CHICAGO: Members of one of the leading senior associations in Chicago area, United Senior Pariwar of Chicago, celebrated Annakut Mahotsav as well as Diwali party on Sunday October 29 at the Swaminarayan Mandir Wheeling, a northwest suburb of Chicago, with lot of religious fervor and enthusiasm.
More than 300 members as well as invited guests attended this event which lasted for nearly three hours
The event started with lamp lighting ceremony wherein Arvindbhai Patel and his wife Mrs. Shaedaben Patel along with Chhitubhai Patel, Hasmukhbhai Soni and Ramesh Chokshi participated. Acharya Rohitbhai Joshi performed religious rituals by chanting shlokas.
Ramesh Chikshi, Secretary of Senior Association, welcomed all the members and narrated activities which are being carried out by the association and wished everybody Happy Diwali. He urged all the members to fill out membership forms for the year 2018 and pay the required annual fees at an early date.
On this auspicious event, the holy saints of Swaminarayan Mandir were also present and they explained the importance role of Diwali and how it should shape day to day life. They revealed that the management of the temple has taken up a project for expansion of the Mandir hall and when that work is completed, it will provide better services to all Seniors.
The Chief Guest of the event was Chirag Shah, Owner of Transition Home Healthcare and he wished happy Diwali and happy New Year to all Seniors. Pradhyuman Pathak talked about Krishna urging the people of Gokul to worship Govradhan Parvat instead of Indra Raja after Annakut puja. Members sang songs of Krishna and Diwali party at the function.
Priest Rohitbhai Joshi explained the Vaidik meaning of Diwali and Vice President Chhitubhai Patel read out a Diwali message of President Ramanbhai Patel who was in India and could not attend the celebrations. At the end Aarti was performed and all participated in it. Every one enjoyed a delicious dinner and Prasad.
Suresh Shah
