The Jain Center of Southern California (JCSC) arranged a grand Pratishtha Mahotsav from September 26 through October 6, 2008 to commemorate opening of a new Religious Complex in the city of Buena Park.  Several Oshwal families living in the Los Angeles area actively participated in the celebration.  Nina Aashit Shah of Carlsbad, Reena and Milan Shah of Aliso Viejo, Seema and Sujit Shah of Aliso Viejo, and Shilpa and Nitin Shah of Temple City were part of a large group of volunteers who helped in several activities to make this a memorable occasion..  Sajan, Riya and Anika (children of Seema and Sujit Shah) and Shivani (daughter of Shilpa and Nitin Shah) took part in cultural programs which were very entertaining. Riya had also the honor of lighting a Diva to commemorate the beginning of Pratishtha Mahotsav.  Sushilaben Girishbhai Shah of Yorba Linda wrote, directed and produced an enlightening one act play titled “Jambu Swami’s Vairagya”.  Her commentary and acting by members of the Swadhya Group including Girishbhai and their two sons – Bickey and Moulick, was truly commendable.

JCSC was established in 1979. At present, there are about 1,000 Jain families in the Los Angeles area.  JCSC has embarked upon a very ambitious development program. The first phase consisting of a 62,000 square feet of Cultural Complex was started in 2002 and completed in 2005.  The second phase consists of a 13,000 square foot Religious Complex which houses the new Derasar and the Ardhana Hall.  The dome and ceiling in the Derasar were designed and fabricated by Nipul Gulabchand Shah of San Diego, CA.  He started fabrication in his house with the help of his wife, Renuka, and son Amar.  This project was made using a special mix of light weight materials. One has to see the dome and the ceiling to really appreciate his art work.  In 2005, he designed and fabricated a Gabaro for the temporary Derasar in the Cultural Complex when the new Derasar was being constructed.  He is presently working on the art work for a new Derasar being built in Atlanta. If you want to know more about the JCSC, please visit the following web site:   www.jaincenter.net/newsite/.  To see photos of the celebration, click on ‘photo gallery’ and to see videos of several programs click on ‘audio/video’ on the left.  Some photos are also posted on our website: www.oshwal-usa.org

Four more Derasars are under construction in the USA and their Pratishtha Mahotsavs are scheduled as follows:

• Atlanta, GA – November 16 thru 24, 2008
• Tampa, FL – November 27 thru 30, 2008
• Phoenix, AZ – December 20 thru 26, 2008
• Chicago, IL – June 20, 2009.

The next bi-annual JAINA Convention will be held in Los Angeles during the July 4th weekend in 2009.