Yogi Jayanti Celebration
5 June 2005, Tampa, USA

On Sunday June 5 2005, Tampa Mandir celebrated its first Yogi Jayanti Samaiyo. From content to stage decorations, the entire program was organized by Balaks who had all worked diligently for many days leading up to the celebration. A beautiful decorated stage created an atmosphere appropriate to such an auspicious occasion.

The afternoon commenced with Dhun-Prarthna-Kirtan. Balaks amply demonstrated their enthusiasm through their lilting rendition of "Yogi Bapa amari tame raksha karo" and "Yogi Aavo te rang mune sheed lagadyo."

Balaks then played ‘Gujarati Alphabet Jeopardy.’ The audience was captivated by this satsangi version of the popular television show Jeopardy. After the game, a group of tabla students who had acquired their skills in tabla classes held at the Mandir played a few taals (orchestrated beats) for the audience. At the end the audience perceived the benefits of both Gujarati classes and Tabla classes.

A series of skits followed based on Yogiji Maharaj’s 101 Tales of Wisdom. First of all, the Balaks performed "Vajehsinh Bapu no Hoko" which illustrated how one's "khef" or zeal should be in Satsang. A small skit based on the Blind and disable man parable followed. The final light-hearted skit "Guru-Shishya" sent the audience reeling into fits of laughter.

The entire program was superbly organized and all in attendance were suitably overwhelmed by the precocious talents of the balaks.