The Unforgettable Dasara Workshop at Marathi Shala: A Comprehensive Overview

 

The Unforgettable Dasara Workshop at Marathi Shala: A Comprehensive Overview

 The atmosphere was electric today at Marathi Shala as children from Batch 1 and Batch 2 streamed in, eager for a day filled with learning and fun. Today was an exhilarating day at our Marathi Shala, brimming with cultural insights, creative activities, and community bonding. The agenda was packed, the excitement intense, and what unfolded was nothing short of amazing. The clock struck 10:10 a.m., and we delved into our first activity.

Part 1: Revisiting the Melody of Marathi Vowels

Starting from the basics, we dived into a robust review of Marathi vowels, specifically from अ (a) to ऊ (ū). To make this exercise more relatable for our American-raised Marathi scholars, we displayed pictures of commonly used items in America, each corresponding to one of these vowels. Children's voices reverberated with enthusiasm as they practiced each word in unison.

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Part 2: A Musical Break - Welcome Song for Diwali Event Practice

Our volunteer teacher, Amita, led the group in practicing a soulful welcome song titled "Hich Amuchi Prarthana an Hech Amuche Maagane." Amita beautifully elucidated the meaning of each line, enriching the experience for the children. The lyrics, a blend of Marathi and English words, aided in easier reading and memorization. The air filled with melodic grace as children belted out the tune.

हीच अमुची प्रार्थना अन् हेच अमुचे मागणे

माणसाने माणसाशी माणसासम वागणे …

Video Link: https://youtu.be/4VZQqq1z7yk

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Part 3: Unveiling the Details of Dasara

Taking on the complex subject of Dasara's significance was indeed an enlightening experience. Given the challenge of making this Indian and Maharashtrian festival relatable to our American-born Marathi kids, research was crucial. We explored how Dasara, also known as Vijayadashmi, is celebrated on the 10th day of the month of Ashvin according to the Hindu calendar. Here's where the Marathi language enriched our understanding:

Dasara Story and Aapatyachi Pane: दसरा आणि आपट्याची पाने
We discussed why the tradition of collecting leaves from the Aapta tree (Aapatyachi Pane) still endures today. This tradition symbolizes prosperity and the leaves are considered golden. With phrases like "विजयादशमी म्हणजे दसऱ्याला आपट्याचीच पाने सोने म्हणून का वाटली जातात?" and "श्रीरामांनी रावणावर विजय मिळवून," we ensured that the complex tapestry of Dasara was intricately unraveled for our young minds.

Dasara, which is also popularly known as Vijayadashmi, is a widely celebrated Indian festival held on the 10th day of the month of Ashvinas per the Hindu calendar. This day generally falls in the month of September or October of the English calendar.

दसरा शब्द कसा आला- दश म्हणजे दहा आणि हरा म्हणजे हरल्या आहेत. दसर्‍याच्या आधीच्या नऊ दिवसांत म्हणजेच नवरात्रात देवीच्या शक्ती रुपांनी दाही दिशांवर विजय मिळवला, असे सांगितले जाते. विजयाच्या संदर्भात या दिवसाला दशहरा, दसरा आणि विजयादशमी अशी नावे आहेत. श्रीरामांनी रावणावर विजय मिळवून त्याचा वध केला, तोही याच दिवशी. या अभूतपूर्व विजयामुळे या दिवसाला विजयादशमी असे म्हटले जाते. पांडवांनी अज्ञातवास संपताच शक्तीपूजन करून शमीच्या वृक्षावरची आपली शस्त्रे परत घेतली आणि विराटाच्या गायी पळवणार्‍या कौरव सैन्यावर स्वारी करून विजय मिळवला, तोही याच दिवशी. या दिवशी सीमोल्लंघन, शमीपूजन, अपराजितापूजन आणि शस्त्रपूजा ही चार कृत्ये करायची असतात

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Part 4: Crafting the Sacred - Saraswati Yantra Drawing

Our dynamic volunteer, Sachin Kolte, guided the children in drawing Saraswati Yantras. Intriguingly, we simplified the design, using just five lines instead of the traditional seven, yet the yantras radiated their inherent beauty. Each drawing turned out wonderfully, as our scholars truly outdid themselves. A photo capturing these beautiful creations is attached for your viewing pleasure.

 

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Part 5: Harmonious Closure with Saraswati Vandana

The workshop reached its crescendo as we all—kids, parents, and volunteers—participated in the Saraswati Vandana. The spiritual atmosphere was captured in a video, linked for those who wish to relive the moment.

या कुन्देन्दुतुषारहारधवला या शुभ्रवस्त्रावृता
या वीणावरदण्डमण्डितकरा या श्वेतपद्मासना।
या ब्रह्माच्युत शंकरप्रभृतिभिर्देवैः सदा वन्दिता
सा मां पातु सरस्वती भगवती निःशेषजाड्यापहा॥१॥

Video Link:

https://youtu.be/wMsFWxtZER0

The Grand Finale: A Potluck Feast

Finally, the community gathered at Wicklund ground for a potluck feast. A standing ovation to the parents, especially the mothers, who put their hearts into preparing dishes that were nothing short of culinary masterpieces.

As we wrapped up today's multifaceted workshop, it was evident that we had all journeyed through educational depths, cultural insights, and communal joys. A day well-spent, a memory well-stored, and a tradition well-passed on to the next generation. Stay tuned for more workshops that promise to be as enlightening and exciting as today's.

Attached are the photos and videos capturing the essence of this wonderful day. Thank you, everyone, for making this event a remarkable success!

End!