Suresh Bodiwala
CHICAGO, IL: Vaishnav Samaj of Midwest (VSM), Shreejidwar Haveli, Addison, Illinois celebrated its 10th Patotsav for three days in a grand fashion, including hosting Chappan Bhog Manorath. This is the first Haveli in Midwest to complete 10 years and more than 3000 Vaishnavs attended the event.
Dignitaries and faith leaders from US and India attended the occasion. World renowned Yuvavaishnavacharya Pujya Goswami 108 Shri Vrajraj Kumarji Mahodayshri graced the occasion and provided discourses on Path of Grace, Sharnagati (surrender to God) and efforts to help improve one’s daily life, as well as better the communities around through service.
Pujya Vrajraj Kumarji Mahodayshri in his discourse said that Vaishnavism (a sect of Hinduism) is not just a religion but a way of life. He clarified that Pushtimarg in Vaishnavism is a Krupamarg (grace of God).The event was also attended by Raja Krishnamoorthi (U.S. Representative for Illinois 8th Congressional district) and Tim Schneider (Illinois State GOP Chairman).
In addition to discourses, the three days of celebration included various cultural, educational and entertainment events to keep the audience engaged. Planning for the celebration had been ongoing for past two months with the help of over 100 volunteers. Every day after discourse all the attendees were treated to a Mahaprasad.
Raas Garba was organized by Nalini Parikh and was attended by over 500 participants. Chappan Bhog Manorath was organized on June 16 that encompassed preparation of over 1000 kg of 56 different sweets placed on a stage inside the Haveli to offer it Lord Shri Krishna.
Vallabh Youth Organization- Education (VYOE) also took part in the event and organized children’s Dashavatar Musical Cultural show on the evening of Saturday, June 16. On Sunday June 17, VYOE hosted the graduation ceremony in which over 100 students graduated in the presence of Pujya Vrajraj Kumarji Mahodayshri.
VSM leadership is with Dr. Umang Patel, MD -Chairman and Jyotin Parikh, R.Ph –President.
Shreejidwar Haveli is dedicated to serve the religious and cultural needs of the Hindu community since 2008 and is one of the cornerstone Havelis of the Midwest region.
VYOE offers a unique learning program to develop an appreciation for India’s rich cultural heritage, a sound value system and a variety of life skills to children for a more productive and well-rounded life.
