Desi talk

12 CITY VIEWS October 10, 2025 www.desitalkchicago.com – that’s all you need to know Chicagoland Nepali Community Celebrates At Dashain–Tihar Musical Gala 2025 M ore than 300 guests unite for a night of culture, music, and community spirit in Chicago. The Chicagoland Nepali Friendship Society hosted its highly- anticipated Grand Dashain–Ti- har Musical Event 2082 (Bikram Samvat) on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at St. Andrew Greek Orthodox Church in Chi- cago. Drawing more than 300 attendees from across the Chicagoland area and neighboring states, the event celebrated Nepal’s vibrant cultural heritage through music, dance, food, and togetherness. The evening showcased Nepali artistry and community pride. Renowned Nepali musicians Badri Pangeni, Pratap Das, and Elina Chauhan headlined the musi- cal segment. The energy of the night was amplified by DJ Oza of Chicago, whose music kept guests dancing and engaged between live sets. Attendees were also treated to an array of authentic Nepali cuisine. High profile attendees included Presi- dent Narayan Khadka, host Anita Kun- war, and Chief Guest Balaram Ghimire, alongside representatives from several local Nepali organizations. Established in August 2007, the Chi- cagoland Nepali Friendship Society aims to preserve and promote Nepal’s rich cultural traditions within the broader American landscape. Through annual programs like Dashain–Tihar, the Society continues to foster unity among the growing Nepali community while bridg- ing generational and cultural connec- tions. Reflecting on the event’s success, Shyam Parajuli, Advisor and Former Gen- eral Secretary of the Society, expressed heartfelt gratitude: “We’re proud to keep our cultural spirit alive here in Chicago and are grateful to everyone who came together to make this event truly memo- rable.” By Bhailal M. Patel PHOTOS: Jayanti Oza Chief Guest Balaram Ghimire giving a speech at the Dashain-Tihar Musical Event held Sept. 28, 2025 in Chicago. Singers Badri Pangeni, Pratap Das, & Elina Chauhan with Nepali Friendship Society members, at the Sept. 28, 2025, Dashain-Tihar Musical Event. 18th Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council & 12th Hindu Mandir Priests’ Conference 2025: A Resounding Success T he Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council (HMEC) and Hindu Mandir Priests’ Conference 2025, were a resounding success, according to HMEC. Organizers described it as a “landmark gathering of Hindu temple leaders, priests, scholars, and community members from across North America.” This year’s Conference theme was Hindu Diaspora: Mahakumbh of Sanatan Tradition, and it was held at the Dallas-FortWorth Hindu Temple Society (Ekta Mandir) in Irving, Texas, September 12 to 14, 2025. Organizers said the event provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and cultural celebration, and for strengthening the role of temples as beacons of dharma and community empowerment in the diaspora. It also made networking, collaboration, and knowl- edge-sharing among Mandirs, Gurudwaras, Ashrams, and Derasars across the continent. Recent HMEC initiatives include – publishing books on Hindu rituals and practicesm conducting alerts and webinars on temple safety and security, organizing edu- cational webinars in collaboration with the Hindu Uni- versity of America, supporting temples in the aftermath of Hinduphobic attacks, and building positive narratives on Hindu symbols such as the Swastika. The Sept. 12-14 Conference discussed pressing issues such as priest training, youth engagement, community leadership, interfaith awareness, and temple sustainabil- ity. Spiritual discourses, cultural programs, and interac- tive workshops kept attendees engaged and were aimed at carrying forward the legacy of Sanatan Dharma. “Together, we are ensuring our temples remain centers of dharmic strength, cultural continuity, and spiritual nourishment for future generations,” said the HMEC leadership. A much-awaited highlight was the release of Mandir Vani (HMEC Souvenir Magazine), celebrating the con- tributions of temples to the preservation of heritage and spirituality in America. A discussion took place on the 60-minute documen- tary ‘Caste Rush’ which focused on caste and its place in temple traditions. The film, shot across India, investigates key questions like, Are Dalits allowed in temples? Can non-Brahmins become priests? The HMEC 2025 Conference also recognized the work of Himani Shukla, a renowned expert in marble vigraha (idol) restoration and beautification. She has worked on deities at Durga Mandir (VA), Satyanarayan Temple (NY), Shree SiddhidhamTemple (NJ), and many others. A temple trustee is quoted saying, “Through her artistry, Himani Shukla restores not only the idols but the divine radiance of our temples.” The Conference also recognized October this year as the 5th Anniversary of Hindu Heritage Month (HHM) “Hindu Heritage Month allows us to celebrate with pride while inspiring the next generation to cherish and uphold our timeless values,” HMEC said., Communities are invited to register events free of cost at HinduMonth. org and participate in this nationwide celebration of Hindu unity. By Bhailal M. Patel PHOTO:HMEC Landmark gathering of Hindu temple leaders, priests, scholars, and community members from across North America.Hindu Mandir Empowerment Council.