VSGH Gears Up for Durga Puja Celebration

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By Sanchali Basu

HOUSTON: It is that time of the year again and the air is filled with sweet nostalgic memories of sights, sounds and smells associated with the Durga Puja, all welcoming the goddess in all her glory.

The Vedanta Society of Greater Houston (VSGH), like every year is getting ready to celebrate Sri Durga Puja again this year on Saturday, September 27, at the center at 14809 Lindita Drive, Houston, TX -77083. The puja will be performed by Swami Kripamayananda, head minister of the Vedanta Society of Toronto, under the tent in the open air following the tradition in India.

It is always a very purifying experience watching the Ramakrishna Mission swamis performing the Durga Puja since they are carried out with unequaled sincerity and devotion. With the VSGH choir singing devotional songs as the puja is being conducted, the chanting of the mantras by the pujari swami, the soothing sound of the blowing of the conch shell (shankh) accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the drum (dhaak), invoking all good spirits and eliminating everything negative, the goddess seems to come alive. Arati is performed, followed by the Pushpanjali and all devotees gather in a spirit of well-being and camaraderie.

The idol of Ma Durga will be carried to the puja mandap early in the morning to the sounds of the drumbeats and conch shells and installed there. The puja will start at 9:30 a.m. The worship will end with Pushpanjali around 1 p.m. and fruit and lunch prasad for all attendees will be served after that. The VSGH book stall will have books available for sale for adults and children, and the Welcome desk will allow new members to register.
The VSGH cordially invites everyone to attend the day’s festivities and making it a huge success. Swami Kripamayananda will also be lecturing on “How to worship God” on Sunday Sept 28 at 10:30 a.m. at the VSGH center. For further information, please visit www.houstonvedanta.org