New York Sector Celebrates Devotion, Service, and Collective Learning
From November 15–17, 2024, the New York Sector hosted a vibrant online and in-person Spiritual Festival, uniting Acaryas and Ananda Margiis for a weekend of devotion, learning, and inspiration. The event highlighted Ananda Marga’s key departments, including PROUT, ERAWS, and WWD, showcasing their transformative contributions to society.
The program opened on Friday evening with a yoga class, Dharma Cakra, and a devotional session. Acarya Muktatmananda Avadhuta’s class, “Satya: The Supreme Truth”, set a reflective tone, followed by Katha Kiirtan and Avarta Kiirtana. The Katha Kiirtan session, arranged by Acarya Anudhyanananda Avadhuta, featured heartfelt stories and devotional experiences shared by Margiis and Acaryas, making it one of the festival’s most cherished highlights.
Saturday brought a full day of workshops, spiritual classes, and symposia. Acarya Shiilabhadrananda Avadhuta’s class, “Expressions of Devotion: Diverse Relationships with the Guru,” explored the diverse devotional connections with Baba, enriched by his personal experiences and inspirational stories.
The AMURT Symposium, led by Acarya Unmantrananda Avadhuta, showcased impactful humanitarian work. Avtk. Ananda Devapriya Acarya detailed relief efforts in Ukraine, while Acarya Vishvarupananda Avadhuta highlighted Washington DC’s Food for All feeding program, which has seen remarkable growth. Brother Dharma shared how AMURT’s operations in Haiti empower local communities through sustainable projects like salt production, education training, water purification, and reforestation. Acarya Muktatmananda Avadhuta emphasized his work in Los Angeles, where up to 30 tons of food are distributed monthly, supporting over 2,500 individuals.
The ERAWS Symposium, “Nurturing Sadvipras in a Cruel World”, featured Dr. Kathleen Kesson and Sister Damini. Dr. Kesson discussed her new textbook on implementing Neohumanism in schools, while Sister Damini shared innovative approaches to forest schooling, where children engage deeply with nature while mastering traditional subjects.
The WWD Panel, “Pathways to Equality and Wellness – Transforming Women’s Lives,” brought together Avtk. Ananda Aparajita Acarya, Avtk. Ananda Sutiirtha Acarya, Sister Tapasi, and Avtk. Ananda Siddheshvarii Acarya. Their session emphasized women’s critical role in building compassionate and equitable communities, highlighting wellness and empowerment initiatives.
In the afternoon, Acarya Diiptimanananda Avadhuta conducted a Prabhata Samgiita workshop, celebrating Baba’s divine compositions. This was followed by an RAWA program that featured creative expressions in music, poetry, and art, inspiring participants to use art as a tool for self-realization and social good. The evening concluded with Avarta Kiirtana and sectorial updates shared by Acarya Diiptimanananda Avadhuta, spotlighting the good news and achievements across the New York Sector.
On Sunday, Acarya Sumitananda Avadhuta delivered a devotional class, followed by a PROUT Symposium led by Brother Madhusudhan, Manish Dev, Mayank, and Acarya Anudhyanananda Avadhuta. They discussed PROUT’s socio-economic principles, focusing on practical solutions for equitable development and collective welfare.
The festival concluded with collective Dharma Cakra streamed live from the New York Sectorial Office with Dada Kovid and a special showing of Baba’s video, leaving participants deeply inspired. The Spiritual Festival 2024 was a perfect harmony of spirituality, service, and collective learning, reminding all of the importance of devotional practices and the transformative effort needed to uplift society. Baba Nam Kevalam!
