Grand Bhajan Sandhya in Montréal on the Auspicious Occasion of Navratri

Montréal (Canada).
On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, the Hindu Mission of Canada Temple in Montréal turned into a vibrant center of spirituality as a Bhajan Sandhya (devotional evening) was organized. Sponsored by Indian-origin industrialist Swami Shankar, the event witnessed the participation of hundreds of expatriate Indian families who immersed themselves in the worship of Goddess Durga, creating a unique confluence of devotion and culture.
Artists’ Bhajans Mesmerized the Audience
The evening commenced with a devotional prayer dedicated to Goddess Durga. Renowned local artists and bhajan groups presented a series of melodious and devotional performances. The resonance of bhajans such as “Jai Ambe Gauri” and “Shyam Teri Bansi Pukare Radha Naam” filled the temple premises with an atmosphere of devotion. The congregation of devotees joined in with claps, dance, and chorus singing, turning the entire ambience into a spiritual celebration.
Special Guest – Editor of Rashtra Times:
On this occasion, Vijay Shanker Chaturvedi, Editor of Rashtra Times from New Delhi, participated with his family during his visit to Canada. After offering prayers to the deity, he remarked with emotion:
“This tradition of devotion and culture among expatriate Indians strengthens our roots and helps future generations remain connected to their heritage.”
He was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Sunita Chaturvedi and daughter Ms. Vibhuti Chaturvedi, who also actively participated and encouraged the organizers.
Souvenir Presentation and Felicitation :To mark the 45th anniversary of Rashtra newspaper, a commemorative souvenir was presented to the distinguished industrialist Swami Shankar and temple priest Vijay Kumar Bhardwaj. During the program, the temple management committee and the expatriate Indian community praised Vijay Shanker Chaturvedi’s 52 years of distinguished experience in journalism. He was congratulated for the continuous publication of Rashtra Times and for highlighting the issues and achievements of the global Indian diaspora.
Contribution of Photographer Paul Awasthi : Well-known Montréal-based photographer Paul Awasthi played a significant role in the program. He introduced the temple priests and members of the expatriate Indian community and captured the memorable moments of the devotional evening through his lens.

Address by the Temple Trustees:
Temple trustees Joginder Awasthi and Mrs. Kanta also addressed the gathering, sharing details about the temple’s history, construction, and future plans. They emphasized that the Hindu Mission of Canada is not only a place of worship but also a vital cultural and social hub for expatriate Indians.The devotional evening, which continued late into the night, filled the hearts of all devotees with joy and spirituality. The Bhajan Sandhya organized during Navratri became not just a religious event, but a living symbol of culture, tradition, and the deep-rooted connection of the Indian diaspora with their heritage.