The festival of Jholi was celebrated on the evening of Saturday 15 January 2011 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London. Kishores and yuvaks began the programme with dhun and prarthna before a short video of Swamishri was presented wherein he explained the true essence of agna through his personal experience with Shastriji Maharaj.
Photographs of the Jholi Utsav in the presence of Swamishri in Mumbai on Friday 14 January 2011 were then enjoyed before an entertaining sketch depicting the greed of Premji Sheth. Although infused with humour and entertainment, an important message was conveyed through the drama.
Manoharmurti Swami explained the concept of samarpan (sacrificing as a form of devotion), elaborating upon examples of devotees who have given their all in service.
The ‘Maha Balawant Maya Tamari’ prarthna illustrates what a true devotee asks of God. This was sung in unison by everyone before Yogvivek Swami explained the historical and spiritual significance of Jholi and the way in which Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the Guru Parampara have begged for alms.
A short touching video of Swamishri in Jholi utsavs from the past was then shared before the traditional ‘ahlek’ was performed by sadhus. Thereafter, devotees offered their donation according to their means.