BAPS Mandirs across North America celebrated the birth of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Shri Rama in April 2013. A cultural program, with the theme of “Vandu Sahajanand Charan Raj”, was conducted by the women of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha as they celebrated Swaminarayan Jayanti; the 232nd birth anniversary of Bhagwan Swaminarayan, with great fanfare and adhered devotion. The program was an apt means to honor the work of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and subsequent transformation triggered by his tireless efforts to help people lead a more pious life.
The youth dedicated their time and shared their talents through organizing and conducting the celebration. They performed inspirational skits and sang devotional bhajans on this auspicious occasion. All of these performances strived to creatively enhance the cultural program as well as serve as a token of love and honor for Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
Discourses, presented by female devotees, expanded on the importance of having firm conviction and faith in Bhagwan. Since Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Rama were born the same day, many incidents from Bhagwan Ram’s life were also narrated by children and youth that revealed his disciplined personality and inspired righteousness. Through these discussions, the lives of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Ram were recalled and all left inspired to lead more pure and moral lives.
Through the inspiration of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, BAPS devotees around the world strive to emulate the ideals set forth by Bhagwan Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Rama. Through the video blessings, Pramukh Swami Maharajfurther emphasized the importance of having Bhagwan as the center of our life and keeping firm faith in all that He does. The festive and heart-warming celebration was concluded with a grand dance performed by the youth.