PAST TEMPLE EVENTS

Vijayadasami (Dushera) was celebrated with great devotion on the tenth day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Ashwina, Sunday, Oct 09th 2008 at Wayne Hindu Temple. It is the grand culmination of the 10-day annual festival of Dushera. The festival commemorated the victory of Rama over Ravana signifying the victory of good over evil and brought the festivities to a colourful close. A large number of devotees enjoyed MahaPrasad after the festival.

Five day long (Aug 23th to Aug 28th) religious discourse “The Essence of Spirituality” by Swami Mukundananda of Jagadguru Kripalu Yog, India was organized at Hindu Temple during the evening hours. Devotees from all around the tri-state area attended the Pravachan as well as recited the Devotional Kirtan.

Free Yog & Meditation Classes were conducted by Swamiji everyday before the pravachan. Many participants benefited from these classes.

Wayne Hindu Temple celebrated “SHRAVAN MAS” with Lord Shiva Abhiseka every day and performed “Purnahuti” on Aug 30th, saturday. The event concluded with Havan & Shiva Mahapooja. Many devotees participated in this month long Shravan Mas Pooja program and became the Yajman.

On the occasion of Sri Balabhadra Janma, Wayne Hindu Temple organized “Raksha Bandhan” ceremoney followed by the Satya Narayana Katha on Saturday Aug 16th. Mahaprasad was distributed after the Maha Arati. Devotees got the opportunity of listening to the Religious Discourse by Shree Maa Anantanand.

Lord Shree Jagannath Rath-Yatra (chariot festival) was celebrated with great devotion on Saturday, July 19th 2008 at the magnificent Wayne Hindu Temple. The festive procession was taken out on Wayne city road. Many Devotees got the fortune of touching/embracing the deities during the Pahandi event. Devotees, young and old, from the northeast USA participated in the festival and pulled the beautifully decorated Rath. Devotees enjoyed MahaPrasad & Cultural Programs after the festival.

Held in the full-moon day of the month of Jyestha (June 22nd, Sunday) the “Devasnana Purnima or Snana Yatra”, a famous festival of Lord Jagannath was performed with great devotion at Wayne Hindu Temple. On this day the idols were taken out in procession called as “Pahandi” along with the accompaniment of music and beating of drums to the “Snana Mandap”. The bathing festival took place during the morning hours of the Purnima. After the 108 Kalash water bath the deities dressed up in the Gaja/Ganesh Vesa and carried with full rituals to the Anabasara (otherwise known as Anasara) Ghara.

Wayne Hindu Temple organized “Bhagavad Pravachan” which spanned for three days between Jun 13th till 15th. The discourse events were attended by hundreds of devotees and MahaPrasad was distributed to everyone after the Aarti.

On the occasion of Vaisakhi Purnima, Wayne Hindu Temple organized a “Religious Discourse” followed by the Satya Narayana Katha on Tuesday May 20th. Mahaprasad was distributed after the Maha Arati.

On Sunday, April 13th, 2008, Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, was celebrated with great fervor and gaiety at Wayne Hindu Temple. At midday, when Lord Rama is supposed to have been born, a special “Sri Ram Navami Pooja” was performed by chanting Vedic mantras and offering flowers/fruits to the god. Ram Navami festival was observed with the recitation of Sundar Kand Ramayana & Ram Bhajans to celebrates the birth of Lord Rama the son of King Dasharath. Devotees enjoyed the Prasad after the Pooja event.

Phalgun Purnima was observed on Friday, March 21st, 2008 with a great devotion. The recitation of Satya Narayana Katha was performed on the occasion of full moon day. In the evening Holi celebration began with lighting up of bonfire symbolizing the “Holika Dahan”. On Saturday March 22nd, Dhuleti/Holi – the festival of colors was celebrated. All the devotees enjoyed the Rangotsava by throwing brightly colored powder (‘gulal’ and ‘abeer’) and water over each other. Dancing crowd to the tunes of folk songs made the atmosphere more colorful.

On the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, a large number of devotees gathered at the Wayne Hindu Temple on March 06th, to participate in Rudravisheka, Lotus Pooja, and chanting of Lord Shiva Mahima. The pooja mandap backdrop was magnificently converted into the snow-clad Kailash mountain, the home of Lord Shiva. Maha-Prasad was served to the devotees. The event concluded with Maha-Aarti at the midnight.

On Saturday, February 09th, 2008, Wayne Hindu Temple observed Sri Jagannath Padma Vesha (Lotus Attire) Darshan rituals. The festival started with Havan followed by Bhajan Sandhya and a short Cultural Program. The event concluded with Maha Aarti & Maha Prasad.

Vasant Panchami, the festival of Goddess Saraswati was celebrated. Saraswati is the Goddess of learning, knowledge, and wisdom. Saraswati is represented in Hindu mythology as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe. Since knowledge is necessary for creation, Saraswati symbolizes the creative power of Brahma.

on Sunday, January 14th, 2008, Wayne Hindu Temple observed Makar Sankranti rituals. The event started with Kite decoration followed by a religeous discourse. Many devotees participated in Satya Narayana Katha and offered lord flowers as well as prasad (Bhog) items. The event concluded with Maha-Aarati & Maha Prasad .

Vijayadasami (Dushera) was celebrated with great devotion on the tenth day of the bright half of the Hindu month of Ashwina, Sunday, Oct 21st 2007 at Wayne Hindu Temple. It is the grand culmination of the 10-day annual festival of Dushera. The festival commemorated the victory of Rama over Ravana signifying the victory of good over evil and brought the festivities to a colourful close. A large number of devotees enjoyed MahaPrasad after the festival.

Three day long (Sept 28th, 29th & 30th)religious discourse “Geeta Pravachan” by 9 years old Devi Bibhuti Sadhvi Chitralekhaji from India was organized at Hindu Temple during the evening hours. Devotees from all age group attended the Pravachan and recited many devotional songs.

On the occasion of Kartik Purnima, the Hindu Temple at Wayne conducted “Tulsi Bibhah” event with “Lord Madan Mohan”. Yajmans participated in these rituals as the parents of Bride and Groom. Devotees gathered in large number to witness the festival and worship the deities.

Wayne Hindu Temple celebrated “SHRAVAN MAS” with Lord Shiva Abhiseka every day and performed “Purnahuti” on Sept 11th. The event concluded with Havan & Shiva Mahapooja. Many devotees participated in this month long Shravan Mas Pooja program and became the Yajman.

On the occasion of Sri Balabhadra Janma, Wayne Hindu Temple organized “Rakhya Bandhan” ceremoney followed by the Satya Narayana Katha on Tuesday Aug 28th. Mahaprasad was distributed after the Maha Arati.

Lord Shree Jagannath Rath-Yatra (chariot festival) was celebrated with great devotion on Saturday, July 21st 2007 at the magnificent Wayne Hindu Temple. The festive procession was taken out on Wayne city road for few hours. Devotees got the fortune of touching/embracing the deities during the Pahandi event. Many devotees, young and old, from the northeast USA participated in the festival and pulled the beautifully decorated Rath. Devotees enjoyed MahaPrasad after the festival.

Held in the full-moon day of the month of Jyestha (June 30th, Saturday) the “Devasnana Purnima or Snana Yatra”, a famous festival of Lord Jagannath was performed with great devotion at Wayne Hindu Temple. On this day the idols were taken out in procession called as “Pahandi” along with the accompaniment of music and beating of drums to the “Snana Mandap”. The bathing festival took place during the morning hours of the Purnima. After the bath the deities dressed up in the Gaja/Ganesh Vesa and carried with full rituals to the Anabasara (otherwise known as Anasara) Ghara.

Wayne Hindu Temple celebrated “PURUSHOTTAM MAS” which spanned for a month between May 17th June 15th. The event started with the pooja event “Adhik Mas Sthapana” and concluded with Adhik Mas Purnahuti Pooja & Purushottam Maha Yag. Many devotees participated in this month long Adhik Mas Pooja program and became the Yajman. Samooh Satyanarayan Katha was organized on June 2nd, 2007 Saturday followed by Samudra Snan Festival on Saturday June 09th.

On the occasion of Vaisakhi Purnima, Wayne Hindu Temple organized a “Religious Discourse” followed by the Satya Narayana Katha on Wednesday May 2nd. Mahaprasad was distributed after the Maha Arati. Visiting religious speaker from Haridwar, Shri Sanjay Saxena delivered a lecture on “Gayatri Mantra and Its Meaning In Life”. Many local guests attended the event on Saturday, April 28th and welcome Mr. Saxena.

On Tuesday, March 27th, 2007, Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, was celebrated with great fervor and gaiety at Wayne Hindu Temple. At midday, when Lord Rama is supposed to have been born, a special “Sri Ram Navami Pooja” was performed by chanting Vedic mantras and offering flowers/fruits to the god. Ram Navami festival was observed on March 31st 2007 with the recitation of Sundar Kand Ramayana & Ram Bhajans to celebrates the birth of Lord Rama the son of King Dasharath. Devotees enjoyed the Prasad after the Pooja event.

Phalgun Purnima was observed on Saturday, March 03rd, 2007 with a great devotion. Sastriji recited Sata Narayana Katha on the occasion of full moon. . In the evening Holi celebration began with lighting up of bonfire. On Sunday March 04th, Holi – the festival of colors – devotees enjoyed the Rangotsava by throwing brightly colored powder (‘gulal’ and ‘abeer’) and water over each other. Dancing crowd to the tunes of folk songs made the atmosphere more colorful.

On the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, a large number of devotees gathered at the Wayne Hindu Temple on February 16th, to participate in Rudravisheka, Lotus Pooja, and chanting of Lord Shiva Mahima. The pooja mandap backdrop was magnificently converted into the snow-clad Kailash mountain, the home of Lord Shiva. Maha-Prasad was served to the devotees. The event concluded with Maha-Aarti at the midnight.

On Tuesday, January 23rd, 2007, Wayne Hindu Temple observed Vasant Panchami. Young devotees worshipped Goddess Saraswati and chanted shlokas. Saraswati is the Goddess of learning, knowledge, and wisdom. Saraswati is represented in Hindu mythology as the divine consort of Lord Brahma, the Creator of the universe. Since knowledge is necessary for creation, Saraswati symbolizes the creative power of Brahma.

ICS-NJ observed Mahatma Gandhi Punyatithi on Sunday, January 28th, 2007. Some Members of the community sang patriotic songs and paid homage to Gandhiji. Little angels of “Bal Vihar” (a weekly class run at Gandhi Center) performed verities of patriotic programs on the stage with a great dedication.

on Sunday, January 14th, 2007, Wayne Hindu Temple observed Makar Sankranti rituals. The event started with Kite decoration followed by a religeous discourse on “The Significance of Makar Sankranti” by Swami Shankarananda Giri from Rishikesh, India. Many devotees participated in Satya Narayana Katha and offered lord flowers as well as home made prasad (Bhog). The event concluded with Maha-Aarati & Maha Prasad .

On the occasion of Dhanu Sankranti, Wayne Hindu Temple observed Pooja rituals for Lord Shree Jagannath, Shree Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Lord Sudarshana. This religious function was celebrated on Saturday, December 16th, 2006, at the temple by offering Lord the sweetened rice flakes which are specially prepared in a Conical shape commonly known as “Dhanu Munaan” specially brought from Puri. Many devotees gathered together to worship Lord Jagannath and recited Bhajans along with “Vishnu Sahashra Naam”. Volunteers prepared the prasad and distributed to the devotees.

India Cultural Society-NJ, organized the “Annual Day Celebration” on Saturday, December 09th, 2006 at Mahatma Gandhi Center Auditorium. The evening started with Aarti, dinner and followed by fun filled musical program. A popular musical group “MUSIC MELODY” from India performed live 5-6hrs long musical extravaganza along with dance performances by young local talents. The artists like Geeta Sabuwala, Yashwant Kumar, Shyam Avadi, Harshad Tamboli, Govind Rawal, Helen and Bharat Gohil filled the night with many hit collections of Indian Music. Students of “Arun Arts” did a fabulous job of dancing in groups with the tunes of Hindi Music. The program was choreographed very nicely and caught everyone’s attention. An auditorium full of crowd joined the fund-raising program and enjoyed the melody shows. Thanks to all for your support.

On Saturday Nov 11th the “Maha Snan & Abhisheka Rituals” of Lord Shree Jagannath, Shree Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra was performed at the Wayne Hindu Temple. Many devotees participated in this wonderful opportunity and experienced the religious function of “Puri Dhaam”. Bhajan Sandhya, Maha Aarti and Prashad followed the event.

On the occasion of Kartik Purnima, the Hindu Temple at Wayne conducted “Tulsi Bibhah” event with “Lord Madan Mohan”. Yajmans participated in these rituals as the parents of Bride and Groom. Devotees gathered in large number to witness the festival and worship the deities. Prashad was distributed at the end of the program.

Diwali festival was cerebrated on Saturday, October 21st, 2006 followed by the Annakoot Darshan Aarti on Sunday, October 22nd, 2006. Many devotees brought lots of PRASHAD for Annakoot & offered to God. On Saturday, October 28th Sant Tulsidas Statue Unveiling Ceremony by Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji was observed.

ICS-NJ observed Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti on Sunday, October 01st, 2006. Popular Indian Singer Lalitya Munshaw presented a mesmerizing Musical Program. She performed Bhajans at the Gandhi Center auditorium. Hundreds of people enjoyed the melodious songs.

On September 23rd 2006, NAVARATRI was celebrated followed by daily “Garba” and “Raas” Program for ten days. Many families participated in the “Garba” and enjoyed the festival. Durgasthami was observed on Saturday, September 30th, 2006 with Chandi Yagna. Devotees from all around the state worshipped Durga Maata at the temple.

On Aug 4th, 5th and 6th, Hindu Temple of Wayne, NJ celebrated the Pran Pratistha Mahotsav of Lord Ganesh, Laxmi Narayan, Maa Durga, Radha Krishna, Sita Ram, Shiv Parivar and Hanumanji. Thousands of devotees visited the temple, participated in the religious event and worshipped all the new deities along with Lord Jagannath.
The Hindu Community of Wayne township and surrounding area of New Jersey, on August 4,5 and 6 of year 2006 witnessed a historical event of Pran Pratishtha in Wayne.

Rath-Yatra (chariot festival) was celebrated on Saturday, July 8th 2006 at the magnificent Wayne Hindu Temple for the resident Lord Shree Jagannath, Shree Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Shree Sudarshan (the Chakra of Lord Krishna). A procession was taken out in the city of Wayne, NJ for two hours. The Chief Guest, Honorable Mayor Scott T. Rumana, Mayor of Wayne NJ, graced the joyous ceremony, and was overwhelmed by the ritualistic celebration. Over five hundred devotees, young and old, from the northeast USA participated in the festival.
On Sunday, July 15th 2006, Bahuda-Yatra (return journey) was celebrated, where the deities returned to the new temple in a chariot procession. The festival began with Aarti and Pushpanjali of Lord Jagannath.

July 4th 2006 marked an important day for all the Jagannath devotees in the USA. It is the day, Lord Shree Jagannath, Shree Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Shree Sudarshan (the Chakra of Lord Krishna), were installed at the magnificent Hindu temple in Wayne NJ, after the conclusion of an elaborate three-day Murti-Pratisthapana (consecration) ceremony.
It is the wish of the Lord that He wants to live at the Wayne Hindu Temple; without His blessings, this difficult task could not have been accomplished. Also, the support of Gajapati Maharaja of Puri (Orissa, India), and Sri Ramesh Rajguru is noteworthy. They provided all the guidance and advice for this holy ceremony, and also helped determine the auspicious time. It is because of their support, the Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra, and Sudharshana, are constructed from the unique Neem wood, as DaruBramha (supreme force manifesting in the form of wooden idol) by Puri Maharana Ghanashyam Mohapatra, just like they are constructed in the Jagannath Puri temple. The other deities, Sridevi, Bhudevi, Madhava, and Madan-Mohan, who are worshipped in a Jagannath temple, also came from Puri.

This is the first time in the northeast USA, and only the fourth place in USA, Lord Jagannath is installed and worshipped according to the Jagannath Puri traditions. Lord Jagannath is worshipped daily at 12 noon and 7:30 PM in the main prayer hall in Wayne Hindu Temple.