India visit, (YouTube) Pongal, New Family Priest,

Back in India 36 years, Earlier post. I had this conversation yesterday with Gandhi Mohan and Heather Jennings post the visit on their view about India visi. Here is the YOUTUBE LINK to the 20 min conversation with them.

Gandhi Mohan at VIT Lecture. 

Today marks a special Pongal celebration for Lalitha and me, as we observe this Thanksgiving festival to the sun god after 32 years, reminiscing about our first Pongal in 1992 as newlyweds. Festivals have a unique way of weaving memories, and this year's celebration is tinged with a sense of subdued reflection due to the recent passing of my niece.

While Lalitha and I are celebrating quietly at home, it warms my heart to hear about Shravan and Radha's vibrant Pongal festivities in San Francisco. Despite our more muted observance, we extend heartfelt "Pongal Greetings" to everyone, hoping that the spirit of the festival brings joy and prosperity to all.

Pongal celebrations 2024 at Cupertino. (Shravan)

Pongal 2024 at Foster City. First for Radhu there. 

Today, as we embrace the auspicious beginning of the Tamil month "Thai," (தை) a time that calls for ancestral rituals akin to those observed on Ammavasya (New Moon day), I must share some somber news. In the final week of November 2023, we bid sad farewell to our cherished family priest, Mr. Ramamurthy, whose sudden departure at the age of mid-60s left a void in our hearts. Over the past 15 years, he had been a guiding force, especially during the challenging moments of my mother's passing, providing invaluable assistance in navigating the 13 days of rituals. His absence will be deeply felt, and we will always hold his memory close.

It is with mixed emotions that we introduce Shri. Seetharaman as the new family priest, taking on some of the responsibilities once shouldered by Mr. Ramamurthy. Hailing from Kerala and having immersed himself in Vedic studies there, Seetharaman has been a Bangalore resident for the past two decades. His commitment to the correct pronunciation of Sanskrit words, insisting on perfection, has already become his distinguishing trait. We anticipate a lasting association with him. Remarkably, since my sacred thread ceremony in 1973, Seetharaman will be the fifth priest to oversee our family's Vedic affairs, spanning both Karaikudi and Bangalore.

Here's to a new chapter and a continued connection with our traditions.

Mr Seetharaman, our priest today. 

Regards

Karthik

15th Jan 24 1130am.