Deepavali Newsletter

Houston: His Holiness Sri Swamiji arrived in Houston on October 19th and inagurated JET Vedic Learning Center. About 400 devotees participated in Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Puja. A unique opportunity for devotees to witness 'SAMI' puja – puja to 'SAMI' tree on Dasara day also took place and Sri Swamiji explained significance of Dasara and SAMI puja. Visit JETHOUSTON for details and pictures.

Dallas: His Holiness visited Dallas and blessed devotees with a training camp for Vikasatarangini and guided them in worshipping Lord Sri Lakshmi Narayana in a puja.

Chennai: The grand function of HH Sri Swamiji's 52nd Birthday was celebrated by the devotees at Chennai, on Deepavali, the Festival of Lights. Every year HH Sri Swamiji presents Jeeyar award to an eminent scholar who rendered many services in Vedic Tradition. This year a Vedic Scholar Chaturvedi, Srowtha Bhaskara, Brahma Sri Dendukuri Agnihothra Ghanapaatiji was chosen for this award. HH Sri Swamiji presented the award to Agnihothra Ghanapaatiji along with citation and cash of Rs.50,000/-. Sahasra kalasa abhishekam (Divine bath) was performed to Sri Swamiji's perumal Lord Rama. Visit Sri Swamiji's website for more details.

Australia:His Holiness is currently visiting Australia and New Zealand from November 15th to December 3rd. Discourses, Kalyanams, Pujas, Homams are planned with a busy schedule in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra and Auckland. More details at JETAUSTRALIA

Bay Area: On November 9th, 2007, families from different areas in the Bay Area congregated to celebrate Deepavali, as well as our Acharya's tirunakshatram. Devotees prayed to Swamiji, and Lakshmi Devi. On November 10th, Prajna families participated in in a get together at Lake Elizabeth Park, Fremont. Kids played several games, and gave presentations about Swamiji: when HH was born, what the Tridandam means, etc. Some kids also gave presentations on their experiences with Swamiji. Afterwards, parents were asked questions about Swamiji's various activies. The children of the parents who answered the question correctly received candy, for their parents' efforts. Everyone enjoyed the get together as a good Karthi:ka Vana Bhojanam. Pictures are on http://www.jetcalifornia.org/ .

Warangal: Free Cancer Detection, awareness and health care
programs in rural areas: His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji launched the project on the 15th of October. Vikasa Tarangini volunteers started the campaign and free testing from a village Bhattupalli, utilizing a medical van donated by NRI Hospitals along with technicians. It has been equipped with a mammogram, ultrasound and other hi-tech equipment that will help diagnose cancer in patients. Volunteers will take the information door to door, educating the rural population about the dangers of cancer and how to take preventive measures. People are also being tested for various types of cancers. Patients diagnosed as positive are referred to the NRI hospital in Guntur and two Government Hospitals, that have accepted to provide free treatment to the best possible extent. Full details at this link

Upcoming Events:
Venkateswara Saranagathi Diksha
Dhanurmasa Vratham From Dec 16th to Jan 14th
Classes for Bhagavad Gita Spiritual Summer Camp Participants

Please watch for announcements. If you have a news item to post or a
question/suggesstion, please contact jetcalifornia@gmail.com

Jai Srimannarayana!
Devaki Kalvapudi.