The Sri Narayana Mission Center (SNMC), based in Washington, D.C., celebrated the 170th Sri Narayana Guru Jayanti and Onam on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Briggs Chaney Middle School, Maryland. The event, which attracted attendees from across the Washington D.C. metro region, was marked by devotion, cultural performances, and community spirit.
The festivities kicked off with a colorful Mahabali procession featuring chenda melam by the Baltimore Chenda group and traditional thalappoli. Senior women of SNMC officially opened the event by lighting the lamp in front of Sree Narayana Guru’s portrait, followed by a prayer recital of Daivadashakam.
Dr. Muralirajan, SNMC’s Vice President, welcomed the audience, while President Shyam G. Lal emphasized the importance of unity and cultural heritage in his presidential address.
The event was officially inaugurated by Mr. Rajeev Ahuja, a senior official from the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., alongside SNMC office bearers and Sherli Nambiar, President of the Nair Society of Greater Washington. In his speech, Mr. Ahuja praised SNMC’s efforts in spreading the teachings of Sri Narayana Guru in the U.S., focusing on the Guru’s message of “Enlighten through education” as a tool to build a more compassionate society. Mr. Venugopalan, SNMC Treasurer, honored the chief guest with a traditional shawl. Mr. Ahuja also recognized students who graduated in 2024 for their academic achievements.
The event featured vibrant cultural performances, including traditional Kerala dance forms like thiruvathira, along with songs and dances by both children and adults. The SNMC artists performed a comedy skit that delighted the audience, while other performances reflected the importance of education, as emphasized by Sri Narayana Guru. Volunteers, artists, and high achievers within SNMC were honored with plaques during the event for their contributions.
A grand traditional Onam feast, or Onasadhya, was prepared by John N’ Nair (The Essence) and served on fresh banana leaves, offering a sumptuous spread of Kerala’s culinary delights. Coffee and snacks were also served later in the evening.
The event was skillfully emceed by Ms. Sheena Arun and Ms. Bindu Sandeep. SNMC Secretary, Mrs. Sathi Santosh, extended heartfelt thanks to all attendees and volunteers, noting that their support and participation made the celebrations a tremendous success.
