Jain Society of Chicago

Bartlett IL: The Jain Society of Metropolitan Chicago (JSMC) organized Mela 2011 on September 17th, 2011. There were about 10 unique events running in parallel throughout the day! It reminded of a true traditional Indian style Mela. The event was fully sold out with overwhelming response from JSMC families and nearby community members. Over 1,700 people attended this event and made it a remarkable and memorable festival. Over 19,000 Mela tickets were sold for Food Fest and Carnival Games. Everyone enjoyed over 35 unique Indian, Non-Indian, Jain delicious verity food items prepared and served by various JSMC community groups of volunteers. Mother Nature blessed the outdoor fun fair with beautiful sunshine and a cool breeze throughout the day. Outdoor games and carnival games kept kids and young adults entertained throughout the day.

For the first time, JSMC organized JSMC Got Talent competition as part of the Mela. Out of 30 performances between two age groups, five from each age group were selected by the panel of Judges. In the final Finale of the talent competition, top three winners were selected in each group.

The vendor fair was a major attraction of the Mela. 35 vendors from the Chicagoland area ranging from Indian costumes, Indian and imitation Jewelry, Boutique shop, Indian clothing, silk Sarees, Interior designers, Insurance Agents, Painters & Artists, Henna art, Dish network, realtors, lawyers, home based cooking, grocers, chiropractors, dentists, and non-profit orgs represented their business to local community.

Two rounds of Bingo and a unique fun game show – Minute-to-Win-It! entertained and engaged the crowd as part of the live entertainment. A professional magician Mr. Paul Lee presented one hour of breathtaking magic show and amazed the audience with live animals and birds appearing magically!

Life Source organization arranged a blood donation drive for the entire day. Total of 35 people were able to donate their blood.

Tapasvi Bahuman was conducted followed by light dinner sponsored by Tapasvi Bahuman Samiti. During Tapsvi Bahuman, all the Tapasvis who did fasting (8 days or more) during Paryushana and Das Laxana were recognized by JSMC community.

Evening finale started with blessings by Pujya Gurudev, Brahmrishi Shree Guruvanand Swamiji. Followed by Lamp Lighting ceremony, Mela Core leads – Vipul Shah (Membership Secretary), Sunil Jain (member of Board of Trustees), and Tejas Shah (Secretary) welcomed the audience and thanked volunteers and sponsors of the day. President Mr. Atul Shah and Vice President Mr. Hemant Shah introduced and presented memento to Shree Guruvanand Swamiji. Shree Guruvanand Swamiji in his speech showed his passion about India’s culture and its moral values. He also explained detail meaning and the importance of Namaskar Mahamantra – a fundamental Mantra of Jainism. Followed by his blessings, the final round of the JSMC Got Talent started with amazing performances. Age group above 18 winners – 1st place –Dr. Pradip Shah & Dr. Mukesh Doshi, 2nd place – Sejal Jain, 3rd place – Jinita Kothari. Age group 18 and younger – 1st place –Labdhi Jain, 2nd place- Desi Dancers (Ashini Shah, Keena Shah, & Isheeta Shah), 3rd place – Nikita Jain. Congratulations to all the winners of the JSMC Got Talent! Thank you judges – Mr. Subhash Nadkarni, Jennis (Kaku) Shah, Vaishali Nagoree, Sejal Kadakia – for your services and expertise.

The entire program was very well organized by committed group of volunteers whose selfless efforts for a successful Mela was truly remarkable. Without the volunteers’ team work, this event would not have been such a grand success. Leadership and Dedication from the volunteers and the committee members made this event outstanding.

Upcoming Events at JSMC:
JSMC Raas Garba

• Friday, September 30, 2011 – Dholidana Taale with Raj & Smruti Pandya Group of KY
• Saturday, October 1, 2011 – Bollywood Fusion

Press release by: Vipulbhai Shah
Photographs by: Pragneshbhai Shah

Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA

Suresh Bodiwala
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