Pujya Sri Swamiji arrived in Omaha on 5th May 2010.
On 6th evening, Sri Swamiji was accorded a warm welcome function at the Prasanna Ganapathy Hindu Temple of Omaha. The members, priests, devotees received Sri Swamiji. After Sri Chakra Puja, the trustees performed Dattatreya Paduka Puja. Dr. Phani Tej Adidam, coordinator of the visit and Professor Chair of Collage of Business Studies, University of Omaha welcomed Sri Swamiji with a speech. He recalled the visit of Omaha devotees to Minneapolis in 2003 to invite Sri Swamiji. It is a dream come true - he mentioned. Sri Swamiji later released Hanuman Shataka - a Telugu poetry book on Lord Hanuman penned by Boggaram Prasada Rao. His son, Sri. Raveendra Boggaram offered the books.
On 7th morning, Sri Swamiji visited Music Department of University of Omaha. Mr. Tomm Roland, Professor of Music department received Sri Swamiji. His students and Mysore Ashrama musicians (Sri. Jaitra, Sri. Ramesh, Sri. Mahesh and Sri. Mani) gave two performances. Mr. Mikhel on Trombone, Mr. Seth on Marimba, Mr. Jeff on Drums, Mr. Paige on Double Bass, Mr. Kevin on Guitar, Ms. Audrey & Ms. Hannah on Cello played the western instruments. The Marimba player excelled in his performance. After the program, Sri Swamiji went up to the Marimba and tried it.
In the evening, Bhajan session was held in the temple premises. It was an excellent Bhajan session.
On 8th evening, Music for Meditation was held in the Holland Performing Arts theater in downtown Omaha. The state of the art theater was beautiful. The inaugural lamp was lit by Mr. Pete Pirsch, Nebraska State Senator, Mr. Tomm Roland, Professor, Music Department and Sri. Vidya Shankar, Chief Priest of Hindu Temple. The Senator, Mr. Pirsch read out a proclamation issued by Mayor of Omaha, Mr. Jim Suttle. The proclamation proclaimed that day (the concert day - 8th May 2010) as "Music concert for Meditation and Healing Day".
Sri Swamiji in His initial remarks mentioned that the Raga Sagara USA tour was wonderful. Sri Swamiji reminded that music is no replacement for medicine. Sri Swamiji stressed that music helps to ease the mind which helps the medicines to work effectively.
Sri Swamiji played Pranava Svarupam - Rushyaketu Priya, Vande Santam Hanumantam Bhajan, Jeeva Swara Raga Sagara comprising of Raga Srotashvini, Indukanti and Natha Bhairavi (Bhajan Parashiva Dayite), Dancing tune & Mangala in Saama Raga.
It was an emotional concert. Sri Swamiji's playing of Srotashvini for the first time gave a glimpse of the power of the Raga.
On Sunday, 9th May, Sri Swamiji visited the temple again. Purnahuti of Maha Ganapathy Homa was performed. After Sri Chakra Puja, Sri Swamiji inaugurated "SIVA" - SGS International Vedic Association and Datta Wave - a 24x7 internet radio station which continuously streams music and Bhajans of Sri Swamiji - www.dattawave.org
Omaha devotees offered a cake to Sri Swamiji as advance 68th Birthday program.
With this event, the Raga Sagara USA tour concluded.
In the evening, Sri Swamiji traveled Omaha - New Jersey.
Pujya Sri Swamiji arrives at Hindu Temple of Omaha
Sri Chakra Puja in the temple. Shrine of Maha Ganapathy is seen.
Dattatreya Paduka Puja by temple trustees
Dr. Phani Adidam welcomes Sri Swamiji
Sri Swamiji at Music department of University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Music students of the university played music in Sri Swamiji's presence.
Sri Swamiji plays the Marimba
Bhajan session in Hindu Temple
Senator Pierch, his wife. Lori, Dr. Adidam and Chandru Chaganti
Senator Pierch presents Mayor proclamation to Sri Swamiji
Jeeva Swara Raga Sagara in progress
The last concert on this "Raga Sagara - USA Tour 2010" concludes in Omaha.
Maha Ganapathy Homa Purnahuti. Devotees offer prayers.
Sri Swamiji launches "SIVA". SGS International Vedic Association
The Omaha group of devotees who organised the visit.
The proclamation of Omaha Mayor declaring May 8, 2010 as "Music Concert for Meditation and Healing Day"
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