UTAH Krishna Temple Opening June 23

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Krishna Temple Opening June 23

 

BY CARU DAS

 

CALENDAR, Jun 23 (VNN) — Ornate Krishna Temple To Open

Saturday June 23, 10am-7pm

8628 S. Main St., Spanish Fork, Utah 84660

http://www.iskcon.net/utah

Contacts: Vaibhavi Dasi & Caru Das

(801)798-3559 / caru

 

After ten years of planning and three years of construction, the

Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork will celebrate its opening with a gala

festival Saturday June 23. Though many decorative domes and arches

are yet to be added, the building will open its hand carved teakwood

doors to the public for a day of celebration, dedicatory rituals,

performing arts, music, dance, cuisine, exhibits, gifts and arts.

 

Vaibhavi devi, the designer and supervisor of the construction, gives

credit to others for making the vision a reality. Not only the

dedicated Hindu community of Utah has aided our efforts, but the

local Mormons have been wonderfully helpful, giving donations

individually and collectively, as well as coming in groups as large

as 200 to do service projects on the premises. Many contractors have

done work for free, or at discounted prices. We've invited them and

their families to come, have some food, and receive our public thanks

on opening day.

 

The two story, domed structure, fashioned after a famous devotional

palace in India called Kusum Sarovar (Temple on a Lake of Flowers),

stands on the highest point of a 15 acre plot. From the second story

verandah, one can scan I-15, Utah lake, and green farmlands to the

west, the snow capped Wasatch mountains to the east, and, on the

temple property itself, a 200,000 gallon lake with waterfall, and an

outdoor amphitheater for the performing arts.

 

At 10 am June 23rd brahmin priests will chant Sanskrit mantras,

sanctify the building with the traditional fire sacrifice (Homa), and

conduct the ritual bathing and installation (Abhishek) of the 40'

high Radha Krishna marble deities, which were hand carved in Jaipur,

India.

 

>From 1pm on the outdoor stage there will be a full menu of speakers

and entertainment. Some of the expected speakers are Senator Orrin

Hatch, the stake President of nearby West Salem, Dr. Stanley Green,

Dr. Dinesh Patel, the leader of Salt Lake's Indian Community, Dr.

Neila Seshachari, professor of English at Weber State University &

Governors' appointee to the Utah Arts Council, and visitors from out

of state to be announced. Preceding the main event on stage will be

Utah's own Pallavi Kharkar with selected dance offerings of grace and

beauty.

 

Presenting classical Indian Bharat Natyam dance on the main stage,

from Irvine California, will be Ramya Harishankar and her students,

accompanied by musicians from India. Bharat Natyam is a combination

of the arts of the stage, music, poetry, color and rhythm. Such a

rich cultural tradition requires years of discipline, both mental and

physical, hard work and dedication. Ramya Harishankar brings to

Bharata Natyam all these qualities enhanced by vigorous training

under the best gurus. With over two decades of training, Ramya

combines elegance, grace and suppleness. Ramya has performed

extensively in India, S. E. Asia, the Far East, Europe, the Middle

East, Australia, Canada and the United States.

 

The beautiful vocals of Ushma Vahia, and her combo of musicians on

keyboard, saxophone, tabla drums, and flute will be heard from 5pm.

To the accompaniment of Ushma's music, festival goers will be

encouraged to join together for the Garba Raas, India's most popular

and easily learned type of folk dancing.

 

Delicious hot meals of Indian curry with home made cheese (paneer),

blueberry hallava, spicy Bengali rice, giant lentil chips (papadams),

and samosas will be available for purchase from noon on. There will

be Indian drinks such as mango lassi, and Nimbu pani, as well as

sweets and pizza for the less adventurous. A large gift area will be

freshly stocked with items from Asia to take home as souvenirs of the

landmark event-the opening of Utah's first Krishna Hindu temple.

 

Other coming events for the temple and surrounding property are the

7th Annual Llama Fest July 14th, and the 14th Annual Indiafest,

Sept.15.