The Vaghela Parivar Saptah

After one whole year (if not more) of much awaited anticipation and immense preparations, and not forgetting the compassion and hard work that went into it from my parents and the whole Vaghela family, we finally saw the beginning of our ‘Vaghela Saptah’ on 24^th August 2008 at the Ghanshyam Hall at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Stanmore.

This week long event was initiated by a joyful, yet emotional procession carrying the Pothi (Scriptures) to the hall, preceded by an entourage of family and friends performing Garba with clear devotion and chanting to the Lord Krushna to the beat of the Dhol. The Saptah was held in a wonderful setting which was adorned in bright, colourful decorations, which seemed almost like a sanctuary away from the world outside.

The Saptah evolved into a truly enlightening and exuberant experience for everyone who attended, and the sense of connection and harmony amongst the crowd was a huge contribution to its success. The guests ranged from the ages of 3- 97 and it is one of the largest and most exciting occasions that the community has collectively experienced by far.

In fact a Saptah, from what I have come to understand (and have now had the privilege of experiencing) lasts for 7 consecutive days, with the idea of reconnecting with ourselves and the universe, by taking us through a spiritual journey at a much higher level.

This ultimately awakened our minds and enriched us all, by listening intently to daily ‘kathas’ spoken by Pujya Shree Bhupendrabhai Pandya from the ‘Shreemad Bhagavat’, together with additional rituals and programmes from morning through to night to make it a fulfilling and gratifying occasion for everyone.

We should not forget the main purpose of the Vaghela Parivar Saptah, which is to commemorate, celebrate and remember our fore-parents by performing daily ‘poojas’ with the hope to alleviate any remaining affliction from their spirits, and in doing so, liberating their souls in peace. As the future generations, we take this as a blessing and an opportunity to actively engage and understand how we can lead our lives in a more Dharmic way so that we can live harmoniously and righteously to achieve bliss by following the ‘Truth’ as depicted by Lord Krushna.

Each day Pujya Shree Bhupendrabhai Pandya recited in detail the various concepts portrayed throughout the ‘Shreemad Bhagavad’ using modern examples in English and Gujarati, some were highly humorous, and others were deeply touching. Either way he was highly captivating and held our interest for over 4 hours each day, whilst reduced the crowd to emotional tears at times through the beauty of his speech.

One thing I and those around me can vouch for, is that once knows your name, there is no way of switching off even for a minute, as he will certainly pick on you (a sincere affiliation) and expect you to participate, which for our audience resulted in an increased sense of bond and connection.

The energy built up dramatically over the week and the overall ambience was one full of glowing affection, which finally came to a climax on the 7^th day. Some reflections from the crowd about their experience included family and friends who described it as ‘a unique, vibrant and high-spirited atmosphere that was inspirational and joyous,’ as well as it being ‘an honour to be a part of such a wonderful experience,’ and the feeling of being ‘watched upon by our ancestors.’

On a personal level, I feel truly blessed and proud to have been a part of this Saptah in the name of our fore-parents. The warm messages from everyone have been deeply touching and I take this opportunity to thank our parents for initiating, bravely pushing forth and organising this with all their heart and effort. The whole family took it in their hands to make it a triumphant week and it would not have been made possible if it was not for everyone coming together and getting involved with full love and commitment, and by everyone who attended and supported the Vaghela Parivar Saptah.

There has been a powerful sense of achievement and unity within the family, and a lasting experience which has been imprinted in our lives. I hope that now, as we continue to remember our fore-parents, they are smiling down at us, liberated and at peace. Jai Shree Krushna.