NAM Baltimore celebrated Patotsav 2007 on Sunday March 31, 2007
The Nagar Association of Maryland (NAM), Baltimore celebrated Patotsav 2007 on March 31, 2007 in Greater Baltimore Temple. More than 170 nagar bandhu and bhagini gathered in colorful informal dresses as well in traditional Kurta-abotiya and sari with their parents, friends and families. It was truly outstanding and very successful.
It was well organized by the active participation of young as well experienced leadership of nagar volunteers like Sunil Vasavada, Parth Mehta, Pavan Nanavati, Vivek Mehta and others.. The well decorated palakhi procession of Hatkesh in and around the temple, with dhajas, patakas, dhol, manjira and chanting dhoon of "Bum Bum Bhole..Har Har Mahdev.. ...Jay Hatkesh..." reminded the old days of patotsav celebration in the streets of Ahmedavad, Vadodara, Junagadh, Visnagar, Patan and Bhuj. The temple priest performed the Hatkesh Pooja followed by abhishek, live group singing of Lord Hatkesh struties, bhajans, aarati and prasad. Temple dinner hall, tables and the stage was well decorated. Food was excellent, but more importantly it was very well served in the plates at the tables by more than 30 enthusiastic nagar youths.
After the break, there was a serious accusation on Sunil Vasavada insulting all nagaranis by wearing his wife's sari in place of Pitamber - known as Abotiyu by all nagar. This was taken to the highest Nagar Court by Hemanginiben Vaishnav; one of founder of the Patotsav celebration tradition in Baltimore and in USA, on behalf of all nagaranis worldwide. At this time it appears that all the nagaranis are still very upset with the outcome of the court and decided to appeal in the Nagar Supreme Court during NAGAR Global Convention 2008 at Chicago which is scheduled on during long weekend in July 2008, since they are not fully satisfied with the justice served in this nagar court...............
....and a light, creative cultural court drama "Ankhe Chadhhu Abotiyu" was presented to Baltimore nagar audience. It was played and performed live on stage by Sunil Vasavada and the nagar volunteer artists. It was written, composed and directed by NAM Chairman and one and only Sunil Vasavada. The play was very much enjoyed by all and the message to preserve, protect and pass on the proud nagar cultural heritage was very well appreciated by the audience.
Congratulations to all nagar volunteers, Nagar Youth Team members and the NAM team for an excellent Patotsav 2007 celebration.
Jay Hatkesh!
NAGAR Team
