CHICAGO: Hari Om Mandir celebrated the festival of Holi on Sunday March 20 with traditional joy and enthusiasm. Although the temperatures were a little nippy and on the cooler side, a large number of people – over 400 – joined the celebrations.
Holi at Hari Om Mandir is always special as the flower decoration and look attract people from far and near. This year, the legend of Radhaji’s Sakhiyan from Barsana was brought alive! As young girls beautifully dressed in the traditional Chania-Cholis, vibrant saris, arrived amidst chantings of “Aaj Biraj Mein Holi Re Rasiya”, all got immersed and were eagerly spraying colors.
Radhaji’s Sakhis and Krishna Ji’s Gopiyan performed Garba and showered flowers from their beautiful baskets on one and all in the congregation – a symbol of color and prosperity in life. The wonderful Holi folk songs describing the immortal enduring love of Radha and Krishna, sung by Rama Kapoor, Rekha and Kailash Mehta, Happy and Goldy, Madhu Salwan, accompanied by Ajay Ghai on the Dholak, created the perfect environment.
Hari Om Mandir in Medinah seemed to be a replica of Brij, Vrindavan and Mathura in India. The congregation echoed with clappings, applause and appreciation when two little girls Rashmi and Hita, aged 7, gave a dance performance “Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.” Soon after, everyone was seen embracing each other and wishing Happy Holi.
Bowls full of dry color powder – red, blue, green, yellow “Gulaal” were displayed at the feet of the deities. Keeping in mind the cleanliness of the temple, people were prohibited from playing with those colors, but every devotee was given a chance to get soaked in the natural colors of Mother Nature. Meera and Jayanthi greeted everybody at the entrance with a colorful flower garland, Happy Holi wishes and a warm friendly smile.
The celebrations culminated with Preeti Bhoj and a colorful mood of happiness prevailed.
Asian Media USA
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