Chinmaya Vrindavan, New Jersey celebrated Gurudev Jayanthi for two days with great fervor and enthusiasm. The celebration started on May 7th with a Mela where thousands of families participated from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Chinmaya Jeevan Dharsan , an exhibit with Gurudev’s life and teachings spread ‘the Mission and the Vision’ to all families. Mela festivities continued all day with dance, music and food, in spite of cloudy and wet weather.
Gurudev Jayanthi day, May 8th, bloomed with bright sun shining on the Vrindavan temple. All sevaks and sevikas were on their toes preparing for Gurudev’s 100th year celebrations. ‘On a Quest’ movie was screened and it set the ambience for all the devotees. With mind tuned to Gurudev, all families performed the samashti Guru Paduka Pooja, lead by Swami Shantananda. Shodasha Upachara Pooja with all 16 steps guided by temple priest was performed. For Nrithyam, Vaadhyam and Geetham upachara’s our CHYK’s gave live performances. Following the Pooja, all members celebrated Gurudev’s Birthday with cake cutting. Our balavihar student had baked a huge cake and 150 cup cakes for Gurudev. A spell binding performance, ‘Sakthi – a dance ballet’ by eminent dance teachers was a cherry on top program! Devi’s – Gayatri , Sarasvathy , and many more were depicted in a graceful dance moves which kept the audience glued to their seats. Following the dance performances, Rudra abhisekam with Rudram chanting was performed which is one of Gurudev’s favorite! Gurudev Jayanthi celebrations concluded with Arathi and Mahaprasad.