By Sudarshan Pyakurel

The recent Srimad Bhagwat Mahapuran Gyanmaha Yaggya, held from August 11th to 13^th, 2023, at the Om Center, Ohio marked a historic milestone for the Global Bhutanese Hindu Organization (GBHO). This three-day event, aimed at commemorating women’s empowerment or Matrisakti, saw the participation of over 5000 devotees. The gathering witnessed a significant departure from tradition as 55 women took center stage, with four delivering discourses on scriptures and 17 reciting the Bhagwat Puran. Notably, 33 women from various segments of the community assumed a role traditionally occupied by male priests from higher castes.

The event’s significance was underscored by Kamal Dhimal, President of GBHO, who described it as a landmark occasion. Mr. Dhimal adds, “event not only championed women leadership but also encompassed participants from diverse societal backgrounds.” Throughout history, the pulpit had been the domain of men, particularly those from higher social strata. This event, witnessed by many attendees, conveyed the message of change and inclusivity. The predominantly older female devotees, who attended the event, found this transformational event deeply touching.

The event was also attended by Dr. Chatamani Yogi a Hindu scholar and guest speaker who emphasized the breakthrough in challenging traditional expectations. Prof. Kingsley Brooks and his wife Dr. Leslie Brooks, who teaches at the Maharishi International University, insisted on the importance of preserving the Vedic tradition, noting that Vedic knowledge is a gift to the world.

The sentiment was shared by attendees such as 84-year-old Pabitra Adhiakri, who exclaimed, “I had never witnessed such an occurrence in my lifetime.”

Accompanied by her son, Shanti Adhikari, one of the 108 founding members of GBHO, said, the experience is doubly gratifying, as his wife and two daughters were also present on stage. Laxmi Mishar, 78, traveled from Harrisburg with her extended family and stayed at the Center for the entire event.

Over 100 families were accommodated in the residential building, plus 30 camping tents on the site. The center sits on 150-acre land, the majority of which is woods and farmland with a lot of space for hikes and trail.

Tika Adhikari, CEO of Freedom Day Care and Home Care arranged transportation for over 100 devotees from Kentucky at his expense. Numerous community-based businesses supported the event through donations and supplies, while attendees also contributed as part of the traditional offering to sustain the community center.

“Community donations are key to covering the event’s expenses,” says Gyanu Dulal who manages the kitchen with 15 to 20 volunteers. The cost of Prasadi (food offer at the center) “easily exceed ten thousands of dollars,” added Mr. Dulal.

The cost is covered through “community, and GBHO members contribution” on event like this, according to GBHO Treasurer Toya Acharya, who disclosed that they raised over $40k during the three-day event. Devotees and volunteers were provided with three meals a day and free lodging, with the total cost of feeding alone at the event being estimated to be around $10,000.00. 

Although it is a membership-based organization, the management ensures that the center is open to everyone, transcending all denominations of the Hindu faith as well as other non-Hindu faith. In line with the organization’s official statement, the center vehemently rejects the promotion of Sampradayik (communal), Jati (caste), and Linga (gender) based social hierarchies.

The recent three-day Saptaha Gyan Mahayegga seems to echo this sentiment of their steadfast commitment to challenging traditional norms that had painted a negative image of the Hindu community. This event is a testament to their pledge to host similar inclusive events in the future, moving away from traditional male-dominated practices that have been prevalent in Hindu traditions.

(Sudarshan Pyakurel is Executive Director of Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio)

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