Europe Din – celebrating the growth of Satsang in Europe and the upcoming BAPS Hindu mandir in Paris, France – was held in the presence of Mahant Swami Maharaj over the weekend of 3-4 June 2023 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.
The special programme was delivered by devotees from 15 European countries and began with warm welcome messages recorded by devotees from their various nations across Europe. An enlightening drama charted the foundation of satsang activities in Europe, including the historic journey by Yogiji Maharaj in 1970 during which he requested Pramukh Swami and Mahant Swami to deboard the plane at Paris and sanctify the land of France on his behalf. He also blessed that a mandir will be built in the city in the future.
Sadguru Tyagvallabhdas Swami as well as a panel of swamis and volunteers elaborated on the tireless efforts of devotees in establishing satsang activities across Europe. These discussions drew upon their hardships and remarkable sacrifices, and how they have overcome various barriers to bring the peace and wisdom that comes from practising satsang to people across continental Europe.
A series of video presentations and discourses revealed how Pramukh Swami Maharaj travelled tirelessly in several European countries, also in the face of untold hardships and challenges, for the sole purpose of fulfilling Yogiji Maharaj’s vision and bestowing paramount happiness upon the devotees in Europe. The devotees also spoke of the impact of these satsang activities as inspiring others towards serving for the greater good of humanity, including mobilising volunteers during the outbreak of war in Ukraine.
Devotees then presented sand to Mahant Swami Maharaj, which he sanctified. The devotees revealed that it would be used in the construction of the mandir in Paris and also distributed to other countries across Europe as a mark of Swamishri gracing each country where the Satpurush has not yet visited.
Manoharmurtidas Swami and lead volunteers from across Europe inserted a number of cubes into a giant jigsaw, offering a prayer with each new cube. On one side, Swamishri was seeing a picture of Paris Mandir being progressively assembled, while the audience saw the flags of various European countries. At the end of the prarthana, the sides were turned, revealing to both Swamishri and the audience what each was seeing.
To further celebrate the forthcoming BAPS mandir in Paris, a vibrant nagar yatra (devotional procession) was organised in Swamishri’s presence. Children, youths and senior devotees joyously waved giant flags, banners and placards representing BAPS mandirs and centres from 24 European nations creating a spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
Swamishri also performed the pujan of a set of new murtis of Shri Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj, which he gifted to Europe satsang mandals.
Youths concluded the memorable evening with a colourful celebratory dance that depicted the devotional vibrancy of Paris Mandir’s forthcoming inauguration.