Centered on the theme, "Sanskruti: Preserving and Uplifting Hindu Tradition and Culture" the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Parsippany, NJ celebrated its 10th anniversary with a three-day event filled with devotion and inspiration. With the blessings of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, devotees and well-wishers came together to mark this celebration. Preparation for this unique event started over a year ago, and smaller events have taken place throughout Parsippany leading up to the grand celebration in July 2017.
Upon the request of Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, an American flag was flown at the United States Capitol in honor of 10th Anniversary of the mandir.
The celebration was a culmination of various traditional performances held over the three days. Commencing on Friday, July 7th with a Kirtan Aradhana, a performance of musical medleys, youth with skills in traditional Indian instruments sang devotional songs.
The Cultural Program continued Saturday, July 8th incorporating speeches on the impact mandir has made in their lives and what it has given back to the community. Spiritual discourses tied the importance of cultivating a value-based life, putting emphasis on creating an identity of individuals through the Mandir. Celebrations continued later that afternoon with a special Women’s Cultural Program. Women of all ages gathered for the cultural program as a multigenerational opportunity to share art, language, and tradition. The program was made possible by hundreds of dedicated women working together to create the overall concept, design the program content, prepare volunteer participants, as well as provide audio and visual support throughout the event.
On July 9th, the anniversary celebration, also known as Patotosav, commenced with a traditional Mahapuja ceremony in the presence of revered 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. Attendees left with a sense of belonging to this mandir and positive energy.