Gurupurnima celebrations in Charlotte
Gurupurnima event at Ganatra family’s residence
On the early morning of Wednesday, July 24th, 2002, the Ganatra family conducted the Guru pujan and Padhuka pujan of Pujya Bhaishri. Subsequently, approximately 60 devotees came to the Ganatra family’s residence in Charlotte, North Carolina to offer their obeisance to Pujya Bhaishri and celebrate Gurupurnima. The devotees had the opportunity to listen to Pujya Bhaishri’s informal pravachan on Guru Mahima. Pujya Bhaishri spoke to the enchanted audience on the 24 gurus (Ocean, Dog, Spider, etc.) as to why they are Gurus and what do we learn from them. Each devotee did a special pujan of Pujya Bhaishri by offering garlands, small gifts, and singing hymns. Numerous bhajans dedicated to Guruji were playing softly in the background while the devotees sat with Pujya Bhaishri. The session lasted for approximately 1 1/2 hours and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. Subsequently, Pujya Bhaishri took approximately 200 telephone calls from devotees all over the world and blessed everyone.
Bhajan and Sugam Sangeet program on the evening of Gurupurnima
On the evening of Wednesday, July 24th, 2002, there was a brief thunderstorm that cooled the searing heat of North Carolina. At 7:00 p.m. sharp began the main event of Gurupurnima. The Ganatra family of Charlotte, North Carolina had hosted and organized a ‘Bhajan and Sugam Sangeet‘ musical program in honor of Pujya Bhaishri and the auspicious occasion of Gurupurnima. During the last 9 years, Pujya Bhaishri has celebrated Gurupurnima thrice in Charlotte. The event was held at the Ballroom of the Pine Lake Country Club, which is located in the suburbs of Charlotte, North Carolina. The singers were the Pandya family of Lexington, Kentucky and there are five members in the family: Rajbhai Pandya (father), Smrutiben Pandya (mother), Jigar Pandya (son), Amit Pandya (son) and Eshna Pandya (daughter). Approximately 310 people attended the program and the Pandya family captivated the audience with enthralling and melodious bhajans. They sang approximately 35 songs right from the heart and their respect for Param Pujya Bhaishri was readily evident. There was a 30 minute intermission in the middle of the program and Indian snacks and refreshments were served. The second half of the program began with a very special pravachan by Pujya Bhaishri on the importance of Gurupurnima. The pravachan was truly touching based on the relationship between a Guru and his disciple, and the importance of Sadguru and reaching the lord. The entire event was approximately 4 1/2 hours in length and was certainly an evening to remember and ended in numerous ovations to the Pandya family, who are renowned artists throughout the USA and Canada.