Namaste to all our Bal Gana and Parents! As spring blooms, we welcome a magical string of festivals filled with color, courage, and timeless lessons. These celebrations remind us to be kind, brave, and devoted as we embrace the new year.
A Season of New Beginnings
We recently kicked off the season with Holi, celebrating the victory of Prahlad’s devotion over Holika’s fire. Following this, March 19 marks Varsha Pratipada (Hindu New Year). Known by many names like Gudi Padwa and Ugadi, it is a time to clean our homes and hearts, raising the “Gudi” flag to welcome a positive start. This day also begins Chaitra Navratri, nine days dedicated to worshipping the divine forms of Shakti.
Lessons from Great Heroes
The ninth day of Navratri is Shree Ram Navami, the birthday of Bhagwan Shree Ram. As the hero of the Ramayan, he remains our ultimate role model for standing up for Dharma. Soon after, we celebrate Shree Mahavir Jayanti, honoring the 24th Jain Tirthankara who taught us Ahimsa Paramo Dharma— the path of non-violence and kindness to all living beings.
Strength and Devotion
On April 1st, we celebrate Shree Hanuman Jayanti. By chanting the Hanuman Chalisa, we remember the strength, humility, and loyalty. Later, on April 19, we observe Shree Parashurama Jayanti, honoring the sixth avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu, who teaches us the courage to protect the weak.
Abundance and Protection
Also on April 19 is Akshay Triteeya, a day where “Akshay” (the eternal) ensures that any good deed or charity performed brings everlasting luck.
The last festival of April month falls on April 30 with Shree Narasimha Jayanti, remembering how Bhagwan Vishnu appeared as the half-man, halflion to protect young Prahlad.
Let’s carry these lessons into our Shakha, staying united as one family while celebrating the values that make our culture so vibrant.
IMPORTANCE OF HOLI-SCIENCE AND SPIRIT OF COLORS
Namaste,
Holi is a super fun and colorful festival that is mostly celebrated in Bharat. It is celebrated in the spring, usually in March, when winter is ending and the weather starts getting warmer and rainy. The date changes every year because it follows the Hindu lunar calendar, which is based on the moon. In science, spring happens because the Earth tilts toward the sun, so we get longer days and more sunlight.
One of the best parts of Holi is throwing bright colored powder and water at your friends and family. A long time ago, the colors were made from flowers and plants, which made them more natural and safer for your skin. Playing with colors (gulal) on Holi symbolizes the arrival of spring and new beginnings.
The night before Holi, people light a big bonfire also known as Holika Dahan. This comes from a story about good winning over evil. From a scientific point of view, the fire also helped burn dry leaves and plants left over from winter. Holi is not just fun and messy it also connects to nature, seasons, and science in cool ways.
GUDIPADWA AND UGADI ARTWORK
GUDI PADWA is a spring festival for Hindu people from Konkan and Maharashtra. It’s celebrated in GOA, DAMAN, and MAHARSHTRA on the first day of Chaitra of the lunar calendar.
On the day of GUDI PADWA, people clean their houses and decorate it with rangolis and Gudi.
Gudi is made with a bamboo stick, a bright cloth, neem and mango leaves, a garland, and Kalash (metal pot) on top. Gudi is a symbol of victory, blessing, health, and prosperity. On this day people pray, wear new clothes, and eat sweets like Puran Poli to celebrate this new year festival. The same day is celebrated as Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, Hindi Navvarsh in Northen states of Bharat, and as Cheti Chand by Sindhi Community.
ADI
SHANKARA
CHARYA SHAKHA WOODLANDS
ADITYA
16 GUNAS OF SHRI RAM AS A GREAT HUMAN
Long ago in Ayodhya, there lived a Prince named Rama One day, Rama was exiled from the kingdom because his father had promised Queen Kaikeyi two boons. Queen Kaikei asked for Lord Rama to be exiled so that her own son, Bharat, could be crowned King instead. Rama respected his father's word and went into exile without hesitation. Instead of getting angry, he remained Jita Krodhah (Master of his anger). Everyone knew how Gunavan (Virtuous) Rama was; he was also Vidvan (Wise) and Samarthah (Capable).
While leaving for exile, Rama was Anasuyakah completely free from jealousy or ill-feelings toward others. He accepted his fate because he was Satyavakyah (Truthful); he would rather lose a kingdom than let his father break a promise In the forest, Rama’s Charitrena Yuktah (Pure conduct) shone brightly He was Sarva Bhuteshu Hitah (Kind to all living beings) While Rama and Lakshmana were away from their hut, Ravana kidnapped Sita. When the vulture Jatayu tried to save her, his wings were chopped away by Ravana. When Rama found the dying bird, he cried for him and thanked him from the bottom of his heart, proving he was Krutajnah (Grateful) for every bit of help he received. When his wife was kidnapped, he remained Dhrida Vratah (Determined) to save her He showed he was Viryavan (Brave) and Dharmajnah (Righteous). Even though he could have returned to Ayodhya to ask Bharat for his massive royal army, he chose to lead the Vanara Sena instead. Everyone who saw him noticed Rama's Priyadarshanah (Pleasant appearance) and his Dyutiman (Radiant energy). Throughout the journey, he remained Atmavan (Self- controlled).
At last, in the final fight, his power was so great that even the gods were Bibhyati Devah filled with respect and awe at his immense strength.
ADVAIT
MILLIE
AM I AS BRAVE AS HANUMAN? AND
SHRI RAM
ARTWORK
I am not as brave as Hanuman because I am afraid of falling down from high places and Hanuman is not afraid heights. One way I can overcome my fear of heights by practicing climbing the structures in my playground and doing the monkey bars.
Another way I can overcome my fear of heights is that I can say Hanuman Chalisa to help me not be afraid of falling down from heights. In Ramayana, Sita Mata was abducted by Ravana and taken to Lanka. Nobody knew where she was. Hanuman was given the job of looking for her and he was so brave that he went flying all over Sri lanka to find sita mata and he was not afraid of falling.
For me to be as brave as Hanuman, I chant Hanuman Chalisa everyday which will give me courage. I will also practice climbing the play structures in the playground. This will help me overcome my fear of heights. Thank you Hanuman for helping me overcome my fear of falling down from heights.
SHIVSHAKTI SHAKHA BROOKSHIRE
BHUVIKA
RAMAYANA WORD SEARCH
WHY I LIKE SPRING SEASON
MOST
Spring is a beautiful season when light rains make the weather fresh and pleasant. Flowers blossom, trees turn green, and nature comes alive again. It is also the time of festivals like Holi, bringing joy and colors. The weather is slightly warm, perfect for playing outside. Apple trees start blooming, leading to fruit later. Overall, spring is colorful, lively, and full of happiness.
