32nd Patotsav - Pothi Yatra and Days 1 to 7 - Wheeling Swaminarayan Temple ISSO of Chicago

Our 32nd Patotsav Celebrations kicked off on Sat. May 20 with a special Mahila Sabha in the presence of P.P.L.A.S. Vahuji Maharajshri, P.P. Lali Rajashri, and Sankhyogi Baheno from 2pm – 4pm. Vahuji Maharajshri also had the darshan of Sankalp Siddh Shri Ghanshyam Maharaj. Following the Mahila Sabha, Pothi Yatra took place where devotees paraded the Granth “Purushottam Prakash” outdoors while chanting Shri Swaminarayan Mahamantra Dhun. Ladies and Gents both had the opportunity to carry the Pothi upon their heads. After Pothi Yatra, yajmans did pujan of vakta Shri Nishkamswarupdasji Swami. Shortly thereafter, P.P. Bal Lalji Shri Yagnendraprasadji Maharaj graced the sabha and gave his divine blessings prior to the start of the katha. Later, Swamishri went on to describe the glory of Purushottam Prakash and its significance.

Day 2 also began with a special Mahila Sabha followed by pujan of vaktashri and katha recited by Pujya Shri Nishkamswarupdasji. This was a special day, as Swamishri eloquently described the birth of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan, shortly before which we were graced with the presence of P.P. Bal Lalji Shri Yagnendraprasadji Maharaj and P.P. Lali Rajashri. Thus, Shri Ghanshyam Janmotsav was celebrated with great enthusiasm, with even Bal Lalji Maharajshri and Lali Rajashri joining devotees for Raas! The janmotsav concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony. Finally, the day concluded with a grand Sandhya Aarti performed by Dharmakul and Santo/Parshado.

Pujya Swami Shri Nishkamswarupdasji and Pujya Swami Shri Kaivalyaswarupdasji elegantly continued to narrate the katha from days 3 through 7. We were graced with the presence of P.P. 108 Bhavi Acharya Shri Nrigendraprasadji Maharaj on day 5 for the first time since 2019. During this time, P.P. Lalji Maharajshri also conducted Padharmanis at the households of many devotees. Finally, the Katha Parayan concluded on day 7, with Pujya Swamishri telling devotees to always remember the words spoken by Nishkulanand Swami and to never underestimate the glory of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan.