Yes, it was a rare treat for the cultural-activity – starved Indians living in the Midwest. It was the occasion of Sri Radha Kalyana Mahotsavam, organized by Sridhar Balasubramaniam, Aravind Hariharan & Adhinarayanan, who hosted the elaborate three day celestial wedding at Bloomington, Illinois.
Sri Ramani Bhagavatar and Sri Pichumani Bhagavatar travelled to the small town to conduct the occasion. It was amazing to watch and enjoy both the Bhagavatars perform together.
Gallery: Celestial Wedding in US
On Friday, the 19th, June- the program started off with Thodaya Managalam, guru keerthanams including Enna Punniyan Seitheno. It was followed by Ashtapadis 1 to 5, till the second Sargam. The next morning, the Ashtapadis continued until the 18th.
The Saturday evening celebrations were held at Kumar Venkatasubramaniam’s residence, where Ashtapadis form 19th to 21 were rendered, followed by excellent Master pieces of Oothukadu Ventaka kavi presented by Sri Ramani Bhagavatar. The Arabhi krithi “Maragatha Manimaya Chela” was rendered elaborately. His recollection of the instance when he was presenting the Oothukadu Kamakshi Navavarnams, at Kanchi, in the holy presence of Mahaperiva mesmerized the gathering.
Sri Pichumani Bhagavatar, who with his down- to - earth charm, led the Dolotsavam. He succeeded in ensuring the involvement of all the bhakthas. The choice and selection of songs included almost all the gurus and composers right from sadashiva bramendral to Sant Tukaram and from Bhadrachala Ramadasar to Purandara Dasar.
The Kalyanam began with “Unchavruthi” by none other than Sri Pichumani Bahagavatar, which started off at Sreedhar’s residence and reached Aravind’s residence. One should have seen it to believe that it was no different from the Margazhi Veethi bhajanai of Mylapore Maada veethi. Most of the women were in their Madisaar pudavai and men and boys in Veshtis and girls in Paavadais.
Both Sri Ramani Bhagavatar and Sri Pichumani Bhagavar, explained each attribute of the wedding ceremony including the bringing of seeru, muthu kuthal, Mangalya dharanam and the parampara of Krishna and Sri Radha. The ashtapadis 22 to 24 were sung and every bhakta was given a role thereby ensuring complete involvement. The most enjoyable moments were when Sri Pichumani Bahagavatar presented the Nalangu – sampradayam.
One has to bow to the dedication and devotion the bhagavatars have in our tradition and culture. We had an opportunity to witness what Mr.Cho had explained in Enge Brahmanan, as to how difficult t is, to live a simple life where the goal is only to serve and guide others, to the right path of living. Hats off to Sri Pichumani Bhagavar and Sri Ramani Bhagavatar.
The divine wedding was followed by a Kalyana Saappadu, where payasam, carrot halwa, rice, Ghee, paruppu, sambar, rasam, kootu, aviyal, curries, mixed rice, vadai and more were served. Paruppu thenga and cashew sweets were offered as thamboolam to all the bhakthas.
The Mridangam vidhwan Sengottai Kalyan (brother of Sengottai Hari) drove from as far as Cincinnati to lend his helping hand. Aravind Hariharan was on the second Mridangam. Sathish from Indianapolis gave support on dholak.
The cellebrations drew bhakthas from Kansas City to the nearby Metro – the Chicago Land area.
For more information, you can write to Kannan.bakthavatsalam@gmail.com