New Altar for New Year
Hare Krishna ‼ Dear all:
“2011” is undoubtedly an unforgettable year for many reasons and we would like to give it a devotional send-off by having various kind of activities inspired by Japanese tradition.
As you all know, that the Japanese New Year (正月 shōgatsu) is one of the most important annual festivals with its own unique customs, here are few activities being organized by ISKCON New Gaya Japan:
1. Omisoka: (大晦日), New Year’s Eve, is the second-most important day in Japanese tradition because it is the final day of the old year.
There will be special celebration in Funabori Temple on Dec-31 from 9:30 PM to 11:45 PM which will include Recap-2011 (major Temple activities in 2011), Open heart resolution (every individual will get an opportunity to share his/her feelings and resolution for new year), Bhajan-Kirtan, etc. There will also be free distribution of Herbal Tea and Halwa Prasad at the Temple.
2. Bell ringing for 108 times: On the first 108 beats of 2012, Temple will ring the bells for the total of 108 times to symbolize the 108 human sins (as per Buddhist belief), and to get rid of the 108 worldly desires regarding sense and feeling. (Dec-31@00:00 mid-night). Please note that Darshan of Their Lordships will be kept open till midnight on Dec-31st.
3. Countdown Harinaam: For those living near Shinjuku, can participate in the Countdown Harinaam to be held near Shinjuku Station onDec-31, from 9PM till midnight!
4. Hatsumode (初日の出):The first sunrise of the year will be celebrated with 16 rounds of chanting Maha-Mantra which could be the best keiko-hajime (稽古始め, the first practice of the new year)! Timings: Jan-1, from 6:30 AM.
5. Otoshidama & Vishnu Sahastranaam: On New Year’s Day, as per Japanese tradition it’s a custom to give money to children. This is known as otoshidama (お年玉). It is handed out in small decorated envelopes called 'pochibukuro'. On Jan-1, all the kids in Funabori Temple will be blessed with the “Pochibukuro” by Supreme Lord. Vishnu Sahastranaam will also be chanted on Jan-1 between 13:00 to 15:00.
Other announcements:
- Nengajo (年賀状): As per Japanese custom, New Year’s Day postcards known as Nengajo are being sent to friends and relatives. Please send the Holy wishes to your friends & families by getting Nengajo (Pic enclosed) from the Temple shop in Funabori!
- Govinda’s Restaurant will also have some special dishes during these events and will be open till midnight on Dec-31!
- Today we received New Altar from India, please check the pic enclosed and visit the Temple to have Darshan with New Altar!
PS: Tokyo metro normally operates whole night on Dec-31.
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
ISKCON New Gaya Japan Team
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