Year 2006 marks the tenth anniversary of the annually held Hindu Heritage Day. Organized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, it is an inclusive event that brings together over 29 Boston area organizations that share our common Hindu heritage. Started with a modest beginning in year 1997, the event has grown significantly with this year’s attendance expected to exceed 1200 persons. The main purpose of this event is to celebrate our rich cultural roots that is a source of our inner strength and convey their significance to the next generation so they may derive similar strength. This year, the event is being held at Marlboro Middle School on Saturday, May 13, 2006 from 2 pm to 8 pm with a nominal admission charge of $2 (http://boston.vhp-america.org).

At the end of the first decade of this event, we pay tribute to our all sustaining “Hindu Values.” Our value system is an intrinsic force that governs individual and collective choices of thought, speech, and action. It makes for character in an individual and characteristics of a civilization. This day is an opportunity to consciously, actively, and collectively affirm, the role of the subtle and extremely potent ancient values passed on by our Rishis that permeate our everyday lives. All are invited to participate in an interactive session being held specifically on Hindu Values during the event.

Special plans to commemorate this particular anniversary are underway with a new format for the event. This format takes the form of an “utsav mela” that begins at 2pm in the afternoon. Thirty stalls representative of the many businesses and organizations including portrait studio, sari and jewelry shops, charity groups, summer camps, and children’s books provide a setting for mingling. There are specifically designed heritage activities to interest the whole family including children, young adults, parents, and grand parents. Half-hour interactive sessions would be held on classical dance techniques, musical instruments, yoga, nutrition for a healthy heart, delights of vegetarian cooking, classical and pop music, professional make-up application, rangoli art, meditation, chess, and math challenge. Interactive discussion sessions will take place in designated rooms on such subjects as raising children in accordance with Hindu values, and the role of women within the family and in the community. The popular mehndi application will have dedicated space for the full duration of the program. Children can engage in face painting, kite flying, various contest booths, picture coloring, and viewing movies. A live DJ will entertain the audience while favored snacks of bhel puri, samosa, chole bhature, and chaat are being served. Freshly made dosa, idli, and uttapam would be available to cater to different food tastes along with chai, lassi, soft drinks, and bottled water.

A cultural variety performance begins at 5pm in the main auditorium choreographed by different dance and music studios and performed by their talented students. As has become tradition, public recognition and honor (samkskriti saurabha samman) would be bestowed on an individual for giving exceptional selfless service for the advancement of the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Hindu community.

All are welcome to participate. If you would like to hold an activities session, help during the event, or suggest a preferred topic for interactive discussion, please contact Abhaya Asthana (jasthana@hotmail.com) or Anil Chawla (anilchawlaemail@yahoo.com).

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