March 2019

Issue 29

Newsletter from the Tri State Hindu Temple and Cultural Center

Bhagavad Gita

Festivals, Events deva-dvija-guru-prajna- pujanam saucam arjavam brahmacaryam ahimsa ca sariram tapa ucyate

Shivaratri : March 4

Holika Dahan: March 20 SYNONYMS: deva—the Supreme Lord; dvija—the brahmana; guru—the Rangwali Holi: March 21 spiritual master; prajna—worshipable personalities; pujanam—

worship; saucham—cleanliness; arjavam—simplicity; —brahmacaryam—- celibacy; ahimsa—nonviolence; cha —also; —shariram —pertaining to the body; tapah—austerity; —uchyate is said to be..

TRANSLATION: The austerity of the body consists in this: worship of the Supreme Lord, the brahmanas, the spiritual master, and superiors like the father and mother. Cleanliness, simplicity, celibacy and nonviolence are also austerities of the body..

Message from Panditji, Shri Surendra Mishra:

Maha Shivaratri

Shivaratri is great festival of convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Chaturdashi Tithi during Krishna Paksha in month of Magha is known as Maha Shivaratri according to South Indian calendar. In North Indian calendar Masik Shivaratri in month of Phalguna is known as Maha Shivaratri. Both North Indians and South Indians, celebrate Maha Shivaratri on same day.

Vrat Vidhi – One day before Shivaratri Vratam, most likely on Trayodashi, devotees should eat only one time. On Shivaratri day, after finishing morning rituals devotees should take Sankalp to observe full day fast on Shivaratri and to take food next day. During Sankalp devotees pledge for self-determination throughout the fasting period and seek blessing of Lord Shiva to finish the fast without any interference

Holi is a religious festival celebrated by Hindus all over the world. Holi is considered as second biggest festival on Hindu calendar after Diwali. Holi is also known as festival of Colors. In most regions Holi festival is celebrated for two days. The first day is known as Jalanewali Holi- the day when Holi bonfire is done. This day is also known as Chhoti Holi and Holika Dahan. Holika Dahan is referred to Kama Dahanam in South India. The second day is known as Rangwali Holi - the day when people play with colored powder and colored water.

On first day bonfires are lit after sunset at Right Holika Dahan Muhurta. Main Holi day when people play with colors is always next day of Holika Dahan or Holi bonfire. Next day in the morning people play Holi with dry and wet colors. People are more willing and comfortable to play Holi with dry colored powders which are known as Gulal. However many people feel that Holi celebrations are incomplete without wet colors. Wet color is applied on the face and is made on the spot by mixing little amount of water with dry colored powder.

Balavihar Classes

The Balavihar classes for 2018-2019 started in Hindi Classes at TSHT September. New families are invited to come and see what Balavihar is about. Students can visit the place and meet their teachers. Parents Classes every Saturday from 4.30 to 5.30 pm are welcome to look at the curriculum and ask questions. If interested, please call or text th th to Mythili Gurram 812- 457-4577 4 to 7 graders ([email protected]) or Sridevi Ravipati 812-204-7499 ([email protected]). If interested, please contact Mrs. Ruchi Bhatia by sending a Whatsapp message at 716-510-9927

Saraswati Puja at TSHT

Tri-State Hindu Temple and Cultural Center, 6044 Vann Road, Newburgh, IN 47630 Tax Exempt Organization with 501 (c) (3) Status

Tri State Hindu Temple Annual Membership Form

First Name:______Middle Name: ______Last Name:______

Gotram: ______Nakshatra: ______

Spouse Name: ______

Address 1: ______

Address 2: ______

City: ______State: ______ZIP Code: ______

Phone: ______Email: ______

Membership Type (Please Check):

1. Premium Member ($1000/ year) : _____ 2. Regular Member ($365/ year) : _____ 3. Single / Student Member ($200/ year) : _____ 4. Additional Donation $_____

Signature: ______Date: ______

We kindly request all families in the TriState Hindu community to become members of the Temple. Your membership dues help with the day to day expenses of the temple, organize events and activities, and plan for temple expansion. The annual membership is 365 dollars per year and the Premium Membership is 1000 dollars. The membership forms are available at the Temple and can be obtained from the Website. You can make membership payments on our website too.

Have suggestions for topics to be included in the newsletter? Please write to [email protected]

This newsletter is a humble attempt to keep the community updated on the events and activities at the Tristate Hindu Temple and Cultural Center. We would like to hear your suggestions and comments.