Wednesday, April 9, 2014

A Lovely Celebration of the Hindu New Year & Lord Rama's Birthday

Last night the Brookings Interfaith Council gathered at the Brookings Islamic Center to celebrate with members of the Hindu community their New Year (Vikram Samvat 2017) and Lord Rama's birthday. After a splendid meal prepared by our Hindu friends, the significance of these holidays was explained briefly by Dr. Chandradhar Dwivedi. Then Dr. Sanjeev Anand delivered a short Powerpoint presentation that offered additional insight into Vikram Samat and the Hindu calendar.

You may view the Powerpoint presentation here.

Following some discussion of the presentation, the gathering adjourned so that individuals might either participate in or observe the Muslim community's evening prayers, being held at the Center. The invitation to non-Muslims to attend was received with gratitude by the Council, and many members were heard to say afterwards how moved they had been, witnessing the prayers.

It isn't often that a Muslim community hosts a Hindu celebration, especially with Jews, Christians, Baha'is, Buddhists and agnostics also present. The evening was a remarkable time of sharing across religious and cultural divides. BIC warmly thanks the Brookings Islamic Center for its hospitality and the Hindu community for both the incredible feast and the informative presentations it prepared for the gathering.

Happy Vikram Samvat, everyone! And may the blessings of Lord Rama be upon us all.