Photos: Prasad Acharya & Ratan Acharya
Daijiworld Media Network-Muscat
Report: Shodhan Prasad

Muscat, Nov 8: Vishwabrahmana Okkoota Muscat celebrated the fifth Vishwakarma Pooja Mahotsaw at Al Maasa Hall, Muscat recently.

The event was conducted by Veda Brahmashri Purohit Shreekanta H R, astrologer and chief priest of Shree Kaalikamba Dathatreya temple, N R Pura, Chikkamagaluru who flew all the way from Chikkamagaluru to perform the pooja ceremony.

Vishwakarma community members in great numbers witnessed the programme which was held on Friday October 17 at Al Maasa Hall, Ruwi.  The pooja mantap was well decorated with flowers and colorful lights.

The programme started at around 10:00 am with Maha Sankalpa, Kalasha Prathishte, Guru Ganapathi Puja, Swasti Punya Avachana, Vishwakarma Kalpokta and continued with Bhajans from 11.00 am onwards.  All devotees felt the positive vibration surrounding them with the sounds of tabla, harmony and tala.  Soon after the bhajan, mangalaarthi and distribution of Theertha prasada was held.

After the mangalaarthi, there was ‘Anna Santharpane’ mahaprasada distribution in a tradition way on banana leafs. It was served by youth who were traditionally dressed. All those who witnessed the programme happily received the prasada and waited eagerly for the cultural programme scheduled for afternoon.

Shri Vasudeva Acharya welcomed the gathering and gave a brief description about Veda Brahmashri Purohit Shreekanta HR.  He was honoured with shawl, fruits, flowers, memento etc by Shri Ganesh Acharya Kaup, president.  He spoke on the occasion and appreciated the work done by the community members in Oman. The chief priest showered his blessings on the community members and praised their activities.

Harishchandra Acharya Kenja hosted the programme in a lively manner. The cultural programme started with a semi classical dance by women Mallika, Archana, Purnima, Rashmita, Reshma, Varija and Prema. This was followed by a small skit ‘Sita Swayamar’ by the association members and children. After the dance, little girls Avani, Sameeksha, Pratik, Sharan performed on the song ‘Murali Manohar Mohan Murari’. Then, teenagers Yashas, Samrath, Abhinav, Manisha Sinchana, Varshini and Sharan paid tribute to legendary artiste Michael Jackson through their dance performance.  At the end, youths performed a Tulu comedy drama ‘Erla Yennayer’. All the dances were choreographed by Mallika Ravindra and Suresh Udupi.

Under the able leadership of president Ganesh Acharya, vice-president Sheetharam Acharya, secretary Jayaram Acharya, Jt secretary Harishchandra Acharya and treasurer Sadanand Acharya the programmes went on well.  Harsh Belman and Prema were the head couple who conducted the pooja ceremonies on behalf of the community. A set of consecrated cloths was presented to community senior couple Seetarama Acharya and Rohini by Veda Brahmashri Purohit Shreekanta H R. 

At the end VOM Jt secretary Harishchandra Acharya Kenja delivered vote of thanks.