Brahmrishi Sri Guruvanand Swami attended, Sri Guruvanand Swami spoke.
By The American Bazaar Staff
NEW YORK: Over 3,000 individuals from across the US and at least 14 other countries descended upon Newark, New Jersey on July 12 for the annual Guru Poornima 2014 celebration at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, which featured a rare appearance by Brahmrishi Sri Guruvanand Swami.
Hindus sang devotional bhajans, performed musical pieces, and participated in religious dances over the course of the event, which drew in huge crowds. The festivities also featured a lecture by Sri Guruvanand Swami, colloquially known as Gurudev, who spoke about the history of Hinduism in the US and the importance of keeping the religion’s traditions and culture alive.
“I have come to awaken you into spirituality lest your life goes waste,” he said during his discourse. “Lift your hands heavenwards in surrender and say, ‘Oh Lord, please handle this.’” He further said, “Just like parents try to give their maximum to their children, as your guru I too promise to give you my maximum.”
The events of that day were preceded by a Bhakti Sandhya, also with Gurudev in attendance, that occurred on July 11. That function was attended by over 1,000 patrons, including several who came all the way from India, Hong Kong, Dubai and parts of Europe.
The emcee for the July 12 function’s evening entertainment was Apra Bhandari, while Ashok Sancheti was the main US coordinator for the event. Sampat Poddar, the International President of the organizing committee, profusely thanked the volunteers and performers who dedicated so much time to the event.
The Guru Poornima 2014 meet falls under the purview of the World Spiritual Awareness Form, which said that they are “pleased with the response” that this year’s event received. The multi-day program also helped raise an undisclosed amount of funding for the Forum’s programs and ongoing religious efforts.
1 Comment
I am interested to attend Gurupurnima event