By Swati Sharan
ST. JOHN’S: As Indo-Canadians continued their harvest New Year celebrations through the week, decorations for Vishu, the Keralite New Year, were put up in St. John’s temple to bring on good tidings for all. Chants of Hanuman and the Ramayan filled the air as Hanuman Jayanti was also close by.
The decorations for Vishu are enshrouded in golden colors including harvest and coins to welcome prosperity into our lives in the coming new year.
Simultaneously, a grand function of Vaisakhi was held at the Sikh Gurdwara in St. John’s with religious services followed by langar or free meals.
There was a powerful powerpoint presentation to explain different chants and philosophical concepts and highlight that one could not take some of the chants and their translations literally. It required great contemplation and spiritual discipline. Explanation for aspiring to reach and maintain oneself at the Dasham Dwar or the 10nth Gate was also given. (The 10nth Gate is where the crown chakra is located).
St John’s is home to a small but very warm Sikh community. Most of them came out wearing very bright colours to reflect the spirit of Vaisakhi.
(Indian journalist Swati Sharan lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland)
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