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Nava-Samvatsara (Hindu New Year) Celebration
on Omkarananda Ganga Ghat, Muni-ki-reti, 4th April 2011

Report by Shri I.D. Joshi

Mr. Varshney, President, Senior Citizens' Welfare Organisation, Rishikesh, addressing the Members.

H.H. Shri Swami Vishveshwarananda Saraswati, President Omkarananda Ashram, blessed the Senior Citizens of Rishikesh during a grand function at Omkarananda Ghat, Muni-ki-reti, on the auspicious occasion of the Vedic Nava-Samvatsara (New Year) on Chaitra Pratipada, i.e. on 4th April 2011.

According to Vedic Mythology Lord Brahma created the Universe on this day.

The Vedic Panchang (Calendar) is based on the calculations of the position of planets, stars, earth, moon, etc. in the cosmic space, which influences the creatures on earth. The astronomical position of the stars and planets influences the physical, psychological and spiritual aspect of the personality of man on this earth.

This day is regarded as a very auspicious day for human beings for performing worship and other spiritual activities.

To celebrate the new Samvatsara (year), the Senior Citizens of Rishikesh and surrounding areas assembled at the most pious and extremely beautiful Omkarananda Ghat, at the holy bank of the Mother Ganga. In the august presence of Shri Swami Vishveshwaranandaji and Kumari Somashekhari, General Secretary of Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas, some Ashram-Priests performed a Hawana for the peace, welfare and happiness of all.

It was a blessed hour with sweet breeze and melodious flow of the Ganga, sanctified by the divine vibrations of the Pooja and Yajna, with fragrance of the herbal materials, offered into the Yajnakund.

The keynote speaker at this ceremony was Kumari Somashekhari, who spoke on the significance of this auspicious day, extending her heartfelt good wishes to the audience. First she recited in a sweet melody the Vedic Mantra for Immortality - "Mahamrityunjaya Mantra", and other Vedic Prayers.

Yajna by Priests of Omkarananda Ganga Ghat accompanied by Kumari Somashekhari, Swami Vishveshwarananda, Shri Sukumar and Shri Varshney.

Quoting the Astrologers, Soma-shekhari explained, that in this special year, which is called "Krodhi", the Moon is the "Raja", means in a royal position, dominating the astronomical space as a "King", which may be auspicious to all Ladies, specially for their progress, growth and empowered position in the society, whereas the planet Jupiter, called Guru or Brihaspati, being this year in the position of the "Mantri" (Minister), second to the Moon, is favourable to the learned Pandits, Intellectuals, etc. who will have a voice in the Society to fight corruption and help maintain Truth, Sincerity, Purity and Dharma (spiritual and moral Righteousness) in the Society.

Reciting the Vedic Mantras in Sanskrit and delivering her speech in chaste, fluent Hindi language, she prayed for the welfare, peace, prosperity, happiness and long life of all.

Kumari Somashekhari addressing the Senior Citizens in a perfect Hindi.

The audience was full of praise and admiration and above all wonderstruck to hear Somashekhari speak in pure Hindi and recite melodiously the Vedic Mantra-Prayers in Sanskrit. Capt. D.D. Tiwari, Ex-Principal, being overwhelmed with joy and admiration, rose from his seat, praised her speech in Hindi and Sanskrit as to how fluently she spoke and how she has imbibed the Indian culture. All praised her amidst loud applause, clapping their hands.

Shri D.K. Varshney, President Senior Citizens' Welfare Organisation, spoke on the importance of this day, the New Hindu Year and that the Vedic Calculations are scientific and accurate.

Shri Kamal Narayan Mishra, former President Senior Citizens' Welfare Organisation, and a very popular social worker, recalled his past association with Gurudev Swami Omkaranandaji Maharaj as to how Swamiji blessed him, supported him in his youth and said: "Whatever I am today is due to the blessing of Swami Omkaranandaji Maharaj, hence I express my gratitude to Swamiji and Swami Vishveshwaranandaji and also again promise to be associated with you forever." He was full of praise and glorified Swami Omkaranandaji and Swami Vishveshwaranandaji and emphatically said he was, he is and he will remain forever a follower and a true servant of Omkaranandaji and the Omkarananda Ashram.

The other speakers were Sri Harish Dhingra, President Punjabi Mahasabha, Sri Keemati Lal Chawla, Secretary, Sri R.K. Sharma, General Secretary, etc. who all, with one voice, elaborated the importance of this day and also expressed their special Gratitude to Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati and Shri Swami Vishveshwaranandaji and the wonderful opportunity they got, to celebrate the New Year at the divine and beautiful Omkarananda Ghat.

On this auspicious occasion Swami Vishveshwaranandaji Maharaj released the Souvenir "Varishtha Nagarika Darpana" amidst loud applause and cheers in the audience. In his Message Swamiji said, that Senior Citizens have immense experience, knowledge and skills to guide the youth and work for the welfare of the society.

Release of Magazine by Shri Kamal Narayan Mishra, Captain Tiwari, Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari.	Shri I.D. Joshi delivering the concluding speech.

The delegates are proceeding for Ganga Arati.

Then Sri I.D. Joshi, Ex-Principal, Bharat Mandir Inter-College, Editor of the Magazine, spoke at length about the contents of the magazine. He read out the Message of Swami Vishveshwaranandaji, the Chief Guest of the ceremony, and explained in Hindi as to how Swamiji has extolled the Senior Citizens, that they have vast experience, knowledge and skills and that they are useful to society. Sri Joshi further said, Swamiji's actions speak louder than words as he himself being a Senior Citizen, deserves to be emulated as he is working hard and incessantly, like a Giant, but living a very simple humble life of a Saint, for the service of the masses, for the cause of education of the public and for the upliftment of the society. His contribution to providing quality education for the masses has been truly recognized by the public as Doon Citizens Council honoured him with "Pride of Uttarakhand Award" and Indian Schools Association, too, honoured him in New Delhi for his services in the field of education. Also Senior Citizens honoured him several times for his services. We are grateful to him for his blessings and good wishes to all.

The other dignitaries present on the occasion were Col. Dr. Vipin Chaturvedi, Prof. Dr. N.P. Kahti, Prof. Dr. A.K. Agrawal, Sri D.P. Juteji, Ex-President Ganga Sewa Samiti, Mrs. Vimala Sharma, Former Deputy Director, and a host of Engineers, Doctors, Professors, Businessmen, etc.

The function concluded with Ganga Arati.

The Senior Citizens, with Dee­pas shining in their hands, along with Swami Vishveshwaranandaji, Kumari Somashekhari, Sri G. Sukumar, performed Arati with great devotion, joy, jubilations. Every face of the participants seemed glowing with joy and peace, praying to Ganga Mata.

It was one of the rarest moment of their lives - the memorable hour still lingering in the minds of all - "O, it was a great joy, we feel blessed, Swamiji, - thank you, Swamiji, thanks Somaji, thanks to all, for all this grand ceremony" - they said. With folded hands, they bowed before Swamiji and expressed their gratefulness, receiving the sweet Prasadam.

All the members of the Senior Citizens' Welfare Organisation, Rishikesh, are taking the blessings of the holy river Ganga while offering shining Deepas with flowers.

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