Hari Om from CMRDU! How was your Ganesha Chaturti and Deepavali? In Raleigh, we had splendid festivities!
Earlier in October, it was a majestic and grand sunny morning in Raleigh where the CMRDU family gloriously welcomed Lord Ganesha into their hearts, homes and minds. A 5-piece band joined by graceful dancers and hundreds of little flag-bearers gave Lord Ganesha – housed in the palanquin – the energetic and invigorating procession he deserved before entering the Mela.
Upon entering the gym-cum-gymkhana Lord Ganesha feasted His eyes on children learning and enjoying His characteristics, strengths and stories through games! Eye Spy around the alter, Lord Ganesha catching his pet mouse, using His trunk to demolish obstacles, an Escape-room-themed treasure-hunt and several more. The games were such a hit that some spectating parents asked when is their turn!
A melodious arati and bhajans followed the games and what event would be complete without bhojanam? We all feasted on a delicious Pune-inspired meal including puris and srikhand.
Through the vibrant sun, the superb drum beats, the amusing and imaginative games, the delectable sweet treats and the warm smiles throughout the CMRDU family, Lord Ganesha’s presence was strongly felt.
And then later in November, as a family, we celebrated one of our favorite festivals! Happy Deepavali from our family to yours… What a splendid and crisp Deepavali picnic! The sun gloriously welcomed us to the city park peeking over the tall pine trees on a very chilly morning. The cold temperatures didn’t deter our creative children and adults who imaginatively costumed themselves in the Fancy Dress Competition, on top of their jackets, scarfs and hats. Dozens of members dressed up as representations of Deepavali or things that reminded them of the special holiday, including light, illumination, diyas, dancers, thalis, kadais and darkness turning into light!
Perhaps one of the highlights on the morning was the second feast for our eyes and ears. Over a dozen enthusiastic CMRDU parents reenacted the Ramayana right within the park shelter! Lord Rama, Lady Sita, Hanumanji, the infamous Ravana and all the other characters came to life in an unforgettable reenactment of our favorite Deepavali story. Lord Ravana’s evil laugh spookily echoed in our ears for the remainder of the afternoon!
After listening to the costume explanations and spectacular play, kids and parents alike were ready to run around and play some games! The highlights were numerous wins by the girls in tug of war and a race where the wives dressed up their husbands for a sari race! We then feasted on a yummy lunch collectively provided by all family members. And our first effort to “go green” was a special success! Many families brought their own plates, utensils and cups from home and we put less trash in the landfill.
The culminating moment of the Ravana dhaam was the most special. We watched the bad qualities within Ravana burn away with the hopes that this year, we too will work towards burning our darknesses and seeing the light illuminate.
Visiting Raleigh anytime soon? Please stop by and visit us on a Sunday morning – we’d love to share the love and warmth in our center by welcoming you into our family. Stop by sometime…
– Nita Bhave