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a celebration at the residence of his excellency Garvin nicholas

hiGh commissoner for the republic of trinidad and tobaGo

on the commemoration of

The Festival of Divali

Saturday 2nd November, 2013

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

12a Greenaway Gardens, Hampstead London NW3 7DH

Lakshmi Mata

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Bhajans (Religious Songs) - Mr. Radha D. Fortune (Bhajan No. 1) Mrs. Shirley Rambaran (Bhajan No. 2) Mr. Basdeo Singh (Bhajan No. 3)

Welcome & Introduction of the Master of Ceremony - Ms. Achi-Kemba Phillips, Tourism Attaché

Opening Prayer - Pundita Asha Gosine MBE

Garland Ceremony - Mrs. Omadaye Sawh

Lighting of the Deyas - H.E. Garvin Nicholas, High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Prayer to Mother Lakshmi - Shree Krishna Ragbir

Divali Message - H.E. Garvin Nicholas, High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Bhajan No. 4 - Mr. Amal Minocha

Havan Ceremony - Pundita Asha Gosine, M.B.E.

Religious Dance - Mrs. Rohini Kumar

Reading - Shree Krishna Ragbir

Bhajan No. 5 - Mr. Gobin Dwarika

Hanuman Chalisa - Mrs. Gita Wakelam

Vote of thanks - Ms. Achi-Kemba Phillips, Tourism Attaché

Closing Prayer - Pundita Asha Gosine MBE Shree Krishna RagbirRefreshments

order of ceremony

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O Lord of the devotees, You came to me covered with a black shawl. O Lord, our relationship is not all together new.

You came in such a a beautiful form that my body and mind are captivated. This child of Yours has come under Your protection. O Lord, please take care of me.

You eat without hands and walk without feet. You hear everything and yet say nothing. Please consider what my heart is saying.

bhajan no. 1: KALI KAMALI

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In my lowly life and in the dark corners of my heart, I wish to light a bright light with shining hope in health

I do not know the codes of discipline and the Specified manner of worship and mediation. However I have to come to delcare

two flowers full of fragrance and devotion.

I have no knowledge of melodies, Songs and intonations but only dear Lord, I have come to present the music by playing on the strings of my heart. Whatever I have come to present you, it

comes from the strings of my heart.

bhajan no. 2: HE RAM TUMHAARY MANDIR

O Lord! I have come to light the deeya of your temple

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bhajan no. 3: MERA DEEpAKA jUgA jUgA jALE

The poet in the bhajan wants to be like a beacon and spread light all around

Oh Lord may my lamp spread light around the world. Do not allow my light to extinguish by storms.

My lamp is the star of my eyes and the light of my life. It smiles like an open lotus - let it spread light forever.

My mind is like a beautiful toy, please do not let it be broken. You are a friend of the poor Oh Lord. Spread your light

everywhere

May my lamp shine all the time and spread its rays all around.

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openinG prayer

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prayers to mother laKshmi

LAKSHMI GAYATRI

GAYATRI GAYATRI

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bhajan no. 4: AMBRE CHARAN KAMAL HAIN TERE Ambe Charan Kamal Hai Tere.. Ambe Charan Kamal Hai Tere..

Ham Haare Hai janam-janam Ke, Ham Haarre Hai janam-janam Ke, Nis Din Dete Phere, Ambe Charan Kamal Hai Tere..

Ambre Charan Kamal Hai Tere..

Tu Dharti Jag Palan Karti, Ambar Ka Aadhaar Hai Tu

Sab Sukh Jhoote, Sab Sukh Jhoote,Is Jeewan Ka Saar Hai Tu, Tu Satyam Tu Shivam Sundram,

Tu Satyam Tu Shivam Sundraam, Ham Sab Chakkul Chitere..Ambe Charan Kamal Hai Tere.. Ambe Charan Kamal Hai Tere..

Ham Haare Hai Janam-janam Ke, Ham Haare Hai Janam-janam Ke,

Nis Din Dete Phere

Ambre Charan Kamal Hai Tere.. Ambre Charan Kamal Hai Tere..

Hosh Mein Aansu, Bhool Mein Shardha,Antar Mein Le Kar Ujiyaare

Tere MAndir Mein Natmastak Nabh Ke Suraj Chand Sitare,Hamne Teri Muskaano Mein Dekhe Madhur Savere..

Ambe Charan Kamal Hai Tere.. Ambe Charan Kamal Hai Tere..Ham Haare Hi Jan-janam Ke, Ham Haare Hi Jan-janam Ke,

Nis Dun Dete Phrere,Ambe Charan Kamal Hai Tere.. Ambe Charan Kamal Hai Tere..

Jai Jai Maa..jai Jai Maa..jai Jai Maa.. Jai Jai Maa..jai Jai Maa..jai Jai Maa..

Jai Jai Maa..jai Jai Maa..jai Jai Maa.. Jai Jai Maa..Jai Jai Maa..jai Jai Maa..jai Jai Maa.. Jai Jai Maa..

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INTRODuCTION TO HAVAN CeReMONY

The Vedas prescribe five great daily duties as follows:

1. Brahma-yajna ... Sandhyaa (devotion to the Divine)

2. Deva-yajna ... Agnihotra or Homa (Havan)

3. Pitri-yajna ... Service to one’s parents and learned and righteous persons

4. Atithi-yajna ... Service to selfless teachers and guests

5. Bhoot-yajna or ... Service and protection to animals, the poor Balivaishvadeva-yajna and the helpless

Every householder is enjoined to perform Havan twice daily, the best times being just after sunrise and just before sunset.

The amount of suffering a man inflicts on his fellow-beings by polluting the air and water with the waste products of his system and consequently bringing on diseases becomes the measure of his sin to atone for which it becomes incumbent on him to do Havan and thereby purify the air and water to an extent equal to or greater than the harm he has done.

It is recommended that the amount of material used in the fire should not be less than that consumed as food daily in the household.

The performance of Havan also assists in promoting rain and plant life. It also helps one to commit Veda mantras to memory.

When Havan is performed on special occasions or in congregations, the entire yajna should consist of:

a) Eeshvar Praarthnaa (Study and Meditation of the Divine)

b) Svasti Vaachan (Benediction)

c) Shaanti Prakaran (Peace Chanting)

d) Havan (Purification ceremonies with fire)

The fire is kindled in an earthen or metallic vessel (kund) having the shape of an inverted, truncated pyramid having the following dimensions:

Mohan-bhog, sweet rice and such substances may also be burnt. Ghee and a cube of camphor and matches must also be provided. It is more beneficial to keep the flame regulated so that maximum fumigation be achieved.

Mantras which are to be recited only on special or congregational occasions have been so indicated.

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SuNDARA-KANDA

“Sītā felt gratified at heart even as She heard the monkey’s words full of devotion and revealing Śrī Rāma’s majesty, glory and strength. Recognising him as the beloved of Śrī Rāma She gave him Here blessing: “May you become a repository of strength and virtue, dear child. May you ever remain immune from old age and death and prove to be a storehouse of good qualities, my son; and may the Lord of the Raghus shower His abundant grace on you.” The moment the words “May the Lord be gracious to you”.

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Bharata too returned with joy to Ayodhyā and broke all the news to his preceptor (the sage Vasistha). He then made it known inside the palace that the Lord of the Raghus was approaching Ayodhyā safe and sound.

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uTTARA-KANDA

readinG from tulsidass ramoyan

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bhajan no.5: RAAMA AYoDHYAA ME AAYE

Raama Ayodhyaa me aaye, Charlo re sakhi Raama se milo ...

Raama Kashamana Janka dulaari. Hanumaana sangha aaye, Maataa Sumintraa aaraati utaare, Nayanana neera bahaaye ...

Dhupa deepa naiveda charhaati. Unake charana pakhaare, Tulasidaasa kara jora kahata hai Hari goona gaata chalo re ...

From exile Lord Rama has returned to Ayodhya. Let us greet him with a hearty welcome. Lord Rama, Latchman and Goddess Sita is accompanied by Hanuman. Mother Sumintra with tears of love flowing from her lotus eyes. The whole place was lit up. And the feet of the Lord were washed. Saint Tulsidas with clasped hands appeals to us to continue chanting and glorifying Sri Raam’s name.

shree hanuman chalisa

DOHA

Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj. Nij Man mukuru Sudhari,Barnau Raghubir Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Fal ChariBudhiheen Tanu Janike, Sumiraun Pavankumar,Bal Budhi Vidhya Dehu Mohi, Harehu Kales Bikaar

CHOWPAI:

Jay Hanuman Gyaan Gun Saagar, Jay kapis Tihun Lok UjaagarRam Dut Atulit Bal Dhaamaa, Anjani Putra Pavan Sut NaamaaMahabir Bikram Bajarangi. Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke SangiKanchan Baran Biraaj Subesha, Kaanan Kundal Kunchit KesaaHaath Bajra Aur Dhvajaa Viraje, Kandhe Muj Janeu Saaje

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Shankar Suvan Kesari Nandan, Tej Pratap Mahaa Jag VandanVidhya Vaan Guni Ati Chaatur. Ram Kaj Karibe Ko AaturPrabhu Charitra Sunibe ko Rasiya, Ram Lakhan Sita Man BasiaaSuksham Rup Dhari Siyahin Dikhawa, Bikat Rup Dhari Lank JarawaBhim Rup Dhari Asur Sanhare, Ramchandra Ke Kaaj SanvareLay Sajivan Lakhan Jiyaye, Shree raghubir Harshi Uar LayeRaghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaai, Tum mam Priy Bharatahi Sam BhaiSahas BadanTumhro yash Gave, Asa Kahi Shripati Kanth LagaaveSankadik Brahmadi Munisa, Narad Sharad Sahit AhisaaYam Kuber Digpal Jahante, Kabi Kavid Kahi Sake Kanhaa TeTum Upakar Sugrivahi Keenhaa, Ram Milay Raj Pad DinhaTumharo Mantra Bibhishan Maana, Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag JaanaYug Sahstra Yojan Par Bhaanu, Lilyo Taahi Madhur Fal JaanuPrabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Maanhi, Jaladhi Landhi Gaye Acharaj NaahiDurgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jete, Sugam Anugrah Tumhre TeteRam Duware Tum Rakhavare, Hot na Aagya Binu PaisareSab Sukh Lahe Tumhari Sarna, Tum Rakshak Kahu Ko DarnaaAapan Tej Samharo Aape, Teeno Lok Hankte KanpeBhut Pishach Nikat Nahi Aave, Mahabir Jab Nam SunaveNasaei Rog Hare Sab Pira, Japat Nirantar Hanumat BiraSankat Te Hanuman Chhudave, Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo LaveSab Par Ram Tapsvi Raja, Tinke Kaj Sakal Tum SajaAur Manorath Jo Koi Lave, Soi Amit Jivan Fal PaveCharo Jug Partap Tumhara, Hai Parsidha Jagat UjiyaraSandhu Sant Ke Tum Rakhavare, Asur Nikandan Ram DulareAshta Sidhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data, Asa Bar Din Janki MataRam Rasayan Tumhare Pasa, Sada Raho Raghupati Ke DasaTumhre Bhajan Ramko bhave, Janma Janma Ke Dukh BisraveiAntakal Raghubarpur Jai, Jahan Janma Hari Bhakt KahaiAur Devta Chitt na Dharai, Hanumat Sei Sarba Sukh KaraiSankat katei Mitei Sab Pira, Jo Sumirei Hanumat BalbiraJai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai, Kripa Karo Gurudev Ki NaiJo Sat Bar Path Kar Koi, Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh HoiJo Yah Padhe Hanumanchalisa, Hoy Sidha Sakhi GaurisaTulsidas Sada Hari Chera, Kije Nath hriday Maha Dera.

DOHAPavan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Murati Rup,Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, hriday Basahu Surbhup. (1)

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shree hanuman chalisaTRANSLATION

DOHAHaving cleansed the mirror of my soul with the dust of the Guru’s lotus-feet, I describe Raghuvara’s spotless glory, the bestower of life’s four fruits.

Realizing that I am void of all wisdom, I meditate on the Son of the Wind; may he bless me with strength, wisdom and knowledge and rid me of my sufferings and sins.

Glory to you, O Hanuman, ocean of all knowledge and virtue! Glory to the Monkey Lord, enlightener of the triple worlds; you are Rama’s envoy, abode of might incompa-rable, Anjani’s son called Pavanasuta.

You are mighty, valiant, radiant as the thunderbolt, banisher of wickedness, of the wise befriender, golden-hued, brilliant and charmingly bedecked, with pendants sparkling in your ears, and curly hair on the head.

In your hands flash the thunderbolt and banner and across your shoulder the sacred thread of munja. O Samkara’s son, the delight of Kesari the greatness of your glory is adored all the world over

Learned, accomplished and exceedingly wise, ever eager to carry out Rama’s behests, you delight in listening to the Lord’s ambrosial acts, with Rama, Laksmana and Sita dwelling in your heart.

You appeared before Sita in a subtle form, burnt Lanka in a form awesome to behold; you slew the demons by assuming a gigantic form and thus accomplished Rama’s mission.

You brought the life-giving herb (from Dronagiri*) which resuscitated Laksmana; joyously then Rama clasped you to his bosom and praised you again and again. ‘You’re as clear to me as Bharata,’ he said.

‘The thousand-headed Serpent hymns your glory so saying, Sita’s lord fondly embraces you. So also Sanaka, his brothers, Brahma and the other high sages, Narada, Sarada and the Serpent King.

Yama, Kubera, and all the guardians of the directions, poets and scholars cannot sing your glory. You rendered great service to Sugriva when you brought him to Rama, who crowned him king and gave him sovereignty over Kiskindha.

Vibhishan heeded your advice and became Lanka’s lord which the whole world knows. Considering him to be a sweet fruit, you swallowed the sun from a distance of two thousand yojanas.

No wonder you leapt across the ocean carrying the Lord’s ring in your mouth.

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All the tasks of the world however difficult, are rendered easily possible by your favour.

You’re the sentinel posted at Rama ‘s gate which none can enter unless you let him in. He who seeks refuge in you enjoys all blessings and with you as the protector experiences no fear.

When you remembered your blazing splendour (which you alone control) and roar aloud, your thunderous voice causes tremor in the three spheres; when your name Ma-havira is incessantly repeated, ghosts and goblins dare not make their visitation.

Constant repetition of your name, 0 valiant Hanuman, destroys all illness, and dispels all suffering. If one meditates on you with thought, word and deed, you rid one of every calamity.

Though Rama himself is a supreme ascetic, Lord of all, yet you O! Hanuman, fulfilled all his missions successfully. Whoever expresses a longing to you is rewarded with countless fruits of life.

Your glory is famed through all the four ages, shedding its lustre on the terrestrial sphere. You’re the protector of every saint and sage, destroyer of the demons, and Rama’s pet.

‘Be thou the bestower of the eight siddhis and the nine nidhis’, such is the boon Mother Janaki bestowed on you. You possess Rama - the philosopher stone – and Raghupati’s servant you ever remain.

By hymning your praises the aspirant attains Rama and forgets the sufferings of all transmigratory births. At last your votary goes to the city of Raghuvara, where, taking birth, he is called Hari’s devotee.

He who does not cherish any other God but serves only Hanuman enjoys all bliss. If one constantly repeats the valiant Hanuman’s name, all calamities disappear and all suf-ferings end.

Glory, glory, all glory to the Lord Hanuman! Be gracious to me like my own guru. He who recites this a hundred times is freed from bondage and enjoys supreme bliss.

He who reads this Hanuman Chalisa attains perfection, to which the Lord Siva testifies. Tulasi says , ‘O Lord, make my heart your dwelling place, you who are forever in Rama’s service.’

DOHA

O Son of the Wind dispeller of all calamities , the very embodiment of all blessings! O King of the immortals, dwell in my heart with Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana.

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shaanti paath (peace chant)

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Message From The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on the Occasion of the Divali 2013

Namaste.

Once again our nation celebrates the most auspicious and joyous occasion of Divali. It is celebrated by Hindus around the world, and, for most Hindus, marks the beginning of a New Year and a New Life, unmarred by the shadows of a painful past.

Over time, Divali has become an event on the national calendar and has been increasingly embraced by citizens as a reason for nationwide celebration and heritage appreciation, which speaks to the diversity and pluralism that defines our nation’s character.

Divali is certainly the biggest and the brightest of all Hindu festivals. It is the festival of lights which literally illuminates the country with its brilliance, and dazzles all with its joy. All the simple rituals of Divali have significance and a story to tell.

The illumination of homes with lights and the skies with firecrackers is an expression of obeisance to the heavens for the attainment of health, wealth, knowledge, peace and prosperity.

Fellow citizens, Divali is not a festival of light in order that we may light deyas and fireworks. These are certainly wonderful ways of expressing our joy and happiness. But, they are not the only or true meaning of “light.” Divali is a festival of the light which dispels the darkness of our ignorance; it is a festival of the light which shows us the way on our journey through life.

The purpose is not to glorify the light of the deya, or the light of the firecracker. The purpose is to glorify the light of God. It is He who

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bestows the real light, the everlasting light upon the darkness of this mundane world. A deya burns out and fireworks are momentary visual experiences. But, the light of a still mind and the fireworks of a heart filled with bhakti are divine and eternal; these are what we should be celebrating.

In each legend, myth, and story of Divali the significance of the victory of good over evil always rings through; and it is with each Divali, and the lights that illuminate our homes and hearts, that this simple truth finds new reason and hope. From darkness unto light – a light that empowers us to commit ourselves to good deeds and which brings us closer to divinity.

Dear citizens, the light of Divali should always be within us. It should symbolize a personal relationship with God, our families, and each other. We must allow the divine light to penetrate inward, for only there will it have lasting benefit. One deya, lit with a pure heart, a conscious mind and an earnest desire to be free from ignorance is far “brighter” than 1000 deyas, lit in simple unconscious revelry.

It is a time to turn inward and light the lamps of knowledge and truth in our hearts and minds so that we can dispel the forces of darkness and ignorance within us and allow our innate brilliance and goodness to shine forth. Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, is the principal deity associated with this festival. During Divali we ask her for assistance in cultivating and accumulating spiritual wealth, such as compassion, forgiveness, and loving-kindness.

Indeed, we must all ask ourselves what sort of prosperity are we praying for? All too often, we infer wealth to mean money, possessions, and material pleasures. This is NOT the true wealth in life; this is not what makes us prosperous. It is only God’s presence in our lives which makes us truly rich.

Fellow citizens, Divali affords us the opportunity to acknowledge and better understand our prejudices, negative attitudes, and bad habits so that we may enhance the process of positively transforming ourselves and our beloved country.

With this in mind, I wish to reiterate my commitment to the introduction of a National Conversation – a unique dialogue between government and the people – where views and ideas can be mutually exchanged. My government certainly looks forward to continued meaningful and constructive dialogue with our Hindu

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brothers and sisters, and indeed all heads of religious organizations, in this regard. It is a shared responsibility to ensure a better Trinidad and Tobago for ourselves and our children.

I am of the view that in speaking to each other across the length and breadth of Trinidad and Tobago a better understanding will emerge among all interest groups, ensuring that we can arrive at the best solutions and find common purpose for the greater good of all of us and our country. Working together is an essential ingredient to success and integral to resolution.

Now is the time not only to discover how we can be more loving, kind, and respectful towards one another, but also to foster harmony and promote the universal prerequisites of love and the light of Truth and understanding among all citizens. It is a spiritual ‘fresh start’ which should be embraced by all who understand the concept of forgiveness and re-affirmation.

God has given each and every one of us unique talents and abilities. How we use these will determine how “successful” we really are.

Let us all look forward to the coming year with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to our future aspirations. Let us, together, through collaboration and consensus, decide how we can build a better and more prosperous Trinidad and Tobago.

On behalf of my government, family, and all good citizens, I extend sincere best wishes to all who celebrate this wonderful festival.

On this auspicious festival of lights, may the glow of joy, prosperity, peace, and happiness illuminate your lives and your homes.

Shubh Divali.

Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

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