The birth celebrations of Brahmaswarup Yogiji Maharaj were celebrated at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London on Sunday 29 May 2011.
According to the Hindu calendar, the date of Yogiji Maharaj’s birth (Vaishakh vad 12) fell on this day and the evening sabha began with a recording of Yogiji Maharaj sweetly requesting everyone to become engaged in spiritual discourses – a trait that was prominent in his life.
The theme of the evening was entitled, ‘Deto Deto ne Deto Jogido’, which was presented through a kirtan bhakti programme by sadhus and yuvaks, interspersed with short sketches enacting selected excerpts from Yogiji Maharaj’s bodh katha – a series of narrations with moral teachings.
The bhajans, with the accompaniment of an array of musical instruments extolled the virtues of Yogiji Maharaj and the two short dramas provided an insight into Yogiji Maharaj’s innate ability to impart wisdom and spirituality with simplicity.
Yogvivek Swami spoke of the life and works of Yogiji Maharaj and explained his many virtues – and in particular, his exuberance and enthusiasm for spirituality and positive outlook on every facet of life. The grand finale was shared through a video presentation of Pramukh Swami Maharaj singing ‘Yogi Aavo te Rang Mane’ in London during his vicharan in 1988 which rekindled treasured memories for many who were present.
The festival was also celebrated in London by the Mahila Mandal on Saturday 28 May 2011 as well as at all mandirs across the country.