Vivekananda Kendra Kanyakumari, Assam Prant, Anandalayas in Amarpur Vibhag performed Deepa Puja on Sunday, November 26, 2023. A total of 34 people comprising of Aanandalaya Gram Samiti members, Prabandhaks, and Acharyas participated in the Puja. They drew inspiration from Vivekananda Kendra, Kanyakumari, where a similar event took place a few days earlier.
November 26 coincidentally aligned with the auspicious Karthigai Deepam, celebrated in Thiruvannamalai by illuminating the entire region with thousands of earthen lamps. Karthigai Deepam, occurring during the lunar month of Kartika from November 17 to December 16 this year, signifies the arrival of winter. It's a revered month in Indian culture, where homes and temples are illuminated with lamps, signifying the journey from untruth to truth and the quest for ultimate liberation.
Spiritually, it's believed that the Bhairava's energy is most active in Bharat during this time. In Yogic tradition, Kartika marks the transition from the Sadhana pada to Kaivalya pada, signifying the fruition of earlier months of Sadhana (spiritual practice).
This time also coincides with the harvest season in Amarpur. As festivals intertwine with agriculture and the veneration of Donyi-Polo (Sun & Moon), the Puja during this lunar month carried special significance.
Sri Santush Charoh, Aanandalaya Vibhag Pramukh, promptly organized the samuhik Deepa Puja with the support of Aanandalaya Prabandhaks - Sri Apai Pegu, Kum. Sitrabati Doley, Smt. Sarita Pegu. Despite material constraints, the participants, rich in devotion, dedicated time during their busy harvest season.
The Puja commenced around 8 a.m. with three Omkars and the recitation of the Shanti pat. An introduction elucidated the significance of Deepa Puja. After Aachamana, the central brass lamp was lit amidst prayers. Each participant held a mud lamp on a plate decorated with flowers while chanting Deepa mantras. The Puja concluded with Kshama Prarthana and the Shanti Mantra.
A few attendees, unable to join the main event, came up with the idea of brewing tea, a perfect choice given the chilly weather. While listening to the chanting of the Deepa Mantra, they prepared tea in the open using collected wood. As a customary offering in Devi Puja, soaked chana and sweets were distributed as prasad.
Tea time facilitated a brief round of introductions and lively discussions about engaging in similar cultural events. The Gram Samiti acknowledged Vivekananda Kendra's cultural and educational contributions, expressing hopes for future initiatives.
Thus concluded a significant day in the history of Amarpur vibhag's Aanandalayas.
