On Friday, April 13, Pingry’s grades 2-6 had the pleasure of attending a special assembly where fifth grader Neeraj Shekhar shared the details of his Upanayanam. The Upanayanam, a rite-of-passage ritual performed by the Brahmin sect of Hindu society, is when a boy between the ages of 7-12 is recognized as a young man. It is during this ceremony that a young man receives a sacred thread to be worn throughout his lifetime and gains deeper religious and spiritual insight.

Assisted by a Power Point presentation of photos, Neeraj detailed the significance of certain practices, such as wearing special garments, asking ancestors for blessings, playing religious music, and receiving a hair cut. To demonstrate what he has learned through the ceremony, Neeraj recited the Gayatri Mantra—a special prayer that was taught to him by a Hindu priest and Neeraj’s father to awaken the mind and soul. Neeraj concluded the engaging event by performing intricate melodies on the tabla, a popular Indian drum.

Organized by music teacher Patty Finn and Jean Knee, MSW, the assembly was both an informative and exciting opportunity for Pingry’s young students to embrace and celebrate diversity.



© 2007 The Pingry School