. Devotees talked about the Hindu religion, the New Year celebration and so on. Explaining
the importance of the New Year celebration, Arun Marathi emphasized that a true meaning of the
New Year celebration should come from within our heart. Chief guest Bishwanath Sinha talked about
his personal experience of Hinduism and explained how he achieved peace and happiness in his life.
A group of children attending Balagokulam Classes expressed the New Year greeting in their respective
languages. They also performed dramatic skits depicting the Hindu Epic, Mahabharat.
At the end, a number of children taking dance lessons with Kripa Baskaran and Meenakshi Ganesan
presented a cultural dance. Vijaya Rajaraman played the famous Indian musical instrument, the "Vina".
At the end, all devotees stood in front of the Altar and chanted Aarati.
Finally Tika was offered to all devotees. Every family brought some sweets and finger food as
prashad and it became a big meal for the devotees attending this program.
SEVEN STEPS OF WEDDING - With God as our guide, let us take
The first step for prosperity The second step for strength The third step for wealth
The fourth step for happiness The fifth step for progeny
The sixth step for nature’s bounty The seventh step for companionship.
SATSANG PUJA
SATSANG - Hear stories, Teachings, Singing Bhajans, offer prayers, and share prashad.
Special sessions are very important in the life of our community. These are the times when
we gather – both adults and children -- to share our experience of worship and meditation with each
other. Please join us!click_here
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