Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Brisbane Branch celebrated Varsha Pratipada Utsav 2017, on 2nd April 2017.
The Utsav started with some physical activities. This included warm up exercises, Surya Namaskars and games.
To ensure the intensity of the activities is customized and suitable, all attendees were allocated into three groups. The games played brought back good old memories amongst the attendees of their younger days, when they played similar games, without the use of modern sports equipment yet had all the fun.
The second part of the Utsav was conducted indoors. To calm and settle everyone from the physical activity outdoors, a Sangh Geet (inspirational song sung in a chorus) was recited. This was led by a young sevika of 8 years.
This was followed by presentations by five young swayamsewak / sevika (volunteer) attendees on a range of topics; why, how and when we celebrate Varsha Pratipada Utsav.
To conclude, a baudhik on the significance of Varsha Pratipada Utsav (“New Year” festival) was presented. The Utsav is celebrated in many parts of India – Navreh, Ugadi, Gudi Padwa, Rogali Bihu and Bikhauti. Baishakhi the spring harvest festival also falls a couple days after. The festival is celebrated in a wide variety of ways that have become local customs. The variations are primarily due to different climatic conditions, fruit and flowers available and the local geography. However, they have two things in common:
The festival reminds us of numerous puranic, historic and cultural events. For example:
HSS, Brisbane conducts weekly shakhas in three locations around Brisbane:
For further details please contact website: www.hssaus.org