Indian culture is one of the most ancient and profound cultures in the world, Indian mythological and religious texts have defined goddesses as mothers and symbols of power. Worship of goddesses and reverence for them holds social and economic importance in society. For example, Maa Lakshmi is worshipped for prosperity and wealth, while Maa Durga is worshipped as a symbol of the safety and courage of society. Women have a special place in Indian culture, they are honoured as mothers, sisters, and daughters, which shows the critical role of women in society. One of the goddesses worshipped in Indian culture is Mata Umiya, who is worshipped by her devotees as the source and giver of power and divinity. Mata Umiya is revered by the people of the Kurmi (bitter) Patidar community as their family deity.

A three-day “Bilvapatra Mahotsav” was organized from 29 September to 1 October 2023 to commemorate 125 years of the appearance of  in Sidsar, Gujarat. State Chief Minister Mr Bhupesh Patel also participated in the social conference organized on the last day of the festival. Before attending the program, the Honorable Chief Minister visited Umiya Mataji and received her blessings. On the last day of the festival, a big car rally was taken by the Patidar community from various places in Gujarat and gathered at Maa Umiadham. The rally involving such a large number of cars was recorded as a world record in the Golden Book of World Records with the title of “Largest Car Rally Converging from Multiple Locations to Single Venue”. The official certificate of the world record was presented by Mr Alok Kumar, India Head of the Golden Book of World Records, who was specially present in the program, to the organizer of the program Mr Mauleshbhai Ukani and the Chairman of Umiya Mataji Temple Trust during the conference in front of the Chief Minister and Union Minister Mr Rupala and other guests. On the announcement of the world record, the venue echoed with the thunderous applause of thousands of devotees present there.

In the social conference program of the 125th Centenary Appearance Mahotsav of Maa Umiya Ji, after the welcome speech of the Trustee of the organization Mr. Jagdishbhai Kotadiya, the program was started by lighting the lamp by the Chief Minister and distinguished citizens of the state. On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister Shri Parshottam Rupala were honoured with shawls and mementoes. During his speech in the program, the Honorable Chief Minister congratulated the Patidar Samaj and Shri Umiya Mataji Mandir Trust for the world record praised the entire working system of Umiya Dham and said that the Umiya Dham organization is working for the upliftment of the people. Union Minister Mr Parshottam Rupala gave a social message to the people of the society present in large numbers in the Bilvapatra ceremony to live a social life, maintain unity, and adopt customs while maintaining their traditions with the changing era. And also appreciated the Gujarat government as well as the farmers for adopting natural farming by a large number of farmers of Gujarat. At the conference, Mr Chimanbhai Saparia, Vice President of Mr Umiya Dham Temple Trust, Chief Mr Jerambhai Vasjalia, Mr JK Patel, and Mr Maulesh Ukani also addressed the society through their lectures. Donor Jeevanbhai Govani, who donated Rs 5.51 crore to Umiadham Institute, was especially honoured by the Chief Minister.

Video Courtesy: Talent Unlimited

District Collector Mr BA Shah, District Police Chief Mr Paramsukh Delu, MLA Sanjaybhai Kordia, Arvindbhai Ladani, Prakashbhai Varmora, Kantibhai Amritiya, other leaders of Patidar community, other trustees of Mr Umiya Dham Temple, donors and distinguished citizens were present in the program.

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सिदसर, श्री उमिया माता जी के सवा शताब्दी प्राकट्य महोत्सव में कार रैलियां निकालकर कर रचा विश्व कीर्तिमान गोल्डन बुक ऑफ़ वर्ल्ड रिकार्ड्स में हुआ दर्ज