West Chester, PA - On Saturday, Oct 5th, 2013 Pennsylvania witnessed a glorious moment in the annals of Hindu events history when nearly 1000 people representing over 10 organizations joined hands in celebrating “Dharma and Yoga Fest”, a unique “once in a lifetime” event spreading the message of “Universal Peace Through Dharma and Yoga”. Spearheaded by Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Dharma and Yoga fest was held as the culmination of the year long festivities, in commemoration of Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth year. Such events are happening in 30 different cities across USA, spreading the awareness about Swamiji’s teachings and path of religious tolerance and brotherhood.

The whole day event included various Yoga and Meditation sessions from different Yoga traditions, panel discussions by Hindu scholars, bhajans and kirtans, and fair of children.
 

The event began with a step-by-step guided pooja in which over 200 people participated. Every participant was provided with a small murthi of Ganesha along with puja material. The guests were then treated with a soul stirring, awe inspiring exhibition on Swamiji’s life and teachings and then with a documentary on the life of Swami Vivekananda, prepared by 2nd Generation Hindus in America.

 
Taking inspiration from Swami Vivekananda’s teachings, the event was set up in four parallel tracks, namely, Gyaan Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Karma Yoga and Raja Yoga.

 

Towards the end of the day, all paths converged to the auditorium where the stage was set for a grand conclusion. Drama named "Making of Swami Vivekananda" performed by 70 children, was one of the key attractions of the evening which was concluded with dandiya.

 

A myriad of Pennsylvania based organizations such as Arsh Vidya Gurukulam, Bharatiya Temple, Art of Living, Patanjali Yogpeeth, Isha Foundation, Chinmaya Mission, ISKCON, Bhutanese American Organization, Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, Param Sakthi Peetam, Sewa International, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America, Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana, and Hindu American Foundation worked together to organize this event.

 

This was first time in the history of Pennsylvania that most prominent Hindu Organization worked together. Fittingly, it was an occasion to pay tribute to Swami Vivekananda.