In Fremont, Odia Community Celebrates Dola Purnima Melana, Holi

India-West Staff Reporter

FREMONT, CA – Over 800 devotees thronged theevent organized by the Jagannath Cultural and Educational Center (JCEC) on March 12 to celebrate Dola Purnima Melana and Holi at the Asthalakshmi temple, here.

Held outdooras, the intermittent drizzle did nothing to deter the mood of the people who had come in droves.The Melana is the gathering in which palanquins of Radha-Krishna and Madan Mohan are carried by devotees on their shoulders. JCEC volunteers had made the palanquins, decorating them in the unique pattachitra style of art. The decorations and artistic work were one of the most talked topics by the devotees and guests. 

Devotees did the parikrama of the venue while carrying and singing the name of the Lord. Thewhole area reverberated with the sounds of bhajans and the chanting of vedic mantras. This was followed by sankirtan by the ISKCON group which enhanced the religious atmosphere.

The Holi celebrations where plumes of color filled the grounds, had many guests who graced the occasion join in. Fremont city Mayor Lily Mei and Councilmember Desrie Campbellwho were present, handed official city proclamations to JCEC in acknowledgement of their work.

JCEC as a cultural center also doubles as a support system for philanthropic and charitable activities in the local community and beyond. By facilitating fundraising events, sponsorship from devotees, it provides hot lunches in the neighborhood.