A Once-in-a-Lifetime Ritual for Royce, Drayush & Yajna 🙏 Dear Friends and Well-Wishers, We would like to take a moment to share a very special milestone in our children’s lives – a sacred journey that recently took place in our family. ❤️ Royce and Drayush recently underwent their Upanayan Sanskar, the Janeu or sacred thread ceremony, an ancient rite of passage in Hindu Dharma that signifies the formal beginning of a child’s journey into knowledge, self-discipline, and righteous living. As described in our Vedas and Shastras, this ritual marks the start of Brahmacharya Ashram – the phase of life focused on learning and personal growth. It is not just a cultural tradition but a spiritual awakening and a lifelong foundation for character building. The celebrations began with the beautiful and vibrant Kasar Batne ceremony. Surrounded by close family members, we blessed Royce, Yajna and Drayush with love and laughter while singing traditional songs, dancing with joy, and making the symbolic kasar laddoos. This joyful prelude set the tone for what would become one of the most unforgettable events of our lives. Later that evening, we held the traditional Haldi ceremony, where turmeric paste was applied to the children with prayers for purity, health, and protection. The house echoed with music and dance late into the night, bringing everyone – young and old – together in celebration. The next day was the main Upanayan ritual, led by our family priest. It was a long but powerful day, stretching from early morning to late evening. Despite the exhaustion, all Royce, Drayush and Yajna (who also underwent her Gunyo Cholo ceremony) stayed calm, respectful, and engaged throughout. Their grace and composure in such a spiritually intense event showed us that the first lesson of this ritual — to control one’s anger, ego, and frustration and to adapt with humility — had already begun to take root. 🙏 This entire ceremony was made possible with the immense support and dedication of Royce’s and Yajna's mama (maternal uncle) and extended family. Without their love and effort, we could never have imagined celebrating with such warmth and scale. Over 700 relatives, villagers, and well-wishers gathered to bless our children — truly a humbling and unforgettable experience. With love, Yubaraj & Rita Sedai (Parents of Royce & Yajna) #UpanayanSanskar #GunyoCholo #SanatanDharma #TraditionAndValues #RoyceSedai #YajnaSedai #DrayushBhetwal #FamilyBlessings #CulturalRoots #ProudParents

🌙 Happy #Mahashivratri 2025! On this sacred night of Shiva, may you find inner strength, peace, and clarity. Let the spirit of transformation fill your heart with courage and wisdom. Just as Shiva remains unshaken amidst the chaos, may you stand strong in every storm of life. As Sadhguru says: "Mahashivratri is not a night for sleeping; it is a night to awaken to the limitless nature of who you are." May the divine energy of Shiva bless you and your loved ones with joy, prosperity, and spiritual growth. 🔥 Har Har Mahadev! 🔥 ========================================================= Story: The Light of Shiva: A Shivratri Inspiration On a cold night atop the Himalayas, a young seeker named Aryan wandered through the snow-covered trails, searching for deeper meaning in life. Feeling lost and burdened by worldly worries, he decided to spend Mahashivratri in meditation, hoping for a sign from Lord Shiva. As midnight approached, Aryan sat under an ancient banyan tree, closing his eyes and chanting Om Namah Shivaya. The stillness of the night was broken only by the whispering winds. Suddenly, a sage appeared before him—a radiant figure with ash smeared on his forehead and a serene smile. "Why do you seek Shiva outside?" the sage asked. Aryan, startled yet in awe, replied, "I wish to feel his presence, to understand his boundless wisdom and strength." The sage chuckled and said, "Shiva is not outside; he is within. He is the stillness in your breath, the fire in your spirit, the vastness of your mind. When you embrace silence, you embrace Shiva." At that moment, Aryan realized the true meaning of Mahashivratri—a night of transformation, awakening, and self-realization. With newfound clarity, he bowed to the sage, who vanished into the darkness, leaving behind only the echo of wisdom. From that night on, Aryan lived fearlessly, embracing life's challenges with the strength of Shiva within him.