It was their day. The Jagannaths of Phoenix celebrated their younger grandson Nikhil's first birthday last Sunday, Dec.14. For the record, Nikhil completed one year on Nov.16, if we go by the Christian calender. But the birth date, in accordance with Hindu calculations fell in mid-Dec. Which was how the Jagannaths came to organise Nikhil's Ayush Homa when they did.
Ganesha and Ayusha Homa was held at Ekta Mandir, a specious temple complex in Phoenix. Incidentally, Mr Jagannath who has spent four decades in the town was among the NRI core group that conceived of, planned and executed the Ekta Mandir complex, which, apart from a spacious worship area, has an auditorium that is used by local NRIs for organising spiritual discourses, celebrating marriages , mundan ceremony, upanayanam and other socio-religious events.
The kids are on their own trip as their parents do puja.
Nikhil dressed up for the homa
Elder brother Sidharth in a dress tailored for the occasion and fedexed from Bangalore by elder ajji Vaidehi and thatha Srinivas.
Phoenix family at full strength - nearly, for Lakshmi, Meera's sister and Sidharth's favourite sitti is missing from the frame.
The massive hall at Ekta Mandir is evidently designed for much bigger 'do's' than Nikhil's ayushoma . The rituals at the temple was followed by lunch at Indo-American Center, where there were over 170 guests, of whom 35 were children, according to Mr Jagannath.
Nikhil holding the floor.
The Jagannaths skipped the gift-giving part of the rituals - aseervadham. Their e-vite says the very presence/blessings of the invitee is a gift in itself. However, those who feel obliged to give anyway, could do so to Maggie's Place , a charity for hospitality to expectant mothers in need.
No garland for Nikhil;he prefers balloons.
Phoenix thatha ordered scores of them;and a handful are still left to be exploded.
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