23 December 2001, Sunday, Chicago, IL
Swaminarayan Mandir Chicago celebrated the 81st birthday of, H.D.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj with grandeur and excitement. Devotees and guests were in attendance at the auspicious celebrations, which took place at the Shree Swaminarayan Haveli in Chicago. A magnificent cultural program took place between 4 and 7 pm, which depicted the various exceptional qualities and strengths of Guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
Highlights of the program included a variety of devotional bhajans extolling the greatness of Guru Pramukh Swami Maharaj as well as offering praise and happy well wishes for his birthday. A multimedia presentation of his qualities, his spiritual up liftmen to and for society, and his tremendous offering of seva and service to society was also illustrated on wide screens. A number of skits and plays were also performed by the various volunteers and devotees of Pramukh Swami Maharaj to depict the commitment, dedication, and love he showers upon people and society, whether it be threw the hundreds of letters he replies to, people's problems he listens to and solves, or by the mere touch of his hand and offering of support and love he graciously offers to one and all.
The night of celebrations was full of enthusiasm and excitement. Honored and invited guests felt the same warmth and love as they took part in the celebrations and commented on the glorious attributes and qualities of such a divine, humble, caring, and loving man such as Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The festivities ended with Arti offered to the Lord and Mahaprasad following thereafter.