R.K. Bengani
Dear Readers, by now it is quite clear that why Maryada Mahotsav is not a mere ‘utsav’ (festival) but a Mahotsav (grand festival). The nature, importance, values, number of programs etc are some the factors that make it a mahotsav. Clearly, several side programs also take place during all these days of festivities. It is really difficult to write separates notes on each event. But it is equally difficult not to share what I have seen/experienced – especially when the readers are such wonderful people like you. So a way out is a Monday’s (22nd Jan 2007) Mixed Masala Bag:
Giving Alms
Dear Readers, there are several areas of regret for people like me who live outside India. Not getting a chance to give alms (gochari) is one of them. The Gangasahar visit and presence of hundreds of sadhu/sadhvis was just the right occasion to overcome this obstacle. Just before lunch, a group of sadhvishris visited the place where I was staying and I got the rare chance of giving them alms.
Sobha Yatra (Adornment Procession)
for two Mumukshu Sisters whose diksha was scheduled for 30th January 2007, started from Bothra Chowk and after passing thru several main streets, reached Terapanth Bhawan in afternoon. The long procession of men, women and children was lead by well-uniformed band group playing devotional music / songs and tunes. Both Mumukshu sisters wore long colourful garlands around their necks and were seated on a chariot. The public raised devotional slogans.
Selection of Best Sabha
Shri Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha invites nominations for this selection process well in advance and based on evaluation of nominations and documents received, a shortlist of 10 sabhas is prepared. Representatives of all shortlisted sabhas are invited to attend to the final selection process wherein a panel of judges interviews the representatives. The open forum means full transparency in the selection process. Chennai and Bangalore based sabhas were jointly named as “Best Sabha of the Year” & Gulab Bag and South Howrah based sabhas were jointly named as “Special Sabha of the Year”.
Gyanshala Purushkaar Samaroh (Prize distribution for Gyanshala)
This event took place in the holy presence of Yuvacharyashri at 7:45 Pm. Yuvacharyashri said Gyanshala is a laboratory where the kids are trained and tested for proper and moral values in all spheres of life. He said it was important to protect the children from bad influences of undesirable surroundings. He praised the efforts of Shri Nirmalji Noulakha and Shri Ashokbhai for their tireless work towards expansion and organization of Gyanshala network in the country and also for the ongoing training imparted to the teachers of Gyanshalas. It will not be out of place to add here that Gyanshalas work under overall direction of Shri Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha. The programme was conducted by Shri Tarunji Sethia, Mahamantri of Shri Jain Shwetambar Terapanthi Mahasabha.
Met someone who has witnessed TWENTY Maryada Mahosavs?
During the day I made an obligatory visit to book stall. JVB book stall and Adrash Sahitya Sangh book stall always travel with Acharyashri. Shri Ramchanderji, in-charge of JVB Book stall has been serving the stall since long time and he has attended TWENTY Maryada Mahotsavs in past. I talked to him for few minutes and learned that the difference between previous Maryada Mahotsav held in Gangasahar in 2001 and the present one was Ahimsa Yatra. He said the level of awareness and information has substantially gone up because of Ahimsa Yatra. (2001 was pre- ahimsa yatra period). He said availability of proper books and reading material was one way to attract the new generation towards spiritualism.
Places such as this help people keep in touch with their base /loved one in near and far places. (22nd Jan 2007)Double Benefit
By now, it was time to do what all married people do when they travel alone. Yes, it was time to call home and share some of the news with near and dear ones. So I headed to the PCO located just opposite Terapanth Bhawan. The recently married young lady manning the booth was very excited that so much was going on in Gangasahar. She said her shop’s close proximity to terapanth bhawan gave her dual advantage. It brought her more customers. And she was able to listen to pravachans clearly on loud speakers even when she was minding her shop.
Dear Readers,
I am really sorry for somewhat tardiness in these reports and am thankful for the patience shown by you and the editors.
I have some more notes, which I wish to share with you.
Please do visit this site again.