Welcoming Bees and Queen
Vivekanand has been keeping bees for past several years. Last year's batch worked very hard to produce honey for us. Sadly, something happened and the colony collapsed. He missed the deadline to order new bees but his relentless search was successful and he found a group of new bees and a queen.
He wanted a ceremony. We discussed and designed the welcoming ceremony. He wanted to highlight environment and nature.
April 29th was the day of their arrival. Vivek lovingly carried them in his arms and brought them to their new home.
After their arrival, we first remembered and thanked last year's departed souls by offering water. In Hindu tradition, during pitrapaksha (ancestor fortnight) water, sugar and black sesame seeds are offered.
Then we used water as cleaning agent to remove any impurities from newcomer's home. Cleanliness is very important in greeting someone and expressing respect.
We used turmeric and (roli) red powder which is used for good luck, prosperity and well-being. In addition to new environment and new home, the queen and bees are not related to each other. The adjustment would be much more challenging for this group. They would need a lot of blessings and good luck to survive.
It is similar to when in olden days an Indian bride went to a completely new family. Or when any immigrant goes to a different country.
We offered honey in the comb as their first meal on this land.
Since Vivek wanted to include the environment and nature, we sang a modified version of following shlok (song). The meaning is "May earth, air, sky, water, sun, moon and every living being be blessed and happy."
We added flowers, trees and birds in the song. The intention was to provide a happy and blessed environment for the queen along with bees.
Vivek is working on the drumming part for a future ceremony
We also played the second song as a cautionary message to the bees which means, "Oh bees, please do not get lost in the enjoyment of collecting nectar. Do remember to return home on time. Some flowers close at sunset and you will be trapped inside."
There is also a Sanskrit Shloka about a bee trapped inside the lotus flower. The poet writes:
रात्रिर्गमिष्यति भविष्यति सुप्रभातम्
भास्वानुदेष्यति हसिष्यति पङ्कजश्रीः ।
इत्थं विचिन्तयति कोशगते द्विरेफे
हा हन्त हन्त नलिनीं गज उज्जहार ॥- कुवलयानन्द
It means- the bee was thinking "the night will pass and it will be morning soon. the sun will rise and the lotus will smile. Sadly, before that happened an elephant pulled that lotus out."
There is message for all of us-stay focused and stay away from mayajaal which a web of entanglement of the world.
We concluded the ceremony with fire and aarati which is an expression of gratitude. We felt thankful.