By: Vandana Jhingan

On Saturday, August 10, 2024, over one thousand women gathered at the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir in Bartlett, IL, to celebrate the mandir’s 20th anniversary. The event, titled “Our Eternal Gift,” was a cultural program organized by women for women, reflecting on two decades since the Mandir’s founding in August 2004.

The program featured live music, speeches, dance performances, skits, and audio-visual presentations, highlighting the Mandir’s impact on the community. It served as a tribute to the Mandir’s role as a place of worship, cultural expression, and solace, honoring the vision of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj.

Pramukh Swami Maharaj inaugurated the Mandir with the aim of providing a space for learning Hindu values, keeping traditions alive, and serving the community. The anniversary program and the ongoing contributions of thousands of women involved in the Mandir’s operations reflect the fulfillment of this vision.

Illinois State Representative Michelle Mussman praised the program as a beautiful tribute that brought together women of different generations to share and learn from each other’s experiences.

Janki Patel, a physician and lead organizer, expressed her honor in planning the event, reflecting on the foundational role the Mandir played in her life. Mahima Dave, a public health professional and dance teacher, shared her gratitude for the opportunity to teach the next generation, mirroring her own experiences.

The program concluded with a deep sense of gratitude and pride, celebrating the Mandir’s growth and the personal growth of its participants over the past 20 years.
About BAPS:
BAPS is a volunteer-driven spiritual organization dedicated to individual growth through Hindu values of faith, service, and harmony. With over 100 North American and 3,500 global communities, BAPS, under the leadership of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, promotes holistic personal development, social progress, and inclusivity