The 95th birth anniversary of Pramukh Swami Maharaj was devoutly celebrated on Saturday 19 December 2015 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.
The evening programme explored the profound impact of Swamishri’s exemplary life through a montage of video clips, enlightening dramas, devotional songs as well as discourses and testimonies from sadhus and devotees.
The context of the festival was set through a video presentation charting the spiritual greatness of the Satpurush as explained by Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Children then sang devotional hymns to elaborate upon these virtues.
Swamishri’s positive and life-changing impressions on society were conveyed through a series of video clips. These messages were supported with an informative sketch outlining an example of Swamishri’s inspirational guiding force. Members of the audience shared their own personal memories with Swamishri and explained how such experiences have bettered their lives.
Swamishri’s notable achievements were displayed on screen through facts and figures. Anandpriya Swami brought this factual journey to life by describing Swamishri’s tireless efforts to serve his devotees. Tyagratna Swami expanded upon the spiritual importance of a personal attachment to the guru, while Prabuddhmuni Swami delved deeper into Swamishri’s spiritual status as the fifth successor of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.
Youths performed a medley of vibrant bhajans to pay tribute to Swamishri’s life and works, invoking joyous celebrations from the audience.
Satyavrat Swami enlightened the gathering on how they can contribute to the five-year centennial birth celebrations of Swamishri, which were officially launched in Sarangpur earlier that day.
Thereafter, sadhus offered flower petals to Swamishri’s murti as a mark of everyone's personal devotion. The programme concluded with the prayer that was said by a young child on behalf of everyone in August during the finale celebrations of London Mandir’s 20th anniversary.
The Mahila celebrations of Swamishri’s 95th birthday were held a week earlier and were themed around Swamishri’s divine moods and episodes in Sarangpur. The audience was taken on a fascinating journey to the ‘Pramukh Vatika’.
A series of thought-provoking debates, heart-warming memories and enlightening dramas provided a unique perspective of Swamishri’s darshan that has been experienced through the eyes and hearts of women and children.
The spiritually uplifting evening also reflected upon the radiant and divine personality of Swamishri at the age of 95 years, and was concluded with a colourful celebratory dance.