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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, April 22, 2005: Turning sixty years of age in the Hindu tradition is considered quite a milestone, the halfway point in a 120-year cycle. For Neele Neelameggham, relatives and friends gathered at the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple in South Jordon to honor the tradition. After attending a homa fire ceremony, Neele and his wife Indra are literally showered with more blessings. Padmanabham Iyer, a friend who came for the ceremony, explains, “You condition yourself for new spiritual goals and renew your marriage vows so you can continue together on a spiritual path. First, cleansing by fire, then by water. Friends and family collected gold and silver, diamonds and jewels from everyone, put them in a sieve, then took turns pouring water through it onto the couple seated below, with the delighted community chanting in unison an ancient poem called “The Origins of Man.” The news release adds, “Next came the actual wedding ceremony, which included the exchanging of chrysanthemum garlands and the tying of an extra knot in the sacred thread Neale gave to Indra.” After the ceremony, the priest of the temple spoke and said, “You should give thanks to the Gods for your health and life. Anything after 60 years is a bonus. Now it’s time to focus on doing good for all of humanity.” The festivities ended with a puja honoring Lord Ganesha followed by a traditional Hindu feast and fellowship among devotees.

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