The Guru Poornima 2011 was celebrated in a grand manner at Houston Namadwaar. Several devotees from California, Dallas, TX and Corpus Christi, TX came to Houston to make the occasion very festive and joyous.
On Thursday, June 14, Guru Poornima Day, Akhanda Nama sankirtan was performed at Namadwaar from 6 AM to 6 PM in the presence of the Holy Padukas of Sri Swamiji. Following the Akhanda Nama, the Holy Padukas were taken on a purappadu (procession) around Namadwaar. The Padukas were placed in a beautiful wooden “palanquin” made specifically for the occasion and decorated with flower garlands. Numerous kirtans composed by Sri Swamiji and other Guru kirtans were sung throughout the procession. The singing was led by Sujathaji. The purappadu lasted over 2 hours.
On Friday, July 15, Akhanda Nama sankirtan was performed from 8 AM to 5 PM. Ramaswamyji then gave a pravachan on Guru mahima. Following this, all the devotees went to the residence of Sriramji and Nishaji for Divya Namam. Divya Nama sankirtan commenced around 7:30 pm. There was a break around 9:30 pm as Sri Ramanujamji called in to give a talk based on Sri Swamiji’s Guru Poornima anugraha bhashanam in India. Divya Namam then resumed and continued till almost midnight, and ended with dolotsavam.
Saturday, July 16 saw Mahamantra kirtan performed at Namadwaar from 8 AM to 12 Noon. A mass prayer and booth was also organized by GOD in the Houston Rath-Yatra that took place that afternoon.
On the final day, Sunday July 17, Mahamantra kirtan was performed again from 8 AM to 12 Noon. The children of Gopa Kuteeram along with Sriramji then presented a short skit on Guru Mahima. Following this, Ramaswamyji spoke on Nama Mahima and finally GBji spoke for a few minutes on the importance of having children be a part of satsang.
The 4-day program ended on a high note with thoughts of the Grace of our Guru Maharaj in the minds and hearts of all the devotees present.
