Jal Jhilani Ekadashi celebration at Atmiya Vidya Mandir

In this advent of the digital era when virtual reality has accelerated growth of the cognitive abilities of young and growing students, and has sprung them into an illusionary world, there is hardly any scope to reverse this process. His Divine Holiness Param Pujya Hariprasad Swamiji had already foreseen this scenario of diminishing cultural values, hence Swamishree always emphasized celebrating all Hindu festivals at Atmiya Vidya Mandir to mitigate the effect and restore religious and spiritual practices.

In the series of seasonal festivals and religious occasions of the Hindu calendar, on 25^th September 2023, Jal Jhilani Ekadashi was celebrated at Atmiya Vidya Mandir. After the afternoon classes, the entire AVM family gathered at the swimming pool area to witness this unique cultural event. For the celebration of this event, a small boat was prepared and decorated for the purpose of Bhagwan’s nauka vihar. There was an all-pervading exuberance as the students beheld the stunning view of the pool and its colourful, scented surface with floating flowers. The programme started with poojan of Shree Thakorji. Thereafter Arjun Mama explained to the students that when rain drenches the parched land and the lives revitalised and thrive on earth during monsoon, we must express our gratitude towards God. The students were also explained how this auspicious day of Jal Jhilani Ekadashi is marked with the devout practice of taking Bhagwan for a small boat ride who has provided all living beings with nourishing water and filled all ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams through the rain.

Towards the end of the celebration, students participated in the Nauka Vihar of Shree Thakorji across the decorated pool. The event ended with aarti and distribution of Prasad. At the dispersal time, AVM family prayed in unison

अस्मिन् विशाले समुद्रसदृशे जगति हे देव !, मम नौकाम् अयच्छतु,

मम नौकायाः चालकः भव, मम तरणं च साहाय्यं कुरुत अयं सागरः ।

In this vast ocean-like world, hey Bhagwan, row my boat, be my boatman, and help me swim through this ocean of life!

Seema Ma’am