Ananda Sambad Sept14_Layout 1 10/1/2014 11:34 PM Page 1
Ananda Mandir 269 Cedar Grove Lane Somerset, NJ 08873 Return Service Requested
Ananda Sangbad
NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ PERMIT NO. 1215
October 2014 A Quarterly Publication of Ananda Mandir, New Jersey
THE FUND RAISING DRIVE AT ANANDA MANDIR Reported By Guru Chakravarty
Sukanta Sengupta (seated) receiving award from Pronoy Chatterjee (left) and Dipak Sarkar.
Biswajit Nayak (middle) honored by Pronoy Chatterjee (left) and Dipak Sarkar
Ananda Mandir hosted its annual Fund Raising Luncheon on June 29, 2014 at the Mandir premises. A large tent was set up on the grounds across from the temple, with folding type chairs and tables. A speaker’s podium was set up on the east end of the tent, while the food table was set up on the other side. The weather was enjoyable, and the attendees were in festive mood. President Dipak Sarkar started off the proceedings thanking about the 100 or so attendees who participated. He emphasized the continued need of raising funds in order to complete the task at hand. While we are proceeding with construction on schedule, the burden of the bank loan weighs heavily on the minds of the members, which would result in large mortgage payments. Dipak urged all attendees to donate generously so that the loan amount stays low. Ananda Mandir took this opportunity to offer felicitations to two of its members who have been pillars of support since its inception. Pronoy Chatterjee, head of the Award and Recognition Committee, offered glowing praises to Sukanta Sengupta, a past President, and a core member of the organization since the early days of the Mandir. Sukanta has carved out a place for him in the history of Ananda Mandir. The appreciation as read out by Pronoy is provided below. Also felicitated was Biswajyoti Nayak, the highly popular and energetic priest of Ananda Mandir. Popularly known as Biswabhai, he has been a great proponent of Ananda Mandir by virtue of his knowledge in puja affairs and his polite welcome to one and all. The felicitation was provided by Pronoy and is shown below. After the felicitations, Ashok Rakhit provided a synopsis of the current stage of construction. All could see the structure of the auditorium across the field to appreciate the progress made. Later, he gave a tour of the facility to the interested attendees for more detailed explanation. An update on the status of the construction work is separately included herein. Turn to page 3 >
Ananda Mandir Expansion – An update Reported By Ashok Rakhit, Chair, Construction Committee
Construction did speed up during summer, as expected, after a slow progress during the last harsh winter season. We are currently working on completion of roofing in the community center so that inside work can
progress during the coming winter months. We will also be working on flooring of the extended temple as well as framing. Sitework is progressing in parallel with the building construction, to connect the waterline in new construction area and completion of storm water retention basin. We have lot of work ahead in next 12 months or so. Regarding financials, our spending to date has been mostly as per the original budget. Since my June write-up, we had a successful Annual Fund Raising Luncheon on Sunday, June 29th. Like previous years, our patrons came and made generous contributions. We raised a total of about $130,000 during this event. The money from this year’s fund raising would be used to pay a part of our needs to furnish the kitchens in both buildings and to purchase other amenities like tables, chairs, etc. We still have to raise funds for other furnishings like interior decor, stage lights, audio visual equipment, and various
other miscellaneous items to make both buildings fully functional. As we are getting ready for the major puja events in September/October, we have to stop construction for a few weeks and prepare space for adequate parking and safe driving to allow a large gathering during Durga and Kali Pujas. Biswabhai and Puja Committee volunteers are working hard to make these events enjoyable for you. Please come and join us with your friends and family. During these large gatherings, sometimes we may not be able to provide optimal services, but we hope you would understand and forgive any shortcomings. Ananda Mandir belongs to all of you and not just a few volunteers. Thank you for your continued support of and faith in the Management and the Construction Committee as we are trying to complete this project that would be the solace to our hearts.
Ananda Mandir Calendar of Events (Dates are subject to Change) Please check our website frequently
www.anandamandir.org Tel: 732-873-9821 NOTE: If a particular Puja time is not listed, please contact temple or visit our website:anandamandir.org
OCTOBER Durga Puja – Maha Saptami Wednesday, 01, 7:00 am Maha Ashtami & Maha Nabami Thursday, 02, 6:00 AM Maha Dashami Friday, 03, 10:00 am Lakshmi Puja Tuesday, 07, 7.00 pm Kali Puja Thursday, 23, 7:30 pm Jagaddhatri Puja Wednesday, 29 Oct To Sunday, 02 Nov (Call Mandir for times) Sahitya O Alochana Friday, 17, 8:00 pm Ananda Sandhya Sunday, 12, 2:00 pm Thursday, 23, 7:30 pm NOVEMBER Raas Purnima Thursday, 06, call for time Satyanarayan Puja Thursday, 06 Temple Foundation Day Sunday, 14, call for time Shyama Puja Friday, 21, call for time Sahitya O Alochana Friday, 21, 8.00 pm Ananda Sandhya To be announced DECEMBER Shyama Puja Sunday, 21, call for time Sahitya O Alochana Friday, 19, 8:00 pm Ananda Sandhya To be announced
Special Religious Services Upon request, the priest of Ananda Mandir offers services such as in-house Sraddhas, Rituals associated with Cremations (Antyesti Kriya), Death Anniversaries, Pre-wedding rituals (Naandimukh, Ashirwad, etc), Upanayan (Paitey), Annaprasan, Wedding Ceremonies & Wedding Anniversaries, Griha Prabesh (Bhumi Puja), Consecrations of new cars (New Car Pujas) and others.
If you have needs for any of the above or more, please feel free to contact : Biswabhai @ 732-873-9821