Women of BAPS throughout Southwest celebrated His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj's vicharan by participating in a community cultural event titled, Mandiram: Param Shantidam. The program was presented by a unique group of performers at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Houston, TX.
Mandiram: Param Shantidam developed as a stage play that followed the lives of three characters who are on a quest to write a book about the source of happiness and satisfaction. Their research led them to a mandir where they came across a book that takes them on a journey through colorful dances, short skits, speeches, videos, and devotional songs. Throughout this exploration, they came to understand the impact of mandir and the Ekantik Sant in their quests for peace and stability. Each character explored the ideas of responsibility, cultural preservation, and togetherness within families and among each other as tools to foster peaceful living.
His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj upheld the importance of cultural preservation, personal and spiritual development, as well as family unity. Throughout blessings delivered during his vicharan, His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj also emphasized the great value in building families and communities rooted in spiritual solidarity, where individuals maintain respect for each other and seek to support each other.
The Mahila Din festivities incorporated this guidance and brought together women of all ages in devotion 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. Invoking the values of oneness and teamwork, the event strengthened relationships among women within the BAPS North American community and introduced BAPS’ women’s activities for individuals interested in learning more.