Vasavi Seva Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 2007, based in the San Francisco Bay Area held its 4th annual picnic on Sep 17th. Picnic was held at the new Balaji Temple premises located at 5004 N. First St, San Jose, 95002. More than 350 people attended the free picnic which was graced by Sri Narayana Swamiji, Head priest and President of Balaji Temple (Balaji Matha).
Vasavi Seva Foundation, comprised of people of Arya Vysya origin, was formed in 2007 with goals of continuing the celebration and practices of Arya Vysya culture, preserving the Arya Vysya heritage for the new generation of Arya Vysyas growing up in America and to use the unified strength of the Arya Vysya Community to serve the needy everywhere.
Sri Narayana Swamiji got the picnic off to a great start by reciting prayers and addressing the assembled community members. He took the opportunity to remind the assembled community members about one’s duty to contribute the best they can for the larger good of the community through selfless service to humanity.
Numerous volunteers tirelessly worked several weekends to prepare the picnic grounds at the recently acquired property adjacent to the upcoming Balaji Temple. Volunteers uniquely felt, even though preparing the grounds for picnic was very hard work for Silicon Valley lifestyle, it was a memorable and enjoyable experience. Organizers had made special efforts to tailor the picnic event for all age groups with a very wide range of activities.
The annual picnic event is one of the eagerly sought after event by people of the Arya Vysya community. It has attracted large crowds year after year with increasing numbers. People look forward to the event to discover old friends, make new friends and rejuvenate old friendships. The scrumptious variety of food and fair like atmosphere is an added plus.
There are more than 500 families of Arya Vysya community in Northern California. These families mainly come from the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.The Arya Vysya community also celebrates Vasavi Jayanthi, every year, in the month of May at Shiva-Vishnu Temple in Livermore and Balaji Temple in Sunnyvale.
The annual picnic and Vasavi Jayanthi events provide a much needed opportunity for all the community members, young and old alike, to get to know each other in a festive atmosphere.
To aid in preserving and nurturing of Arya Vysya heritage, Vasavi Seva Foundation has also undertaken building a sanctum for Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameshwari, kuladevata or family deity of Arya Vysyas, at Sri Balaji Temple in San Jose with kind support and blessings of Sri Narayana Swamiji. Balaji Temple, currently located at 678 Cypress Ave Sunnyvale, CA 94085, will soon have its new spacious location at 5004 N First St, San Jose, CA 95002.
Construction of the new temple has already started at this new location.More information about Balaji Temple and its new upcoming location can be found at http://www.balajitemple.net/Status.html
More information about Vasavi Seva Foundation and the annual events can be found at http://www.vasavisevafoundation.org