Saturday, January 31 also marks the Punyatithi of Dr. Udayan P. Rege, who passed away this day in the year 2000 after a valiant battle with cancer.  Udayan was the guiding spirit behind the establishment of the Shiv Mandir, an act he accomplished despite his severe illness. We will always be grateful to Udayan for inspiring us with his courage and for making Niagara a better place for our community.

Saturday, January 31: Saraswati Jayanti & Vasant Panchami. As Diwali is to Lakshmi, Goddess of wealth, and Navratri is to Durga, Goddess of strength, might and power, Vasant Panchami is to Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge and learning. Devi Saraswati represents the free flow of wisdom and consciousness. She is the mother of the Vedas, and chants to her often begin and end Vedic lessons.

Join us as we pray to Devi Saraswati to bless us all with knowledge, enlightenment, and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. Puja is at 10:00 AM, followed by aarti and a light lunch.

A celebration of Vasant Panchami and Saraswati Jayanti will also take place during Sunday satsang on Sunday, Feb 1 beginning at 3:00 PM. Sponsors: Anamitra & Nandini Shome. The celebration will be followed by aarti & preetibhoj.

Venue: Shiv Mandir.