Praneeta Mahajan
Hamilton, July 31, 2024
Even the relentless winter rain could deter the fervent devotees who packed Chinmaya Mission’s Hall for the Ashadhi Ekadashi event, hosted by the Auckland Marathi Association in conjunction with Chinmaya Mission on July 17, 2024.
The atmosphere was electric, as the hall buzzed with anticipation and spiritual fervour.
Ashadhi Ekadashi, a day of immense religious and spiritual significance for Hindus, is observed on the 11th day (Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) of the month of Ashadha (June-July). This day is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and holds immense importance, particularly in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka in India.
Culture and celebration
The event commenced with a warm welcome from the dynamic President of AMAI Chinar Chitale, and the co-host from Chinmaya Mission New Zealand, Ramlingham.
Bramhachari Ishan Chaitanya shared his abundant knowledge and wisdom on Vedanta, while Aniket Khedekar detailed the importance of Ashadhi Ekadashi.
Performances began with a Haripath by the youngest member, Adi Janvekar, followed by an Abhang from Abhijeet Zantye.
The audience then witnessed a performance from the Arohi Academy of Music, led by Vidya Teke, whose rendition of Marathi Abhang (devotional songs) left the crowd in a daze.
The event drew an overwhelming response from members of both organisations.
The iconic moment of the evening was the Palkhi procession, where the palanquin carrying the Paduka, symbolic footwear of Lord Vishnu or Pandhuranga, was paraded throughout the temple.
Devotees danced and chanted ‘Jai Hari Vitthal,’ and many participated in a folk dance using Lezim, small musical instruments with jingling cymbals. The evening concluded with Vitthal Pooja, Aarti, and the distribution of prasadam.
“We are grateful to everyone who attended and became part of this celebration. Our heartfelt appreciation goes to the speakers and organisers for their contributions,” Mr Chitale said.
The Ashadhi Ekadashi event was a resounding success, demonstrating the unwavering devotion and community spirit of Auckland’s Hindu community.
Auckland Marathi Association emerged in 1995 when a few families from Maharashtra in New Zealand felt the need to bond around their shared culture and identity in a new land they were still learning to call home. Since its formation to now, the Association has grown not just in numbers but in scope and ambition.
About Ashadhi Ekadashi
Devotees believe that on this day, Lord Vishnu goes into a state of deep meditation (Yoga Nidra) on the cosmic ocean of milk (Ksheersagar) on Shesha Naag, the cosmic serpent. He remains in this state for four months, a period known as Chaturmas, which ends on Prabodhini Ekadashi.
This day is especially revered in the state of Maharashtra, where thousands of pilgrims undertake the Wari pilgrimage to the Vithoba temple in Pandharpur.
Celebrations for the day are marked by a grand pilgrimage to the town of Pandharpur, where devotees pay homage to Lord Vithoba, a form of Lord Krishna. The yatra attracts hundreds of thousands of devotees, known as Warkaris, who walk barefoot from various parts of the state to undertake the Wari pilgrimage to the Vithoba temple in Pandharpur.
Many devotees observe a fast on this day, abstaining from grains and specific foods. The fast is believed to cleanse the body and soul, bringing devotees closer to Lord Vishnu. Temples are decorated, and special prayers and bhajans (devotional songs) are performed.
Devotional songs and hymns dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Vithoba are sung in temples and homes and grand processions with images or icons of Lord Vithoba are carried out with much fanfare and devotion.
After breaking the fast, devotees often partake in community feasts, sharing meals as a form of celebration and togetherness.
Praneeta Mahajan is an Indian Newslink reporter based in Hamilton.
