Dear Sister / Brother: 

REV. MASTER & PONGAL CELEBRATIONS AT BABUJI MEMORIAL ASHRAM, MANAPAKKAM, CHENNAI
Report by Br. S. Prakash, Ashram Maintenance Manager, Babuji Memorial Ashram, Manapakkam, Chennai, India
17th, January 2007
 
12th January '2007 - Friday - There was a working committee meeting held at the ashram in the presence of  Rev. Master.

14th January '2007 - Sunday - The first day of the 4 day Pongal festival. The day of "Bhogi" according to Tamil Tradition when "Old is to be replaced by the New" according to tradition. Rev. Master conducted the morning satsangh and there was a Tamil Book Release (translation of Heart Speak 2004 - Vol.2) after the satsangh.

Rev. Master gave a speech after the book release which has already been covered in Sahaj Sandesh No. 2007.7. The speech can be read online at:

http://www.srcm.org/literature/recent.speeches/070115_Manapakkam.jsp

In the evening the youth of Sahaj Marg in the age group of 6 to 12 years gave a wonderful dance presentation after the satsangh - a combination of Bharathanatyam, Kuchipudi & some Fusion as well. Rev. Master was very happy and pleased and mentioned that it was an "Exceptional Performance by my Children".

Photo 2007_8_1.jpg - Master with LMOIS Dance Troup at Cottage on 14th Jan 2007

15th January '2007 - Monday - Early in the morning Rev. Master inspected the newly arrived "Radha Krishna" statue. Later Rev. Master conducted the morning satsangh. Pongal is considered to be the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu and is considered to be a very auspicious day. There were more than 4,000 abhyasis present for the Satsangh and to be in His presence. After the satsangh He visited Lalaji Memorial Omega International School to unveil the new statue of Goddess "Saraswathi" - considered to be the "Goddess of Knowledge".

Photo 2007_8_2.jpg - Master inpsecting the new Radha Krishna Statue on Pongal Day

After the evening Satsangh there was a very melodious Flute Concert by Br. Shashank, our abhyasi and a leading exponent of the Carnatic style of flute rendition. Rev. Master watched the program and later honored the artists in the cottage.

16th January '2007 - Tuesday - This day, following the Pongal day, is also celebrated as "Matte Pongal" according to Tamil tradition. It is a day for saying our thanks to the "Cows & Bulls" - which give us milk & help us in ploughing the fields. Rev. Master came to the cowshed in the evening which is situated near His Parnashala. He sat and fed some bananas to all the cows & bulls which are part of our "Cow Shed". He also recognised the efforts of the staff who maintain the Cow shed.

Photo 2007_8_3.jpg - Master on Mattu Pongal Day Celebrations on 16th Jan 2007

17th January '2007 - Wednesday - This is the 4th and the last day of the Pongal festival called the "Kaanum Pongal". A day dedicated, after the completion of the harvest festival, to just visit various places of interest and rejuvenate oneself. Rev. Master conducted the morning Satsangh this day and later solemnised 8 weddings after the satsangh.

It was a colorful and glittering festival for almost 5 to 6 days and everyone was happy to be amidst His Presence and reap the benefits.