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© VYO-USA, Inc. In this Edition… PUSHTI ETIQUETTE PROTOCOL WHEN VALLABHKUL ENTER A GATHERING — PAGE 11 DIWALI IN PUSHTIMARG — PAGE 10 Pushti Preeti Volume 3 . Issue 1 . Fall 2015 VYO-USA E-Newsletter KIDS CORNER VYO CONVENTION FROM KIDS PERSPECTIVE — PAGE 12-14 VYO-USA ACTIVITIES UPDATES ON SOME PAST ACTIVITIES FROM DIFFERENT CENTERS — PAGES 3-9 PLEASE FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS TO ALL VAISHNAVS THAT MAYBE INTERESTED. FOLLOW VYO ACTIVITIES: WWW.EDCAST.COM/VYO COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS? [email protected] UPCOMING PUSHITIMARGIYA FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS — PAGES 15-16 Message ’om Pujya Jeje During my recent visit to the United States, I was ex>?emely delighted to witAess the spiritCal gathering of Vaishnavs ’om across the world for VYO’s First Vaishnav Convention of Nor>h America in Richmond, Virginia. The enthusiasm, dedication and hard work of hundreds of volunteers was evident during the event as thousands of Vaishnavs came together under one roof to exQerience the divinitR of “Bhav, Bhakti, and Prem,” as envisioned by our eterAal GurCs, Shrimad VallabhacharRa Mahaprabhuji and Shrimad ViXhalesh Gusainji Prabhucharan. I was verR happy to obserYe and par>icipate in various inspirational activities such as yoga and meditation shibirs, youth sessions, lectCres and cultCral prog?ams that were organized for the young and old alike. Noticing the faces of Vaishnavs filled with spiritCal happiness, I t?Cly felt that the VYO’s mission “We serYe Happiness,” was fClfilled. I hope that you will all continue to cultivate t?anscendental happiness as you par>icipate in the various VYO activities taking place in your local communities on a regClar basis. My hear>felt blessings to all of you! - Goswami Vrajrajkumarji MESSAGE FROM VYO TRUSTEES, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, CENTER PRESIDENTS — PAGE 2 UPDATED LIST OF VYO USA TRUSTEE BOARD AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE — PAGE 17

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Page 1: USA Pushti Preeti 3.1

© VYO-USA, Inc.

In this Edition…

PUSHTI ETIQUETTE PROTOCOL WHEN

VALLABHKUL ENTER A GATHERING —

PAGE 11

DIWALI IN PUSHTIMARG — PAGE 10

Pushti PreetiVolume3.Issue1.Fall2015

VYO-USAE-Newsletter

KIDS CORNER VYO CONVENTION FROM

KIDS PERSPECTIVE — PAGE 12-14

VYO-USA ACTIVITIES UPDATES ON SOME

PAST ACTIVITIES FROM DIFFERENT CENTERS

— PAGES 3-9

PLEASE FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS TO ALL VAISHNAVS THAT MAYBE INTERESTED.

FOLLOW VYO ACTIVITIES: WWW.EDCAST.COM/VYOCOMMENTS, QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS? [email protected]

UPCOMING PUSHITIMARGIYA

FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS — PAGES 15-16

Message 'om Pujya Jeje

During my recent visit to the United States, I was ex>?emely delighted to witAess the spiritCal gathering of Vaishnavs 'om across the world for VYO’s First Vaishnav Convention of Nor>h America in Richmond, Virginia. The enthusiasm, dedication and hard work of hundreds of volunteers was evident during the event as thousands of Vaishnavs came together under one roof to exQerience the divinitR of “Bhav, Bhakti, and Prem,” as envisioned by our eterAal GurCs, Shrimad VallabhacharRa Mahaprabhuji and Shrimad ViXhalesh Gusainji Prabhucharan. I was verR happy to obserYe and par>icipate in various inspirational activities such as yoga and meditation shibirs, youth sessions, lectCres and cultCral prog?ams that were organized for the young and old alike. Noticing the faces of Vaishnavs filled with spiritCal happiness, I t?Cly felt that the VYO’s mission “We serYe Happiness,” was fClfilled. I hope that you will all continue to cultivate t?anscendental happiness as you par>icipate in the various VYO activities taking place in your local communities on a regClar basis. My hear>felt blessings to all of you! - Goswami Vrajrajkumarji

MESSAGE FROM VYO TRUSTEES, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, CENTER

PRESIDENTS — PAGE 2

UPDATED LIST OF VYO USA TRUSTEE BOARD

AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE — PAGE 17

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Message from the VYO-USA National Trustee Board, Executive Committee, and Center Presidents

Volume 3. Issue 1. Fall 2015 !2

Jai Shree Krishna!

BhagYadiya Vaishnavs,

With the Divine Blessings of HDH Goswami 108 Shri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri, VYO USA and its 21 centers throughout the US, became “nimmit” for planning and celebration of the first National Vaishnav Convention 'om AugCst 7 to 9, 2015 at Richmond, Virginia. The convention was organized in honor of Shri Gusainji Prabhucharan’s 500th Bir>h AnniversarR to unite Hindus/Vaishnavs residing in various par>s of Nor>h America to exQerience 3 days of “Bhav, Bhakti and Prem.”

With the Grace of Lord Shri Nathji, this first of its kind Vaishnav Convention was aXended by more than 1200 people 'om all over the USA and around the world, including Canada and India. “Happiness through SpiritCalitR” slogan of VYO Convention was t?Cly serYed, evidenced by smiles on the aXendees’ faces and Bhav in their hear>s for Lord Shri Krishna’s eterAal Leelas! There were several sigAatCre prog?ams during this unique convention:

- Shri Thakorji’s 84 Divya Manorath darshan - Shri Giriraj Manorath darshan - Shri Mahaprabhuji’s 26 Vraj Bethakji darshans along with Girirajji darshan - Shri Thakorji’s Seva and Shringhar shibirs - Shri Nandmahotsav - Shri Vallabhkul AcharRas vachnamrCts - Shri Kajal Oza Vaidya and Shri Par>hiv Gohil’s Sangeet Sandhya - Yoga and meditation sessions - Stage perforoances by VYO center kids and adults - Several satsangs, spiritCal lectCres, motivational speakers, kids sessions, rangoli competition etc.

VYO USA and its centers thank all VYO Richmond volunteers who worked hard to make this spiritCal event a g?and success. We also humbly convey our hear>felt Dandvat Pranam to our SpiritCal Benefactor, Pujya Jeje, Shri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri who tirelessly t?avels all over the world to connect and inspire all Vaishnavs to instill Pushti Bhakti in their lives. Pujya JeJe is literally doing 21st centCrR PrCthvi Parikrama to uplist the souls of common people like us to igAite non-dual Pushti Bhakti in our lives and lives of our fCtCre generation.

Jai Shri Krishna Jai Shri Vallabh

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VYO-USA Activities from different centers VYO-Columbus Janamashtmi Celebration With the divine grace of Shri Thakorji and blessings of our beloved spiritual leader and guru Pujya Goswami

108 Shri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri, VYO Columbus celebrated Janmashtmi Utsav. Large number of Vaishnavs participated in this utsav. The main highlight of the utsav was Nandmahotsav & matuki phod. Around 30 kids participated in the celebration. The complete program included paath, kirtans, bhajans, cultural program, skit on Krishna-Sudama friendship narrated in Gujarati, aashirvachan by Pujya Jeje Shri, ‘Love for

Gau’ short film and mahaprasad.

VYO Columbus also had a great start with VYOe information session on Sep 20th.  We have 25-30 registered kids for the various class levels. Parents and teachers are excited to start first day of the education classes from Oct 4th. Here are some glimpses of our celebration.

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VYO-USA Activities from different centers VYO-Freehold (New Jersey) The VYO New Jersey center started the year with adding more students for the education classes. We also welcomed new families to join our monthly spiritual meets. The kids of the center celebrated Janmashtmi and matuki phod utsav. The kids also narrated the meaning of Janmashtmi and why our beloved Lord Shri Krishna was called the "Makhan Chor". Our spiritual meet started with

Kids chanting Manglacharan and Yamunashtak and concluded with aashray pad. We look forward to a successful year and grow our VYO family!

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VYO-USA Activities from different centers VYO-New York The VYO New York team had a remarkable experience and sensed aloukik aanand at the Vaishnav convention in Richmond Virginia in August 2015. We thank the

entire convention team for their incredible efforts and dedication to plan and execute this beautiful event.

The VYO New York team was excited at the announcement of the event and started planning for it right away. As a team we began reaching out

to Vaishnavs through phone calls, text messages and social media. We encouraged everyone from young children to aged adults to join the convention and be a part of this amazing experience.

We inspired people to take part in the presentation/performance and be active participants in the convention. With the grace of God and everyone’s cooperation in various activities, we were successful in organizing this 3 day trip. Even the bus ride to the convention was quite enjoyable as we had the opportunity to do

satsang and share our experiences with our fellow Vaishnavs. We will all cherish our divine experiences for years to come.

Our monthly spiritual meets continue at various Vaishnav’s homes. We post a summary of our satsang on our face book page every month. This month, October 2015, we will celebrate Sharad Purima with raas/garba. In November 2015, we will celebrate

Diwali utsav. Please check our VYO New York Facebook page for past and upcoming events at:https://www.facebook.com/vyonewyork

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VYO-USA Activities from different centers VYO-Raleigh Project “Roti-Kapada-Makaan” VYO Raleigh has been working on various humanitarian activities since past couple of years. We seek support from both local and foreign organizations that provide us with funding and volunteers to accomplish our goal.

This year, VYO-Raleigh has reconciled different humanitarian activities in a project named "Roti -Kapada-Makaan" as a part of the Manav Seva activities.

In October of 2014, VYO-Raleigh  volunteers helped raise $1,500.00 to provide groceries to the Shepherd-table organization in Raleigh. This fund was leveraged to feed homeless people during the time of Pitru-Shradha. We are planning to do same this year on Monday, October 12, 2015.

In September of 2015, VYO-Raleigh collected and sent 50,000 pounds of clothes for orphanages in India. Furthermore, we are pleased to inform that VYO-Raleigh youth is helping ‘Habitat for Humanity’ by providing volunteers to construct houses for those in need.

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VYO-USA Activities from different centers VYO-San Diego With the blessing of Shri Thakorji and under the guidance of our beloved, HDH Yuva Vaishnavacharya Goswami 108 Shri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri, VYO San Diego was very fortunate to have padhramni and vachnamrut by HDH Vaishnavacharya Goswami 108 Shri Dhrumilkumarji Mahodayshri. We also celebrated Janmashtmi and kicked off the third year of VYO Education. Also about 30 Vaishnavs from our center attended the first VYO convention. VYO Convention Thirty Vaishnavs from VYO San Diego attended the first VYO convention. The highlights were Shri Girirajji and 84 manoraths. It was a divine experience for all the Vaishnavs. San Diego contributed to a total of 7 manoraths – 5 individuals and 2 from VYO San Diego. Padhramni of Shri Dhrumilkumarji In August during the spiritual meet, VYO San Diego was blessed with the vachanamrut of our beloved Pujya Jeje’s pitrucharan Shri Dhrumilkumarji Mahodayshri. About 65 Vaishnavs attended the vachanamrut. Janamashtmi Celebration

! ! ! We celebrated Janmashtami during September’s spiritual meet. We used the decoration from manoraths to decorate the aasana and palna for Shri Thakorji. We started with Pushtimarg paaths then shobha yatra (with the bhavana of Vasudev taking Lord Krishna from Mathura to Gokul). It was followed by garba, Nandmahotsav, makhan loot, kirtans and mahaprasad. About 160 Vaishnavs attended this celebration.

! ! ! VYO Education We kicked off 2015 VYO Education term on September 20, 2015 with an open forum. 11 kids registered on first day – 6 in level 3 (6-9 age group) and 5 in level 6 (9-12 age group). The classes will be held at the school every Sunday from 11am to 12 noon. Upcoming Events: The October month satsang will be held at a Vaishnav’s house. Annakut celebration is planned for November 15, 2015. Volume 3. Issue 1. Fall 2015 !7

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VYO-USA Activities from different centers VYO-Tampa With the divine grace of Shri Naagdaman Shrinath Prabhu and under the spiritual guidance of P. P. Goswami 108 Shri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri, our beloved Jeje, VYO Tampa “Vrindavan Dham” continues to flourish and blossom, having completed over a year of being a fully operational center.

Pujya Jeje Shri’s vision and recognition of a long existent void for a Pushtimargiya center for Vaishnavs in Tampa bore fruit when VYO Tampa acquired a small single-family residence and converted it into a satsang Center. Tampa community members flock in numbers small and large to experience the bliss of our utsavs, which are well-planned and conducted with much enthusiasm by a group of dedicated Vaishnavs.

Significant highlight of calendar year 2015 is that a total of 29 satsangs and/or utsavs were scheduled at the beginning of the year in January, and with Shri Thakorji’s and Shri Mahaprabhuji’s grace, we have celebrated all as scheduled to-date. We follow a disciplined agenda of nitya paath recitation (35 mins), granth vanchan (30 mins), DVD (20 mins), kirtans (a minimum of 3 utsav-based kirtans) followed by dhol-pad, aarti and aashray nu pad. We diligently conduct our events from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

On September 6, 2015, Nandmahotsav was ceremoniously celebrated with pomp. “…..…NAND GHER AANAND BHAYO…” It was attended by about 125+ people; a matuki phod event was organized for our paathshala kids; Nandmahotsav manorathis came dressed as Vasudev bringing Lord Krishna in a decorated chaab; palna manorathis opened Shri Thakorji’s darshan…aloukik experience for all gathered!

VYO Education classes for 2015-2016 have started with 10 students registered. Kashmiraben Shah is our lead teacher, chosen by Shriji for this seva. Under the laudable leadership of Smitaben Patel, President of VYO Tampa, we continue to grow slowly but surely!

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Getting Involved with VYO-USA Activities Would you like to participate in VYO activities, below is the contact information for local chapters of VYO-USA.

VYO Atlanta - GA [email protected]

VYO Boston - MA [email protected], [email protected]

VYO Bradenton - FL [email protected]

VYO Charlotte - NC [email protected]

VYO Cherry hill - NJ [email protected]    

VYO Columbus - OH [email protected]

VYO Dallas -TX [email protected]

VYO Daytona - FL [email protected]

VYO Detroit - MI [email protected]

VYO Edison - NJ [email protected]      

VYO Florence - SC [email protected]

VYO Freehold - NJ [email protected]

VYO New Haven - CT [email protected]

VYO New York [email protected], [email protected]

VYO Parsippany - NJ [email protected]  

VYO Raleigh - NC [email protected]

VYO Richmond -VA [email protected]

VYO San Diego - CA [email protected]

VYO Savannah - GA [email protected]

VYO Scranton - PA [email protected]

VYO Tampa - FL [email protected]

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Diwali in Pushtimarg Diwali and New Year have a special meaning in Pushtimarg. There are a couple of reasons why Diwali is celebrated in Pushtimarg. It is believed that on this day Lord Krishna killed demon Narakarasura. Mother Yasodaji said my lalan (Lord Krishna) only survived this demon because of dipavali pavitra prakash (lights) and from now on she decided to celebrate Diwali as “Bal Krishna Jevaat Diya Din.” The Nand Bhavan was decorated with one million Dipak; lots of sweets were made (since Thakorji loves sweet) and distributed free to all Vrajvasi. Once Yasodaji went inside the bhavan (house), Lord Krishna pretended that he is a shop-keeper and everyone should pay for the sweets. This is called Hatdi (shop) mahotsav. Although the festival lasts for many days, five days are main days – Vagh Baras, DhanTeras, Kali Chudash, Diwali and New Year.

Vagh Baras Vagh Baras is the 12th day of the Krishna Paksha of Ashwin month. As we all know, Cows were very dear to Krishna. This day is dedicated to the worship of the cow. Vagh means repaying once financial debt. On this day, people clear their ledgers (accounting books) and enter into new transactions only after Labh Panchami. However for practical purpose, nowadays, only the ledger entries are renewed and the actual financial transactions continue normally. During this day, Shrinathji wears a gold brocade “Kachani” (courtly skirt like dress worn by Rajput) with numerous necklaces of pearls and emeralds. The beautiful yellow turban is topped with a gold ornament. A red and gold pichavi depicts golden flowers growing on a delicate moughal trellis.

Dhan Teras Dhan teras is dedicated to goddess Lakshmi, wife of Lord Vishnu. Lakshmiji’s blessings are essential in making our lives prosperous, fruitful as well as peaceful. goddess Lakshmi embodies the wealth of nature, health, intelligence, friends, family, long life, fame, fortune etc. In honor of goddess Lakshami, Shrinathji wears a regal charvagha (Rajput formal wear with four pointed corners) of green and gold brocade (rich silk fabric). Several jewels of pearls, diamonds, rubies and emeralds are topped with a plume of peacock feathers set in the gleaming turban.

Kali Chaudas Kali Chaudas is dedicated to Mata Kali (Shakti) whose strength we seek to maintain the wealth we have. Strength - physical, mental and spiritual, is essential for an individual as well as the nation to flourish. Strength is essential for survival in any civilization. Used positively, it is benevolent, however if misused, the same energy can be malevolent. On this day, Krishna and Kali killed Narakarasura. Mata Kali is the patron goddess of those who fight for truth and justice. Respecting the martyrs who have died for the cause of Dharma, Shrinathji wears an orange red gold brocade ghagharjama. Orange represents martyrdom, red for auspiciousness and blood spilt in battle for a noble cause. Gold represents the wealth of life given to us all, used positively. Colorfully worked flowers, imitating bright jewels, jostle on the Lord’s graceful body. The pichwai has gold dots on a white background, a simple and graceful setting befitting a truly refined warrior.

Diwali Diwali is dedicated to goddess Sarasvati. Knowledge is the ultimate wealth – it cannot be stolen from you. It is the ultimate strength which often defeats brute force. Knowledge is also ultimate in spirituality which eventually leads to enlightenment and moksha. As mentioned above, Diwali is celebrated for Lord Krishna’s victory over demon Narakarasura. On this day, Shrinathji wears a silver brocade charvagha. Like silver, intellect has to be constantly polished, otherwise it too turns dark. White represents unblemished, pure character, essential for an intellectual. Countless jewels adorn the Lord and jewels studded turban is topped by a large plume of peacock feathers. The pichwai offered today is one of the most expensive of all. Real pearls and gold are woven into the pichwai to depict the “Tree of Life” motif.

New Year (Annakut) Annakut is one of the Pushtimarg’s main festivals. It celebrates Krishna’s worship of the mount Govardhan during his Vraj lila. Breaking with tradition, he recommended puja of Govardhan instead of Indra. Krishna argued that no one had seen Indra and benefits of his worship. Worshipping Govardhan Nathji has positive and visible benefits. It was Govardhan Nathji who protected them, gave them rain, grass, shelter etc. so it makes sense to worship him. This represented one of the most significant moments in Krishna’s lilas. Besides overturning centuries of blind tradition, it showed Krishna's response to changing times. Kansa's cruel regime had left Vraj in poorer condition than in the past. Excessive taxes on all agricultural products had meant that the ordinary people and children of Vraj had to live without the basic essential items in their diets. (cont..)

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Diwali in Pushtimarg (cont..) Except the very rich, most could not afford to give their children milk and butter or even good quality rice. Seeing this, Krishna decided it was unnecessary to pour huge quantities of butter, rice, cereals, and various other edibles in to the

fire for the benefit of a God who never even bothered to show himself to the people of Vraj. Krishna decided to celebrate a new festival where all the people of Vraj could benefit from their extremely hard work. All the food being gathered for Indra's yagna could be

made in to delicious prasad (consecrated food) and after having offered it to Lord Govardhan Nathji it would be distributed to everyone in Vraj, regardless of caste or creed. Krishna felt the entire community should be involved in the festivities and not just a privileged few.

Pushti Etiquette What is the correct protocol when Vallabhkul enters a home or a gathering etc.?

Most readers may know what to do, but for the benefit of others, we will elaborate on the answer as well as mention an exception to the standard protocol. Whenever any member of the Vallabhkul parivar enters a home or gathering, all Vaishnavs present should stand up and welcome them with enthusiasm, affection and respect.

However, there is one exception to the rule. If a Vaishnav is performing seva of the Lord (performing shringhar, offering bhog or aarti), he/she does not need to stop the activity to attend to the Vallabhkul. In fact if there is disruption in the seva of the Lord, and Vallabhkul becomes aware of this, the respected acharya will insist that the Vaishnav continue with seva of the Lord first. There is no need for the Vaishnav to stop this activity to welcome Vallabhkul.

- Excerpts taken from Shri Chandragopalji Maharajshri’s book on Pushti Protocol -

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Kids Korner Kids experience of the VYO Convention

Volume 3. Issue 1. Fall 2015 !12

The convention was one of the best experiences of my life. It provided me with an

opportunity to reconnect with people I met on the Vraj tour in 2012, helped me

strengthen my connection with God. The manoraths, performances, sessions, and

rangoli competitions, all made for one eventful and memorable experience! An

experience I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

- Resham Patel, VYO Tampa

The youth convention was a verR enlightening and an enriching exQerience to learA about the basics of our beliefs. Also, it was g?eat oppor>CnitR to connect with others 'om all over the count?R and share talents like dancing, painting and making rangolis! It was a memorable event, just like the Vraj tour in 2012.

- Gopi Patel VYO Tampa

This was an event I essentially wanted to miss out on, but I had an amazing time connecting with other kids my age in high school. We learned about what our religion is all about through various activities like making rangolis, debates, and games.

- Kishan Patel, VYO Tampa

Jai Shri Krishna,I had the same reason for going to the convention as most others. I was told that my attendance was mandatory and so I never gave it a second thought. Little did I know, I would come to enjoy my time among the people with whom I share religion and culture. With the fun of meeting new people, came the chance to learn. It was easy to see the hard work that went into teaching us. I learned about everything from the definition of Pushtimarg to the reason why we follow it. My only complaint was that the convention was not long enough.

- Jay Shah from VYO Richmond

Panchang Pranam Jeje Shri, I had a lot of fun at the convention, because we got to meet Vaishnavs my age and learn about Pushtimarg. We learned how to do seva to Krishna Bhagwan. I enjoyed doing the rangoli competition. I wish the age groups would be 5-9 years old, 10-15, and 16 and up. My friends and I had fun performing for Pujya Jeje Shri. Jai Shri Krishna

- Meera Ghandhi, VYO Richmond

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Volume 3. Issue 1. Fall 2015 !13

I really enjoyed the VYO convention because it was spiritual. I really liked the manoraths and the Girirajji because it made me feel I was in the Vraj. In the classes I learned a lot about Vaishnavism and made new friends as well. Jai Shri Krishna

- Deepa Patel, VYO Detroit

I had an amazing and unique experience in the first 2015 VYO convention. I met so many other people from everywhere. My favorite part was when Manish uncle came by and talked to us about all of the creative manoraths. The rangoli contest was also a lot of fun. It was one awesome experience I will never forget.

- Priya Patel, VYO Savannah

I thought the convention was a spiritual, divine, and a holy experience. I enjoyed distributing knowledge from what we learned from our classes as well as gaining more knowledge on Lord Krishna. Meeting Pujya Jeje Shri was a majestic experience and I want to go to a convention like this again. In the future I would definitely come.

- Archie Patel, VYO Savannah

Jai Shri Krishna. The VYO convention was an extremely wonderful experience. It was our chance to learn about religion/philosophy and meet so many amazing people! The convention provided a location to learn, worship, and network at the same time! I'm definitely planning on attending next year’s youth convention.

-Nirali Patel, VYO Savannah

Jai Shri Krishna,Panchang Pranam Jeje Shri,   I personally enjoyed the Vaishnav convention this year. I was able to see my friends I made in India during my first Vraj tour and it made the experience that much better. I liked the philosopher class, Sahil the best. I would like to see more organized activities for the youth next year. On the first day, the overly full classes resulted in lack of organization and interest I think.  The coming conventions, with improvement, can be more educational while still being an enjoyable experience for all youth. 

- Krishna Ghandhi, VYO Richmond

Jai Shri Krishna,  My experience at VYO convention was wonderful. VYO gave me the opportunity to meet other Vaishnavs like me. I couldn't believe we have so many Vaishnavs!

- Parina Desai, VYO Detroit

My experience at VYO convention was fun. I got to learn many things which I didn't know!

- Janvi Desai, VYO Detroit

The convention was fCn and exciting. I learAed a lot of things about Hinduism and I also enjoyed the rangoli competition.

- Ashini, VYO Det?oit

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I loved the kids camp and learning about God in the VYO convention. We had fun performing group dance and made new friends at the convention. It was a nice experience!

- Vishwa Rakholia, VYO San Diego

Jai Shri KrishnaIt was a wonderful experience to be part of first Vaishnav Convention.  Pujya Jeje Shri has always inspired me. At the convention I made new friends got the opportunities to learn about Pushtimarg and Shri Gusainji, importance of Brahma Sambandh, kanthi and tilak. Learning sessions were very interactive and enjoyable. Our teachers kept them interesting. They were all good teachers. I’m looking forward to next convention. I encourage all the kids to join.

- Laksh Parikh, VYO Houston

I love VYOe and I love learning about Indian Gods. I liked the manoraths and liked taking the group classes at Vaishnav convention. It was fun!

- Ruhi Rakholia , VYO San Diego

My experience at the VYO convention was amazing. I learned so much more about my religion. We did this really fun class where there was a psychiatrist, Manish Uncle, who talked to us and showed us a different way to think about God.  I got to meet new people and see Pujya Jeje Shri once again. I can't wait for the next convention. 

- Khushi Shah, VYO San Diego 

The thing I appreciated the most from the VYO convention is bonding with other kids with similar faith. I enjoyed discussing the importance of faith and how it affects daily life in a positive way.

- Kosha Rakholia. VYO San Diego

The Vaishnav convention was a g?eat prog?am, it was a way where we can all t?eat each other as family. I still remember everR>hing and I can’t wait until the nex> convention in 2 years!

- Mahi Shah, VYO Det?oit

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VYO-USA Pushti Preeti Newslet>er

Upcoming Pushtimargiya Festivals and Holidays Festival English Month Gujarati Month/Tithi

Utsav of Shri Purshottamji - Mahaprabhuji’s grandson and the son of Shri Gopinathji

October 5, 2015 Bhadarva-Vad 8

Utsav of Shri Gopinathji – Eldest son of Shri Mahaprabhuji

October 9, 2015 Bhadarva-Vad 12

Utsav of Shri Balkrushnaji – Third son of Shri Gusainji October 10, 2015 Bhadarva-Vad 13

End of Sanzi October 12, 2015 Bhadarva-Vad 30

Beginning of Navvilas (Navratri) October 13, 2015 Aaso-Sud 1

Vijayadashami (Dashera) October 22, 2015 Aaso-Sud 9

Utsav of Shri Balkrushnaprabhu October 25, 2015 Aaso-Sud 13

Sharadpurnima October 26, 2015 Aaso-Sud 14

Vaghbaras Govatsa Baras

November 8, 2015 Aaso-Vad 12

Dhanteras November 9, 2015 Aaso-Vad 13

Kali Chaudas (Narak Chaturdashi (Roop Chaturdashi) November 10, 2015 Aaso-Vad 14

Dipawali (Diwali) November 11, 2015 Aaso-Vad 30

Govardhan Pooja (Annakut) November 12 ,2015 Kartik-Sud 1

Laabh Pancham November 16, 2015 Kartik-Sud 5

Gopashtmi First Kundvaro

November 19, 2015 Kartik-Sud 8

Akshay Navami November 20, 2015 Kartik-Sud 9

Utsav of Shri Gusainji’s eldest son Shri Giridharji (V.S. 1597) and fifth son Raghunathaji (V.S. 1611)

November 23, 2015 Kartik-Sud 12

Beginning of Gopmas November 26, 2015 Kartik-Vad - 1

Utsav of Shri Gusainji’s second son Shri Govindrayaji (V.S. 1599)

December 3, 2015 Kartik-Vad 8

Utsav of Shri Gusainji’s seventh son Shri Ghanashyamji (V.S. 1628)

December 9, 2015 Kartak- Vad 13

Shri Madanamohan (Kaman) Patotstav December 16, 2015 Magashar-Sud 5

Utsav of Shri Gusainji’s fourth son Shri Gokulnathji (V.S. 1608)

December 18, 2015 Magashar-Sud 7

End of Gopmas Vrat; Utsav of Baldevji December 25, 2015 Magashar-Sud 15

Volume 3. Issue 1. Fall 2015 !15

Page 16: USA Pushti Preeti 3.1

VYO-USA Pushti Preeti Newslet>er

Upcoming Ekadashis

Upcoming US Holidays

Date Gujarati Month/Tithi Ekadashi Vrat

October 8, 2015 Bhadarva-Vad 11 Indira Ekadashi Vrat

October 24, 2015 Aaso-Sud 11 Paashaa-Kushaa Ekadashi Vrat

November 7, 2015 Aaso-Vad 11 Ramaa Ekadashi Vrat

November 22, 2015 Kartik-Sud 11 Prabodhini Ekadashi Vrat

December 7, 2015 Kartik-Vad 11 Utapatti Ekadashi Vrat

December 21, 2015 Magashar-Sud 11 Mokshada Ekadashi Vrat

Date Holiday

Thanksgiving Day November 26, 2015

Christmas December 25, 2015

New Year’s Eve December 31, 2015

Volume 3. Issue 1. Fall 2015 !16

Page 17: USA Pushti Preeti 3.1

VYO-USA Pushti Preeti Newslet>er

Trustee Board Chairman Parimal Mehta

Vice-Chairman Ramesh Rakholia, RPH

National TrusteesDr. Sarju Shah, MD

Biren Sheth Dr. Yogesh Parikh, DDS

Dr. Bansi Shah, MD Dr. Grishma Patel, MD

Asit Baxi

Arvind Shah Kirit Shah

Executive Committee President Yamini Patel

Vice-Presidents Gira Choksi

Darshna Desai Sheetal Patel

Rangesh Shah Dr. Paulom Randeria, PhD

Youth President Parth Gandhi

Treasurer Rohit Modi

Jt. Treasurer Purvi Shah

Secretary Chaitanya Patel

Legal Counsel Sameer Desai

Spiritual Tour Director Parool Modi

Education Directors Rajiv Shah

Manish Parikh

Database PR Director Dhruvi Patel

Web PR Director Sheetal Parikh

Volume 3. Issue 1. Fall 2015 !17