Celebration Stories
A Look Back: Aug 2026
SAMARPANA - Series 15 and Back to school Prayer - Aug 8 2026
On Aug 8th 2026, by the blessings of Sri Swamiji and the immense grace of Sri Aishwarya Srinivasa Perumal, the 15th Samarpanam Series was conducted as a spiritually uplifting morning of Naama Sankeertanam , bringing together Carnatic music students, devotees, children, and parents from the greater Houston area.
The event featured kirtans offered by approximately 40 Carnatic music students, including adults, youth, and children. The students presented a variety of devotional kirtans as an offering to the Lord. The gathering of devotees actively participated by singing along with the students, creating a joyful and devotional atmosphere filled with collective chanting and music.
Following the Samarpanam, a special Back to School Prayer was conducted as children prepared to begin the new school year. The prayer was attended by children and their parents and provided an opportunity for the community to seek the Lord’s blessings for a positive, meaningful, and successful school year.
The prayer session began with a thoughtful speech by Mukund, one of the youth volunteers, who shared his reflections on the right attitude and approach with which one should offer a prayer. Sri Aravindji then shared a message from Sri Swamiji’s New Year’s message, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive outlook towards life. He subsequently led the gathering in offering prayers for the children and their upcoming school year.
At the conclusion of the event, all the participating students were blessed with prasadam from Sri Aishwarya Srinivasa Perumal.
The event was attended by approximately 150 devotees, including students, children, parents, and community members. The 15th Samarpanam Series served as a beautiful collective offering of Naama Sankeertanam, while the Back to School Prayer brought the community together in seeking divine blessings and beginning the new academic year with positivity, faith, and devotion.
JANMASHTAMI UTSAV - Aug 28 - Sep 6
By the blessings of Sri Swamiji and the immense grace of Sri Aishwarya Srinivasa Perumal and Sri Premika Varadan-Madhuri Sakhi, Sri Krishna Janmashtami Madhurotsavam was celebrated at Sri Aishwarya Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Manvel, TX (Namadwaar Houston), as a ten-day festival of Srimad Bhagavatam, Nama Sankeertanam, kirtans, cultural offerings and joyous celebrations of Sri Krishna's divine leelas.
A highlight of the Madhurotsavam was the complete Srimad Bhagavata Parayanam, culminating in Parayanam Poorthi on Janmashtami Day. Daily Bhagavata Katha pravachanams by different devotees explored Srimad Bhagavata Mahatmyam, Parikshit's Story, Dhruva Charitram, Prahlada Charitram, Sri Krishna Jananam, Krishna's Bala Leelas and Rukmini Kalyanam. A special Srimad Bhagavad Gita Parayanam was also offered.
The festival resonated with Nama Sankeertanam and devotional music, including Ashtapadi bhajans, kirtans, Mahamantra chanting and music during the Vahana processions. Garuda, Kudhirai, Sesha and Yaanai Vahanams, along with Janavasam, added to the festive spirit.
The celebrations were enriched by numerous musical and cultural offerings from adults, youth and children, including classical music and dance, bhajans, violin, flute and other devotional presentations. The enthusiastic participation of children and youth throughout the festival was especially heartening.
Janmashtami Day was a particularly memorable celebration. Following Parayanam Poorthi in the morning, the evening Nikunjotsavam featured a special Carnatic music offering by Flute Maestro Vidwan J.A. Jayant, accompanied by Vidwan N.C. Bharadwaj on mridangam and Vidwan N. Rajaraman on ghatam. The evening continued with Sesha Vahanam, Nandotsavam, Sri Krishna Jananam Parayanam, kirtans and Mahamantra chanting, culminating at midnight with Thirumanjanam, Maha-Harathi and Dolotsavam.
The following day brought the joy of Vana Bhojanam, as devotees symbolically journeyed to Brindavan with Sri Krishna and Sri Radha. Govinda Pattabhishekam commemorated the Govardhana Leela, while the youth presented Hari Katha. Children dressed as Gopas and Gopis also played games with Krishna. The day concluded with Janavasam and a colorful fireworks display.
The Madhurotsavam concluded on Sunday, September 6, with Sri Radha Madhava Vivaha Mahotsavam, celebrated in the tradition of Dakshina Bhajana Sampradaya. The final day also included Gratitude & Prayer for donors and sevaks, followed by Hanumath Utsavam and Vidayatri.
More than 350 devotees attended the concluding day's celebrations, with 100s more participating throughout the ten-day Utsav. The festival provided a blessed opportunity for devotees to immerse themselves in Srimad Bhagavatam, chant the divine names, offer their art in the service of Perumal, and experience the joy of satsang.
The Madhurotsavam was made possible by divine grace and the collective kainkaryam of numerous bhagavatas, speakers, musicians, artists, children, youth, volunteers, donors and sevaks. We offer our humble gratitude to all who contributed their time, skill, resources and service, including those who worked quietly behind the scenes.
With gratitude at the feet of Sri Swamiji and Sri Aishwarya Srinivasa Perumal, we pray that the experience of these blessed ten days remains in our hearts and inspires us to continue in satsang, Nama Sankeertanam and kainkaryam with devotion.
