First Family Shibir
28 June 2003, Auckland, New Zealand
On Saturday, 28th June 2003, the first family Shibir - "Satsang ma Undan" was commenced in the socio-spiritual complex of Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Avondale by the grace of H.D.H. Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
There was real enthusiasm and excitement in all the devotees as it was the first family Shibir. The time of the Shibir was 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. About 150 devotees including Kishors and Kishoris attended the Family Shibir.
Through video show H.D.H Pramukh Swami Maharaj was welcomed to the Shibir. Shree Jitubhai Patel inaugurated the session by lighting the lamp "Deep Pragatya" in presence of Hari Krisha Maharaj. Dhun and Prarthna were performed by the yuvak mandal on both days.
Various audio cassettes of Pujya Doctor Swami were played explaining the importance of listening to Katha Varta, and how to strengthen faith in Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan and the satpurush-HDH Pramukh Swami Maharaj. Also Video shows were organised on, who is a true Satsangi, Madhyan Mansi, shayan mansi and how to conduct right Nitya Pooja.
Fun and learn quizzes were organized focusing on various topics of Satsang and spiritual knowledge of the devotees. Speeches on topics like "Kusang", "Abhav Avguan", and how to successfully conduct "Ghar Sabha" were given by members of yuvak mandal. In the evening, after Aarti and Mahaprasad, devotees conducted "Chestagaan" to end the day.
Samuh Nitya Pooja was also organised wherein all the participants conducted their Nitya Pooja in the temple which proved to be a remarkable event of the Shibir. Fun and Knowledgeable game shows and group discussions were also programmed to interact and improve the spiritual knowledge. The Kishors and Kishoris had their own separate program and activities to show their interest, knowledge and faith in Pragat Brahmaswaroop Bhagwan Shree Swaminarayan. Nice food and refreshments were served on both days to the participants
The end of the first family Shibir became very exciting when the participants took Oath (Niyam Grahan) in Divine presence of Hari Krishna Maharaj and H.D.H Pramukh Swami Maharaj. This demonstrated the success of the Shibir "Satsang ma Undan".
The members of Auckland Satsang Committee of BAPS NZ Inc. had successfully organised and managed the first Family Shibir.