The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Raleigh, NC celebrated its 10th anniversary with a two-day event filled with devotion and inspiration. On Friday, August 15, 2014, the celebration began in the presence of Sadguru Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami with a family shibir. Through various skits and presentations the participants learned how mandir enriches their lives and it is a place where they can keep their culture and tradition alive. The children were also inspired by the presentations and learned various ways of integrating mandir into their everyday lives for spiritual growth.
The following morning, Saturday, August 16, 2014, commenced with a vedic mahapuja ceremony performed in the presence of Sadguru Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami. This mahapuja took place to celebrate the installation of the Shri Ram Parivar and Shri Shiv Parivar murtis. Later in the day, a magnificent cultural program was held, that consisted of dances, skits, presentations and discourses. The program continued with the singing of devotional bhajans extolling the glory of a mandir as God’s home. Also in attendance during the celebration were the Mayor of Morrisville, Mark Stohlman, and Councilman Steve Rao. Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Stohlman said, "You should be honored for all the charitable work you do. Thank you for all your service."
The program culminated with the keynote address of Pujya Tyagvallabh Swami. He included several inspiring incidents from the life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj, laying particular emphasis on the spirit of devotion that the mandir has been able to foster.