The Hindu community of Massachusetts held a grand celebration dedicated this year to all Mothers and Motherhood (Matritva) on May 21, 2005. Over seven hundred people from twenty organizations participated in what has become an annual event that began twelve years ago. Led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, the event attracted families from the greater New England region including Connecticut, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. The event was designed with the greater family as the center of focus and catered to interests of all age groups from young children to the grand parents. The Handbook published for this occasion contains valuable educational information on the time-honored role of mother, who is the heart of a Hindu family. The concept of Motherhood is perceived holistically in the Divine Mother Nature, who gives birth, nurtures, and bears all beings at all times. In the macrocosmic universe, our existence depends on the Divine Mother. In the microcosmic man, the existence of all beings is as well due to the mother. Thus, a mother occupies a place identical in honor to the Divine Mother in the Hindu tradition.

People dressed in Western outfits as well as colorful Indian clothes thronged the auditorium and the halls of Marlboro Middle School. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and to meet people with similar interests. The school took on the appearance and fragrance of India with desi decorations adorning the stage and the hallways. Wonderful aroma of mouthwatering snacks and Indian homemade tea was the perfect afternoon setting to relax and visit the 18 interest booths set up by the participating organizations. The religious and cultural organizations disseminated information on regular events held in the Boston area. Some of the organizations were dedicated to providing service opportunities in this country and in India that include bone marrow transplants. The Mehndi and face painting booths were popular among young children and youths alike. The mothers seemed more interested in the handouts of religious and cultural schools teaching music, art, religion, yoga, meditation, and dancing. This year there has been an uncommon interest in the week long Summer Youth Camps organized by the VHP in various parts of the country and essentially run by the parents. A parent must participate in order for a youth to be accepted. The camps have seen record applications pointing a need for providing more such cultural opportunities for our youth to connect with each other. The fathers seemed to favor the financial information booth set up by American Express. The traditional cultural books and the snack booths seemed to interest all.

The theme of Motherhood was most evident in the cultural program that included classical and folk dances, traditional and contemporary music, Vedic Mantras (hymns), classical and contemporary songs, and a most interesting drama performed by the children and youth from the area cultural schools. The excitement was plenty as the children and parents got involved in make-up and costumes busy chatting with everyone. It was a sight to behold backstage with the noise level reaching epic proportion requiring yelling to be heard at times. The excitement was infectious and the audience caught it readily tapping their feet and nodding their heads to the rhythm of the music.

Each year, a person is formally respected with a cultural award for providing self-less service to the community at large (Samskriti Saurabh Samman). This year, a couple, Sri Sudhir Parikh along with his lovely wife Smt. Neeru Parikh was honored for their dedicated work at the Satsang Center in Woburn, MA. A temple is housed at the Center, which serves the worship needs of the community. The Center has also become a hub of cultural activities that include celebrations of major festivals, yoga classes, balgokulam, dance classes, poojas, bhajans, kathas, jagratas, and traditional weddings. The Parikhs have cheerfully and lovingly supported the activities of the Center along with other activities in the greater Boston area with their tireless efforts. The couple accepted the recognition graciously and in turn thanked the community for providing them with an opportunity to be of service to all.

Some statistics may be of interest to the readers. Seven hundred dinners were arranged and provided for by five area restaurants. This required massive cooperation to get the required paper products and cutlery to manage the food service. The food was coordinated and served by approximately sixty volunteers. When second servings are taken into consideration, over 1200 food servings were made of nine different food items in slightly more than an hour. The Heritage Day planning began in early January and required coordination among member volunteers from all the participating organizations. The volunteers have found the actual planning and executing to be as exciting as the day itself. Whole families got involved from the children and youth participating in the cultural program to the parents and grandparents utilizing their unique skills in organizing this event.

VHP of America is a national organization which has among its objectives to unite Hindus by instilling in them devotion to the Hindu way of life, to cultivate self-respect and respect for all people, and to establish contacts with Hindus all over the world. For more information please visit http://www.vhp-america.org/

|