CHICAGO, IL (TIP): Vaishnav Samaj of Midwest (VSM), Shreejidwar Haveli, Addison, Illinois celebrated 3 days their 10th Patotsav (Anniversary) in a grand fashion, including hosting Chappan Bhog Manorath. The historical celebration was attended by more than 3000 vaishnavs.  This is the first Haveli in Midwest to complete 10 years.

Dignitaries and faith leaders from US and India attended the occasion.  World renowned Yuvavaishnavacharya Pujya Goswami 108 Shri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri graced the occasion and provided discourses on Path of Grace, Sharnagati (surrender to God) and Power of Efforts to help improve one’s daily life, as well as better the communities around us through selfless service. Pujya JejeShri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri in discourses addressed the audience that Vaishnavism (a sect of Hinduism) is not just a religion but a way of life.  He clarified that Pushtimarg in Vaishnavism is a krupa marg (grace of God).  In this Lord Shri Krishna’s grace plays a major role in devotee’s life and God does krupa on everyone.  He also illuminated that by doing Brahma-sambandh we surrender ourselves to Lord Shri Krishna and total surrender (mental, physical and spiritual) is the path to achieve higher enlightenment.  In power of efforts he emphasized the goal to keep clear conscience and move forward with a vision that leads to the betterment of the community. Much of his lectures focused on storytelling and providing real life examples so that attendees can relate to the messages.

The event was also attended by Hon. Raja Krishnamoorthi (U.S. Representative for Illinois 8th congressional district), Hon. Tim Schneider (Illinois State GOP Chairman), and Hon. Nimish Jani (Schaumburg Township Trustee).

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 2 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 on the evening of June 15th and was attended by over 500 participants. Chappan Bhog manorath was organized on June 16th, that encompassed preparation of over 1000 kg of 56-different sweets placed on a stage (16’ x 28’) inside the Haveli to offer it Lord Shri Krishna.  Chappan Bhog is a major celebration in Vaishnav culture and Shreejidwar Haveli performed it with grand elegance.

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 16th.  In the show 70 VYOE students enacted Lord Vishnu’s Dashavatars (10 avatars) in front of a packed audience of over 2000 people. On Sunday, June 17th, VYOE hosted the graduation ceremony of their students with over 100 students graduated in the presence of Pujya JejeShri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri.

VSM leadership (Dr. Umang Patel, MD -Chairman and Mr. Jyotin Parikh, R.Ph -President) mentioned, “This has been a very successful event.  The unity of Vaishnavas and dedication of volunteers was the main reason for the success of this event”.  The visionary VSM leaders and generous donors have greatly helped in the progress of the haveli that has impacted the growth of Vaishnava community in the Midwest region.

(Photograph and Press release by Asian Media USA)