Narrator:
Today is the 76th birthday of the most venerable Guptasadhak Shree Shyama Khyapa. On this occasion, this is our humble endeavor. We are organizing this in a very simple environment. Just like every year, we are celebrating Gurudev's birthday today.
Narrator:
As you can see, the priest is first performing the puja of his feet. Beside him is Gurudev's own guru, Baba Bama-deb. The priest chants: Om Gangayai Namah. Om Hring Pavitra-jalayai Namah. Om Gange cha Yamune chaiva Godavari Saraswati...
Narrator:
Dear viewers, as you can see, various sweets and offerings are being prepared here on the occasion of Gurudev's birthday. The sevakas (volunteers) of our temple are performing this service; they are doing all the cooking.
Devotee:
Gurudev, please cut it slowly. Not yet...
Narrator:
Today, on Gurudev's 76th birthday, the auspicious start is being made by cutting a cottage cheese (Chhana) cake. Gurudev himself is cutting the cake, as you can see. We wait for this moment every year.
Devotee:
Please feed some to Gurudev. It has been offered, so please give it to him. Along with this auspicious moment, someone please take some to offer to the Divine Mother first.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Yes, offer it to the Mother first. Someone take a plate to the Mother's altar.
Devotee:
Gurudev, our pranams (respectful greetings) to you. Today is your 76th birthday. We have tried our best within our means. We bow at your feet repeatedly, and we seek your blessings. Please bless everyone.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I have been giving blessings to everyone since morning. Two or three hundred people have already come. Everyone has received blessings. It is the blessing of the Mother and the Father (Guru). Actually, today isn't my birthday; it is my Father's (his Guru's) birthday.
Devotee:
You feel that it is your Guru's birthday, but we are celebrating yours.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Where Father is, I am there.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
I give the blessings of the Father to everyone. Everyone will receive the blessings of Bama-deb. He is very kind to his devotees. He will bless everyone so that they stay well. Looking at the current state of the world—the fighting, the violence, and the killings—I am calling out to Father to save us. Only he can save us. It is not possible for me, but it is possible for him.
Devotee:
We celebrated your birthday today in this small space.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Actually, celebrating like this... I don't really like it. I have said it many times that I don't like these things. What is there to worship me for? I worshipped Baba Bama-deb. I didn't take any worship for myself.
Devotee:
But the devotees bow to you and seek your blessings. For them, it is your worship.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
While Father is here, I cannot give blessings myself. Let Father do it. His blessing is the ultimate blessing.
Devotee:
We wish that you live for a hundred years and continue to do good for all of us.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That is what we all want.
Narrator:
On the occasion of the birthday of our Guru, a gentleman has brought a gift. It is a painting of Radha-Krishna.
Devotee:
Sir, please tell us your name.
Subhash Pramanik:
My name is Subhash Pramanik. My daughter painted this with her own hands.
Devotee:
Your daughter painted this? It's beautiful! Gurudev, what do you think of it?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
What is the daughter's name?
Subhash Pramanik:
Sangeeta Pramanik.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It is a very beautiful picture. It is a wonderful gift.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
This is exceptional. She has painted Radha-Krishna beautifully. At first glance, you might not realize how much depth there is, but those who are artists can see the merit in this. She has painted it with an artistic mindset. Ordinary people might not appreciate it, but those who understand art will see the glory of it. It's wonderful.
Devotee:
Gurudev has accepted this beautiful gift on his birthday. Our pranams to you, Gurudev.