By: Jayanti Oza 

United Senior Pariwar of Chicago celebrated India’s 79th Independence Day along with Raksha Bandhan and Janmashtami on Saturday, August 9, at the Swaminarayan Mandir in Wheeling, Illinois. Over 300 members attended the vibrant and patriotic celebration.

The event began with a warm welcome from Secretary Bhanubhai Vyas, followed by the chanting of Prarthna and Hanuman Chalisa led by Jyotsna Chokshi, Virmatiben Pandya, and fellow members.
The ceremonial Deep Prajwalan (lamp lighting) was performed by President Ramesh Chokshi, Vice President Acharya Rohit Joshi, Treasurer Kiritbhai Pandya, Secretary Bhanubhai Vyas, Manjulaben Patel, and News Media Partner Jayanti Oza. Acharya Rohit Joshi also led the Shlok chanting.

Both the American and Indian national anthems were sung, accompanied by flag hoisting. This was followed by a moving rendition of “Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon” by Jyotsna Chokshi and a Raksha Bandhan song by Prakashbhai Mehta. A spirited Independence Day parade featured members waving the Indian tricolor and chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram.”

Books titled Jewels of Gujarat, published by Manish Media, Jaipur, were distributed to 10 members. The books were donated by Jayanti Oza. A quiz on the Bhagavad Gita and Mahabharat was conducted by President Ramesh Chokshi, with 30 questions and prizes for winners. Patriotic songs were performed by Anilbhai Shah, Girishbhai Desai, and Kiritbhai Madhiwala.

Anjana Desai and Rita Thakkar sang additional songs for Raksha Bandhan. Pradumanbhai Pathak shared reflections on the significance of Independence Day, Raksha Bandhan, and Janmashtami. Members celebrating August birthdays were honored and given boxes of sweets.

Janmashtami celebrations included reenactments of Krishna’s journey from Mathura to Gokul. Sponsors of this segment were Mr. and Mrs. Ghanshyambhai Patel, Mr. and Mrs. Ajit Majmudar, and Parulben Dave. Devotees participated in Krishna Puja and Aarti.

Treasurer Kiritbhai Pandya announced the day’s donation collections. The program concluded with a delicious meal catered by the Swaminarayan Mandir. Photography and video coverage were provided by J. K. Trivedi.