Chicago IL: Ganpati Bappa Morya! Regal Foundation, a non-for-profit organization of Regal Jewels and Regal Sari and Regal Law group hosted its 6th annual Ganesh Chaturthi celebration, Starting Monday September 02, 2019 and concluding on Wednesday September 12, 2019 in Chicago. Hundreds of devotees flocked to Shree Ganesh Temple to have Darshan and get blessing from the God whose big attribute is to remove evil and bring happiness in the lives of people.
The idea of Devon Ka Raja was the brain child of Nirmal Shewakramani and his wife Gurbachanji. They had hefty backing of Ramesh Mehtani of Resham and Hemant Brahmbhat of Hi India. This was the Sixth year in succession that Devon Ka Raja came and conquered the Devon Avenue with flourish and the credit goes largely to the trio and the huge army of devotees and a good number of volunteers who gave their selfless service and got recognition from Nirmal Shewakramani at the end.
India is a land of Rajas and Maharajas, but mini-India Town on Devon Avenue that has thick Indian population, had none so far. A well minded community activist, inspired by the famous “Lal Bagh Ka Raja, event in Mumbai India, Regal Foundation started their community event as Devon Ka Raja (“King of Devon”) in response to the imminent need of a house of worship right on Heart Of India or Devon Avenue. The Raja was none other than popular Indian God, his highness, Shri Ganapati, designated as Sukh Karta (giver of happiness) and Dukh Harta (destroyer of unhappiness- impediments.)
Entire Puja was performed by Balaji Temple priest Sri Begur Nagendra Rao. His education from Rigveda Mula – Poorva and Apara Prayoga (8 yrs course on Hindu Philosophy, Hindu Tradition and Hindu Religious Rights) Sanskrit – Sahitya (8 yrs course in Sanskrit Scriptures and Literature)
Community activists were led by president of Hindi Lovers Club, Mrs. Gurbachan Singh, and many Devon area businessmen, friends and well-wishers joined in these celebrations. They transported in a huge life size idol of Lord Ganapati, crowned it as Devon Ka Raja and placed in Shree Ganesh Temple of Chicago, 2545 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL for the occasion. Nonstop 11 days, it was literally festive ‘Mela’ every day for a huge number of Indians flocking in not only from suburbs but also from neighboring States of Indiana and Wisconsin.
Daily there were two prayers (Aartis) in the morning and evening with Bhajans, Garbas, special discourses and Prasads to everyone were other features of the celebrations. The last day saw a special finally or ‘Visarjan’ procession symbolized by immersing the idol in water after the Aarti.
Hundreds of devotees and visitors joined the pomp grand procession fir for the divine king of king, with live band. Throughout the procession of hundreds of worshipers were chanting and dancing as the festival sponsors hoisted the Lord Ganesh in decorated ‘Palakhi’ upon special open truck. 4 block of Devon street was closed
Along the route, King Shri Ganesh showered the surrounding businesses and homes with His blessings, pausing for a special prayer offering good wishes to Sahil Exclusive, Sukhadia’s Sweets, Hindi Lover’s Club, Udapi Palace, Uma Sarees, Punjabi Dhaba, India Sari Palace, Resham’s Handicrafts, NPHi-India Newspaper, Lakshmi Jewelers, Patel Handicrafts, Patel Brothers, Regal Traders, Fresh Farms International Market, Andaaz Jewelers, Joy Allukas, Kamdar Plaza, Raj Jewels, Vitha Jewels, Shewakramani Partnership, Uru-Swati Resturant, Regal Jewels, and Sari Sapne.
After the procession the priest and worshipers bid Ganesh a final farewell as they submerged him into water. Local businesses along with countless volunteers dedicated hours of assistance, offerings of sweets, food and flowers, and praise to the Lord Ganesha, without whom this event would have been impossible.
After the overwhelming success and positive community response, Regal Foundation vowed to celebrate this event every year. The Ganesh Chauthurti has always been welcoming of participants of all faiths to come together and celebration of one of most well-known and revered Hindu gods.
In addition to hosting the annual Ganesh Chauturthi, Regal Foundation is striving to meet the needs of the community by establishing a permanent Ganesh Temple on Devon Ave. Last but not least, the event couldn’t go smoothly and successfully without the hard work of Kaajal Shewakramani Gill and Rahul Gill they are family members.
Regal Jewels is a family owned and operated corporation, established in 1987. Spanning the retail and wholesale markets throughout now India and Pakistan, we have migrated through several countries before establishing ourselves in Chicago. We have proudly served the Chicagoland community for over three decades and through two generations. Visit our website: www.shreeganeshtemple.com Facebook: Devon Ka Raja
