Dear NOA Friends, Family and Community Members,
On Monday, February 22, 2016, the Newah Organization of America held a very exciting and successful Sri Swasthani Brata Closing Ceremony in the Greater Washington Metro Area. This unique religious and educational event was dedicated to Sri Swasthani Mata and the Holy god Sri Madhav Narayan, just as it is at the holy Salinadi River in Sankhu. Sixteen men and women fasted and participated in the Ritual Brata Ceremony. Congratulations to all participants for successfully completing the ceremony!
This is the fifth public Swasthani Brata Closing Ceremony performed in the United States. Newah priest and scholar Mr. Basav Rajopadhyay led this puja. In addition to those fasting, there were many supporters, onlookers, and well-wishers in attendance at the Greater Baltimore Hindu Temple in Finksburg, Maryland. A free vegetarian lunch (Prasad) was served following the puja.
Newah priest Basav Rajopadhyay explained the significance and meaning of this Brata and puja steps to participants and other attendees. Then, the full traditional puja was performed. During the ceremony, few bhajans were song by a melodious voice of Mr. Sushil Lal Shrestha. Following the ceremony, all attendees received blessings from the priest.
NOA President Mr. Ram Lal Shrestha welcomed and thanked all attendees for taking time from their busy lives to support NOA and Newah culture. Mr. Shrestha also thanked coordinators and contributors to the puja. Special thanks go to Mr. Basav Rajopadhyay; Mr./Mrs. Ravi & Meena Pradhan for venue sponsor; Mr. Baikuntha Shrestha for facilitating to get Madhav Narayan painting and The Greater Baltimore Hindu Temple for providing the venue; eneplaese.com (Mr. Biswo Thapa) and dcnepal.com (Mr. Khem Bhattachan); all the EC members and volunteers who contributed to the Prasad and event.
NOA is proud to serve the Newah community in the USA with events like this. We appreciate the support for this special event and are excited people were able to experience Sri Swasthani Brata.
Regards,
The Executive Committee
Newah Organization of America
Newah Organization of America February 25th, 2016
Posted In: News
