ThePrustha

“A little story from my morning…”

The week before Thanksgiving always carries a special kind of magic, but this morning in downtown Burlingame felt like a scene from a storybook. The chill of a winter morning, somewhere in the mid-50s, wrapped gently around the quiet streets as I walked past storefronts glowing with festive displays. My favorite brands were already dressed for the season, twinkling with holiday charm.
I wandered leisurely through a few shops, letting the morning unfold at its own pace. Even Barnes & Noble felt extra cozy today, almost as if it were inviting everyone in for a warm pause from the world.
When I finally reached Starbucks, it wasn’t open yet. A small line had formed outside, and I soon learned the delay was because of a power outage due to nearby road construction. But what could’ve been an inconvenience turned into something unexpectedly delightful. The shared experience of waiting in line, the laughter, and the warmth of the community made the wait feel like a part of the holiday magic.
Just like in small towns in India, people were happily chit-chatting while waiting. Some were locals who had lived in Burlingame for years and knew everyone by name. Some were simply waiting for that first hot cup to start their winter morning. A few stood with work backpacks, ready to begin their day. Others had books tucked under their arms, dreaming of a warm drink and a cozy corner. And the elderly group, so sweet, said this Starbucks was their place to meet and chat on certain days of the week, a testament to the warmth and familiarity of this small town.
I ended up talking with a few of them, and their friendliness instantly reminded me why small cities feel so special. In that little crowd, everyone seemed familiar with each other, except me and one young, handsome guy who probably worked at a nearby office. But even though we weren’t strangers for long.
At around eleven, the lights flickered on, the doors opened, and the line moved as if the whole morning had been part of a shared ritual. We all stepped inside, warming our hands and our moods, feeling a deep sense of belonging in this shared experience, a bond that transcended the simple act of waiting for a cup of coffee.
I sank into my favorite sunny corner, where the golden light, like a warm embrace, pooled across the floor like honey. The warmth wrapped around me, comforting and familiar, as I sipped my hot citrus honey tea. Fingers on the keyboard, I typed, each word steeped in the gentle nostalgia of the morning because some mornings deserve to be captured and remembered. Here, in this small sunlit sanctuary, life slowed, and I felt at home in the warmth of the moment.
Burlingame felt especially charming today. Maybe it was the pre-holiday glow, perhaps it was the unexpected conversations… or maybe it was just one of those mornings that quietly fills your heart.

✍️ Mona Das Adhikary

VIJAYADASHAMI / DUSSEHRA, 2025:Wednesday, Celebration on October 1st at Shri Shirdi Saibaba Temple of the Rockies, Denver, USA 🙏

🕉️ With the conclusion of the Devi Sharan Navaratri Mahotsav yesterday, the auspicious festival of Vijayadashami dawns today, Saturday, October 1st, 2025. At 7:00 pm, the sacred halls of the Shri Shirdi Saibaba Temple of the Rockies in Denver will resonate with devotion as the worship of Devi Mata Raja Rajeshwari is performed.
🕉️ Our esteemed priests, supported by our devoted volunteers, will unite to create a deeply spiritual atmosphere. Their prayers embody the essence of Vijayadashami, the eternal triumph of good over evil. This cherished celebration serves as a radiant reminder of faith, courage, and divine grace, uplifting our hearts and souls in the spirit of victory and renewal.
🙏 Special Message from Vishwam ji 🙏
Happy Dasara to all
Goddess Durga Raja Rajeswari may bless you all and grant you great success in all your activities. We will be performing a special Shamee pooja, Pushpa Archana to Baba, followed by the Maha Arati and prasadam distribution from 7 pm onwards. So please bring in Rose flowers and any prasadam. 🙏🙏
🙏 Vijayadashami

🌹Goddess: Devi Mata Raja Rajeshwari
🕉️ Vijayadashami / Dussehra marks the grand culmination of Navaratri, celebrating the eternal victory of good over evil. On this sacred day, devotees worship Goddess Raja Rajeshwari Devi, a supreme form of Durga. Revered as the presiding deity of the Sri Chakra and the Swadisthana Chakra, she governs the mind and senses. Worshipping her is believed to bring harmony, self-mastery, and well-being by regulating thoughts, desires, and lifestyle.
🕉️ Across India, Vijayadashami is observed in diverse ways. In many regions, it signifies the conclusion of Durga Puja, honoring the Goddess’s triumph over the buffalo demon Mahishasura, symbolizing the restoration of balance and the protection of Earth.
🕉️ In the epic “RAMAYANA,” Dussehra commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, the ten-headed demon king. The burning of Ravana’s effigies with fireworks symbolizes the destruction of arrogance and evil, reaffirming the power of righteousness. This day also marks the beginning of the countdown to Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrated twenty days later. These powerful stories and symbols invoke a sense of awe and reverence in us.
🕉️ In the "MAHABHARAT,” the day is also linked to Arjuna’s extraordinary valor. On Vijayadashami, he single-handedly defeated a vast army of Kuru warriors, including Bhishma, Drona, Karna, and Ashwatthama. His unparalleled courage and victory over seemingly impossible odds earned him the title “Vijaya” (ever victorious). From this, the day came to be celebrated as Vijaya Dashami, symbolizing the eternal triumph of Dharma (righteousness) over Adharma (unrighteousness).
Thus, Vijayadashami stands as a potent reminder that truth, virtue, and righteousness always prevail, regardless of the challenges that may arise.
HAPPY VIJAYADASHAMI 2025

Today’s Color - DARK PINK
Flowers - 🌹🌹All types of Rose flowers
Prasad - 🍚 Tamarind Rice, Jaggery Rice, and Vada Mala

📞 For Details Contact:
Priest Vishwamgaru Ji: 720-325-8396
Priest Lakshmikanth Garu Ji: 929-648-8460
Priest Sastrygaru Ji: 720-960-4317

Photo courtesy: Shri Shirdi Saibaba Temple of Rockies, Denver, CO