Here is this week's update.
Sage Vishwamitra, Rāma and Lakshmana stayed overnight at Kamasrama (where Lord Śiva reduced Kama or manmatha to ashes for having disturbed his tapas). Then they took a boat across the Sarayu river (where it flows into the Ganga) to Dandaka Aranya (Dandaka forest). This is where they met their first hurdle, Thataka. Having angered Sage Agastya, she and her son Māricha were cursed to live their lives as flesh eating demons. Sage Vishwamitra told Rāma not to hesitate killing her, but to do as was his Dharma. As Rama aimed his arrow towards her heart, the angry demoness kept advancing. In one stroke, she was dead. This earned Rama the gratitude of all the Rishis in Dandakaranya, and the smile of pleasure from Sage Vishwamitra.
Sage Vishwamitra was pleased with Rāma and Lakshmana for getting rid
of Subahu and Maricha. The next day he informed the brothers that they
were all going to Mithila for a yagna being performed by King Janaka. King Janaka had a bow presented to him by Lord Śiva which was a must-see.
On their way to Mithila, they stopped at Sage Gautama's ashram. Sage Gautama and his wife Ahalya had lived there happily till one day Indra, taken by the beauty of Ahalya, came in the disguise of her husband and ate the food that she had lovingly prepared. Sage Gautama, in a fit of anger, cursed her to stone. Her freedom from that existence could only be granted by the Holy feet of Sri Rāma. Knowing this, Sage Vishwamitra took the brothers to the Ashram. When Lord Rama's feet touched the stone statue of Ahalya, she came to life.
Today we had a short session and had houses inauguration event, where we celebrated Ganesha chathurthi festival. We made ganesha, made neivedhyam modaka, we decorated the pooja altar, and made nice rangolis. All these were done in groups. Our House Durga Daredevils wore the color of the team, Red. Once doing the pooja, ganesa procession took place and we also did the visarjan.
Some pictures were shared in the whatsapp group.
Navarathri is coming up. Since we belong to Durga mata house and navarathri is Her festival, we will talk about navarathri festival in the upcoming class.
Children should bring their own copy of "My prayers" book, Ramayana coloring book ( for coloring activity) Balavihar handbook (we provided on the first session) 9/15), Notebook for likhita japa (any notebook is fine but it has to be the same one throughout), pencils and erasers and crayons.
Children may bring their own "spill proof water bottles"
NO snacks please. Please give them a good breakfast before coming to Balavihar. Also make sure they use the bathroom before going into the class.
Please bring the children to balavihar a few minutes before 9.15. We want to promptly start by 9.15. Please make sure the student is not late and may come latest by 9.20 and not later than that.
Links and Reminders:
We will update the class blog for the parents through an email and at the parent portal - Parent Portal 2024-25 (cmnjparentportal24-25.blogspot.com)
Please refer to the Balavihar Handbook- for the various House contests and Geeta Chanting Yagna information. (given to the kids on the first session 9/15)
Please join the class WhatsApp group if you have not already-WhatsApp Group Invite
