Divali programme 2014

High Commission for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on the commemoration of

The Festival of Divali

SATURday 1st NOVEMber, 2014

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

42 Belgrave Square,1 London SW1X 8NT

Lakshmi Mata

THE NATIONAL ANTHEM OF THE REPUBLIC OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO Forged from the love of liberty In the fires of hope and prayer With boundless faith in our Destiny We solemnly declare; Side by side we stand, Islands of the blue Caribbean Sea This our Native Land, We pledge our lives to thee Here every creed and race find an equal place, And may God bless our Nation Here every creed and race find an equal place, And may God bless our Nation

Welcome & Introduction of Mr. Tedwin Herbert, Acting High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

Opening Remarks Mr. Tedwin Herbert, Acting High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago

4

Order of Ceremony Page No.

Opening Prayer - Mrs. Omadaye Sawh

6

Lighting of the Deyas - Mr. Tedwin Herbert, Acting High Commissioner

for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Prayer to Mother Lakshmi - Shree Krishna Ragbir

7

Lakshmee Vandanaa - Mr. Gobin Dwarika

8

- Mr. Tedwin Herbert, Acting High Commissioner for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago Divali Message

Bhajan No. 1

- Mr. Gobin Dwarika

10

Bhajan No. 2 - Mr. Rajesh Ramkhalawan

11

Reading - Shree Krishna Ragbir

12

Hanuman Chalisa - Mr. Rajesh Ramkhalawan

13

Vote of Thanks - Ms. Achi-Kemba Phillips, Tourism AttachĂŠ Closing Prayer - Mrs. Omadaye Sawh

Refreshments

5

17

OPENING PRAYER

gayatri MANTRA

LAKSHMI GAYATRI

PRAYERS TO MOTHER LAKSHMI

7

LAKSHMEE VANDANAA

Jai lakshmee Maataa, Maiyaa Jai lakshmee Maataa Tumako Nishadina Dhyaavata, Hara Vishnu Vidhaataa Glory to You, 0 Mother Lakshmee! Victory to You, 0 Mother, who are the object of meditation every night and day for Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and even Lord Brahma.

Brahmaanee Rudraanee Kamalaa, Toohee Hai Jaga Maataa Soorya Chandramaa Dhyaavata, Naarada Rishi Gaataa You are the Consort of Brahma, Rudra (Shiva) and the lotus-eyed Lord Vishnu, and You are also the Mother of the world. The presiding deities of the Sun and the Moon meditate upon You, while the sage Naarada sings Your praises.

Durgaa Roopa Nirantara, Sukha Sampati Daataa Jo Koee Tumako Dhyaavata, Riddhi Siddhi Dhana Paataa In the form of Mother Durgaa, You ceaselessly bestow happiness and prosperity, and whosoever meditates upon You with sincere love and devotion, receives all riddhis and siddhis (divine treasures and powers).

8

Toohee Hai Paataala Basantee, Toohee Hai Shubha Daataa Karma Prabhaava Prakaashaka, Jaganidhi Ke Traataa You reside within the nether regions of the earth and You are the bestower of auspiciousness and good fortune. You illuminate the minds of Your devotees regarding the results of their actions, while guarding all the treasures of the world.

Jisa Ghara Men Tuma Rahatee, Saba Sadguna Aataa Kara Na Sake Koee Kara Le, Mana Naheen Ghabaraataa All noble qualities are located in whichever home You reside. It is only through Your grace that the most impossible task can be effortlessly accomplished.

Tuma Bina Yagya Na Hove, Vastra Na Koee Paataa Khaana Paana Ka Vaibhaba, Saba Tumase Hee Aataa Without You, no sacrifice can be performed, nor is it possible for anyone to obtain any clothing to cover his body. All derive their sustenance (food and drink), solely through Your grace.

Shubha Guna Mandira Sundara, Ksheerodadhi Jaataa Ratana Chaturdasha Tuma Hee, Koee Naheen Paataa You are the most beautiful Temple in which can be found all the auspicious qualities. You are the One who emerged from the ocean of milk (at the time of its churning). 0 Mother, You are verily the Embodiment of all the fourteen gems, which no one has the ability to possess.

9

Aaratee Lakshmee Jee Kee, Jo Koee Nara Gaataa Ura Aananda Umanga Ati, Paapa Utara Jaataa Whoever chants this divine Aaratee offering in praise of Mother Lakshmee is cleansed of their sins, and is blessed with infinite bliss.

Bhajan No. 1: BAN SE AAJA RAAM Ban se aaja Raam ghar aaye (1)

Raam lakhan aur Janak Dularee, Hanuman sangha aayee; Puri Ayodhyaa bajat barhaayee, Ghar ghar man gal karaayee …

(2)

Nar naarin ko khushee karaa ke, Daarashana unake paaye, Maataa Kausllyaa aur Sumintraa, Phulee anga nas samaayee …

(3)

Bharat Satrughan daan diye hai, Sab ke man hulasaayee; Rarnchandra Kakayee maat ko, Jaake seesha nawaayee …

When Raam. Lakshman, Sita and Hanuman came back from exile the whole of Ayodhyaa was waiting and rejoicing. Everyone was happy. Mother Kauslyaa and Sumintra embraced them with joy. Baraat and Satrughan gave gifts. Raam came and touched Mother Kakayaae’s feet.

10

Bhajan No.2: Bandow Charana Kamala

Raghunandana

I adore the lotus feet of Shree Raama of the Raghu dynasty

By His grace, devotees gain happiness and prosperity, and the heart of the devotee is soothed, just as sandalwood is soothing to the forehead.

O Destroyer of the wicked, may You always reside in the city of Ayodhya (the heart in which there is no conflict). Always reside therein together with Seetaa, the daughter of the King Janaka.

Because of His love for us, the Lord free us of all afflictions (physical, spiritual and worldly) and removes the fear of birth and death.

O Lord, we, Your humble devotees, prostate at Your feet. Please shower Your grace upon Your Servant and destroy our fears.

11

reading

from tulsidass ramayan

Uttar Kaand

Devoted to duty each according to his own caste and stage of life, the people trod the path of the Vedas and enjoyed happiness. They knew no fear, nor sorrow nor disease.

In the whole of the Lord’s dominions there was none who suffered from affliction of any kind-whether of the body, or proceeding from divine or supernatural agencies or that caused by another living being. All men loved one another: each followed one’s prescribed duty, conformed to the precepts of the Vedas. Dharma with its four pillars (viz., truth, purity12

both external and internal, compassion and charity) reigned everywhere throughout the Lord’s world; no one even dreamt of sin. Men and women alike were devoted to the Lord’s worship and all were qualified for final beatitude. There was no premature death nor suffering of any kind; everyone was comely and sound of body. No one was destitute, afflicted or miserable; no one was lacking of intelligence or devoid of auspicious marks. All were unaffectedly good, pious and virtuous. All were clever and accomplished- both men and women. Everyone recognized the merits of others and was learned and wise; Every one acknowledged the services and benefits received from others and there was no misleading of fellow men.

Shree Hanuman Chalisa DOHA Shree Guru Charan Saroj Raj. Nij Man mukuru Sudhari, Barnau Raghubir Bimal Jasu, Jo Dayaku Fal Chari Budhiheen Tanu Janike, Sumiraun Pavankumar, Bal Budhi Vidhya Dehu Mohi, Harehu Kales Bikaar

CHOWPAI: Jay Hanuman Gyaan Gun Saagar, Jay kapis Tihun Lok Ujaagar Ram Dut Atulit Bal Dhaamaa, Anjani Putra Pavan Sut Naamaa Mahabir Bikram Bajarangi. Kumati Nivaar Sumati Ke Sangi Kanchan Baran Biraaj Subesha, Kaanan Kundal Kunchit Kesaa Haath Bajra Aur Dhvajaa Viraje, Kandhe Muj Janeu Saaje Shankar Suvan Kesari Nandan, Tej Pratap Mahaa Jag Vandan Vidhya Vaan Guni Ati Chaatur. Ram Kaj Karibe Ko Aatur Prabhu Charitra Sunibe ko Rasiya, Ram Lakhan Sita Man Basiaa Suksham Rup Dhari Siyahin Dikhawa, Bikat Rup Dhari Lank Jarawa Bhim Rup Dhari Asur Sanhare, Ramchandra Ke Kaaj Sanvare Lay Sajivan Lakhan Jiyaye, Shree raghubir Harshi Uar Laye Raghupati Kinhi Bahut Badaai, Tum mam Priy Bharatahi Sam Bhai Sahas BadanTumhro yash Gave, Asa Kahi Shripati Kanth Lagaave Sankadik Brahmadi Munisa, Narad Sharad Sahit Ahisaa Yam Kuber Digpal Jahante, Kabi Kavid Kahi Sake Kanhaa Te Tum Upakar Sugrivahi Keenhaa, Ram Milay Raj Pad Dinha Tumharo Mantra Bibhishan Maana, Lankeshwar Bhaye Sab Jag Jaana Yug Sahstra Yojan Par Bhaanu, Lilyo Taahi Madhur Fal Jaanu 13

Prabhu Mudrika Meli Mukha Maanhi, Jaladhi Landhi Gaye Acharaj Naahi Durgam Kaaj Jagat Ke Jete, Sugam Anugrah Tumhre Tete Ram Duware Tum Rakhavare, Hot na Aagya Binu Paisare Sab Sukh Lahe Tumhari Sarna, Tum Rakshak Kahu Ko Darnaa Aapan Tej Samharo Aape, Teeno Lok Hankte Kanpe Bhut Pishach Nikat Nahi Aave, Mahabir Jab Nam Sunave Nasaei Rog Hare Sab Pira, Japat Nirantar Hanumat Bira Sankat Te Hanuman Chhudave, Man Kram Bachan Dhyan Jo Lave Sab Par Ram Tapsvi Raja, Tinke Kaj Sakal Tum Saja Aur Manorath Jo Koi Lave, Soi Amit Jivan Fal Pave Charo Jug Partap Tumhara, Hai Parsidha Jagat Ujiyara Sandhu Sant Ke Tum Rakhavare, Asur Nikandan Ram Dulare Ashta Sidhi Nau Nidhi Ke Data, Asa Bar Din Janki Mata Ram Rasayan Tumhare Pasa, Sada Raho Raghupati Ke Dasa Tumhre Bhajan Ramko bhave, Janma Janma Ke Dukh Bisravei Antakal Raghubarpur Jai, Jahan Janma Hari Bhakt Kahai Aur Devta Chitt na Dharai, Hanumat Sei Sarba Sukh Karai Sankat katei Mitei Sab Pira, Jo Sumirei Hanumat Balbira Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai, Kripa Karo Gurudev Ki Nai Jo Sat Bar Path Kar Koi, Chhutahi Bandi Maha Sukh Hoi Jo Yah Padhe Hanumanchalisa, Hoy Sidha Sakhi Gaurisa Tulsidas Sada Hari Chera, Kije Nath hriday Maha Dera.

DOHA Pavan Tanay Sankat Haran, Mangal Murati Rup, Ram Lakhan Sita Sahit, hriday Basahu Surbhup. (1)

14

Shree Hanuman Chalisa Translation

DOHA Having cleansed the mirror of my soul with the dust of the Guru’s lotus-feet, I describe Raghuvara’s spotless glory, the bestower of life’s four fruits.

Realizing that I am void of all wisdom, I meditate on the Son of the Wind; may he bless me with strength, wisdom and knowledge and rid me of my sufferings and sins.

Glory to you, O Hanuman, ocean of all knowledge and virtue! Glory to the Monkey Lord, enlightener of the triple worlds; you are Rama’s envoy, abode of might incompa-rable, Anjani’s son called Pavanasuta.

You are mighty, valiant, radiant as the thunderbolt, banisher of wickedness, of the wise befriender, golden-hued, brilliant and charmingly bedecked, with pendants sparkling in your ears, and curly hair on the head.

In your hands flash the thunderbolt and banner and across your shoulder the sacred thread of munja. O Samkara’s son, the delight of Kesari the greatness of your glory is adored all the world over Learned, accomplished and exceedingly wise, ever eager to carry out Rama’s behests, you delight in listening to the Lord’s ambrosial acts, with Rama, Laksmana and Sita dwelling in your heart.

You appeared before Sita in a subtle form, burnt Lanka in a form awesome to behold; you slew the demons by assuming a gigantic form and thus accomplished Rama’s mission.

You brought the life-giving herb (from Dronagiri*) which resuscitated Laksmana; joyously then Rama clasped you to his bosom and praised you again and again. ‘You’re as clear to me as Bharata,’ he said.

‘The thousand-headed Serpent hymns your glory so saying, Sita’s lord fondly embraces you. So also Sanaka, his brothers, Brahma and the other high sages, Narada, Sarada and the Serpent King.

Yama, Kubera, and all the guardians of the directions, poets and scholars cannot sing your glory. You rendered great service to Sugriva when you brought him to Rama, who crowned him king and gave him sovereignty over Kiskindha.

Vibhishan heeded your advice and became Lanka’s lord which the whole world knows. Considering him to be a sweet fruit, you swallowed the sun from a distance of two thousand yojanas.

No wonder you leapt across the ocean carrying the Lord’s ring in your mouth.

15

All the tasks of the world however difficult, are rendered easily possible by your favour.

You’re the sentinel posted at Rama ‘s gate which none can enter unless you let him in. He who seeks refuge in you enjoys all blessings and with you as the protector experiences no fear.

When you remembered your blazing splendour (which you alone control) and roar aloud, your thunderous voice causes tremor in the three spheres; when your name Ma-havira is incessantly repeated, ghosts and goblins dare not make their visitation.

Constant repetition of your name, 0 valiant Hanuman, destroys all illness, and dispels all suffering. If one meditates on you with thought, word and deed, you rid one of every calamity.

Though Rama himself is a supreme ascetic, Lord of all, yet you O! Hanuman, fulfilled all his missions successfully. Whoever expresses a longing to you is rewarded with countless fruits of life.

Your glory is famed through all the four ages, shedding its lustre on the terrestrial sphere. You’re the protector of every saint and sage, destroyer of the demons, and Rama’s pet.

‘Be thou the bestower of the eight siddhis and the nine nidhis’, such is the boon Mother Janaki bestowed on you. You possess Rama the philosopher stone – and Raghupati’s servant you ever remain.

By hymning your praises the aspirant attains Rama and forgets the sufferings of all transmigratory births. At last your votary goes to the city of Raghuvara, where, taking birth, he is called Hari’s devotee.

He who does not cherish any other God but serves only Hanuman enjoys all bliss. If one constantly repeats the valiant Hanuman’s name, all calamities disappear and all suf-ferings end.

Glory, glory, all glory to the Lord Hanuman! Be gracious to me like my own guru. He who recites this a hundred times is freed from bondage and enjoys supreme bliss.

He who reads this Hanuman Chalisa attains perfection, to which the Lord Siva testifies. Tulasi says , ‘O Lord, make my heart your dwelling place, you who are forever in Rama’s service.’

DOHA O Son of the Wind dispeller of all calamities , the very embodiment of all blessings! O King of the immortals, dwell in my heart with Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana.

16

SHAANTI PAATH (PEACE CHANT)

17

Message From The Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar, SC, MP Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on the Occasion of Divali 2014

The following is an excerpt from the Prime Minister’s address on the occasion of Divali 2014

I ask you to join me in a prayer which I believe aptly captures the true essence of Divali: Om asatoma satgamaya Tamasoma jyotir gamaya Mrityorma amritam gamaya Lead us from the unreal to the real From darkness into light From death to immortality Ladies and gentlemen, as the dark Divali night is brightened by the flames of the deyas, so too let our hearts glow with the light of love for our family, our community and our Nation.

I ask that the gifts and prayers offered this Divali reflect not only personal desires but also a universal call for tolerance and unity and the positive development of our young Nation.

May the Goddess Lakshmi generously shower you with beauty, prosperity and peace.

18

A Publication of The High Commission for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago 42 Belgrave Square, London SW1X 8NT Tel: 020 7245 9351

Facebook TTHC London

Twitter @TnT_London

20

Website tthighcommission.co.uk