A special New Year’s Day family mahapuja to pray for world peace and foster family harmony was conducted at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London, and broadcasted live to other BAPS mandirs and centres across the UK and in Europe on Wednesday 1 January 2020.
The ceremonial rituals were conducted by swamis from the Mandir’s inner sanctum and relayed live inside the prayer hall of the Mandir as well as mandirs and several centres around the UK and parts of Europe.
Sitting with their families, more than 5,800 individuals – from young children through to senior citizens – participated simultaneously across the region. During the mahapuja, swamis and participants prayed for peace to prevail in their homes, communities and across the world.
Mahant Swami Maharaj watched the swamis perform the mahapuja from Surat in Gujarat, India, and also gave his blessings for the New Year, for peace, harmony and righteous prosperity to prevail around the world.
The mahapuja provided a fitting way to mark an important New Year as the Mandir in London – popularly known as the ‘Neasden Temple’ – celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2020.
Yogesh Patel, one of the mahapuja organisers, shared his impressions of this unique event: “It was heart-warming to see devotees from across the UK and Europe come together in their respective towns and cities to pray for peace and unity to prevail in the world and their families. Seeing the enthusiasm of young children to participate was particularly inspiring. What a fitting way to welcome 2020!”