Jan 28

MHT Community Update – Jan 2014

Dear Community Members, Thank you! We greatly appreciate your donation to MHT and hope that you will continue to extend your generous support. Any donation has tax deduction advantage under 501 (C) (3). The month of January was bittersweet for Maine Hindu Temple. We learned that our board president, Mr. Deven Bhatt is leaving the state of Maine to be with his family in Virginia. We are very happy that he is going to be closer to his family, yet sad that one of the pillars of our community would be moving away. We thank Deven Bhatt for all his contributions to Maine Hindu Temple and wish him all the best for life ahead. He will be sorely missed. The Board met on January 18th and considered all option for MHT president succession plan and Devi Maganti has been unanimously elected as MHT president. Devi's commitment to the temple's well being and to the community is why she was elected to this post. Please join us in congratulating her. Deva will continue to taking care of MHT finance including Devi’s current role and Mayu will be handling all forms of communication. Venu will continue to be a vice president and assist wherever necessary. Prakash Bhai, Kiran Bhai and Avinash will continue to be advisors to the board as well as assist wherever necessary. This brings up a great opportunity for community members to step in and be part of the board. We are looking for community members to volunteer their time for the betterment of this temple and community. Please see any existing board member if you are interested. Motions below have been passed by the existing board. 1. Approved maximum of 5K for heating and other basement fittings 2. Approved funds for conducting special pooja for all 2014 MHT members and donors during upcoming festival conducted with help of Poojari 3. Allocate 5K current winder utility endowment and 4. Allocate 5K for insulation and Building rehabilitation 5. Prioritize short term plan such as renovating stage, wall mount photographs. Upcoming Events We have quite a few upcoming events in Feb Feb 1 - Ayyapa Swami Pooja Feb 3 - Vasant Panchami Saraswati Pooja Feb 10 - Bhishma Ekadashi Feb 15 - MHT 1st Anniversary Feb 22 - Bhajan Sandhya Feb 27 - Maha Shivratri Celebration Devotees are welcome to bring Flowers, Fruits and Prashad. Please check the calender for details. In addition, we have Sai Baba Bhajan every Thursday at 6:00 PM. MHT would also like to thank Dr. Praphul Joshi for volunteering to teach Carnatic Music to children. He is an accomplished musician and the community members have experienced his divine classical singing during festivals at MHT. We are very fortunate to have such talent within the community and the offer to teach our unique, heritage and culture with traditional classical lessons. First inaugural class will start on Feb 2nd. If you would like to volunteer for singing/teaching/writing/crafts for young children, please let us know. In addition, board will explore commitment from community for an in house Poojari as long term MHT sustainment and kitchen upgrade. If you have any questions or concerns, please email info@mainehindutemple.org (mailto:info@mainehindutemple.org) or call (207) 370-0475 Thank you for your continued support. We are looking forward to celebrating all the auspicious festivals this year with you. Sincerely, MHT Board
Jan 27

Ayyappa Swami Pooja Details

AyyapaBelow are the details of Ayyapa Swami Pooja on Feb 1st, 2014. Priest Raghuram Bhattar from Boston will be conducting the puja. 4:00 pm - Kalash Puja & Abhishekam 4:30 pm - Alankaram & Ashthoram 5:00 pm - Padi puja 5:30 pm - Naivedyam & Aarati 6:00 pm - Harivarasanam 6:30 pm - Prashad 7:00 pm - Cleanup Devotees are welcome to bring Flowers, Fruits and Prashad. Upcoming Events Monday Feb 3  6:30 pm - Vasant Panchami (Saraswati puja) Saturday Feb 15  3:00 pm - Temple Anniversary celebrations - Priest Bhairavji (Ganapathi Homam & Satyanarayana Swamy puja) Thursday Feb 27  6:30 pm - Maha Shivaratri celebrations through the weekend.
Jan 19

Carnatic music lessons for children

“Psychologists, neuroscientists, and experts have demonstrated that music in early childhood does more development for children than bring them joy; it helps their brain cells make the connections needed for virtually every kind of intelligence.” Young children thrive on music. It’s one of the best vehicles for learning in early childhood development. Adding the Indian touch and cultural roots makes it a gift your child will cherish forever. Dr. Praphul Joshi will be teaching classical vocal music to kids at MHT. He is an accomplished musician and the community members have experienced his divine classical singing during festivals at MHT. We are very fortunate to have such talent within the community and the offer to teach our unique, heritage and culture with traditional classical lessons. 1) Children must be age 5 years and above. 2) Maximum number in the class will be 10. 3) Nominal fee of $30 per month for each child. 4) Classes conducted on Sunday at 11am at MHT. 5) Each class duration is 60 minutes. 1st Inaugural Class will start on Feb 2nd. Fees collected will go towards MHT development. So if anyone is paying by check, please make it to MHT. Registration is now closed