Devotees of Mata Amritanandmayi are launching a ‘Food Link’ drive, with the items collected for use during emergencies.
Mata Amritanandamayi Satsang Group Inc is organising the drive in collaboration with Auckland City Mission.
Satsang Group Secretary Sangeeta Kalra said that those interested in donating food items can drop at the collection centres designated at Khyber Spice Invaders (810 Manukau Road, Royal Oak) and Yogijis Food Mart (26 Carr Road, Mount Roskill) in Auckland between September 17 to 26, 2012.
“Those who are unable to do so may email ammasatsangnz@gmail.com),” Ms Kalra said and added the birthday of Mata Amritanandamayi would be celebrated on September 27.
Keralites mark Onam
Keralites marked their annual ‘Onam Festival’ in many parts of New Zealand, including Auckland, Christchurch and Hamilton, with Hindus, Christians, Muslims and people of other faiths joining in the celebrations.
The Auckland Malayali Samajam organised the Festival on August 31 at the Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Mt Eden Terrace on August 31, attended by more than 1000 men, women and children. The programme included the release of the Samajam’s annual magazine ‘Darpanam’, the traditional Onam Sandhya and entertainment. Aiswarya Entertainments Ltd also awarded prizes to winners of various competitions
Our Christchurch correspondent Dr George Abraham writes, “Two separate celebrations were organised by the Christchurch Kerala Association and the Kerala Cultural Club. ‘Thiruvathira’ was an extraordinary item in both functions in addition to the various dance and music performances. Around 300 people of Kerala origin attended the celebrations.
Radhashtami
The Sri Radha Giridhari Temple in Kumeu, Auckland will celebrate ‘Radhashtami’ on September 23.
Details can be obtained from Head Priest Govind Kinkar on 021-1035050 or Programme Coordinator Divya Govind on 021-256 3065.
Radhastami marks the ‘appearance,’ of Radha Rani, a consort of Lord Krishna.
Srinivasa Kalayanam
The ‘Marriage’ ceremony of Venkateswara, the Lord of the Seven Hills will be held on September 15 (530 pm) and September 16 (8 am).
Aasthika Bhaktha Sangeerthana Samajam (ABSS), is organising the two-day event at Shanti Niwas Hall in Onehunga (14 Spring Street) in Auckland.
Udayalur Kalyanaraman and his Party from India will conduct the Programme, which would include ‘Divya Nama Sankeertanam’ and ‘Sampradhaya Bhajan.’
For details, please call Sankaran Pattibhimaran (09) 57921556
