On Sunday, February 16, 2025, 300 members of United Senior Pariwar in Chicago gathered at Swaminarayan Mandir, Wheeling, IL, to celebrate Maha Shivratri and Valentine’s Day, along with an insightful health seminar by Dr. Ashish Patel. The event began with a serene prayer session led by Mrs. Jyotsna Chokshi, who sang devotional hymns dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Dr. Ashish Patel and President Ramesh Chokshi performed the traditional deep pragtya, while Vice President Prof. Rohit Joshi led the chanting of sacred verses. A soulful bhajan honoring Lord Shiva was sung by Mrs. Meena Patel. To express gratitude, Vice President Joshi presented flowers to Dr. Patel before his seminar on diabetes and heart health. Representing Horizon Medical Center, Schaumburg, Dr. Patel discussed diabetes risk factors, different types, and how blood sugar levels indicate the condition. His talk emphasized preventive measures, particularly daily 30-minute walks and regular exercise. He also provided insights on managing cholesterol, blood pressure, and heart health, offering practical advice to attendees. A Q&A session followed, where members received expert guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
The gathering also included a celebration for members with February birthdays. As a gesture of goodwill, birthday celebrants were gifted packets of sweets. Vice President Joshi shared words on the spiritual significance of Maha Shivratri and its importance in Hindu culture.
Continuing the devotional spirit, Dr. Patel and President Chokshi led a pooja for Lord Shiva, performing an Abhishek ritual on the Shivling, followed by an aarti. All attendees then had the opportunity to participate in the Abhishek, offering their prayers.
After the rituals, everyone enjoyed a traditional Kathiyawadi meal prepared by Swaminarayan Mandir, Wheeling.
Towards the conclusion of the event, members took a moment to honor the memories of Smt. Shardaben Patel, wife of Bhartiya Seniors of Chicago’s President, Shree Haribhai Patel, who passed away on February 12, 2025, in Ahmedabad, India. They also paid tribute to Shree Ohm Prakashji Kamaria, husband of Advisory Committee member Smt. Usha Kamaria, who passed away on January 20, 2025, in Glenview, IL.
The day was a blend of devotion, health awareness, and community bonding, leaving members with a sense of spiritual fulfillment and valuable health insights.
