The 23rd Patotsav of the new purpose-built centre of Gujarat Hindu Society Preston was celebrated on 27 August 2023, Sunday. Pujya Swami Keshavanandaji from Sanatan Seva Mandal (Dwarka, India) specially blessed the celebration. The Patotsav also marked the recognition of the Golden Jubilee of Gujarat Samachar and honouring CB Patel Publisher and Editor In Chief of Gujarat Samachar, Asian Voice for tireless efforts to strengthen the community and culture. Patron Surendrabhai Patel was also honoured for his dedication and all-round efforts for Sanatan Dharma.
The anniversary celebration started on 26th August. To mark this moment, devotees recited 108 Hanuman Chalisa and Mataji Stuti across the two days. Guests were invited from other mandirs to attend the celebration, alongside the Hindu Council of the North UK and devotees from VHP Veda Mandir, Bolton.
Pujya Swamiji graced us with his presence at 12 pm and provided a detailed meaning of the Patotsav celebration and rituals which was well received. He said, "Patotsav is a way to exchange the radiance between God and Devotees. Patotsav is a re-consecration ceremony, re-invoking Paramatma. The human body is itself a temple and consciousness is developed by satsang and darshan. Our presence is not necessary for God but it is necessary to raise our own consciousness." Swamiji said, "CB Patel is doing noble work to raise the consciousness of Sanatan Dharma. CB is not just a person, he is an institution, working continuously for the community for the last 50 years."
CB Patel said, “If I recall, on 7 October 1976, I first came here at the time of Tulsi Vivah. At that time, I met with Sombhai, Govindbhai, Chhotubhai and Kusumben. We discussed how to strengthen the culture. Whenever I visit Preston, I feel like I am in my native place. It is my pleasure that I was able to serve my Preston. By joining actively with Gujarat Samachar and Asian Voice, the Preston Community played a vital role in saving Bhaktivedanta Manor- Hare Krishna Temple, Watford.
President Ishwerbhai Tailor and Vice President Dharatbhai Nayee welcomed all guests and garlanded Pujya Swamiji and CB Patel. The contributions were explained and CB Patel was given a certificate from the GHS. In addition, HCN Secretary Kantibhai Mistry also congratulated CB Patel and awarded a certificate from HCN. These certificates explained the contributions made by CB Patel and how the newspapers have uplifted and promoted Hindu unity. CB Patel was also awarded a shawl by the GHS to mark his contributions. In addition, Surendrabhai Patel, a patron of the GHS also attended the ceremony where he was awarded and recognized for his contributions. Guests were welcomed with shawls by Kamalkantbhai, Kantibhai and Chandrakantbhai.
Following the dhwaja celebration, many of our devotees proceeded to play Garba as the dhwaja flew high. Rituals were executed under the guidance of Pujari Hemantbhai Pandya. Freshly made prasad was served to all devotees followed by a special ceremony to mark the 50th anniversary of the Gujarat Samachar.
