Centered on the theme, "Sanskruti: Preserving and Uplifting Hindu Tradition and Culture" the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Hartford, Connecticut celebrated its 10thanniversary with a three-day event filled with devotion and inspiration. With the blessings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, devotees and well-wishers from around the region and neighboring towns came together to mark this grand celebration. Preparation for this unique event started over a year ago, and smaller events have taken place throughout Connecticut leading up to the grand celebration in May 2017.
The celebration was a culmination of various traditional performances held over the three days. Commencing on Friday, May 26th with a Kirtan Aradhana, a performance of musical medleys, youth with skills in traditional Indian instruments sang devotional songs. The Cultural Program continued Saturday, May 27th incorporating speeches on the impact Mandir has made in their lives and what it has given back to the community. During the program, many speakers discussed the need for serving others and our society. Spiritual discourses tied the importance of cultivating a value-based life, putting emphasis on creating an identity of individuals through the Mandir.
On May 28th, the anniversary celebration, also known as Patotosav, commenced with a traditional Mahapuja ceremony in the presence of Pujya Swamis. Through the showering of flower petals and rice grains amid the chanting of Vedic hymns and prayers, several rituals were performed to commemorate the mandir’s 10th anniversary. Celebrations continued later that afternoon with a special Women’s Cultural Program that shed light on the importance of uplifting individuals to lead a moral-based life centered around the Mandir. Through various skits, speeches, video presentations and traditional dances, the program highlighted the need for spirituality and its ability to instill morals and values.