Our Bureau
Chicago, IL
On April 24, 2024, the Indian American Community in Chicago united for a ‘Havan’ ceremony to pray for BJP’s victory in the Lok Sabha elections at Gurukul Swaminarayan temple in Arlington Heights, IL. In a stirring display of solidarity and devotion, Indian American professionals, entrepreneurs, and residents of Chicago converged at a Hindu temple nestled in the city’s suburbs to partake in a sacred ‘Havan’ ceremony. The solemn event, organized by the Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP), was dedicated to seeking divine blessings for the triumph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Dr Adapa Prasad, the head of Overseas Friends of BJP (OFBJP), emphasized the significance of organizing Yagnas and Havans across all OFBJP chapters in the USA. This initiative aims to invoke divine blessings for Prime Minister Modi’s victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections. It is not just a symbolic gesture but a profound expression of their unwavering commitment to India’s progress and development. These sacred rituals evoke spiritual strength and symbolize the collective determination to support the BJP’s vision for a prosperous India under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
The ‘Chandi havan’ ceremony, conducted with utmost reverence and enthusiasm, served as a collective prayer imbued with the sincere hope for a resounding victory for the BJP. As emphasized by the organizers, this victory is not just a political milestone but a crucial step towards realizing the vision of ‘Ek Bharat – Shrestha Bharat’ – the aspiration for a united and prosperous India.
At the heart of the ceremony lay the reverence of Goddess Chandi, a formidable Hindu warrior deity and the supreme manifestation of Goddess Parvati. Describing the significance of the ritual, Rohit Joshi, the chief priest officiating the ‘Havan,’ elucidated Maa Chandika’s embodiment of boundless power (Shakti) and her role in defeating hostility and negativity.
The event witnessed a notable presence of esteemed personalities, including Prakriti Batra, the granddaughter of the late Balram Ji Tandon, former Governor of Chhattisgarh. Batra, echoing the sentiments of many attendees, offered prayers for the victory of BJP candidate Shri Sanjay Tandon from Chandigarh. Tandon’s candidacy, she emphasized, represents continuity, experience, and a steadfast commitment to Chandigarh’s development.
Rakesh Malhotra, a resident of Chicago, lauded Tandon’s enduring bond with Chandigarh residents, emphasizing his dedication to serving them as a family. This sentiment underscores the significance of Tandon’s candidacy in shaping the city’s future and a broader political landscape.
Reflecting on the ‘Havan,’ Nirmala Reddy emphasized its significance beyond a mere ritual. She described it as a unified expression of support and aspiration, resonating with the widely recognized slogan “Ab Ki Baar, 400 Paar” – symbolizing the collective hope for a resounding BJP victory under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
Amar Upadhyaya, a Chicago convenor and volunteer of OFBJP, highlighted the event’s broader significance, noting that it reflected the unwavering commitment and solidarity of the Indian and NRI communities in the United States to fostering a strong, prosperous India under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.
The ‘Havan’ ceremony, steeped in tradition and purpose, served as a poignant testament to the community’s unwavering support for Prime Minister Modi and the BJP, underscoring their collective aspirations for a brighter future.
—Jayanti Oza
