Register for Ganesh Pooja Now! For the past few years we have had record attendance at this event. Please register early to guarantee your spot. See pictures below from past years.

By Arun Palaniappan

On the first Sunday after the Full Moon on the month of August, which translated to August 8^th, we held the Hindu festival Raksha Bandan in Balagokulam. Raksha Bandan was supposed to be on August 5^th, but since that was a Wednesday, a workday, we celebrated it on Sunday. We had our usual activities at the usual time up until the boudhik. We talked about Raksha Bandan and its qualities for 20 minutes, and then called the Balas over. After a few minutes of instructions, we got the rakhis and actually started tying them. We tied them to the people sitting next to us. At 12:00, Balagokulam ended and everyone left, but not for long.
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August 8th, 2009
-By Adhithya Rajakumar

For a long time, Subramaniya Bharathi shaaka (Bellevue, WA) was making plans for a Kishor get-together. After much thought, the decision was made: a hike in Cougar Mountain. The proposal was met with much rejoice from the Kishor, who had loved the outcome of their previous get-together—a hike at Rattlesnake Ledge.
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This year, the University of Washington chapter introduced HY Socials, with the ice-skating event in Jan 2009. And, it was a lot of fun!

This time around, they plan to have a break-dancing session from Jeromeskee. This would be a introduction to break dancing and you don’t need to worry if you haven’t break-danced (or even danced at all) before. Kids are highly encouraged to attend cause it will be a lot of fun. It’s a beginner level class but it will be challenging for sure!

When - March 25, Wednesday - 7:45pm to 8:45pm
Where - Velocity Dance Center, 915 East Pine Street, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98122
How much? $10 per person

Our man, Jeromeskee has participated successfully in several b-boy titles throughout the world and has worked with and taught at many corporations and universities and holds workshop classes in Seattle every Wednesday to teach break-dance.

The Facebook page for the event can be found here.

Let us know if you need or can provide car pools.

The UW shakha recently decided to have a social event at the Highland Ice Skating Arena. Ice skating was chosen because everyone wanted to do something new and adventurous. Most of the kids or youth had no prior experience with ice skating so they were a bit anxious.

Getting into the skates can take some getting used to, as we realised. They need to be real tight to protect your ankles and get a good grip! (if that makes sense). We had arranged to take a group lesson from an instructor. She was friendly and warm and tried to help us out. But it took us a while to getting used to standing on ice on blades. We learnt a few basic moves like the scooter, the glide and the twizzles. Of course falling is a part of the game. But that only adds to the fun. Who dares wins!

While we were struggling on our feet little kids were zipping by us. Boy those kids sure learn fast. But for our first session we did good, I think so. Reminded us of our inner child and the energy within us waiting to sprout. It was a challenge for our bodies, which are normally used to typing at a keyboard and we had great fun exploring our own abilities. This is exactly what the event aimed for, a bit of an adrenaline rush and a learning experience instead of the usual stuff-yourself-like-a-thanksgiving-turkey at any Indian restaurant routine. We look forward to organising more such events and expect more people to join us.

Whats next ? How about skiing ? Hmm… Watch out for the next announcement.

December 3, 2008

University of Washington, Seattle

Historic Taj Hotel Building under seige

Over 250 people gathered for a candlelight vigil held at the Red Square in the University of Washington campus to pay condolences to the victims of Mumbai attacks in India. The terrorist attacks happened last week at various locations in Mumbai, the financial hub of India, and the authorities have confirmed 171 deaths and 294 injured victims so far.

The vigil, titled “Together Against Terrorism”, was organized by students groups in University of Washington (UW) namely HinduYUVA, Indian Students’ Association and South Asian Students Association, and saw a strong participation from many Indian organizations, religious and ethnic groups in the Greater Seattle region. These included Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh, Indian Association of Western Washington, Art of Living, Seattle Maharashtra Mandal, Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, Sanatan Dharma Temple – Maple Valley, Orthodox Christian Church and Jewish Groups.

Click above to see more images

Everybody lit candles and paid condolences to the victims by observing silence for a few minutes and reciting a prayer together for the spread of peace, happiness and unity in the world. The event saw short speeches from different representatives of the community. David Longnecker, an Art of Living Foundation volunteer, focused on the need of outreach and dialogue to prevent such events. Rabbi Elie Estrin, from Chabad Jewish Center, implored the people to respond to such acts with the acts of kindness. Ankit Gupta, President of HinduYUVA students’ group in University emphasized on the need for students to direct their enthusiasm and energy to the cause of uniting the society and caring for each other. The attacks were also condemned by Mr. George Moore from International Students Office, University of Washington.

In the end, those present at the vigil read out a common resolution adopted against such cowardly terrorist attacks, the exact text of which is given below.

Resolution of ‘Together Against Terrorism’

December 3, 2008

University of Washington, Seattle

Last week the world witnessed yet another senseless act of terrorism in Mumbai, India. The terrorists’ prime targets were citizens of India, United States, United Kingdom, and Israel. Around 180 innocent lives were lost and more than 300 people injured in this heinous act against peaceful civilians. We, the undersigned organizations from UW and the Greater Seattle area strongly condemn these coordinated terrorist attacks in India.

We offer our deepest condolences to the families, who lost their loved ones. May their souls rest in peace! We also pray for the rapid recovery of those injured, and offer our support to them and their near ones in every way we can.

The scourge of terrorism knows no borders. Inaction or indifference to such acts will only aid the negative forces. To effectively address this global menace, we require unity, resolution, and response from the civil society across all borders and faiths. And hence,

• We resolve to stand united and fight together against terrorism anywhere and everywhere in the world.
• We demand that the Indian Government establish strong systems to protect our sisters and brothers staying in India.
• We urge the international community to fully co-operate in pursuing the conspirators and perpetrators of these violence acts to the end, and bring them to justice.

Together Against Terrorism –

• Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, Seattle
• Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, Seattle
• Hindu YUVA, UW
• Indian Association of Western Washington
• Indian Students Association, UW
• NWShare, Seattle
• Samskrita Bharati, Seattle
• Sanatan Dharma Temple, Maple Valley
• Seattle Maharashtra Mandal
• South Asian Students Association, UW

——————————————————————————————————————–

Let us stand united to…

• …pray to the departed souls in Mumbai’s terrorist attack
• …offer condolences and support to the families of those affected
• …make a resolve to unite and fight against terrorism anywhere

What: A candle-light vigil and prayer service
Where: The Red Square, University of Washington, Seattle
When: Wednesday, Dec 3rd.

For questions, please email avaneash@yahoo.com.