Members of the Hindu community gathered at the Art Institute of Chicago on Michigan Avenue on Oct.12 for a Shobha Yatra on the occasion of Hindu Heritage Month. The event coincided with Vijayadashami or Dussehra, which celebrates the victory of good over evil and marks the end of Navratra, nine days dedicated to prayers and fasting in honor of Maa Durga, the feminine divinity.
The Art Institute holds special significance for the Hindu community as the site where Swami Vivekananda delivered his historic address to the World’s Parliament of Religions in 1893. Nirav Patel, one of the event organizers, stated, "The Hindu Heritage Month October Shobha Yatra at the Swami Vivekananda Way displayed the beautiful Hindu tradition to America."
Although Chicago has designated a portion of Michigan Avenue in front of the Art Institute as Honorary Swami Vivekananda Marg, community members noticed that the street sign bearing his name had been relocated. Plans are in motion to petition the city to restore the sign to its original place.
Rohit Chaudhary, who attended the event with his family, described the Shobha Yatra as a meaningful cultural celebration where “each participant left with much more meaningful intentions and commitment to inculcate the values of satva in daily life”.
Hindu Heritage Month is recognized by several U.S. states and cities, including Texas, Florida, New Jersey, Ohio, and Georgia. Hindu organizations are advocating for federal recognition, with the US India Community Foundation submitting a memorandum to Speaker Mike Johnson in support of the cause.
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login