The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, was historically inaugurated on August 26-27, 2023. Situated in the scenic Rocky View County, its inauguration involved Vedic Hindu prayers for global peace, a cultural procession, and the significant murti pratishtha ceremony. This event was led by Swamis from the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto and senior Swamis from North America and India. Dignitaries, community leaders, and well-wishers from across the globe attended the ceremony.
The thriving Satsang community in Calgary traces its growth to the guidance of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj. His vision brought BAPS Swamis to the city in 2000, fostering dedication among devotees. What began as simple spiritual activities in households has blossomed into large weekly gatherings with an increasing number of devotees.
Inspired by the vision of Pramukh Swami Maharaj and blessed by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the new Mandir in Calgary is poised to cater to the spiritual needs of a growing community. It will stand as a center for cultural and spiritual programs for all ages, preserving Hindu heritage. The mandir aims to welcome everyone, offering a range of activities from children's programs to language and music lessons, all while emphasizing the universal tenets of Hinduism. The mandir will also engage in humanitarian efforts to benefit the local community.
Special guests attending the Mandir Mahotsav celebrations included:
- Honourable Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education for the Province of Alberta
- Shri Manish, Consul General of India in Vancouver
- Jasraj Singh Hallan, Member of Parliament for Calgary Forest Lawn
- George Chahal, Member of Parliament for Calgary Skyview
- Mayor Jyoti Gondek, Mayor of the City of Calgary
- Sunny Samra, Deputy Mayor of Rocky View County
- Constable Mark Neufeld, Chief Constable, Calgary Police Service
- Corporal Geordie Simpson, Diverse Communities Engagement Unit, Alberta, RCMP
Honourable Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, sent congratulations, saying, "Our province would not be what it is without the contributions of the BAPS Hindu community and its commitment to spirituality and social service. Alberta's diversity is one of our greatest strengths and a key pillar in building a brighter future for everyone in our province."
Honourable Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education for the Province of Alberta tweeted, "It was truly an honour to bring greetings on behalf of Alberta's government to the BAPS Murti Pratishtha this evening in Calgary. Thank you to Consul General Shri Manish and all the dignitaries for joining the celebration. So grateful to everyone in the community for their commitment to serving others and being role models to our youth." The Minister also shared a message saying, "I also want to take this opportunity to recognize the Mandir's dedication to sharing the richness of Hindu culture with Albertans of all backgrounds and for its commitment to promoting the ideals of service, pursuit of wisdom, and respect for all religions–values we all cherish as Albertans."
Muhammad Yaseen, Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism, sent congratulations for the occasion, saying, "The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Calgary will be instrumental in promoting and preserving the culture and traditions of BAPS Hinduism in Alberta. This community is a valued contributor to the Albertan way of life, and its members' dedication to enriching and strengthening our society is exemplary. As a centre for cross-cultural sharing, this new mandir will help to foster greater understanding and mutual respect in our province."
George Chahal, Member of Parliament, Calgary Skyview, sent greetings for the event, saying, "For the past 100 years, BAPS has worked tirelessly to further the universal Hindu principles of equality, respect and compassion for all… Your organization and volunteers in Calgary are doing praiseworthy work in the community to unify us and build a brighter future."
Mayor Jyoti Gondek, City of Calgary, tweeted, "Congratulations to the Hindu community in the Calgary Region on today's Murti Pratishtha at the new BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. This was a volunteer led initiative & stewarded by Rocky View County Councillor Sunny Samra. What a wonderful new space for this faith community."
Reeve Crystal Kissel, Rocky View County said, "We applaud your dedication and commitment to preserving and promoting the rich culture and spiritual heritage of the Swaminarayan faith across Canada. The construction of this mandir is a testament to your unwavering support of the spiritual needs of your growing community and the residents of the County."