Umiya Mataji Sanstha Chicago Midwest (UMSCM) celebrates Shree Umiya Mataji Garba and Jyoti Rath welcome ceremony

Asian Media USA ©

Chicago IL: In the presence of over 3,500 devotees, including dozens of distinguished community leaders, generous sponsors, committee members, super donors, and committed Boards of Trustees and volunteers, Umiya Mataji Sanstha Chicago Midwest (UMSCM) presented a signature event of honoring and celebrating Annual Navratri Garba celebration & Chariot or “Rath” welcome ceremony Saturday October 1, 2016 opening 1:30 pm to 11:30 pm at Odeum Expo center 1033 N. Villa Avenue, Villa Park, IL.

The event started with hot breakfast, including masala tea, followed by one of the main attractions of the colorful event of exhibition and Darshan of Jyoti Rath in the South Hall. Following Shree Ganesh Stuti, Board members and invited guests and dignitaries performed ‘Deep Pragatum.’

A renowned Sadguru by the name of Shri Madhavdasji Maharaj travelled all the way from his home town of Sayla (Lalji Maharaj) in Gujrat to attend and bless the event. He was amalgamated by Shri Arvindbhai Shashtriji residing in New York area. He is also renowned devotee of Shri Umiya Mataji and attends at every such inauguration event, where ever it may be. Both of them were adorned with fresh flower Garland and Shawl wrapping ceremony formality by Lalbhai Patel. In their respective speeches, both encouraged crowd to not only volunteer but donate generously now and in future.

Devandra Patel (Secretary) of UMSCM welcoming all invited guests and community members, briefed the audience about the over view of mission of the Shree Umiya Dham. The project will start with construction of Umiya Mataji Mandir, with a large community hall and eventually adding a sports complex, and a retirement home- all of which should serve the needs of communities for decades to come. This will provide a forum to gel all generation of our community members and will contribute a platform to bring religious, cultural, social and educational events under one roof.

Despite pouring rain almost all participant took active role in Umiya Mataji’s Sbobha Yatra (parade) in Mataji Palkhi, in outdoor perimeter of the great hall. Subsequently Uchamani or auction items brought in over $51,000 pledges with each pledge followed deafening cheers and expressed chant of “Shree Umiya Mataji ki Jai.” by jubilant crowd.  Encouragement of Shri Madhavdasji Maharaj and Shashtriji (along with Ashvin & KK Patel) played a pivotal role for the Uchamani and the cause. Grand total of whopping Sum of about $ 3.2 million contribution poured in at the conclusion of the event.

In his vote of thanks speech, Hasmukhbhai P. Patel (Jt. Treasurer) thanked all the Board members, volunteers, invited dignitaries, guests and media partners. .” He specially recognized and thanked all sponsors for getting the maximum number of advertisements and sponsorships for the event.

UMSCM executive board: Jayantibhai P. Patel (Chairman), Shailesh R. Patel (Vice Chairman), Lalbhai M. Patel (President), Dipal G. Patel (Vice President), Devandra Patel (Secretary), Jignesh H. Patel (Jt. Secretary), Saurabh Patel (Jt. Secretary), Ambalal P. Patel (Treasurer) and Hasmukhbhai P. Patel (Jt. Treasurer)

The curtain fell after the Maha Aarti and dinner/presidium and thrilling colorful Garba with live music provided by famous Rex D’souza and his orchestra. National promoter for this event was Manpasand. Singer performed on stage were Rex D’Souza, Aman shekh and Tejal Shukla. Swami, Rakesh and Vasant Solanki on Dhol, Ashwin yogi (Key Board), Vishal Solanki (Gitar) and Kewal Thakkar (Gitar). The whirling dancers, clapping hands, distinct sound of wooden sticks struck together, toe tapping music and people wearing vibrant colorful clothes marked the Navratri celebration at the Garba & Dandiya Raas dances held all over Chicagoland. This is part of the worship of Durga Mata who symbolizes the victory of good over evil; the Navratri celebration marks a festival of nine nights during which Hindus worship goddesses Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, the goddesses of health, prosperity and knowledge, respectively. While Navratri and Dussehra (the 10th day) are celebrated by Hindus with regional variations, the most famous one is from the state of Gujarat.

Management did wonderful job to handle this very large number of participants. From parking to registration to floor team to Stage to Kitchen to cleaning team, Volunteers team did excellent Job and made this event memorable.