17th Patotsav celebration at Shreeji Dwar Haveli draws hundreds in Chicago

Above and below- all photos show scenes from the 17th Patotsav celebrations held June 22, 2025, in Chicagoland, which attracted hundreds of Vaishnav devotees. ALL PHOTOS: Courtesy Prachi Jaitly.

The Shreeji Dwar Haveli in Addison, Illinois, marked its 17th Patotsav (temple anniversary celebration) June 22, 2025, with grandeur, devotion, and strong community participation. The celebration brought together hundreds of Vaishnavs from across the greater Chicago area and beyond, reaffirming the temple’s role as a spiritual and cultural cornerstone for the community.

The event was led by Acharya Goswami 108 Shree Madhusudan Lalji Mahoday, affectionately known as Shree Tilak Bawa, who was specially invited from Ahmedabad, India, in Yugal Swaroop(divine couple form). The invitation was extended by Dr. Umangbhai Patel, Chairman of Shreeji Dwar Haveli, on behalf of the community.

The day began with a grand Shobhayatra, a sacred procession through the temple grounds featuring devotional singing, traditional dance, and drumbeats that set a spiritually uplifting tone for the day. Devotees joyfully accompanied the image of Shreeji, expressing devotion and reverence throughout the procession.

Festivities included a Flower Mandal Manorath (ceremonial floral offering), Tilak ceremony, and Rajbhog Aarti performed by Shree Tilak Bawa. The temple courtyard came alive with Raas-Garba, where devotees of all ages joined in traditional dance, creating a colorful and joyous atmosphere.

A central highlight was Shree Tilak Bawa’s Vachanamrut, a spiritual discourse delivered to a packed audience gathered under a large outdoor tent. He spoke eloquently on the significance of Patotsav and the timeless values of Vivek (spiritual discernment), Dhairya (patience), and Ashray (divine refuge). His words were well received and deeply appreciated by the assembled devotees.

The event also showcased youth-led cultural performances. Children from the VYOE and the Tavasmi group recited Yamunashtak, presented the five foundational principles of Pushtimarg, and performed an artistic dramatization of the life and teachings of Shree Vallabhacharyaji, the founder of the Pushtimarg tradition. Shree Tilak Bawa commended their dedication and encouraged continued youth engagement in spiritual practices.

The success of the 17th Patotsav was made possible by the collaborative efforts of the Trustees, Management Committee, Flower Mandal Committee, Kirtankars, Parking and Food Committees, Manorathis, volunteers, and the families of the temple’s young Bal Gopals. Shree Tilak Bawa personally acknowledged and honored all contributors for their commitment to seva (selfless service).

The event concluded with the Shayan Aarti and the serving of Mahaprasad (sacred meal), offering a serene and communal closure to a day marked by devotion and unity.

Under the spiritual guidance of Shree Tilak Bawa and the leadership of Dr. Umangbhai Patel, the 17th Patotsav served as both a celebration of tradition and a testament to the thriving Vaishnav community in the United States.