Hindola - Bhakti Sangeet

Adhik Maas Poojan

The Hindu calendar is based around the lunar cycle. Since this calendar is based around the phases of the moon, a lunar year lasts for 354 days. This creates a difference of 10-11 days between the lunar and solar years. When this accumulated difference exceeds 29 days, approximately every 3 years, an adjustment is made with an extra month, the Adhik (extra), or Purushottam Maas. The extra month carries the name of the next month.

This year is such a year where we have an Adhik Maas. We have 2 Shravan months, the first is the Adhik month, which started on the 18th July 2023 and ended on the 16th August 2023. The annual Shravan month began on the 17th of August 2023.

The Adhik month is considered very auspicious and extra observances, vrat are taken to please Lord Swaminarayanbapa Swamibapa. To observe this auspicious month, Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Nairobi perfrormed various forms of Bhakti of which on each sunday of the Adhik Maas, Abhishek to Lord Shree Swaminarayan was performed after Mangla Niyams, folowed by Janmangal Namavali (offering flowers to the Lord), 10 minutes Dhyaan and thereafter Kirtan and Dhoon. Young devotees also gave short speeches. On the final Sunday of Adhik Maas, a mini Annakut was prepared by devotees and offered to the Lord. The Annakut comprised of various sweet, savory dishes and fresh fruits, vegetables and dry fruits. To end this auspicious ceremony, there was scripture recitals and samuh aarti. At the end of the event, devotees left with Annakut prasad.

In addition to these extra observance, a Hindola Bhakti Sangeet Night was held on 19th August 2023 by Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Sangeet Academy. Young devotees sang kirtans as the rest of the devotees swayed to the sweet tunes. Finally divine Mahaprasad was served to all.

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Hindola Bhakti Sangeet - Nairobi 19th August 2023