On Saturday January 10th, the first Shree Laxminarayan Dev Gadi mandir in Canada, Vadtal Dham – Shree Swaminarayan Hindu Temple, Calgary, AB celebrated their 100th weekly satsang sabha along with Shakotsav. Devotees and volunteers began Shakotsav preparation days in advance, showcasing their dedication and enthusiasm to an event first celebrated by Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan in the village of Loya in V.S. 1877 (1821 C.E.) at the request of Sura Khachar. Accordingly, the katha revolved around the origins of Shakotsav and its mahima. Even in the frigid cold of -10 degrees celsius, over 150 devotees took part in the Shakotsav festivities and enjoyed a traditional Kathiyawad mahaprasad of rotla, ringan (eggplant/aubergines/brinjal), khichdi, along with salad. Local community leaders praised the efforts of Vadtal Dham Calgary’s dedication of celebrating various festivals and preserving the Hindu heritage.
Calgary, AB – Shakotsav
