On 18th April, Senior Bala Vihar children celebrated Hanuman Jayanti at Chinmaya Varashree centre. The day began with Invocation prayers. Under sevika Mangalaji’s guidance, Hanuman Chalisa was chanted. The highlight of the day was the Quiz based on Hanuman Chalisa. Children were divided into three groups Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. The questions ranged from naming the composer’s full name to chanting verses that speak of the qualities of Hanuman, his love for Rama, name of the herb he carried to cure Lakshman, the names of sages mentioned, devotee of Rama who resides in Lanka, Hanuman’s many names, the kind of ring given by Hanuman to Sita, Hanuman’s parents name, the dialect in which Hanuman Chalisa is composed, Ashta Siddhis, weapon carried by Hanuman, incarnation of the Lord and the benefits of chanting Hanuman Chalisa hundred times. Quiz questions made the devotees think and take time to recall and recite the verses mentally, to be able to answer correctly.
Team Rama scored the highest points, true to its name, marking His name, the Collective All-Pervading Consciousness. So rich is Hanuman Chalisa in its content and meaning that this learning experience opened new gates for introspection. Thanks to the sevikas for helping connect through shlokas and instilling a sense of gratitude for being part of Chinmaya Mission and a rich heritage. Parents made this satsang a great success by their presence and participation. Children acted out the qualities of Hanuman, through body language. They were made to freeze through actions on Devotion, Love, Buddhi, Strength and as a Communicator. Everybody sang Veera Maruti bhajan; the day concluded with closing prayers and prasad distribution.