Sri Swamiji in Sikkim state in the Himalayas

11-14 May 2007

Sri Swamiji visited the beautiful north east Indian state of Sikkim for four days from the 11th to 14th May 2007.

Sri Swamiji was there at the invitation of Governor of Sikkim, H.E. Sri Rama Rao and family. Traveling Mysore, Bangalore, Calcutta, Bagdogra and finally to Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, Sri Swamiji arrived there on the afternoon of 11th. Sri Swamiji was received with traditional welcome given in the North Eastern states of India with girls decorated with traditional dress. A group of persons had organised themselves in to different committees to oversee the arrangements of Sri Swamiji's visit. The members of the committees were present and welcomed Sri Swamiji.

While we drove from Bagdogra to Gangtok, we spotted many banners and posters announcing the program of Sri Swamiji. The arrangements at the place seemed very thorough as if organised by veteran devotees of yester years.

On 12th, the members of the organising committee met Sri Swamiji and introduced themselves. The evening concert was held in the the T.N.A.Auditorium in Gangtok at 4 PM. The early schedule was due to the early sun set in Sikkim (Indian standard time is measured to the position of Ujjain town in central India). Sri Rama Rao lit the inaugural lamp and spoke about Sri Swamiji and introduced him to the audience. Sri K.N.Sarma and Sri D.V.Sreshtha spoke on the concept of Healing music. Sri Swamiji played healing music for about two hours. The main raga was Sarasaangi (Bhajan: Saptashva Rudham). The audience sat mesmerised and lost in the music Nada Loka. A senior organising member remarked that it was for the first time in the history of north east India that a healing music concert was being held there. After the program, The committee presented a Buddha statue as memento to Sri Swamiji and small Dharma Chakras to participating musicians. Vote of thanks was proposed by Sri B.K.Tewari. Dr.Sonam Bhutia was the compeer of the program.

On 13th morning, part of the entourage traveled to see Nathula Pass high up in the Himalayan range which connects India and China. There the Governments of the two countries have opened the pass for border trade. Those who went there returned with renewed enthusiasm that the Army is doing an excellent job manning the border.

In the morning, Sri Swamiji conducted the Maha Ganapathy Homa. The program was attended by the Governor, Mrs.Rama Rao, The Chief Minister of Sikkim Dr. Pawan Chamling and Chief Justice Mr.A.N.Roy, Speaker of Legislative assembly among others. The spacious green lawns of the Raj Bhavan reverberated with Veda Mantras. Later Sri Chakra Puja was performed. Sri Swamiji then spoke about the worship of mother earth through Sri Chakra Puja and that it was nothing but offering our gratitude and respect to the creation and mother earth.

In the evening, a local dance troupe performed dance programs. Later Sri Swamiji sang Bhajans and the audience sang along with much enthusiasm and clapping.

On 14th morning, Sri Swamiji visited a local Hanuman shrine and flew to Bagdogra and Calcutta.

On 15th morning, Sri Swamiji visited the respected music school, Shruti Nandan, run by Sri Ajoy Chakrabarty, eminent Hindustani singer. Sri Anindo Chatarjee, Tabla player, Violin Brothers and others were present. Sri Swamiji spoke about Music Swaras and the system of creation. The musicians were felt enriched with this new type of Swara explanation.

In the evening, Sri Swamiji visited the Kali mata temple in Dakshineshwar and sprinkled water in the Ganga river. Later, we left Calcutta and traveled to Bangalore. On 16th morning, Sri Swamiji visited the house of Sri. who is doing research of Vedanta and Music.

At 12 noon, Sri Swamiji arrived in Mysore Ashrama to the welcome of 400 children participating in the youth Gnana Bodha Sabha.

Sri Guru Datta

Concert hall in Gangtok

H.E.Rama Rao, Governor of Sikkim lights the inaugural lamp of Music for Meditation and healing concert in Gangtok on 12 May 2007

Healing music concert in progress

Sri Swamiji holds aloft the crystal wand

Sri Swamiji receives the gift of Buddha statue gifted by the organising committee of the Sikkim program

Sri Swamiji offers Purnahuti of Ganapathy Homa. The family of Chief Minister & Governor look on

Sri Chakra Puja

Sri Swamiji wearing the GARIKA (grass) garland

Dance program by local children on the evening of 13 May 2007

Sri Swamiji puts the local honor cloth on a child who danced

The entire dance group with Sri Swamiji

The Kanchen Junga shines resplendent at last - on the day of departure - 14th May 2007. The past three days the entire range was hidden in thick clouds

Sri Swamiji shares a smile as the green of Sikkim presents a pleasant back drop

Sri Swamiji in Shruti Nandan music school. Sri Ajoy Chakrabarty sings invocation hymns in honor of Sri Swamiji

Sri Swamiji on the banks of Ganga in Dakshineshwar, Calcutta. Sri Swamiji visited the shrines of Kali Mata, Radha Krishna and the meditation room of Swami Rama Krishna Paramahamsa and Sharada Deviji.