6th April 2025 – On the auspicious occasion of Shri Ram Navami, Arya Samaj Mississauga celebrated the Hindu New Year and 150 years of foundation of Arya Samaj.
The highlight of the event was that the Vedic Agnihotra, commonly known as Havan, was performed by school students who were mostly under the age of 16 years. For those who are not aware of what Vedic Agnihotra is, it consists of Vedic Sandhya, Bhajan, agnihotra and ends with Shanti Paath or Mantra. These mantras in Sanskrit were well pronounced by the children under the guidance of a trained purohit.
The event was also marked by several cultural performances by the children. The topics were vast which included the key principles and history Arya Samaj, how it impacted the Hindu society and its vast contribution in the freedom struggle. The children highlighted how Arya Samaj inspired several key personalities including Bhagat Singh, Kishan Singh, Lala Lajpat Rai, Mahatma Hansraj and Swami Shraddhanand.
One of the key speeches was from a Hindu boy from Pakistan. He talked about the sufferings of Hindus and other minorities in Pakistan.
The moderator, a trained purohit, made the event very interactive by asking several historical questions included:
- Which Rishi has a statue at Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, Melbourne, Australia?
- Which Rishi taught Shri Krishna and his brother Balram?
- What is the name of Sita Ji’s mother?
- What is the name of the Bow which Shri Ram broke at Sita Ji’s swayamvar?
- Which Sukta from the Vedas talks about the creation of this Srishti (universe)?
A wonderful Bharatnatyam dance performance was done by one of the student volunteers on the last question stated above.
A thank you note was given by the President of the Arya Samaj and all the participants were given a token of appreciation for their performances. The event ended after prasad was distributed to the devotees.
Very well organized event.