170th Brahmashree Narayana Guru Jayanthi
The Billawar Association, Mumbai, serving the Billawa community for over 93 years, proudly celebrated the 170th birth anniversary of Saint and social reformer Narayana Guru across its local offices in the metropolis.
Celebrating Guru’s Legacy
Narayana Guru, revered for his fight against the caste system and his work towards social upliftment, is celebrated on Chathayam day during the Onam season in Kerala. This year, the Billawar Association commemorated his legacy with various programs held on September 1st, 2024, in its Bhandup, Thane, Kalwa, and Kalyan local offices.
Programs Across Local Offices
- Bhandup Local Office: The program commenced with a ‘Gana Homa’ (holy chanting), followed by ‘Gru Moorthi Abhisheka’ (ritualistic bathing of the idol) performed by Yogesh Bhat. Felicitation of donors, ‘Mangalarathi’ (auspicious lamp ceremony), ‘Teerthaprasada’ (holy offering), and a community meal (‘Annasantarpane’) marked the culmination of the celebrations.
- Thane, Kalwa, and Kalyan Local Offices: These offices observed the occasion with devotional Bhajan singing, ‘Aarathi’ (offering of light), distribution of ‘Prasad’ (blessed food), and a community meal (‘Annasantarpane’).
Dignitaries in Attendance
The celebrations were graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including Shri Harish G. Amin (President), Ex-President Shri Varad Ullal, Vice Presidents Smt. Jayanthi Ullal and Shri Suresh Kumar, Chairperson Mahila Vibhag Mrs. Shakuntala K. Kotian, Hon. Gen. Secretary Harish G. Salian, Youth Welfare Sub-Committee Chairman Shri Nilesh Palimar, Education Sub-Committee Chairman Vishwanath Tonse, H.O. Representative Shri Shankar S. Poojary, and many other prominent members.
Additional Highlights
- The Kalyan local office program included a special felicitation ceremony for Dishashri Jaya Poojari and Smt. Tara Vijay Billawa, who successfully passed the Tulu Lipi examination.
The Billawar Association’s celebration of Narayana Guru Jayanthi reflects the community’s deep respect for the Saint’s philosophy and its commitment to social welfare practices.
