Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 1: As part of Gokula's centenary celebrations, Women's Day was observed in a unique and meaningful manner on the first day of Chaitra Navaratri, March 30.

The event commenced at 9:30 am, with around 100 women gathering for the occasion. Under the guidance of Vedic scholar Subrahmanya Karanth from Udupi, the celebrations began with a grand Kumkum Puja alongside the recitation of Maha Saraswati Ashtottara. This was followed by special prayers dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi and Mahakali. Using modern technology, devotional songs were integrated into the rituals, allowing all participants to immerse themselves in the spiritual experience. A collective Kumkumarchane was conducted as part of the event.

The three-hour-long ceremony was presided over by sponsors Mohan Raj and Savitri Mohan Raj. Dr Sahana Pothi introduced Vedic scholar Subrahmanya Karanth to the gathering.

At 2:00 pm, a formal stage program was held. The dignitaries present on the dais included president Dr Suresh Rao, honorary secretary A P K Pothi, treasurer Haridan Bhat, joint secretaries Mohan Raj and Chitra Melmane, women's wing president Dr Sahana Pothi, and guest lecturer Dr V B Aarti from Bengaluru. Prominent Gokula members Shailini Rao, Geeta L Bhat, and Savitri Mohan Raj were also in attendance.

During the event, Shailini Rao, Geeta L Bhat, Savitri Mohan Raj, and Dr V B Aarti were honored by the president and office bearers. The stage program was hosted by Anita Acharya, while Vinodini Rao, Smita Bhat, Anjana Rao, and Bharati Udupa read out the citations of the honorees. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Sahana Pothi.

Following the formal session, Dr V B Aarti delivered a captivating lecture on the journey of Indian women through history, leaving the audience spellbound.

A grand cultural evening followed, featuring a Yakshagana dance performance titled Nada Nritya Vaikuntha Yakshagana Nritya-Vaibhava. The musical ensemble included artists from Udupi and Mumbai, such as Shalini Hebbar, Sinchana Moodukodi, Vandana Malenki, Samarth Udupa, and Advaith Kanyana. The dance segment saw performances by Vinaya Ananth Krishna, Tanvi Rao, Supriya Udupa, Krithi Chadaga, Janhavi Pothi, Pratiksha Bhat, and Trisha Bhat.

The day-long celebrations concluded after 6:30 pm with group games organized by the women's wing. Elders and youngsters participated enthusiastically, sharing a joyous feast and marking the beginning of the new year as one big family in the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.