News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know M oksh Dham successfully hosted a seven-day Shrimad Bhagwat Mahakatha, recited by renowned spiritual leader and Bhagwat Katha orator Pujya Shri Devkinandan Thakur Ji Maha- raj, from August 16 through August 22, 2026, at anav Seva Mandir, Bensenville, Illinois. The week-long spiritual gathering brought together hundreds of devotees from around Chicagoland for seven days of Bhagwat Katha, bhajans, prayer, Aarti, spiritual learning, seva and Maha-Prasad. Beyond its religious significance, the Mahakatha became an important community-building and fund- raising initiative in support of the Moksh Dham project, which seeks to establish a dedicated and culturally ap- propriate cremation facility for the greater Chicagoland community of Hindu, Jain, Sikh, Buddhist and other Dharmic followers, helping families honor their departed loved ones while preserving their religious and cultural traditions. community. Moksh Dham Cremations Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)(13) organization, is working to establish a dedicated Sanatani cremation facility in the Chicago metropolitan area. Devotees participate in the traditional Pothi Puja, Pothi Yatra and Kalash Yatra marking the auspicious beginning of Moksh Dham’s seven-day Shrimad Bhagwat Mahakatha at Manav Seva Mandir in Bensenville. The Mahakatha began with the traditional Pothi Puja, Pothi Yatra and Kalash Yatra, honoring the sacred Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran. More than 50 devotees participated in the Pothi Puja and Pothi Yatra, and more than 18 devotees joined the Kalash Yatra. The procession traveled around the Manav Seva Mandir premises amid prayers and devotional chanting. The opening day saw hundreds of devotees arrive, and, and according to organizers, attendance remained high each day during the seven-day celebration. The Katha was conducted daily from approximately 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., followed by Maha-Prasad served to attendees. The high priest Shri Devkinandan Thakur Ji Maharaj’s narration of the divine leelas and timeless spiritual teach- ings contained in the Shrimad Bhagwat Mahapuran, and his discourses emphasized bhakti, Satsang, humility, seva, family values and sincere devotion to Bhagwan. He reminded devotees that the company one keeps gradu- ally influences one’s thoughts and character. Satsang can help overcome ego, anger, greed and negativity while guiding a person toward love, compassion, humility and devotion. Devotees participate in the traditional Pothi Puja, Pothi Yatra and Kalash Yatra marking the auspicious beginning of Moksh Dham’s seven-day Shrimad Bhagwat Mahakatha at Manav Seva Mandir in Bensenville. A central message of the Katha was that Bhagwan values a devotee’s sincere and pure heart rather than outward display. He also sought to encourage younger generations growing up outside India to remain con- nected with Sanatan Dharma and India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. One of the highlights came on the sixth day, when devotees celebrated the sacred Shri Krishna-Rukmini Vivah Mahotsav – when the Manav Seva Mandir reverber- ated with bhajans, devotional music and joyous expres- sions of “Radhe Radhe” and “Jai Shri Krishna.” Maha-Prasad was served to hundreds of devotees following the Katha each day, made possible through the donations from community organizations and sponsors. Moksh Dham expressed appreciation to Swamina- rayan Temple, Wheeling; Bapa Mandir; BAPS Temple; Swaminarayan Temple, Itasca; Hanuman Mandir; and Core Roofing, which generously sponsored Maha-Prasad for two days. Moksh Dham Hosts Seven-Day Shrimad Bhagwat Mahakatha @Manav Seva Mandir In Bensenville, Ill By Bhailal M. Patel PHOTOS: JATINTRIVEDI (J-K PHOTOGRAPHY) Pujya Shri Devkinandan Thakur Ji Maharaj delivers the Shrimad Bhagwat Katha before hundreds of devotees during his USA Yatra 2026 program in Bensenville, Illinois. FIA Chicago (Estd. 1980) Concludes Historic Independence Day Celebrations With Grand Patriotic Parade On Chicago’s Devon Avenue-Honorarily Designated “Gandhi Marg” V eterans, diplomats, spiritual leaders, elected officials and community organizations unite to celebrate India@80 and America@250 The Federation of Indian Associations of Chicago (FIA Chicago -Estd. 1980) concluded its historic season of patri- otic programs with a magnificent and colorful Grand Independence Day Parade on Devon Avenue, Chicago’s celebrated “Little India.” that’s Honorarily Designat- ed “Gandhi Marg” The parade was the grand finale of FIA Chicago’s months-long commemoration of two historic milestones: the 80th an- niversary of India’s Independence and the 250th anniversary of American Indepen- dence. The organization’s patriotic activi- ties began with participation in the Me- morial Day and Fourth of July parades and continued with the Tricolor Flag Hoisting in downtown Chicago, the Second Tiranga Car Rally in Schaumburg, the India@80 and America@250 Patriotic Gala, and the Grand Independence Day Parade. Together, these landmark programs created one of the most memorable chapters in FIA Chicago’s 46-year history, celebrating freedom, democracy, sacrifice, cultural heritage, community service and the enduring friendship between India and the United States. Devon Avenue Becomes a Sea of Patrio- tism: Devon Avenue was transformed into a vibrant sea of Indian Tricolors, Ameri- can Stars and Stripes and saffron flags. Patriotic songs, traditional music, colorful floats and enthusiastic chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Vande Mataram,” “God Bless America” and “Long Live America” filled the prominent commercial corridor. Families, seniors, youth, veterans, spiritual leaders, business owners and elected officials came together in a remarkable demonstration of unity and national pride. The atmosphere reflected not only the joy of independence but also gratitude toward those who sacrificed their lives to secure and protect freedom and democracy. A defining feature of the celebration was FIA Chicago’s decision to honor decorated military veterans, distinguished public servants and spiritual leaders in- stead of relying on Bollywood celebrities to attract crowds. President Hemant Patel said FIA Chicago has demonstrated that a large and patriotic audience can be inspired by honoring individuals whose lives exem- plify courage, leadership, sacrifice and service.“Let us promote those who inspire us through their actions—not merely through their acting,” Patel emphasized. By Bhailal M. Patel Flag Ceremony Lead by Distinguished Guests, FIA President ,executive committee and trustees on “Gandhi Marg” PHOTOS:BY JK News India Times (August 29, 2026 - September 4, 2026) September 4, 2026 10 Community