Conclusion of Omkarananda Mahotsava with
Ganga Arati, on Omkarananda Ghat,
on 1st January 2013

It is undoubtedly extraordinary to start a new year with Prayers, Yajna and Bhajan-Kirtan, and if all this happens at the holy river Ganges, on the Omkarananda Ghat, then it is all the more truly special.

So, on 1st January 2013, the Conclusion of Omkarananda Mahotsava took place at the Ganga with the start of the New Year. The Priests of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Temple started a Yajna in front of an Altar with Gurudev's photo, along with Swami Vishveshwarananda and Kumari Somashekhari.

The stage at the Omkarananda Ganga Ghat was packed full with devotees and guests, who, after the Yajna, joined the Bhajans.

Under the guidance of Shri Vedacharya Pandit Shivkumar Malviya, a few young Sanskrit Students, dressed very nicely in the traditional way, were repeating Shlokas of Samaveda and later on, during Ganga Arati, they were again reciting Sanskrit Prayers in praise of Maa Ganga.

Kumari Somashekhari and her student Neha performed several devotional Dances, which were appreciated by the audience.

Beautifully decorated Altar with Gurudev's Photo at the Omkarananda Ghat. In the background is the holy Mother Ganga.
Young Sanskrit Students are ready for the Presentation of Samaveda.
Yajna at the Omkarananda Ganga Ghat by Swami Vishveshwarananda, Kumari Somashekhari and the Priests of Omkarananda-Kamakshi-Devi Temple.
Purnahuti by Kumari Somashekhari.
Agnidevata, the holy Fire, shining brightly in front of Gurudev and Mother Ganga.
Siddhartha Krishna is guiding the audience through the function.
Graceful Dance Performance as a worship for Gurudev and Maa Ganga by Kumari Somashekhari.
Swami Vishveshwarananda speaks on the occasion of the conclusion of Omkarananda Mahotsava. The speech is translated by Siddhartha Krishna.

Swami Vishveshwarananda, in his Vote of Thanks, wished everybody a successful New Year. He requested all devotees to continue the high spirit, which they are gaining with all these Pujas and Yajnas, throughout the whole year, and keep in their hearts the firm resolution to concentrate more than ever on Prayers and Pujas. He also requested them: "Always let your lives be permeated with divine, spiritual thoughts and feelings and put them into action!"  He thanked Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati for giving to everybody these great facilities and these opportunities to live near the Ganges and to be part of such great events.

The whole programme was nicely and flawlessly anchored by Shri Siddhartha Krishna.

In the end a powerful Guru and Ganga Arati took place, in which everybody got the opportunity to hold and wave the Arati in front of Gurudev Paramahamsa Omkarananda Saraswati and the holy Mother Ganga.

Finally, many small, small Deepas were offered to Maa Ganga along with constant recitation by the Priests and the Sanskrit Students.

It was a beautiful view, when in the darkness these holy lights were silently flowing with the holy river Ganges.

Gurudev- and Ganga-Arati by Swami Vishveshwarananda.

Arati by Suresh Pandit.

Finally Deepas were offered to Maa Ganga.