Jain Digest 2001 03 Vol 18 No 02

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 33

The Past Lives of Tirthankar Mahavir
The Young Jains of America is excited to display the talents of many youth, adults and Jain centers from across the continent from their celebrations of the 2600th Mahavir Jayanti. This was a momentous occasion for our Jain community. YJA was pleased to assist many Jain centers with the play, "The Past Lives of Tirthankar Mahavir." This play chronicled the births of Tirthankar Mahavir from his life as a simple town leader, Naysar, through his next 27 lives to his final birth as Prince Vardhaman.
Many cities have participated in this performance from across the USA and Canada. As they become available, pictures and summaries of the Mahavir Jayanti celebrations and plays from all over North America are being shown on the web. http:/ /www.yja.org/mj2600.htm
Charlotte, North Carolina
Jain Study Group celebrated Mahavir Jayanti on April 8th 2001. Celebration started with a Asthhaprakari Puja, and after the Puja, we had a Discourse on Bhagwan Mahavir's life and Jain principals by Shri Vijaybhai Doshi. Our young girls from 8 years to 13 years presented a beautiful melodious Stavan Dance. But the highlight of the program was a play depicting the twenty-seven lives of Bhagwan Mahavir. The play was divided into four acts for different past lives. We had great props to beautify the stage with mountain scene, trees and King's court. All the children did a superb job to play their own character.
Mr. Surendra Patel, Sanghpati of this year said that this was a very successful program and everybody enjoyed the Swamivatsalya after the program. We like to thank Young Jains of America, and especially Pavan Zaveri for all their help in the play and for supplying all the beautiful props and ornaments.
Chicago, Illinois
On April 8, 2001, the Jain Temple of Chicago celebrated Mahavir Jayanti with the production of the play, "The Past Lives of Tirthankar Mahavir" and declamation speeches given by Pathshala students.
Thirty-five Pathshala students, ranging from ages five to twenty-four, took part in our production. Determination and dedication by the participants, their parents, and other assistants helped make the play a big success. This play would not have been possible with out contributions from YJA and especially Pavan Zaveri for writing the play and supplying props for each Jain center.
Pathshala students also participated in the declamation speech contest, which was divided among ages. The topics included: "A message from the life of a historic Jain person of your choice," "Keeping Jain values alive in the Western world," and "Jainism and global peace." In conclusion, it was an auspicious occasion as the Jain youth of Chicago celebrated Bhagwan Mahavir's 2600th birth anniversary.
Dallas, Texas
Jain Society of North Texas celebrated the 2600th Mahavir Jayanti with a full program on April 8th, 2001. Approximately 300 people attended. The morning began with a series of Pujas. Following that, the cultural program was initiated with the youngest Pathshala children, ages 5-8, reciting Namokar Mantra, Icchami Khamasano and a bhajan. Next was the production of the YJA play, "The Past Lives of Tirthankar Mahavir." The play brought together 35 students of the remaining two Pathshala groups, ages 9-13 and 14 and up. The production came off without difficulty and was greatly appreciated by the audience. The play was directed by Pathshala teacher Charu Khara and Sushma Shah. Following that was a celebration of the birth of Prince Vardhaman with a colorful dandia dance.
The program concluded with Aarti and lunch. The program was enjoyable for all and a very well-received event.
Vasudev Tripristha (Nirav Doshi) tells his servant (Ryan Singhi) to have the musician (Jainesh Shah) stop when he falls asleep.
Chicago youth enthusiastically perform the play for the Mahavir Jayanti celebration.
UNAA
The whole Dallas cast poses for a picture
JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2001/31
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