VMCC

Diwali
2024-11-02 10:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
10:00 – 12:30: Ganesha puja, Kalasha puja, Lakshmi puja
Archana, Bhajan, Aarti
12:45-1:30 Prasad
2:30 – 5:00 Open darshan
5:00pm – Evening Aarti
5:30- 6:00 Fireworks
Sridhar ji will be leading the morning pooja and will be performing samoohik Lakshmi puja for interested families for a dakshina of $51/family.
Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is one of the most significant festivals in Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and some other Indian religions. It is often referred to as the “Festival of Lights” and is celebrated with immense joy and enthusiasm across India and in many parts of the world where Indian communities reside.
Diwali typically falls between mid-October and mid-November, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar. The festival spans five days, with each day having its own significance and customs. The main day of Diwali is celebrated on the third day, which is also known as Amavasya or the new moon night.
One of the central themes of Diwali is the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival has several mythological origins and legends associated with it, the most popular being the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana and completing his fourteen-year exile. People of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Rama by lighting rows of lamps, hence the tradition of lighting oil lamps or candles during Diwali.
During Diwali, homes, temples, and public spaces are illuminated with colorful lights, oil lamps (diyas), candles, and decorative electric lights. Rangoli, intricate patterns made on the floor with colored powders, rice, or flower petals, adorn entrances as a symbol of welcome and prosperity.
Another significant aspect of Diwali is the exchange of gifts and sweets among family members, friends, and neighbors. It is customary for people to visit each other’s homes, offer prayers, share festive meals, and exchange gifts as a gesture of goodwill and camaraderie.
Fireworks are also a traditional part of Diwali celebrations, symbolizing the joy and exuberance of the festival. However, there is growing awareness about the environmental and health hazards associated with fireworks, leading to calls for eco-friendly and noise-free celebrations.
In addition to its religious and cultural significance, Diwali holds economic importance as well, with businesses offering special discounts and promotions, and people making purchases for new clothes, jewelry, home appliances, and other items.
Overall, Diwali is a time of spiritual reflection, renewal, and rejoicing, as people come together to celebrate the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and righteousness over evil. It is a festival that transcends religious boundaries and brings people of diverse backgrounds together in a spirit of unity and harmony.

Mandir closed today
2024-10-26 00:00 - 23:59 | VT
Mandir will be closed on Oct 26. See you all on Nov 2nd on Diwali Celebration.

Dussehra
2024-10-12 15:30 - 18:30 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Dussehra marks the grand finale to a joyous and blessed period of navratri celebrated with praying, fasting and ceremonial feasting.
Dussehra festivities will be held at the mandir on:
Bhajan/Aarti 3:30 – 4:00
Kids perform 4:00 ~ 4:30
Food Stalls 5pm onwards
Ravan effigy burning 6:15pm onwards
Food stalls will be selling delicious food at the mela to add to the fun as you mingle with family and friends holding dandiya sticks……
Dancing your way away!!!!!
Evening will wrap up with everyone gathering around Ravan’s effigy as it gets lit symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated at the end of the Navaratri period. It marks the triumph of good over evil and is observed on the tenth day of the Hindu calendar month of Ashvin.
The festival holds great significance in Hindu mythology and culture, with various regional traditions and interpretations. One of the most famous legends associated with Dussehra is the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, as recounted in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
The festival holds great significance in Hindu mythology and culture, with various regional traditions and interpretations. One of the most famous legends associated with Dussehra is the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana, as recounted in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana.
The story goes that Lord Rama, along with his wife Sita and his loyal companion Hanuman, waged a battle against Ravana to rescue Sita, who had been abducted by the demon king. After a fierce battle that lasted for fourteen days, Rama ultimately defeated Ravana on the tenth day, which is celebrated as Dussehra.
The festival is observed with grand processions, theatrical performances, and reenactments of the Ramayana across India. In many places, effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakarna, and his son Meghnad are erected in public spaces. These effigies are then set ablaze, symbolizing the victory of good over evil and the destruction of the forces of darkness.
Apart from the Ramayana, Dussehra is also associated with the worship of Goddess Durga in some regions, particularly in the eastern parts of India. In these areas, Dussehra coincides with the conclusion of Durga Puja, a multi-day festival dedicated to the worship of the goddess and the celebration of her victory over the buffalo demon Mahishasura.
In addition to its religious and mythological significance, Dussehra is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and cultural festivities. It brings people together to celebrate the values of righteousness, courage, and perseverance embodied by Lord Rama and other revered figures in Hindu mythology.

Mandir closed today
2024-10-05 00:00 - 23:59 | VT
Mandir will be closed on Oct 5th.

Bathukamma and Maata ki Chowki
2024-10-04 18:00 - 19:45 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Celebration will go as follows:
6:00 to 7:00pm – Chowki kirtan
7:00 to 7:45pm – Bathukamma Gauri pooja
7:45pm – Prasaad followed by Garbha

Batukamma is a vibrant floral festival. It honors Goddess Batukamma, symbolizing feminine energy and the beauty of nature. Women create elaborate flower arrangements and dance around them, celebrating the ultimate essence of life and nature.

It involves creating intricate flower arrangements and dancing around them. The festival signifies the ultimate celebration of femininity, nature, and the harvest season.

Women collect a variety of seasonal flowers and arrange them in a conical shape. The arrangement, called Batukamma, is adorned with different types of flowers to create a beautiful display. The flowers symbolize various aspects of life and nature.
On the main day of the festival, women gather in groups and perform traditional dances around the Batukamma. The dances are lively and rhythmic, accompanied by folk songs that celebrate the goddess and express communal joy.
After the dances, the Batukamma is carried in a procession to a local water body, like a river or a pond. There, the flower arrangement is immersed in the water as an offering to the goddess. This act signifies the return of nature’s bounty to the divine.
Special dishes are prepared for the festival, and communities come together to share meals. The food typically includes traditional sweets and savories.

Cultural Significance:

Batukamma is often seen as a festival celebrating the feminine principle, embodying grace, beauty, and strength. It is a way to honor the role of women in society and their connection to nature.
The use of flowers and the immersion ritual highlight the festival’s deep connection to nature and the environment. It symbolizes the cyclical nature of life and the importance of maintaining harmony with the natural world.
Batukamma marks the end of the monsoon season and is closely linked to the harvest cycle. It reflects gratitude for the agricultural bounty and the renewal of life.
The festival fosters a sense of community and belonging, as people come together to celebrate, perform rituals, and share meals. It strengthens social ties and cultural traditions.

Ganesh Chaturthi Pooja
2024-09-07 10:00 - 15:30 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Ganesh Chaturthi will be celebrated at the mandir on Saturday 09/07 and here is the plan:
10:30-12:15 pooja, bhajan, aarti by priest Sridharji
12:30-1:30 Prasad
1:30 – 2:00 Laddu auction
2:30- 3:00 Visarjan bhajans and pooja
3:30 Starts from mandir for visarjan
4:00pm – Visarjan at Shelburne Pond
Folks it will be a packed day and help will be needed with:
* First and foremost staying on time
* ⁠Should your family wish to be a pooja sponsor please reach out.
* To be willing to join the priest-led samoohik pooja, personal thalis will be available to families for a humble donation of $51. Please reach out to Sudhakar or Shiv to help us with a headcount.
* Set-up on Friday @ 5:30pm
* ⁠Prasad is being arranged by a group of volunteers.
* Clean-up before leaving for visarjan

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi, is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The festival usually spans over 10 days, with the most elaborate celebrations occurring in the Indian state of Maharashtra, particularly in Mumbai. However, it is celebrated with equal fervor in various parts of India and by Hindu communities worldwide.
The festival begins with the installation of elaborately crafted clay idols of Lord Ganesha in homes, temples, and public pandals (temporary structures). These idols are often adorned with colorful decorations and offerings like flowers, fruits, and sweets. Devotees worship the idol with prayers, chants, and rituals, seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha for wisdom, prosperity, and success in endeavors.
Throughout the festival, devotees participate in various cultural events, processions, and performances, including music, dance, and dramas depicting the life and legends of Lord Ganesha. Public pandals often host community gatherings where people come together to celebrate, share meals, and engage in charitable activities.
On the final day of the festival, known as Anant Chaturdashi, the clay idols of Lord Ganesha are immersed in water bodies like rivers, lakes, or the sea, symbolizing his journey back to his celestial abode. This ritual, called Visarjan, is accompanied by loud chants of “Ganpati Bappa Morya, Pudhchya Varshi Lavkar Ya” (Oh Lord Ganesha, come again soon next year).
Ganesh Chaturthi is not only a religious festival but also a cultural extravaganza that fosters unity, community spirit, and environmental consciousness. In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on eco-friendly celebrations, with the use of clay idols and natural materials to minimize environmental impact during immersion.

Janamashthami Pooja and Celebration
2024-08-24 10:00 - 14:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Janmashtami is a Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who is considered the eighth incarnation (avatar) of the Hindu god Vishnu.
The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and devotion, where it is one of the major festivals. People observe fasts, sing devotional songs, and participate in various cultural events and performances. In temples, elaborate decorations are put up, and the deity is adorned with new clothes and jewelry.
One of the most famous traditions associated with Janmashtami is the Dahi Handi celebration. In this event, kids and young men/women form human pyramids to reach and break a pot filled with buttermilk, which is tied at a height. This tradition symbolizes the mischievous nature of Lord Krishna, who was known for stealing butter as a child.
Devotees also read from the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text that contains the teachings of Lord Krishna, and participate in night-long prayers and bhajans (devotional songs) to celebrate his birth.

VMCC - Sundarkand
2024-06-08 10:00 - 12:30 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
10:00am to 10:30 am – Ram darbar murti puja with one or two host families @ $116 each
10:30am to 12:30pm – Sundarkand Parayanam
12:30pm – Arthi and Prasad.
1pm – North Indian thali fundraiser ($10)

VMCC - Open house
2024-06-01 11:30 - 12:30 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States

VMCC Rasoi
2024-05-25 11:00 - 13:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Delicious home cooked meals will be available for takeout at the mandir during its regular hours of operation and will be ready for pickup around 11:00am.
Today’s Special

Idli, sambhar, chutney

VMCC Rasoi
2024-05-18 11:00 - 13:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Delicious home cooked meals will be available for takeout at the mandir during its regular hours of operation and will be ready for pickup around 11:00am.
Today’s Special

Puliyogare

Vishnu Sahsranama explained
2024-05-16 19:45 - 20:45, 2024-05-09 19:45 - 20:45, 2024-05-02 19:45 - 20:45 | VT
Vishnu Sahsranama explained
Thursdays 7:45 – 8:45pm
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/axo-yvog-ziu
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 530-593-0157‬ PIN: ‪563 544 544‬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/axo-yvog-ziu?pin=7037846856766

VMCC Rasoi
2024-05-11 11:00 - 13:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Dosa, sambhar, chutney
Delicious home cooked meals will be available for takeout at the mandir during its regular hours of operation and will be ready for pickup around 11:00am

VMCC Rasoi Kickoff
2024-05-04 10:30 - 14:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
Delicious home cooked meals will be available for takeout at the mandir during its regular hours of operation and will be ready for pickup around 11:00am.
Here is a peek into the upcoming four Saturdays.
05/04 (Kala chana, potato, paneer) curry and zeera rice
05/11 – Dosa, sambhar, chutney
05/18 – Puliyogare
06/01 – Idli, sambhar, chutney
Pre- packed food can be purchased at $7/single serve
As a guesstimate for the first day there will be ten helpings ready for purchase.
Looking forward to your support and should you have any questions or be willing to volunteer please reach out to any one of the committee members.
P.S. ‘Rasoi’ means kitchen.

Vishnu Sahsranama explained
2024-04-25 19:45 - 20:45, 2024-04-18 19:45 - 20:45 | Online

Ramnavmi
2024-04-20 10:00 - 14:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States

Ugadi, Gudi Padva
2024-04-13 10:00 - 14:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States

Holi
2024-03-30 10:00 - 14:00 | St. James Episcopal Church, 4 St James Place, Essex Jct., VT, 05452, United States
