Nagar Patotsav: Sydney 2008

PATOTSAV SYDNEY April 2008

This is our first newsletter. So welcome to the experience.

We recently celebrated Patotsav on the 20th of April 2008 and felt it would be a good idea to relive some of the moments and also share them with those who were unable to attend.

This was our 5th consecutive year of celebrating Patotsav in Sydney
and we look forward to many more. It is an opportunity for people with
the “Naagar” connection, be it by birth or marriage, to come together in
observing some traditions related to the celebration of Patotsav. It is a chance
to make new acquaintances and revive old ones and, in all likelihood, find some
connecting links: the quintessential Naagar ‘odkhaan’. It is a prospect
for our children to identify with their Naagar roots.
It is a platform to share some talent, some achievement, some
light-hearted banter, some serious reflection. It is an occasion for us to welcome
new students and migrants and displace some of their home-sickness with a
fraternal bond. It is also another excuse to have a bit of a feast.
This newsletter is to highlight some of what happened during the recent
Patotsav. HAPPY READING !!
- Viral Hathi

“Nagare Vasti Iti Naagra”

It is said that “Nagare Vasti Iti Naagra” – That means wherever a Naagar goes, he creates and expands his / her community. Call it a tradition or enthusiasm, Naagar community of Sydney, Australia celebrated Patotsav - 2008 in grand style.

Nearly 40 people gathered for ‘Patotsav’ due to great efforts of some young enthusiastic Naagars of Sydney like Manish Desai, Viral Hathi, Tejas Oza, Nimish Bakshi and Jaideep Desai.

The Patotsav was held at St. John’s Ambulance Hall, 81, Myrtle Street, Blacktown which included traditional Hatkesh Puja and an abhishek followed by recitation of Shiva Stotras and
various Hymns.

The Puja and Aarti were followed by traditional luncheon and slogans of “Har Har Mahadev”. Every one from the old to the young enjoyed sharing of our cultural values and tradition. The younger members were exposed to our culture and rituals.

The function concluded with games like Antakshari, Dumb Charades and with the introduction of each other. The event was also used to create a database of all Naagars living in Sydney.

Really the enthusiasm and community spirit truly made it an affair to remember.

!! Jai Hatkesh !!

- Hitarth Jani

Thank you to Harshaben Rindani and Sukanyaben Rindani for initiating the traditional Hatkesh Puja and and abhishek.

The kitchen was ‘womanned’ admirably by Urvi Bakshi, Nital Desai, Rachana Oza, Sangita Hathi and Suchi Trivedi.

Harinbhai Rana’s help during and after the event is much appreciated.

We would like to compliment everyone who participated in this year’s Patotsav and also those of you who were unable to attend this year but
have attended in previous years. Your participation has been the main source of encouragement for us. We have also received good wishes
from people who have not been to any of them but hope to attend in the future. Thank you too.

This newsletter has been compiled by Mrudul Vasavada and appreciate his initiative on the same.
We are looking forward to next year’s Patotsav and have noted the feedback received todate and welcome any suggestions and offers of
taking responsibility for any changes/additions to the programme we had this year.

Thank you & best wishes,
From the Organisers.

ORGANISERS CONTACT DETAILS:

Viral Hathi (Email: vphathi@yahoo.com.au Tel: 0412 240 989)
Manish Desai (Email : mannit@hotmail.com Tel: 0419 211 330)

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