Indian Seniors of Chicago Celebrate Hanuman Janmotsav with Devotion and Community Spirit

Members celebrating April birthdays are honored with flowers by Pallaviben Darji and Nayanaben Darji during the Hanuman Janmotsav celebration. All Photos by Jayanti Oza

CHICAGO, April 11, 2026 — The Indian Seniors of Chicago (ISC) celebrated Hanuman Janmotsav with enthusiasm and community spirit at Mahalaxmi Hall of Manav Seva Mandir, drawing about 380 members for the occasion.

The program began with a floral greeting ceremony honoring members with April birthdays. Pallaviben Darji and Nayanaben Darji presented flowers to the celebrants, marking both the festival and personal milestones.

Members then recited the Hanuman Chalisa, followed by a laughter yoga session led by Dharambhai Punwani, who emphasized the importance of physical and mental well-being through simple exercises and breathing techniques. ISC President Kantibhai K. Patel later felicitated Punwani with a bouquet.

Treasurer Hemant Modi presented the organization’s income and expenditure report for March, acknowledging donors for their contributions. Prof. Sharad Shah spoke about the significance of Hanuman Janmotsav, noting that Lord Hanuman is believed to have appeared on Chaitra Sud Poonam during the Treta Yug, and elaborated on verses from the Hanuman Chalisa composed by Goswami Tulsidas.

Dharambhai Punwani leads a laughter yoga session for Indian Seniors of Chicago members.

Arvindbhai Kotak addressed the gathering on dementia, explaining its effects on the body and brain and sharing preventive measures to slow its progression.

Patel also introduced the ISC executive committee for 2026: President Kantibhai K. Patel; Vice President Navinbhai Patel; Secretary Jayesh Shah; Joint Secretary Daksha Parikh; Treasurer Hemant Modi; Joint Treasurer Panna Shah; and Coordinator Bhupendra Suthar.

Members were invited to participate in an upcoming Mother’s Day art exhibition in May. Additional announcements included an ISC picnic scheduled for July 12 and the annual program set for Oct. 3.

The newly formed ISC executive committee for 2026. From left: Bhupendra Suthar (Coordinator), Hemant Modi (Treasurer), Panna Shah (Joint Treasurer), Navinbhai Patel (Vice President), Kantibhai K. Patel (President), Jayesh Shah (Secretary), and Daksha Parikh (Joint Secretary).

A two-minute silence was observed in memory of Mudrikaben Dave, wife of ISC member Sureshbhai Dave, who died in a house fire. Prayers were also offered for the recovery of Sureshbhai Dave, who was injured in the incident.

The event also featured light entertainment, with Vishnubhai Mahadeswar sharing jokes in Hindi and Gujarati. Organizers encouraged participation in a community program on April 19 marking the 150th anniversary of “Vande Mataram” and the 250th year of American independence.