News and Pics by  Sujay Bendore
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai 

Dubai, Oct 19: U A E Amchigele Samaja, organized the Sree Satya Narayana Puja at Karama Center Hall, Dubai on October 17, 2008, for seeking the blessing of Lord Narayana for the betterment of all, which coincided on the day of Sankasti.

Sankashti Chaturthi Vrata is an auspicious day dedicated to Lord Ganesha in a Hindu month. It falls during the waning phase of the moon – fourth day after the full moon. Ganesh devotees observe a fast (fasting – upvaas) on this day.

Secretary of U A E Amchigele Samaja Prabhakar Shenoy & Veena P Shenoy and a new Couple Sunil Shenoy & Harini Shenoy were blessed one to perform the rituals of the puja.

Around 300 devotees from all over U A E attended the puja to seek the divine blessing.

The puja started at 9.00 a m with Vishnu Sahasra Nama and Lalita Sahasra Nama followed by Bhajans performed by the local devotees on the occasion and the Maha Arati was performed at 1.00 p m followed by distribution of Prasadam and Phalahaaru.

Hindus all over worship Lord satyanarayana in their homes. Lord satyanarayana is an avatar of Lord Vishnu himself. Satya means truth and Narayana means the Absolute. This puja is usually performed on any auspicious occasion like after a wedding in the family, moving into a new house etc. Ideally this puja should be performed on a new moon day in the evening after fasting for a whole day.

Lord Satyanarayana is worshipped by devotees by reciting the story of His greatness which is explained in five chapters with five different versions. These are known as Shri Satyanarayana Katha.

The puja was performed by Bhujanga Bhat.