Maa Sarada Birthday Utsav, Dec 2024
Sunday, December 15, 2024
On this special celebration, Puja was performed by Swami Ishatmanandaji and Divine Songs were sung during the puja. Swami Ishatmanandaji presented a talk on spiritualism, religion, happiness and peace. This event was followed by prasad and lunch. Thereafter VVCC Choir presented devotional songs on Maa Sarada and the Youth Choir presented a narrative on her life and teachings.
VVCC Choir Presentation
By Sohini Sengupta
Spiritual Growth is a Journey of Love and Service - Maa Sarada seated on a lotus, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening. The serene expression and the intricate mandala backdrop evoke a sense of divine tranquility.
By Pritha Bose
Love and Serve All without Distinction - Maa Sarada was full of compassion, love and care for all her bhakta’s irrespective of their religion, cast or creed.
By Ruhi Patra
Embrace Simplicity and Humility – She believed that living a simple and humble life was the path to spiritual growth and inner peace.
By Paoli Mitra
Unconditional Love Transcends All Boundaries - Maa Sarada's teachings on unconditional love emphasize that love has no limits and extends beyond all boundaries.
By Rishov Mitra
Find Peace in the Service of Others - Maa Sarada taught that selfless service is a manifestation of love and compassion. By serving others with a pure heart, we express our love for the divine present in every being.
Foundation Day and Jagaddhatri Puja Celebration, Nov 2024
Sunday, November 10, 2024
Vivekananda Vedanta Center, Connecticut (VVCC) celebrated the third anniversary of Foundation Day. Puja was performed in the morning.
The Foundation Day celebration was unique this year due to the Food Festival that engaged the devotees and friends to participate in food cooking, serving and fund raising for the center. There was an overwhelming participation and the event was successful.
VVCC Choir performed songs and narration on a theme dedicated to Sister Nivedita. The Youth Choir presented a short story about Sister Nivedita, her life, her contributions, teachings and interactions with Maa Sarada, Swami Vivekananda and the direct disciples of Thakur. Several choir team members drew pictures on Sister Nivedita expressing their devotion and appreciation.
VVCC Choir Presentation
By Ruhi Patra
Margaret Elizabeth Nobel meets Swami Vivekananda in UK and decides to come to India and provide service for Ramakrishna Mission. Responding to Swami Vivekananda's call, Margaret traveled to India, leaving her friends and family behind. She arrived in Calcutta on January 28, 1898, and visited Dakshineshwar temple on February 22. Swami Vivekananda taught her about India's history, culture, and people, broadening her character and developing her love for the country.
By Nivedita Sarkar
On March 25, 1898, Margaret Noble's life changed forever when she was initiated into a life of spirituality and service, receiving the name Nivedita, meaning "dedicated" or "devoted" in Sanskrit. Swami Vivekananda encouraged her to follow the path of selfless service and enlightenment.
Margaret Elizabeth Noble is initiated by Swami Vivekananda and named as Sister Nivedita.
By Upali Nag
Sister Nivedita joined Ramakrishna Mission to provide services to poor and under privileged people of India.
The transformed Sister Nivedita
By Samarth Sarkar
During his travels in British India, Swamy Vivekananda realized that education was key to solving societal issues, especially for women. He chose Margaret (Sister Nivedita) to educate Indian women, calling her a "real lioness" for the task. She believed in the importance of educating women for the nation's progress.
On November 18, 1898, she founded the Ramakrishna Sarada Mission Sister Nivedita Girls' School, that was inaugurated by Sarada Devi blessing the girls.
Sister Nivedita taught young girls and adult women sewing, elementary rules of hygiene, nursing etc.
By Upali Nag
Sister Nivedita and Maa Sarada Devi shared a deep and respectful bond. Their relationship was one of mutual respect and spiritual kinship. Sister Nivedita greatly admired Maa Sarada and often sought her blessings and guidance.
Maa Sarada, in turn, showed immense affection and support for Sister Nivedita's work, especially her efforts in education and women's empowerment. Sister Nivedita approached Maa Sarada Devi, seeking solace and guidance.
Sister Nivedita – The Dedicated, who gave her all to India
Annual Day Celebration, Sep 2022
Saturday, September 17th and Sunday, September 18th 2022
The first annual day of Vivekananda Vedanta Center, Connecticut (VVCC) was celebrated in a grand scale over a two days event. Swami Atmajnanananda ji initiated the program with opening remarks, followed by Puja, Veda Chanting and discourses. Several lectures and discussions were held by Swami Sarvadevananda ji, Swami Sarvapriyananda ji, Swami Yogatmananda ji. A panel was setup for question answer and clarifications. We remembered Swami Swahananda ji on this special day and played his videos. Several messages of Swami jis’ from other centers were played in the video.
Mahishasura Mardini and the nine forms of Ma Durga
Nine forms of Durga represent different aspects of the feminine divine power, signifying a journey of spiritual growth through various stages like innocence, devotion, knowledge, motherhood, and ultimate power, allowing devotees to connect with their inner strength and overcome obstacles by worshipping each form during Navratri festival.
Nine Forms of Durga
During Navaratri (nine days of celebration) in each of the day one from of Ma Durga is worshipped
Shailputri (First day): Represents the daughter of the mountain, symbolizing innocence and new beginnings.
Brahmacharini (Second day): Represents the devoted student, signifying the pursuit of knowledge and spiritual discipline.
Chandraghanta (Third day): Represents the fierce warrior, signifying the power to destroy evil.
Kushmanda (Fourth day): Represents the cosmic egg, symbolizing the creation of the universe.
Skandamata (Fifth day): Represents the motherly aspect, signifying nurturing and care
Katyayani (Sixth day): Represents the powerful warrior goddess, signifying courage and strength
Kalaratri (Seventh day): Represents the darkest form of Durga, signifying the power to overcome darkness and negativity
Mahagauri (Eighth day): Represents purity and peace, signifying the radiant light within
Siddhidatri (Ninth day): Represents the giver of knowledge and spiritual power, signifying the ultimate goal of enlightenment
VVCC Choir Presentation
VVCC Adult and Youth Choir presented a special program on Mahishasura Mardini. The nine forms of Durga, also called Navadurga was presented by the Youth Choir.
VVCC Choir presentation on Mahishasura Mardini and Navadurga
The Youth Choir narrated Mahishasura Mardini and explained the 9 forms for Goddess Durga. The Adult Choir sang Mahishasura Mardini songs in between the narratives. The Youth and Adult Choir participants drew pictures of different forms and Maa Durga and Durga Puja Celebration. This event made the youth think about Devi Durga and express their imaginations through their artwork.
Mata Brahmacharini
The name Brahmacharini comes from Sanskrit words that mean "one who practices or pursues". "Brahma" means asceticism or self-discipline, and "charini" means conductor. She represents purity, calmness, and spiritual wisdom. Her color is red, which symbolizes love and passion. The flower used to worship her is jasmine.
Illustration : Upali Nag
Mata Katayani
She is the sixth of the Navadurgas, the nine forms of Durga. She is also known as Mahishasurmardini, which means "the goddess who killed Mahishasura". According to the Vamana Purana, the gods combined their energies to create Maa Katyayani to defeat the demon king Mahishasura. She is often shown riding a lion, with four, ten, or eighteen hands. In her left hand she holds a sword and a lotus, and in her right hand she holds the Abhaya and Varada mudras.
Illustration : Upali Nag
Mahishasura Mardini
In bengal, the Mahishasura Mardini form of Ma Durga is more commonly celebrated. The Choir performed quintessential Mahalya songs – Ya Chandi and Jago Tumi Jago.
Goddess Chandi - By Aishani Nag
Awakning of Durga - By Soham Sarkar
The song Ya Chandi worships the annihilator from of durga, slayer of deamons. Whereas the song Jago Tumi Jago celebates the savior form of Durga.
The youth members illustrated the different forms in their interpretation.
Swami Vivekananda started Durga Puja celebration at Belur Math. He performed Kumari Puja on this event. Durga Puja was first celebrated at Belur Math in 1901. Swamiji wanted to institutionalize respect for divinity of motherhood and sanctity of womanhood.
The members of the youth choir represented Ma Durga as they see
Maa Durga - By Aditya Guha
Durga esheche (Maa Durga has arrived)
- By Riddhima Roy
Mahishasura Mardini – By Mandrita Guha
Maa Durga – By Yuvaraj Das
Durga Puja Celebration – Dhaki playing Dhak
- By Samarth Sarkar
Durga Puja is incomplete without the rythmic sound of Dhak during the puja and arati.
The dhak is a large, one-sided drum that is a central part of Durga Puja. the dhak is played by traditional drummers called dhakis, who perform different beats and tunes for each ceremony. The dhak's rhythmic beats are a key part of the festival, and people of all ages dance to the sound of the dhak.
The presentation by VVCC Choir was highly appreciated by Maharaj and all Swamis and Bhaktas. Bengali Association of Greater Hartford invited VVCC Choir to perform Mahishasura Mardini at BAGH Durga puja on October 2024.
VVCC Choir performance, Apr 2022
Sunday, April 17, 2022
In their first ever presentation with the youth members, the VVCC Choir team took special interest in the early childhood of Swami Vivekananda. They were intrigued by the kindness and bravery of Biley - Narendranath Dutta. The youth choir went through their narration about Swami Vivekandanda’s life and teachings and took special interest in drawing some of Swamiji’s stories, events and teachings. This resulted in a colage of pictures tied to their narrative that was presented at VVCC connecticut.
VVCC Choir team in April 2022
The youth choir team on their first presentation.
The youth choir shared their narrative with the illustrations in their performance.
VVCC Choir Presentation
Life of Swami Vivekananda
Youth Choir Presentation: April, 2022
The youth team took special interest in the early childhood of Swami Vivekananda. They were intrigued by the kindness and bravery of Biley - Narendranath Dutta. The youth choir went through their narration about Swami Vivekandanda’s life and teachings and took special interest in drawing some of Swamiji’s stories, events and teachings. This resulted in a collage of pictures tied to their narrative that was presented at VVCC Connecticut.
Life of Swamiji - narrated by youth members
By Aishani Nag
His kind heart since early childhood - As a young boy, Naren, affectionately called Biley by his family, once came across a poor sadhu and his da. He was starving and begged for food and clothes. Without hesitating, Naren gave away his own meal, despite his own hunger. Once he saw a man suffering from a severe illness, who was neglected by others due to the fear of contagion. Naren, showing immense courage and empathy, cared for the man without regard for his own safety, providing him with food and comfort.
The act not only showcased his empathy but also his willingness to sacrifice his own comfort to help others.
By Suhani Ghosh
When meditating, he is detached from fear and distraction - One day, young Naren was sitting in deep meditation under a tree. During his meditation, a large cobra approached him. The other children playing nearby saw the cobra and ran away in fear. They called out to Naren, urging him to escape from the snake. However, Naren was so deeply absorbed in his meditation that he remained completely undisturbed and unaware of the danger. The snake slithered close to him, circled around him, and then eventually went away without harming him.
This story highlights Naren's extraordinary focus, fearlessness, and spiritual depth even as a young boy. It also illustrates his ability to remain calm and composed in the face of danger, a quality that would later define him as Swami Vivekananda.
By Sammarth Sarkar
Parivrajaka Swamiji - As a Parivrajaka (wandering monk), Swami Vivekananda traveled extensively across India, visiting numerous sacred and significant places. Here are some of the key places he visited:
North India: Varanasi, Ayodhya, Lucknow, Agra, Rishikesh, Haridwar
Central India: Vaidyanath, Allahabad, Ghazipur
Himalayan Region: Nainital, Almora, Dehradun, Srinagar
North-West India: Delhi, Rajputana
South India: Tamilnadu - Kanya Kumari
By Ruhi Patra
Swamiji’s message to youth - He said: "Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached." Vivekananda urged the youth to be confident in their abilities and to pursue their goals with determination and perseverance.
By Soham Sarkar
Little “Biley” young “Naren“ emarges as the universal monk - Swami Vivekananda's message to the youth is timeless and remains relevant to this day. His teachings emphasized the importance of self-confidence, strength, service, and spiritual growth.
Swami Vivekananda's life and teachings, seen through a youth’s perspective, highlights significant impact on spirituality and personal growth. Swamiji’s focus on self-knowledge, universal brotherhood, and character strength resonates with young minds. His life journey and narratives reveal his timeless messages of courage, compassion, and truth, inspiring individuals of all ages. By embracing his principles, the members of the youth choir embody hope and motivation, demonstrating that Vivekananda’s teachings empower future generations to lead lives of service and understanding. His legacy thrives in the pursuit of knowledge and the commitment to uplift others.