Jain Digest 1998 04

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 12

REGIONAL NEWS (continued)
Northeast Vinay Vakani, Regional Editor Washington, DC
Jain Society of Metro Washington had celebrated Mahavir Jayanti on Saturday, April 11 which was attended by over 450 members. The highlight of the evening was the cultural program presented by children, and adults. Both children and adults participated in several skits, raas, solo dances and ras-garba items. There were 19 items presented, 13 by children and 6 by adults. After the cultural program, each participant was presented a gift of white cap embroidered with Jain Society Metro Washington Name Logo. The Cap was donated by Mr. Bhadresh and Mrs. Shefali Dhila. Program ended with swamivatsalya dinner which was sponsored by Mr. Vinay N. Shah and Mr. Nilesh N. Shah.
(Drama), Stavans, dances that were based on religious stories, themes & morals. Dur- on religious stories, themes & morals. During Chaitra Ayambil's oli about 75 Tapasvis participated in lecture on "Sripal & Myana nu rahasya". In addition to monthly pooja there are Pathsahala, Gujarati & Swadhyay classes running every other Sunday at Caldwell College. Swadhyay is also held twice a month at the derasar, Piscatway, Jersey City, and Edison. Samun Samahak is held once a month.
of Secundrabad, India, who performed Shatrunjay Bhav Poojan, aided by a video presentation of the Tirth and various holy land marks as you climb the Giriraj. Shri Shubhamji gave Manglik and explained the meaning of word Shatrunjay. Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji complemented the Sangh for having made possible for Jains here to experience two of the holiest Jain Tirths and inspire them to make the real pilgrimage when they visit India. Dr. Dhiraj Shah spoke of the Cherry Hill Jain Sangh's illustrious history and how far they have come along with JAINA. Dr. Shah paid tribute to the Sangh (one of the original Signers of the JAINA'S Charter) and promised that next year, JAINA will arrange Yatra to both Shatrunjay Maha Teerth and Shri Girnarji. President of the Cherry Hill Jain Sangh Kirti Shah unveiled Sangh's plan for the expansion of the temple hall and thanked every one for coming. Prabhavna of postcard size laminated picture of Shatrunjay
Teerch and swamivatsalya ended the festivi ty of the day.
Cherry Hill, NJ
Nearly 400 persons attended 8th Anni- versary celebration of Cherry Hill temple on Sunday, May 31. It was particularly a festive day for the sangh because of the inauguration of two 6' x 8' marble Pats of Mahashatrunjay and Girnar Tirths. Carved and beautifully hand painted in Jaipur, this was possibly very first such installation in a Jain temple anywhere in North America. The function was graced by Gurudev Shri Chitrabhanuji, Sadhviji Shri Shubhamji and president of JAINA, Dr. Dhiraj Shah. Spe cial guest of the day was Shri Rajendra Dalal
Essex Fells, NJ
Jain centre of New Jersey Celebrated Mahavir Janma Kalyanak on April 12, 1998. The celebration began with Snatra Pooja followed by cultural program. Over 100 children & young adults participated in the program which included Nrutya Natika
Midwest Manubhai Doshi, Regional Editor
Detroit, MI
The temple of the Society has finally been completed and the Society has planned an elaborate Pratishtha Mahotsav from 27th June to July 6th. Kumbh Sthapan will be done on 27th June, and actual installation will take place on July 5th. Bhaktamar Pujan, Siddhachakra Pujan and other rituals are to be performed on various days during this occasion. 5000 people are expected to participate in the Mahotsav.
The campaign seems to be succeeding in attracting more students to the religious classes which are held on the third Sunday of every month.
Arrangements for Ayambil were made at the Center on April 4th and 5th on the occasion of Chaitra Oli. More than 100 people availed of that facility.
Mahavir Jayanti celebration held on April 12th with Abhishek ritual by Digambar friends, the main function began in the afternoon in the presence of Shri Chitrabhanuji who gave a brief discourse in spite of his ill health. He also availed of the occasion for administering to the new office bearers the oath of allegiance to Jainism as
required by the new constitution of the Society. Moreover, all the past office bearers of the Society were honored by presenting them with the awards in recognition of their services. About 1000 persons participated in the function, which ended with Swamivatsalya in the evening. Shrimad Rajchandra Samadhi Din was celebrated in the Center on April 19. Devotees enthusiastically took part in Bhakti and in reciting the Virahgeets.
Robert Killa of Naperville High School visited the Center, along with 40 students of the school, on April 27th, 1998. They were taken around the temple and were given the information about the Center, as
Continued on page 19
Chicago, IL
A campaign was undertaken for increasing the attendance in the religious classes and some incentives were announced.
10/JAIN DIGEST SUMMER 1998
Jain Education Intemational