Chalo Bulaava Aaya Hai, Mata Ne Bulaya Hai

Friday was the big day that Mumma and I were headed to Hari Om Mandir in Chicago to enjoy the Mata Rani Jagran that would be featuring the bhents and bhajans of Narendra Chanchal.

JYOTA WALI DA, TERI SADAA HI JAI! BOL SANCHE DARBAR KI JAI!

The photos are up in the gallery, and you can check out the fun that we had there. We had left around 3.30 pm to ensure that we reach there ahead of time so we get a good place to sit as well as a good parking spot. We reached by 5.30 pm, but the road to the mandir was closed due to road construction. I am horrible with directions and really had no idea of an alternative route. So I called my GPS (Global Positioning System — otherwise known as Bhayia ), he was on his way home, and he said to find a street that is parallel to the mandir’s street, and I should be able to get there. Luckily, I stopped at a McDonalds’ at the correct intersection and then called the mandir to see if someone there can help me.

Finally half hour later, we reached the mandir. But because the pooja wasn’t going to start till 7.30 pm, we decided to go get something to eat quick and find a grocery store to get fruits, and be back there on time.

This mandir is quite small comparatively to other mandirs, so they are very particular about space. Once entering the actual mandir, there is a walkway right down the middle which divides the room in two. Last year we sat on the right side, and Chanchalji and his band were on the front left side. This year, Mumma and I said that we would sit on the left side, so that we would be able to see much better. We were right up front — couldn’t get any closer.

Once the pooja was over, and Chanchalji’s band came in, everything moved quite quickly. Soon enough Chanchalji was also present, and the jagran began. What an amazing performance — really, the way he talks, and the way he sings — just moves you.

Just like last year, there was a dance in the middle of the jagran. Last year it was just Lord Shiva that brought His presence to the mandir, but this year it was Radha and Lord Krishna, that first danced, and then later it was Lord Shiva, Parvati, and Nandi the Bull. Just beautiful.

The thing that makes this jagran so amazing is that you never get bored, and you can feel the intensity in the room. Everybody is singing, chanting, dancing, or clapping — which just livens the spirit of Mata Rani. Chanchalji bhajans are one of a kind, and if you haven’t heard them, you should really check it out. He also stops in the middle, talks about his life experiences or something in general, and then is off onto the next bhajan.

Yes, I did dance. Chanchalji gave me a chunni as I was dancing (usually given to Mata Rani’s kanchkas — girls). He was sitting on a chair very close to where Mumma and I were, and he also let me take a candid photo of him. During that time I gave him a paper that had the bhajan that I wanted him to sing, Lakhon Tar Gaye Lakhon Ne Tar Jaana. The very next bhajan he sang was this one, and there I was back up dancing again. That really brought a smile to my face.

TV Asia people were there — they are suppose to show it on Community Roundup on Wednesday — so US people, watch for me (I am in a blue and red salwar suit ).

We got home at 4 am Saturday morning. I was driving, and I am very proud that I didn’t fall asleep or feel sleepy at all throughout the two and half hour drive home.

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.