The festival of Shivratri was celebrated at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Bhawanipore, Kolkata.
At 10.30 a.m. Shiv Pujan and Maha Abhisekh were performed. A beautifully arranged annakut of 201 faraari delicacies was offered to Thakorji. Nepal’s Consul General for Kolkata, Shri Bhusalji and the Deputy Consul General, Shri Kalash Kumarji attended the celebration.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Bhusalji said, “I have seen the beautiful Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar. You are also building a beautiful Mandir here in Kolkata, and it is my wish, and I pray on this very auspicious day at the feet of the Lord that a beautiful Swaminarayan Mandir is also built in the heart of Kathmandu in Nepal. I know that Bhagwan Swaminarayan had visited Nepal 200 years ago and that is why we should have a Mandir there. I am going to Nepal soon and shall seek an audience with His Majesty to discuss this matter.”
Annakut darshan remained open until 12.00 noon and the Maha Abhisekh by devotees continued until 9.15 pm.