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Asian Media USA ©
Chicago, IL: In a vibrant celebration of faith, culture, and community, Hari Om Mandir in Medinah, Illinois, hosted the Shri Hanuman Mahotsav on May 31, 2025, transforming the temple grounds into a radiant hub of devotion and festivity. Drawing over 900 devotees from the Chicagoland area, the event was a testament to the enduring spiritual legacy of the Hindu Society of Metropolitan Chicago. From sacred rituals to mesmerizing cultural performances, the Mahotsav wove together tradition and innovation, leaving attendees inspired and deeply connected to their heritage.
The day commenced at 9:00 AM with a hearty breakfast, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the spiritual journey ahead. By 10:00 AM, the air was thick with reverence as approximately 50 families participated in the Sapt Kundiya Havan, a sacred Vedic fire ceremony. The rhythmic chants and the rising flames created a serene ambiance, invoking divine blessings and fostering a sense of unity among participants. This ancient ritual, meticulously organized under the guidance of Acharya Vajpayee Ji, was a powerful reminder of the community’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions.
At 11:00 AM, the atmosphere shifted into the huge Tent / Pandal set up with ample seating arrangement – Sponsored by Roshan Patel. The program began with the Hanuman Yatra and Pujya Ajay Yagnik Ji, a renowned spiritual orator and singer from India, led the Sunderkand Path. His soulful recitation of the Ramayana’s Sunderkand captivated the audience, weaving tales of Lord Hanuman’s devotion and strength. Yagnik Ji’s speech, a highlight of the event, resonated profoundly with attendees. He emphasized the timeless virtues of courage, loyalty, and selflessness embodied by Hanuman, urging the community to embrace these values in their daily lives. “Hanuman Ji teaches us that true strength lies in unwavering devotion and service,” Yagnik Ji proclaimed, his words sparking introspection and inspiration. He called for a collective commitment to fostering unity and cultural pride, a message that echoed through the temple grounds and left a lasting impact.
The spiritual fervour peaked at 12:30 PM with the Samuhik Hanuman Chalisa, a collective chanting session led by the temple’s talented children of Hari Om Gurukul. Their youthful voices, filled with devotion, reverberated through the crowd, creating a heartwarming moment of inter-generational connection. Parents and elders watched with pride as the younger generation embraced their cultural and spiritual heritage, a testament to Hari Om Mandir’s commitment to nurturing future stewards of tradition.
A breathtaking highlight followed as flower petals cascaded from a helicopter – Sponsored by SUGA Builders, onto the towering idol of Lord Hanuman at the heart of the temple grounds. This innovative and awe-inspiring gesture, a first for the Mahotsav, left attendees spellbound. The vibrant shower of petals symbolized divine blessings, transforming the moment into a visual and spiritual spectacle that underscored the event’s creative flair. The use of modern technology to enhance a traditional ritual showcased the temple’s ability to blend heritage with innovation, making the Mahotsav a truly memorable experience.
The festivities continued with a vibrant cultural program from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, featuring devotional performances by children and community members. Dressed in traditional attire in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange colours honouring Lord Hanuman—the performers brought to life the spirit of Indian culture through music, dance, and storytelling. The audience was actively engaged, clapping and singing along, their enthusiasm reflecting the event’s inclusive and participatory spirit. These performances not only entertained but also served as a platform for the younger generation to connect with their roots, fostering a sense of pride and belonging.
Culinary delights added to the festive atmosphere, with authentic Indian cuisine provided by partners such as India House, Star Foods, Shimla Peppers, Cuisine of India, Haldiram’s, Shree Catering, Temptinn. The lunch, served after the cultural program, was a feast of flavors that brought the community together in shared enjoyment. Vivek Flowers’ divine decorations, featuring intricate floral arrangements, enhanced the temple’s aesthetic appeal, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the day’s events.
The Mahotsav’s success was a result of meticulous planning by Chairman Brij Sharma, President Vipan Wadhera, Acharya Vajpayee Ji, and Anurag Awasthi. Their leadership ensured a seamless blend of spirituality, culture, and community engagement. The event also featured practical innovations, such as ample parking at Lake Park High School and a QR code for easy registration, making participation accessible and convenient. Attendees were gifted idols of Hanuman Ji as tokens of blessings, a thoughtful gesture that deepened the event’s emotional impact.
President, Vipan Wadhera thanked ALL the Volunteers who spent countless hours in setting up the Stage Decorations, Hanuman Ji Flags which added to the grandeur of the Mahotsav. He also expressed gratitude to the media personnel, devotees and the entire community for their unwavering support. In his closing remarks, Chairman Brij Sharma highlighted the temple’s journey since its founding in the 1960s as the Gita Society, its establishment in Medinah in 1987, and its expansion in 2000. Today, Hari Om Mandir stands as a beacon of cultural and spiritual preservation, housing deities like Vaishno Devi Mata, Radha Krishna, and Shiv Panchayat, and offering programs such as Sunday services, Hindi classes – GURUKUL, and major Hindu festivals like Janmashtami and Deepawali.
The Mahotsav’s innovative elements, from the helicopter petal shower to the children’s active participation, underscored Hari Om Mandir’s commitment to keeping traditions alive while embracing modernity. The event’s engaging format—combining sacred rituals, spiritual discourse, and cultural performances—created a dynamic and inclusive experience that resonated with attendees of all ages.
“Our heartfelt gratitude to Hari Om Mandir for organizing such a spiritually enriching and culturally vibrant event. The Shri Hanuman Mahotsav exemplifies the strength of our community in preserving and celebrating our heritage. We remain committed to amplifying the voices of our diverse community, fostering unity, and promoting cultural pride. We look forward to supporting future initiatives that bring us together in devotion and celebration, ensuring that our traditions continue to inspire generations to come” said Asian Media USA, Chairman and Founder Suresh Bodiwala.
Photographs and Press release by: Asian Media USA
Suresh Bodiwala
Chairman
Asian Media USA
Cell: 847-420-4789
E-Mail: bodiwalasuresh@gmail.com
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