At Satsang Center, Woburn, about 500 devotees participated in a joyous spiritual celebration of “Vasant Panchami” on February 4th, 2006. Vasant Panchami marks the arrival of spring season in Bharat. There, it appears as if,  the whole nature is offering a floral tribute to Devi Sarasvati on Her birthday (Avataran Divas). Hindus celebrate Vasant Panchami to affirm the importance of  Vidya  (knowledge) and continuous learning with renewed vigor in their life. This could be a key to understand the emerging leadership of Bharat in the new “Knowledge Economy”.

A mild yet beautiful evening started with traditional chanting of  Sri Hanuman Chalisa and followed by  “Pragya Geets” (inspirational bhajans) melodiously rendered by Preeti Nagar &  Sangeeta Saxena. Devotees were captivated with their sweet voices.  Master ParamVyom, age 14, enchanted the audience with his skillfull accompaniment  on tabla.

“Deep Yagya” was at the center of this evening’s celebration.  Deep Yagya is a contemporary version of traditional Yagya, conceived and developed by Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya, for popularizing the philosophy of Yagya for the busy lifestyle of modern times.

Prior to the commencement of  Deep Yagya, a special Puja of (1)Devi Sarasvati,  (2)Vadya Yantra (musical instruments), (3)Mayur (peacock)  and (4)Vasant (spring flowers) was performed. Musical instruments have the potential to move the human emotions/sentiments and hearts as such by their sound playing the right notes. The Veena in the hands of Devi Sarasvati signifies this fact. The Mayur (peacock) signifies the sweet voice and beauty and happiness. While as the puja of  Vasant (spring flowers) expresses the man’s appreciation of nature’s beauty and gifts.

After the special puja, all the devotees participated in the “Gayatri Mantra Aahutis”.  “Mahamrityunjaya Mantra Aahutis” were also offered for the devotees, whose birthday’s and wedding anniversaries fall in the current calendar month. The entire celebration was interspersed with the elucidation of  the philosophy behind all the rituals performed throughout  the evening. Sanjay Saxena rendered the commentary based on  the philosophy of Pandit Shriram Sharma Acharya. Sangeeta conducted the Yagya/Pujan ceremony.

At the conclusion of  Yagya, all participants took vows to give up one bad habit and inculcate one good habit for the continued progress and refinement  of their lives as a part of  “Dev-Dakshina Purnahuti”. The program was a huge success with the active participation of  many volunteers. Sumedha & Shrikant Joshi sponsored the mahaprasad with great love and everybody cherished it. Many volunteer put lot of efforts to make this Puja successful.

PS: Volunteers of Gayatri Parivar of Massachusetts (www.GAYATRI.info)  are actively providing services to facilitate and perform much sought after family ceremonies which are integral part of Hindu tradition.

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