DEEPAVALI

Diwali which falls on 31st October 2005 is one of the brightest festivals not only in India but also in other parts of the world. The original form of Diwali is Deepavali which means a row of lights. It is also known as the festival of lights. During Deepavali a house is lit with little earthenware vessels containing oil and a lighted wick. A few days before the festival, the houses are usually cleaned. Deepavali also marks the advent of new season and the sowing of new crops.
Deepavali usually commemorates the triumph of Lord Rama over the demoniac king Ravana and Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. It is generally celebrated on four days. The first day is Narakachaturdasi - the day when Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura. The second day is Dhanalakshmi Pooja. It is believed that Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Mahavishnu, would fulfil the wishes of the devotees on this day. The third day marks " Bali Padyami" - the day when Lord Vamana, the dwarf incarnation of Lord Vishnu, humbled the demon king Bali. The fourth day is " Yama Dvitiya" or " Bhaiya Dooja" - the day which is observed as a symbol of love between sisters and brothers.

LET DEEPAVALI LIGHT UP OUR LIFE
LET SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE ILLUMINATE OUR INTELLIGENCE AND MIND

Hare Krishna!

Anantadev Das

ALWAYS CHANT:

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

STEVEN WILHELM

Steven and Anantadev

We, the members of SDD, miss Steven Wilhelm who left Bangalore for USA on 11th October 2005. Being a professional analyst, he was instructed by his company in USA to work for its branch in Bangalore from January 2005. During SDD programme in National College, Jayanagar on 2nd October we hosted short farewell party for him. Being admirer of rich heritage and culture of India, he enjoys being absorbed himself in Indian culture.

During Janmashtami programme in Bangalore on 28th August, Steven helped Anantadev a lot. Since he usually hugs others (whenever they meet), Anantadev called him `Hugging Steven’. He and K.S.Chandramouli are very close to each other. And he is greatly impressed by Chandramouli’s character. He is also dear to students of Sheila Kothavala Institute for the Deaf.

Steven was very disappointed to leave Bangalore unexpectedly as instructed by his company. He misses deaf persons here, people here, Indian culture, Bangalore and India. He hopes to visit here again in the future.

Activities of SDD

Sanatana Dharma for the Deaf (SDD) under the guidance of Shri Anantadev Das Prabhu strives for the cultural, educational, social and spiritual revolution for the deaf not only in Bharat (India) but also all over the world.

The main activities of SDD are as follows:

1. SDD gives the deaf opportunities to cultivate their healthy and non-sectarian faith in Lord Krishna and Bhagavad-Gita.
2. SDD contributes to the improvement of their written language.
3. SDD organizes food distribution programme.
4. SDD organizes cultural programmes in Mumbai and Bangalore.
5. SDD holds Bhagavad-Gita and Proverbs programmes regularly in Mumbai, Bangalore and other parts of India.
6. SDD educates the deaf to give up smoking and drinking and to appreciate the importance of vegetarianism.
7. SDD strive for the development of sign language in India.
8. SDD gives the deaf opportunities to improve their relationship with the hearing community.
9. SDD emails spiritual messages regularly to its members all over the world.
11. SDD guides foreigners (especially the deaf and hearing interpreters) to learn about spiritual values and tour the ancient and spiritual places in India.
10. Other activities.

For further information, please contact Shri Anantadev Das ( email: sdd108@rediffmail.com ) ( SMS Cell: +919845457727)