Lake County temple marks Ram Navami

GRAYSLAKE, IL — Hindu Mandir of Lake County, Grayslake, IL celebrated the twin festivals of Chaitra Navaratri of Devi Durga and Shree Ram Navami with all the religious fervor and enthusiasm.

Hundreds of devotees and kids participated in the nine-day event featuring daily holy Pujans and Alankaram of Ma Durga and discourses on the meaning of Hindu New Year, importance of Kalyam, and various characters of Ramayana by Pt Anil. Joshi Ji.

On March 24, Balaji Kalyam was performed by South Indians in the morning. Mata Ki Chowki was observed in the evening with hundreds of Kanya Pujan. More than 300 devotees gathered on this special day Pujan of Ma Durga.

On March 25, melodious Bhajans were sung by Rita Patel and Kamalesh Desai. At 11:45 am, Lord Baby Ram, the son of king Dasaratha and his wife Kaushalya entered the Shrine and the devotees along with the priests welcomed Baby Ram folding their hands and chanting ‘Jai Shree Ram’ slogans.

Nicely-decorated Lord baby Ram statue was placed in the cradle after Abhishekam and offered beautiful garlands and home-made naivedyam. Devotees rocked Baby Ram one by one and obtained his blessings with utmost reverence. After 12:30 pm, Sunderkand was started by the temple priest Yogesh Pandey, Madoop Dhoan, and Avinash Khodake.

Maha Prasad prepared by Prameela Dutt and team was served to all the devotees after Archanas and Maha Mangal Arati.