Hindu Samaj Mandir, Mahwah, holds Shree Vaishno Devi Akhand Divya Jyoti Sthapana – News India Times

The Hindu Samaj Mandir of Mahwah, New Jersey, held what organizers described as “a historic and deeply spiritual” Shree Vaishno Devi Akhand Divya Jyoti Sthapana with Mata Ki Chowki on Saturday, November 22, 2025. More than 500 devotees participated, coming together to celebrate this spiritual event. The Jyoti Sthapana began with a procession from a devotee’s home in Mahwah to the temple grounds, where the community had gathered to welcome the sacred Jyoti. The procession was joined by additional community members and nine girls carrying a Kalash. “The procession set a devotional and uplifting tone as it reached the temple,” organizers said in a press release. Inside the temple, a small havan was performed before the sacred Jyoti was placed by Pandit Shukla Ji in a special glass structure. Simultaneously, the vibrant rhythms of the Chenda Melam filled the temple. Prior to the Jyoti Sthapana, volunteers and Pandit Shukla Ji had carried the Jyoti to devotees’ homes, where poojas, havans, and Mata Ki Chowkis were performed, extending the blessings of the Jyoti throughout the community. “The event was a true expression of the guiding principles of the Hindu Samaj Mandir, which include promoting spiritual, social, and cultural development; unifying the Hindu community through shared traditions; helping children take pride in their Indian heritage while preparing them to be responsible citizens of their adopted home; encouraging inter-religious understanding; and providing critically needed assistance and humanitarian service to the community,” organizers said. The event aimed at fulfilling those goals by celebrating the community’s devotion, strength, and unity. The Jyoti is now permanently placed in the temple, “offering blessings to all who visit.” To learn more about the temple, its programs, and services, visit www.hindusamajmandir.org
https://newsindiatimes.com/hindu-samaj-mandir-mahwah-holds-shree-vaishno-devi-akhand-divya-jyoti-sthapana/

Mumbai News: Devotees Recreate Historic Mot Mauli Pilgrimage From Mahim To Mount Mary Basilica

Mother Mary devotees participated in the annual Mot Mauli Purcessao pilgrimage on Saturday morning, journeying from St. Michael’s Church in Mahim to the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra. This pilgrimage marks a significant event during the eight-day Bandra Fair, centered around the basilica—affectionately known as Mount Mary—which will conclude on Sunday.

The one-and-a-half-hour procession reenacted the original pilgrimage to the Bandra shrine dating back to 1761, when a rekla, or horse-drawn cart, carried the Statue of Our Lady of the Mount. The final leg of the procession began at St. Peter’s Church on Hill Road, continuing to Mount Mary for the religious service held at 9:30 a.m.

“The procession is recreated to promote native devotion to the patroness of the East Indian community, Mount Mary,” said Gleason Barretto, founder trustee of the Mobai Gaothan Panchayat, the organization behind the event.

Highlights of the event included a traditional East Indian brass band, the luzar (rosary), religious hymns, and participants dressed in East Indian-themed costumes. The Bombay Velankanni Pilgrims Band also performed during the procession, with members of the St. Peter’s Confraternity actively taking part in the celebrations.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-devotees-recreate-historic-mot-mauli-pilgrimage-from-mahim-to-mount-mary-basilica