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MAHAVIR NIRVAN AND BEGINNING OF VIR SAMVAT
THE JAIN NEW YEAR 2514 CELEBRATIONS ACROSS NORTH AMERICA
The Jain Calendar, Vir Samvat, began 2514 years ago the day after the Nirvan of Lord Mahavir, who attained the final stage of freedom from the cycle of transmigration. This great event was guided by the establishment of Vir Samvat Calendar, which governs all criterion of all the phenomenon, be it religious or ritualistic, of Jain Religion and its followers all over the world. Here is the concise report of the celebrations in north America:
Cleveland, OH. Jain Society of Cleveland celebrated Mahavir Nirvan and Vir Samvat, beginning of the Jain New Year on Sunday November 6,1988 at India Community Center 12412 Cedar Road. Acharya Sushil Kumar was the chief guest on the occasion. A large number of members attended the festivity.
With the beginning of new Vir Samvat year, the election of officers to the executives of the Jain society was held for the coming years, Vir Samvat 2514 - 2516, corresponding to the years 1988 - 1989.
Detroit, Mi. Nirvan of Lord Mahavir, Vir Samvat New Year and the 13th Anniversary of the founding of the Jain Society of Detroit were celebrated on Saturday, 12 November at 14700 Reaume Parkway in Southgate. The program began at 2.00 PM with Panchakalyan pooja followed by cultural programs. The celebrations were concluded with dinner served before sunset.
San Jose, CA.Jain Center of northern California celebrated the Jain New Year, Vir Samvat and the Nirvan festivity of Lord Mahavir after whom the Jain Calendar, Vir Samvat was promulgated. The festivities were organised on October 15, 1988. The program consisted of Snatra Pooja and devotional music by Indu Dhanak.
The Annual General Body of the Jain Center was also held on the eve to conduct its deliberations. At the end dinner was served before sunset. It is recalled here that the Center was established over ten years ago.
Chicago, IL. Nirvan of Lord Mahavir and Vir Samvat New Year were organised by Jain Society of Chicago on November 5,1988. Cultural activities such as music and dance presentations were performed.
The beginning of new Vir Samvat Jain Year for Jain Society of Chicago is to hold its Annual Ceneral Body Meeting to conduct the business of the society and elect new Executives.
St. Louis, MO. Lord Mahavir's Nirvan and the beginning of Jain New Year, Vir Samvat ( V.S.) were celebrated, November 2 to 5,1988 by the Jain Center of St. Louis at Brown Hall, Washington University. Acharya Sushil Kumar and Amarendra Muni were the chief guests during these festivities. During the first three days, Acharya Sushil Kumar delivered lectures on interesting topics: Religious Approach to Stress Management, Need For A Chaityalaya, the worshipping place of Jains and Youth & Religion in America.
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