Mahavira Janm Kalyanak 2012

Flashback:

Sometimes some dates and events leave a lasting impression on our life and become etched in our memories for a long time. For me , 4th April was such a date in 2012  and the event was of course Mahavir Janm Kalyanak and  my ‘induction’ into KTJH which happened on that date. But, let me lay the canvas before I paint the picture.

Life has its own mysterious ways of handling things. Many a times, it happens that when we turn back and look at life, then several ‘What Ifs’ pop up forcing us to think ‘What if this hadn’t happened’  but then the very thought that such a thing happened makes us smile. Who knew a simple facebook friendship with an unknown person Rishabh two years ago would one day lead to a new phase of my life when fate would bring us together in Bangalore.

After arriving in Bangalore in March end this year, I was feeling completely lost in this alien land. No work (not had project that time), not many friends or acquaintances, no place to go and pass time. Some random conversation with Rishabh led him to call me in Mahavir Janm Kalyanak function to be organised in Wilson Garden Temple a few days later. I readily agreed.

Thus arrived the above mentioned date bringing with it just one word for me – Anticipation. I was excited and thoughtful at the same time. What type of functions do they have here in Bangalore, will I be able to mix up with the people I would be meeting etc. I just got ready, boarded a bus and reached the temple around 8:00 a.m.

The Function Starts:

Pooja had just started when I reached temple. Listening to the lines, ‘Ih vidhi thado hoyke, pratham pade  jo path...” made me glow with happiness as I was hearing these lines after a long time. I quickly recognized Rishabh in the crowd and had a formal face-to-face introduction. Soon we got immersed in Pooja and the environment of the temple radiating positivity and energy fully complemented our mood.

In between Pooja, some Bhajans were sung by few people including Ashutosh. By now we all know how nice he sings so you can well imagine the ambience at that time.

Pooja continued till around 11:30 a.m. The accompanying music brought many old memories back.

After this we  got a chance to cradle Bal Mahavira Bhagwan.

                                             

At that time, the entire temple as well as our inner self was resonating with just these lines,

                                  “Mahavira jhoole palna, nit haule jhutta dijo

                                    Nit haule jhutta dijo, zara haule jhutta dijo”

This was followed by a small procession. In the time I got before the starting of procession, I was introduced to the other members of the group- Nitin Jain, Ajay Jain, Ashutosh Jain, Abhinandan Jain.

(My hearty apologies if I am forgetting anyone’s name as I am having bleak memories of that day)

The Function Continues:

The procession was a really nice one. Although it was small  but the enthusiasm of the people was worth watching. Throughout the route, people did Dandiya , bhajans were sung and of course how can one forget the ‘Khaana-Peena’ which we usually have in our processions. The Palki of Jinendra Bhagwan was carried on the shoulders by the community people.

The procession ended around 12:30 p.m. after which Boli started for doing abhishek and aarti. Bhaktimay abhishek and aarti accompanied by melodies of the singing group really made the whole experience divine.

                                            

The entire function wrapped up around 1 p.m. after which we had the community lunch. I had discussions about whereabouts of all members throughout the route to the lunch place.

Due to rush, we had to wait for the lunch but the wait was worth it as we discussed several things including the evening plan.  Finally our turn came and making our way through the sea of people we managed to get food. Well quite an achievement seeing the rush.

After lunch, we all had some short chat. I got to know about Mayank Jain Lavish Bagdia, Archana Jain Mohini Jain and Neha Jain but could not meet them that day. The whole program ended around 2 p.m. after which it was  decided that in evening, everyone would be gathering at HAL temple. After this, we took our own ways.

Believe me, the gap of 4-5 hrs was really hard for me to pass as I was so excited to meet everyone again and do aarti together.

The Function Culminates:

Finally the clock struck 6:30 p.m. and I rushed to HAL temple. There also arrangements were made for the ‘Palna’ of Bal Mahavir. The entire temple was decorated and was shining with lights.

  

Again, we cradled Bal Mahavir and then did aarti together along with other people in the temple.  Around 8 p.m. after exchanging greetings, we departed for our homes deciding to meet very soon maybe over the weekend.

I can quite easily say this was my best Mahavir Janm Kalyanak in years. All apprehensions of morning had now given way to just happiness and excitement.

Well the day ended on this note but a saga began.

Just after a few days, our group KAHI TO JANA HAI.... HOD KAHA CHALEIN... was formally born on Facebook and all the members came much closer to each other in interaction. Everything in the group became structured right from discussing about the next trip to filling excel sheets about the availability of members and congratulating each other for each other’s something special be it birthday or any other occasion.

Some journeys of life are never meant  to end. They don’t have any destination also. They just have objectives - whether it is to spread happiness, enlightment, knowledge or awareness.

Well to end the post I would just say that we , all the members of KTJH , are also on such a journey , a journey of Dharma, of friendship, of care and bonding with each other and this journey of KTJH continues unabated till date.....

Ashish Jain