The opening of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Cincinnati, Ohio was celebrated over the weekend of October 24-25, 2015 in the presence of Sadguru Pujya Doctor Swami (Pujya Swayamprakashdas Swami) as well as visiting Swamis from India.
In 1974, Pramukh Swami Maharaj was presented with the key to the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. Years later in 1995, Pramukh Swami Maharaj encouraged devotees to join together in building a mandir. Over the last 20 years, satsang activities in Cincinnati have continued to grow in both breadth and depth.
Devotees began the inaugration celebrations on October 24, 2015. Pujya Swamis led a Vishwashanti Mahayagna, joined in participation by devotees and well-wishers, to pray for world peace and spirituality. The afternoon Shobha Yatra procession shared the first sightings of the murtis with the entire community in accordance with Hindu tradition. During the procession, BAPS youth performed folk dances and played instruments alongside other devotees presenting cultural performances. The journey led back to the entrance of the mandir as a means to welcome everyone together for the first time. The evening concluded with a Kirtan Aradhana for the devotees and volunteers to reflect on the years of progress towards building the mandir and engaging with their spirituality.
The Mandir was formally inaugurated on the following day with the Murti Sthapan ceremony, opening Bhagwan's home for devotees to offer their prayers. The first arti of the new mandir was performed thereafter. State Representative Niraj Antani was amoung the many dignitaries present on the occasion. His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj consecrated thee mandir's murtis in Ahmedabad, India on February 13, 2013. Sadguru Pujya Doctor Swami encouraged all those in attendance to serve each other and their communities through actively engaging in mandir activities.