On Monday, August 21, 2017, devotees in Dallas, TX observed the solar eclipse in the presence of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the first such eclipse experienced in the contiguous United States since 1979. During the time of a solar or lunar eclipse, Bhagwan Swaminarayan advises in the Shikshapatri to suspend all activities and chant the name of God in a purified state. With the words of Bhagwan Swaminarayan in mind, Swamishri ceased all of his daily activities and participated in a special assembly for more than three hours.
The special program included an array of kirtans, lively skits performed by young children and adults, and spiritual discourses by senior swamis recollecting light moments and experiences with Pramukh Swami Maharaj. The program concluded with blessings from Mahant Swami Maharaj on the importance of maintaining samp, suhradbhav, and ekta.