Dharma & Yoga Fest 2013 - East Bay

Dharma & Yoga Fest

On Saturday, September 14th, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, along with over 35 organizations in the Bay Area, will be celebrating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Swami Vivekananda in a day-long Dharma & Yoga Fests in Pleasanton and Santa Clara.

Dharma & Yoga Fest is the culmination of a year-long celebration of Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary, a Hindu monk who traveled from India to America and introduced dharma philosophies, popularized yoga, and inspired thousands of people throughout the country.

To keep his message of dharma and yoga alive, Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh has celebrated Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary with the theme of Universal Peace through Dharma and Yoga. Celebration included a nationwide Dharma Bee Competition (children’s contest), mobile exhibitions on Swami Vivekananda and Hindu Dharma, Social Service events and field trips by youth to retrace Swami Vivekananda’s steps in America, and the Dharma & Yoga Fest finale on September 14th.

Dharma & Yoga Fest 2013 has activities and interests for all ages wherein all the events revolve around the life and message of Swami Vivekananda:

Hindu Theme Park:
Let your kids wrestle with Hindu God Hanuman, dance with Lord Krishna, and enjoy the presence of Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, and other heroes at the Bal Gopal Theme Park. Have a great family outing that you and your children cherish for the years to come, with tricks from magic shows and learning values through a puppet show and dharma games.

Youth Fest:
You will be taken to the streets of India with a procession of the Hindu God Ganesh led by university students with the dhol drum, pheta turban, and accompanied by traditional Indian dance. This will be followed by the felicitation of young achievers and a stimulating panel discussion. Also, dance to the tunes of popular songs by fellow students and relive your childhood through Hindu carnival games.

Raja Yoga:
Get fit and rid yourself from daily stressors with lessons from the masters of various schools of yoga and meditation including Transcendental Meditation, Yoga Bharati, and many more.

Bhakti Yoga:
Experience soul stirring music from Jai Uttal, bhajans by famous Indian singer Anuradha Paudwal, and hip hop bhakti music from MC Yogi along with many more artists - all this to elevate you to a new sphere of spiritual experience.

Gnan Yoga:
Do you know about the conversations between Nicola Tesla and Swami Vivekananda? Do you know who was the guru of George Harrison of "The Beatles" fame? Come enjoy discussions and talks from famous gurus of modern times.

Karma Yoga:
As Swami Vivekananda said, “They alone live who live for others”. Here is an exciting opportunity to meet with those who are such examples. Meet with social service organizations like Sankara Eye Foundation, Sewa International, Ekal Vidyalaya, and others. You can add to your karma points by participating in the blood donation and bone marrow drives.

Krishna Leela:
Watches over 300 kids bring to life Story of Sri Krishna and transport you to the days of Gopala through this dance music drama.

Hindu Experience:
Give yourself an experience of a Hindu life. Enjoy with your family the Hindu concepts of Athithi Devo Bhava (“Guest is God”), Vasudhaiva Kudumbakam (“The whole world is one family”), and lots more through skits, presentations and live performances. Don't miss watching the live beta version of a Vedic Hindu Marriage.