On the joyous occasion of Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Shri Ram's birthday, the women devotees of BAPS hosted celebrations at BAPS mandirs across North America. Devotees of all ages commemorated the event with a program themed 'Sahajanandi Bhakta Ratno,' the gems of Bhagwan Swaminarayan's devotees. The program explored the 'Param Anand' or ultimate happiness they experienced while surviving the challenges of worldly life.
The program commenced with an auspicious diya lighting ceremony, followed by prayers sung beautifully by the children and youth. The theme of 'Sahajanandi Bhakta Ratno' explored the lives of Parvatibai, Prembai, Umiyabai, and Baubai, four inspirational devotees from Bhagwan Swaminarayan's time, through the medium of a live talk show. Particularly, the program focused on humankind's focus on materialism in the timeless pursuit of happiness. The ordinary and yet extraordinary stories of these women, their challenges, and how anchoring their lives with Bhagwan helped them pass them. Panel discussions centered on panelists' self-reflection, what drives their happiness, and the means they pursue to achieve them. Drawing inspiration from the lives of Bhagwan Swaminarayan's mahila bhaktas participants realized the importance of focusing on Bhagwan, guru; their life, teachings, actions and priorities as they pursue ultimate happiness.
His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj experienced such unbroken bliss and happiness each moment of his life as he had fully realized Bhagwan. The devotees reflected on the life of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and paid special homage to the values inspired by him to mark his centennial celebrations. The program concluded with a grand dance as an offering of bhakti to Bhagwan Shri Swaminarayan and Bhagwan Shri Ram and a closing address to extend gratitude to the event's organizers.