YMCA WORLD DAY: Various cultures prominently featured

When every country in the world experiences troubles within its boundaries, the hurt goes much deeper than being at war against a foreign entity. The misunderstandings and anger are between and among families, kins, tribes, and people of the same or similar cultures. Despite efforts by sectors to reconcile differences, people ultimately resort to bloody confrontations, resulting in needless deaths and generations of political, social, and economic upheavals. History will tell us of this painful experience shared by the majority of peoples of this world. No single solution seems to be in sight, even in this 21st century which, unfortunately, boasts of the most modern inventions of weapons of mass destruction.       While the local YMCA didn't touch upon this grave world concern directly during their World Celebration last fall at the Lussier Center on Whitney Way, they did so indirectly by inviting many local organizations and individuals from diverse backgrounds and nationalities to display things positive and wonderful in their cultures. To the YMCA, the first step toward peace is to acknowledge the presence of "others" in this small part of the world, understand their differences, and eventually accept all as part of "we" and "us." -- by Heidi M. Pascual

LOCAL HINDUS CELEBRATE MAHA SHIVATRI

The American Hindu Association celebrated Maha Shivaratri festival on March 4, 2006, at the Chavez Elementary School, 3502 Maple Grove Drive, Madison. Special Shiva Puja was conducted by the priest from Hindu Temple of Wisconsin to mark the occasion. The devotees performed abhishekam to the special Shiva Lingam. Devotees were provided with individual lingams as prasadham to take home. Special archana was also performed. Shiva Ashtottara Naamaavali, Lingastakam, Mantra Pushpam and special Shiva Magala Aarathi was chanted. Over 200 devotees participated with great enthusiasm and devotion. / Devotees received handouts with Lingastakam, Shiva Ashtothara namavalli, and Shiva Aarathi and Dr. Balachandran also provided a detailed writeup on the significance of Shivaratri day and of the rituals. The article is also available at www.americanhindu.net/Shivaratri.htm.       Anyone interested in learning more about Shiva Ratri and the Vedic significance of Shiva Ratri is encouraged to visit the site. After the conclusion of the puja, dinner was served. The devotees dispersed with the blessings of Om Nama Shivaya!       To view the rest of pictures, go to http://www.americanhindu.net/2006_Shivaratri.htm. -- American Hindu Assn.

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