HINDU COUNCIL OF KENYA

HINDU DEEP

A NEWS LETTER FROM HINDU COUNCIL OF KENYA SEPTEMBER 2018 ISSUE

ARTICLES DIRECTORATES ACTIVITIES

Namaskar

THE HINDU COUNCIL OF KENYA CHAIRMAN, TRUSTEES, &MANGEMENT COMMITTEE WISHES ALL THE READERS HAPPY GANESH CHATURTI.

www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 1 UPCOMINGGanesh Chatruthi EVENTS It is believed that one should not sight the moon on Ganesh Chaturthi. Sighting moon on Ganesh Chaturthi

creates Mithya Dosham or Mithya Kalank (कलंक) which means false accusation of stealing something.

As per Puranic legends, Lord Krishna was falsely accused

of stealing precious jewel named Syamantaka. After see-

ing plights of Lord Krishna, Sage Narada informed that

Lord Krishna sighted moon on the day of Bhadrapada

Shukla Chaturthi and because of that he has been cursed with Mithya Dosha. 2018 Ganesh Chaturthi Sage Narada further informed Lord Krishna that God Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated as birth anniversary Chandra has been cursed by Lord Ganesha that anyone of Lord Ganesh. On Ganesh Chaturthi, Lord Ganesh is who sighted moon on Shukla Chaturthi during Bhadrapa- worshipped as the god of wisdom, prosperity and good da month would be cursed with Mithya Dosha and would fortune. It is believed that Lord Ganesh was born during be tainted and dishonoured in the society. On the advice Shukla Paksha of Bhadrapada month. Currently Ganesh of sage Narada Lord Krishna observed Ganesha Chaturthi Chaturthi day falls in month of August or September in fasting to get rid of Mithya Dosha. English calendar.

Mithya Dosha Prevention Mantra th The GaneshotsavCommunity, the Representatives festivity of onGanesh 9th June 2018 Chaturthi, ends after 10 days on Anant Chaturdashi which is also Depending on start and end time of Chaturthi Tithi, known as Ganesh Visarjan day. On Anant Chaturdashi, sighting of moon might be prohibited for two consecutive devotees immerse idol of Lord Ganesh in water body days. According to DrikPanchang.com rules, Moon should after a gala street procession. not be sighted while Chaturthi Tithi is prevailing. Further,

Moon risen during Chaturthi should not be sighted even Ganapati Sthapana and Ganapati Puja Muhurat if Chaturthi Tithi gets over before moonset.

Ganesh Puja is preferred during Madhyahna as it is be- If anyone has mistakenly sighted moon on Ganesha Cha- lieved that Lord Ganesh was born during Madhyahna Ka- turthi then he should chant following Mantra to get rid of la. Madhyahna Kala is equivalent to midday according to the curse – Hindu division of the day.

हो जा륍बवता हतः।ﴂहः प्रसेनमवधीत्सﴂAs per Hindu time-keeping, the time duration between सस sunrise to sunset is divided into five equal parts. These सुकु मारक मारोदीस्तव ह्येष स्यमꅍतकः॥ five parts are known as Pratahkala, Sangava, Madhyahna, Aparahna and Sayankal. Ganapati Sthapa- na and Ganapati Puja on Ganesha Chaturthi are done during Madhyahna part of the day and as per Vedic as- Simhah Prasenamavadhitsimho Jambavata Hatah। trology it is considered the most appropriate time for Sukumaraka Marodistava Hyesha Syamantakah॥ Ganesha Puja.

During midday, Ganesha devotees perform detailed ritu- alistic Ganesha Puja which is known as Shodashopachara Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as Vinayaka Cha- Ganapati Puja. turthi and Ganesh Chauth Prohibited Moon Sighting on Ganesha Chaturthi

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How to install the idol of Lord Ganesha On the Ganesh Chaturthi, the statue of Lord Ganesha is (Ganesh Sthapana)? installed in homes, temples, and mandaps. The size of the idol may be as small as ¾ of an inch or as high as Ganesh Chaturthi, a day to honor Lord Ganesha, is one 25 feet. of the most auspicious Hindu festivals and is celebrated by the community all across the country. However, the The idols are elegantly decorated once they are installed. most elaborate festivities are organized in the state of Ma- Even the temples and mandaps are adorned with flowers harashtra. Ganpati Sthapana, the act of installing the idol and lights. Sometimes, theme-based decorations are at a suitable place, is one of the most important and spir- used to give a unique look to the mandaps. Such itual moments associated with the festival. themes include current events and religious issues.

When the rituals begin, the priest chants mantras to in- Ganesh Chaturthi is a ten-day long festival and Ganesh voke life into the idol. This ritual is called the Sthapana is usually performed on the first day of the festi- 'Pranapratishtha'. This ritual is followed by the val. Lord Ganesha is believed to have been born at 'Shhodashopachara' which includes the 16 ways of pay- Madhyahna Kala, which according to the Hindu calendar ing respect to Lord Ganesha. denotes midday, and therefore Ganesh pooja is preferred to be performed at Madhyahna. This year, the best time There are certain offerings made to Lord Ganesha. These to place the idol is between 12.30 pm to 1 pm. Devotees include coconut, jaggery and rice flour preparation. Be- of Lord Ganesh perform Shodashopachara Ganapati sides, red flowers and 21 durva (trefoil) are also offered pooja, which is a detailed and 16 step ritualistic pooja of to the Lord. While these offerings are made, a red san- the elephant-headed God. dal paste is applied to the idol. The Ganesh pooja involves the chanting of hymns from The place where the idol is to be positioned must be cho- the Ganapati Atharva Shirsha Upanishad, Rig Veda and sen intelligently so as to ensure that people are able to other religious scriptures. This continues for 10 days, view it during most of the times throughout the day. Be- and on the 11th day, the idol of Ganesha is immersed in fore installing the idol, clean the place thoroughly, lay a a river or sea. cloth (preferably red colored) and spread some rice on The devotees actually take the idol through the streets, the cloth. Thereafter, you can place the idol on the cloth. thus singing, dancing and shouting 'Ganapati Bappa Once that is done, the idol, as well as the shrine, are em- Morya, Purchya Varshi Laukariya' which means that the bellished with majestic flowers and other items. The idols, Lord should come back next year. which are installed in the home, may come in sizes of 3⁄4 inches, while those at big community celebrations may On the Ganesh Chaturthi, people usually get up early in rise to a height of 70 feet. the morning and take a bath so that they can proceed toward the temple to offer their prayers to Lord Gane- Worshipers offer modaks, jaggery, coconut, red hibiscus sha. The devotees offer coconut, sweet pudding, and flowers and other offerings to the idol of Lord Ganesha. other items when they visit the temples or perform the During the ceremony, devotees also chant hymns and Ganesh Chaturtha rituals at their homes. perform aartis in the morning and evenings along with A popular tradition followed on the 1st day of Ganesh their family and friends. Some of the popular Ganesh Chaturthi is to avoid looking at the moon on that day and pooja Mantras sung by the devotees on this day are pray to God to give you spiritual strength, so that you suc- Ganesha Shubh Labh Mantra, Ganesha Gayatri Mantra, ceed in your endeavors Vakratunda Ganesha Mantra among others. What rituals are performed on Ganesh Chaturthi?

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Hindu council Mombasa successfully organized musical nite on 18.8.18 to raise funds for medical scheme. The event also had food stall managed by hindu council.

High power delegation from Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit (a state government of Gujarat division) visited HCK and participants included members from member institutions.

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Bhajan/Satsang Organized by Religious and Cultural Directorate of Hindu Council of Kenya

The Directorate of Religious and Cultural organized Bhajan/Satsang for the first time on 4th August 2018 Saturday from

5.00pm to 6.00pm to start off ththe holy month of Shravan. Community Representatives on 9 June 2018

The function was attended by the National Chairman Mr Kamal Gupta, National Secretary Mrs Sujatha Kotamraju, National Treasurer Mr. Laljibhai, Mr. Raghupati, Mrs. Aradhana Trivedi and whole team of Religious and Cultural Directorate.

Bhajans were recited by members of Hindu Council of Kenya. All the 19 members including spouses had a one hour of religious session. Prasadam was served after the bhajans. Devotional Bhajan Singing

Hindu Council of Kenya under the banner of Directorate of Religious and Cultural Mrs. Chetna Desai and Team organized a devotional bhajan singing program at Ram Mandir on Wednesday 22nd Aug 2018 from 6.30pm onwards. The well attended devotional bhajan program was graced by Mrs. Sujatha Kotamraju- National Secretary of Hindu Council of Kenya and Managing Committee members Mrs Rekha Khochar, Mr Raghupati. The devotional bhajans were sung by famous personality Prof. Anantha Raman a former scientist of ISRO from India. Bhajans of Mirabai, Surdas, Kabirdas were very well enjoyed by the crowd in extempore style. The program ended at 8.35pm by presenting token of appreciation to the guest singer, followed by farar.

www.hck.or.ke/ [email protected] 5 HCK DIRECTORATE ACTIVITIES Sathwaro Shree Radhe Shyam No Hindu Council of Kenya under the banner of Directorate of Religious and Cultural and in conjunction with Giants Group of Nairobi-Twiga presented a mesmerizing music and dance program Sathwaro Shree Radhe Shyam No on Saturday 18th August 4.00pm at the Oshwal Centre Auditorium. The main sponsor for this program was our own Mr Bimal Kantaria (Elgon Kenya Limited). 200 invited guest and ticket holders witnessed the show. Sathwaro Shree Radhe Shyam No under the guidance and leadership of Mr and Mrs Bhargav Patel have done over 2000 shows in India and around the world. Hindu Council of Kenya had a pleasure of hosting such a magnitude show. The 20 talented artist with 200 colourful costumes preformed first time in Kenya on Shree Krishna’s Baal Leela to the Raas leela and kept the audience on their seat for almost 3 hours. The audience highly appreciated this show by giving standing ovation not once, not twice but thrice to the entire crew and the performers. For the first time at Oswhal center Auditorium over 200 lights were installed by D.J Rahi and Team to give a mesmerizing effect. The Mcee for the program was Mr. Mehul Suthar and Mrs Chetna Desai, Photography by Pravin Kerai and Vote of thanks was done by Mrs. Shalini Shah. The program ended at 7.15pm followed by refreshments served by Shivam Caterers Mr. Subhash. People while having refreshments congratulated the entire team of Hindu Council of Kenya for a spell bound show “Sathwaro Shree Radhe Shyam No”. The show became talk of town as Congratulations notes were also shared on social media.

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Community Representatives on 9th June 2018

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HCK chairman at condolence meeting on demise of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpai at Deen Dayal Bhawan, Muranga Road on Tuesday 21stAugust 2018

Community Representatives on 9th June 2018

HRE DIRECTORATE ORGANISED SPEECH COMPETITION THAT WAS WELL ATTENDED

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DURING INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

Children Sports Quiz 2018

AT NAVNAT BHAVAN AWARD FUNCTION

HCK TEAM AT VARIOUS EVENTS

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KRISHNA JANMASTAMI PROGRAM AT HCK HINDU BHAVAN

HRE DIRECTORATE ORGANISED FANCY DRESS COMPETITION FOR KIDS DURING KRISHNA JANMASTAMI CELEBRATIONS AT HINDU BHAVAN.

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Children Sports Quiz 2018

HRE DIRECTORATE ORGANISED SPEECH COMPETITION THAT WAS WELL ATTENDED

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ARTICLE you, exploit you, support you, or even bring hurdles for you. Take up the challenges

and choose your right supportive friends. Nothing in the world is achievable, Sometimes you may choose the wrong one – unless you have dreamt about it. Many of But never mind you’ve lost nothing but in- us keep struggling for things we don’t even deed have got an experience and known peo- need nor make us feel happy. But still ple better. struggle because the world wants us to be Let’s take an example of Sachin behind it. Surely, it won’t give you peace Tendulkar. If with a few bad comments or of mind, but only stress. So, why not bad matches, he would have decided to quit chase our dreams? cricket, imagine what his life would be to- Successful people around you were day. But he dreamt big enough to let these not built in a day. Everyone has gone hurdles not affect him. He stayed patient through hardships and struggle. Some even enough to be victorious and turn into a leg- may have thought to ‘quit’, maybe their end. Success automatically got diverted to dreams or even their life, but as they didn’t change his destiny. quit either of it and dreamt big, chased Hence, dream your future, make their dreams and won success. it happen, be patient and then Patience, is the key to achieve suc- SUCCESS WILL BE ALL cess. Yes, failure is in your path, if you YOURS ! don’t be patient. If you expect things to be on your side or want to be a millionaire fortnightly, then you will never succeed, as -TEJAL GORE there are high chances that you will give up! It takes many years to be on the peak of success. People around you will motivate

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About the author: Ms Tejal Gore who was our Volunteer in many Directorates, She has also taught Computer classes in HCK. Now she is living in India

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HCK WOMEN AND MATRIMORIAL TEAM MEETING WITH OUR MEMBER INSTITUTE TEAM

Donation and presentation of wheel chairs leg supports, and a medical chair for handicapped members , The amount pledged was 100,000/- by HCK in April 2018 to The Association of Physiclly Disabled of Nairobi

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HCK TEAM PARTICIPATED IN VARIOUS ACTIVITES DURING THE MONTH

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So, he wanted to taste another drop. As he did, he

HCK DIRECTORATE—WOMENS WING got lost into the honey sweetness. Meanwhile, he forgot about the two rats eating his branch away, the lion on the ground and the snake that is sitting right under him. After a

while, he woke up from his sleep.

To get the meaning behind this dream, the man went to a pious scholar . The scholar said, the lion you saw is your death. It always chases you and goes wherever you go.

The two rats, one black and one white, are the night and the day. Black one is the night and the LION, RATS, SNAKE & THE HONEYCOMB white one is the day. They circle around, coming one after another, to eat your time as they take Once a man saw in his dream, that a lion was you closer to death. The big black snake with a chasing him. The man ran to a tree, climbed on dark mouth is your grave. It’s there, just waiting to it and sat on a branch. He looked down and for you to fall into it. The honeycomb is this saw that the lion was still there waiting for him. world and the sweet honey is the luxuries of this The man then looked to his side where the world. branch he was sitting on was attached to the tree We like to taste a drop of the luxuries of this and saw that two rats were circling around and world but it’s very sweet. Then we taste another eating the branch. One rat was black and the oth- drop er one was white. The branch would fall on the and yet another. ground very soon. The man then looked below again with fear and Meanwhile, we get lost into it and we forget about discovered that a big black snake had come & our time, settled directly under him. Snake opened its we forget about our death and we forget about our mouth right under the man so that he will fall graves into it. The man then looked up to see if there was anything that he could hold on to. He saw another branch with a honeycomb. Drops of honey falling from it. The man wanted to taste one of the drops. So, he put his tongue out and tasted one of the fallen drops of honey. The honey was amazing in taste.

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FROM THE EDITORS DESK

Dear Readers

The Hindu Council Management committee and Trustees would like to thank you all for support during the year 2017-18.

In this edition we have tried to capture activities of various directorates. HCK had delegates from Vibrant Gujrat team and also Govt of India Union Minister Mr Suresh Prabhu visited Kenya and met HCK team. Vibrant Gujrat delegates met members from our member institutions and had interactive session. We have captured some of the activities of HCK Branches .

During this coming months Ganesh Chaturti is being celebrated at various loca- tions & lot of cultural shows are being organized . Do visit and take blessings. We also would like to give us suggestions to improve and also your contributions. If you wish to contribute any article please send it to [email protected].

With Best Regards

Nagaraj Rao

Director and Editor for Hindudeep

Editorial team

Nagaraj Rao

Ravi Kaul

Yatin Joshi

Kalpana Kumar

Divya Haria

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