To mark the upcoming Maha Shivaratri – a Hindu festival celebrated with prayer, fasting and meditating on ethics and virtues such as honesty and forgiveness to remember Lord Shiva – 50 painters recently gathered for a canvas painting and prayer session that focused on creativity, spirituality and mental health.
The Painting with a Higher Purpose event was held by the Durban Hindu Temple on Somsteu Road in collaboration with Maya Jagjivan Kalicharan and Yogeshnee Moodley.
With Maha Shivaratri observed on Friday, 8 March, according to the Hindu calendar, Kalicharan and Moodley came up with the idea to host a Lord Shiva-inspired painting session that focused on mental health awareness and provided an escape from the challenges of everyday life.
Moodley said: “The energy in the venue was electric, with over 50 like-minded individuals sharing their love and devotion for Lord Shiva, chanting ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and ‘Om Namah Shivaya’, making this the best and largest paint session I have hosted thus far.”
She added that it was a privilege to collaborate with the talented Kalicharan and the Durban Hindu Temple to share her passion for creativity by hosting such a successful event.
Alicia Singh, one of the painters, said: “It was an amazing experience at the paint session. I enjoyed that it was done at the temple that I frequently visit to offer prayer. The instructor made the painting simple and she had such great energy.”
Another painter, Nishanie Lalbahadur, said: “This painting class was a peaceful and creative way to relax and express ourselves. It wasn’t just about making a pretty picture – it was a way to explore our thoughts and feelings in a meaningful way. If you’re looking for a relaxing and unique creative experience, I highly recommend this class!”
Kalicharan said: “As a deeply spiritual being, I’m truly overwhelmed at the magnanimous response to our little idea of bringing people together and closer to spirituality. By working on ourselves through meditation and art, we can overcome our inner demons and transform the darkness into light, both within and around us.”
She said that by spreading spirituality, one can reduce the anger, abuse and violence that are destroying many lives and families. Stay tuned to the Durban Hindu Temple’s social media for details of the next Painting with a Higher Purpose event.
