The 10th anniversary of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Scarborough, Ontario was celebrated with immense joy and devotion from August 31 to September 9, 2024. A variety of spiritual and cultural events marked the occasion, drawing devotees from across Ontario and other parts of Canada.
The celebrations began on August 31 with the ‘Satsang Diksha Homatmak Yagna’—a sacred ceremony aimed at fostering personal and global harmony. Conducted by BAPS Swamis in the presence of devotees and well-wishers, the atmosphere was filled with reverence and harmony.
Following the Yagna, a ‘Shobha Yatra’ (Cultural Procession) was held along Birchmount Road. Devotees of all ages enthusiastically joined in, with colourful floats and participants dressed in vibrant costumes. The streets were alive with energy and devotion as the procession moved forward.
On September 1, a special Women’s Cultural Program was conducted. Through a series of traditional dances, speeches, video presentations, and a panel discussion, the event highlighted the vital role mandirs play in instilling and upholding morals and values for all generations.
The next day, on September 2, the International Students Forum organized a cultural program, focusing on the theme ‘Mandir: A Home Away from Home’. Students and devotees from the Greater Toronto Area and Durham Region showcased skits, speeches, and presentations, expressing how the mandir has supported their holistic development and naturally became like family. The program culminated with a spirited traditional dance performance by the students.
‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ was celebrated on September 7 with the Ganesh Pujan ceremony performed by BAPS Swamis. That evening, the youth presented a cultural program with speeches, dances, and presentations, centred around the theme ‘My Mandir, My Home’.
On September 8, devotees from across Canada gathered for the consecration of the sacred image of Shri Nilkanth Varni Maharaj. The Vedic Mahapuja (prayer for world peace) led by BAPS Swamis filled the Mandir with Vedic chants and hymns, as devotees participated in the sacred rituals. The day's highlight was a cultural program titled ‘Mandir Gatha’, which shared the history and significance of the mandir through speeches, videos, presentations and traditional dance. The program honoured the contributions of His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj and His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj. The day concluded with a stunning fireworks display.
The 10th-anniversary celebrations concluded on September 9 with the ‘Patotsav Ritual’, a sacred ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the murti consecration. The ceremonies were performed by Swamis from the magnificent BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Toronto and Senior Swamis of BAPS from North America in the presence of dignitaries, community leaders and well-wishers from across Canada. All together, the events provided an opportunity for devotees to mark the anniversary but more importantly reflect and take stock of the mandir’s vital role in shaping their lives.