By: Jayanti Oza

Nearly 380 members of the Indian Seniors of Chicago gathered at Manav Seva Mandir in Bensenville on Sunday, September 13, for a community celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi and Janmashtami, bringing together religious devotion, cultural traditions, fellowship and information about community resources.

The program, conducted by ISC Treasurer Hemant Modi, opened with Ganesh Stuti, an interfaith prayer and the Hanuman Chalisa, led by Bhupendra Suthar. Special guests Bharati-ben and Ashwin Bodivala welcomed attendees with floral bouquets. Suthar also led a birthday celebration for ISC members with the traditional song, “Baar Baar Yeh Din Aaye.”

Representatives of Metropolitan Family Services, Radhikaben, Subramanyam and Roshita Pandey, briefed attendees on community resources available to seniors, including the Hot Lunch Program, Medicare and Medicaid, immigration assistance, food assistance and Social Security.

The religious program featured storyteller Rajendraprasad Bhatt, who was welcomed by ISC President Kantibhai Patel with a floral garland. Bhatt spoke about the spiritual symbolism traditionally associated with Lord Ganesha, including the significance of his head, ears, eyes and belly, as well as his mouse vehicle. He also presented devotional dohas and bhajans, including Ramdev Pir no Helo and compositions associated with Ganga Sati and Panbai, accompanied by music.

A colorful Ganesh procession was among the highlights. Led by Kantibhai Patel and Navinbhai Patel, approximately 25 members participated while chanting “Jai Ganesh.”

The Janmashtami celebration brought another vibrant display of Indian traditions. About 30 members dressed as Gopas, Gopis, Nandbaba and Yashoda Maiya, while an infant Krishna was carried in a decorated basket. The hall echoed with the traditional chant “Nand Gher Anand Bhayo,” celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna.

Members then offered prayers to Lord Ganesha and infant Krishna, followed by Aarti. The celebrations gave ISC members an opportunity to observe important Hindu festivals while preserving religious and cultural traditions within the Chicago-area Indian American community.

Modi expressed gratitude to members and supporters whose contributions helped make the celebration possible. Bharati-ben and Ashwinbhai Bodivala sponsored lunch, while sweets were sponsored by Kamleshbhai and Maltiben Vyas; Mukeshbhai and Hiranben Joshi; Hiren Trivedi and Sangeetaben Trivedi; Rameshbhai and Bharatiben Shah; and Sarojben Upadhyay.

ISC also acknowledged Jayanti Oza, a Chicago-based journalist and photographer, for his services.

The program concluded with a group prayer and community lunch, bringing members together in an atmosphere of devotion, friendship and fellowship. The celebration highlighted the role of Indian seniors in preserving religious and cultural traditions while fostering social connection and community engagement in the Chicago area.