New Delhi
Pitru Mahotsav was celebrated with religious fervour and devotion at the Jagannath Temple in Hauz Khas, New Delhi. The grand event was organised by Mahakanksha Welfare Foundation under the guidance of its founder couple, Pushpanjali Barik and Bimal Bhal, with the participation of prominent personalities from Delhi and the National Capital Region.
The festival aimed to seek peace, salvation and blessings for departed ancestors. During Pitru Paksha, the founder couple had also performed pinda daan at Vishnupad Temple, the Falgu River and Akshayavat in Gaya, Bihar, in memory of their paternal, maternal, maternal-uncle and in-law ancestors.
The programme began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by guests. Two renunciant spiritual practitioners and two male and two female Brahmins were honoured through traditional worship and the presentation of clothes.
Welcoming the guests, Pushpanjali Barik observed that prayers for ancestors were not merely for the departed but also a form of prayer for the living, emphasising the spiritual connection between generations.
The event featured devotional songs and bhajans presented by artists associated with Surmalahar and Swar Samarpan, followed by Maham mantra kirtan. Dharitri Panigrahi coordinated the programme, while Bimal Bhal delivered the vote of thanks.
Several distinguished guests, social workers and members of the Odia community attended the celebration. The programme concluded with prasad being served to all guests and participants.
