A month of lifelong memories with Mahant Swami Maharaj in London culminated in a final celebration of colourful, spiritual bliss on Wednesday 7 June 2023 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, London.
Bhagwan Swaminarayan blessed the village of Sarangpur in Gujarat, India, by celebrating the rangotsav (festival of colours) on many occasions – a tradition that Mahant Swami Maharaj continues today.
The festival is renowned for providing defining memories, which thousands of devotees celebrated during a memorable evening in the presence of Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj and Mahant Swami Maharaj.
The evening assembly was held in the courtyard of the Mandir and began with themed kirtans describing the historical significance of the rangotsav festival from the time of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Swamis interspersed these with discourses that delved deeper into the traditions of this festival and spoke of the profound devotional experiences of swamis and devotees.
Thereafter, Mahant Swami Maharaj was joyously welcomed to the festivities. He also drew upon the devotional vibrancy of rangotsav during his blessings, recalling, in particular, the iconic celebrations in the presence of Pramukh Swami Maharaj. He urged everyone to immerse themselves in this special occasion.
After ritually welcoming Akshar-Purushottam Maharaj to the festival, Swamishri sprayed the maha-murti of Pramukh Swami Maharaj with sanctified, saffron-scented water, which was reciprocated towards him. Memorably, both Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s maha-murti and Swamishri’s chair rotated on turntables so that they faced each other during the arti and rangotsav celebrations.
Devotees were then showered with pure joy and selfless love as Swamishri sprayed them with sanctified coloured water, imprinting everyone with cherished and enduring experiences of divinity.