Bala Vihar children of the zone celebrated Navaratri with Maatru-Pitru Puja at The Club, DN Nagar, Andheri West, in the presence of Swami Swatmanandaji. There are seven Bala Vihar classes in the zone and children from all classes, alongwith their parents, took part in the celebrations. The programme began with a beautiful invocation dance by Bala Vihar children. Smt. Sadhana Chaudhary and Shri Kamal Chaudhary (who have completed the 17th Vedanta course from Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Powai) were present during the event. Sadhanaji spoke about the importance of Vedanta in our lives.
Swamiji told the story of Mahishasura, the demon and how he underestimated the power of women, just as many of us underestimate the power of women in our homes! It was ultimately a woman, who, with her strength and power, led the asura to destruction. Swamiji further explained to the children, how the same mother becomes Durga to destroy our laziness and other asuric qualities and then as Lakshmi, gives us the wealth of values and again as Saraswati, she bestows us with knowledge. Guided by Swamiji, the children performed Maatru-Pitru Puja. It was an emotional moment for the parents, especially with Swamiji explaining Matrusthavanam, composed by Pujya Guruji. All the children present chanted five verses of Mahishasuramardini stotram. Aarti was performed and everyone played garba around it joyously. The sevikas had put up game stalls dedicated to all three Devis - Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Children loved the games and craft-work at the different stalls. A special thanks to Shri Bharat Khanna of The Club for the wonderful venue and for their support in organising this wonderful event.
