The Chinese New Year was observed at Prashnathy Nilayam in Puttaparthi with devotion recently. Among the devotees present were over 250 devotees who had arrived from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan, camping in Prasanthi Nilayam.

Commencing 3-day New Year celebrations, delegates from the participating countries presented a solemn, colorful evening, rich with Chinese-Buddhist tradition. The programme commenced with a brief spell of Buddhist Mantra chanting that was followed by Chinese Gu Zheng - ancient Chinese musical instrument - offering by Indonesian children.

Chinese New Year coordinator from Malaysia, Brother Sri Billy Fong then addressed the assembly. Speaking on the significance of the occasion Billy Fong identified, Indian and Chinese are the only two ancient civilizations that could impact the global scene positively.

 A colorful traditional Chinese dance - Thousand Arms Kuan Yin - followed next. Rich with colour and aesthetic patterns, with symbolic formations beautiful children from Indonesia won the hearts in the audience for their graceful offering. A musical offering, medley of Chinese and English Bhajans followed. Bhajans by the Chinese delegates continued and the session ended with Mangala Arathi to Bhagawan. 

‘Aum Namasivaya’ dance was held at Prasahnthy Nilayam on Feb16 to herald the message sacrosanct Shivarathri. Prasanthi Dance Group comprising students from Prasanthi Nilayam offered the dance.

The books authored by Kalabhshanam Dr. Kanagasabapathy Nageswaran were released at a ceremony held at Colombo Tamil Sangam recently.

Music lovers of Colombo were entertained by Sitar recital by Sitar and Zitar Maestro Shri Niladri Kumar at a musical evening held at St. Bishop’s College recently to mark the India’s Republic Day.