Atlanta
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Atlanta celebrated the colorful festival of Fuldol-Holi in the true Swaminarayan tradition. The Swaminarayan Mandir in Clarkston, just outside of Atlanta, celebrated this festival with devotees and well-wishers. The mood was set by the colorful decorations. To add to the festive decor, the youths of BAPS decorated the main stage with the Utsav murti of Lord Swaminarayan on a festive swing, known as the Hindolo. The murtis of Gunatitanand Swami, the ideal devotee, and Gopalanand Swami were sprayed with colors by the Utsav murti. The theme of the decoration centered around the coming of spring. Three artificial ponds with lotus and lilies were the focal point and were surrounded by plants giving off the vision of a garden. It took three days for the youths to build this stage.
The evening program started at 3:45. Soul rendering kirtans were sung by the youths of BAPS. This day is also celebrated by the Swaminarayan faith as the birthday of Bhagatji Maharaj, the second spritual successor. (of the) A devotee gave a lecture on the qualities of Bhagatji Maharaj and his gurubhakti (a commitment to pleasing His guru). Various inspiring incidences from the life of Bhagatji Maharaj were told. A presentation was given on how Holi is celebrated in the Swaminarayan Sampraday. The scriptures, kirtans and the meaning of the festival were conveyed in a lucid manner. The presentation also included a discussion on how Pramukh Swami Maharaj inspires all not to be pulled towards worldly attractions, but to immerse oneself with devotion to God. The youths danced to a kirtan while a slide show was presented against a big screen backdrop. The presentation contained glimpses of the Fuldol celebration held in Sarangpur, Gujarat, in the presence of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. This festival concluded with a very beautiful dance performed by the Bal Mandal (Children's Wing). In the end traditional Gujarati meal was served to all with sweet-sev, a Holi tradition in Gujarat.