Deepavali Celebrations at Sandipani Vidyaniketan in 2010

Deepavali, the festival of lights, is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm all over India and by Indians all over the world. It takes place on Amavasya of Ashvin Krishna Paksha (no moon day of the dark fortnight of the lunar month Ashvin) according to the Hindu calendar. At Sandipani Vidyaniketan, this festival was celebrated in the inspiring presence of Pujya Bhaishri.

The atmosphere on this occasion was filled with mirth and excitement. Shri Hari Mandir was decorated with various colourful fabrics and the interiors of the individual temples of the deities were decorated with different designs of elegant mandaps. In addition, attractive rangolis were drawn and coloured in from of each deity. On the evening of Deepavali, the rishikumars of Sandipani lit fireworks in the presence of Pujya Bhaishri and other assembled people.

On New Year’s Day according to the Hindu calendar, Pujya Bhaishri obtained Shri Hari’s blessings first thing in the morning. Thereafter, he conveyed his message of peace and prosperity to the devotees and advised them to remain bonded with love and affection for one another.

Also, Annakut bhog (a variety of delicacies and foods) was offered to the deities. Shri Dheerajbhai and his family were the sponsors of the annakut. Moreover, in accordance with the tradition followed for the past few years, Pujya Bhaishri distributed clothes and Indian sweets to the less fortunate children of Porbandar and the surrounding villages.

All in all, the festival of Deepavali was greatly joyous, entertaining and filled with brightness in the presence of Pujya Bhaishri and Shri Hari.