Cyberastro conducts online-puja on Diwali

NEW DELHI: In one of the most innovative promotions of recent times, Cyberastro, a subsidiary of Cyber Media (India) Ltd., used the Internet to reach out to thousands of people across the world to invoke Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi during the festival of lights.

During this Diwali, the company performed the puja for 71 clients across the world, which was webcast live through its site www.cyberastro.com. The puja was performed in the name of each customer called "Shankhalp" in the Hindu tradition after which each customer would receive a CD recording of the puja being done in his name, some prasad and silver idols of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi--all in line with the Hindu tradition.

The company launched a campaign on the Net educating readers about the significance of Diwali and what it entails for Indians. The campaign explained the way the gods are appeased and the blessings that are showered consequently. The opportunity was then offered to customers to participate on the occasion by registering for the festival.

The significance of the entire exercise is the fine blending of culture with technology. "Amongst the 71 clients, less than 15 percent of them are Indians or of Indian origin," revealed S Mazumdar, one of the founders and CEO of the company. Most of the clients were foreigners implying the tremendous potential the Net holds in spreading awareness about the Indian culture.

The ceremony was conducted from 1230-1300 GMT coinciding with the lagna (the auspicious time to perform the ritual) in Indian time. The puja was conducted by five priests so that all the 70 Shankalps are completed within the lagna. Customers were charged a nominal fee of $ 50 each for the puja.