BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Wellingborough hosted its annual prayers for world peace and harmony on Sunday 16 April 2017. Visitors from around the country gathered at various stages throughout the day to join in the 12 hours of continuous chanting. This year’s prayers were particularly poignant amidst continuing unrest across the world.
The prayers began in timely fashion at 7am, with visitors joining throughout the day to offer their prayers at the ‘Akshar Deri’ – a beautiful shrine housed within the mandir. Teams of volunteers were on hand to guide the many thousands of worshippers and add to their enriching experience.
Ronak Mistry, a first-time visitor to the event, travelled from Manchester with his wife for the prayers. Sharing his thoughts on the day, he remarked, “It was a beautiful, unforgettable experience. This is the first time that I have visited the mandir and I can truly say that it was well worth the journey. We all prayed for those less fortunate than us and for peace and harmony around the world.”
Mahant Swami Maharaj sent a special message adding that he too had prayed for the safety, prosperity and harmony of communities around the world.
The prayers continued uninterrupted through to 7pm, when the day’s chanting and months of meticulous preparations were drawn to a close.
Mahesh Patel, lead volunteer at the Mandir, shared, “This wonderful event allows people from across the country to come together and offer their prayers for peace and well-being throughout the world. Our prayers continue to be with those who have suffered losses during recent tragedies, with a hope that peace and goodwill prevail worldwide.”