10,000 expected to attend Hindu festival
Celebrations to mark the reading of the Hindu holy book are ongoing at the Lohana Mahajan Mandal hall on Forest Road.
The week-long festival, Saptah, kicked off last Sunday and will end tomorrow.
Up to 10,000 devotees are expected to attend the celebrations, which run between 4 pm and 7pm followed by sumptuous dinners, Mahaprasad, for all guests.
The holy book, Bhagvid Gita, is being read by Acharyashree Dwarkeshlalji Mahodayshree who holds a masters degree in Sanskrit and boasts in-depth knowledge of Indian scriptures.
Devotees usually participate in the hymns and recitations and dress in traditional attire to celebrate the special occasion.
The set-up is extravagant with plenty of fresh flowers and expensive drapery in the community hall.
Several screens broadcast the event live .
Said Bharat Thacker, the Secretary of the Lohana Mahajan Mandal: “It’s nice to see that there is a number of youths involved in this activity, the Bhagvad Gita is the oldest book in the Hindu religion and by reciting it you not only get blessings from the Lord, but you are relieved from ego, greed, worldly desires and laziness.
“We encourage all to come and participate in the reading.”
The event’s organiser, Kamal Kantaria said: “The response has been great, it has helped to bring the community together we are working together to ensure the success of the Saptah.”