Indian Cultural Center and temple in Memphis performed a week-long Hari Hara Yagnam from June 10- 16, 2019 to solemnize the temple's glorious 25 years. The rituals conducted during the 7-day period by various eminent priests from USA and India. The ceremony began with Sri Ayyappa Utsava Vigraham- Prana Prathista and followed by Ganapati Puja, Vasthu Puja, Agnimadhanam, Lakshmi Homam, Hari Hara mahayagam, Chaturveda Mantrapushpam and many more yagnas conducted during morning and evening hours each day.
There were "Ishti" homans conducted twice daily at the end of Yagnam. Each homams were aimed with the specific significance and benefits namely "Lakshmi Ganapati" homam for the relief from financial problems and debts, "Badabanala Jwala Maha Sudarsana" Homam for good health, "Amrita Pasupata Mrityunjaya" Homam for prevention of accidental deaths, increase longevity, freedom from Jupiter's malefic effect are just to list a few.
The silver jubilee celebration brought together and an enchanting international array of artists for each evening during the week. The evening on June 10, witnessed Anindita Neogy Annam, a leading exponent of Indian Classical dance "Kathak". She performed on Pt Jasraj's composition, a beautiful Ashtapadi from Jayadev's Geeta Govinda, Lalita Lavanga. Anindita depicted the feelings of Viroha Kantitha Nayika or a heroine who is suffering the pain of separation and wished to be united with her lover. Her other presentations drew immense appreciation were Rajasthani Maand, "Padharo Maare Des" (Welcome to my Land) in Jaipur style of Kathak. This maand reflected the popular folk of Thar desert and inspired by the love story of Dhola and Maru and touched upon the essence of Shringara Rasa or romantic love. Other presentations were on Durga Bhajan - evocation of Goddess Durga and her various manifestations as empowered woman. Set in Raga Charukesi and taal teentaal Anindita presented todas, tukdas, tihais, ladi, kavitt, paran, gatnikas and various facets of Kathak dance ending with fast pirouettes on an 18-minute-long dance composition.
The evening of 12th was made more enchanting by the gracious presence of a Peruvian dancer, Ananga Manjari Malatesta Gonzalez known worldwide for her Bharatanatyam who travelled from Peru and stole the hearts of the Memphians present in the venue. The pieces she performed were -Pushpanjali in Vijay vasanta raga, rupaka tala. Tisra Ghati allarippu - the dance showed glances of lord Ganesh in between, Varnam in bhairavi raaga adi tala and Theruvil Varano, another composition she presented which described the longing of a young girl for Lord Shiva's glance.
Chong Chiu Sen, a sensational renowned Malaysian born Chinese vocalist sang Indian Carnatic with such skill and finesse. He delivered a rendition of several of the classical Carnatic ragas. It was an absolute delight to watch Chong perform one after another ragas.
Other scintillating performances were Nadaswaram by Kasim and Babu, Kuchipudi dance recital by the students of ICCT Dance Academy. There were appreciation dinners for Life members on Saturday and Annadanam or mahaprasadam were served by different regional cuisines. Thousands of devotes thronged the venue each day.
The Yagnam, the music was all about transcending barriers and cultures, nature, religion and language.
