Families Unite to Celebrate Diversity at Chinmaya Prabha

By Padmashree Rao

HOUSTON. On a humid Saturday night of November 16 a cheerful crowd of 1200 members of the Chinmaya Prabha family came together in the beautiful courtyard of Sri Saumyakasi Sivalaya to showcase diversity, and unite in a special celebration of the Dipavali spirit.

While the traditional Dipavali puja was already conducted earlier during the actual occasion of Dipavali itself, the families of Chinmaya Prabha wanted to highlight the cultural variations of Mother India that make Dipavali a festival of unity with diverse folk flavors. This new concept was welcomed by all, and the theme selected for this year was the Andhra region folk variation of the festival called the “Bathukamma Panduga (Bathukamma festival).” Bathukamma, meaning the “mother goddess of livelihood,” represents the village deity who is invoked in the form of an auspicious floral arrangement and then floated in the waters around the Telugu region during Navaratri festival.

Excitement paved way for enthusiastic planning by the festival team at CMH, and soon, young and old members joined hands to prepare special dances featuring a few different regions of India. In the weeks preceding the event, Chinmaya Prabha looked like a unique village. After the weekly Sunday satsanga and Bala Vihar, there were joyful groups, singing, practicing the local dances; every member felt welcome to join any group and learn the dance of that region.

Then, on the night of November 16, all the members, dressed in their cultural best, assembled in the Sivalaya courtyard. The long-stemmed flowers they had brought lovingly adorned the two beautiful floral “Bathukamma” forms that stood four feet tall and looked majestic center stage. In the presence of the Acaryas of Houston, Gaurangbhai and Darshanaben Nanavaty, the temple priest, Sri Ganeshji, performed the arati to the Batkukammas representing Goddess Gauri. Later, all the members carried lighted lanterns and followed the beautiful Bathukamma procession Telugu dance taking pradaksina around Saumyakasi Sivalaya. As  Bathukamma ceremoniously floated in the waters below the Sivalaya, the hundreds of glowing lanterns added a sacred glow which radiated through the courtyard.

With Bathukamma blessing the festivities, the regional, cultural dances began with Jaya Chitale, the festivals coordinator, introducing each of them. The proud Marathi region presented a graceful folk dance to the background of talented Marathi singers with the Lord of Pandharapur as the reigning deity. Northern India’s specialty came alive when the Hindi live music and spirited dancing made it another cultural treat. Then, a group of energetic children and adults brought out the authentic folk flavor of Karnataka in their performance. With Nov. 17 being Karthigai Dipam in Tamil Nadu, the Tamil group performed the Kavadi Chindu dance with Lord Muruga and the earthern dipams as focus. The Punjabi group made feet and heart dance with the Punjabi villeage folk dance, Bhangra and the vibrant Dhol. The Telugu dancers and finally the Gujarati Raas performers gave a delightful finale to the event.  As the cultural dances ended, the spirit of unity was felt by all.

The cultural extravaganza was followed by a great feast where all the members savored the regional delicacies, cooked with great care and offered at stalls around the courtyard. People had trouble choosing between Misal Paav, Chole Bhature, Idli-Sambhar, Pav-Bhaji, Pani Puri, Puliyodhere and Pakoda, besides many regional sweets. When everyone sat together and ate with relish that night under the stars, it truly felt like a huge family celebration.

The sparkling finale to the wonderful evening of togetherness was an amazing fireworks show that lit the sky behind Saumyakasi Sivalaya. The vibrant fiery bouquets of light reflected on the massive Sivalinga atop the Sivalaya, almost like an iridescent arcana of the great Lord.

The special night of Bathukamma in Chinmaya Prabha brought to light the joyful variety in Indian culture while uniting everyone in a memorable event. Everyone was grateful for the meticulous arrangements made possible by the great volunteering spirit of Chinmaya Houston.

For further information on Chinmaya Mission Houston and its activities visit www.chinmayahouston.org