A Celebration of Laughter, Togetherness, and Tradition
What started as a simple laughter yoga session in
2006, envisioned by Mrs. Shirin Panjwani, has grown into a vibrant
and deeply cherished community—the ABC Laughter Team. Every morning
at 6 AM, members gather at MJC Ground in Manipal, filling the air
with laughter, positivity, and affiliation. Over the years, this
initiative has evolved, introducing new laughter techniques, hosting
renowned guests like Dr. Madan Kataria (founder of Laughter Yoga), and
initiating Samudra Snana, a sacred sea bath at Malpe Beach on every
Full Moon (Purnima) and No Moon Day (Amavasya).
On 29th January 2025, our Laughter Yoga
family embarked on a special journey to Malpe Beach to celebrate Mauni
Amavasya, an auspicious day in the Hindu calendar. The morning was filled
with spirituality, laughter, and the breathtaking view of the sunrise over
the Arabian Sea.
Early Morning
Departure & Gathering at Malpe Beach
The day began early, as members gathered at various
pick-up points, including Indrali Cluster near Union Bank Indrali,
eagerly awaiting the journey. Among those present were Devadas Shetty, Ashok
Shetty, Dinkar Shetty, and Hemanath Hegde, all in high spirits and excited
for the day ahead.
By dawn, we reached Malpe Beach, where the waves
welcomed us with their rhythmic sounds, the sky slowly transformed with the
golden hues of the rising sun, and the cool breeze set the perfect mood for the
day. The first activity was, of course, our Laughter Yoga session,
where we engaged in guided laughter exercises, breathing techniques, and
interactive moments of joy.
Laughter is known to be the best medicine, and
as we shared our morning routine, the energy levels soared, creating an atmosphere
of positivity and connection.
Spiritual
Significance of Mauni Amavasya
As laughter echoed through the beach, many members
also took time to reflect on the spiritual significance of Mauni Amavasya.
Falling in the Hindu month of Magha, Mauni Amavasya is derived from the
word "Mauna" (meaning silence), a day when many observe a
vow of silence, meditate, and take a holy bath in sacred rivers or oceans.
It is believed that taking a dip in the waters on this day cleanses the
body, mind, and soul, washing away sins and bringing spiritual growth and inner
peace.
With this in mind, several of our members—many aged 65
and above—bravely entered the cool Arabian Sea, embracing the sacred
tradition of Samudra Snana. Some ventured deep into the waters, while
others stood near the shore, soaking in the spiritual energy of the ocean
and the beautiful sunrise.
One of the most mesmerizing moments was
watching the sunrise over the Arabian Sea—a sight so breathtaking that
it felt like a divine blessing. The golden rays reflected over the
gentle waves, creating an unforgettable visual spectacle.
A Tribute to
Our Laughter Team Pillars
A special mention goes to Prof. M. Radhakrishna,
one of the cornerstones of our Laughter Yoga Team. In the early days, he
played a pivotal role in establishing and nurturing the club, hosting
laughter yoga sessions near his home in Manipal. His dedication and passion
have shaped the ABC Laughter Team into what it is today, a space of joy
and togetherness.
And then, of course, we must acknowledge the ever-entertaining
and humorous Lakshman Amin! Known for his creative laughter ideas,
this time he surprised us all by stepping into a new avatar—playing the role
of a photographer for an enthusiastic auntie! His good-natured spirit
and ability to turn every situation into a source of joy gave us a full
week of laughter and endless teasing!
A Grand South
Indian Breakfast at Hotel Treveni
After a refreshing morning filled with laughter,
spirituality, and nature, we headed to Hotel Treveni, where a lavish
South Indian breakfast awaited us, generously hosted by Karunakara
Shetty, one of our senior-most and most enthusiastic members.
At Hotel Treveni, we were treated to a feast
of flavors, served in unlimited quantities—a perfect opportunity to
indulge, away from the strict dietary restrictions of home! With no
wives around to impose rules, the morning felt even more enjoyable and
carefree!
Dosa
Wonderland
Dosas were the highlight of the breakfast—each
one crispy, golden, and absolutely delicious. Some of the varieties included:
- Paper Dosa – Thin, crispy, and perfect for dosa lovers.
- Masala Dosa – Stuffed with a spicy potato filling,
served with chutneys and sambar.
- Podi Masala Dosa – Sprinkled with flavorful chutney
powder (podi) for an extra kick.
- Rava Dosa – A crunchy, netted dosa made from semolina, infused with
green chilies and cumin.
- Set Dosa – Soft, spongy, and served with vegetable curry.
- Ghee Dosa – The richest dosa, soaked in ghee for a
melt-in-the-mouth experience.
Beyond Dosas:
A Complete South Indian Spread
For those craving something different, the menu also
featured:
- Idli & Vada Combo – A perfect mix of soft idlis and crispy
vadas.
- Curd Vada – A refreshing deep-fried vada soaked in chilled curd.
- Mangalore Buns – Sweet, fluffy banana-infused
deep-fried buns.
- Uppittu (Upma) – A light and flavorful semolina dish.
- Ksheera (Kesari Bath) – A rich ghee and saffron-infused sweet
dish.
Unlimited
Beverages – No Restrictions!
The real highlight of the morning was the unlimited
tea and filter coffee, allowing everyone to indulge exactly the way they
liked it—with extra sugar, extra ghee, and full satisfaction!
A Morning to
Remember
As the morning came to a close, we were left with hearts
full of laughter, minds refreshed with positivity, and stomachs full of
delicious food!
The combination of laughter therapy, a spiritual
experience, and a grand breakfast feast created an unforgettable morning,
one that will be cherished forever.
This event reinforced what we have always believed—laughter
truly is the best medicine, and when combined with friendship,
tradition, and good food, it becomes a celebration of life itself.
We look forward to many more such gatherings,
creating more memories, strengthening our bonds, and continuing the journey of
laughter and well-being!
📸 Event Photos:
