Jain Digest 2001 03 Vol 18 No 02

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

Page 34

Houston, Texas
Jain Society of Houston held a three-day event from April 6th - 8th to celebrate the 2600th Mahavir Jayanti. Friday morning began with pujas, and the evening held a pravachan by Samani Sanmati Pragyaji, a Namokar Mantra Jaap and bhavna with Minoo Purshottam.
Saturday was filled with seminars on various aspects of how Jainism has influenced our life over the past two millenia. Following that was the play, "The Past Lives of Tirthankar Mahavir." Twenty youth played the various characters with many adults assisting in the background. Over 300 people attended the performance. Several dances accompanied the play celebrating the birth of Bhagwan Mahavir.
On Sunday, April 8th, the program began with a pravachan by Samani Charitra Pragyaji. Then, many of the younger Pathshala children, ages 9-13, performed dances and skits illustrating events from Bhagwan Mahavir's life. Other events included the story of Chandkaushik, Chandanbala and the cowherder puttinh thorns in Mahavir's ears. The Jain Fellowship of Houston, the Pathshala teachers and the Jain Society all came together beautifully for a tremendous weekend of programs celebrating this momentous occasion, the 2600th Birth anniversary of Tirthankar Mahavir
Middle Tennessee
Jain society of Middle Tennessee (JSMT) celebrated 2600th Birth Anniversary of Lord Mahavir, on 7th April 2001. With the sincere and dedicated efforts of the outgoing members and youth the program was a great success!
As usual we had sequence of few cultural programs in the celebration of the occasion. On that auspicious day all the Jains recited Jain prayers and stavans. Like every year this time we had a Jain scholar, Balbhadraji, who came over to enhance our knowledge of Jainism. He laid emphasis on how important the "NavkarMantra" and other sayings are and how they generate powerful vibrations throughout the day.
We than had a swapna darshan ceremony, followed by skit prepared by youth, which had inspiring messages to convey. The future generation is definitely benefited by this exposure. It helps to keep Jain traditions intact, while developing good values among youth. We also had a sequence of dances performed by enthusiastic youth. Finally we had our authentic traditional dinner.
Orlando, Florida
Jain Society of Central Florida celebrated the 2600th Mahavir Jayanti on April 8th, 2001 at the Hindu Temple with about 250 people in attendance The entire program was organized by the youth.
First, several young children recited the Namokar Mantra followed by a play, "Mahavir is My Hero," by several young boys. Next was a dance to Maro avato bhav avo apaje by three girls. And then the play on"The Past Lives of Tirthankar Mahavir," by about twenty youth. The effort was directed by Rajendra Mehta. In celebration of the birth of the Tirthankar, there was another dance by thirteen young children to Mahavir Bhagwan no Helo. The program concluded with a lecture by the Samanijis. The whole event was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Mr. Ramesh Kotadia commented "it was very nice to see the young people so involved in knowing about their religion and presenting it."
San Diego, California
Jain E32 JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 2001
Chakravarti Priyamitra (Palak Parikh) listens to a discourse from the munis (Nitesh Daga and Amit Shah).
Sidey of Nattle Tes CLARKSVILLE, TN
Ishan Parekh and Ishita Parekh display and discuss the dreams Queen Trishala
The cast of the Past Lives of Mahavir play in Orlando.
Jain Society of San Diego held their Mahavir Jayanti program on April 22nd in which they put on a play called "Mahavir's Life: A Journey of the Soul from Ordinary to Divine", in which the 32 youth performed portions of the play "The Past Lives of Tirthankar Mahavir". It was followed by another drama and then followed by dinner.
The play was most definitely the highlight of the evening, with its colors, dance and music. There were also many adul volunteers who worked on this play, from choreography to stage decor. San Diego certainly brought forth the spirit of MJ2600.
Rejoicing in the birth of Bhagwan Mahavir