My 74th Birthday
Monday, October 5th, 2026
Vaughan, Ontario
I had been receiving greetings of varying kinds. “Happy Birthday,” “Happy Hatchday,” and “Happy Vyasa Puja.” The last one is honourific by nature. Vyasa Puja is a term that either embarrasses or flatters. To consider that someone like me could represent Vyasadeva appropriately is an illusion. Vyasa is a very advanced soul. I would never be able to fit in his shoes as far as saintliness is concerned. I am grateful for all the warm, well wishes that came my way, regardless.
I do my usual Birthday walk and this day was no exception. I took to the sidewalks going north on Bathurst St. toward the Marriott Hotel in Vaughan, North Toronto. Leo came to pick me up after my head-start journey. The hotel itself is managed by a friend of the temple and a very strong Hindu. Lajput Prasher is his name, and he has been on business ventures which support dharmic causes.
At the events hall, what was unique for a standard Vyasa Puja, was a cultural show centred around Krishna. There was rock music (with Krishna lyrics), original songs, drama, the premiere of a new music video, “The Monk and the Pot of Cream.” All of it was so well received. The usual format is for the guru to sit on a large vyasasan, or chair, when followers come up one by one, expressing praises of the guru. It is a rather lengthy process. A big feast is followed.
In our case we opened up the event eating at 6pm when stomachs are trained to eat supper in most places of the world. In general, I was really happy with the way everything flowed. There was so much love demonstrated. The event was truly a happy one.
MAY THE SOURCE BE WITH YOU
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