An enchanting Sunday morning in the New Year was celebrated in Chinmaya Prakash Zone with Gayatri Havan, in the presence of Swamini Nishkalanandaji (Chinmaya Mission, Kalyan). Swaminiji, in a lucid manner, explained the significance of Sankranti and the Havan. She indicated that the 'Havan' is an ancient practice, even before idol worship began. Agni was the medium through which one could worship their Ishta-Devta. All our festivals are based on the lunar calendar. However, Sankranti is the only festival that has a fixed date in the Gregorian calendar. The festival was celebrated at Chinmaya Priyam with Havan and by chanting Gayatri Mantra 108 times, offering Ahuti after every chant. Everyone left smiling, having learnt the importance of the festival and enjoying tilgud prasad.
