The two-day Mandir Mahotsav to celebrate the opening of the new BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Christchurch commenced on 24 February 2012. The murtis to be consecrated in the mandir were paraded around Lyttelton Bay in a colourful boat cruise to bless the city. Many devotees participated in the boat cruise with the sounds of joyous bhajans and music.
On the morning of Saturday 25 February, the sacred murtis, previously sanctified by Pramukh Swami Maharaj in India, were installed in the new mandir by Sadguru Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami. Devotees from across New Zealand and Australia offered their prayers for peace and well-being to prevail throughout the local community and country. In a special message, His Divine Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj blessed the people of Christchurch with stability and peace.
Completed after nearly three years of collective efforts by many dedicated volunteers and devotees, the new mandir will reinforce moral teachings and preserve spiritual values for generations to come.