Navratri Celebration

On October 10th 2010, Navratri, a celebration of nine days honoring the Goddess Durga, was joyously enjoyed by the children at the Sanatan Mandir.

Navratri is celebrated for many different reasons across India. In Northern India, the nine nights depicts the battle between the demon Mahishasura and Goddess Durga. In Eastern India, it is believed that Uma, the daughter of King Daksha, wanted to marry Lord Shiva but was forbidden by her father. Uma was upset and ended her life by jumping into the yagna. She was then reincarnated as Sati and married Lord Shiva. Another legend of Navratri is related to nine nights of battle between the demon Ravan and Lord Rama. Goddess Durga was worshipped by Lord Rama during the nine nights.

Prior to the Children's garba event, the children learned the garba dance "Thrun tali" or the clapping of the hands three times. With the help of the school volunteers, a large tent was placed outside the Sanatan Mandir and a sound system was set up to play traditional garba songs. Kids were dressed up in traditional Indian garments - boys in kurtas and girls in chania cholis. Age appropriate circles were arranged in order for all of the kids to comfortably dance around the statue of Goddess Durga. As this event is well known among Gujaratis, many of the boys and girls were familiar with the steps and danced with ease to the popular garba songs. All other kids enjoyed the festivities as well and followed their fellow classmates. The parents also joined in and celebrated with the kids. Who could resist the fast treble and bass beats of garba?

Since Navratri continued till October 16th this year, many kids attended garba held at the temple each night and various other locations. What a great way to start the school year!

Diwali (The Festival of Lights)

What a busy month for the students at Sanatan Mandir! The children just finished celebrating Navratri and then immediately started preparing for the biggest Hindu celebration - Diwali, the Festival of Lights.

On October 24th 2010, the children worked hard and created beautiful Diwali crafts using colorful papers, lace, and diya templates. At the end of the school day, the boys and girls beamed with pride as their artwork was hung on the walls of the Mandir. To this day, the children still admire and point to their work as they walk into the temple.

The festivities continued the following week on October 31st with a wonderful and lively skit performed by the culture teachers and volunteer parents. Narrated by Sudha Vippagunta, the thirty minute skit vividly depicted the Ramanyan - the triumph of good over evil. Using the props given by Shri Pravinbhai, the culture teachers recreated the characters Lord Ram, Sita, Laxman, Hanuman, Ravan, and many others. The children watched Lord Ram's depart from Ayodhya, the demon king Ravan's capture of Sita, the battle of Lord Ram and Ravan, and the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya. All in all, the children learned that Diwali is the celebration of Ram's return to Ayodhya.

The day ended with a Diwali party for the students which was sponsored by Kumon Math and Reading Center. The children enjoyed savory samosas, scrumptious khaman, and delicious jalebi which were sponsored by the Cancer Screening program at Morristown Memorial Hospital, Dr. Krishna Patel, and Caliber Dental, P.C.

In order for the kids to continue to enjoy Diwali with their family, the school was closed on November 6th. Many boys and girls still came to the Sanatan Mandir that Sunday for darshan and Diwali celebrations.

A big thank you to the wonderful teachers and volunteers who helped our children honor and respect Diwali. The knowledge learned at the school will remain with them for life.