Centered on the theme "My Mandir, My Identity" the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Houston, Texas celebrated it’s Dashabdi Utsav on Saturday, July 26, 2014 at the Wortham Center Theater in Downtown Houston. Through the inspiration of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, devotees and well-wishers from around the region and neighboring cities came together to mark this occasion.The program laced through 30 years of history of Houston Mandir through Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s travels that lead to the Shikharbaddha Mandir opening in 2004. Spiritual discourses tied the importance of cultivating a value based life putting emphasis on creating an identity of individuals through the Mandir. During the program, many speakers discussed the need of serving others and our society. Uplifting individuals to lead a moral based life centered around the Mandir was showcased in the evening program through various mediums of video, classical dances and skits. Preparation for this unique event started over a year ago and practices have taken several months.
On Sunday, July 27th, a vedic ceremony of the Shri Nilkanth Varni Murti Pratishtha was held, invoking Bhagwan into the Murti. With the blessings of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the Murti Pratishtha was performed by Sadguru Pujya Mahant Swami. On this day, the newly constructed Nilkanth Varni Maha Mandap, with its traditionally carved marble pillars and dome, was inaugurated. This celeberation marked a historical moment of celebrating spirituality and faith.