By Dr. S. Chellaiah
PEARLAND: Mahashivarathri, every year, is celebrated on the 14th day of Phalguna month when Chathurdasi falls at night and due to the alignment of celestial bodies, there is a natural flow of high energy among living beings. There are many legends behind the significance of Mahashivarathri.
One legend mentions that this is the night that Shiva married Parvathi. Another one mentions that on this day, Shiva performed the cosmic dance, Tandava, symbolizing the creation, preservation and destruction of the entire infinite universe. Some believe that on Mahashivarathri, Shiva swallowed the poison produced due to the churning of the ocean and kept it in his neck giving it a blue color and hence the name, Neelakandan.
Yet others consider that on this day, Shiva became one with Mount Kailash as an Adiyogi. Whatever be one’s belief, devotees spend the day fasting, meditating, chanting prayers and visiting Shiva temples. Some fast for 24 hours (Nirjala Virat) without eating or drinking anything and break the fast only after sunrise, the next day.
Here at The Meenakshi Temple (MTS) in Pearland, Houston, MahaShivarathri was celebrated on 25th February in a grand, divine, and sublime way. Pradosham called Mahapradosham was also celebrated on the same evening, and abhishekam for Nandi (the vahanam of Lord Shiva) and Lord Shiva were performed first, with the devotees circumambulating the temple carrying Shiva and his consort Parvathi, in a procession on a palanquin. A ankaram for Nandi that day consisted of fruit garlands, made with black, red, and pink grapes, cherry tomatoes, mandarins, oranges, lemons, guava, and apples, a special alankaram indeed, for this night. What a beautiful sight it was!
Then Shivaratri pujas began with the first of the four Kala poojas at 9 pm. For each Kalam, Shivalingam was anointed and abhishekams performed with milk, yogurt, sacred ash, rose water, honey, and Panchamirtham. After the abhishekam, Shivalingam was adorned with new Vatsaram and flower garlands of various hues and colors, imported fresh from Madurai, India. The other poojas were at 11.30 pm, 2 am and 4.30 am. Each alankaram was unique and breathtaking.
Prasadams prepared by both MTS and the devotees were distributed after each pooja. Coffee, tea and other light snacks were supplied by MTS throughout the night. The devotees recited songs from the holy texts in many languages. Though the crowd, a microcosm of India, was the largest for the first kala pooja, it was still sizable and a vibrant one even for the pooja at 4.30 am.
Dances portraying many of Shiva’s thiruvilaiyadals (leelas or playful miracles) were performed by a team of 22 people headed by Dr. Obuli Karthik. Working men and women, housewives, and moms all worked tirelessly to make the decorations, sew the costumes, choreograph, and practice to perfection. The program lasted for nearly two hours. It brought back childhood memories and emotions. Dances were performed by children of all ages from different Bharatanatyam dance schools in the area. There were also Carnatic music concerts. It was a divine and spiritual night, and the cultural program added to the grandeur.
It was a night of entertainment, edutainment, and excitement. A large bedecked Shivalingam model, a replica of Lord Annamalai of Thiruvannamalai, with colorful lights, kept near the Dwajasthambam in the outer mandapam, was the cynosure of all. It invoked the sublime and serene within our souls and became the ‘photo booth’ for most devotees.
What a feast it was to the eyes! All devotees were allowed to perform Aathmalinga Pooja through abhishekam of milk on Shivalingam kept at the center of the main hall. It is said that one attains immortality through this Pooja. Even in India, such opportunities are limited. In the holy text, Thirumanthiram, it is said that if one offers even a mere leaf but with sincerity, faith, and devotion, God accepts it with joy. So, performing this abhishekam was a privilege and exhilarating to all devotees.
The Chairman of the temple Board, Mr. Sundar Arun, in his speech, said that he was overwhelmed with the divine celebration, the increased number of devotees this year, the amazing cultural programs, the many spiritual bhajans all night, and thanked the silpis, priests, administrators and volunteers, the kitchen staff, coordinators, the executive and Board members for their commendable support and contributions.
As the first rays of Sun cleared the darkness, devotees received the Prasadams, quietly praying for their inner darkness to be cleared too, for nescience to be replaced by cognizance, the Maya by the Truth, the bonds by emancipation, and the turmoil by tranquility. All in all, the devotees left the temple with eyes, sleepy and moist with devotion, hearts filled with joy, souls enriched, and minds quieted. Was anyone tired? The answer was “No”. All those present were full of energy and excitement as they left the temple. An experience only to be experienced to savor it fully. As for me, I am eagerly looking forward to next year’s celebration of a very divine, spiritual and a fulfilling night of Shivarathri Celebration. Om Namasivaya!
SUGAR LAND: The “Together Building the Awakened Home” ceremony, held on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the Universal Door Meditation Center, was a momentous and spiritually impactful. More than 300 people, composed of monastics, honored guests, members, and friends, gathered on this auspicious day to witness the “Laying of the First Stone” for the International Awakened Retreat Center.
The ceremony took place under the warm glow of a setting sun, in a peaceful and natural environment that far
By Minakshi Juneja
Program Highlights
SUGAR LAND: Imagine stepping into a kaleidoscope of colors—red, yellow, pink, and orange—where faces and
Col. Vipin Kumar welcomed guests and highlighted India House’s ongoing commitment to serving the community through various free programs. “Our community is constantly evolving, and we want to ensure that people integrate into American society in the right way,” said Pankaj Malani, President of India House. “We extend our deepest gratitude to Houston Endowment for its generous $400,000 grant, which enables us to support immigrants through the complex naturalization process and help them become engaged U.S. citizens.” Meghna Goswamy, Program Director for Civic Engagement at Houston Endowment, spoke about their organization’s commitment to citizenship initiatives and their partnership with India House.
Held at the Bayou City Event Center in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office and Sister Cities Associations, this year’s gathering highlighted Houston’s diversity and commitment to inclusivity. At the forefront of this significant event was Saeed Sheikh, the Houston Iftar Coordinator, whose leadership and dedication ensured a well-organized, dignified, and seamless evening.
Prominent Businessman Tanveer Ahmed, emphasized the role of corporate responsibility in fostering stronger community ties. Faith leaders and community representatives, such as ISGH President Imran Ghazi, Ismaili Community Leader Faisal Momin, Mayor of Stafford City Ahmed Yasin, and Imam Wazir Ali, reaffirmed the significance of continued interfaith collaboration and dialogue.
By Juhi Varma
HOUSTON: In the aftermath of Maha Khumbh Mela…Holi revelers witnessed the largest Indo-American gathering in Clutch City at HOUSTON HOLI on SAT MAR 1 2025 at BH Ranch presented by Masala Radio 98.7 FM. “The Ranch looked like a colorful Bollywood Set!” exclaimed many while taking pics under a 30 foot entry of cascading mirrored Rajasthani umbrellas and tassels. The last-minute addition of special guest Nora Fatehi sparked fire in the community, “Nora Fatehi happened to be in the US this week for a late night show interview and was enthralled to do her first ever Holi appearance.” God blessed the event with perfect 77-degree weather, and just enough sun to dry the pichkari soakings! “Amazing Holi – no one can do this but Masala!” “Organization-Layout-Décor-Entertainment-Street Foods-Free Kids Rides – cannot see this anywhere but Houston Holi.” “Holi is so inclusive as the differences of race, religion, skin color are completely obliterated amongst a rainbow of color powder, confetti tornados, and blossoming color smoke grenades.” Comments like these poured in.
The highlight was Nora Fatehi entrance in the midst of a happily screaming, hand-outreaching crowd. She blasted color extinguighers and smoke grenades while fresstyle dancing to her latest “Snake” (song with Jason Derula), “Dilbar” and a encore of one of her hottest hits “Garmi.” She extended her hands to connect with countless super charged fans. Nora is an international start and inspiration for millions – a Canadian-Moroccan singer and dancer whose sheer magnitude of talent and determination made it big in Bollywood. When Sunil T teased her doubting her ability to speak Hindi, she bellowed in true Mumbai style “Areee, mein thumse achi Hindi bolti hun!’
Next Sunil T introduced local politicians and sponsors as they prepared for the grand Holi Pooja with Maharaj Hardik Raval from Shiv Shakti Mandir officiating & invoking blessings for all event attendees. From the actual Maha Kumbh Mela Sunil and Sandhya brought back Triveni Sangam Ganga Jal which was distributed by the thousands at the Vadtal Dham Mandir booth. Elected Officials included Sugar Land City Council members Naushad Kermally And Carol McCutcheon (both running along with William Ferguson in for Mayor in May), Fort Bend Cnty Commissioner Andy Meyers, represenatives from Pct3 Constable Ali Sheikhani, and TX State Rep Dr Suleman Lalani, Entrepreneurs were recognized for keeping such a large production event available at low cost beginning with Title Sponsors Ramji Law Group & Majestic Developers. Platinum Sponsors included: Sheikhani Group, Amir Dodiya Wealth Preservation & Strategies, Artex Sign & Graphics, Neptune Imports, Know Your Lingo, and Tara Capital. Bob’s Lounge kept everyone hydrated giving away10,000 bottles of water. Almost 80 individual sponsors came to receive and give blessings on the auspicious occasion of Holi the resounding victory of Good over Evil.
Hard core Holi Revelers flocked to the jam packed stage to dance in a frenzy to the nonstop Color Raves & Battle of the DJs featuring (in order of appearance): DJ Tazmayne “White Guy playing Brown Music” with his annual epic crowd surfing, DJ Kalki “South Side” “Tollywood Fanatic”, DJ Nishad “DJ turned Hero”, DJ Rakib & Dj Boyd “Bombay to Goa” resident DJs @ Bob’s Lounge, Sandeep Sulhan DJ & Dholi “Bhangra Master known to perform with RDB,” Each DJ blasted a unique mix to keep the crowding dancing for 3 hours. Between sets Sunil T created crazy contests for sponsors to give away dozens of AIrPods and even Iphones straight into the crowds. Adding glamour between DJ sets was larger than life St. Stephens Kerala Drummers, Singer & Violinist Reeva Varghese and dancers Neha Shetty & Melissa.
HOUSTON: Pralhad Gad, a devoted family man and cherished member of the Katy community, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on March 1, 2025. He was fondly known for his humor, warmth, selflessness, and love of Indian classical music.
NEW DELHI: On January 25th, the Indian Government’s Ministry of Home Affairs announced the 2025 recipients of the annual Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian honors bestowed by India’s President. American Hindu leader Sri Nandanandana Das (Stephen Knapp) was one of the notable recipients in the Padma Shri category for his outstanding and distinguished service in the field of Literature and Education.
ICC is the oldest Indo-American organization, 52 years running with no slowing down. ICC is marching forward with young blood and old wisdom. Its mission is to preserve the cultural heritage of India.
Talking about entertainment – starting with the youngest child on piano, the entertainment grew in dances from 22 dance schools. Kathak, Bharat Natyam was performed with grace and elegance by children and teenagers. Shivangani Academy for Kathak, Dholak and Tabla was an innovation to music through different instruments. The Dhadhak School for Performing Arts for Bharat Natyam brought traditional art of ancient dancing to the forefront. Qala Dance Houston, the Omkara group, Kathak Beats consisted of teenagers with kinetic energy which was a delight to watch. The Sonam Group was semi classical and Desi Beats was a Bollywood Fusion. Storytellers School of Dance gave graceful Kathak moves, an innovation; as did the Chinese Indian Dance Fusion by the Anyone Can Dance School.
SUGAR LAND : Anjana Parthasarathi enchants audiences with her soulful voice in the Texas Kannada Short Film “Kashi-Kailash” directed by Anu Kulkarni from Sugar Land.
About The Southwestern National Bank Scholarship Program 
January 26: India Republic Day Celebrations was celebrated at Arya Samaj Greater Houston by DAV Sanskriti School students, parents, teachers and volunteers joined the Satsang for the flag hoisting ceremony which was held indoors due to the pouring rainfall on that day. The Sanskriti School Children led in the singing of the Indian National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana…” and the ode to Mother India “Vande Mataram…” under the guidance of Ms Smriti, Music Teacher. Volunteers were also recognized for their longstanding contribution to the Samaj.
Students, Parents, Teachers, ASGH members and well-wishers joined the first of the various programs marking the Silver Jubilee of DAVMES. Welcoming all, Ms Arti Khanna, Director DAVMES gave an overview of the 25 years of the existence of the school. She thanked all past and present students, their parents, teaching and non-teaching personnel as well as ASGH members and well-wishers for their continued support. Shri Dev Mahajan Ji, one of the founders of the school elaborated on the various steps up to operational levels as well as how the school stands tall in Houston as a node for kids to connect to the living values Sanatan Dharma and Indian culture. All the kids had joined on stage for a vibrant singing of the DAV Anthem, and another handful of students were also on stage for a Kathak Dance performance.