Upcoming events
Satsang
Join us for a satsang from 4:30-6:00 p.m., followed by arti and mahaprasad.
Sponsored by Sunny and Mina Shah.
A Hindu satsang is a gathering where individuals come together to discuss and learn about spiritual topics, engage in meditation, chanting, and listening to spiritual discourses. It provides an opportunity to connect with others and deepen understanding of Hindu philosophy and spirituality.
Satsang
Join us for a satsang from 4:30-6:00 p.m., followed by arti and mahaprasad.
Satsang is a term derived from Sanskrit, which means "gathering for the truth." It typically refers to a devotional assembly or meeting where individuals listen to spiritual teachings, engage in discussions, sing devotional songs or participate in meditation and chanting.
The focus is usually on self-inquiry, connecting with a higher truth, and cultivating spiritual understanding. In these gatherings, devotees foster a sense of community and shared spiritual growth among fellow community members.
Tulsi Vivah
Please join us for Lord Krishna and Tulsai Ma's divine wedding. Please arrive early, as festivities will begin at 4 p.m.
Tulsi Vivah is a significant Hindu festival that celebrates the ceremonial marriage of the Tulsi plant (holy basil) to Lord Vishnu, often represented in the form of Krishna. This event usually occurs during the Hindu month of Kartik, typically on the eleventh day of the waxing moon. The Tulsi plant is revered for its sacredness, symbolizing purity and devotion. During the celebration, devotees adorn the Tulsi plant with flowers and rangoli, perform rituals, and recite prayers. It signifies the importance of Tulsi in spiritual practices and her role as an emblem of devotion, making it a cherished occasion for many Hindus. The reverence shown during Tulsi Vivah embodies the merging of nature and spirituality, highlighting the belief in the divine connection between the earthly and the celestial.
4:00 p.m. — Thakorji Varghodo
4:30 p.m. — Vivah Manorath
Followed by Mahaprasad.
Sponsored by Dharmendra & Rajeshree Patadia and Piyush & Zarana Gor
Diwali Mela
India Heritage Society invites you to our annual Diwali Mela, a celebration of cultural richness and community spirit. Arrive early to enjoy appetizers from 3-4 p.m.
Starting at 4:30 PM, enjoy a live program featuring local talent. Dinner to follow.
Purchase Diwali Mela tickets here.
Early Bird Tickets (until 11/5/24)
$30 | Adults and kids 10+ years old
$10 | Kids 3-9 years old
Free | Kids under 3
Tickets (after 11/6/24)
$40 | Adults and kids 10+ years old
$15 | Kids 3-9 years old
Free | Kids under 3
Kids Diwali
Diwali is a magical time for kids! It's a joyful celebration filled with fun, laughter, and traditions. The kids can make a Diwali craft and light fireworks! They will also participate in prayers, asking for blessings and happiness in the coming year.
4:30 - 5:00 p.m. | Bhajan
5 - 5:45 p.m. | Kids Diwali Craft
5:45 p.m. | Aarti
6 p.m. | Fireworks followed by dinner
Annakut Mahotsav
Please join us on Friday, November 1, as we celebrate Annakut Mahotsav and the Hindu New Year! All are welcome. There will be a satsang, followed by arti and mahaprasad.
This year’s Annakut Mahotsav is sponsored by Kaushik & Hina Patel.
Annakut Mahotsav, or Govardhan Puja, is a Hindu festival celebrated the day after Diwali. It honors Lord Krishna's protection of Vrindavan. Devotees arrange large displays of vegetarian food, symbolizing Mount Govardhan, and offer it in gratitude. Temples are decorated with flowers and lights, and devotional songs fill the air. Celebrated with community meals and prayers, Annakut Mahotsav fosters gratitude, unity, and devotion, making it a joyful occasion for all.
Chopda Pujan
Due to capacity issues, if you are participating in the Chopda Pujan ceremony, please register here. This ceremony is free for all devotees.
This year’s Chopda Pujan is sponsored by Khodiyar Family.
Chopda Pujan, also known as Chopda Poojan, is a Hindu ritual mainly observed by business communities in India. It typically takes place during the festival of Diwali, particularly on the day of Dhanteras or the day of Lakshmi Puja. The primary purpose of Chopda Pujan is to worship the business's financial records and account books for prosperity in the coming year.
During this ceremony, the account books (chopda) are cleaned, and devotees perform puja (prayer rituals) to seek blessings for wealth, success, and good fortune. People often encourage the Goddess Lakshmi’s presence, which is considered the goddess of wealth, and give thanks for the past year’s blessings. It’s a time for reflection and gratitude, marking new beginnings in financial ventures.
Satsang
Join us for a satsang from 4:30-6:00 p.m., followed by arti and dry prasad.
Satsang is a term derived from Sanskrit, which means "gathering for the truth." It typically refers to a devotional assembly or meeting where individuals listen to spiritual teachings, engage in discussions, sing devotional songs or participate in meditation and chanting.
The focus is usually on self-inquiry, connecting with a higher truth, and cultivating spiritual understanding. In these gatherings, devotees foster a sense of community and shared spiritual growth among fellow community members.
Rasotsava/Sharad Poonam Garba
Please join us for Rasotsava / Sharad Poonam Garba celebrations and Satsang on Sunday. Aarthi and Mahaprasad to follow.
Sponsored by Bhupeshbhai-Radhikaben Patel and family.
Sharad Poonam, also known as Kojaagari Purnima, is a harvest festival celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu lunar month of Ashwin. In some regions of India, especially in Gujarat, this festival is celebrated with the traditional folk dance Garba. During the Sharad Poonam Garba, people come together in vibrant traditional attire and form a circle to perform the energetic and rhythmic dance to honor the goddess Durga. The dance accompanies live music, usually featuring traditional instruments like the dhol and the melodious tunes of folk songs. The festival is a time of joy, celebration, and the coming together of communities to revel in the cultural heritage of India.
Dahshera/Vijyadasami Celebrations & Satsang
Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is a major Hindu festival celebrated at the end of Navaratri every year. It commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana and the triumph of good over evil.
The festival also marks the end of Durga Puja, where the goddess Durga is venerated. In many regions of India, elaborate processions and reenactments of the Ramayana are performed, and effigies of Ravana are burnt to symbolize the victory of righteousness. It's a time for joyous celebrations, feasting, and the exchange of gifts with loved ones.
Sponsored by Amit-Pooja Patel and family.
Bathukamma Festival
The Bathukamma Festival is a colorful floral festival celebrated in Telangana, India, honoring Goddess Gauri. It takes place over nine days during the Hindu month of Ashwayuja and involves creating floral arrangements, traditional songs, and dances. The festival is a symbol of Telangana's cultural identity and a time for communities to come together in celebration.
Havan, Mata Ki Chowki & Kanya Puja
Havan | 4.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m.
Mata Ki Chowki | 5.00 p.m. to 6.15 p.m.
Kanya Puja, Aarthi, and Mahaprasad to follow
Sponsored by Lalchandani Family; Sansoa Family; Dr. Bharat-Kamini Patel family; and Yogi-Dipika Lalwani family
National Yoga Month - Yoga Practice
Embrace the power of movement, breath and intention as we journey through this ancient practice together. This sacred tradition is a time for inner reflection, renewal and gratitude. This immersive event will be led by Tanvi Patil.
Bring your own mats, blocks & straps! (Yoga mats will not be provided.)
Cost: Donation of your choice (all proceeds will go to the temple)
The Power of Chant: Bhakti Workshop
Join us for a workshop led by Swami Prabhupada from The Temple of the Holy Name (ISCKON) in North Carolina. There workshop will include a live kirtan and mantra meditation.
Satsang
A Hindu satsang is a gathering where individuals come together to discuss and learn about spiritual topics, engage in meditation, chanting, and listening to spiritual discourses. It provides an opportunity to connect with others and deepen understanding of Hindu philosophy and spirituality.
Sharavan Maas
The month of Shravana holds great significance for many Hindus and is a time for observance of fasting. It is common for Hindus to fast every Monday in honor of Shiva and/or every Tuesday in honor of Parvati. This sacred month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, a prominent deity in Hinduism. During this period, devotees partake in various rituals and practices as a means of seeking blessings and nurturing spiritual growth.
All devotees will have a chance to offer Abhisheka to Lord Shiva.
Satsang
A Hindu satsang is a gathering where individuals come together to discuss and learn about spiritual topics, engage in meditation, chanting, and listening to spiritual discourses. It provides an opportunity to connect with others and deepen understanding of Hindu philosophy and spirituality.
Festival of India
Join us in Elmwood Park on Saturday, August 17 for a fun, family-friendly afternoon! Enjoy and experience our vibrant & diverse culture, cuisine and live performances.
Sharavan Maas
The month of Shravana holds great significance for many Hindus and is a time for observance of fasting. It is common for Hindus to fast every Monday in honor of Shiva and/or every Tuesday in honor of Parvati. This sacred month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, a prominent deity in Hinduism. During this period, devotees partake in various rituals and practices as a means of seeking blessings and nurturing spiritual growth.
All devotees will have a chance to offer Abhisheka to Lord Shiva.
Sharavan Maas
The month of Shravana holds great significance for many Hindus and is a time for observance of fasting. It is common for Hindus to fast every Monday in honor of Shiva and/or every Tuesday in honor of Parvati. This sacred month is dedicated to Lord Shiva, a prominent deity in Hinduism. During this period, devotees partake in various rituals and practices as a means of seeking blessings and nurturing spiritual growth.
All devotees will have a chance to offer Abhisheka to Lord Shiva.