JAIN PRATISHTHA MAHOTSAV AT NIAGARA FALLS 
By Mr. Prakash Mody E-Mail : mody@sympatico.ca 

During the last quarter of the 20th century, 'brain drain' from India brought few Jains to Niagara region. They were scattered all around and observed their religious practices within their homes. With the passing of time, they established themselves and got together to celebrate holy days and festivals. Since they were very few, they could not have a temple of their own. They joined hands with local Hindus who had formed in 1985 the Niagara Hindu Samaj. Later they established in 2001, Shiv Mandir (Temple) at 5284 Second Avenue, Niagara Falls, Ontario, L2H 4K2, Canada. The Jains also felt the need to have their place of worship. They requested the Hindus to share their sacred temple and the request was gladly accepted. Two Pratimajis (icons) of 23rd and 24th Tirthankars - Parshwanath Bhagwan and Mahavir Swami and a tablet of Namokar Mantra (Universal Prayer) made of marble are brought from India.

A two-day event for the consecratory installation ceremony, known as "Murti Pratishtha Mahotsav" was organized. On October 2 and 3, 2004, Pujyashri Chitrabhanuji blessed the Pratishtha Mahotsav with Vidhikar; Naresh Shah guided the rituals assisted by resident Pundit Ramesh Chandji and Vasant Sheth provided the music. The ceremony started with welcome by NHS president Kamlesh Sharma and then Pravachan (discourse) by Chitrabhanuji. Snatra Puja, Kumbh Sthapana, Akhand Deep, Aarti, Mangal Deep and Shanti Kalash followed by Swamivatsalya Pritibhojan (holy feast) and on next day, Snatra Puja, 36 Abhisheks (18 of each Tirthankar), Murti Pratishtha (Mhoorat at 12:39 p.m.), Aarti, Mangal Deep, and Shanti Kalash, was conducted, followed by Pravachan by Chitrabhanuji, Swamivatsalya.

Along with this, the Jain Associations In North America (JAINA) held their Executive Committee meeting. JAINA president Anop Vora spoke Khshmapana (forgiveness) Mayor and other local dignitaries attended the function. Souvenir book with introduction of Jainism, special articles like Jainism in Canada and report with pictures of this event will be published on Diwali combing with annual publication.