Hindu YUVA at ISU celebrated Diwali with great zeal and fervor on November 2, 2013. The celebration began with Lakshmi Poojan followed by Aarti. On the occasion, each of us lit a diya (lamp) while keeping in mind some thought or resolution for the coming year. The event ended with a grand feast of consisting of a variety of Indian food which was enjoyed by everyone.
Hindu YUVA at ISU celebrated Ganesh Utsav on September 9, 2013 at the University Village Community Center. The festival was attended by more than 70 people. On the occasion, pooja was performed in the morning for the Sthapana and Aarti was offered in the evening. The beloved Bappa was kept for five days at a kind patron’s residence , and a small-scale visarjan was arranged on the 5th day (September 13, 2013).
To mark the Indian festival of Raksha Bandhan, Hindu YUVA at ISU celebrated Universal Oneness Day on September 6, 2013 in front of the Parks Library. On the occasion, people tied colorful threads (also known as Rakhi, symbolic of love between brother and sister) on the wrists of their friends to symbolize that we all are united, and we should take care of our fellow human beings and have a feeling of compassion towards them. This, ultimately, will lead us to the path of universal peace and brotherhood.
150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA
To mark the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, a special lecture about Swami Vivekananda was delivered by Swami Varadananda from Vedanta Society Chicago on 19th January 2013 at Memorial Union Gold Room. The event was attended by about 50 people.