Shreemad Bhagavat Katha at Chicago
By: Pujya Shree Bhupendrabhai Pandya
Report By : Shital Shah
On: June 30 to July 6th, 2003

From June 30 to July 6, 2003, Pujya Shree Bhupendrabhai Pandya imparted his vast knowledge on the Shreemad Bhagavat to the Chicago community. Due to his thoroughly eloquent style of speech and ability to communicate complex philosophy into simple terms, the audience was captivated and enthralled. Every day, attendance increased as curiosity and interest led people to hear Pujya Shree Bhupendrabhai, and as they returned day after day in eagerness to hear more. Being the second time that Pujya Shree Bhupendrabhai has delivered a saptah in Chicago, the community was even more impressed with his handle on Vedic scriptures and philosophy. The sponsors for this year's saptah were Kamleshbhai and Dinaben Shah.

Several highlights of the seven-day discourses included the days of Nandmahotsav, Rukmini's Love Letter, and Yagna. On celebrating the birth of Lord Krushna, it was truly as if the Lord was blessing the event Himself. Rukmini's Love Letter drew a large crowd of youngsters, as Pujya Shree Bhupendrabhai delivered a comprehensible discourse in English on marriage and finding the right partner. The youth of Chicago left impressed, encouraged and with a greater sense of clarity. On the morning of the last day, a yagna was held in which Pujya Shree Bhupendrabhai thoroughly explained the elements and importance of yagna in English. The audience was elated to not only fully understand the meaning behind the rite, but also to be given a chance to participate in such a divine event.

Pujya Shree Bhupendrabhai touched the hearts and minds of all those who were blessed enough to hear his wisdom. Even after the seven days were over, many were inspired to continue the good thoughts and messages that were conveyed and apply them to their own lives. Until Pujya Shree Bhupendrabhai blesses Chicago with his presence again, the community will continue to maintain the culture and values that he has so dearly sought to uphold.