It takes great courage to walk an unknown path, this is what Swami Vivekananda at a young age. He captivated the Parliament of World Religions in Chicago in 1893 with his words of wisdom. Kenya and several other countries and followers are celebrating his 150th birth anniversary throughout this year.

Special programmes have been lined up that include various charity drives, religious lectures and cultural activities. Last Saturday the Oshwal Centre Nairobi, the Swami Vivekananda Celebrations Committee including members of the Hindu Religious & Service Centre started the festivities with a cultural event.

It brought together different communities that live in Kenya with their roots from different states of India. It was encouraging to see participants of all ages singing religious songs and dancing to folk tunes.

The Lohri Festival comes to town

It is popularly known as the harvest festival for the Sikhs around the world. It is also a time to welcome newly weds and new borns. Last Sunday the Lohri Festival was celebrated at the Sikh Temple Pangani and various private residences.

I was at the Dhanjal's resident where they welcomed a new born. There was the ritual of lighting a small bonfire and going around, throwing popcorn and wishing for a stronger, prosperous and healthier year. The dinner was a feast, which was made up of the traditional dish saag and maki di roti with the favorite sweet jalebis.