Ekta Mandir: Breathing New Life
Contributed By - AZIndia Correspondent
After the fairytale finale of Goshala Holi the Valley witnessed two more mega events which were organized by the Indo American Foundation of Arizona at the Ekta Mandir on the 25th of March comprising the full day on Saturday. The Ekta Mandir Pran Pratishtha 9th Anniversary, the first event, began early in the morning from 9:00. The Idol installation ceremony included Balaji and Shivji Abhishek, Krishna Rama Shodashopachar, Utsavmurthi Abhishek and Archana, Sarvadevata Yagna/Havan/Homa, Special prayer to deities, Dwajarohan, and concluding the day’s puja with Maha Aarathi. The faithfuls thronged the Mandir premises throughout the rituals till late evening. Most were seen sponsoring a myriads of rituals like the Dhwajarohan, Homa, Pramukh Yajaman, Shodashopachar, main Balaji Abhishek, main Shivling Abhishek, etc. Functions in temple ended 7:30 pm with Maha Aarati and Prasad distribution.
The same day from 11:45 AM the second event, ie., the grand 19th Annual India Festival commenced. A battery of events followed with unlimited fun for children, cultural events, Indian delicacies, shopping experiences, and what not. While the kids went on to enjoy the short and swirling Tu-Tu Train rides, the fauna inspired face paintings, and forming interesting shapes with balloon twisting, their parents got engaged along with their cohorts into the cultural activities listening to melodious Mouly singing Hindustani classicals and a passionate Prerana scintillating the audience with her Bharatnatyam moves. The stage was then set on fire with a diverse line-up of dramatic displays of talent by artists from every age group possible. The wholesome dose of entertainment freshened up the minds of the audience and the ethos of the atmosphere.
Not just these versatile performers showcasing their talents attracted a great number of audience, the six food booths, all managed by nonprofit organizations, with their savory aroma too forced everyone to make a beeline for their freshly cooked delicious victuals. The First Lady of Indo Foundation, Manisha Thathi, wife of president Subhash Thathi, frying puris in the kitchen did not go unnoticed. Some notable mention amongst the food booths dispensing fresh food prepared by volunteers were the AZ Telugu, Rajasthani & Tamil Associations, the Kannada Sangha, the Iskcon Temple and the Swaminarayan Gurukul. The essence of effective volunteerism was unequivocally self evident. There were other attractions like shops selling jewelry, artifacts, curios, saris, art and crafts inside the IACRF hall. A palpable excitement among the buyers surrounding these booths could be felt from miles.
The Vice Mayor of Phoenix Kate Gallego & the founder of Arathi School Of Dance Asha Gopal were felicitated by the Indo Foundation in the festival. The Diabetes Check up with A1C examination Free of cost for everyone was a big success with more than 100 people attending the screening. The other notable event, the fashion show was out and out exclusive. Aptly named ‘Brides of India’, it was a unique Fashion Show encompassing models in bridal wear from the Indian states of Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and West Bengal. Eventually it was a day no inferior than a grand day with grand weather, grand events and attended by a grand crowd. A day literally breathing new life in all.