On the evening of June 13, 2023, a grand assembly was held to officially welcome His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. Before his arrival, devotees and Swamis assembled to reminisce about how Pramukh Swami Maharaj, was greeted during his previous visits to Canada. They fondly recollected the remarkable expansion of Satsang in Canada over the past half-century. Following this nostalgic reflection, Mahant Swami Maharaj was welcomed with a captivating dance performance by the BAPS Canada youth.
In the days before Mahant Swami Maharaj's arrival, devotees actively participated in the "Lyo Rajipo Project." This initiative focused on four fundamental principles: divyabhav, antardrashti, bhakti, and tap. Divyabhav revolved around recognizing the inherent divinity within each individual, while antardrashti - introspection - urged devotees to ponder over their thoughts, actions, and emotions to facilitate personal growth. Bhakti concentrated on nurturing devotion and love towards God and the Guru. Lastly, tap - penance - symbolized the practice of self-discipline and restraint.
As part of practicing divyabhav, Canadian devotees undertook an inspiring activity. They wrote down a virtue of anyone who had impacted them, accumulating a significant total of 4,418 virtues. These were inscribed on a 90-foot long garland made of maple leaves, which was later presented to Swamishri as a symbol of positivity and gratitude.
For antardrashti, 2,425 individuals made a pledge to eliminate 4,571 negative habits and vices from their lives. In representation of this commitment, a kalash (a ceremonial pot) filled with rice was offered to Swamishri. Each grain, individually husked, symbolized the devotees' prayer for the removal of impurities and the achievement of purity.
Devotees expressed their love and devotion for Swamishri through the practice of bhakti by performing a total of 863,449 malas for his good health. Their deep affection for their beloved guru was evident, and Swamishri gratefully acknowledged their devotion by wearing a mala garland.
In the sphere of tap, over 950 devotees took on rigorous fasts, including nirjala (waterless), sajala (with water), and liquid fasts, lasting 90 hours prior to Mahant Swami Maharaj's arrival. Their devotion was acknowledged by Swamishri through the sanctification of sweet, with which they broke their fasts. Additionally, Swamishri was offered shiro, a sweet dish. In his discourse, Swamishri expressed his happiness towards all devotees and encouraged them to continue their engagement with divyabhav, antardrashti, bhakti, and tap for the pleasure of Bhagwan and Sant.
Notable guests, including Hon. Michael D. Ford, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Hon. Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, and Councillor Vincent Crisanti of the City of Toronto, were present to officially welcome Mahant Swami Maharaj to Canada.